Pope Francis Wants Catholics to Stop Complaining About 'Small-Minded' Rules

vrijdag 20 september 2013

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by Maressa Brown 13 hours ago

Steering clear of discussion about religion and politics if you want to avoid confrontation is age-old, sage advice, but keeping the peace may have just gotten easier. That's because Pope Francis' most recent statement is one many of us can agree on ...

Six months into his papacy, Francis has laid out his vision for the church and his priorities in an interview with La Civilta Cattolica, the Italian Jesuit magazine. The lengthy, in-depth discussion was published today in Jesuit journals in 16 countries, including America magazine in the U.S., and the biggest takeaway by far is the Pope's warning that the Catholic Church's moral structure might "fall like a house of cards" if it doesn't dial down the stringent rules on abortion, homosexuality, and contraception. Whoa! And that's not all.

Pope Francis also emphasized what he believes is the need to make the church a more merciful, welcoming place for all. And he lamented his belief that "the church sometimes has locked itself up in small things, in small-minded rules." He also addressed homosexuality specifically by saying:

Tell me, when God looks at a gay person, does he endorse the existence of this person with love, or reject and condemn this person?' We must always consider the person. Here we enter into the mystery of the human being."

Wow! It's pretty groundbreaking that he's going there. Especially in light of the fact that some bishops in the U.S. have been voicing dismay that Francis hasn't been outspoken about abortion, contraception and homosexuality. But while Francis acknowledged he had been "reprimanded" for not speaking out on those subject, he asserted that he doesn't have to and "we cannot insist only on" these controversial issues.

Sounds good to me! While it's sure to have some tongues wagging and tsk-ing, the messages Francis is sending sound reflective of more inclusion and compassion. Hopefully it's indicative of him looking to take the church a big humanitarian step forward.

What do you think about the Pope's controversial statement?

Image via Casa Rosada/Wikimedia

Click "Like" for more on issues that are important to moms. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Maressa Brown

has enjoyed reporting and writing for a variety of entertainment and women's magazines and websites. More often than not, you'll find her blogging, hitting the gym, reading, researching something on her iPhone, laughing, chatting at an above-"normal" volume, or getting her caffeine fix.

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School Wants Parents to Sign Permission Slips Allowing Teachers to Hit Kids

dinsdag 17 september 2013

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by Kiri Blakeley 1 hour ago

When you send your child off to school, you're generally not even imagining that a teacher could smack your kid. Or are you? Apparently, this still goes on to the extent that at least one school system sent home an "opt-out" form to parents, to let them choose whether or not their kids could be subjected to corporal punishment. A mother was so appalled that she sent the letter to a media outlet. According to the school system:

Parents or legal guardians who do not want corporal punishment to be administered to their child/children must inform the principal of the school on an annual basis.

I'll be honest. I had no idea this stuff was still happening and that it's so widespread. But apparently, it is.

K.J. Dell'Antonia writes in The New York Times that corporal punishment is still allowed in 19 states. And not even just allowed. Some parents actually want this for their kids.

The school that sent home the corporal punishment permission slip says that "many parents still wish for this to be done, hence the permission form."

Wow. Just. Wow.

The states that allow this form of punishment in schools are mostly in the South: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Wyoming. Although some counties within those states forbid it.

But the weirdest thing? Even if you sign a form saying you are opting OUT of allowing your kid to get spanked in class, it still could happen. An education reporter said that there's not much you can do against a school or teacher that spanks your kid even if you didn't check the box allowing it.

There is scant evidence that corporal punishment teaches your child to behave any better than other methods. But for me, the thing that makes this so egregious is that it would happen in front of other children in class. Spankings don't come with a lot of physical force -- and if they DID, would you want some stranger possibly injuring your child? Spankings are mostly about humiliation. And there's so many more ways to humiliate a kid than using physical force.

I'll always remember back-talking a teacher when I was about 12. His voice boomeranged off the walls as he yelled at me to get out of class and stand in the hallway. As I stood there, quite embarrassed and scared, classes began to let out, and every single kid who passed me in the hallway smirked and laughed at me. It happened decades ago and yet I remember it like yesterday. Absolutely NO physical punishment required! I didn't do much back-talking after that.

Do you believe teachers should be able to physically punish your children? Should it be allowed in schools at all?

Image via Zbowling/Flickr

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Prince William Wants to Make the World a Better Place for Prince George's Sake

woensdag 11 september 2013

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by Mary Fischer 1 hour ago

As cliché as it sounds, everything in life really does change once you become a parent -- even if you're royalty. And that's why it shouldn't come as a surprise that in the upcoming CNN special, Prince William's Passion: New Hope, New Father -- the Duke of Cambridge admits he wants to "safeguard the future" for Prince George, and plans on continuing his charity work in Africa in the hopes of doing so.

He was always committed to the conservation work he's done over there, but having a baby really made him realize just how important it is and how much he believes in it.

And I think every mom and dad out there will nod their head in agreement. Each and every single one of us worries about our children's futures and wonder what kind of world they will grow up in.

And as Prince William will find out soon enough, the concern over Prince George's well being and safety as he gets older and ventures out into the world will only continue to grow.

Remember how nervous you were the first time you left your baby with a sitter (other than a family member?). For many parents, that's the first time their child is really out of their control, which can be a very unsettling and scary feeling. And as kids get older and go off to school, extracurricular activities, and college and beyond -- we still worry about them. It's only natural that Prince William is thinking about Prince George's future even though he's only a few weeks old.

It's actually pretty touching that his new son is inspiring him to keep trying help those in other parts of the world. It makes sense that he would want to use his position of power to ensure that when Prince George is an adult and has his own children, he'll be living in a world that's better off (hopefully) than the one he was born into.

Geez. Kate Middleton sure is one lucky lady. Not only did she marry a prince -- it turns out he truly is Prince Charming in every sense of the word. There's really no greater quality a husband can have than being an amazing father to his children, and it's obvious that Prince William has already demonstrated that in the short time he's been a dad. (And you know he'll only get even better from here.)

Do you worry about your baby's future as much as the present day?

Image via Chris Jackson/Getty

Click "Like" for more on the Royal Family. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Mary Fischer

is the writer behind The Mommyologist, and the mom of a future famous comedian. Her current loves include Pinot Grigio on ice and Harry Styles -- in that order.

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Sexy Star Chooses Ian Somerhalder as Christian Grey and Wants a Shot at Ana!

woensdag 28 augustus 2013

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by Maressa Brown 1 hour ago

Ever since the world learned Fifty Shades of Grey would become a movie, it seems like all of Hollywood -- from the most feted A-listers down to the lowliest D-listers and below -- have commented on whether or not they'd be interested in being cast. And despite being a bit beyond playing a 21-year-old at this point, Jennifer Love Hewitt recently threw her hat in the ring. 

Likely asked how she'd feel about vying for the lead role, the Client List actress gushed, "Oh my god, I would love to play Anastasia. It would be awkward now ... [but] I won't be pregnant forever. This would be a dream role. I'd love to do it. The books are so naughty. I love them!" Ha! But come on ... let's be real here. JLove's not a realistic contender ... However, the man she wants to play Christian may still be!

Jennifer told EnStarz, "I heard they were throwing around Ian Somerhalder. He would be a great Christian!"

Oh wow, she's a woman after MANY Fifty Shades fans' own hearts, huh? She seems to be thinking exactly the same way as a whole legion of Ian backers! Not that Fifty Shades producers are necessarily taking casting tips from JLove, but that's still a ringing endorsement for Ian from a veteran in the biz! 

At this point, his actual chances at nabbing the coveted gig seem slim ... But with so many people -- showbiz insiders and devoted fans -- on Team Ian, I wouldn't be surprised if he lands another role (like Gideon Cross in Sylvia Day's Crossfire TV series?!) that makes many women very, very pleased.

Thoughts on JLove's comments? You can't see her as Ana, right? But do you love her for naming Ian?!

Image via vagueonthehow/Wikimedia

Click the "Like" button below if you're a fan of Fifty Shades of Grey! ABOUT THE AUTHOR Maressa Brown

has enjoyed reporting and writing for a variety of entertainment and women's magazines and websites. More often than not, you'll find her blogging, hitting the gym, reading, researching something on her iPhone, laughing, chatting at an above-"normal" volume, or getting her caffeine fix.

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Halle Berry Wants to Protect Her Kids From the Hazards of Her Profession (VIDEO)

vrijdag 16 augustus 2013

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by Julie Ryan Evans 13 hours ago

Halle Berry and Jennifer Garner got political this week when they went before a California State Assembly committee to argue in favor of an anti-paparazzi bill that would redefine harassment under the state's law. Their moving testimony included accounts of their children being harassed and called names by the paparazzi -- stuff no parent would want for their children.

According to the Los Angeles Times, under the bill, harassment would be changed to include "any conduct that alarms, annoys torments or terrorizes a child while photographing or recording that child without express parental consent." It's a great bill, and I'm glad to see that it passed the first hurdle and will now be sent on to the Appropriations Committee. But there was something about Garner's heartfelt plea that got me thinking.

She said:

I chose a public life … [but] my three children are private citizens. I love my kids. They’re beautiful and sweet and innocent, and I don’t want a gang of shouting, arguing, lawbreaking photographers who camp out everywhere we are all day every day to continue traumatizing my kids.

Understandable. But she chose that life. We all choose our jobs and professions, and many of them have consequences for our children. As a writer, if I post anything about my children, I have to be prepared to have them be the subject of vicious attacks. Doctors on call have to risk disappointing their kid when they get paged during a tied ballgame, and their son is up to bat. The children of lawyers must endure jokes about their parents' dirty profession. Preachers' children must endure the judging eyes of entire churches. No, it's not the same as being stalked by paparazzi, but the point is that our jobs do have consequences for our children, and we usually can't legislate them away. We have to decide if our career is worth what it means for our children.

More from The Stir: Kate Gosselin Admits Making 'Many Mistakes' -- So Can We Please Give Her a Break Already?

No one should treat a child in the manner in which they're describing, and the paparazzi clearly oversteps its boundaries repeatedly, which is especially vile when it comes to children. So if this law helps stop that, great. However, we can't forget that Berry and Garner chose to make their careers and fortunes based on fame and paparazzi wanting to stalk their every move. With fame comes a price tag that unfortunately their children may have to pay, and if it's too high of a price tag then they always have the option to choose another career.

What do you think of this bill?

Image via ABC

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Julie Ryan Evans

can be found writing from coffee houses wherever she may be. The quality of her days is largely influenced by the seat she nabs and whether a protein plate is available.

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No One Wants to See Your Selfies -- Especially Not Your Friends

woensdag 14 augustus 2013

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by Kiri Blakeley 2 hours ago

Self-portraits in one form or another have existed since humans began recording their existences -- but there's just something a little different about Van Gogh's self-portrait and, say, your drunken duck face selfie. See, one is art. One is annoying. Guess which one is which. In case you're on the fence, a new study makes it clear which thing no one wants to see: It's you. No, really, it is.

Researchers in the U.K. have discovered the inconceivable: Those persistent selfies in your Facebook feed are actually alienating your friends. But you don't really post them for your friends, do you? No, of course not.

At any rate, selfies are the most unwelcome images in people's social media feeds, says the crackerjack researchers. Why? Says lead researcher Dr. David Houghton:

People, other than very close friends and relatives, don't seem to relate well to those who constantly share photos of themselves.

Trust me, good doctor, very close friends and relatives don't want them either.

We can probably blame the iPhone for the rise of the selfie. That made it easy to see your selfie (remember when you had to hold the camera at arm's length and hope it came out okay?) and upload it almost instantly.

Rihanna, Justin Bieber, and Amanda Bynes are three celebs who just can't help the selfie habit. But most celebrities do it. Selfies without makeup. Selfies in bed. Selfies in bed with other people. Selfies asleep. Selfies eating. Pregnant selfie. And the all-important, all-encompassing selfie in the bathroom mirror.

If not for the selfie, would the Kardashians exist? I'm not so sure.

When that kind of self-absorbed behavior filters down to your regular pals, and then filters into your social media feed, it's just annoying. It screams of insecurity. Plus, those who are obsessed with the selfie also tend to be obsessed with checking people's reactions to their selfie. It's like a mirror that turns in on itself a million times.

All of this makes The Kinks prescient geniuses. Their old song, "People Take Pictures of Each Other," has the lyrics:

People take pictures of the summer,
Just in case someone thought they had missed it,
And to proved that it really existed.

People take pictures of each other,
Just to prove that they really existed.

Yes, you exist. But people who have to see your selfies wish you'd just forget about that for awhile.

Do selfies annoy you?

Image via BadGirlRiRi/Instagram

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Lea Michele Wants Cory Monteith 'Glee' Tribute to Tell the Truth About Drug Addiction

donderdag 8 augustus 2013

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by Emily Abbate 3 hours ago

Every day, there are new details coming out about how the Glee crew is going to handle the tragedy that is Cory Monteith's July 13 death on the FOX show. So far, what we know about the Cory Monteith tribute episode, set for October 10, is minimal. We've heard that the actors will be sitting down as themselves, addressing their best memories about their lost friend. We've also heard from creator Ryan Murphy that Cory's character Finn will die on the show as well. Now, a source is telling Us Weekly what Lea Michele wants for the tribute episode.

"Lea wants it to reflect the truth, to warn people of what can happen," a source tells Us Weekly.

That's ... brave. Hard drug use isn't a light topic to cover on a TV show with such a young demographic like Glee. Just like with the school shooting episode, something tells me that the October episode dealing with the drug-related death of Finn is going to be a heavy-hitter. 

With that said, though, I think it's the right choice. I think that sometimes, it's easier to have some of life's most difficult conversations when prompted by the things we see on television. Do parents want their kids and teenagers doing drugs? Of course not, never. But seeing some of their favorite TV characters handling the difficult passing of someone because of hard drugs, it starts the dialogue.

Lea wants to warn audiences about the dangers of hard drug use, and that's exactly what she'll be doing. Cory's death was a chilling reminder that anyone, no matter their background, can fall victim to the horrible effects of addiction. Something tells me that the upcoming ep will have both Glee fans and the media talking for weeks to come.

What would you like to see in the October 10 episode?

Image via Splash News

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7 Controversial Facebook Pics No One Wants to See (PHOTOS)

woensdag 24 juli 2013

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by Sasha Brown-Worsham 3 hours ago

Ah, Facebook. The place where our "friends" come to judge us and hate on our photos and laugh at us behind our backs. I have such a love/hate relationship with the social networking site. On the one hand, it can bring connections that change our lives. On the other, it can cause anger, confusion, and eye rolling so intense, we practically strain our eyes.

Certain photos, in particular, seem to bring out the Facebook rage. These range from innocent baby photos to obnoxious bikini ones and everything in between. It does seem that certain photos are just almost universally panned by many in our viewing "audience." This does not mean stop posting them. It just means be aware that when you do, you are likely annoying someone.

Here are the seven most annoying Facebook photos that make some people hit "hide" and still others hit "unfriend." See below:

What photos annoy you on Facebook?

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can't decide whether she is a mother, writer, or runner, but is usually all three at some point each day. She has written for dozens of print magazines, newspapers, and websites. She rarely ever writes on bathroom walls.

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Brody Jenner Wants Dad Bruce to Divorce Stepmom Kris Jenner

dinsdag 23 juli 2013

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by Kiri Blakeley 1 hour ago

Brody Jenner joined the Kardashian clan this year on the hit TV show, after years of wisely keeping his distance -- and cementing his own fame on The Hills. But he joined the cast ostensibly to finally get to see more of his dad, Bruce Jenner, who he probably wasn't going to see otherwise. But he may already regret it, as he's run straight up against the cyclopean force known as Kris Jenner, his stepmom. As the show has revealed, the two aren't exactly close, and Brody blames Kris for his distant relationship with his dad. In fact, he supposedly would prefer they get a divorce.

A source tells RadarOnline about Brody:

[He] wishes his dad would just divorce Kris. Bruce and Kris are leading separate lives and don’t even share a bedroom together anymore. He has been spending a lot of time at his Malibu rental without Kris. Brody wants to be closer to his dad, but it’s very hard with Kris in the picture, because she always has to make everything about her.

Woah. While Brody might be right that Bruce and Kris should divorce, he better just stay away from that one. Ain't nobody on this Earth gonna win a fight with Kris Jenner. Except maybe TV critics, who are panning her new talk show.

Brody apparently blames Kris's interference for the fact that he grew up not ever seeing his dad. The source says:

Kris wouldn’t let Bruce spend time with Brody and Brandon when they were young because it would be time kept away from her, and when Kris became pregnant with Kendall and Kylie, the boys hardly ever saw their father. Kris is very persistent and used to getting what she wants, and Brody and Brandon suffered because of it.

While it's tempting to blame the new wife (Brody's mom is Jenner's ex, Linda Thompson) for a father shirking his parental responsibilities, the fact is that Bruce is an adult who could have stood up for himself. This man was an Olympic champion -- surely he could get past Kris to see his sons if he truly wanted to.

It's interesting to see how supermom Kris wasn't much of a stepmom to Brody and Brandon. Considering how she has micromanaged her six children into superstardom, you would have thought she could have spared a few moments to bond with Bruce's other kids, especially considering how Bruce took on Kris's four kids from her first marriage as if they were his own.

But I can't say I'm surprised by anything Kris does. I'm rooting for Brody to reconnect with Bruce and for Bruce to see the light, but I won't hold my breath waiting for it.

Do you think Bruce and Kris will divorce?

Image via Bravo

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City Wants People to Pay to Exercise in Public Parks -- Seriously?!

donderdag 18 juli 2013

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by Emily Abbate 11 hours ago

When I go to the park and see people working out here in New York City, it makes me feel good. It makes me happy to know I live in a place where at least some of the population cares about their physical fitness. Which is why it is absolutely absurd to me that Denver is contemplating charging people to exercise in parks. Yes. As in, making them pay. As in, they're discusing whether or not workout groups, like yoga clubs, joggers, and boot camps, should have to pay extra fees to conduct classes in public parks.

I am ... dumbfounded. I get it. These "businesses" are using the park as a place to provide their services and "goods." Without a permit, they're sorta kinda "breaking the law." But GIVE ME A BREAK, DENVER. Are they really that desperate for money over there?

I just can't get over the idea that Denver is essentially contemplating whether or not they should penalize people for working out. Plain and simple: No one needs discouragement to get healthy. Instead, we should all applaud those exercising, getting out, and getting their rear into gear. At least, that's where I'm at.

Plus -- aren't there bigger issues at hand, here? What about crime over there? Or bullying? Or for Pete's sake, if the city is killing itself over money then go on and impose some sort of drive thru-tax or something. Cigarettes! Anything! Healthy people make your city a more attractive place to live. I'm sure as hell that people who are spending their time being active should be the least of your worries, Denver.

Force the workout buffs out of the park, and I'll be interested to see what happens next.

Do you think this is ridiculous?

Image via lululemon athletica/ Flickr

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