TLC 'Counting On' drops Jill Duggar, Derick Dillard for shaming transgender teen

Uh-oh. It looks like #Reality TV celebrity Derick Dillard took his transphobia on a Twitter rant too far. Fox News reports TLC has severed ties with the ex "Counting On" star after he harassed transgender teen Jazz Jennings of TLC's "I Am Jazz." Dillard, with his wife Jill Duggar, of "19 Kids and Counting," tried the mission field and failed, and he also botched a charity fundraiser. Fans wonder how the Duggars' unemployed son-in-law will support his wife and kids.   TLC 'Counting On' drops Jill Duggar, Derick Dillard for shaming transgender teen

'Counting On' Derick Dillard starts Twitter war with transgender teen Jazz Jennings

 Jill Duggar Dillard is still recovering from the traumatic birth of her son, but her husband Derick Dillard has time to war with LGBT stars on Twitter. As fans worried over the "19 Kids and Counting" new mom, the new dad seemed more concerned about proving transgender people ungodly. The dad of two went after TLC star Jazz Jennings of "I Am Jazz" in a rant that many found homophobic. Meanwhile, Mrs. Dillard's health and their family situation continues to trouble fans.  'Counting On': Derick Dillard wars over transgender as Jill Duggar gives birth

Kesha claims Dr. Luke fat-shamed weight loss, raped her: producer claims slander

Singer Kesha (aka Ke$ha) leveled a barrage of charges at Dr. Luke and he counter-attacked. The "TikTok" singer accuses her producer of fat-shaming her weight loss plan. She also texted Lady GaGa claiming he'd drugged and raped her and another performer. Dr. Luke (the professional nickname of Lukasz Gottwald) is suing Kesha Sebert over "defaming" rape claims. Gottwald says the realy body-shamers are Kesha's family and handlers who micromanage her diet and bully her into weight loss.   Kesha claims Dr. Luke fat-shamed weight loss, raped her: producer claims slander

Prince William rocks weight loss, looks less Josh Duggar, more Princess Di, Prince Charles

 Prince William (the man who would be king) seems to have rocked big weight loss of late. Is he following auntie Fergie on the thin thing? Because he sure looks less Josh Duggar, and more Prince Charles and Princess Di. Shove over, Prince Harry, Kate Middleton, and Princess Eugenie, and make room for this royal hottie Prince William.  Prince William rocks weight loss, looks less Josh Duggar, more Princess Di, Prince Charles

'Blackfish' orca dead at SeaWorld: 36-year captive 'killer whale' Tilikum is free at last

2017 takes up where 2016 left off in celebrity deaths. Just days into the new year, a celebrated face passed. But it's animal, not human. #Tilikum, the famed “#Blackfish” orca died at SeaWorld, still in captivity. After 36 years in captivity at the Orlando amusement park, the "killer whale" is free at last. The cause of death is still unknown, but linked to a bacterial infection and perhaps health problems from limited movement. Tilikum’s backstory framed the documentary “Blackfish” and moved the protest to get the captive orca released from the tiny cages they call home. 'Blackfish' orca dies at SeaWorld: 36-y/o captive 'killer whale' Tilikum is free at last

'World's Fattest Man' Paul Mason 700-lb weight loss: half-ton guy is 1/3 the man he was

It was a dubious honor at best. Paul Mason of Ipswich, England, once held the title of "World's Fattest Man." At his heaviest, Mason weighed nearly 70 stone or over 900 pounds. The nearly half-ton Brit shed over 700 pounds in one of the most remarkable transformations ever. There are bizarre plot twists in Mason's story, however. He blames Britain's National Health Service for letting him get so huge. In obesity he found love with an American Rebecca Mountain but lost love the more weight he shed. Odd or not, it's not an uncommon story as TLC's "My 600-lb Life" shows. Why the obesity blaming and responsibility shifting, and what's up with partners splitting after extreme weight loss?   'World's Fattest Man' Paul Mason 700-lb weight loss: half-ton man 1/3 the man he was

Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie divorce caused by child abuse? It's sure not about Pitt's 'affair,' Marion Cotillard pregnancy

What drove Angelia Jolie to file for divorce from #Brad Pitt isn't clear yet. It wasn't his affair with nor pregnancy of Marion Cotillard, she says. What is clear is that Brad is being investigated on child abuse allegations in the wake of wife Jolie seeking divorce and custody of their six children. There were rumors that the Brangelina split was fueled by a hookup between Brad and "Allied" co-star Cotillard. When Cotillard announced she was pregnant and due in December, folks did the math and found that she would have conceived in March when she and Pitt were working together. Cotillard decried the Pitt liaison rumors and assured everyone that her baby was fathered by her long-time partner Guillaume Canet.    Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie divorce isn't about Pitt's 'affair,' Marion Cotillard pregnancy

Donald Trumps says Lol about telling Russia to hack Clinton email

Donald Trump was just kidding, lol, when he told Russia they'd get a reward for hacking his opponent Hillary Clinton's email. Facepalm, what will the bombastic Republican presidential hopeful do next?? Well, the GOP ain't laughing. Clinton sure ain't laughing. And the word on Capital Hill is national security might call it treason. But he was just joking, so it's okay? <insert sarcasm>  which Trump clearly forgot to do! Oy, read on for more Trump fails. Donald Trumps offers Russia reward to hack Clinton email

Uproot front yard garden bans: 15 reasons to grow front yard vegetable gardens

Flowers in a front yard garden grow smiles, but a veggies in front yard garden sow seeds of doubt at least with Florida lawmakers. A south Florida couple, Hermine Ricketts and Tom Carroll, of Miami Shores, were made to uproot their front yard garden in 2013. They finally got the chance to air their grievances on the front yard garden bans on June 13, 2016, reported the Courthouse News Report. The case is similar to that of an Oak Park, Michigan mother. In 2011, the city of Oak Park charged Julie Bass with misdemeanor front yard vegetable garden growing. Here are 15 reasons to uproot front yard garden bans and grow front yard vegetable gardens.   Uproot front yard garden bans: 15 reasons to grow front yard vegetable gardens | Examiner.com

Walmart shopper curses dad using food stamps: Walmart wages qualify for welfare

 A viral video showed an irate woman Walmart shopper cussing out a working dad using food stamps to buy groceries at Walmart. The Huffington Post reported May 2 it was ironic that the harassing woman was shopping at Walmart as Walmart's low wages qualify workers for welfare assistance. Walmart is double dipping on welfare exploitation, too. A 2014 report found that U.S. taxpayers paid $6.2 billion annually in food stamps, EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) cards, Medicaid, subsidized housing and public assistance for Walmart employees. But then Walmart gets that welfare assistance back in sales--a 2013 report showed that almost $1 out of every five EBT or food stamp dollars is spent at Walmart.  Walmart shopper curses dad using food stamps: Walmart wages qualify for welfare | Examiner.com

Free printable Passover activities, Jewish lessons for Hebrew Pesach holy days

Passover, or Pesach in Hebrew, is one of the highest Jewish holy days. Passover, an ancient 7-day Hebrew observance generally falls in April in the western calendar. In 2016, Passover begins at sundown Friday, April 22 and lasts till Saturday, April 30. On the Hebrew lunisolar calendar (which is based on both moon phases and solar cycles), Passover is celebrated on Nissan 15-22. Here are resources and free printable Passover activities for Jewish kids and parents to explore and celebrate Passover, or Pesach more fully. These activities can help non-Jewish families understand and experience Hebrew traditions, too.  Free printable Passover activities, Jewish lessons for Hebrew Pesach holy days

Free printable world flags: Flag coloring pages, geography lessons, printables | Examiner.com

United Nations Day is October 24. There is no more enduring symbol of a nation that the national flag. It 's a thumbnail, an icon for a country. The flag symbolizes pride and rallies people. The flag is flown or lowered to reflect national joy or sorrow. Here are free printable world flags from around the globe. Use these free printable flag coloring pages in geography lessons and social studies cultures units. Students should not be allowed to "free color" the world flags. They should be taught to color them correctly.  Free printable world flags: Flag coloring pages, geography lessons, printables | Examiner.com

Free printable Catholic St. Valentine lesson plans, Valentine's Day worksheets

 The story of St. Valentine has nothing to do with flowers and candy or Valentine's Day as we celebrate it on Feb. 14. Except in one way (we'll get to that). It has nothing in common with romance as we know it. But Valentine's story is spiritually romantic. Valentinius was a Roman Christian priest. In those days, this was not popular. In fact, it was downright illegal.



Then-Emperor Claudius II decided he'd make marriage illegal too--so men would give up women go fight his battles. Not exactly an even quid pro quo. But Claudius wasn't the most savvy guy. Anyway, Valentine understood human nature better. He performed underground marriages so people could keep sanctified romances and holy love. Valentine was jailed for his pains.



So, being a helpful and proactive kind of guy, Valentine wrote notes of encouragement to his fellow incarcerated. He signed them "Your Valentine." There grew the card-sending tradition--the only part of the real meaning of Valentine's Day that is practiced today. Valentine was martyred on Feb. 14. It became a holy day--holiday--in the Catholic church.



Predictably, the spiritual bits of the story are ignored for the commercial. True, Valentine's story is based on legend, but most stories of antiquity are oral tradition. Anyway, it seems a more fitting expression of the holiday than just flowers and candy. If you do too, here are free printable Catholic St. Valentine activities and lessons.  Free printable Catholic St. Valentine lesson plans, Valentine's Day worksheets | Examiner.com

Black History Month movies: African American slavery, abolition, emancipation

 Black History Month, February in the U.S. is about three things: exploring black culture, grieving the struggles of African Americans and celebrate their triumphs. The U.S. Census Bureau released facts about black Americans--where they've been, are and are going--reports PR Newswire, Jan. 21. And while helpful, stats can only show just so much.  Black History Month movies: African American slavery, abolition, emancipation | Examiner.com

Chinese New Year of the Monkey, Spring Festival, Lantern Festival party planner | Examiner.com

Chinese New Year of the Monkey begins Feb. 8, 2106. The Chinese zodiac is distinguished by 12 animals. 2016 is the Year of the Monkey and each year celebrates a different animal--rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. Here are activities and ideas for parents to explore Chinese traditions.  Chinese New Year of the Monkey, Spring Festival, Lantern Festival party planner | Examiner.com

Obesity linked to cancer rise: Experts push sugar tax, junk food TV ad bans | Examiner.com

Increasing obesity rates and scary high numbers of obese and overweight children, are compelling scientists to get to the heart of this massive global weight gain, reported the IANS. New research says add cancer to the list of deadly diseases that obesity causes. Health researchers found obesity is linked to rising cancer rates of some kinds, reported the BBC Health. And there's more bad new--3 in 4 people will be obese or overweight by 2035 if current trends continue. That's right, even people who have never had a weight problem in their lives, probably even some of those who have always been "too skinny" will be overweight if they don't change their collision course lifestyles. You probably know being overweight leads to many other killer health conditions like diabetes, hypertension, cholesterol, plaque, heart disease and circulatory problems and more. Now add to that 670,000 new cases of cancer due to healthy weight, says a UK report.   Obesity linked to cancer rise: Experts push sugar tax, junk food TV ad bans | Examiner.com

Catholic Epiphany, Orthodox Christian Theophany, Three Kings Day devotions from the Bible

The word "epiphany" to refer to a revelation or recognition of importance. Epiphany, in the Catholic and Orthodox Christian liturgical sense, is a feast day in Christmastide. On Epiphany, January 6, Christians honor the visit of the Magi (also called wisemen or Three Kings) to Baby Jesus, his Blessed Mother Mary and St. Joseph in the stable in Bethlehem. Here are Bible devotions for Three Kings Day or Theophany ("vision of God") which Eastern Orthodox Christian churches also observe on Jan. 6. Theophany celebrates the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist in the Jordan river. The Bible says that when John baptized Jesus, he understood and proclaimed Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of God. St. John the Baptist said "Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world."   Catholic Epiphany, Orthodox Christian Theophany, Three Kings Day Bible devotions | Examiner.com

SeaWorld ends orca whale shows over 'Blackfish' Tilikum animal cruelty protests

In startling and historic news, SeaWorld will end orca whale shows at its San Diego theme park after decades of using captive orca in its show. The Guardian reported on Nov. 9, that the decision came in the wake of animal cruelty protests over Tilikum and other killer whales featured in the 2013 "Blackfish" film. Dwindling admissions and sinking profit margins have left SeaWorld floundering. SeaWorld announced that the iconic killer whale shows will be phased out by 2017 and replaced by a "new orca experience" focused on natural environment of whales. 2016 will be the last year guests will see performing killer whales at San Diego SeaWorld amusement park. But ending the orca whale shows is only a ripple in the pond. SeaWorld is completely restructuring the entire venue. SeaWorld ends orca whale shows over 'Blackfish' Tilikum animal cruelty protests | Examiner.com

Teach children holiday generosity, unselfishness, not greedy gimmes at Christmas | Examiner.com

  Ask any normal red-blooded kid what he looks forward to most about Christmas and he will unabashedly state, "the presents!" (and stop just short of adding "duh!") Children aren't selfish, per se; they like getting presents and have been taught to expect things. So before you say a child is spoiled or selfish, look to home. Because parents talk big about the importance of giving over receiving and they overspend, overindulge and over-gift children. This reinforces to kids that getting is the essence of Christmas. Need ideas to teach children holiday generosity and unselfishness? The best medicine for the greedy, green-eyed gimmes is giving. Here are pay-it-forward activities. Teach children holiday generosity, unselfishness, not greedy gimmes at Christmas | Examiner.com

SeaWorld ends orca whale shows over 'Blackfish' Tilikum animal cruelty protests

In startling news, SeaWorld will end orca whale shows at its San Diego theme park. The Guardian reported on Nov. 9, that the decision came in the wake of animal cruelty protests over Tilikum and other killer whales featured in the 2013 "Blackfish" film. Dwindling admissions and sinking profit margins have left SeaWorld floundering. SeaWorld announced that the iconic killer whale shows will be phased out by 2017 and replaced by a "new orca experience" focused on natural environment of whales. 2016 will be the last year guests will see performing killer whales at San Diego SeaWorld amusement park. But ending the orca whale shows is only a ripple in the pond. SeaWorld is completely restructuring the entire venue.SeaWorld ends orca whale shows over 'Blackfish' Tilikum animal cruelty protests | Examiner.com