BuzzSugar

Buzz News Roundup, 5/16

BuzzSugar — Fri, 16 May 2008 13:30:28 PDT

Did you ever read R.L. Stine's Goosebumps books? Now there's going to be a movie version of the series, Variety reports.
Billboard has the rundown of this year's BET Awards nominees; T. Pain leads the pack with five nominations.
Hooray! The hilarious Rob Corddry has finally landed a starring role, in the action-comedy Project A, which will be produced by Ben Stiller, ComingSoon writes.
According to Variety, we'll see an English-language remake of the Chilean movie Pretendiendo in which "a beautiful woman . . . dons a fat suit to shield herself from any more romantic upsets."
American Idol's Taylor Hicks is headed to Broadway as the Teen Angel in a production of Grease, Billboard reports.
Zap2It writes that George Clooney will star in an adaptation of the non-fiction book Men Who Stare at Goats.
The Wall Street Journal claims that if ratings don't improve for the CW, the network may be doomed.
ComingSoon reports that Danny Glover will reprise his stage role in a big screen adaptation of Master Harold... and the Boys.
Check out the colorful pictures of the grand opening of the Simpsons ride at Universal Studios in the Orlando Sentinel.

Kristen Stewart Returns Home Without Robert Pattinson

Katie Henry — Sun, 27 May 2012 10:14:32 PDT

Kristen Stewart arrived at LAX last night fresh off an international flight from France. Kristen modeled designer gowns from Balenciaga and Reem Acra during her stay in Cannes, but on her return trip she was more comfortable in a pair of skinny jeans and Nike sneakers. Kristen was in Cannes promoting her upcoming release, On the Road, and also found time to attend a screening of Robert Pattinson's latest project, Cosmopolis. Rob and Kristen stuck close and held hands at his post-premiere celebration, and were making out at her On the Road afterparty.

Kristen's shifting her focus back to another project, Snow White and the Huntsman. Her fairy-tale hits the big screen on Friday and we've got the first episode of our I'm a Huge Fan: Kristen Stewart coming your way!

8 Myths About Sex Differences

The Good Men Project — Fri, 25 May 2012 02:00:49 PDT

We're happy to present this story from one of our favorite sites, The Good Men Project. Today, Agustín Fuentes points out that when it comes to men and women, what "everyone knows" isn’t what science shows.

Everyone knows that men and women are really different. We think differently and act differently because we are wired differently. I mean look at our brains and genitals: they are just plain different. Right?

Wrong.

What if many of the things we assume about the biology of difference are not so different at all? What if it is not our “wiring” but the ways in which our bodies and minds develop and play out in society that makes us seem so unalike? Could it be that men and women are more similar than we think?

I Dumped the Love of My Life and Now She Doesn’t Trust Me

Yes, women give birth and lactate and men do not. And yes, men are, on average, slightly larger than women and usually have greater upper body strength. There are these basic biological differences between the sexes and they are important . . . but why always focus on the differences and not the biological, and behavioral, similarities? Ahh, that would be because of gender.

Gender is a powerful reality; it is the perception and expectation of differences between males and females and it shapes both our bodies and our society. Gender differences are real and important, but they are not hard wired or even static. There is no biological or evolutionary mandate that only women really care for babies and show emotions, or that males are the best at economics and politics and prefer beers and skirt-chasing to domestic bliss. These are patterns of gender roles and expectations that shape the ways we look at our biology and behavior. They influence the way we expect the world to be. It is the strength of the societal myths about sex that fool us into thinking that men and women are so different by nature.

So let’s bust some of those myths.

Gender and sex are the same thing.

Sex and gender are interconnected, but not the same thing. Sex is a biological state that is measured via what chromosomes you have (XX or XY, usually) and aspects of your body and physiology. Gender includes the roles, expectations and perceptions that a given society has for the sexes. Most societies have two genders on a masculinity-femininity continuum. Some have more. We are born with a biological sex, but acquire gender. There is a ton of individual diversity within societies and sexes in regards to how sex and gender play out in behavior and personality.

There is an extensive body of data demonstrating this, but people interested only in specific differences between men and women choose to ignore it.

Male and female genitals are totally different.

Most people think that male and female genitals are about as different as can be: penis=male and vagina=female. But even this basic dichotomy is not quite correct: the genitals emerge from the same mass of embryonic tissue. For the first six weeks of life the tissue masses develop identically. At about 6-7 weeks, depending on whether the fetus has XX or XY chromosomes (usually), the tissues to start to differentiate. One part of the tissues begins to form the clitoris or penis and another forms the labia or scrotum. Another area begins to form into either the testes or the ovaries. This means that physiologically, male and female genitals are made of the same stuff and work in similar ways.

Male and female brains are different.

If there were really deep seated differences between male and female human behavior and biology they should show up in the brain. The genitals start in the same place and end up looking different, the brain does not. Our brains are pretty much the same. Male brains are a bit bigger than females’ (like their bodies) and females’ brains stop growing earlier than males (as with their bodies). However, whatever one may believe about other organs, in the case of healthy brains, size really does NOT matter one iota. There also might be a few differences in a small part of the brain called the straight gyrus (need more testing in this one). Other than these minor aspects there are no consistent and replicated reliable differences in male and female brains; it is a human brain . . . but how we use it is another matter.

Hormones make the difference.

Everyone thinks that males and females have different hormones . . . testosterone for men and estrogen for women. Nope, all the actual hormones in males and females are the same: there are no male-only or female-only hormones. Both men and women can get a flood of testosterone when they get into a fight or take part in an exhilarating sports match. Both men and women can get a flood of oxytocin and prolactin when they pick up a newborn baby. There can be differences in the levels, patterns, and impacts of some of these hormones in male and female bodies, but individual variation is often more important than the variation between the sexes.

Keep reading for the rest.

Casa Capsule: Unbelievable Design Moments at the Elle Decor Modern Concept House, Memorial Day Decor, and Boho Weddings

Elka Karl — Sat, 26 May 2012 10:00:09 PDT

35 unbelievable design moments from the Elle Decor Modern Life Concept House.
Take a trip to Marrakesh, thanks to this new book.
Indulge in major deals with these Memorial Day sales.
Would you use terrariums at your wedding?
Learn how to make this DIY clothespin chandelier.

Have you tried any of these 100 DIY projects?
We're loving these chic urban homesteading products from Agrarian for Williams-Sonoma.
These design apartments would be amazing places to call home!
Enjoy the gorgeous decor from these bohemian weddings.
Create an amazing outdoor dinner tablescape with these products.

Hunger Games star Josh Hutcherson picked up an awesome new house.
See how a cramped city apartment got a beachy makeover.
These gorgeously designed hotels have equally gorgeous rooftop spaces.
See how Snow White and the Huntsman inspired these products.
Ridiculously chic outdoor furniture for your home.

A Whole Lotta Lil in This Week's Links

Rebecca M Gruber — Sat, 26 May 2012 04:26:41 PDT

These sweet Memorial Day treats may steal the show at your barbecue!
What to do with all that stuff baby outgrows.
These personalized baby gifts are perfect if you have any new babies in your life!
Planning a birthday party for your tot? Don't miss our favorite birthday party themes - ever!
Don't head to the beach this weekend without reading our guide to packing a beach bag for a toddler.
Are you on Instagram yet? If so, then join our first Instagram challenge and load a picture that demonstrates motherhood!
Tired of waiting for baby to arrive on her own? Try one of these tried and true methods for inducing labor on your own!
Hats off to the lil preschool graduate with these graduation ideas for tots.
Todd Oldham's beautiful collection of arts-and-crafts projects and supplies hit Target this week. See which are Todd's favorites.
We love Valentina Pinault's impeccable style and jet-setting ways!
Have a stack of used baby food jars sitting around? Try reusing them for more than just food!

100 DIY Projects That Will Make You Proud!

Angela Swinderman Elias — Thu, 24 May 2012 10:27:33 PDT

There are few things that are as satisfying as pulling off a successful DIY project, especially when a guest asks where you purchased it. We've rounded up 90 of our favorite tutorials, and these crafty ideas will show you how to organize, entertain, and decorate with style, without spending a fortune. So, roll up your sleeves and set some time aside to tackle one of these inspiring decor DIYs!

Anne Hathaway and Adam Shulman Stick Close From Coast to Coast

Lauren Turner — Fri, 25 May 2012 08:09:28 PDT

Anne Hathaway's fiancé, Adam Shulman, was right behind her as they arrived at LAX yesterday. The couple hopped on a flight to NYC after visiting with friends on the West Coast. Anne's on a break from filming Les Misérables in London, where she hit the set with costar Hugh Jackman in April. She took advantage of the downtime to escape to Miami earlier this month. Anne wore a black bikini for a dip in the ocean with her mom Kathleen during the getaway, which came just before Mother's Day.

Anne may still be sporting cropped hair for her character in Les Mis, but she'll soon be switching gears to another project. The Dark Knight Rises hits theaters in July and Anne will be traveling to promote the latest installment in the Batman franchise.

Robert Pattinson Rises Early For Cosmopolis in Cannes

Lauren Turner — Fri, 25 May 2012 08:08:24 PDT

Robert Pattinson drew a large crowd at the Cannes Film Festival in France this morning. He stepped out for a photocall to promote Cosmopolis after also talking up the project on Le Grand Journal yesterday. Rob will be back in front of the cameras for the premiere of the film later today, though he's already made his red-carpet debut at this year's festival. Rob supported girlfriend Kristen Stewart by showing up at the screening of her movie On the Road, which also stars his pal Tom Sturridge. The fun continued after the event when Rob and Kristen kissed on the balcony of Le Baron's Cannes outpost. Kristen is apparently still in the South of France, but we'll have to wait and see if she makes another red-carpet appearance with Rob this afternoon.

Nicole Kidman and Clive Owen Couple Up For Their Movie in Cannes

Lauren Turner — Fri, 25 May 2012 07:55:35 PDT

Nicole Kidman chose a black-and-white checkered dress for her latest Cannes Film Festival look. She stepped out this morning for a photocall with Hemingway & Gellhorn costar Clive Owen after also promoting The Paperboy. Nicole, Zac Efron, and Matthew McConaughey made multiple stops for their project, including the red-carpet premiere and an appearance on Le Grand Journal. Nicole will be back in the spotlight later today when Hemingway & Gellhorn screens at the Grand Palais. Matthew will also return to the festival's famous carpet for Mud, which also stars Reese Witherspoon. Reese arrived in the South of France with her husband, Jim Toth, just yesterday and we can't wait to see the glamorous looks she chooses for her many events. Nicole, Reese, Zac, and Matthew may all be friendly at the festival, but they're in direct competition for the top spot in the PopSugar 100. Make sure to play the PopSugar 100 faceoff game for the chance to win $2,500 in cash!

Hysteria Director Tanya Wexler Talks Vibrators, Faking It, and Duck Sex

Tara Block — Fri, 25 May 2012 04:00:15 PDT

Don't be shy . . . It's time to talk sex toys! And Hysteria director Tanya Wexler is writing us a prescription for pleasure. Tanya's film - what she calls "the vibrator movie you can bring your mom to" - is in limited release and stars Hugh Dancy, Maggie Gyllenhaal, and Rupert Everett. When working on a romantic comedy that centers around the invention of the vibrator, you end up with some entertaining and embarrassing situations along the way, and lucky for us, Tanya spilled all the hilariously dirty details. From teaming up with the film's partner Jimmyjane for a drive-by vibrator drop-off to a certain female Oscar-winner to trying unsuccessfully to get ducks to shag on command, Tanya was bursting with great stories from working on this very unconventional film. And while Tanya isn't ashamed to discuss the sexy subject matter of her latest film with us, the mother of four and her partner of 21 years did have a tricky challenge telling her preteen kids what her movie was about. (She eventually gave them the script and let them figure it out themselves!) Check out our interview with the fun-loving director now, and we dare you not to have a girl crush on her by the end!

TrèsSugar: What were some of the challenges to getting a movie made about vibrators?
Tanya Wexler: Getting the script right was tricky because if you just make a movie about the invention of the vibrator, it's actually a really short movie: you go "bzz" and it's done. And we had a kind of light romantic comedy. I say I made the vibrator movie you can bring your mom to. But some people wanted it to be raunchy or some people wanted it to be more serious and about feminism. People project a lot onto this movie of what they want, because there isn't a lot out there about vibrators and women's pleasure, and we still don't really deal with that topic very well, or we're overly antsy around it. And as a result, people have a lot of ideas of what the movie could and should be, and you can't please everyone. [laughs]

TS: Ha, good one.
TW: It's nonstop!

TS: Do you find sex toys inherently funny or something to be seriously celebrated?
TW: Yes!

TS: Both?
TW: Yes! Yes. I think they make me laugh, and I think that the inner kind of Beavis and Butt-head in all of us goes "[laugh]." You know, that inner 13-year-old, like, "Hahaha vibrator . . . " and yet they're awesome and fun.

TS: What shocked you the most when researching the movie?
TW: That ducks are the rapists of the bird world, and you'll see when you see the movie, because there's a little bit of questionable duck behavior - or awesome duck behavior - in the movie. It's totally a sidebar, but you cannot make ducks shag on command. I'm just saying.

TS: What about the whole history of hysteria being a medical condition?
TW: When I first heard the idea, I was like, "What do you mean it was invented in Victorian times?" I knew about hysteria, but the idea that the treatment was manual [British accent] massage deparaxism - which is what they called it - and, of course, the denial. The most shocking thing is the denial, that they didn't think it was sexual.

TS: Do you think they were really in denial?
TW: No, I don't think that some people were. My college roommate was with her high school boyfriend for two years and she had never had an orgasm. I think there's all kinds of denial, especially with women's sexuality. So the fact that there are young women today who haven't had an orgasm, whether self-induced - which is insane - or with a partner, then why wouldn't we think back then that women wouldn't know what orgasms were?

They would get a massage, and the doctor's saying, "Without a penis, this isn't sex, because sex is about procreation," so what is this? The best physical therapy you've ever had. So once you don't think of it as something other than what the doctor's supposed to do to cure your uncontrollable crying or uncontrollable laughter or whatever, then it's just an awesome muscle spasm. If you don't think women have their own inherent sexuality, then you're not thinking about it like that.

Keep reading for Tanya's thoughts on Fifty Shades and more!