Online Pretty News

Saturday, December 6, 2014

Could Taylor Swift and Karlie Kloss be more than besties?

Its no secret that blond bombshells Taylor Swift and Karlie Kloss are besties, but new photos show there might be more to it than that.

The leggy ladies were caught in a steamy embrace Thursday night in a VIP lounge during The 1975s rock concert at Terminal 5 in Hells Kitchen.

The look-alike gal pals, who also held hands walking the runway this week, appeared to have their lips locked and their arms draped around each other, with the model pulling Swifts face closer to hers.

The 24-year-old singers rep denied the kiss claims Friday.

Its sad that on the day its announced Taylor has three Grammy nominations for Shake It Off, I have to shake off this c**p, the rep said.

Earlier this week, the blue-eyed babes shared the stage in London filming the 2014 Victorias Secret Fashion Show, where they walked the catwalk hand-in-hand wearing matching black lingerie for Swifts performance of hits off her wildly popular 1989 album.

The duo met at a Victorias Secret show last year and have been inseparable ever since posting Instagram pics of their road trips, dancing in the front row of the American Music Awards and even sharing Swifts Tribeca pad when theyre both in town.

Source: http://pagesix.com/2014/12/05/could-taylor-swift-and-karlie-kloss-be-more-than-besties/

Rolling Stone just wrecked an incredible year of progress for rape victims

2014 was an incredible year for discussions about consent and rape. Street harassment, sexism, and rape on campus came to the forefront of our shared conversation through social media, protests, and all forms of journalism. And it worked. People who otherwise would never have talked about rape culture engaged in the conversation. I've never heard so many men use the word "consent." It doesn't matter that the discussions were polarizing, or that many continue to debate rape culture's existence. The discussion happened, and it's largely because women used the power of the internet to make it so.

Rolling Stone's "note" blames the victim, not the reporting

That's whytoday's admission by Rolling Stone that a spine-chilling account of a rape at the University of Virginia may not have been entirely factual is so upsetting. Instead of owning up to an incredible number of unforgivable reporting mistakes, a magazine that I once respected professionally decided to blame the victim. Worse, Rolling Stone did it by explaining that their reporters and editors skipped some crucial reporting steps to try to prevent victim-blaming from happening in the first place:

In the face of new information, there now appear to be discrepancies inJackie's account, and we have come to the conclusion thatour trust in her was misplaced.We were trying to be sensitive to the unfair shame and humiliation many women feel after a sexual assault and now regret the decision to not contact the alleged assaulters to get their account.

Rolling Stone's original story of Jackie's rape at the University of Virginia was terrifying. According to the article, she was gang raped at a frat party after her date took her up to a room full of fraternity members. But according to The Washington Post's investigation of Jackie's story, both the article's author Sabrina Rubin Erdely and Rolling Stone's fact-checkers failed to verify if a party had taken place on the day she said the rape happened. Moreover, Jackie said that her date was a member of the fraternity throwing the party a fact that The Washington Post says is false. (The Washington Post's own story originally contained a large error as well: it said that Jackie had never met the man in question. But that claim only came from the man himself, and it was later removed from the Post's article since it can't be verified.) Rolling Stone failed to check both these facts.

The Problem isn't Jackie it's Rolling Stone

Finally, as Vox's Sarah Kliffpoints out, Jackie told The Washington Post that Erdely and Rolling Stone decided to go ahead and print the story even though she wanted to be taken out. If that's true, Rolling Stone made a grave mistake, because "a story where the main source tried to back out and the other participants were never interviewed is not a solid story," Kliff writes.

It's possible that Jackie's story is fabricated. It's also possible that some parts of her story are true while others aren't. But it's also possible that she was raped by multiple men. And her misrepresentation of certain parts of her story may or may not be her fault. Victims of rape experience a kind of trauma that's hard to imagine for anyone who's never experienced it; sometimes their minds act protectively byblocking memories out. Finally, as Gabriel Dante pointed out to me on Twitter, Jackie may also have altered some facts to ensure that she wasn't identified by readers once the story was published. But none of that matters. The problem here is not Jackie it's Rolling Stone.

The credibility of rape victims will be put into question for years

From a journalistic standpoint, it would not have been a stretch to check if the party had actually taken place. It would not have been a stretch to check if the man Jackie said was egging her rapists on was a member of the fraternity. All of this could have taken place without actually talking to the perpetrators interviews that Erdely insists were intentionally left out of her reporting because Jackie asked her not to speak to her alleged rapists, and because her story looked solid.

If Erdely had checked these plot points early on, it's possible that doing so would have halted her reporting altogether. But because those basic reporting steps didn't take place, the credibility of rape victims will be put into question for years to come. And all the incredibly difficult discussions that have taken place over the past year discussions that gave me hope are now at risk.

victim-blaming is America's favorite pastime

Erdely spoke eloquently about her Rolling Stone piece on Brian Lehrer's radio show in late November. During the show, Erdely responded to a caller who claimed that rape reports are often unfounded she said "that's actually categorically not true," and she's right. On average, Erdely says, only8 to 10 percent of rape reports are false, which means that something like "92 percent of them are actually true." But because she published a sloppy story that is at least partially incorrect, Erdely and Rolling Stone will help perpetuate the dangerous and damaging myth that women lie about rape.

I'd like to think that Rolling Stone isn't powerful enough to walk back the strides we've made in talking about rape and consent this year. I'm hoping that the next few weeks will show that the American public knows who to blame in this fiasco. (Hint: it's Rolling Stone, by managing editor Will Dana's own admission). But the truth is that victim-blaming is America's favorite pastime. The families of Michael Brown, Tamir Rice, and Eric Garner know that all too well. And now, because Rolling Stone failed as a news organization and then made things worse with a terribly vague, accusatory, and hypocritical "note" of concern, Jackie and the thousands of women who suffer sexual assault each year will likely be put through h**l.

Source: http://www.theverge.com/2014/12/5/7342317/rolling-stone-retraction-rape-blame-consent

Native American actress Misty Upham died of blunt-force injuries

AUBURN, Wash. Misty Upham the August: Osage County actress who disappeared on October 6 was found dead at the bottom of a ravine ten days later.

Mystery surrounded Uphams death even though police ruled out foul play but the coroners report has now revealed she died of blunt-force injuries to the head and torso.

According to the New York Daily News, the Native American actress died from the traumatic injuries, though the exact manner of her demise remains undetermined, the Kings County Medical Examiner said late Wednesday.

Uphams family criticized Auburn police fornot taking her disappearance seriously. The police did not consider it unexplained, involuntary or suspicious that Upham simply disappeared from her sisters house.

Police also said they followed procedure in the case and believe the death was caused by a fall down the ravine.

But After seeing the body, Uphams father told The Hollywood Reporter,we did not feel that Misty committed suicide."

Upham who also appeared in Frozen River and Django Unchained suffered from bipolar disorder and depression.

Misty Anne Upham was born onJuly 6, 1982 inKalispell, Montana. She died in Auburn, Washington at the age of 32.

Source: http://www.standard.net/Movies-TV/2014/12/04/Misty-Upham

Friday, December 5, 2014

DeMarco Murray, Cowboys thump Bears to clinch winning season

Cowboys Run All Over Bears

CHICAGO -- Tony Romo has bigger goals for the Dallas Cowboys, so he wasn't about to get too excited over securing a winning season.

To him, that was just one step.

DeMarco Murray ran for a season-high 179 yards and a touchdown, Romo threw for three scores, and the Cowboys beat the Chicago Bears 41-28 on Thursday night.

The Cowboys (9-4) made it look easy for most of the night against a struggling team that lost star receiver Brandon Marshall to a rib injury. Dallas clinched its first winning season since 2009 and guaranteed it will finish above .500 after three straight 8-8 finishes. But the Cowboys are looking for more, with an NFC East title and first playoff appearance in five years in sight.

Cesar Millan: Dog Trainer Dead From Heart Attack? Fans Freak

Oh no, rumors claimingthat Cesar Millan, the world-famous dog trainer passed away after suffering from a heart attack spread on Dec. 3. Did Cesar really passed away or is he the latest celeb to fall victim to a death hoax?

Cesar Millan, allegedly passed away at the age of 45, after suffering from a heart attack according to a report that surfaced on Dec. 3, that went on to say that his wife,Jahira Darheld a press conference where she asked for, space for mourning. Is theDog Whisperer really dead? Fans react and are completely shocked and absolutely confused by the news.

Cesar Millan Dead The Dog Whisperer Star Passes Away From Heart Attack?

Dont worry, Cesar is just fine! Cesar assured his loyal fans that he is just fine by tweeting about the hoax.

Rumors of his passing started to spread after the headline,Cesar Millan died of a heart attack surfaced on Dec. 3, according to,The Inquisitr.

Cesar Millan Death Hoax: Dog Trainer Confirms I Am Alive In New Video

The original post about his death claimed that Cesar had passed away after suffering a heart attack that caused his vital organs to be compromised. Cesars wife also had reportedly held a press conference according to the original report in which she said,I hope you can understand my loss, and I would appreciate if you can give us our space for mourning.

Take Our Poll

Junior, Cesars loving dogconfirmed on Facebook that his master is still alive.Reports of my Pack Leaders untimely demise are greatly exaggerated. I can happily report he is safe, happy and healthy. I can also tell you he kept me up all night snoring, my breakfast was a little late but I did get a great morning walk. As Cesar keeps telling me: Exercise. Discipline. Affection. the key to a long, balanced, and healthy life!

Cesar Millan Dies Fans React On Twitter

HollywoodLifers, did YOU fall for the hoax? Let us know below!

Caitlin Beck

More Death Hoax News:

Axl Rose Dead? Fans Freak Out Over Death Rumors

Macaulay Culkin Posts Shocking Pic Mocking Death Hoax

Macaulay Culkins First Words Revealed After Death Hoax

Source: http://hollywoodlife.com/2014/12/04/cesar-millan-dead-dog-trainer-fans-react-death-hoax/

Jets' Richardson, Wilkerson react to Eric Garner decision

One day after calling ex-Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson a "pig" in an interview with the Daily News, Sheldon Richardson expounded upon his beliefs on events taking place in his hometown of St. Louis and expressed shock over a grand jury's decision not to indict Officer Daniel Pantaleo in the killing of Eric Garner.

"I was real surprised about that one," Richardson said Thursday. "That was pretty much, as they say, (open) and shut case. Guy's telling you he can't breathe. He wasn't doing anything. I saw the video. It was pretty bad."

Teammate Muhammad Wilkerson didn't address the media on Thursday but posted a photo on Instagram of the Daily News' front page, which shows a picture of Garner being choked, captioning it with the hashtag "#ICantBreathe."

Richardson, who grew up less than 10 minutes from Ferguson, has been outspoken on this subject, and on Thursday did not back off from his comments to the News the day before.

"A guy got murdered and a guy got off for it and it's just that simple," Richardson said, referring to Mike Brown's death. "And it just happened out here in New York too. It's not just in St. Louis. It's pretty bad everywhere now. So much for the justice system."

The defensive lineman is, clearly, not afraid to speak his mind publicly.

"Why would I be? It's just words," he said. "The actions are being done by the police officers who I feel like are doing wrong. You're supposed to protect and serve but you're out killing people."

Richardson lauded members of the St. Louis Rams who raised their arms during pre-game warmups to signify Hands-Up-Don't-Shoot but said he wouldn't be doing anything similar. Speaking on the matter is his contribution for now, Richardson said.

"I can't do nothing about it right now, but after the season (I plan on) getting back and doing something," he said. "I don't know exactly what I need to do right now but I'm going to do something when I get back home. Positive."

"Destroying Ferguson is not what I wanted to come from the verdict of the grand jury. I actually wanted my whole stay city to stay intact and I don't think we'll bounce back from that, the area of Ferguson anyway," he added. "That's just how I feel about it. I just want my hometown to stay as peaceful as possible, but I don't blame them, I know where they're coming from and I understand but that's not the solution."

Richardson said there's been plenty of discussion on the issues surrounding Ferguson and the Eric Garner case amongst teammates and said he has heard a few different view points, "And I understand them both, but I've still got mine."

"Some guys say he's OK, they're fine with Darren Wilson being off," he added. "I think otherwise."

Source: http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/jets-richardson-wilkerson-react-eric-garner-decision-article-1.2033900

Could a 'Mediterranean' Diet Extend Your Life?

Posted: Thursday, December 4, 2014, 7:00 AM

(HealthDay News) -- There are hints in a new study that eating the much-lauded Mediterranean diet may help boost longevity.

Researchers found that the regimen -- rich in whole grains, vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, fish and olive oil -- appears to be associated with longer telomere length, which are indicators of slower aging.

Telomeres are located on the ends of chromosomes -- much like the plastic tips on the end of shoelaces. According to geneticists, telomeres prevent chromosomes from fraying and scrambling the genetic codes they contain. These bits of genetic material naturally shorten with age, but they tend to shorten more slowly in healthy people.

Shorter telomeres have long been associated with a greater risk of age-related diseases and a shorter life span, experts say.

The new study was led by Immaculata De Vivo, an associate professor at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, in Boston. Her team looked at data from more than 4,600 participants in the ongoing Nurses' Health Study, which has been tracking the health of U.S. nurses since 1976.

The participants were given a score of 0 to 9 on how closely they followed a Mediterranean diet, with a higher score indicating greater adherence to the regimen.

After adjusting for other factors, the researchers concluded that telomeres aged more slowly for every point a person went up on the scale.

However, the intake of individual food items in the Mediterranean diet was not associated with telomere length, which shows the importance of overall eating patterns on health, De Vivo's team said.

"To our knowledge, this is the largest population-based study specifically addressing the association between Mediterranean diet adherence and telomere length in healthy, middle-aged women," the researchers wrote. "Our results further support the benefits of adherence to the Mediterranean diet for promoting health and longevity."

According to De Vivo's team, prior research has linked the Mediterranean diet with better heart health, as well as a lowered risk for chronic disease and death.

The study, published Dec. 2 in the BMJ, was not designed to prove that the Mediterranean diet slowed the shortening of telomeres; it could only show an association.

Still, one cardiologist said the findings make sense.

"Telomere length has been associated with aging -- with longer telomere length, there has been association with slower aging, and with a longer life expectancy," said Dr. Suzanne Steinbaum, director of Women and Heart Disease at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City.

She noted that unhealthy habits might have the opposite effect on telomeres, however.

"Shorter telomeres are associated with obesity, cigarette smoking and the consumption of sugar," Steinbaum noted. On the other hand, "the Mediterranean diet is filled with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory foods in the form of fruits, vegetables, legumes," she said, and "there is an association with longer telomeres."

More information

The American Heart Association has more about the Mediterranean diet.

-- Robert Preidt

SOURCES: Suzanne Steinbaum, M.D., director, Women and Heart Disease, Lenox Hill Hospital, New York City; BMJ, news release, Dec. 2, 2014

Source: http://www.philly.com/philly/health/fitness/HealthDay694213_20141202_Could_a__Mediterranean__Diet_Extend_Your_Life_.html