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OITNB's Laverne Cox reveals one major misconception about trans people

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Last week, Laverne Cox traveled to Washington, D.C., for the unveiling of an art exhibit unlike any other — an installation created from personal testimonies of solidarity for the LGBT community, gathered by Marriott Rewards as part of the #LoveTravels initiative.

For Cox, a trans woman of color, the experience was stirring, to say the least. "I walked over earlier today and watched them install this huge installation that was several walls deep of these beautiful expressions of love for transgender people, and it was really moving to see all of that," she shared from the gallery when we caught up with her on June 10.

More: Laverne Cox strips down to prove beautiful point about trans community

"Did you know that there were over 3500 submissions from people in over 100 countries wanting to show their love and support for trans people?" asked Cox, who currently stars as Sophia Burset on the hit Netflix series Orange Is the New Black.

Love Travels
Image: Jon Fleming Photography

"That is a really beautiful thing, especially in a world that still sometimes shows trans people that we aren't worthy of love and belonging and living our dreams."

Cox's words — shared only two days shy of the mass shooting at Orlando's LGBT nightclub, Pulse — feel especially weighted now.

Enjoying a sense of safety while traveling is a notion that sounds implicitly simple. How often do those of us who are straight or cisgender or white (or, like me, all of the above) take such seemingly unalienable comforts for granted?

Enter Marriott's #LoveTravels campaign, which the company created to help foster a sense of inclusion for the LGBT community. In light of recent events, it's painfully apparent that inclusivity and acceptance are needed more than ever.

Needed in both word and action, Cox underscores. "Love is a word that is often thrown around, but the idea of love traveling essentially becomes a statement of healing," she said. "We can send love out into the world, and it can come back to us. It can heal the world."

More: 25 LGBT quotes packed with pride

The tragic truth, of course, is that the world is very much in need of healing — and above and beyond being marginalized, members of the LGBT community are often targeted. "There are a lot of places in the world where it's not safe to be trans," Cox lamented. "Even here in the United States, it's very dangerous just to be a trans person."

This is precisely why, says Cox, it is so important for companies and businesses to be transparent about their policies. She explained, "I think corporations need to let the public know that they support diversity and inclusion, and that they have the backs of people in this community. I want to support businesses that support me... so it's about love reaching into those spaces, where there are unsafe places, and having companies who are saying, 'OK, we're safe.'"

The hope with Marriott's #LoveTravels initiative, as well as Cox's personal commitment to advocating for the community, is that it will spark the kind of impactful conversations that incite change and understanding. While campaigns like this are undoubtedly a good thing, they also illuminate that there are still so many invisible boundaries the LGTB community faces every single day.

In regard to the trans community, Cox points to one major misconception the media and society doesn't seem to grasp.

"I think people want to assume there's just one trans narrative and then want to say, 'Oh, I've got it,'" she said. "And it's not just one trans narrative. It's so many stories. It's so many experiences. Everyone's experience of their gender is different! Is about viewing the people as individuals and viewing their experiences as individual — and understanding that for all of what we may have thought we may have known about transgender people, we just have to get to know trans people as individuals."

This point is particularly salient to Cox, as she recently joined members of Congress on Capitol Hill to support the LGBT Data Inclusion Act. Introduced by Arizona Congressman Raul Grijalva, the legislation would require the U.S. census and other federal surveys to ask voluntary questions about sexual orientation and gender identity (along with the usual questions about race, age, etc.).

More: What Laverne Cox wants society to know about straight men dating trans women

Cox said, "Right now, we don't count LGBT people in the United States, quite literally. We don't actually know how many LGBT people exist in the United States. We don't know how many trans people, because we don't actually ask sexual orientation and gender identity questions. We're nearly unaccounted for."

Love Travels
Image: Jon Fleming Photography

On a systematic level, the LGBT community is essentially being told they don't exist. This is problematic on many levels, including the fact that it opens the door to fallacies.

"It's very easy to make up stories about who LGBT people are, because we don't have the demographic data to support the reality we live by," said Cox. "This is a democracy — everyone should count. And I think that's what Love Travels is about... counting the lives of people who have been discounted for far too long."

For each submission to Love Travels, Marriott is making a donation to Casa Ruby, an LGBT organization providing lifesaving services for the most vulnerable members of the community. Head to Casa Ruby's website to learn how you can help.


A grieving mom breastfed another woman's baby and we're in tears

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For those times when the world seems to be a particularly shitty place to live, we need a good news injection. This week, that comes courtesy of super mom Sarah Rieke, who has gone above and beyond what’s typically expected of a best friend.

More: Dear kid who plays at my house: Please stop ignoring me

Rieke, 30, did something awesome for her friend Lauren Casper, 31. After losing her own newborn daughter, Rieke offered to breastfeed Casper’s newborn adopted daughter, Arsema.

In 2012, the women, who both lived in Virginia, were looking forward to entering the next stage of motherhood together. Rieke was expecting her own baby girl, and Casper was preparing to adopt a daughter. What could make motherhood even more special than watching your child grow up alongside your best friend's?

Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be. At her 20-week ultrasound, Rieke discovered that her little girl, Evie, wouldn’t survive for long outside the womb. After her birth in November 2012, Evie only lived for four hours. But despite her tragic situation, Rieke offered her breast milk to Casper, who was unable to feed her baby Arsema because she was adopted.

More: The one word my kids will never hear me say

Unbelievably, Rieke didn’t even feel that what she was doing was "that special." "I had this milk, and she had a baby," she said. "And while I was in a time of weeping, and she was in one of rejoicing, we were both able to acknowledge each other's situations."

Rieke, who now has other children, said she actually found breastfeeding Arsema therapeutic. "Breastfeeding Arsema helped me with my grief," she said. "While obviously, there were occasions when I wished I could have been breastfeeding my own daughter, and I did often think that I wished our girls could grow up together, it meant the world to me to do something for a friend who had been there for me throughout my life."

Wet nursing — breastfeeding a baby who is not your own — was common hundreds of years ago. Wet nurses were often employed when a mother was unable to — or chose not to — feed her child. It's a practice that's continued in many developing countries throughout the world (for example, wet nurses are often employed in China, Indonesia, and the Philippines as a sign of aristocracy, wealth and high status), but only in the last few years have Western women been openly sharing their wet nursing experiences. Whether that's breastfeeding their niece or nephew, sharing their breast milk with their friend (cross-nursing or co-nursing) or even offering their boobs to a stranger's baby, their stories remind us that milk sharing can be very much part of modern parenting.

More: I don't breastfeed my toddler to keep him dependent on me

In Rieke's case, she didn't only breastfeed a baby that wasn't her own. She did in in the wake of her own baby daughter's tragic death because she wanted to help another mom. What a remarkable woman — the ultimate example of a true friend and a testimony to the power of a mother's instinct.

Before you go, check out our slideshow below:

birth photos
Image: Liz Jennings Photography

It'll be a long time before Calvin Harris is on Team Hiddleswift

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The world is still adjusting to the very new romance of Taylor Swift and Tom Hiddleston, especially, er, so soon after the romance of Taylor Swift and Calvin Harris. Taylor Swift fans will presumably get on board eventually, especially since the name Hiddleswift is so freaking cute. Calvin Harris, on the other hand, is reportedly furious.

More: Calvin Harris' reaction to Taylor Swift kissing another man is not good

Harris' pals are not afraid to share how upset he is with the public. A source opened up about his side of the breakup to E! News. "Calvin was completely faithful to Taylor. He never looked in another direction. He was completely blindsided by this. He is hurt."

Harris is doing what Swift (normally) does post-breakup and focusing on his career. Another source shared his plans, which seem to include a lot of quiet nights in. "He is keeping a low profile and focusing on his music and the shows he is doing. He is not seeing anyone and isn't rebounding. He just really wants to be alone," says the source. "He is still processing everything. He is angry. He never heard of this Tom guy, but if that's her type then so be it."

More: Taylor Swift's reps backhand Kanye & Kim Kardashian in the sweetest way possible

Although Harris himself hasn't confirmed any cheating rumors — besides the deleted couple photos on both his and Swifts' Instagram accounts that scream "Bad Blood" — friends hint that the animosity between the exes is based on suspicions Harris had during their relationship. Let's get this man a pint of ice cream and start the countdown until his next album.

More: Say it ain't so! Calvin Harris confirms our Taylor Swift breakup fears

Sanchez's Major Crimes quest for love will tangle him up in porn crime

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I mean, who doesn't love Major Crimes' Detective Julio Sanchez? Sure, he can be a little rough around the edges, but he's definitely someone you want on your team, and he's even been known to bring on the laughs every now and again.

Det. Julio Sanchez Major Crimes tweet

Det. Julio Sanchez Major Crimes tweet

Fans were delighted to follow Sanchez on his quest for true love in Season 4 — and it turns out his search might actually lead him into bizarre crime territory in Season 5, according to Major Crimes executive producer James Duff.

More: Who else fully related to Dr. Zia's struggle with his mom on The Night Shift?

"Episode 2 starts with Sanchez being stood up on a date," Duff said in a recent interview with Parade. "He’s trying to use the internet to do it, which is the common way of going about it nowadays."

Aw, poor Sanchez! But the drama doesn't stop with him being ghosted by his date.

"When he gets stood up, he sees an undercover police officer also at the bar who gestures, 'Don’t blow my cover,'" Duff revealed. "Back at work the next day, he learns that the undercover police officer is dead and was apparently off duty. So, it’s a strange crime that has to do with the porn industry and is a little racier maybe than our usual episodes."

More: SVU's great because Olivia Benson tirelessly defends rape victims

In addition to the racy storyline in Episode 2, we'll also bear witness to a special change in Sanchez this season.

"Sanchez’s dating life is not going very well, and he’s applied to be a foster parent, so one entire case is done while the Department of Children and Family Services interviews all of his co-workers about his suitability to be a parent," said Duff. "Having a child is a transformational experience, and I think people want to have transformational experiences in their life... We cannot be the same person after having children that we were before... So, he is seeking transformation."

More: Maybe Castle's finale would have been better if Beckett had died

Duff added that Major Crimes will be reverting back to its one case per episode format for the summer, so there will be plenty of other juicy action to jump into, including a horrific terrorist beheading on American soil and Provenza sneakily using the media to help Flynn and Sharon buy the home of their dreams at a discounted price.

Catch Major Crimes on TNT, Mondays at 10/9c.

What kind of storylines are you hoping to see in Major Crimes Season 5?

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

Rizzoli & Isles sexual tension

Image: TNT

Slow-roasted pork with ginger-balsamic glaze, you've got our number

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Looking for a recipe rich with tradition but not tied to it? Helene An is the matriarch of a restaurant empire, with five restaurants throughout California, including Crustacean Beverly Hills. She's known as the "mother of fusion" for the way she's brought together Vietnamese, French and California farm-to-table. Hell, her last name means "to eat" in Vietnamese.

This recipe from her cookbook An: To Eat: Recipes and Stories from a Vietnamese Family Kitchen is a shining example of her signature style. It's also a relatively simple one.

Slow-roasting is a kitchen secret weapon that packs all the flavor of four hours slaving away in the kitchen, without the actual slaving. This slow-roasted pork gives just that with a ginger-balsamic zing perfectly complemented with sweet brown sugar and plenty of herbs and spices. Pop this into the oven, then tackle the rest of your busy life, or sit back for some well-deserved "me time."

More: Pho, ramen and more slurp-worthy slow cooker Asian noodle soups

Slow-roasted pork with ginger-balsamic glaze recipe

Reprinted with permission from AN: TO EAT © 2016 by HELENE AN and JACQUELINE AN, Running Press, a member of the Perseus Books Group

Makes 6 servings

Ingredients:

For the pork

  • 1 (3-1/2-pound) pork shoulder
  • 10 whole garlic cloves
  • 2 tablespoons sambal chili sauce
  • 2 tablespoons lightly packed brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons sea salt
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 2 fresh lemongrass stalks
  • 3 carrots, oblique cut (see note below)
  • 1 white onion, cut into 3/4-inch dice
  • 6 bay leaves
  • 10 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 3 cups pineapple juice
  • 2 cups freshly squeezed orange juice

For the glaze

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 tablespoons fresh ginger, peeled and julienned into 2-inch-long thin strips
  • 4 tablespoons lightly packed brown sugar
  • 1 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 500 degrees F.
  2. Cut ten slits in the pork shoulder big enough to fit a garlic clove, and insert a clove into each one.
  3. In a small bowl, stir together the sambal, brown sugar, salt, and ¬garlic powder. Massage this mixture into the pork.
  4. Cut a slit into the middle of the pork and insert the lemongrass stalks.
  5. Layer the carrots, onion, bay leaves, and thyme sprigs on the bottom of a roasting pan. Pour the pineapple and orange juices over top. Place the pork on top of the vegetables. Transfer the roasting pan to the oven and cook the pork uncovered for 30 minutes until caramelized and charred golden brown
  6. Remove the roasting pan from the oven and cover the top with foil. Reduce the oven temperature to 250 degrees F, return the roasting pan to the oven, and cook the pork for 3 hours until charred brown and meat is fork tender.
  7. About 30 minutes before the roast has finished cooking, prepare the glaze. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the ginger and sauté just until it is aromatic, 15 to 20 seconds. Whisk in the brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, and soy sauce. Reduce the heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally, until the glaze thickens, about 20 minutes.
  8. Take the pork out of the oven and allow it to rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing. Drizzle the glaze over the pork when you are ready to serve. Slice the pork and serve it with white rice on the side, being sure to spoon the pan juices over all.

Oblique Cuts

Oblique cutting is popular in Asian cuisine, not just because it produces beautiful shapes but also because it exposes more of the surface area of a vegetable, allowing for faster cooking. Also called roll-cutting because it’s done while rolling the vegetable, oblique cutting is easily done as follows:

  1. Cut the vegetable once at a 45-degree angle.
  2. Keeping your knife raised over the vegetable at the same angle, use our free hand to roll the vegetable a quarter turn so that the newly cut diagonal side faces up toward the ceiling.
  3. Now cut down at the same 45-degree angle, slicing through the middle of the cut face.
  4. Quarter turn the vegetable again and repeat.

More: All the rich, luscious slow cooker pork shoulder recipes you could ever wish for

RHONY's Jules versus Michael Wainstein: Is the divorce going to get ugly?

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For fans of The Real Housewives of New York, it's unfortunately not surprising that Jules and Michael Wainstein are headed for divorce. The shocking news is that if these early quotes serve as a barometer, the divorce may turn out to be a bitter battle.

More: How I knew RHONY's Jules Wainstein was headed for divorce

Rumors have surfaced that infidelity is at the root of the couple's issues. It's no surprise that Michael's lawyer, Michael Jay Heller, soundly disagrees. He spoke to E! News about the divorce filing. "We prepared papers dated May 13. We sued her for divorce. She has not answered the papers. If she had any basis for counterclaim against him, she would have done so," said Heller. "This incorrect allegation that he was busted for committing adultery, if it's true, she certainly would have answered his papers countersuing him for adultery. She has not done that." Not to be a conspiracy theorist, but he's certainly trying incredibly hard to disprove the theory for someone who's not guilty.

More: RHONY stars predict Jules Wainstein's sensitivity may be her demise

E! reports that the couple is still living together in their New York City apartment, although that may not last for long after Jules called the police on Michael for "speaking to her in a threatening manner."

In addition to the whisperings of adultery, an insider claims "pressure from filming clearly put a strain on their marriage." We can hope her new castmates and co-workers who have been through this before (Ramona, we're looking at you) will lend a hand to Jules as she deals with the pressure of a public divorce.

More: Jules Wainstein addresses thin-shaming with eye-opening anorexia discussion

Beyoncé puts down her lemonade to cuddle at the NBA finals

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Beyoncé and Jay Z were oblivious to the controversy surrounding the NBA finals last night, because they were too busy canoodling courtside.

Bey, who apparently finished that tall, cold glass of lemonade before the game started, was spotted sitting next to her hubby wearing a fabulous royal blue ensemble and a big smile on her face while Jay kept her entertained with jokes all night.

More: Beyoncé reveals the homegrown roots of her love of fashion at the CFDAs

Popular opinion is divided on whether the couple truly was experiencing album-worthy marital trouble courtesy of Becky with the good hair, or if it was all an ingenious marketing ploy to put lots of dough in their pockets. But either way, a source close to the couple says their marriage is stronger than ever.

"Beyoncé and Jay are really working on their marriage. Jay is making time for Beyoncé and his family more overall," the insider told E! News. "Beyoncé's tour has brought Jay and Beyoncé very close. Jay has been by Beyoncé's side during many of her shows so far.

"They also have been making time for date nights with each other to some of their favorite restaurants around New York City," the insider continued. "They went on a romantic boat ride and got to laugh and enjoy the day together. They are in such a happy place as a couple... Beyoncé and Jay have found love again and it's very obvious to all the people around them."

The Cleveland Cavaliers will now face off against the Golden State Warriors for Game 7 — and if we’re lucky, Bey and Jay will grace us with their presence again.

More: Beyoncé partied the night away alone at the Met Gala — where was Jay Z?

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

Beyonce & Jay Z slideshow
Image: beyonceVEVO/YouTube

We shoulda had these 'consent' conversations a long time ago

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The media is yet again talking about rape because Brock Turner — another young, white, privileged college student — sexually assaulted an unconscious woman behind a dumpster. While it would be amazing if rape would just go away, the reality is that we live in a country where rape culture is real and very serious. So we wondered...

What do our daughters need to know about rape?

"Rape is never your fault. It doesn't matter what you were wearing, who you were with, what you were doing, how intoxicated you were. Rape is not about sex. Rape is about power — someone taking your autonomy away from you. There is never any excuse for that.

"It's OK that rape is hard to talk about. It's OK to get angry and upset about it. And if it happens to you, you have to do what's right for you. Everyone will say 'report it!' right away, and I wish you could, but the reality is that you can't always because of the prevalence of rape culture in our society. Universities threaten to expel you. A higher up will fire you. Our criminal justice system is corrupt and fails those it's meant to protect. But even given all of that, you are not alone. Report it if you can, tell a counselor or therapist or your parent or ombudsperson.

"We live in a world where you have to set physical and emotional boundaries with everyone, no matter how close. I hate that you have to do it, that you have to protect yourself. This is even true of friendships, because of it happens to you, there will be people who won't believe you, who blame you. There will be people who are cruel.

And finally, for every person who doesn't believe you or blames you, ten more stand by you. You are not alone." — Naseem Jamnia

"That it exists. So many young kids don't know it exists — and it's not always a stranger. I feel knowing is the important first step. Also, talk to them about consent and boundaries." — Gloria Malone

"Rape is sex you don't want to have. Period. Full stop. However that happens. Yeah, even if in the moment it's you 'choosing' not to say no because it seems like the fastest and safest way to get out of the situation.

"We do things to keep ourselves safe. That doesn't mean we're not being forced or manipulated into the choice. I trust you to know what you have to do to stay safe, whatever happens to you. And however you need to describe it to you or me later, I believe you." — Rowan Beckett Grigsby

More: It's not 'romance' when a 13-year-old boy gets raped

"Rape is real and rape is terrible. I hope that it never happens to you. My advice to you is to call out people who make jokes or comments that seem permissive of sexual violence. Call them out on it early. Make a stand. Because people that say those sorts of things need to be challenged. The culture that surrounds rape is toxic and ingrained so deeply that excising it is not going to happen in my lifetime. It may not even happen in yours. But when you change even one person's mind, that is a mighty thing. And when you stand with a group of humans who all know the truth that you know about the way in which society treats survivors and allows predators to walk free, the strength you will gather from those people and the safety that you will find will be priceless." — Seraphina Ferraro

"Rape doesn't need to be intercourse. You don't need to remember it. If you are coerced or forced into a sexual act, drunk or sober, it is rape. You are not consenting." — Danielle Corcione

"That they shouldn't do it. That if it's done to them, it's not their fault. That it's not something that happens to us, but something that is done to us. That I love them no matter what anyone does to them. That the only one ever responsible for rape is the rapist. That the only cause of rape is rapists. That any rape survivor's suffering is theirs, but it is not wholly unique. That there is help and healing to be found in others. That rapists exist in the world, but that we cannot live as though one is waiting to pounce around every corner. That we must all work together to build a culture in which the creation of rapists is minimized to the greatest extent possible." — Seranine Elliot

"Rape can occur in any dynamic. Sure, it can be a stranger, but it can also be a boyfriend, a girlfriend or a spouse. A wedding ring doesn't take away the label." — Shannon Luders-Manuel

"All women — from daughters to grandmothers and everyone in between — need to know that if their consent is ever disregarded, the fault rests squarely on the person who chose to violate their humanity. They also need to know that while slut shaming, judging and blaming victims is an easy psychological protection device ('She got raped because she wore that/went there/got too drunk, but that'll never happen to me because I don't wear things like that/go to places like that/get that drunk'), it will never keep them immune from sexual assault. All it will do is help to perpetuate damaging media misrepresentations and cultural conditions that allow rapists to continue committing their crimes with relative impunity. The only thing that will help keep women safe is our collective willingness to challenge and change rape culture through activism, organizing, writing, art, active solidarity to survivors, holistic consent education and accountability from perpetrators." — Jennifer Pozner

"People from every background commit rape. You can't spot a potential rapist on the basis of his appearance. It doesn't matter how nice he seems, how well-dressed he is, who his family and friends are or what his racial background is.

"Contrary to the letter submitted in support of the Stanford rapist by his female friend, there isn't such a thing as a rapist who is not a 'real' rapists. Rape is rape; rapists are rapists. Just like all rapes are 'legitimate rapes' (I'm looking at you, Todd Akin), all rapists are 'legitimate rapists.' Period.'" — Dr. Rebecca Hains, Salem State University

More: In what universe is it OK to slut-shame a teenage girl?

"They need to know that it should be discussed openly without shame or fear. It's important to demystify the crime in order to dismantle dangerous and destructive rape myths, huge perpetrators of broad inequalities." — Soraya Chemaly

"I believe our daughters need to know that changing the way they dress or act does not prevent rape. So much has been heaped upon them about what they could have changed — a short skirt, a different walk home, something they said to their acquaintance or friend. Let's change that mentality and focus our energy on educating men not to rape." — Dakota Kim

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

"You don't owe anyone anything. Not for a ride home. Not because your friend's date brought a friend who likes you. Not because you've been texting for days and they traveled all the way out here to see you and it's going to be a waste of their time; that is their fault, not yours. Not because you woke up with him on top of you already; unconsciousness is not consent. Drinking and smiling and kindness and clothing are not the word "yes" and misinterpretation is not your fault. You never owe anyone anything because of what you are wearing. Clothing can be a form of expression, but it is not a form of consent. A lot of people will believe that they are entitled to something from you, some kind of validation, whether it is a smile or a kiss or a phone number or your attention on the street or your body on a night when you don't want to give it, when you're exhausted: please believe me that you do not owe any part of yourself to anyone. You are entirely yours. Even if you feel that something of you has been taken, you are still wholly here. You are still entirely you. I am still here. I am still me. It wasn't my fault. Believe me. I believe you. It's not your fault." — Kait Burrier


Listen to Christina Aguilera’s heartbreaking tribute to the Orlando victims

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The Orlando massacre has left the nation shaken to its core, and Christina Aguilera is no exception — so the talented star channeled her grief into her art.

Aguilera wrote and recorded a new song, titled "Change," which she dedicated to the victims of the tragedy that took 49 lives and left another 50 injured.

Christina Aguilera Change lyric video

Christina Aguilera Change lyric video

More: Watch 12 celebrities' moving speeches about the Orlando shooting

"The horrific tragedy that occurred in Orlando continues to weigh heavily on my mind," the Voice coach wrote on her website. "I am sending so much love and so many prayers to the victims and their families. Like so many, I want to help be part of the change this world needs to make it a beautiful, inclusive place where humanity can love each other freely and passionately.

"We live in a time of diversity, in a time of endless possibilities, in a time where expression of oneself is something to be celebrated. And I am left wondering how people filled with so much love could be taken by so much hate."

Aguilera continued, "Though there is such heavy sadness, I believe that there is much more love in the world than we know. We need to learn to love again; we need to learn that one person does make a difference; we need to keep love in our hearts. As Nelson Mandela once said, 'No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.'

"We all have the choice to spread love, encourage individuality and make a difference to others — we are all in this together, as one, united in love."

More: Prince William does something he's never done before to honor Orlando victims

Christina Aguilera Change tweet

Christina Aguilera Change tweet

It has been a tough week for The Voice. Not only are we all dealing with this horrific tragedy, but the show lost one of its own when former contestant Christina Grimmie was shot to death in a separate incident in Orlando last week.

Khloé Kardashian's negotiating with O.J. Simpson, but we don't believe it

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Khloé Kardashian reportedly wants to know if she can keep her name, but she's going to have to make a big trip to do it. According to the Daily Mail, O.J. Simpson has agreed to a paternity test after long-standing rumors that he had an affair with her mother while she was married to Robert Kardashian. There's just one catch: Kardashian will have to visit Simpson in his Nevada prison if she wants the test.

More: Khloé Kardashian was so sure O.J. Simpson was her father, she wanted proof

Jeffrey Felix, a former prison guard at Lovelock Correctional Center who wrote Guarding the Juice about Simpson, says that the test can happen even with Simpson behind bars. "O.J. will do it and the prison officials have told him they will allow it," he says. "It’s just a quick mouth swab, and they would allow it to happen during a visit."

More: Khloé Kardashian slams speculation about her relationship with Lamar Odom

Kris Jenner has no interest in claims about Khloé's paternity. "It just gets weirder and weirder," she said on an episode of Good Morning America. "I have never heard such crap in my life. I mean, I was there! I gave birth, I know who the dad was." Simpson is currently serving a nine- to 30-year prison sentence for armed robbery. As of 2017, he'll be eligible for parole — so perhaps it's time to build a relationship with his daughter?

The long-standing rumor that Khloé isn't quite as Kardashian as her sisters aside, there's no way we believe that she's setting aside her family loyalty to swab some of O.J. Simpson's spit. She's a Kardashian through and through, no matter what her birth certificate says.

More: Why I probably would have voted "not guilty" in the O.J. Simpson trial

We're pretty sure these moms win for 'world's most embarrassing mothers'

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There's too much emphasis on being a cool mom these days. One of the oldest, most sacred facets of motherhood is being an utter embarrassment to your children; it's a tradition that spans generations. With the advent and rise of social media, we have more chances than ever now to don our mom jeans, grab our camera phones and remind our children that no matter how carefully they craft their own images, we alone hold the power to ruin it all with a single selfie.

There's an art to it, and these 21 moms have elevated and mastered it: veritable Da Vincis in the practice of humiliating their kids. Come, learn at their feet.

More: Let's face it: Only a mother could love these kid drawings

1. The mom who accidentally crept into a stranger's dorm room.

embarrassing mom 1

embarrassing mom 1

2. The mother who played matchmaker at a family eatery.

embarrassing mom 2

embarrassing mom 2

3. The mom half of the dance-crashing duo that will haunt this girl forever.

embarrassing mom 3

embarrassing mom 3

Video: Judd Bagley/YouTube

4. These moms, who are their middle school sons' biggest fans.

embarrassing mom 4

embarrassing mom 4

Video: kelelakeli/YouTube

5. This mother who picked up the gauntlet her first grader threw down.

embarrassing mom 5

embarrassing mom 5

Video: rockingbody777/YouTube

More: Dear GenX, stop lying about your 'awesome' childhood

6. This mom, who merged "cool mom" and "oh, god, why" with a single thumbtack.

embarrassing mom 6

embarrassing mom 6

Next up: More embarrassing moms

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7. This surprisingly agile empty nester.

embarassing mom 7

embarassing mom 7

More: If you shame Chrissy Teigen, John Legend would like to be dad-shamed too

8. This helpful note writer.

embarrassing mom 8

embarrassing mom 8

9. The mom who reminded her college-aged son that she knows where he lives.

embarrassing mom 9

embarrassing mom 9

Video: Inside Edition/YouTube

10. This mom, whose collection of costumes will keep her kid on the straight and narrow.

Mom embarrasses son

Mom embarrasses son

11. This crafty mom, who can totally get into a good book.

embarrassing mom 11

embarrassing mom 11

12. This rebel without a cause.

embarrassing mom 12

embarrassing mom 12

13. The master troll who set her daughter up for a faceplant.

embarrassing mom 13

embarrassing mom 13

Next up: More embarrassing moms

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14. The mom who needed to show her jokester son who was boss.

Embarrassing mom 14

Embarrassing mom 14

Video: What's Trending/YouTube

More: I'm never going to top the pregnancy prank I pulled on my husband

15. This woman, who achieves full mom when her son introduces her to Nicki Minaj.

Embarrassing mom 15

Embarrassing mom 15

16. This intrepid journalist mom.

embarrassing mom 16

embarrassing mom 16

17. This mom and her hilarious ideas about basic tees.

embarrassing mom 17

embarrassing mom 17

18. The selfie-mocking mothers who just showed you your new #squadgoals.

embarrassing mom 18

embarrassing mom 18

19. The mom who's ready to hear the pitter-patter of little feet.

embarrassing mom 19

embarrassing mom 19

20. Every mom on this matchmaking thread that highlights the reality of Facebook sticker abuse.

embarrassing mom 20

embarrassing mom 20

21. This mom and the memories she made that day.

embarrassing mom 21

embarrassing mom 21

Video: Bridgett Clark/YouTube

Well done, mothers of the internet. Your children may never be able to truly forgive you, but we'll never be able to truly thank you enough.

7 actually enticing rehearsal dinner ideas for savvy brides on a tight budget

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When I got married, costs started racking up pretty fast. If you're in the same boat, no worries. A rehearsal dinner doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg, whether you want to go casual or fancy. You just need a clever idea, a good location and the willpower to skip expensive extras no one will remember in 10 years anyway.

Keep in mind that eating at a restaurant will usually cost more. The server's tip on a $500 meal is almost $100 by itself, and, of course, you must limit yourself to the restaurant's relatively expensive food.

That said, the restaurant will also provide plenty of room and the dinnerware, napkins, etc., for no additional cost if you eat in, so it may balance out. If a wedding party member's home isn't an option, look into hotel spaces, places of worship, local schools or parks, etc. They may be inexpensive enough to make skipping a restaurant worth it.

More: How to freeze wedding cake so it's just as gorgeous a year from now

1. Tamale buffet

Whether you make your own or order them from a restaurant ($10 to $15 per dozen), you'll want to plan for three tamales per guest, plus rice and beans, which are really easy to DIY using canned beans and boxes of Mexican rice. Serve sopaipillas with butter and honey for dessert.

2. Baked potato bar

Serve baked potatoes with plenty of fixin's. There are the usual suspects, like butter, cheese, green onions, bacon, sour cream, etc. But baked potatoes are also excellent topped with meats, like chopped beef, pulled chicken or pork, so the meat-and-potatoes types won't leave thinking you fed them a side dish.

More: Let us help you decide if you should have a buffet-style wedding reception

3. Barbecue

Barbecue is probably one of the cheapest ways to feed a big group on a budget. Just arrange for two meat options (and a vegetarian option if necessary), three to four side options and bread or buns. Pulled and chopped meats are typically cheapest and can be eaten as an entrée or as a sandwich. Stick with salads (potato, coleslaw) and hot sides that aren't fried (mac and cheese, baked beans), since fried foods, while popular, get soggy fast. Don't forget about the add-ons, like red onions, pickles and pickled veggies, etc. Banana pudding for dessert, and you're set.

4. Backyard cookout

Buy preformed hamburger patties to save time, and put one of the bridesmaids or groomsmen in charge of the grill. The great thing about this is that you can now afford to have some gourmet burgers (several different kinds if you want), because you're doing the cooking yourself. Ask members of the wedding party to bring outdoor-friendly sides. Make sure the invitations say BYOB, and provide plenty of coolers, cups and ice for your guests.

5. Chuck E. Cheese's

Chuck E. Cheese's… where an adult can be a kid again. It may sound expensive in terms of a kid's birthday party, but it's a steal of a rehearsal dinner, even if you provide some tokens for all the guests. Going at off-hours (like early in the morning or on weekdays) may get you a better deal in addition to less competition for game time. If you stick with pizzas or a handful of sampler platters, you can easily stay on budget. And anyone who wants something else can purchase it if they're not having too much fun kicking a 10-year-old's butt at Skee-Ball.

6. Cocktail potluck

Create a signature cocktail or two, and put the wedding party in charge of providing one heavy hors d'oeuvre each, ensuring there are eight to 10 pieces total for each guest. Just make sure someone is in charge of coordinating everything so all the food that's planned goes well with the cocktails — 'cause serving rosemary-lavender martinis with spray cheese-topped saltines is just wrong.

More: How to spend way, way less on that beautiful wedding cake

7. Grocery store Italian elegance

Get out your Costco card. Here's your shopping list. Buy as much as you need for the number of guests you'll have.

  • Rustic Italian loaves
  • Quality olive oil
  • Balsamic vinegar
  • Italian seasoning grinder
  • Bags of precut romaine lettuce
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Caesar dressing
  • Croutons
  • Family- or party-size lasagnas (don't forget a veggie option!)
  • Gourmet ice cream or gelato

If you're having a small party, you can do it at home, but a place of worship can accommodate more people, and they often have kitchens. Serve the bread with small platefuls of olive oil, balsamic and Italian seasoning before the meal, then mix up a Caesar salad with the lettuce, Parm, dressing and croutons for the next course. Next comes the lasagna, and you finish with a simple scoop of ice cream.

Forget the cheating — Michelle Money's Marriage Boot Camp attitude is even worse

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More: Marriage Boot Camp's Mama June has many reasons to mistrust Sugar Bear

OK, can someone explain to me what just happened between Michelle Money and Cody Sattler on Marriage Boot Camp? A big secret has been revealed — namely, that Michelle apparently cheated in her previous relationship, which is why Cody can't trust her. But the question of who opened this delightful can of worms seems destined to become a mystery for the ages: Michelle, who brought up the subject of cheating, is super mad (like, throwing things and kicking mad) at Cody for discussing it.

Even in the short time this season of MBC has been airing, the major issue on the show has been the refusal of certain halves of certain couples to be vulnerable and real with what's going on in their relationships and with them as individuals (hi, Tara). In other words, the fact that this cheating thing came up is what's supposed to happen in order for Jim and Elizabeth to do their job, which just makes me think that Michelle has zero interest in actually fixing anything between her and Cody. (You might argue that no one on this show is really interested in that, though, since they're reticent to expose their relationship issues on television — and yet apparently not that reticent, because that's what this show is for. Also, I hear healing your relationship is something you can work on in non-televised therapy.) 

More: Are Althea and Benzino planning their own reality show after Marriage Boot Camp?

Michelle's been complaining and saying she's checked out since she and Cody arrived in the house. In the latest episode, she kept up the negativity, giving Cody the cold shoulder — not to mention the whole kicking and screaming part. Fans of MBC have just about had it with Michelle's behavior toward Cody and the whole Boot Camp thing, and Friday's episode was only the third of the season.

MBC 1

MBC 1

MBC2

MBC2

MBC 3

MBC 3

MBC 4

MBC 4

Last week, Tara stage-whispered to Dean that Michelle and Cody weren't going to make it, which... let's just say I think she's right. Even if they pull a magical turnaround à la Mama June and Sugar Bear and decide to stay together, I still think it's unlikely that they'll be together in any long-term capacity. And that's OK! They don't have to be together! There are other people out there who won't make you miserable, Cody, and who will understand your selfie-taking and your need to take your shirt off all the time. That person doesn't have to be Michelle. I think I can speak for Marriage Boot Camp viewers when I say that if you wanted to flee before the end of the season, we would support you.

More: Sundy Carter's Marriage Boot Camp confession receives outpouring of support

Do you want Michelle to leave Marriage Boot Camp? Are you totally over her behavior? Tell us in the comments!

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

'bachelorette contestants slideshow
Image: ABC

10 dog breeds that can be dangerous without proper training

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People like to throw words like "dangerous" and "aggressive" around when it comes to certain dog breeds, often unfairly. Aggressive dogs are usually the fault of the handler, not the dog itself, but some breeds face more criticism for aggression than others. Humans bred these dogs for very specific purposes, and the trouble happens when we confuse the capabilities of these large, protective breeds with those of a Dachshund.

More: 12 dog breeds first-time owners should think twice about

These 10 dog breeds consistently make breed restriction lists around the world. Their size, temperaments and sometimes-bloody histories have helped them earn their place as some of the world's most effective livestock guardians, hunting dogs and protectors, as well as some of the most dangerous dogs in the world. With proper training and in the hands of experienced dog owners, these dog breeds make well-adjusted canine citizens. In the wrong hands, these dogs are perfectly capable of living up to the stereotypes surrounding them.

More: 11 amazing dog breeds for first-time owners

1. Japanese Tosa

Japanese Tosa Dog
Image: DieselDemon/Flickr

The Japanese Tosa is nicknamed the Sumo wrestler of the dog world for its size, drive and refusal to back down. They were used both as guard dogs and as fighting dogs, thanks to their naturally protective instincts, and at 100 to 200 pounds, they pack a lot of heat. Tosas are definitely not a good dog breed for inexperienced dog owners and require consistent training and socialization from an early age. They are banned in many countries, and while they live mostly as companion animals in the U.S., they are still found in fighting rings in Japan.

More: Top 10 breeds to use as guard dogs

Next: Shar-pei

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2. Shar-pei

shar pei
Image: Pixabay

The shar-pei is a deceptively "dangerous" dog breed. Most veterinary hospitals I have worked at keep them on their watch list, which means that staff always approach them with caution, as they have earned their reputation for unpredictability. Shar-peis can be loyal and affectionate pets, but they are also very independent, and owners often describe their behavior as cat-like. These highly intelligent dogs require patience to train, and their fiercely protective nature makes these medium-size dogs a poor and often dangerous choice for inexperienced dog owners.

More: It's still not OK for your small dog to bite

Next: Brazilian mastiff

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3. Fila Brasileiro/Brazilian mastiff

Fila Brasileiro
Image: Por Pleple2000/WikiMedia

The fila Brasileiro, also known as the Brazilian mastiff, is known around the world for its fierce loyalty and protective instincts. They are affectionate and loving with family, but even with lots of socialization and training, they can still perceive strange humans and animals as a threat. Their "fila" instincts make them excellent guard dogs, which is exactly what these dogs were bred to be, but they are ill-suited for most family homes.

Next: Dogo Argentino
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4. Dogo Argentino

Dogo Argentino
Image: Hugo A. Quintero G./Flickr

The dogo Argentino is a big-game hunting breed that was developed in the 1920s in Argentina to hunt wild boar and puma. The breed's founding stock came from the now extinct and highly aggressive Cordoba fighting dog, but many other breeds went into the genetic makeup as well in an effort to eliminate aggression. The result is a generally well-balanced, powerful and protective dog that gets along well with people and is very affectionate with family. However, their size, intelligence, prey drive and energy needs make this dog potentially dangerous without training.

Next: Tibetan mastiff

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5. Tibetan mastiff

tibetan mastiff
Image: Igrvv/Flickr

Majestic, large and highly protective, Tibetan mastiffs have very firm ideas about their territory, which often extends past their owner's property lines. This protective instinct came in very useful during their long history as livestock guardians, but it can be problematic in suburban areas. The breed is intelligent and very independent, like many livestock guardians, which means that they often make their own decisions about what is safe for their human families. This makes them potentially dangerous without serious training and can easily translate into territorial aggression.

More: Meet the breed: Herding breeds

Next: Caucasian ovcharka

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6. Caucasian ovcharka

caucasian ovcharka
Image: Cristian Bortes/Flickr

Like the Tibetan mastiff, the Caucasian ovcharka is a large, independent livestock guardian dog with strong protective instincts and territorial drive. These qualities led the Soviet government to use them as guard dogs to protect government buildings, and they will guard your home with the same ferocity. Don't be fooled by their fluffy faces — these dogs need an experienced handler who is familiar with the breed.

More: Meet the breed: Caucasian ovcharka

Next: Presa Canario

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7. Presa Canario

Presa Canario
Image: Pixabay

The presa Canario is a mastiff-type dog that usually makes its way to the list of banned breeds thanks to a period in its history where it was used in dogfights. The breed was originally bred to protect farms and work with livestock, and they are very protective of their families. Well-trained presa Canarios make loving companion animals, but it takes work and consistency. Poorly trained or neglected presas, on the other hand, can be a danger to humans and dogs.

Next: American pit bull

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8. American pit bull

American Pitbull
Image: Pixabay

While many American pit bulls make excellent family pets, their recent history as fighting dogs tarnished the breed's reputation and led to irresponsible individuals misusing the breed. In the wrong hands, as these people proved, pit bulls can be very dangerous. Despite changing attitudes, restrictions surrounding the breed still make owning one problematic for renters and even homeowners in some areas. American pit bulls are very people-oriented, contrary to some stereotypes, but they do require special attention when it comes to socialization with other dogs and animals.

More: Pit bulls are great pets — but not for everyone

Next: Boerboel

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9. Boerboel

Boerboel dog
Image: Pixabay

Most countries that have breed bans ban the boerboel. This assertive mastiff is a versatile farm dog and companion, but the AKC warns that the breed is very dominant and not suitable for inexperienced owners. These large dogs defended South African farms and property and that territorial instinct is strong in them today. These traits, combined with their dominant nature, make them challenging pets and potentially dangerous in inexperienced hands.

More: 15 dog breeds you've probably never heard of

Next: Lottatore Brindisino

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10. Lottatore Brindisino

dog breed

dog breed

Very few dogs exist today solely for the purpose of dogfighting. The lottatore Brindisino is one of them. The breed is relatively unknown outside of Italy and is so recently developed that there is not yet an established standard, which makes it more of a type than a breed, but its distinguishing characteristic is aggression. This makes it unsuitable even for experienced dog owners, as its sole purpose is pit fighting and protection.

As any good trainer will tell you, all dogs have the potential to be dangerous, and it is up to us as responsible owners to protect our dogs and other people. The breeds on this list were all bred for a specific purpose, and most are perfectly safe in the hands of an educated owner who understands the breed and their training needs. I have met many dogs from breeds on this list in the veterinary field who defy the stereotypes surrounding them. I have also met quite a few who more than lived up to their bad reputation. In almost every instance, it was the owner who made the difference.

Varsity Blues actor Ron Lester dies at 45

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Sad news: Varsity Blues actor Ron Lester died in a Dallas hospital on Friday night. Lester, who was only 45, stole the show as football player Billy Bob, which wasn't an easy feat considering both James Van Der Beek and Paul Walker had leading roles in the 1999 film. He then shocked us with his amazing weight loss success, shedding 348 pounds after undergoing gastric bypass surgery in 2001. But Lester's obesity was one of several health problems he faced.

More: 6 most memorable Paul Walker films

Lester's backstory is filled with heartbreaking examples of how he tried, and mostly succeeded, to overcome serious depression brought on by losing his sister Linda when he was a child. He used food to give himself comfort and even spent time at an eating disorder clinic (at one point he weighed 508 pounds).

Before his gastric bypass surgery, Lester reportedly had two mild heart attacks and four arthroscopic knee surgeries. He revealed in January that he was suffering from heart problems, but TMZ reported that Lester made light of his health problems and didn't seem in distress, choosing instead to focus on the new love in his life, fiancée Jennifer Worland. One year ago, he shared a photo of the couple on Twitter with the caption, "I've found happiness and love for the first time."

Lester was hospitalized back in November for liver and kidney issues, and he also spent his last four months hospitalized. On the night of his death, Lester was said to be in critical condition before being taken off life support. He was surrounded by friends and family.

More: Brace yourself: Here's the list of all celebrity deaths in 2016

Lester was active in film and TV after Varsity Blues and went on to score roles in Freaks and Geeks, Sabrina, The Teenage Witch and Not Another Teen Movie. His extreme weight loss may have actually worked against him when it came to casting — though that didn't keep him from dabbling in projects like CSI: NY and even writing, directing and producing.

It's always tragic to lose someone, especially when he was still so young and, in his own words, had just found true happiness and love for the first time. May Lester rest in peace.


Amber Rose defends Taylor Swift after new Kim Kardashian feud

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If you're going to go to battle with a Kardashian, you'll benefit from having Amber Rose in your corner. After enduring a week that included a new feud with Kim Kardashian and a bunch of insulting articles suggesting (yet again) that she's a fast woman who burns through men at lightning speed, Taylor Swift is getting some help from Rose, who has defended her choice to date so soon after her breakup with Calvin Harris.

Let's back up. We've all heard that Swift and Harris recently called it quits, though we have no way of knowing how long they'd actually been having issues. Almost immediately after their breakup news hit Twitter and everywhere else on the planet, photos of Swift with actor Tom Hiddleston popped up out of the blue, showing them kissing on a secluded beach and looking less like new lovers and more like soul mates who have been together for 25 years and are co-owners of a bed and breakfast in Cape Cod.

Swift is being punished in the press for these pictures, and the awful and terrible S-word has appeared more times that I could count on message boards. It's as if people think the pop star should be wearing black and sitting in her house mourning the loss of her failed relationship instead of living the life of a 26-year-old single woman who understands that, sometimes, things just don't work out.

More: How and (more importantly) when did Taylor Swift and Tom Hiddleston start hooking up?

And — talk about timing — Kardashian then reared her lovely head, insisting in a new GQ magazine interview that Swift knew damn well that Kardashian's husband, Kanye West, was planning on calling her a bitch whom he could picture having sex with on his latest album. She even went as far as saying that West has Swift on the record approving his lyric and that she played victim in her Grammys acceptance speech. Swift's rep shot back with a statement that said she absolutely did not know about the lyric and that she wants Kardashian and West to "leave her alone."

Deep breath. OK, here's where Rose comes in. The model and author, who famously dated West and is no fan of either the rapper/clothing designer or his wife and her family, called Swift "fucking awesome," gave her thoughts on whether the photos were staged and defended Swift for not giving a fig about the double standard against women.

"I love Taylor, for sure," Rose said. "Absolutely. And I feel like guys do that all the time — they break up and the next day they’re with another girl and nobody really says anything. But with Taylor it’s, 'you know what, I’m done with Calvin [Harris] and it didn’t work out, so on to the next.' It is because it’s unheard of, and she’s acting very ‘slutty’ and for some reason needs time to ‘let her pussy rest.' That’s how people look at it, and it’s just like, hell no! If I’m done, why do I have to sit in the house and be lonely?”

Rose doesn't believe for a second that those photos with Hiddleston are fake, either.

"I mean, I don’t know if it’s staged — but that’s how it is!" she said. "I was on a private beach in Maui — you literally had to drive three hours from the airport to get to this beach — and paparazzi still caught me. I saw it on TMZ the next day and I couldn’t even believe it. I thought that was a safe place, and it was not. I can’t go anywhere in the world. It’s ridiculous.”

More: Calvin Harris' reaction to Taylor Swift kissing another man is not good

I have to say, I'm over all the jokes about Swift writing breakup songs about all of her men and how she can't keep a relationship intact. Those of us who found the love of our life at age 25 and went on to get married and have children and live happily ever after are incredibly fortunate. But Swift clearly hasn't found the one yet, so why should she wait to date if she feels a connection with someone new? The focus should be on her contributions to music, not on her personal relationships.

And, besides, why should Leonardo DiCaprio have all the fun?

Judge orders Leonardo DiCaprio to spill the beans about Wolf of Wall Street

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A judge ordered Leonardo DiCaprio to give a deposition about the making of The Wolf of Wall Street, a 2013 film that was nominated for five Academy Awards and is at the center of a defamation lawsuit. DiCaprio played the notorious, corrupt Jordan Belfort, who made a killing on Wall Street before pleading guilty to fraud. Even though the actor's character isn't the focus here, DiCaprio may still have to fork over all the info he has about the making of the film.

U.S. magistrate Steven Locke ruled that DiCaprio can be deposed in the lawsuit, brought by Andrew Greene against Paramount Pictures Corporation in 2014. Greene, an investment banker and attorney who was friends with the real-life Belfort, claims the character Nicky "Rugrat" Koskoff, played by P.J. Byrne, was based on him and that the portrayal isn't exactly a positive one.

More: Leonardo DiCaprio may have reunited with an old fling — and yes, we mean Rihanna

You may recall that Koskoff is one of the characters who goes off the rails, becomes addicted to cocaine, frequents prostitutes and even shaves a woman's head at one point. So, yeah, not exactly a dreamboat. Greene is suing Paramount for $50 million for defamation of character, and DiCaprio has been told he must be available for questioning.

Paramount has shot back, claiming that Koskoff is a "composite character" who was inspired by several different people, including (sorry, not sorry?) Greene. And DiCaprio's attorneys have opposed the deposition by saying that the actor didn't write the movie and didn't have a thing to do with choosing character traits. Unfortunately, the film's director, Martin Scorsese, and screenwriter, Terence Winter, may have unknowingly thrown DiCaprio under the bus by testifying that they met regularly with him to discuss the script. I guess no one is buying that DiCaprio, with all of his star power, simply breezes onto a movie set, says his lines and goes home for the day. But there's really zero proof that he had anything to do with shaping the character of Koskoff.

More: Behind the scenes with The Wolf of Wall Street's Leonardo DiCaprio

No word yet on when DiCaprio will be questioned. As for Greene, I can't help but wonder how many people would have actually connected him with the Koskoff character had he not filed this lawsuit. Is there a single person out there not questioning that head-shaving scene now?

Social media gets a whole lot scarier when your kid has autism

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In today’s digital era, kids are asking for social media accounts at younger ages. My 10-year-old recently asked me if he could get an Instagram account. I have to admit that I am considering it. He will be 11 soon, he loves to take pictures (and is quite the budding photographer) and promises me he will only accept his friends and cousins on his private account. I trust him, but I also trust myself to check on him frequently.

Then there's his 12-year-old brother.

As we were having this conversation, I spied my older son nearby, laughing at something he was watching on YouTube. He loves anything having to do with screens. He will be in junior high next year, and many of his friends have phones and one or more social media accounts.

More: All the Netflix shows your kids will want to binge on this summer

When I say “friends,” I mean kids he goes to school with. Kids who have been, so far, nice to him at school. My son has high-functioning autism, or Asperger syndrome. I have to admit, I don’t trust him with social media, nor do I trust myself to know enough about how to regulate his social media use and keep him safe online.

Up to this point, I have been a helicopter mom with him out of necessity, watching him closely in all types of situations so I can coach him on social cues, body language, and appropriate topics of conversation. Like many teens and tweens with ASD, he is preoccupied with television, computers and video games. He watches videos online and often has difficulty talking about anything other than what he sees in those videos. Even though he is not asking now, I know it is just a matter of time before he will want to have a social media account of his own.

This scares me for several reasons.

Cyber bullying

My son has difficulty determining when people are being unkind to him. Unless it’s blatantly obvious, he doesn’t understand the subtle teasing nuances that other kids often use, potentially setting him up for online bullying.

This past year, a new boy in his grade was being less than kind to him. Some of his classmates who have been with him for the past seven years took the new boy aside and talked to him about being nice to my son, their friend. Would they support him online like this? And would my son get sucked into bullying another child online because he can’t determine reality from fantasy?

Stranger danger

No one is a stranger to my son. He will talk to anyone, anywhere, anytime, about anything. I could see him chatting it up with any random person online who would be willing to listen, and giving away personal information.

Violating the terms of use

As much as I fear him misinterpreting what others would say to him, I fear others misinterpreting what he would say. He often says dramatic things that could be taken literally, but that he doesn’t mean literally. He’s just heard them being said. While websites’ rules for use and conduct are great at protecting people online, they can’t determine if the person violating them has special needs.

More: Parenting my kid who has Down syndrome isn't all rainbows and unicorns

Loss of social skills

My son is working on eye contact, voice tone, posture and back-and-forth exchange. Online conversations won’t help him work on these skills. My goal for him is to be a functioning adult in society, not an internet troll in a basement. I don’t want online interaction to inhibit growth in his real-world interactions.

Exposure to inappropriate content

My son is actually pretty good about knowing when something is blatantly inappropriate; but again, the subtle innuendos will go straight over his head. Even if I do the responsible parenting things and keep his devices in the family room and apply blocks to certain sites, inappropriate content just naturally filters in. I can’t be looking over his shoulder all the time, and conversations after the fact often have less meaning for him.

So what do I do?

There is no question that social media can actually help autistic teens. Many of them find online support groups with people who are like them and can help answer some of their questions. They can interact and make friends without having to worry so much about their bodies being “socially correct.” Many ASD kids can express themselves better when they have time to compose something in writing than in on-the-spot interaction. They also have opportunities to find places online where their unique talents can shine.

More: No, drugging my kid is not an easy way out

There are more and more classes being held to teach autistic teens about safety and social media. I’ll be sure to ask my son’s doctors and therapists about where these are located. Though, I may not have to worry, as a 2012 study found that 64 percent of teens with ASD avoid social media, preferring solitary games and television instead. When I asked my 12-year-old if he would ever want a Facebook or Instagram account, he surprisingly responded with an emphatic “no!”

“Well, unless you were my only friend, Mom,” he said, grinning.

I’m kind of glad he’s not ready for social media yet. With more research, we should both be ready at about the same time.

Is the new Clinton baby name a nod to the formidable grandma?

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The Clinton family is celebrating this week, and it’s got nothing to do with politics. Chelsea Clinton, the daughter of Bill and Hillary Clinton, has welcomed a second child with husband Marc Mezvinsky. The new baby is a brother for Charlotte, 1.

More: A grieving mom breastfed another woman's baby and we're in tears

Chelsea shared the happy news on Twitter and also revealed the baby's name: Aidan Clinton Mezvinsky.

Chelsea Clinton baby tweet

Chelsea Clinton baby tweet

The grandparents were quick to share their excitement. In a statement, President Clinton and Secretary Clinton said, "We are overjoyed to be grandparents again with the arrival of our grandson, Aidan Clinton Mezvinsky, born on Saturday, June 18, 2016. We are all over the moon as Chelsea and Marc welcome Charlotte’s little brother to the world and grateful for our many blessings. Chelsea and Aidan are both doing well and enjoying this very special time together."

More: These Democratic baby names get the blue state stamp of approval

Chelsea and Mezvinsky have chosen a traditional Irish name for their son. Aidan was actually a pet form of Aodh — pronounced "ee" — which is the name of the Irish god of the sun and fire.

Some of us might associate the name Aidan with Carrie Bradshaw’s long-haired lover on Sex and the City, but the more historically minded of us might know that it was borne by several early Irish saints, one of whom was known for his kindness and generosity. Despite Aidan being the original spelling of the name, it has been overtaken in the baby name chart by its variation Aiden.

As far as the meaning of Aidan goes, we reckon it couldn’t be more apt for the grandson of a political power couple. Aidan means "little and fiery" — a name that will serve him well if he follows in his grandma’s footsteps.

More: This printable guide is about to solve all your baby-naming squabbles

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

Hillary Bill Clinton
Image: John Sykes/Getty Images

We’re so in love with the colorful name Eddie Redmayne chose for his baby

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Huge congrats to actor Eddie Redmayne and his wife Hannah Bagshawe, who are now parents to a little baby girl. A spokesperson for the couple confirmed that Iris Mary Redmayne was born on June 16 — and we can’t get over how adorable the name is.

More: We're pretty sure these moms win for "world's most embarrassing mothers"

Iris is obviously the name of a flower, but its official meaning is "rainbow" (best baby name meaning ever. Fact). Along with other turn-of-the-last-century flower names that have become super popular in recent years, such as Rose, Daisy and Violet, Iris may have celebrity parents to thank for its comeback. Leslie Mann, Jude Law and Sadie Frost and Renee O’Connor and Judd Apatow all named their daughters Iris. In 2015, Iris was the 217th most popular baby girl name, its highest ranking since the 1930s.

Jodie Foster, Jane Fonda and Kate Winslet have all played characters named Iris on screen, and one of the most famous bearers of the name was British novelist Iris Murdoch.

More: These cute girl names will make you wish you were having twins (OK, almost)

According to Greek mythology, Iris is the goddess of the rainbow who used it as a bridge to ride from heaven to earth. In ancient times, the iris was believed to represent power and majesty, with its three petal segments symbolizing faith, wisdom and valor. It’s this that led to both the flower and the colored part of the eye being called the iris.

Redmayne has had an incredible couple of years, winning an Oscar for his portrayal of Professor Stephen Hawking in The Theory of Everything and receiving critical acclaim and a slew of award nominations for his role in The Danish Girl. Last week, he was named as the new face of Prada menswear, and he plays the main character in the upcoming J.K. Rowling fantasy drama Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.

In an interview during Bagshawe's pregnancy, Redmayne made an admission that a lot of parents will relate to. "We've got our first [parenting] book, which is looking at us, and we are staring guiltily as we should be learning how to be parents, but we haven’t opened them yet," he said.

Books or no books, we reckon fatherhood is one role Redmayne will handle just fine.

More: This printable guide is about to solve all your baby-naming squabbles

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

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