This seal who gave the look of 100% love when hugging a plushie toy version of itself!
Mombetsu Land is an animal attraction-type place on the Japanese prefecture of Hokkaido, and last week, its Twitter page caused hearts to explode out of chests when they tweeted pictures of a seal experiencing love at first sight with a seal plushie toy. One of Mombetsu Land’s staff members gave the seal a soft, cuddly toy version of itself and as Michael Bolton’s Now That I Found You softly played in its head, it hugged its new soulmate like Leonardo DiCaprio hugging his Oscar for the first time, or like a stoned me hugging a bag of In-N-Out at the end of the night, or like Kanye West hugging a Kanye West plushie toy.
Yes, this seal is conceited as hell, but conceitedness has never been so awww-inducing before.
If you’re getting married and are in the middle of writing your vows, stop writing them. All you have to do is hold up your phone with these pictures on it and say to your piece while on the altar, “Do you promise to be the seal to my seal toy?” If they don’t say, “I do,” right away, dump the bitch then and there. They aren’t worthy!
The tricks on Twitter have been doing this thing for a while where they tweet a picture of a couple and ask, “Name a more iconic duo… I’ll wait.” Well, name a more iconic duo.
A Scottish-themed restaurant that serves pub fare opens its doors this evening at 5 p.m., and there will be plenty of kilt-clad servers to tend to the first day’s customers. Tilted Kilt, the self-proclaimed “Best Looking Sports Pub You’ve Ever Seen,” took over the former Copperfield’s space at 96 Brookline Ave. and is finally ready to introduce itself to the neighborhood.
The Vegas-based sports pub will have 30 beers on tap and some local special entrees, including a shepherd’s pie, a Wicked Boston Burger, fish and chips, and clam chowder. Located near Fenway Park and the neighborhood’s concert venues, Tilted Kilt will also have 50 televisions to accommodate sports fans. This will be the second Tilted Kilt in Massachusetts, adding to the one in Billerica.
The restaurant famously employs Kilt Girls as servers, who audition to wear the restaurant’s mini-kilt and plaid crop-top uniform.
We first met Zeke, Mylene, Shaolin Fantastic, Ra-Ra, Dizzee, and Boo-Boo coming together under the tutelage of Grandmaster Flash six months ago in the first half of the first season of Baz Luhrmann’s sprawling Netflix show, The Get Down. They’re like the Avengers of hip-hop, a crew coming together to create what would become one of the most dominant popular art forms of our time. The historical thread continues in the second half of the season, premiering April 7, beginning in 1978, one year after the first part. Zeke and Mylene will continue their young romance, with a corrupt and decaying New York City as the backdrop. Make love and make music, sweet teens!
Kyle MacLachlan (58)
Miko Hughes (31)
Cole Whittle of DNCE (35)
Elodie Yung (36)
Drew Barrymore (42)
James Blunt (43)
Scott Phillips (44)
Lea Salonga (46)
Thomas Jane (48)
Clinton Kelly (48)
Hans Klok (48)
Jeri Ryan (49)
Rachel Dratch (51)
Ellen Greene (66)
Julie Walters (67)
Julius Erving (67)
Jonathan Demme (73)
Karin Dor (79)
James Hong (88)
Bruce Forsyth (89)
Steve Irwin (1962-2006)
George Washington (1732-1799)
How often (if ever) do you think someone should take a mental health day? I think about taking one every few weeks, and then convince myself I am too busy. I am not particularly stressed, but I wonder if it would be a good way to recharge. What do you think?
Every few weeks would definitely be too much, but a couple a year is totally fine to do, as long as you choose days that won’t mess up anyone’s work flow. More here.
2. Is our new employee ranking system insane?
We have a new HR head who is shaking things up (a good thing) but a change to our performance evaluation system leaves me scratching my head. They announced that we will now be graded on a curve, and what followed was the most bewildering presentation I’ve seen in a while. HR explained to our team that managers will still score reports against their job descriptions and manager expectations on a 1-4 score, but now those performance scores will be sent up the chain, where they will be re-scored to fit a bell curve. This new score will be both the annual evaluation score that goes into our file and will be used for incentive distribution. The info session devolved into colleagues asking how they can be ranked as “exceed expectations” by a manager and then marked as “needs improvement” a day later because of the bell curve. The new HR person kept saying this was about “rewarding performers, which might be new here” and was generally condescending.
Is it just me, or is this an insane way to “measure” performance? Working on a high-pressure team where weekend work is routine and headhunters are constantly dialing us, I am really concerned about the morale hit from arbitrarily classifying a quarter of high-power performers as “needs improvement” or even “meets expectations.” I realize that some of our organization (450 employees) needs motivation, but mediocre performers don’t last until annual review in my shop. We have assembled 12 rock stars for my team and yet only two “exceeds expectations” slots will be available. The craziest part is that we will need to create performance improvement plans for perfectly great workers who will randomly get the short straws when HR HAL crunches the numbers. On paper, it also puts them on the path to termination (though I never expect that would happen). This plan is the centerpiece of the new HR person’s agenda, so I am at a loss of how to raise my concerns without offending someone who got quite defensive when rolling it out. For what it is worth, we are highly profitable and we are not under budgetary pressure to reduce force (quite the opposite).
Yeah, that’s a ridiculous system. You sound like you’re a manager there. Ideally you and other managers would push back as a group, which will make you much harder to brush off. Say that this isn’t a system that serves your needs as managers (and remember that HR is there to serve you as part of the company’s management, not the other way around); that you’re not willing to spend time putting good performers on performance improvement plans (!); that based on what you know of your staff, this will demoralize and drive away strong employees; and that this will destroy the work you’ve done to create a team of high performers.
Speaking up as a group is going to be key here, and I strongly suggest that you go over the HR person’s head to do it. And frankly, as a group, you might try a firm “we simply are not willing to manage our teams this way” and see what happens.
3. I’m worried that my coworker is burning herself out
I work in a small, close-knit department. I am very close with my coworker Bertha (outside of work, not just “really good work friends”), and we have the same boss, who is awesome and seems to really care about our happiness and career growth. Bertha and I work with a separate department that is pretty demanding and challenging to work with, and I’m really concerned about Bertha’s mental well-being.
Bertha is crazy smart and does excellent work, but the nature of our jobs means that you get very little recognition from the other department, there is a lot of shuffling, priority switching, etc. The chaos is just the nature of the beast in our industry. Bertha, however, takes every shift very personally (for example, being moved off a project that she hated anyway) and assumes it’s a reflection of her work (which it definitely isn’t). She is also suspicious that she is not well-liked (she is very well-liked) and bad at setting boundaries with her team (she often tells me she was up until 11 p.m. working on some last-minute request).
Our other coworkers and I keep trying to give her pep talks: “It’s not you, we all feel like this, it’s a hard job, don’t take it personally, did you even WANT that project?” and I keep telling her she needs to talk to our manager about her work hours. I know she’s unhappy, but her self-esteem seems too low to entertain the thought that she’s not the problem. I care about Bertha a lot, and I worry she’s going to spiral herself into quitting, or self-sabotage until she really does drop the ball.
Given how close we are, and our solid relationship with our boss, is there a way for me to talk to Boss about my concerns, i.e., “Hey, I’m really worried about Bertha, she seems to be working crazy hours and I think she’s getting burned out”? (Or something similar.) Normally I would butt out, but he’s been really helpful working me through similar problems, and I think she trusts him — she just won’t initiate the conversation herself.
If you are very, very confident that your boss will handle it appropriately, then yes, you could give him a low-key heads-up that she could use some help. But it’s crucial that you be confident about that, because you don’t want your conversation to trigger a horrible mishandling of the situation (like your boss pulling Bertha off more projects without explanation or, worse, keeping her from work that would be good for her professionally). In fact, because of that, it would be good to be pretty specific with your boss about what would and wouldn’t help, so that he doesn’t inadvertently flub his response.
Big caveat here: If Bertha would be horrified or upset if she knew you had done this, don’t do it. It’s not an act of friendship if she would consider it undermining or unwelcome, no matter how good your intentions.
4. How to leave a meeting that’s devolved into chit-chat
I work at an organization where many of us know each other from previous jobs and we are very friendly and fairly informal. In our department, we have pairs of junior and senior staff working on the same portfolio, and everyone is supervised by the head of the department. I’m the junior in the pair, and my senior has known our boss for decades, through several previous jobs. I have no doubt that their close relationship has benefited me (more attention from the boss on our issues, etc.).
It is not unusual to have a meeting with just the three of us. Sometimes after we’ve dispensed with whatever the topic of the meeting was, we’ll get to talking about something else and the conversation will go on for a long time. Sometimes it’s completely not related to work, sometimes it’s them regaling me with “war stories” from their history. Usually I enjoy — and participate in — these conversations. We all know the feeling of wanting to delay getting back to our desks and going back to work.
But I’ve been particularly busy lately. There’s a new leader of world teapots and we anticipate having to do a lot more work defending the tea drinkers we represent. It’s going to be very busy this year for all of us. Lately these long, dallying conversations have just been making me anxious — I can picture the emails piling up in my inbox — and I’m not enjoying them as much. What is a polite, professional way to extricate myself without alienating my colleagues? If we are in a conference room, it’s easier because there is often another meeting coming in. But if we are in my boss’s office it’s harder. They know my schedule well, so I can’t fake another meeting — plus I don’t want to lie to people I genuinely like and respect.
“Do you mind if I duck out? I’m swamped this month and have a bunch of projects I need to dive back into.”
After you do this at one or two meetings, you could say at the next one, “By the way, my workload has really increased lately, so while I normally love sticking around and chatting when we’re done with our agenda, for the next little while I’m going to head straight back to my desk. I didn’t want either of you wondering why the sudden change — it’s nothing personal!”
It would probably be a good idea to still do one of these chat sessions every now and then — like maybe one a month — just to maintain the relationships you’ve built. But it’s very reasonable not to do it more often than that.
5. Interviewing with hair loss and a turban
I have been making steps to move out of my current job and look for something that satisfies me more, so I’ve started reworking my resume and taking a look at posted jobs. I don’t have a hard timeline that I’m working with, and my current bosses like me, so I’m only concerned with exiting before I get too bogged down.
My issue is this: last year I was diagnosed with lupus, and in the last 8-9 months, most of the hair on my head fell out, along with some facial hair. Eyebrows I can disguise with makeup, but while my hair grows back in (and until it decides on one color) I have been wearing turbans at all times except at home. I have zero other symptoms and currently do not require extensive medical appointments.
Everyone who sees me assumes I am going through cancer treatments – until I correct them, which I can only do if they ask me directly. Yet I know you’re not supposed to ask applicants about medical issues. I don’t know how to approach possible job interviews and the assumptions people may make about my health. Is it the best option to mention it in an interview, or keep silent until I receive an offer? Is there anything that can be done about those assumptions without putting employers in a weird privacy spot? I’m concerned that biases against people who might medical time away or have to leave could seriously impact my options.
A wig isn’t an option because a nice wig is expensive, and I’ve found anything on my head other than cotton itches/is uncomfortable.
I’ve been mulling on this and am torn between thinking the best option is not to mention it (on the grounds that it’s not really relevant to the hiring process) vs. thinking it might be better to say something, but being unable to come up with good wording. Readers, can you help?
A tiny Dik-dik is making a big impression at Chester Zoo. The little Antelope is being cared for by zoo staff after its mother passed away soon after giving birth.
Standing only about 8 inches tall at the shoulders, the tiny Kirk’s Dik-dik is being bottle fed by staff five times a day. He will continue to receive a helping hand until he is old enough to eat by himself.
Photo Credit: Chester Zoo
Assistant team manager Kim Wood and keeper Barbara Dreyer have both been caring for the new arrival, who is currently so light he doesn’t register a weight on the zoo’s set of antelope scales.
Kim said, “The youngster is beginning to find his feet now and is really starting to hold his own. We’re hopeful that, in a few months’ time, we’ll be able to introduce him to some of the other members of our group of Dik-diks. He may be tiny but he is certainly making a big impression on everyone at the zoo.”
Kirk’s Dik-diks grow to a maximum size of just 16 inches tall at the shoulders, making them one of the smallest species of Antelope in the world.
The species takes its name from Sir John Kirk, a 19th century Scottish naturalist, as well as the alarm calls made by female Dik-diks.
Kirk’s Dik-diks are native to northeastern Africa and conservationists say they mark their territory with fluid from glands between their toes and just under their eyes, not dissimilar to tears. Populations in the wild are stable.
This is a look that more or less demands that you stop whatever you’re doing, pay attention, and immediately form an opinion about it. How could we not?
And while we may have some slight issues with it, there’s no denying that it’s primo ladydrag.
In awe of the head styling here.
We’re not a hundred percent on the shape and proportions. We think we like the runway version much better. But it’s still an eye-catching and unusual look and we just can’t seriously fault any part of it. It’s fun and fabulous and different.
Our boxes, they are checked.
Style Credits: Issey Miyake White and Blue Printed Ensemble from the Spring 2017 Collection
Children of the aughts, rejoice: Your favorite "reality" show is coming back.
Remember Parental Control, the MTV series where overbearing parents tried to find new partners for their kids? Entertainment Weekly reports that the channel is giving the show a second chance at life. MTV has apparently posted a casting notice for a new season the show. According to the notice, the program will give "disapproving parents the power to pick candidates to date their son or daughter and replace their current unsuitable love interest."
Parental Control, which aired from 2006 to 2010, appeared to be heavily scripted, though it was positioned as a reality series. And yes, it's weird to have parents choose dates for their kids. It kinda robs them of their own agency and shows them how little their parents trust them. But as a fan of the show in its heyday, I'll present this counterpoint: How funny was it when the parents would high-five each other if one of their date setups went well?
With the announcement, we're wondering how technology will fit into the revival. When Parental Control aired, there weren't dating apps everywhere, and teens still interacted face to face (at least sometimes). Will the producers introduce a lot of technology to make the show appeal to a younger audience?
It looks like the show's original fans are willing to give the revival a chance, though. There's plenty of nostalgia for the show on Twitter.
I miss the old MTV shows like parental control, room raiders, my super sweet 16, cribs, next... they were the best!
OH MY GOD IS THAT THE LITTLE BOY AND LITTLE GIRL FROM LOVE ACTUALLY AND NOW THEYRE TEENS?!?!? OMGGGGGG
The cast of Love Actuallyreunited to shoot a short sequel that will be part of Comic Relief’s Red Nose Day special. Great, so now during Christmastimes, not only will my sister make me watch Love Actually, but she’ll make me watch the short sequel too. Remind me to bring an extra bottle of booze and a bigger stash of weed to Christmas dinner this year – Lainey Gossip
Allure really Photoshopped the hell out of Kellyanne Conway – Celebitchy
Kids are naturally on drugs, so this product is a scam! – Pajiba
Lindsay Lohan posted a Mother Teresa quote and part of it reads, “Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.” Trick, save it for your Backpage ad – Drunken Stepfather
Johnny Depp wants to do Daisy Ridley and Daisy Ridley is not in the mood to get gingivitis of the cooch – The Superficial
Kim Kartrashian’s knipples are back on the stroll – The Nip Slip
Colton Haynes got himself a florist daddy – Towleroad
What the hell kind of “go go dancer nurse from the future” shit is Hailey Baldwin wearing? – Popoholic
Here’s more of Christie Brinkley putting the youngins’ to shame in Sports Illustrated: Swimsuit Edition – Hollywood Tuna
Sonja Morgan wishes that the cast of Real Housewives of New York City would do the show sober. Over every Bravo executive’s dead body! – Reality Tea
Mimi performed live for the first time since her legendary New Year’s Eve train wreck of a performance. And besides her chichi trying to make a break for it, it went fine – OMG Blog
Val Kilmer is back to tell everyone that he’s not sick for the 4,570th time – SOW
If you’ve got a stuck fart in your ass and need some inspiration to poot it out, read this post about Rob Kartrashian and Blac Chyna breaking up again – Just Jared
Thousands of Beautiful Black Crows Were Photographed Sitting Atop Trees Covered in Layers of Snow.
C.S.I. Walker Berg of the Portland Oregon Police Bureau had spotted this gathering of the crows while looking out a window on the 12th floor of the Justice Center.
who The fuck names meds “Zoloft” sounds like some dark wizard cursing me for not wiping my feet before I enter his house and “sertraline” is his snakewife
“Ritalin” is a tiny goblin creature and “Adderall” is a washed up disgraced and evil prince banished from his homeland
“Zyprexa” is an elegant queen of darkness, intent on bending the world to her will.
effexor is a dauntless automaton created by the court weaponsmaster
amisulpride and aripiprazole, the rosencrantz and guildenstern of our story, and queen thyroxine, the mother of our hero.
concerta was a sexy lady-shaped monster-of-the-week on the english dub of sailor moon
trazodone was the name of a vaguely ancient roman-esque sea-dwelling rubber-forehead alien on star trek: the next generation
pretty sure lexapro was a transformers character or some shit
Mesalamine, the daughter of a serpent and a wolf. She guards the entrance to the colon cave
Schoolboy Q may have been nominated for a Grammy (for best rap performance), but he made his brief moment on the red carpet all about his daughter, Joy, who was sporting a baller pink tuxedo.
UR MANS SCHOOLBOY Q CAME WITH HIS DAUGHTER HAD HER IN A PINK GUCCI SUIT AND HIS HOODIE BEST DRESSED CONTENDER #GRAMMYspic.twitter.com/vW4otiDFLm
Q explicitly used the opportunity to talk about empowerment for girls, telling the Los Angeles Timeson the red carpet:
“I see a lot of stuff going on with women these days and I'm here to support them. I could go out and protest and all that, but me having a little girl, I think it starts right here — to let her know what's going on, how she needs to be treated and the respect she needs to be given.”
He also gave his adorable daughter a chance to show off her Gucci suit, which she also posed in on Instagram before the show.
The only thing better than Joy in her perfectly tailored suit? The fact that another stylish girl, Blue Ivy Carter, seemed to be wearing the exact same one:
Kevin Mazur/Getty Images
Blue in Gucci? Not too much of a shock. The fact that we, grown adults, envy these outfits very much? Also not surprising — kids’ Gucci is pretty great.
The fact that two of the best-dressed stars of the entire Grammys happen to be girls who aren’t even yet in middle school? That we didn’t see coming. But we’ve very here for it.
Picture Mr. Darcy in your mind’s eye. What do you see? Brown hair? Some eyes? Rich-man ruffle shirts and short pants? Or rather, whom do you see? Colin Firth or Matthew MacFadyen? Well all of this is wrong according to a panel of experts. Apparently he looked more like a regular schmo, with gray hair to boot:
Wait, looked? “Real” Mr. Darcy? Yes, that’s right. We’re arguing over the visual integrity of a real fake literary character. Well in the spirit of such nonsense, why don’t we take a ride back and rank ALL the Misters Darcy we’ve come across through the years. I’m not including spinoffs like “Lizzie Bennet’s Diary” or “Bride and Prejudice” or whatever. I am including the zombie one though because that preview got me for like one second. Do not try to tell me Bridget Jones’s Darcy counts because he does not.
Here are the Darcies, in order from worst to best:
Colin Firth, Pride and Prejudice, 1995 (BBC Miniseries II)
Which one would you fuck?
Misters Darcy, Ranked was originally published in The Hairpin on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.
Maple leaf.
We’re not a hundred percent on the shape and proportions. We think we like the runway version much better. But it’s still an eye-catching and unusual look and we just can’t seriously fault any part of it. It’s fun and fabulous and different.
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Kevin Mazur/Getty Images
