Humor in Hollywood: Women Are Changing the Game

As the Golden Globes showed us now that awards season is underway, it is notable that female-driven comedies on the silver screen and TV are conspicuously outstanding. Hollywood mainstays like Lily Tomlin (Grace and Frankie & Grandma), Meryl Streep (Ricky and the Flash) Julia Louis-Dreyfuss (Veep) brought their A-game, simultaneously ushering in the newcomers like Amy Schumer (Inside Amy Schumer), Jennifer Lawrence (Joy) and Uzo Aduba (Orange Is The New Black) who allow us to laugh at ourselves by laughing at them.

Image: Universal Studios

This is new. Yes, we've always had our Lucille Balls and Joan Rivers--it's not as if we've never allowed women to make us laugh. But with only a few standout exceptions, we typically have marginalized female humor, barring characters from being the lead and making sure they were always self-effacing, and never, ever sexy. In fact, for a number of years, the female comedy path was forged by lesbians like Ellen DeGeneres, Rosie O'Donnell and Paula Poundstone. It's as if our culture would permit women to be funny, as long as long as they weren't too traditionally feminine .

These days, not only do we now have a greater number of funny women as leading stars on our screens, they are bold, sexy and their approach has changed; more than just making us giggle, they are forcing women--and men--to push invisible cultural boundaries: Sarah Silverman confronts religion and politics; Amy Schumer is a feminist cultural critic; Kristen Wiig gives us girls the delicious permission to be weird.

And that's powerful. Because where humor goes, culture follows. Humor pokes a stick into the murky corners of our minds. Humor reveals repressed material that "good girls" are taught to hold in, like gas.

Image:20th Century Fox

It is unclear when it happened, or why, but Hollywood has a flatulence problem. Funny women have started to take over our hearts, our minds, and have even pried open our designer wallets.

So when Trainwreck grosses more than $100 million domestically, and Spy rakes in more than $235 million worldwide, it means that we're finally responding to women as leads opening films while being appealing while being funny, dirty, badass, and even overweight. They're our new goddesses and we want them to be our BFFs .

In July of last year, Michael Eisner, ex-CEO of Disney said "the hardest artist to find is a beautiful, funny woman". The comment attracted fodder and scorn, for obvious reasons, but perhaps it tells us more about him than current audiences. Like beauty, humor is subjective, so yes, perhaps there aren't too many Angelina Jolie-looking women delivering knee-slapping jokes. But when we broaden our parameters--just a tad--and let beauty be in the eyes of millions of movie-ticket holders and TV watchers, Michael Eisner couldn't be more wrong.

Written by Kim Do and Jessica Porter of www.themakeupblogger.com. Kim Do is the Chief Editor of The Makeup Blogger and Jessica Porter is the author of The Hip Chick's Guide to Macrobiotics and The MILF Diet.

Reports of children being left in hot cars has led to calls for action

In Victoria alone, 225 cases of children being left in hot cars were reported by paramedic figures in December of 2015.

More: Swim safety more important than ever as child drowning deaths increase

That figure looks to be rising too, with 161 call outs made during December in the year prior. On one particular day, when 13 calls were made to paramedics, the mercury levels hit 37 degrees.

Considering the temperature inside a car left in the sun can be between 20 and 30 degrees hotter than outside, the temperature in the car on that day could easily have been from 57 to 67 degrees.

The most horrifying thing about all this, though, is hearing that there has been a 50 per cent increase in the number of babies locked in hot cars unattended. More than 370 babies under the age of one had to be rescued from hot cars in Victoria between September 2014 and August 31, 2015.

One woman has been charged after leaving her two-year-old in a car for approximately an hour in Bankstown.

It was a particularly hot day of around 35 degrees when police were called to the car park where the child was trapped. They forced entry into the car, after which the child was taken to hospital by paramedics.

More: Parents share heartbreaking video of baby they lost to preventable illness

The mother, who was inside a shopping centre at the time, was paged and alerted, while her child was distressed and treated for dehydration.

It takes just 15 minutes for a child to suffer from brain damage, kidney failure and ultimately death in a hot car, that's about just as long as it takes to run into the shops and grab a loaf of bread and some milk.

"There is no safe amount of time to leave children alone in the car," says Nathan Allen, an emergency medicine doctor at the University of Chicago.

"Kids are more susceptible and at higher risk for heat-related illness and injury than adults because their bodies make more heat relative to their size and their abilities to cool through sweating are not as developed as adults."

According to Kids Safety Victoria, this is what the public should do if we ever see a child alone in a car.

• First, look for the parents and see if they are close by


• If not, call 000


• Wait for paramedics to arrive

If you do need to leave the car, no matter how long it's for, always keep your child with you.

Have you ever seen a child left in an unattended car? Let us know.

More: Don't be afraid to invite that kid with special needs to the birthday party

An appreciation of the arts can make you happier

So it comes as quite a surprise to hear that an interest in the arts can actually correlate with feeling of optimism and well-being.

Perhaps most of us have come across at least one or two artists who use their special talent as an excuse to be obnoxious and outspoken. Being an artist can do amazing things to your ego but, as it turns out, an appreciation of the arts can do wonders for the spectator, too.

More: 6 Tips that will help you finally stick to a fitness routine

An appreciation for the arts can actually makes us happier, or so scientists would have us believe.

A study released by the University of Western Australia has found that enjoying and participating in the arts for just two hours per week, can have a positive effect on our mental health and overall wellness.

More than 700 Western Australians took part in the study, and were asked about their interests and involvement in the arts for enjoyment, entertainment or as a hobby.

Their love of the arts included things like photography, music, painting, theatre, craft, fashion, reading and sculpture, and their involvement could include being a spectator or actually taking part in the act of artistic expression.

More: Mum launches Kickstarter campaign after artistic collab with her kids

It was found that people who had enjoyed 100 hours or more of the arts, around two hours per week, reported a higher mental well-being than those who hadn't. They were reportedly happier and had a stronger sense of mental health.

VicHealth says the arts can help promote good mental health by building a sense of community.

"The strength of the community arts process is its ability to bring diverse people together around a common project and sense of purpose," they said in the Arts for Health Creative Connections and Community Arts Participation Scheme document.

They also found that self-esteem levels and overall wellness increased after people took part in community arts programs.

The American Journal of Public Health-published review titled The Connection Between Art, Healing, and Public Health also found that an involvement in the arts had the power to reduce stress, dull depression, reduce negative emotions and even help those suffering with grief.

Philosopher and writer Alain de Botton talks about the link between wellness and the arts in his book Art as Therapy, in which he uses art to help people resolve difficult situations in a person's life.

Art can transform our lives, be used as therapy, help us conquer grief, and, yes, even make us happy. It might be worth making friends with that egocentric artist in our lives after all.

Does your appreciation of the arts make you happier? Let us know.

More: Etsy stores turns your face into a personalised Lego figurine

Creating Personal Wealth: 7 Resources Every Business Woman Should Know About

Being a woman in the business world can be rough, and you need to prove yourself every time you turn around. One thing that will show that you are successful is your personal wealth. In order to achieve great personal wealth, you need to use all of the tools at your disposal to save money. The more you can save, the better your personal wealth is going to be.

Woman on Tablet courtesy of Du Truong

Here are some of the best online tools that can help you save money and become wealthier in your own right.

1. Walla.by
   Do you have a lot of credit cards, and use them frequently? If so, Walla.by can help you get the most out of your credit card purchases by learning to use them in a smarter way. For instance, this tool will help you learn how to get cash back and all kinds of other rewards, optimize savings, and make you a much more savvy spender.
   
   
   
   


2. Quicken Personal Finance
   There are all kinds of money management sites and software available. But, if you're looking for the best, and one that is absolutely free, Quicken Online is the site for you. You'll be able to track all of your spending so you can see exactly where you're spending your money. Then, you can use this information to change your spending habits and save more money.


3. IVA-Advice.co (Available in the UK only)
   If you have a lot of debt and owe several creditors, that situation can get pretty stressful after a while. With an IVA, all you have to do is make one monthly payment, and a qualified legal professional will take care of making all of the little payments for you. When you do this for 60 months without missing a payment, all of your outstanding balances will be written off, and you will be free of debt.


4. FlexScore
   How healthy are your finances? If you aren't sure of the answer to this question, then it's time that you check out FlexScore. This is a tool that will let you compare your current financial situation with your peers' financial situations. You'll get loads of awesome free advice on how to boost your score, and there are great articles and videos on topics like budgeting, savings, personal finance, and much more. You can sign up for free, and you'll receive a comprehensive financial analysis.
   
   
   


5. Buxfer
   If you share expenses with friends, roommates, family members, etc., and you want to keep track of the money you owe and what is owed to you, check out Buxfer. This tool will help you split all kinds of expenses, from rent to group dinners. It's also a great money management tool that can be used to track your own personal expenses.


6. TurboTax
   No one likes to do their taxes, but it's a necessary evil that we all must face each year. Why not make the whole process easier, and do your taxes online with the help of TurboTax? This software is made by Intuit (creators of Quickbooks and Quicken), a company that is well-known and trusted in the financial software industry.


7. Dave Ramsey
   When you need help from a personal finance expert, Dave Ramsey is one of the best to turn to. His website has all of the information that you could ever need, and includes such things as podcasts, personal finance classes, newsletters, financial calculators, budgeting forms, and many other tools.

Orphan Black promo proves horror is ahead for the clones in Season 4 (VIDEO)

More: QUIZ: Which Orphan Black clone are you?

The video also has an Alice in Wonderland feel, which might mean the clones are headed down some type of rabbit hole. The teaser opens up with Sarah and her sisters narrating. Let's just say their words speak volumes.

They say, "Burning with curiosity she ran across the field and down a large rabbit hole, never once considering how in the world she would get out again. Had not a moment to think about stopping herself before she found herself falling. She tried to look down and make out what she was coming to, but it was too dark to see. Down, down, down. The only way forward is to go back."

Obviously, this is an excerpt from Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland where Alice falls down the rabbit hole. In the video, all of the clones are narrating as different images and actions of the clones correlate with their words. Based on the last line, and as previously teased, it looks like Sarah is going to be researching the past and will encounter a new clone along the way named M.K.

More: Orphan Black's Tatiana Maslany's definition of a strong heroine is perfect

Now, the teaser appears to be illustrating things that have already happened to the sisters, but they also could be foreshadowing more horrible things to come. The creepy reading of the Alice in Wonderland passage also doesn't help.

Oh, and the fire burning the sock monkey? Is that supposed to represent Sarah's daughter Kira, who they call Monkey? I sure hope not. Be sure to pay attention at the very end, because M.K. makes her debut next to Sarah.

It's official: Orphan Black isn't holding back during Season 4.

Orphan Black S4 teaser

Orphan Black S4 teaser

Orphan Black returns to BBC America in April 2016.

More: 2015's Best Canadian shows with strong female leads

Where Are the Indians in the Oregon Stand-Off?

When news of an armed stand-off at a wildlife refuge in Malheur County broke, I asked: What do the protesters want?

I'm wary of how conflicts are framed in print and broadcast media--as are folks who have asked on Twitter: would the police response be different if the protesters were Black? Muslim?

Jan. 6, 2016 - Burns, Oregon, U.S. - Supporters stand at the entrance to the Malheur Wildlife Refuge, located 30 miles south of Burns, Oregon. They are waiting for the arrival of group leader, Ammon Bundy's arrival for a press conference. (Credit Image: (C) Mike Albright via ZUMA Wire)

How about American Indians?

The week-old affair began as an effort to bring attention to the "ridiculous arrest of a father and son pair of Oregon ranchers," according to a website managed by the Bundy family, whose members are leading the protest that began to draw mass media interest on January 4.

The Bundys--who aren't Oregon residents--were accompanied by a self-proclaimed "armed militia," (as reported in their website) who have "taken control of Malheur Wildlife Refuge Headquarters in the wildlife reserve" and are prepared to stay "indefinitely."

The arrest of the Oregon ranchers--Dwight Hammond, Jr. and Steven Hammond--stems from setting a back-fire to protect the ranchlands. The fires affected both private and public lands.

But the protestors have more on their plate than the conviction of fellow ranchers.

The Bundy family wants public areas managed by the Federal government to be returned to private citizens. More than half of Oregon's lands (53%) are managed by the Feds.

"We are using the wildlife refuge as a place for individuals across the United States to come and assist in helping the people of Harney County claim back their lands and resources," Cliven Bundy told reporters.

"The people will need to be able to use the land and resources without fear as free men and women."

But most news reports fail to see the deeply rooted irony over the issue: settlers have a long history of slaughtering Indians and stealing their lands.

The Bundys situate their argument in a timeframe that focusses on the narrow perspective offered by settlers of the American West.

Their website reports the "Full Story about What's Going on in Oregon". The story begins with this history:

"The Harney Basin (where the Hammond ranch is established) was settled in the 1870s. The valley was settled by multiple ranchers and was known to have run over 300,000 head of cattle."

The problem is that history doesn't begin with the invasion and so-called settlement of Oregon.

The Klamath, Cayuse, Nez Perce, Wasco, and the Shasta, Yoncalla, Calapuya, and the Coos, Umpqua, Siletz and Modoc are among those who called the Northwest home long before what one indigenous writer refers to as the arrival of the "cloth people" (a reference to the settlers' clothing).

Tribes, like the Paiute, know their history through the stories of ancestors who lived here more than 10,000 years ago.

In other words, the history of this corner of the world harkens back thousands of years.

The Hammonds (the Oregon ranchers convicted of arson) settled on their ranch at the same time the Federal Government created the Malheur reservation in the 1870s with the purpose to corral the Paiute onto one, concentrated area, only to be removed by the US Army a few years later.

While indigenous denizens fled from their homelands at gun-point, settlers took up logging, mining and ranching, whose effects dramatically changed the ecosystem.

And, as a result, President Theodore Roosevelt in 1908 created the wildlife refuge in Oregon where the protestors are currently holding their press conferences.

Meantime, the Paiutes were scattered throughout Oregon until they were able to buy acreage in the 1930s--even though they weren't federally recognized until the 1970s.

Thus, the area that is the focus of dispute is considered ancestral land.

The tribe is offended, according to the chair of the Burns Paiute Tribal Council, Charlotte Rodrique.

The theme of the militants, Rodrique told National Public Radio, is the land should go "back to the original owners--the ranchers. Of course, that rubbed me the wrong way because that's our aboriginal territory."

Moreover, the wildlife refuge, the site of the protest, is home to sacred burial sites and petroglyphs.

"We take our children out to teach them traditions--identifying plants and medicines," Rodrique said.

The Paiute have set aside hurt and grief, and work with local and national governments, conservation groups and community members to preserve their culture.

Quite a contrast to the folks who have taken up arms to preserve theirs.

9 Thoughts Everyone Has At Their First Fitness Class

By Jacqueline Andriakos

Thinking of trying a new fitness class this year? The bright lights, crazy music, and enviably fit instructors can make stepping out of your sweaty comfort zone scarier than it should be. But it doesn't have to be this way, says celebrity trainer Astrid Swan, a fan-favorite Barry's Bootcamp instructor in Los Angeles. "Your attitude is everything."



And of course, you know that. But still, those negative, self-conscious thoughts we all have can make you less likely to give a new class a fair try, and they may even lead to a crap workout, complete with poor form or even injuries.

We tapped Swan and Amanda Freeman, founder of the Pilates-meets-cardio studio SLT, for a little advice on easing these common first-timer fears.

RELATED: 25 Genius Ways Fitness Trainers Stay Motivated to Exercise

1. "I'll just hide here in the back of the room."
You may think going incognito in the corner is a genius way to calm your nerves. The reality is, you're doing yourself a disservice by distancing yourself from the instructor. Take a deep breath and position yourself right in the thick of it, suggests Freeman. Go for a spot closer to the center of the room where you have both a clear view of the instructor and the mirror to check your form.

Trying a new class with a friend? You may want to space yourselves out. "We make sure that newbies aren't right next to each other," Freeman adds. "It helps to have experienced folks on either side for when you are confused and need to look at someone to know what should be going on."

2. "Great, a super-toned clique congregating in the front."
It's true, lots of fitness fads attract a cult following of sorts. (SoulCycle, we're lookin' at you.) Don't let that discourage you from signing up or make you settle for the last row. It's helpful to remember that they, too, were once in your newbie shoes and wondering how one musters up the bravery to cozy up close to the mirrors.

Go ahead and chat up your neighbor, who may be a great additional resource, Swan recommends.

"In my experience, the cult followers will take you under their wing. They will tell you how crazy the trainer is but how awesome it is too," Swan says. "They'll take you in, show you where things are located, even cheer you on during the workout."

RELATED: I Tried the Goth Answer to SoulCycle and Learned to Love Exercise

3. "I don't have the right gear. God, I must look like an idiot."
Although there are times when you need special gear, most classes and studios are up front about items you'll need to bring with you. Just do your homework ahead of time: Check the FAQ section of the website or find a review online that can give you an idea of whether, say, grippy-bottom socks or hand wraps are required. "If it's still not clear, call the studio and ask, or check out the studio's social media to see what the typical gear is," Freeman says. (Many classes allow first-timers to borrow supplies.)



Then, there's the special gear you don't need to dwell on. Case in point: (overpriced) studio merchandise that's not necessary for the actual class. Some may feel "cool" wearing it, but unless their promotional tanks and Spandex are made of some secret calorie-torching fabric we've never heard of, it's not worth sweating over--pun intended.

Wear what makes you feel strong and confident in a gym setting; psychologists believe this idea of dressing the part--dubbed "enclothed cognition"--may actually improve your workout performance.

4. "This instructor is terrifying."
Trainers often boast big muscles and a big attitude--but those are job requirements, not scare tactics. With a quick introduction, you'll realize they don't bite. Swan urges, "Don't be afraid to talk to us."

And building that rapport benefits your actual workout, explains Freeman. "Creating a relationship with the instructor will also make it more likely that they pay extra attention to you throughout class," says Freeman.

Top-notch instructors will usually ask if anyone is a first-timer and introduce him or herself first and inquire about whether you have any injuries or limitations, Swan adds. "We want to get to know you!"

RELATED: 24 Motivational Weight Loss and Fitness Quotes

5. "WTF is this machine?"
Equipment like rowing machines, Pilates reformers and boxing bags may feel foreign if it's your first time trying them out, but you don't let that keep you from class. The easy fix: Get there early and ask for a quick tutorial (if the staff doesn't beat you to it!). "I suggest arriving at class at least 10 to 15 minutes before it is scheduled to start," Freeman advises. Plus, you can often get a peek at the class right before yours for a little preview of what you're in for.

6. "Did that girl just grab 20-lb. weights?!"
Relax, you're not at the CrossFit Games. In other words, it's not a competition. Comparing your abilities to the gal beside you can also set you up for injury, Freeman cautions. "Never do anything you aren't comfortable with, and don't give into peer pressure. Everyone is different and everyone's bodies respond differently to different weight loads," she says. "Screw the 20-pounders and grab the 5-pounders if that's what you're feeling. Even I won't pick up a weight bigger than 8 pounds--ever!"



Instructors are also there to help you with your equipment needs. "We can usually gauge your level. Don't be ashamed either if you have to grab something lighter. Form is way more important," says Swan. "If you are not sure, you can grab two different set of weights, just be mindful of your space."

7. "I'm the only one sweating--and it's only the warm up. I hate this."
Don't let the first 10 to 15 minutes make you fear the rest of the session or feel out of shape. If you've never tried that type of workout, you're likely putting to work different muscles, and your body will need to adjust to the challenge.

Think about it, "Did you fall a few times as baby when you started to walk?" Swan asks. "I don't expect anyone to come into my class and not struggle a little. Some of my clients used to hate my class, but then they realized that I really do have your best interest in mind."

8. "I am so uncoordinated I should just leave this class."
Not trying to be harsh, but news flash: No one is looking at you. So just do your best! What matters is that you're moving, not that you're moving in perfect sync with your entire class.

9. "It's over, and I survived."
Whether you hated your sweat session or totally drank the Kool-Aid, you did it, so congrats! After class, says Swan, you should regroup with the instructor: "Talk to us again! The first class is overwhelming, and we understand that--we also want you to come back. We are here for you."

RELATED: 7 Fitness Trends to Try in 2016

Keep in mind that there are some workouts you may not fall in love with right away or they take a few tries to get the hang of, explains Freeman. "That said, you will likely know the first time that it's something you could see yourself getting into. For those classes, give them a round two for sure."

If at any point you felt unsafe or just didn't like how the class made you feel, there's no shame in checking it off your list for good. "Move on and try something else," Freeman says. "There are lots of options out there."

More from Health.com:
9 Fitness Trainers to Follow on Instagram
11 Best Exercises to Get Strong, Toned Arms
How to Become an Exercise Addict

9 Thoughts Everyone Has the First Time They Try a Fitness Class originally appeared on Health.com

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The Walking Dead: 9 New clues about the survivor's story lines in Season 6

More: The Walking Dead: 11 Questions we need answered ASAP after the break

What can I say? I'm a hopeless romantic. So, here's what (else) we know. Season 6 resumes on Feb. 14 and AMC just released an intriguing new composite poster promoting what will surely be one hell of a second half.

The Walking Dead: Season 6B Art

The Walking Dead: Season 6B Art

But what do all these little glimpses mean for Rick Grimes and the rest of our beloved ragtag band of survivors? Let's speculate. After all, we've gotta find some way to pass the time until the midseason premiere.

1. Rick's gnarly face

TWD Season 6B Teaser 1

TWD Season 6B Teaser 1

A set of companion images show our fearless leader's face, bearing a bit more wear and tear, thanks to recent events at Alexandria. The first is captioned with a quote from Rick, saying, "I thought living behind these walls was possible..."

TWD Season 6B Teaser 2

TWD Season 6B Teaser 2

"... I was wrong," finishes the second. Unless they discover some other walls in the latter half of Season 6 we've yet to learn of, it's safe to assume Rick is talking about Alexandria. Since the last time we saw the gang they were fleeing in meat curtains, this isn't exactly a surprise. However, perhaps it's important because it implies that they do make it out and that they return to the nomadic ways of their past.

2. Billowing smoke

TWD Season 6B Teaser 3

TWD Season 6B Teaser 3

Hmm, curious. Logic would seem to dictate the smoke could be coming from the ruins of Alexandria. Did our heroes set it on fire as they left to torch the throngs of walkers? Do the survivors find their way to a new home only to see it burn to the ground? Or could this be a smoke signal (albeit a ginormous one) coming from someone trying to alert Rick and his crew to their location?

3. Rosary beads

TWD Season 6B Teaser 4

TWD Season 6B Teaser 4

We already know that our favorite characters will come across other survivors sooner rather than later -- Negan's lackeys showed up during the winter finale, after all. And since the promo poster teases "A Larger World," it's a possibility the hand clutching the rosary beads belongs to a newcomer. Specifically, I'm going to guess it belongs to Paul "Jesus" Monroe, who earned his nickname not for any spiritual fortitude but rather for his bearded likeness. The other possibility is that the rosary beads belong to Father Gabriel and they were yanked from him during some sort of struggle. (Can he be killed off already?)

More: The Walking Dead: Does Xander Berkeley's role spell doom for Rick's crew?

4. Familiar jewelry

TWD Season 6B Teaser 5

TWD Season 6B Teaser 5

I was hoping it wouldn't come to this, but it certainly looks as though we'll be seeing Deanna again -- as a walker. We can be nearly sure of it, given the delicate gold necklace and wedding band this walker is wearing. However, it looks as though a non-zombie hand is clutching walker-Deanna's arm. Does Michonne do Deanna the service of keeping her from killing one of her still-living friends?

5. Morgan on horseback

TWD Season 6B Teaser 6

TWD Season 6B Teaser 6

So, Morgan's alive. Here's hoping that means Carol's OK, too, after the pair tangled in the winter finale. Him riding through a seemingly deserted town on horseback is puzzling, though. Perhaps he got banished by the group for his behavior. Or maybe -- seeing as this image hearkens memories of Rick riding into Atlanta during Season 1 -- it means Morgan is taking more of a leadership position moving into 6B. Heck, maybe he just decided to go it alone (except for the horse, of course).

6. A super satellite

TWD Season 6B Teaser 7

TWD Season 6B Teaser 7

This must have some significance, although your guess is as good as mine. It appears to be a satellite dish of gargantuan proportions, and surely there aren't a lot of those just hanging about. So that got me thinking that maybe this is a clue as to where Rick and the gang end up next. After a little sleuthing, I found that, of the 10 largest satellite dishes in the world, only two are located in the United States -- and they're both in California. That can't be right... or can it?

7. Handcuffed walkers

Image: The Walking Dead/Facebook

Michonne might be up to her old tricks, y'all! Or, at the very least, someone is. Unless these walkers were survivors who'd been handcuffed before being bitten, in which case it just means they were still wearing the cuffs when they turned and wandered off. Po-tay-to, po-tat-o.

8. This RV

TWD Season 6B Teaser 8

TWD Season 6B Teaser 8

Memories, in the corner of my mind. Yes, seeing this rickety ol' RV makes me feel all kinds of feels, because it reminds me of Dale. RIP, friend. Sure wish you didn't have to die. Of course, Dale did die, and he did so a long, long time ago. So is this the RV Rick memorably used earlier in the season to wipe out some Wolves? I spy what appears to be a moving truck behind it, which -- if you remember -- Darryl was driving with Sasha and Abraham in tow. This could very well be a caravan in search of the next Alexandria.

More: The Walking Dead: 8 Things to know about Negan, next year's threat

9. Jessie and Rick, joined at the hand

Image: The Walking Dead/Facebook

If it walks like a duck and it quacks like a duck, it's probably a duck. And if it looks like a flannel-shirt-wearing woman and a man holding each other's bloody hands, it's probably Jessie and Rick, taking their post-apocalyptic love public. Aww. See, I told you I was a hopeless romantic.

Researchers are studying how frozen poop pills affect obesity

A group of researchers led by Elaine W. Yu, assistant professor at Massachusetts General Hospital, are currently conducting a randomized, placebo-controlled trial where 21 obese participants will take pills for 12 weeks, some containing cocoa powder (the placebo) and some containing fecal matter from lean, healthy patients each week for 12 weeks.

More: How a caffeine addict quit coffee once and for all

The goal of the study is to find out how gut microbes contained in the fecal matter from fully-vetted healthy people can effect body weight and insulin sensitivity in obese people.

"The donors go through a screening process that is more rigorous than what is required for blood donation," Yu told People, adding that every donor is approved by the FDA and "must meet strict weight criteria and are screened for medical, infectious and metabolic disorders."

There has been some precedent for this trial: an earlier study showed the transfer of gut microbes from lean donors into mice prevented obesity and insulin sensitivity. Another study on humans showed positive response, but the fecal matter was transferred endoscopically.

More: Why your diet makes you so grumpy

"Multiple lines of evidence suggest that gut microbiota play an important role in regulating human metabolism," Yu and researchers explained in the trial proposal. "Major study outcomes include change in weight, insulin sensitivity, and body composition."

This all sounds great, but one more question: how will they taste?

"The pills are odorless, tasteless and double-encapsulated to ensure they will not release until they reach the right location in the large intestine," Dr. Yu told the New York Daily News. "We don't know what the results of this trial will be. I don't want to feed any frenzy of people jumping on this bandwagon."

More: Woman who can't stop pulling her hair out takes a drastic step (WATCH)

Is Over-Training Preventing You From Getting Results From Your Exercise?

Article Source: makeyourbodywork.com

At this time of year fitness motivation is running high.

New Years resolutions have been set and people everywhere are flocking to their local fitness centers to make good on their promise to exercise regularly.

This is good news, right?

Not always.

In fact, up to 5% of the population exercises beyond what's considered healthy - They are known as "excessive exercisers" and the number of people who fall into this category balloons each January.

We hear so much about the obesity epidemic and our need for more physical activity. How much of a problem can too much exercise really be?

Actually, it can become quite a serious one.

Over-training can lead to chronic stress, sickness, injury, and an inability to shed fat! That's right, too much exercise can actually slow down your metabolism and incite your body to hold onto a "safety blanket" of fat!

What's the solution?

Here are four simple rules you can follow to ensure you don't fall into the trap of over-training.

1. Feel No Guilt When Taking a Day Off
"Exercise at least 30 minutes each and every day."

That's the rule of thumb we've been given from doctors and government health agencies. And this rule can hold true, except when exercise becomes quite intense and physically demanding.

Exercise is a form of stress, and just like any other type of stress, your body can only handle so much before it begins to break down. If you are exercising at a high intensity (I'm looking at you Shaun T), then it's not only okay to take a day off, but it's necessary.

This can present psychological turmoil for someone who has just started a new exercise regime.
"I don't want to fall off track!"

But keep in mind that you are doing your body a favour and will actually be speeding up the results you'll see from your exercise.

2. Forget the "No Pain, No Gain" Mentality
If you can burn 300 calories during a yoga class or you can burn 800 calories by running on the treadmill, which is the better choice?

Yes, 800 calories is more than 300, but the benefits of gentle exercise cannot be overstated.
Just like taking a full day of rest from exercise, changing up your exercise routine to include active recovery can dramatically improve your progress.

Practicing yoga is a perfect example of a form of exercise that will keep you moving, will help you build strength and burn calories, all while giving your body the downtime it needs.

Here is an example of an excellent beginner-friendly yoga sequence that can help you avoid the "no pain, no gain" fallacy.



Pain can mean you're working hard, but it doesn't have to present in order for you to see results.

3. Get Started and Get It Done Quickly
People like round numbers.

Most of us like to exercise for 30 minutes or 60 minutes, maybe even 45 minutes (that's sort of round, isn't it?)

What about doing 13 minutes of exercise? Or just 9 minutes?

Plenty of research has shown that short bursts of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) can be more effective than drawn out exercise routines that lasts 2, 3, or even 4 times longer. The idea that a workout has to take an hour in order for it to be effective is simply outdated.

Listen to your body and allow yourself the freedom to lengthen or shorten your workouts based on how hard you've worked and how spent your body feels.

Here's an example of a full-body workout that will take just 5 or 6 minutes. Get started and get it done!



Prolonging a workout simply to reach that "magic round number" on the clock uses up more of your time and risks unnecessary stress for your body.

4. Sleep More!
How many hours of sleep do you get each night?

If you're like many people, you're not getting enough. Researchers debate the ideal number of sleeping hours an adult needs (although it's roughly 7 hours), but nobody would dispute that the more you exercise, the more sleep your body needs.

Too often we focus on exercise and healthy eating when it come to losing weight or getting in better shape, but that's a short-sighted approach. Exercise will only lead to improved fitness if you properly fuel your body (i.e. eat the right food) and allow your muscles to recover, grow, and become stronger (i.e. sleep).

Consider sleep when determining how much exercise is the right amount for you. If your sleep is in short supply, then your body's tolerance for exercise is reduced. Sleeping more will help you bonce back after a hard workout and reduces your likelihood of over-training.

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(CONTEST) Show Us Your Best Videos! The 'F' Word

You may recall an exciting new initiative SheKnows Media launched late last fall, #TheFWord. We're talking about what the word "feminism" means to you and our next step is a video contest!

Kicking It Off With Girls

When we started thinking about feminism, we wanted to know how people decipher that word today. We started out by talking to our #HatchLab kids, asking them how they felt about feminism. Here's what they had to say.

The Survey

Last month, we launched a survey inquiring what "feminism" means to you. We're currently tallying the results, which we'll bringing to you in March in time for International Women's Day.

The F-Word Contest Details

Now we're ready for the next stage: our video contest.

SheKnows Media initiated #TheFWord to explore what it means to be a feminist today. Individuals over the age of 18 of any gender, ethnicity, political affiliation and point of view living in the United States and Canada are invited to submit a brief video between two and three minutes in length that explains what feminism means to them.

Entries that meet these requirements will be judged on three criteria: creativity, quality and originality.

#TheFWord short-form video contest will culminate in a special screening in New York City in April, and the winner will receive a travel budget to come to the screening and a $4,000 cash prize!

SheKnows Media is looking for original works that are compelling, thought-provoking videos representing a range of perspectives on feminism. Entries can take any tone or use any storytelling format, but all should use high-quality video and audio production. You should own the rights to any images, art or music that you use.

Judges

• Laura Benanti, Tony Award-winning actress, with roles in "Supergirl" and "Nashville"


• Connie Britton, Emmy-nominated actress, with stand-out roles on series such as "Nashville," "American Horror Story" and "Friday Night Lights"


• Kristen Joiner, President of The Representation Project


• Tonya Lewis Lee, producer, entrepreneur and writer


• Alexandra Posen, artist and Co-Founder of Zac Posen


• Franchesca Ramsey, writer, actress and video blogger best known for her Chescaleigh Comedy channel and host of "MTV Decoded"


• Michael Skolnik, civil rights activist and former President of Russell Simmons' GlobalGrind.com


• Jamia Wilson, Executive Director at Women, Action and the Media


• Teresa C. Younger, President and Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Foundation

Official Rules

Even if you're not ready to unleash your video greatness on the world (or this contest) we'll be running a series of Instagram challenges for those of you would prefer to express your thoughts via that platform.

The first challenge starts this week, and it's simply to share a picture of someone who is *your* feminist role model and tell us why, plus use the tag #TheFWord, in the caption. We'll be re-sharing our favorites from @BlogHer on Instagram.

The Timeline

We're thrilled to kick off our video contest, which will launch at 12 PM ET January 13, 2016 on SheKnows.com and close at 11:59 PM ET February 19, 2016. Finalists will be announced on March 21, 2016, then you'll have until March 28, 2016 to vote for your favorite. We'll be tallying up the votes and presenting the winners at a special screening in New York City on April 12, 2016.

Make sure to follow the hashtag #TheFWord to keep up with the excitement.

Rita Arens is the author of the young adult novel THE OBVIOUS GAME & the managing editor of BlogHer.com.

Shark Tank has parents up in arms with product dubbed dangerous

Nearly every week, there is at least one completely ridiculous product or service featured on Shark Tank. This time, the silly idea was Float Baby, which basically is a glorified bathtub in which babies sit in inflatable tubes. These tubes are actually placed around their necks; the goal of this is to give babies greater range of motion. Entrepreneur Kristi Ison believes that, just as adults are able to ease their stress when hanging out at the spa, the tiny visitors at Float Baby can also relax and enjoy all kinds of physical and mental benefits.

Image: ABC

More: Shark Tank gets morbid with inappropriate comments about cancer

As expected, the Sharks were doubtful about the idea of a spa designed for babies. They didn't think its potential for profitability was very good, especially as it costs parents well over $50 to hang out at the spa with their babies. The Sharks also worried about Ison's alleged lack of hustle.

More: 5 Most memorable quotes from Shark Tank guest Chris Sacca

The Sharks were not alone in their fears; viewers also expressed quite a bit of negativity upon learning of Ison's spa. Many were less concerned about the poor profit margin and more fearful of the potential dangers associated with Float Baby. Several viewers took to Twitter to voice their concerns; these fears included everything from neglect to strangulation. A few of the most negative tweets of the evening are highlighted below:

Float Baby collar

Float Baby collar

Float Baby

Float Baby

More: Shark Tank fans go wild for Robert Herjavec's dance moves

Float Baby may not be very practical, but it's also likely not as dangerous as viewers think. Yes, the image of babies with rings around their neck is concerning, but some of the fears viewers have expressed are unfounded. A pediatrician told Today that a baby spa involving inflatable rings can actually be quite safe, as long as babies wear swim diapers. However, this pediatrician also feels that parents and their babies can enjoy many of the benefits associated with Float Baby for free each evening during bathtime. For the average family, Float Baby just isn't necessary.

Image: ABC

Those who remain convinced of Float Baby's dangerous nature will be relieved to learn that the Sharks decided not to back the business. Kristi Ison is not likely to be deterred however; just as other rejected entrepreneurs have muddled on without the Sharks' help, Ison will surely continue on in her quest to rid the world's babies of all stress.

Do you think Krisi Ison's baby spa is dangerous? Or is it simply a ridiculous, but otherwise harmless concept? Comment and share your opinion below.

Joe Jonas -- Goes All 'SWF' On Zayn Malik (PHOTO)

Joe Jonas debuted a new bleach blond hairdo Wednesday night in L.A. that bares an uncomfortable resemblance to Zayn Malik's. Of course it's uncomfortable since Zayn happens to now be dating Joe's ex, Gigi Hadid. Sure, it could be coincidence. Could…

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Getaway essentials you must pack for spring break (INFOGRAPHIC)

Unfortunately, you can't set off into the sunset before taking on the daunting task of packing. Nothing like starting your vacation in a bundle of packing-induced nerves, right?

Lucky for you, we've got your back. Pack the basics, then check our list below make sure you're not missing anything essential. If you have all this, you're ready to roll.

INFOGRAPHIC

This post was sponsored by Nordstrom.

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8 Facts about your libido that will help you improve your sex life

The subject of women and their sex drive and libido is, shockingly, still off limits to some. So many of us feel disappointed with ourselves for not being able to orgasm on command (often, by our own command), yet we fail to try and understand our own bodies in a way that could lead not only to better and more powerful orgasms, but to stronger and healthier connections to ourselves and our partners. It's unrealistic and unfair of us to expect our partners to instinctively know what we need in bed if we aren't educating ourselves on our own bodies and the reality of how our sex drive works — and how it changes over the years.

Here are eight facts about the female sex drive that will help you get to know yourself and take control of your sex life.

1. Women naturally have lower sex drives than men — Some of us are more sexual than others, it's true, but as a whole, Elizabeth Davies, founder of Relationships Advice, says women have a lower sex drive than men, something that had evolutionary benefits back in the day. But that doesn't mean women can't take steps to increase their sex drives. "It's OK to use female Viagra," Davies says. "If you want to be more sexual and sensual, you have to experiment. The more you do, the more you'll want."

More: 11 Valentine's Day gifts you can give a new boyfriend

2. Parenting can kill a woman's sex drive — Women who focus too much on parenting often lose sight of their sexual nature, Davies says — a fact every woman who has spent all day knee-deep in baby poop and pureed foods knows all too well. Your sex life may take a back seat to parenting for a little while, which is totally fine and normal, but it's also important for you to take time out for yourself and to make time for you and your partner to go on regular dates, kiss, hug and connect without the kids.

3. You may not hit your 'sexual peak' at 40 — Lots of women who experience lulls in their sex life while raising kids in their 20s and 30s might find comfort in the thought that a crazy, wild sexy time is waiting for them when they hit their so-called sexual stride at age 40. But Davies says women don’t have one solid age for their sexual prime, and instead go through different stages and can peak at virtually any age. This is excellent news if you've celebrated the big 4-0 and are sitting around wondering why you haven't had the urge to hit up a BDSM club.

More: 8 Ways to orgasm without sex

4. Everything (including the kitchen sink) can affect your sex desire — Women are complex, interesting beings and our sex drives feel the influence of various changes in our life — both big and small — in ways men can't imagine. "Female sexual desire can vary more frequently than male," says Dr. Jordan Tishler, a graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Medical School, who also trained in Internal Medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. "It’s influenced by a broad range of physical and emotional states, from the time of the month (hormonal fluctuations) to stress in life to social pressure (too many magazine articles). Age and menopausal status can greatly affect sexual desire, as well. In older women, if innate sexual desire wanes, often a more conscious intimacy-seeking/sharing approach becomes important, where women re-focus on their emotional needs and the needs of their partners."

5. Men are more goal-oriented during sex — If you suspect your partner is rushing to get you off because he doesn't care about your needs, you may be misunderstanding how men are simply different. "Men are more goal oriented," Tishler says. "While this may have him diving for your clit too soon, he can be educated. This orientation also leads to 'what will she do to show she loves me — will she give me head?' Men are turned on by women who either like pushing the boundaries of the relationship in the bedroom, or are willing to go there to show devotion. Know your limits, and also don’t turn this into a game of 'will I or won’t I reward him.' Rather, use new sexual experiences to heighten your mutual bond and pleasure."

6. Women and men 'use' sex in different ways — Wondering why your partner is able to get turned on after a particularly stressful day while you just want a glass (or three) of wine? "Both female and male sexual drive are complicated, and most of the action goes on 'above the neck,'" Tishler says. "Most men look to sex to create intimacy, whereas most women look at sex as an expression of intimacy. For women often, the feelings of intimacy need to come first, sex second. Most women look at sex as something to be enjoyed when relaxed and in the mood, whereas men often look at sex as a de-stressor."

7. Women in their 30s and 40s have different sexual needs — If you're in your 30s or 40s, you may be wondering if a change in your sex drive is all in your imagination. You may not be menopausal yet, but that doesn't mean your sexual needs are consistent with those you experienced in your 20s — and that's OK. "Women in their late 30s or early 40s need to be in the right state of mind to engage in sexual intercourse," says Dr. Sonja Bethune, a licensed clinical psychologist in California, who is an expert in the field of sex therapy. "In a sense, they need to be coerced. Foreplay becomes essential at this stage in a woman’s life. A woman in her late 20s or early 30s may have no problem at all getting aroused, since this is typically when a woman’s sex drive increases based on her lifespan."

8. There is no one sexual position that works for all women — We're forever reading about sex positions that are supposed to increase the chances of an orgasm in women. But we're all very different and should rely more on our own discoveries about our bodies than what we read and hear about from others. "Men typically prefer the woman to be on top and women prefer to be on the bottom," Bethune says. "For instance, some women can only have an orgasm on their back in the most relaxed position. If they are attempting to do two things at once, such as being on top and doing all the work, the orgasm will not happen. Other women are different in which they can have a vaginal orgasm easier if they are controlling the motions on top of the man. Women may be built similarly, but they can function quite differently when it comes to sexual encounters."