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Proof That Animals Are More Human Than We Know


A Story For R. Kelly's Defenders

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Little black girls are taught when and how to be silent before anyone ever tells us we have the right to say no.

Ashley Ford on her 7th birthday.

One week before my 7th birthday, I stayed up all night with the grown-ups. It was New Year's Eve in Fort Wayne, Ind., and our apartment was full of aunts, uncles, cousins, and family friends. The kitchen was where conversation came to a boil, bubbling over the top until someone had the good sense to manage the heat. I listened from various corners of the room. Each face was familiar, but the atmosphere was different. Parents were different when their children slept, and I was great at making myself invisible enough to watch the transition.

My mother's smile was so wide, the laughter fell from her mouth in a slant. I loved watching her like this. She looked warm and so happy. At 6, I knew my mother's life wasn't exactly easy. Our apartment was small, and her voice was big — so I knew that she was alone. When it came to family, all we had was each other. She deserved more. That New Year's Eve she looked like a woman who had more.

The easiest way for a child to lose their seat at the adult table is to speak. If no one hears your voice for long enough, they forget you're there. They let things slip. They say things they wouldn't normally say in front of a child. Even the adults who remember you're present will simply point a finger in your direction and make direct eye contact.

"You better not repeat any of this, you hear?"

I had no interest in repeating anything I heard. I was much more interested in bearing witness to all this freedom. Grown-ups seemed lighter at night, like their feet might hover an inch or two off the ground as soon as the sun went down. The later it got, the higher they flew. It didn't make me want to grow up faster; I was content to wait my turn. Even then, my childhood seemed precious and like something to cling to. I just wanted to watch and be awed.

My father was in prison and had been for as long as I could remember, but there were men around my family. My mother and her sisters were all either married or dating. At this party, there was one male family friend who wasn't around often, but I knew him. He was always smiling and slipping us dollars to spend on candy at the gas station. He was just as old as our uncles, but he actually spoke to us. As good as I was at being invisible, there was nothing I liked more than being spoken to like an adult. When he noticed me sitting quietly on the couch way past my bedtime, he caught my eye and winked. I smiled and waved back, happy to be noticed without being dismissed.

Right before midnight, the grown-ups got rowdy. Their eyes were wild, I was still invisible, but now they seemed to stop seeing each other. Someone turned on the TV so they wouldn't miss the countdown. Someone else almost knocked it over. I went into our dark living room to sit by myself for a while. I leaned against the patio door, trying to leave handprints on the cold glass.

"What you doing in here by yourself?" He was so nice, his voice didn't even startle me. I didn't answer, but started making more handprints all over the glass. I looked back at him and raised my eyebrows.

"See?"

He walked over, knelt beside me, and started making handprints too. At some point it occurred to me that my mother might not appreciate handprints all over her patio door, but if a grown-up was doing it with me, I figured it couldn't be all bad.

Noise from the kitchen swelled.

"Ashley, it's almost midnight. It's going to be a whole new year. What do you think about that?" I considered his question. I wasn't sure what happened at midnight on New Year's Eve. I hadn't stayed awake to see what would happen, I'd stayed awake to watch was already happening. I turned to him.

"I think it's good."

"It is good. Do you know what happens at midnight?"

I shook my head.

"At midnight, you kiss someone you love. Do you love me?" He was nice and he was like family. To me, that was enough to love.

I nodded.

He got close to my face and I pushed out my lips. Then the back of my head hit the patio door. I could feel the cold on my scalp while he used the force of his tongue to drive my lips apart and invade my mouth. His shaking hands were on either side of my head, and while my eyes were wide open, his were screwed shut. I thought I'd seen a kiss like this in a movie once, but it had looked nice. This was not nice. He was not nice.

Someone called his name from the kitchen and he scrambled away from me. I was glad. After a moment, I peeled myself away from the glass and walked past the kitchen. The grown-ups were all back on their feet, there was no floating. I found the only face I still cared to see glowing.

"Mama!" I rushed over to her. My mother looked down at me confused.

"Why are you still up? See you think you grown. Go to bed. Now."

Arguing was pointless. I should be in bed. I'd made myself visible, and that was the wrong thing to do. I headed up the stairs to my brother's room. I was older, but that was where I slept when I was scared. And I was scared.

I looked over to the kitchen one more time, ready to run back and plead with my mother to listen to me. Tomorrow would be too late. Tomorrow I would be asked why I didn't say something right away. Tomorrow I would be in worse trouble. I had to tell her what I did before she found out on her own.

Then he stepped into my line of vision.

"Happy New Year, Ashley." He winked. I did not wave.

I climbed the stairs and decided to forget about tomorrow, about telling her. Even if I was afraid, he was like family. And all we had was each other.

Kelly at his trial in 2008.

Scott Olson / Getty Images


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South Korean Theme Park Dress Up Penguins In Novelty Outfits For Christmas

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March of the Penguins. Literally.

Not kidding, Christmas outfits.

Not kidding, Christmas outfits.

This is a traditional event at Everland, South Korea's largest amusement park.

Chung Sung-Jun / Getty Images

Here it looks as if they are marching out to war.

Here it looks as if they are marching out to war.

Chung Sung-Jun / Getty Images

M-A-R-C-H-I-N-G.

M-A-R-C-H-I-N-G.

Chung Sung-Jun / Getty Images

There was also a consistent Santa theme going on.

There was also a consistent Santa theme going on.

Chung Sung-Jun / Getty Images


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33 Rocking Pictures To Celebrate Keith Richards' 70th Birthday

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Images to remember the Rolling Stones legend over the years.

Fresh-Faced Keith.

Fresh-Faced Keith.

A 21-year-old Keith Richards is seen relaxing in 1964 with five decades of stardom laid out before him.

Rex

Rolling Stones Keith.

Rolling Stones Keith.

Keith seen with The Rolling Stones in their 60s glory, from left: Mick Jagger, Charlie Watts, Bill Wyman, Keith Richards, Brian Jones.

Keystone / Getty Images

dzuboks, Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro), May 1966.

dzuboks , Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro), May 1966.

Via whosdatedwho.com

Hit Parader, United States, April 1975.

Hit Parader , United States, April 1975.

Via whosdatedwho.com


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9 Beautiful Handmade Christmas Cards Sent By WW1 Soliders

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Courtesy of upcoming exhibition at York Castle Musuem 1914:When the World Changed Forever .

Embroidered cards, known as WW1 silks were sold to soldiers as souvenirs during WW1. The cards were sewn by women in France and Belgium, and then sent home by soldiers serving overseas. The cards are being catalogued by the museum in preparation for the major exhibition 1914:When the World Changed Forever, which opens on June 28 next year.

York Castle Museum

York Castle Museum

York Castle Museum


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"The Fault In Our Stars" Poster Will Make You Feel Feelings

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Exclusive! Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort cozy up on the grass in this first look at the highly anticipated adaptation of John Green’s bestselling novel, about two kids with cancer who fall in love. UPDATED with fans feeling their feelings.

20th Century Fox


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"Elf" Recreated By Pugs Is So Amazing You Wonder Why It Hasn't Been Done Already

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PUG SANTA. I know him.

Elf. RECREATED BY PUGS! Why the hell not?!

Elf . RECREATED BY PUGS! Why the hell not?!

This is Buddy. He will be the star of this film.

youtube.com

The film starts with Pug Buddy in the orphanage.

The film starts with Pug Buddy in the orphanage.

BABY PUG BABY PUG BABY PUG BABY PUG BABY PUG BABY PUG.

youtube.com

But after sneaking into to Santa's sack, he ends up being raised as an Elf in the North Pole.

But after sneaking into to Santa's sack, he ends up being raised as an Elf in the North Pole.

...but he's pretty terrible at the Christmas toy lark guys, remember?

youtube.com

Uh oh - Santa's sleigh is running out of power because there isn't enough Christmas spirit.

Uh oh - Santa's sleigh is running out of power because there isn't enough Christmas spirit.

Just why aren't people believing in Santa anymore?

youtube.com


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The 33 Most Squee-Worthy Cosplays Of 2013


Alexander Skarsgård And Prince Harry In One Photo Will Literally Hurt Your Brain

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TOO MUCH PERFECTION.

JUST A PICTURE OF AN ACTUAL PRINCE, HARRY, AND AN ACTUAL GOD, ALEXANDER SKARSGARD, STANDING TWO FEET FROM EACH OTHER.

JUST A PICTURE OF AN ACTUAL PRINCE, HARRY, AND AN ACTUAL GOD, ALEXANDER SKARSGARD, STANDING TWO FEET FROM EACH OTHER.

Andrea Dixon / Via antarcticsun.usap.gov

And Harry has a beautiful ginger beard and is staring out into the distance.

And Harry has a beautiful ginger beard and is staring out into the distance.

And Alexander is standing there with his face in this position:

And Alexander is standing there with his face in this position:

And Harry's arms are crossed like this:

And Harry's arms are crossed like this:


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27 Dogs Who Woke Up Like This

White House Plays Down LGBT Rights Message Of Sochi Delegation Picks

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White House spokesman wouldn’t say the out LGBT delegates are sending a message on Russia’s anti-LGBT laws — just that the delegation represents “the remarkable diversity of the United States.”

Jonathan Ernst / Reuters

WASHINGTON — White House Press Secretary Jay Carney on Wednesday downplayed the intended effect of sending one of the first out LGBT athletes in the U.S. to Russia, which implemented anti-LGBT laws over the past year, as part of the presidential delegation to the Winter Olympics.

Asked in the press briefing Wednesday afternoon whether the presidential delegation — which includes tennis star Billie Jean King, as well as hockey player Caitlin Cahow, both of whom are out and have commented on Russia's anti-LGBT laws in the past — is intended to send a message on gay rights, Carney demurred repeatedly.

"I would simply say that that's not a message we would wait to send through this manner," Carney said, at the same time noting that the delegation shows "the remarkable diversity of the United States" and adding that Obama finds the anti-LGBT Russian laws "offensive."

First, NBC's Chuck Todd asked about the delegation, initially prompting Carney to repeat the statement previously provided to BuzzFeed by spokesman Shin Inouye. Then, Todd asked specifically whether the move was aimed at sending a message on gay rights:

QUESTION: Is there a message that you're trying to send on gay rights, in particular?

CARNEY: I think that this delegation represents the diversity that is the United States. Every member of that delegation is extremely accomplished, either in government service or in civic activism, or, most especially, in sports.

So he's very proud of the delegation and the diversity it represents, and he looks forward, as every American does, to the competition and to the effort that American athletes will demonstrate when they compete in Sochi.

QUESTION: I understand that. But would you wave off the interpretation that clearly the United States and -- and the Obama administration wants to send a message about Russia's questionable treatment of gay...

(CROSSTALK)

CARNEY: I don't think we need to -- I would simply say that that's not a message we would wait to send through this manner. We have been very clear -- the president has been very clear that he finds it offensive, the anti-LGBT legislation in Russia, for example. And we take very clear and strong stands on that issue, as well as the curtailment of civil society in Russia, as well as the harassment caused to those who protest corruption in Russia. And these -- you know, the issues we have with Russia, that we are very upfront about, and that includes...

QUESTION: But you want -- you want this delegation to bring some attention to these issues.

CARNEY: Look, I think that this delegation brings attention to the remarkable diversity of the United States, as well as the success that the United States has had in sports, both at the Olympics and beyond. It is also a demonstration of high-level success in civic activism, as well as in government service. And the president's proud to have this delegation both to the opening and to the closing ceremonies represent our nation and our government at -- at a games that will obviously, as they always do, have the attention of the world.

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Later, ABC News's Jonathan Karl followed up:

QUESTION: Just quickly following up on the Olympics. I mean, you're not suggesting that there was not a message sent here with the...

(CROSSTALK)

CARNEY: Well, I'm suggesting that in the selection of this delegation, we are sending the message that the United States is a diverse place. And this delegation represents that diversity, not because of the issues that -- on which we disagree with Russia alone, but because of the remarkable accomplishments of every individual in that delegation.

QUESTION: I mean, the highest-ranking government official in this delegation is a deputy chief of staff.

CARNEY: Well, there is a former cabinet secretary, the homeland security cabinet secretary who is also now in a very big job as head of I think the largest...

(CROSSTALK)

QUESTION: ... vice president, the first lady. I mean, you had to be thinking about -- were you thinking of the so-called gay propaganda law when you were -- when the White House was putting together this delegation? CARNEY: Look, I think that we, as I said earlier, have made no bones about the fact that we strongly oppose and are offended by the anti-LGBT legislation in Russia. We've made very clear, have not pulled any punches in talking about the fact that we expect Russia to conduct Olympic Games in Sochi that demonstrate full respect and regard for the participants in those games, from all over the world and from all walks of life.

CARNEY: And I think that the purpose of any delegation to the games is to showcase the strengths of the country sending the delegation, and that's what this delegation does.

QUESTION: Would the president encourage members of this delegation to publicly express their disapproval of Russia's anti-gay policy at the opening ceremonies?

CARNEY: The president has publicly expressed his disapproval of those policies. I don't expect that this delegation will comport itself any differently than previous delegations have or that delegations are expected to comport themselves.

The selection reflects the diversity of this country, the strength of this country, the brilliance and success of our athletes as well as the nature of our civic activism and government service. So the president's very proud to have the two delegations, both the one to the opening ceremonies and the one to the closing ceremonies to represent the United States government in Sochi.


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Here's Tom Hiddleston As The Bloody, Vengeful Hero Of Your Dreams

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More promos from Coriolanus have appeared and they are DELICIOUS.

Take a deep breath with me.

Take a deep breath with me.

Johan Persson / Donmar Warehouse

BECAUSE OMFG

BECAUSE OMFG

Johan Persson / Donmar Warehouse

TOM HIDDLESTON

TOM HIDDLESTON

Johan Persson / Donmar Warehouse

ACTUAL DISNEY PRINCE (and Roman leader of the people)

ACTUAL DISNEY PRINCE (and Roman leader of the people)

Johan Persson / Donmar Warehouse


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If "Game Of Thrones" Characters Were On "The Jeremy Kyle Show"

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They don’t have daytime TV in Westeros. But if they did it would probably look a lot like this.

HBO

HBO

HBO

HBO


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32 People Who Absolutely Nailed It In 2013

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There go our heroes. Watch them as they go.

The guy who didn't realize he was posing in front of one-way glass:

The guy who didn't realize he was posing in front of one-way glass:

Via reddit.com

The cake decorator who swore you asked for a cat drawn on her head:

The cake decorator who swore you asked for a cat drawn on her head:

Via reddit.com

This 65-year-old dad who just learned about selfies:

This 65-year-old dad who just learned about selfies:

Via reddit.com

The guy who was asked to photoshop a missing team member into their group shot:

The guy who was asked to photoshop a missing team member into their group shot:

Via reddit.com


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Listen To Jennifer Lawrence Tell A Story About Butt Plugs


What The Hell Is In Eggnog, Anyway?

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We tried to create eggnog from scratch. It went…OK.

Eggnog is the candy corn of the holiday season. You either love it or you hate it — and chances are you have NO CLUE what it's made with. We can safely assume that there's most likely some sort of eggs in eggnog, right? But what about the second half of the word? What about the nog? WHAT IS NOG?!

We decided to gather a group of folks who both love, hate, and have never had eggnog and have them try to create eggnog from scratch — with NO knowledge of the ingredients or recipe.

We picked five people and gave them one rule: You can only use six ingredients in the challenge.

We picked five people and gave them one rule: You can only use six ingredients in the challenge.

We set up an assortment of ingredients — some real, some fake — for the contestants to pick from.

We set up an assortment of ingredients — some real, some fake — for the contestants to pick from.


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Meryl Streep And Julia Roberts Are Besties On The "August: Osage County" Red Carpet

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We are very much looking forward to the rest of their press tour.

Jeffrey Mayer / Getty Images

Jeffrey Mayer / Getty Images

Jeffrey Mayer / Getty Images

Jeffrey Mayer / Getty Images


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The 23 Most Breathtaking Science Photos Of 2013

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Fall in love with science all over again.

Snapshots of an expanding flame in different environments.

Snapshots of an expanding flame in different environments.

C.K. Law, Swetaprovo Chaudhuri, Fujia Wu / princeton.edu

A storm at Saturn's North Pole.

A storm at Saturn's North Pole.

nasa.gov

A composite image showing a collection of single-cell fresh water algae, desmids.

A composite image showing a collection of single-cell fresh water algae, desmids.

Dr. Igor Siwanowicz, 2013 Olympus BioScapes Digital Imaging Competition® / olympusbioscapes.com

Light echoes from Southern hemisphere star RS Puppis.

Light echoes from Southern hemisphere star RS Puppis.

NASA, ESA, and the Hubble Heritage Team (STScI/AURA)-Hubble/Europe Collaboration / hubblesite.org


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How To Make A Fried Chicken Kit To Give As A Gift

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You might mention to your lucky recipient that the brine takes 24 hours, but this is the best fried chicken ever. Check out other food gifts here .

Adapted from Ad Hoc At Home by Thomas Keller via Food Network

Makes one gift of two quart jars — one for brining and one for coating

INGREDIENTS

For the Brine Jar
1 cup kosher salt
1/4 cup sugar
12 bay leaves
1 head of garlic
2 tablespoons black peppercorns
About 1/2 ounce (1 large bunch) thyme sprigs
1 lemon

For the Coating Jar
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons garlic powder
2 tablespoons onion powder
2 teaspoons paprika
2 teaspoons cayenne
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

HOW TO PREPARE THE GIFT:

Combine all the ingredients for the Brine Jar in one jar. (For a nice layered look, start with the salt and sugar first.) Combine the Coating ingredients in a separate jar. (For a layered look, start with flour then carefully sprinkle each ingredients one by one along the perimeter of the jar.) Give with directions for frying chicken.

Get decorating info here.

Get decorating info here .

Macey Foronda

HOW TO MAKE FRIED CHICKEN

Makes 16 pieces fried chicken from 2 whole chickens

You will need:
1 gallon water
Two 2 1/2 pound chickens, each chicken cut up in 8 pieces
Ingredients from Brine Jar from gift (the one with herbs/lemon/garlic)
Ingredients from Coating Jar from gift (the one without herbs etc)
1 quart buttermilk
10 cups peanut oil
Kosher salt

Special equipment
6-quart sauté pan for frying
Deep-fry thermometer
Parchment paper
Sheet trays

Preparation

For the brine:

1. Combine all the ingredients from Brine Jar in a large pot. Before you add water, take out the lemon and garlic and cut each in half, then put them back in. (Add a few more halved lemons if you have them.) Add 1 gallon water, cover, and bring to a boil. Boil for 1 minute, stirring to dissolve the salt. Remove from the heat and COOL COMPLETELY before using.

2. Place the chickens in the cold brine. Refrigerate overnight or for up to 12 hours. (Don't leave it longer or it will become too salty.) Remove the chicken from the brine and pat the chicken dry, removing any herbs or spices sticking to the skin.

To fry:

3. Bring the peanut oil to 340°F in a 6-quart sauté pan.

4. Dump the ingredients from the Coating Jar in a bowl. Mix them together. Put the 1 quart buttermilk in a second container. Just before frying, dip each piece of chicken into the coating, tap off the excess, then dip into the buttermilk, then dip back into the coating. Place the chicken on a parchment-lined sheet tray.

5. Start with the dark meat (thighs and legs): When the oil has reached the proper temperature, carefully lower the pieces of dark meat into the oil. The temperature of the oil will decrease so you'll need to adjust the heat as necessary to bring the oil back up to temperature. Fry the dark meat for about 13 minutes, to a deep golden brown, cooked throughout and very crisp. Remove the chicken to a tray lined with paper towels and sprinkle with salt.

6. Next, carefully add the white meat (breasts and wings) to the oil and fry for 6 to 7 minutes until cooked.

7. Remove the fried chicken from the oil to the tray, sprinkle with salt and turn off the heat under the oil. Let chicken rest for a few minutes to cool slightly.


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30 Times Louis Tomlinson Was The Most Perfect Member Of One Direction In 2013

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So much sass in just one year.

When he and his lil beard and lil hair and smile and eyes were on stage looking beautiful like this.

When he and his lil beard and lil hair and smile and eyes were on stage looking beautiful like this.

Christopher Polk / Getty Images for Clear Channel

When he smiles and his eyes get super big like this.

When he smiles and his eyes get super big like this.

Ian Gavan / Getty Images for Sony Pictures

The time he jumped into the hairspray stream like the big, beautiful idiot he is.

The time he jumped into the hairspray stream like the big, beautiful idiot he is.

mcmaureen.tumblr.com

And then officially admitted his own glaring, adorable stupidity.

And then officially admitted his own glaring, adorable stupidity.

hayyr.tumblr.com


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