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Barbie unveils new Ashley Graham doll

Just in time for the holidays, Barbie unveils a new Ashley Graham doll!

Mattel

Mattel

Graham, 27, is a supermodel who became a household name when she posed on the cover of Sports Illustrated's popular swimsuit edition. So... what's the big deal? Lots of women appear on the cover, every year.

Well... She doesn't look like every other swimsuit model. And that is very refreshing!

Graham is a role model for body positivity. She promotes self-acceptance and female empowerment via her work and now, has a new way to reach young fans thanks to Barbie. 

She’s got a round butt, she’s got round hips, she’s got a round stomach and arms and she’s got my moles and my eyelashes. They actually come out of her face. It’s crazy!

The Ashley Graham doll was unveiled at Glamour's Women of the Year event in LA earlier this week.

We need to work together to redefine the global image of beauty and continue to push for a more inclusive world.

Graham says she did ask for cellulite but plastic and cellulite don't mix! She, however, was very firm about the doll having her thighs touch so this Barbie will not have it's traditional "thigh gap."

In January (2015), Mattel created new body types for it's dolls: tall, curvy and petite and broadened it's range of skin tones, eye colors and hairstyles.

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Weird Dream Alert: The House of Epitaphs.

Could the anniversary of a friend's passing be influencing my dreams in an EPIC way? The answer is: yes.

It's been two years since the passing of an old friend and former radio college. I had a dream about Lloydminster last night, actually. It felt very real. I was leaving Lloyd, prepping for the long drive home and on my way out of town I drove by a cemetery. I had to stop. I had to pay my respects.

Drove in through the gates and realized this wasn't your typical cemetery. This wasn't doom and gloom and headstones and crying - this was more like Rochester, New York's "House of Guitars".

The place was packed with people: friends, family and fans looking for specific epitaphs. After what felt like hours of rooting through headstones and rock memorabilia, I had to ask for help. I consulted the cemetery's legend/map. I found his name and it was in the "Ace of Spades" area of the bad-ass mausoleum. I later, consciously, realized if such a cemetery existed, he would be in the Guns n Roses area... for sure.

I never did find my friend but it was a cool dream. Very vivid. I don't know why that dream came to me last but when I woke I realized that the date of his passing is almost here. He was 33 and is missed by many.

 

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Other, Health Amy Volume Other, Health Amy Volume

#JadonandAnias: conjoined twins leading new, separate lives after 27 hour surgery.

I've been following the story of conjoined twins Jadon and Anias McDonald since learning of their life-changing surgery earlier this month (Thurs., Oct. 13). The 13 month old twins underwent a 27 hour surgery performed by leading neurosurgeon in craniopagus surgery, Dr. James Goodrich, at the Children's Hospital at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx. Their story is an unusual one and the decision to separate was very hard on parents Nicole and Christian.

Twins joined at the head, called craniopagus twins, are exceedingly rare, occurring in one out of every 2.5 million births. About 40% of the twins are stillborn, and another third die within 24 hours of their birth. Studies have showed that 80% of twins joined at the head die of medical complications by the age of 2 if not separated.
— Wayne Drash and Dr. Sanjay Gupta, CNN
Photos: Conjoined twins at the head prepare to be separatedAnias and Jadon McDonald were born conjoined at the head on September 9, 2015, via an unscheduled C-section. "They were normal little boys, like any other two little babies you would see," s…

For those following the amazing story of #JadonandAnias, you'll know that they boys were successfully separated. They have begun their new life as independent beings. Jadon's breathing tube was removed this week allowing her mother, Nicole, to finally hold her baby in her arms. This is the first time in their 13 months of life that she has been able to do that.

Photos: Conjoined twins separated: Inside the hospitalNicole McDonald holds her son Jadon for the first time. - CNN Health

Brother Anias isn't doing as well as Jadon (pictured above). He will have to wait a little longer to be held by his parents. Anias has been suffering seizures, breathing issues and dealing with heart problems (pre-existing conditions that have continued, but are being managed via medicine, post-op). Still, doctors are pleased with his progression and know that he will catch up to Jadon soon enough.

The McDonald family are not well versed in the internet and it's ways... So Nicole was absolutely FLOORED to see that their GoFundMe page had exceeded the family's hopes (they gave up everything and moved to the Bronx to be close to the Children's Hospital & Dr. Goodrich) and their story has captivated the world.

Best wishes to these two, their older brother, mom and dad. Their faith has kept them strong and modern medicine has given them a second chance at life. I can't stop searching the hashtag "Jadon and Anias" / #JadonandAnias. The updates have been inspiring and might add a little sunshine to your day. The world is rooting for you two!! Little miracle babies! <3

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Entertainment, Video Amy Volume Entertainment, Video Amy Volume

Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life

Netflix releases four official teaser posters for the Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life out November 25th.

It's been ten years since the original series' run came to an end leaving fans wanting more. Here's what we know about the upcoming revival:

  • Luke and Lorelai are (still) together
  • Rory's career is going through a rough patch
  • Emily and the family are dealing with the loss of Richard
  • Original cast members Alexis Bledel (Rory), Lauren Graham (Lorelai), Scott Patterson (Luke), Kelly Bishop (Emily), Keiko Agena (Lane), Yanic Truesdale (Michel), Melissa McCarthey (Sookie), Sean Gunn (Kirk), Liza Weil (Paris), Danny Strong (Doyle), Matt Czuchry (Logan), Jared Padalicki (Dean) and Milo Ventimiglia (Jess) will be featured.

Scott Patterson dished on Luke and Lorelai's relationship, saying:

What I can tell you is that we are together and we are figuring out our next move. There are definitely some fireworks there. We did some really intense adult scenes. Since the movies are only an hour and a half long it has way more detail and the writing is deeper and seems longer so it sort of changed. Fans are not expecting this, but it’s more a film now than it is a TV show.”

Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life will feature four 90 minute installments coming to Netflix Friday, November 25th.

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Radio, Ottawa, Entertainment, Interview Amy Volume Radio, Ottawa, Entertainment, Interview Amy Volume

Marianas Trench: Interview with Matt Webb (audio)

*UPDATE* Matt Webb (guitar/vocals) for Marianas Trench talks 'Astoria', how to fill that much needed down-time between tours, the shift into "Canada Mode" and what fans can expect in Ottawa, November 18th.


I'll be asking MT your questions on KiSS this afternoon. Only one slight problem: I NEED YOUR QUESTIONS! Maybe you want me to pass on a message?? Let me know!  

MT/Vevo

Marianas Trench with special guest Shawn Hook play TD Place Arena November 18th.  

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