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Chicago Strip Club Get Award for Cleanliness

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Of course, it's not for what's going on inside.

According to Uproxx, a Northwest Chicago strip club was recently awarded the "Block Star Business" award for their "continual efforts to maintain a clean, litter-free exterior."

Chicago Strip Club wins cleanliness award
The Albany Park Neighbors Association honored the Admiral Theatre in large part because they "actively hire employees who canvas the street for litter."

That pissed off at least one neighbor something fierce. Marcus Winn didn't hold anything back on the APNA's Facebook page, saying, "You're doing no service to the community by giving the Admiral an award. You're only legitimizing their exploitation of women."

Meanwhile, MoMo Lemon was singing a different tune and said, "This is the best thing I've ever seen."

It's not the first time the Admiral Theatre has been in the news for something other than flexible performers. The club made headlines last month when they offered free lap dances to anybody who donated a toy for Christmas.

It's pretty tough to pass up a free lapper, and that was apparently the case when the club offered the same deal in 2010, as the club raised five truck loads of toys for area families.

Dollar bills, y'all: 10 of the World's Weirdest Strip Clubs

 

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Here's What 9 of Our World Leaders Might Look Like Taking a Dump

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Have you ever been sitting around (possibly on the toilet) and thought to yourself, I wonder if some of our most powerful world leaders poop just like me? Well, Italian artist Cristina Guggeri (aka krydy) has taken it upon herself to answer your question in a project called "The Daily Duty." Because of her work, you can now see what guys like President Obama and the Dalai Lama look like on the can, as well as royalty like Her Majesty the Queen. Man, don't you just love art?

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h/t Bored Panda

 

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10 Must-Listen-To Podcasts You Don't Know About

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Okay, so you've wrapped up the first season of "Serial" and now there's a big gap in your podcast schedule. What will you do with all this free time and all these questions about whether Adnan murdered Hae or not? Never fear, dear reader -- we're going to serve you up a steaming platter of the best Internet audio you're not listening to.

The Big 3
podcasts you don't know about, the big 3
If you're looking for a podcast with a "high concept," this one's for you. The creators of The Big 3 have been playing what might be the world's longest practical joke on an aspiring actor named Perry Caravello. In 2003, comedians Don Barris and Tony Barbieri set Perry up in an elaborate ruse to make him think he was starring in an action movie called "Windy City Heat" that was actually an excuse to humiliate him in dozens of on-camera ways, and since then the trio have become inseparable. If you enjoy listening to a guy totally lose his marbles, cue this one up.

James O'Brien's Mystery Hour
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One of the coolest things about podcasts is the ability to expand your knowledge and be entertained at the same time. Every episode of James O'Brien's Mystery Hour, which first airs on British radio before being packaged for podcast, features a simple formula. O'Brien asks a question - ranging all through the vast spectrum of human knowledge - and then opens the phone lines up for answers. Somebody out there always knows, and it's a fascinating listen.

Uncensored History of the Blues
podcasts you don't know about, uncensored history of the blues
Many podcasts are dedicated to seriously niche interests, and they're kind of dull listens if you're not into the material. Mike Rugel's astounding Uncensored History of the Blues, however, transcends that restriction to deliver something truly fascinating. Over the past six years, Rugel's been digging deep into his collection of pre-war blues, some of the earliest recorded examples of American popular song, and unearthing the incredible tales behind the songs.

Ronna & Beverly
podcasts you don't know about, ronna & beverly
Talk show podcasts are a dime a dozen, but one awesome one that you're probably not listening to is "Ronna & Beverly," hosted by Jessica Chaffin and Jamie Denbo in character as a pair of fifty-something Jewish romance experts from Boston. The interview segments are hilarious and draw a wide range of comedy talent, but what really sells "Ronna & Beverly" is the intense level of detail they put into the lead characters. If you miss the cringe factor of shows like "Absolutely Fabulous," you'll love this one.


Spilled Milk
podcasts you don't know about, spilled milk
We all eat food, so culinary podcasts are totally relatable. Probably the best is Spilled Milk, which pairs Seattle pizzeria owner Molly Wizenberg and food writer Matthew Amster-Burton as they chew and talk their way through the world's edibles in grand style. Each episode tackles a different ingredient, from bok choy to sour cream, with occasional detours into the fascinating world of foreign junk food. Episodes are short and compulsively listenable, and many come with recipes that you can try at home.

Straight Shoot
podcasts you don't know about, straight shoot
Aubrey Sitterson worked both inside the WWE and for THQ making the pro-graps video games, so he's an insider in every sense of the word. His "Straight Shoot" podcast treats the squared circle with exactly the level of respect it deserves. The guests are one of the best things about the program, drawn from the worlds of wrestling, MMA, comics and heavy metal in equal proportion, and they always have interesting perspectives on the week's grappling action. Whether you're a smart or a mark, you'll enjoy "Straight Shoot."

Flip The Table
podcasts you don't know about, flip the table
Gaming is a popular topic for podcasts, but we're not just talking vidya. There are actually a bunch of podcasts about, of all things, board gaming. One of the best is Flip The Table, which takes some of the most bizarre cultural detritus in the industry (like the Vanilla Ice Electronic Rap Game) and assembles a crew of experts to play them with all of the seriousness that these quality entertainments demand. Sure, it's incredibly geeky, but it's also bizarrely entertaining.

Sword and Scale
podcasts you don't know about, sword and scale
If the true crime nature of Serial is what hooked you in, you'll dig Sword and Scale. It's not for the faint of heart, though - the crimes discussed in these episodes are some of the most gruesome murders of all time, and they don't skimp on the details. The audio production of Sword and Scale is some of the best in the business, weaving together multiple disparate sources to create a tapestry of terror that will have you transfixed. Start with Episode 11, the Morgan Ingram story, and if you're not hooked I don't know what to tell you.

Sleep With Me
podcasts you don't know about, sleep with me
Most podcasts do their best to hook you in and make you pay attention, but Drew Ackerman has other ideas. Sleep With Me is designed for one purpose only: to lull you into unconsciousness. The stories and anecdotes that Ackerman spins get increasingly boring as the show goes on, inducing a sopoforic sensation that'll have you putting down your iPad and catching forty winks whether you want to or not. With nearly 200 episodes available, you're guaranteed almost a year of pleasant - if weird - dreams.

The F Plus
podcasts you don't know about, the F plus
The Internet is full of all kinds of awful things, but who has time to click on it all? The producers of The F Plus do the hard work for you, excavating deposits of crack and reading them out loud for your listening pleasure. A massive archive of over 200 episodes awaits you, covering topics ranging from real-life vampires to sneeze fetish forums (yes, those exist) to the worst of Yahoo! Answers. Each installment is chaotic, hilarious and typically not safe for work unless you have a massive pair of headphones.

 

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Julia Gilas Is An Ass-tastic Workout Guru With a Butt That Won't Quit

Today's Funny Photos

Perfectly Timed Photos Of People Slipping And Falling On Ice Are Hilarious

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It's happened to the best of us: you put on your best pair of winter boots, you walk very carefully and then...you slowly lose control and before you know it, there is a shooting pain vibrating up your coccyx. There is really no pain like the pain experienced after unexpectedly falling on ice. But don't worry. Today, that pain is not yours, it is the pain of these people in these photos. And therefore, it is funny. So enjoy. (And stay inside until it's at least 50 degrees again.)

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funny slipping on ice

funny slipping on ice

funny slipping on ice

funny slipping on ice

funny slipping on ice

funny slipping on ice

funny slipping on ice

funny slipping on ice

funny slipping on ice

 

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25 of the Worst Business Name Puns of All Time

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Owning and running a business is a huge accomplishment and responsibility. You pour your life into it and, in many ways, it becomes an extension of who you are. That's why it's so confusing when a business owner decides to give their business a ridiculous pun-based name. For us, it's just a funny sign we drive by, but that awful name is on someone's business cards and tax returns. Here are 25 of the worst names, (or best names, depending on your love of puns).

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If my GPS accidentally took me here instead of the airport, I would be furious.

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It's hard to trust a company that found a way to add a poop reference to their name.

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If Carl turns out to be difficult to work with, you can't say he didn't warn you.

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Not to be that guy, but if you pronounce pho correctly, this one doesn't work at all.

Funny business name puns, funny business puns, funny puns, bad puns, puns
This one just barely makes sense. You're selling delicious crepes; why do you feel the need to make them sound stupid?

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Sorry, but that just looks like a regular pig to me. No thanks.

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I'm sure that's a business that's going to last years and years.

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Puns based on telling someone to die really don't seem like the most inviting titles.

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Do they sell people? What exactly is your business?

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I don't like it, but I have to respect it.

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Come on. You're better than this and you know it.

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That name sort of makes it sound like the person coming in will be hairy. If that's the case then I'm calling someone else.

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If they really wanted to commit to the name they'd have an all-child staff inside.

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You don't have to put WOODEN in all caps; we get it.

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Is Forrest Gump really the character you want people to think of when considering your business?

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If Ice-T hopped out of that van, I would pay any amount for their services.

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Customers are going to think of an idiot or the word "poop" when they read your sign. I'm sure business is booming!

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Based on the quality of that sign, a butt pun is the least of their concerns.

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I'm sure when William Golding wrote "Lord of the Flies" his dream was that one day it would inspire a potato-based corner restaurant.

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TWO PUNS IN ONE TITLE! WE'VE REACHED THE PINNACLE!

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I take back what I said about the last one because THIS is the pinnacle of pun-based titles.

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Hmm, that's probably not the association I'd want with my business or anything else in my life.

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Believe it or not, there are people who lost everything in the Sock Market as well.

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Nothing gets my appetite going quite like a horrible tragedy with numerous deaths.

Funny business name puns, funny business puns, funny puns, bad puns, puns
You are going to confuse so many drunk guys with that sign.

 

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The 10 Funniest Will Ferrell Cameos or Minor Roles, Ranked

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At this point in his career, Will Ferrell needs no introduction. He is always one of the funniest aspects of whatever project he's taking part in. That said, receiving no introduction could be considered his bread and butter, because when you don't see him coming it often elicits the biggest laughs. Keeping that in mind, we decided to browse his body of work for the most memorable and hilarious times he's appeared out of nowhere, counting down his ten best. (Editor's note: Click on the show titles for video clips.)

No. 10 - Undeclared (2001)
funniest will ferrell cameos, undeclared
Ferrell's cameo as the speed-addicted Dave, whom the lead characters pay to write college essays for them, is certainly not without its charms. Of course, while his performance here is certainly worthy of a few chuckles (and the number 10 spot on our list), it never quite hits the heights of hilarity you might expect, especially considering the circumstances. We know he can't just resort to crazy yelling every time he needs a laugh, but if he'd played the part a little less tame, there is no way this appearance wouldn't have been bumped up a few spots.

No. 9 - The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard (2009)

You couldn't ask for a better setup when it comes to a Will Ferrell cameo than plummeting to his death with a bum parachute surrounded by dildos dressed as Abe Lincoln. On description alone, his cameo as deceased car dealer McDermott warrants a spot on this list. Unfortunately, the key to a great cameo is knowing when to quit, and Ferrell's reappearance as an angel towards the end of the film just doesn't stack up to what had already come before. Funny as he is, sometimes too much of a good thing can turn out not so good.

No. 8 - The Guardian (2003)
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There are odd cameos for comedic actors, and then there's this appearance as newcomer attorney Larry Flood on the season 2 finale of the CBS law drama "The Guardian." We already know what you're thinking: If it's a drama cameo, then how does it qualify for this list? Quite honestly, he is so out of place here that you can't help but laugh. Bonus points go to Ferrell for playing the part so straight and chipper the entire time, only to be unceremoniously shot in the head and killed by the end of the episode. A cameo so strange it has to be seen to be believed, we have no qualms granting it a place on our list.

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We know that the comedic stylings of Tim Heidecker and Eric Wareheim are certainly not everyone's cup of tea, which is why putting this cameo any higher on the list would be ludicrous. However, this is exactly the type of manic humor Ferrell excels at, so putting it any lower would also make no sense. Tim and Eric sketches have a tendency to become funnier the more you watch them, and Ferrell's portrayal of clown outlet owner Donald Mahanahan here is no exception, especially when you consider the striking similarity to a certain Chicago Cubs announcer heard at the very start of the sketch.

No. 6 - The Internship (2013)
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Look, we all know "The Internship" sucked. Hell, none of us probably even needed to see it to agree on that, which makes Ferrell's cameo as Kevin the mattress salesman that much more satisfying. That is to say, that much more satisfying due to how surprisingly funny it actually is. Any time Ferrell straps into the role of an inept jerk, you simply must expect laughs. Luckily, even in a low quality film such as this one, he brings gold. And unlike the situation with "The Goods," his later appearance in an extended scene lives up to its predecessor.

No. 5 - Eastbound & Down (2009, 2012)
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Things took a turn for the weird and generally unfunny when the character of Ashley Schaeffer reemerged during several episodes of HBO's third season of "Eastbound & Down," but his initial appearance in season one was equal parts surprising and gut-busting. More than that, it also brought a slew of outtakes, and nothing says the actors were having a great time being funny more than that. Although Schaeffer may have overstepped his bounds by the end, the laughs still heavily outweighed the groans, leaving our memories of the character in good standing.

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The Mustafa character played by Ferrell in the first two Austin Powers films is a great example of a cameo appearance done right. Not only is the joke hilarious the first time around, but it is changed up just enough in round two to keep it fresh. In fact, Ferrell's scene in the sequel is arguably funnier than the original. Best of all, he didn't come back for the third installment, ending the character's run on a high note -- unlike the franchise itself.

No. 3 - The Office (2011)
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Easily the funniest name given to any of Ferrell's characters, Deangelo Vickers was introduced in the best way possible as the new replacement for Michael Scott. Not only was he utterly incompetent, but his flaws as a person were truly bizarre and hysterical. While many would consider four episodes more than a cameo or small role, it was four out of nearly two hundred, so we had to make an exception. Besides, the fact that he brought so many laughs in such a small amount of time simply can't be ignored.

No. 2 - Wedding Crashers (2005)
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We will probably catch a lot of flack for putting THE Chazz Reinhold in the number two spot instead of crowning him the obvious victor, but the element of surprise is ultimately what will win out our list. Don't get us wrong, this is easily one of the most iconic roles Ferrell has ever played in one of his films. And considering the relatively small amount of screen time he is given, that feat is all the more impressive. In the end, however, if you'd been paying attention to his career at the time, a very similar reveal had been done only a year prior with another character of Ferrell's...

No. 1 - Starsky & Hutch (2004)

Many either knock this film for not being any good or simply haven't given it the time of day, but we assure you everyone -- especially Ferrell -- are at the top of their games here. Prison inmate Big Earl feels like an amalgam of just about every character Ferrell has played over the years, and the results of such a mixture are predictably side-splitting. We're not gonna lie, his scenes with Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson get weird, but it's the kind of weird that gets you laughing just thinking about it, even if it's been a while since you saw the movie. And you'll certainly never think of dragons the same way again.

 

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The Official Checklist For Your 20s

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Life in your 20s is pretty awesome. You're old enough to be living on your own but you can still basically act like an immature moron and blame it on "growing pains" and "life lessons." Let this checklist serve as your guide through the most irresponsible decade of your life. Yes, some of these are awesome. And yes, some of these are the absolute opposite of awesome. But pretty soon, you won't be able to do any of these things without facing major repercussions. So get out your pen, start making mistakes and start checking off boxes. You only have 10 years to make the best and worst decisions of your life before real responsibilities start showing up to ruin everything.

living in your 20s

 

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Twerking Girl Falls Out of Moving Car

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At some point in this girl's brain, twerking to what sounds like one hell of a jam with the passenger's side door open so she could get 80 percent of her body outside of the car while her friend captures it on video (while driving) seemed like a good idea.

It was not.


According to the driver, the girl wound up being fine except for the fact that she was "a little ashy."

She should have read this first: The Internet's Official Guide to Twerking

 

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Two California High School Teachers Arrested for Sex Trips to the Beach

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When my buddies and I were in high school, our English teacher took us to see a performance of "Othello" in downtown Milwaukee.

Once again, it looks like we went to the wrong school.

According to the Los Angeles Times, two female teachers at South Hills High School in West Covina were arrested last week for taking students to a San Clemente beach, getting them liquored up and engaging in "sexual relations" with them.

california teachers sex trips to the beach
38-year-old Melody Lippert (left) and 30-year-old Michelle Ghirelli (right) are in trouble after suspicious teachers contacted authorities about saucy rumors that surfaced in the school's hallways involving the ladies taking male students to the beach for booze and sex.

Lippert allegedly was the first to act when she met a few students at the beach in November, gave them alcohol and "engaged in a sexual relationship" with one of them. Lippert allegedly had so much fun that she organized a camping trip several weeks later and invited Ghirelli, who used to teach at the school but had been reassigned to the district office, to attend.

According to the police, both ladies got freaky with the students that time around.

Ghirelli faces charges of "oral copulation and unlawful sex with a minor" while Lippert is looking at what at least sounds like a way more boring charge of "contributing to the delinquency of a minor."

This one couldn't even make it through her first day: Substitute Teacher Arrested for 'Sex Acts' With Student on Her First Day

 

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Russell Wilson Said God was Responsible for His Four Interceptions

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The Seattle Seahawks pulled off the miracle of miracles Sunday afternoon when they beat the visiting Green Bay Packers in overtime and punched their ticket to Super Bowl XLIX.

For nearly 56 minutes, the Seahawks quarterback looked more like Geno Smith than the guy who amassed a 95.6 quarterback rating during the regular season, throwing just as many completions to the Green Bay secondary as he did to his own team.

But despite his four interceptions and his team trailing 19-7 late in the fourth quarter, Wilson led Seattle on three touchdown drives to seal the improbable victory and broke down in tears when it was all said and done.

russell wilson nfc championship god interceptions
And just when you thought it couldn't possibly get any crazier than what took place on the field, Wilson was asked by Peter King about those four interceptions, and he didn't blame an opportunistic Green Bay defense, his teammates, or even himself for that matter. Instead, he said it was God's doing.

"That's God setting it up, to make it so dramatic, so rewarding, so special," Wilson said. "I've been through a lot in life, and had some ups and downs. It's what's led me to this day."

If Wilson was right, then God apparently didn't give two craps about the AFC Championship, where the New England Patriots curb stomped the Indianapolis Colts to the tune of 45-7.

We're pretty sure this wasn't God's fault either: Running Back Craps Pants During Game

 

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This is the Best Way to Respond to a Cheating Ex-Girlfriend Who Wants Another Chance

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Those of you who have ever been cheated on know how much it hurts. But you probably also can relate to the struggle of wanting to forgive that person and give them another chance, even though you know you shouldn't. Well, for those of you looking for some inspiration to be strong and move on, look no further than this guy.

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Via Memewhore

 

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Playboy Cyber Hottie Alissa Arden Needs Your Vote

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You may all remember Alissa Arden, the blonde bombshell from Texas who shot for Playboy. We interviewed her back in July. One of her passions is cooking. "I think it's so much fun trying new recipes and desserts." Well, they do say that the way to a man's heart is through his stomach, but she's clearly got other assets going for her too (as you can see below).

You can now vote for Alissa to become Playboy's Cybergirl of the Year. You can vote every 24 hours at PlayboyPlus. So vote now and vote often, but careful -- it's NSFW.

Alissa Arden, cybergirl voting
Alissa Arden, cybergirl voting
Alissa Arden, cybergirl voting
Alissa Arden, cybergirl voting
Alissa Arden, cybergirl voting

 

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Busty, Bouncy and Beautiful Boob GIFs, Vol. 2


Today's Funny Photos

Shay Mitchell Gives You 45 Sexy Seconds

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Shay Mitchell cannot tell a lie when it comes to her preferences on men, lifestyle and cocktails. In 45 seconds, the "Pretty Little Liars" actress tells us (through Maxim) what she fancies for herself. Here's a little hint: she prefers men with big beards and tailored suits, so you better be a rogue hipster if you want to land this pretty little liar, Shay Mitchell.

 

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Adrienn Levai Peels Down with Playboy for Some Cyber Zen Sexiness

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We're not even exactly sure what "cyber zen sex" is, but if Adrienn Levai is involved, we're obviously down. Check out one of Playboy's best new cyber hunnies, a curvy pint-sized Budapest babe who likes to peel down for the cameras. Check out Adrienn Levai this month as a Playboy Plus cybergirl or be extremely disappointed in yourself the rest of the year.

 

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This Guy Has Mastered the Art of Picking Up Girls on Tinder

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There are quite a few methods you could use as you pursue women on Tinder. You can play hard to get or be incredibly confident...or you can just be a complete asshole and creeper like this guy. He might not deserve the ladies, but he definitely deserves some yuks.


Funny Tinder chats, Funny Tinder pickup lines, funny pickup lines, tinder fails





























 

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10 Stars Who Quit Their Hit TV Show

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Making it as an actor is a struggle. Even those who attain success usually must work very, very hard to maintain it. To find yourself starring on a television series is accomplishment enough, but to be a part of a bona fide hit would seem like the pinnacle of one's career. That's why it is so perplexing when actors decide to quit their shows at the height of its popularity, but throughout TV history we find this occurring time and time again. Here are 10 stars who quit successful TV shows, resulting in varying effects on their careers.

David Caruso, "NYPD Blue"
david caruso nypd blue, stars who quit hit tv shows
What do you do when you're an acclaimed actor on a new hit TV show from legendary producer Steven Bochco? If you're David Caruso, you take a walk and leave it all behind. Success may have gone to Caruso's head after he helped make the controversial "NYPD Blue" one of the most talked about shows on television in the early '90s. Despite this being his breakout role, one loaded with recognition and admiration, Caruso demanded a raise at the beginning of Season 2. When he didn't get it, he quit. He must have figured that his new leading man status would seamlessly translate to film. With the flops he starred in afterwards, it did not. But Caruso's career was spared a final nail in his coffin almost a decade later when he won the lead role in the CBS spin-off "CSI: Miami." Here, the credibility he brought to "Blue" was traded in for cheesy procedural camp, but Caruso ate it up with gusto and the ratings soared. (Photo credit: ABC/Photofest)

Farrah Fawcett, "Charlie's Angels"
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Farrah Fawcett was not just an actress on Aaron Spelling's classic "Charlie's Angels," she was a phenomenon. Farrah was the face of the late '70s, if not the entire decade. And as much of an impact as she made on the badass babe private detective drama, she was only there the first season. Some speculate she left because she was itching for a film career. Some that her "Million Dollar Man" hubby Lee Majors wanted her home more and got his way. And while a film career never launched - though we were given a glimpse of her Streep-like range in the original "Cannonball Run" - and despite heralded guest returns to "Angels," that one season was Fawcett's onscreen peak. But it didn't much matter. Fawcett never stopped being an icon - a gorgeous actress and sex symbol whose star reached farther into the heavens than most others' ever do. (Photo credit: ABC/Photofest)

Katherine Heigl, "Grey's Anatomy"
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It seems when it comes to hated actresses, Katherine Heigl is just below Gwyneth Paltrow. She's made a fortune playing the female lead in mostly unfavorably reviewed rom-coms. But before she was such a box office draw - then poison - she made a name for herself on the ABC titan, "Grey's Anatomy." The show brought her stardom, an Emmy, and enviable film offers. Then she knocked it out of the park with the runaway hit "Knocked Up." The movie brought her even greater fame, for which she showed her appreciation by publicly dissing its portrayal of women. Rumors soon began to swirl she was leaving "Grey's Anatomy" and after reportedly not showing up for work on the show, she was let out of her contract. Her subsequent transition into a full-fledged movie star proved rocky and she never reached the same success she did with "Knocked Up." "Grey's" has kept chugging along despite much behind the scenes drama and cast changes. Heigl has since revealed her desire to return to "Grey's Anatomy" to bring closure to her character's storyline. From all the trouble she caused on her way out, that appeal appears to be DOA. (Photo credit: ABC/Photofest)

Christopher Abbott, "Girls"
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HBO is a beacon for high quality television and high quality acting. Unlike today's network sitcoms, its comedies reverberate beyond the small screen, keeping us laughing while plumbing for deeper meaning, making a statement about our generation, our world as a whole. In other words, a dream job for any actor who has landed a recurring role on one of these series, particularly a young actor. Christopher Abbott may not have seen it that way. Playing the boy of one of the lead "Girls" dreams, he seemed to have been bestowed the gig of a lifetime. Wunderkind Lena Dunham's acclaimed portrait of entitled and broke recent college grads is groundbreaking, voice of a generation stuff. Apparently that recognition was lost on Abbott who reportedly didn't like the direction in which his character was going. So he left. Shocking? Yes. Typical millennial behavior? That is the question. (Photo credit: HBO/Photofest)

Rob Lowe, "The West Wing"
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"The West Wing" was a comeback for Rob Lowe. The revelation of his sex tape during the dawn of tabloid TV no doubt derailed his successful movie career. And while he did get to show his comic skills in movies like "Wayne's World" and "Austin Powers," his status as a leading man appeared to have faded. The Aaron Sorkin political drama changed all that and Lowe was once again in the center of the spotlight. But "Wing" was an ensemble show and as it became a critical and ratings champ, that spotlight grew more crowded. His co-stars, all played by superlative actors, became more and more popular, and when their salaries were raised to his level, he demanded his should be raised as well. Producers disagreed, so Lowe walked. But Lowe definitely has a heckuva guy quality and not only was he asked to return in some of "Wing's" final episodes, NBC gave him another job years later on "Parks and Recreation." (Photo credit: NBC/Photofest)

McLean Stevenson, "M*A*S*H"
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Like Lowe, for McLean Stevenson being considered just one part of television ensemble might have felt like an act of war. Though his character on "M*A*S*H" was in charge of the mobile army hospital, audiences responded best to Alan Alda, who became the breakout star. Not only was this reportedly too much for him to handle, but also co-star Wayne Rogers, who would make an unhappy exit himself not too long after Stevenson's. Stevenson paid the price for his decision though. Because of the drama he caused on the set of what became one of television's best comedies ever, his character was killed off so he could never return. And despite efforts to lead a comedy of his own afterwards, none were successful and his career stalled out way before "M*A*S*H" finished its impressive eleven season run. (Photo credit: CBS/Photofest)

Courtney Thorne-Smith, "Ally McBeal"
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Courtney Thorne-Smith had already enjoyed a successful career before she signed on to play friendly rival to "Ally McBeal." Her roles in "Melrose Place" and "Summer School" had already given her huge bragging rights. But "McBeal" was groundbreaking, one of the '90s most talked about shows, with a fresh cast to which she contributed greatly. It wasn't jealousy, ego, or money that caused Thorne to take a premature exit. Allegedly it was weight. Co-stars Calista Flockhart and Portia de Rossi were both skinny merinks and the effort she embarked on to keep up with their tiny waistlines took its toll on her. Family obligations also apparently contributed to her decision. If you have to quit, these are good reasons and her career did not suffer as a result. She made a quick return to TV in "According to Jim" and can still be seen on "Two and a Half Men." (Photo credit: Fox Broadcasting Co./Photofest)

Chevy Chase, "Saturday Night Live"
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When "Saturday Night Live" premiered forty years ago, Chevy Chase was its face. He was the first to declare its illustrious quote leading to the opening credits and the first (and maybe best) to anchor its Weekend Update. And while his castmates appeared in most of the show's remaining sketches, the ones he contributed to were legendary. (Landshark anyone?) Understandably so, his star rose quickly and leading roles in movie comedies began to come his way. Even though his influence on "SNL" was vast, Chase actually only lasted one season. He contends the love for a woman who wanted to remain on the West Coast was the reason for his departure, but there are skeptics to that assertion. Maybe he is just unappreciative and hard to work with? At least that's what the cast of "Community" might say today. (Photo credit: NBC/Photofest)

George Clooney, "ER"
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If you watched television in the '80s you definitely recognized George Clooney. He either guest starred or recurred in just about every show possible, but was never able to leave his mark or headline a hit. All that changed with the trailblazing drama "ER" which elevated hospital shows to new, innovative heights. George Clooney was its standout heartthrob and his celebrity finally exploded over Hollywood. After taking the lead as a nipple-baring "Batman" in one of the worst installments of the franchise, the die was cast. Poor reviews aside, Clooney was now a movie star - a megastar - and when his contract ended on "ER," he turned in his stethoscope and never looked back. He is now one of our greatest film actors - with impressive directing and producing credits to boot. Leaving a hit show is usually a cautionary tale, but with unstoppable momentum, Clooney's only way was, and still is, up. (Photo credit: NBC/Photofest)

Shelley Long, "Cheers"
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While most stars who leave hit shows imagine themselves ascending on a Clooney-like trajectory, in truth, they tend to end up like Shelly Long, the poster child for why you should stick with your lucrative day job. "Cheers" was a ratings powerhouse in no small part to Long and the laughs she generated sparring with onscreen partner Ted Danson. Her sitcom was revered and ranked among the best ever to air on television. But movies came calling and she found some success as their comic female lead. So at the end of the fifth season, she decided to say goodbye despite the show's incredible popularity and cultural influence. Her proceeding films were notable flops - with the exception of "The Brady Bunch" remakes in which she truly shined - but she never regained the fame she enjoyed starring on "Cheers." Her departure led to accusations of sabotage, potentially damaging a show in its prime with the void she would leave, which didn't help her reputation any. Actually with Kirstie Alley as her replacement, new life was breathed into "Cheers" and it continued on for another impressive six seasons. And in the series finale Long returned, proving how much she truly contributed to this amazing show. (Photo credit: Tumblr)

 

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