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They’re Making A Documentary About Claudia Kishi From ‘The Baby-Sitters Club’ & It Looks Amazing

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The Baby-Sitter’s Club was a childhood staple for so many who grew up in the '80s and '90s. Written by Ann M. Martin, it tells the tales of a group of friends in Stoneybrook, CT who run a local babysitting service. The most iconic member of the group definitely has to be the spunky, creative, talented Vice President, Claudia Kishi. This junk food-loving, Nancy Drew reading, Japanese-American teen was a trailblazer for many young children of color, especially Asian-American kids. Now, a documentary about her and the impact she had on those kids is in the works.

The Claudia Kishi Club, directed by Sue Ding, explores the impact of representation on adults who grew up in the '80s and '90s reading The Baby-Sitter's Club . “For young readers of color who craved seeing themselves in the media, they consumed,” Ding writes in the Kickstarter statement for the project, “not as distant historical figures, exotic outsiders, or diversity lessons, but as fully realized human beings – Claudia was a revelation”. 

The documentary interviews adults who have grown up to tell their own stories, such as young adult authors C.B. Lee and Sarah Kuhn, Angry Asian Man blogger Phil Yu, comic artist Yumi Sakugawa, and producer Naia Cucukov (who is working on adapting the books into a TV series!).

The Claudia Kishi Club from Sue Ding on Vimeo.

The Kickstarter for the documentary has already surpassed its goal of $15,000 but there is still time to donate! The funds raised will be used to begin the editing process, move forward with post-production, and potentially get an interview with the books series OG author, Ann M. Martin. 

This “love letter to Claudia Kishi” doesn’t have a release date yet but it is only a matter of time and I can’t wait! 



5 Unconventional Holiday Party Outfits That Even Your Most Stylish BFF Would Approve

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We are currently in the midst of holiday season madness, and when you’re not cramming for your finals or trying to find the perfect gift for your bestie, you’re most likely brainstorming how you’re going to upstage your next holiday party. We all love an ugly holiday sweater, but eventually, every single party you attend becomes an overwhelming sea of ugly holiday sweaters. Plus, it costs money to be funny — how on earth could we possibly afford an ugly sweater for all the 12 days of Christmas? Santa better be bringing us a check.

If you know you want to sleigh at your next holiday gathering but don’t want to fall back on the stereotypical looks of Christmas past, these looks below will be totally cute and won’t break your bank (well, we still wouldn’t say no to a check under our tree this year).

1. For your Secret Santa gathering

Your Secret Santa may be a small hangout between you and a few friends, but that doesn’t mean you can’t stunt if you want to. For a small celebration such as this, find a way to be subtly unique in the details. Include this cozy PacSun beanie, an understated holiday sweater from Loft, and these trendy velvet boot-cut jeans from Warp + Weft. It’ll upgrade your holiday style without being super extra.

2. For your holiday rager

Trying to be naughty at your annual Christmas party or your goodbye sendoff with your friends? This outfit is sure to bring that  ~va va voom~ as you’re passing around the eggnog and stuffing yourself on Christmas cookies. Accessorize this festive Urban Outfitters low-cut red sweater with a surprising Forever 21 body chain. And your pants? They’ll be coal-coated, courtesy of Warp + Weft. Hey, if you’re going to get coal this year, you might as well fully commit!

3. For the fifth…or sixth day of Christmas

Want to wow at your family Christmas dinner without hearing another comment about your ripped jeans from your dear relatives? There are simple ways to reinvigorate your look with some new ideas but still keep it PG for the fam. Check out this unique ruffled sweater from ASOS, Warp + Weft rust-colored straight jeans, and these badass RomWe lace-up platform boots.

4. For your New Year’s Eve bash

Searching for a midnight kiss? Whether you’re at a massive NYE celebration or a simple kickback with your closest friends, you’ll be standing out in the crowd thanks to some of the hottest trends from 2018. End the year with a fashionable bang with this hot velvet crop top from Forever 21, on-point snakeskin boots from RomWe, and these sleek black bootcut jeans from Warp + Weft.

5. For your post-NYE brunch

A post-NYE recovery brunch is not a want, but a need. And what better way to start your 2019 then with brunch with your best girlfriends? Start your 2019 on a tasty AND fashionable note with this comfy teddy coat from What’s Mode, an eye-catching beret from ASOS, and a totally retro denim jumpsuit from Warp + Weft.

End your 2018 and start your 2019 getting innovative and creative with your typical fashion pieces! Our new year’s resolution? Standing out and embracing our quirks, fashion sense and all.

Don't forget to get all your on-trend holiday essentials from Warp + Weft, your new fave destination for the best fitting jeans, like, ever. HC readers can use the code "HC20" for 20% off through 12/25 (including sale). Happy holidays!

How To Handle Feelings Of Loneliness When You're Single

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Chances are you're probably going to be single at some point in your life. Maybe it will be ten years from now. Maybe it will be tomorrow. Or maybe you’ve been single your whole life! And while being single has its perks (read: you get to do what you want, when you want), sometimes feelings of loneliness can creep in. We’re all vulnerable to these feelings, especially in today’s hyper-connected world, so what can you do to keep the loneliness at bay? 

The first step is to identify where these feelings of loneliness are coming from. According to filmmaker and founder/executive director of MediaGirls, Michelle Cove, loneliness is simply part of the human experience. As normal as this is, Cove points out that there is “a shame or a stigma attached to it.” While we all at some point feel lonely, we very rarely tell our friends and family, “Hey, I’m feeling a little lonely right now.”

These feelings of loneliness are surprisingly not exclusive to those who are single; those in relationships can feel lonely too! Cove says the biggest mistake single people can make is thinking that those in relationships are not lonely. “[Loneliness] comes to everyone and is not the enemy," she says. So, next time you see a couple, don’t assume that they aren’t feeling the same way as you.

Even though we all feel lonely at times, some of us do feel much lonelier than others. But what’s the biggest reason for this? Cove says that social media is a big factor. When you are scrolling through your Instagram feed and see all of your coupled friends sharing anniversary posts, or even your single friends traveling the world, the feelings of loneliness can ramp up again. So how can you handle this? One of the best solutions is to just sit with your feelings. “[One solution is to] just sit with it, don’t dwell, but feel it and see if it will move through you," she says. If the feelings are still present after a while, try to spend some time with people who are genuine and authentic; they can help you feel better.

Zoe Hawryluk, a junior at Boston University, seconds this advice. “I’ve learned to find and seek mental and emotional fulfillment from my close friends rather than from a significant other,” Zoe says. It can be very cathartic to sit a share your feelings with close friends! If you’re not up for socializing, Cove says watching your favorite comedy (and laughing along) on Netflix can also be a great way to cope! However, it is important to consider how often you are experiencing these feelings. If your feelings of loneliness are chronic, and you feel like you can’t move past them, it could be worthwhile to find a professional to talk to, to get to the cause of your feelings.

So, if you are single, and have accepted that loneliness is a part of life, what do you have to look forward to? According to Stephanie Murray, a junior at the Savannah College of Art and Design, being single is a great way to learn more about yourself. “Sometimes [being single]’s full of exotic adventures and finding new hobbies you never thought you’d like,” she says. “I believe everyone should have a period of extended singleness or loneliness, so they can evaluate themselves and make mental notes of what they want from a partner and what they offer as a partner.” Being single means you only have to accommodate your schedule, which means you can go to that yoga class you love or attend an author event at your favorite local bookstore, without having to worry about pleasing anyone else. You’ll learn new things about what you like and don’t like, and, if other people attend the event, you may even make some new friends!

Zoe also says that one of the benefits of being single is all of the extra resources you have: “You have more time and money to treat yourself and to spend time with the people who truly love you and would never leave you.” Being single is a great excuse to treat yourself and your closest friends to a fancy dinner or a movie night!

Related: 12 Reasons Why Being Single When You Start College is the Best 

One of the most important things for people – especially those in relationships – to remember is not to pity those who are single. Sometimes, people make a conscious choice to be single. Whether they are avoiding relationships because they are too busy or need some time to themselves after a rough relationship, there is no reason to pity someone who is single.

Sabrina Araullo, a senior at Montclair State University, thinks that being single is a time for personal growth that will only make you stronger in the future. “Being in a relationship should not, by any means, be your target end destination,” Sabrina says. “However, when the right time comes for you to be in a relationship, you'll be able to approach it in a way that sees both you and your significant other as, not completing each other or defining who you are, but complimenting each other and allowing yourself to experience a new type of personal growth.” So, single ladies, embrace the time you have to yourself, it will only make you stronger!

Related: 9 Times When Being Single is the Best

What should you take away? First, there is nothing wrong with being lonely. Our society tries to stigmatize these feelings of loneliness, when we should be normalizing them. Don’t feel ashamed of being single or feeling lonely. Go to the movies solo. Bring a book and go to a fancy restaurant by yourself. Loneliness and being single is a great way to learn about yourself, and become the best possible version of you!

3 Instagram-Worthy Eye Masks That Actually Brighten Your Dark Circles

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I am a huge supporter of anything that makes me look and feel Instagram-worthy. As a college student, my monthly income comes out to be enough for groceries (girls gotta eat), getting my nails done (priorities, right?) and dog food for my dog-child. I don’t have money to spend on facials or spa treatments, but like many of you, I NEED them.

That’s why I love when cosmetic brands carry affordable products that not only help me feel like the queen I am, but also help me look like one too. These eye masks always help my dark circles disappear, while also being the perfect way to glam-up my feed with a skincare selfie. 

KNC Beauty Star Eye Mask ($5)

 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by The Silk Sneaker (@thesilksneaker) on

Perfect to use right before bedtime, these K-beauty babies give you a little bit of star-power while fighting puffiness and dullness. They are formulated with a retinol serum that keeps your eye area looking fresh, so you can wake up looking like you actually got enough sleep for once. 

Bliss Eye Got This Holographic Foil Eye Mask ($4)

 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Karolina Kristina (@karolinakristina) on

I swear these Bliss masks were made for standing in front of a ring light and taking 300 selfies. They are foil-backed with a little star pattern, and while it might just seem like decoration, the foil helps the mask hug facial contours and form a protective barrier that makes the serum more powerful. It's the boost of confident fun everyone needs, while still taking away the dark circles.

Wander Beauty Baggage Claim Gold Eye Masks ($25)

 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Wander Beauty (@wander_beauty) on

Whether or not you're into in-flight skincare (*raises hand*), I can't deny the moisturizing power these masks have. The aloe leaf extract and lavender oil have a calming, cooling effect that feel like a whole spa day just for your eyes. Plus, these classic gold eye masks are now available in rose gold – AKA the queen’s gold. 

Any one of these masking options will wash away the stress of studying from underneath your eyes, and get you back to looking like the babe you are. Pick the option you find the cutest and have fun snapping those selfies!

A Selena Series Is Coming To Netflix & It's About Time

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The one and only Selena is about to "Bidi Bidi Bom Bom" onto your Netflix queue.

Netflix is working on a new series to tell the life story of the Tejano music legend with Selena: The Series, which is described as a coming-of-age story. The streaming service has not yet released a premiere date or episode count.

"Selena will always have a lasting place in music history and we feel great responsibility to do justice to her memory. With this series, viewers will finally get the full history of Selena, our family, and the impact she has had on all of our lives," Selena's sister Suzette Quintanilla said in a statement, according to The Hollywood Reporter. "We are excited to partner with Campanario and Netflix to give fans a never-before-seen glimpse at our story and highlight why Selena will remain a legend for generations to come."

For those of you unfamiliar with the Latina pop legend, Selena Quintanilla was an American singer, songwriter, model, actress and fashion designer who became one of the most beloved Mexican-American entertainers. The "Como La Flor" singer launched her music career in 1980 and was dubbed the Tejano Madonna. Selena won a Grammy in 1994 for best Mexican-American album and ranks as the best-selling female artist in Latin music history, with more than 65 million albums sold worldwide.

Selena died on March 31, 1995, in Corpus Christi, Texas, after being shot by Yolanda Saldivar, a friend and the founder of her Selena fan club. Saldivar had been managing Selena's boutique in San Antonio, and was about to be fired for embezzling money. Saldivar was convicted of murder and is currently serving a life sentence in a Texas jail. In 1997, her story was made into a film, with Jennifer Lopez taking on the role of Selena.

"Selena and the entire Quintanilla family are an inspiration to many and especially to me, a millennial of the same heritage," said Campanario Entertainment president Jaime Davila. "Selena’s career achievements are legendary, but our scripted series will focus on the incredible story of a Mexican-American family and how an extraordinary young woman transcended categories and borders to become a global star. I can’t imagine a better partner than Netflix to celebrate Selena and her family's lives."

Now that Netflix is finally creating what we've all been waiting for, there's only one question left—who will be portraying her?

See Millie Bobby Brown In The Latest Trailer For ‘Godzilla: King of the Monsters'

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I never thought that I needed to see Millie Bobby Brown in a monster action movie until I got Millie Bobby Brown in a monster action movie and, honestly, I am not disappointed. The beloved Stranger Things actress has taken up the role of Madison Russell in the upcoming Godzilla: King of Monsters. This will be her debut onto the big screen, and it looks like she is going to kill it!

A few days ago, they released the second trailer for the film and it looks absolutely epic. I am not really a big monster movie fan, but for this film (and Millie Bobby Brown), I’d give my money to box office in a heartbeat.

This will be the 35th Godzilla movie to be made and it's part of the monster-verse revival movement that began with the 2014 Godzilla movie. Directed by Michael Dougherty, this will be the final movie before the most anticipated battle hits theaters in 2020, Godzilla vs. Kong

Godzilla: King of Monsters returns to the question posed in the original series: which monsters are fighting to protect humanity and which are fighting to destroy it? In addition, not only do we get an up-close-and-personal storyline about the iconic kaiju, but the movie will also have some familiar faces in the epic battles: Mothra, Rodan, and Ghidorah. Not much else is known about the plot of the film, so we are just going to have to wait and see.

The movie roars into theaters on May 31, 2019. I’m so excited!


It's Okay If You Never Check Your Voicemail — Voice Messaging On Instagram Is A Thing Now 

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Instagram just keeps rolling out new features and their latest might be their most personal yet. Long gone are the days of leaving a voicemail—or, even worse, talking on the phone with someone—because Instagram just launched voice messaging in your direct messages. 

The process is super simple. When you’re ready to record a message, select which follower you want to send it to, and instead of typing your message, hold down the microphone icon and record your thoughts. When you let go of the icon, the message will automatically send. 

But be careful or maybe rehearse what you want to say a few times to make sure the message you’re sending is saying what you want it to. 

Courtesy of Instagram

So, whether you’re planning a night out with the girls, you need your SO to pick-up some extra food for the party or just want to send a little love to your BFF, Instagram just gave you a new option to share your message. 

Obama's HUD Chief Julian Castro Announces That He's Exploring A Presidential Run & No, It's Not Too Soon

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Julian Castro, Obama’s former housing chief, announced on Wednesday morning that he is exploring a candidacy for President of the United States in 2020. 

The former mayor of San Antonio took to Twitter to share a four-minute video and brief tweet with his followers describing his reasoning behind the potential run and the importance of representing Latino communities on the primary stage. 

The announcement is one of the first from high-profile Democratic presidential nominee hopefuls—giving Castro a head start on what is already expected to be a highly competitive race.  

In preparation, Castro will be forming an exploratory committee, which is standard for all candidates before launching a presidential campaign. The committee will help him determine if the run is worth while and even possible. 

Castro will be among the youngest candidates in the Democratic field, and as the grandson of a Mexican immigrant and son of a Latina activist, he is expected to be the most prominent Latino in the race.

He tells Bloomberg, "I'm also very mindful, especially now for the Latino community, that there's a particular meaning to my candidacy," Castro said. "We can't go through the 2020 cycle with nobody on that stage because of what's happened over the last couple of years."

But if it seems like the 2016 Presidential election was just last month and talks of the next election cycle is too much too soon, your feelings aren’t wrong. The Washington Post reports that in virtually every other previous presidential election cycle, major-party candidates didn’t announce their campaigns until the late-spring before the election year. 

But these aren’t normal times and that’s evident by the slew of senators, house members, business owners and mayors who have already expressed interest in running —some even announcing their candidacy.  High-profile Senators Kirsten Gillibrand, Cory Booker, Sherrod Brown and Bernie Sanders have not ruled out the possibility. Beto O’Rourke is also expected to make an announcement soon and house member John Delaney said he will be running in 2020. 

Other candidates will announce their decisions in the early part of January 2019.


Not to Be Dramatic, But We're Obsessed With These Beauty Podcasts RN

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There’s nothing like a good podcast to start your day off right. Whether you listen in on your morning commute, while you exercise, or during your lunch break, podcasts are a great alternative to music and offer the chance to learn while being super entertained. At the moment, we're so hyped for beauty podcasts.

Some share glimpses into how certain beauty companies were founded, others the science behind ingredients and how they interact with your skin. But, all offer hilarious and entertaining beauty guidance accompanied by favorite products to try. These beauty podcasts have you covered for all of the topics you could ever want to learn about.

Fat Mascara

Hosts, friends and beauty editors, Jessica Matlin and Jennifer Goldstein have the coolest information on their podcast Fat Mascara. With guests ranging from influencers like Emily Weiss to makeup artists like Bobbi Brown, you’re guaranteed to find something you’re interested in. Featuring insider tips from across the beauty industry, these two journalists share full access and juicy knowledge with their listeners. (They're also the perfect inspiration if you’re interested in beauty writing, btw.)

Where Brains Meet Beauty

This podcast is all about the paths different people within the beauty industry have taken to reach success, and it doesn’t gloss over their struggles. Instead, Where Brains Meet Beauty covers the highs and lows of a career in beauty, but in a relaxed and approachable way. Interested in public relations, media, executive positions or any other beauty-related careers? This podcast will be chock-full of of important advice you can use to help jumpstart (or enhance) your career.

Full Coverage

Blending together the perspectives of a professional makeup artist and a beauty junkie, hosts Harriet Hadfield and Lindsey Kelk cover everything including recent product launches, gossip, classic favorite products and more. One of their recent episodes featured an interview with Brian Underwood, the beauty director of Oprah Magazine, and the rest of their Full Coverage beauty-famous guests do not disappoint.

As a bonus, if you fall in love with the podcast, you can always get more of Harriet on her blog and YouTube channel, or check out Lindsey’s bestselling books.

At Home With

If you’re feeling lonely, this podcast has been said to make you feel like you’re relaxing on the couch, chatting about products and life with your best girlfriends. Hosted by beauty and lifestyle content creators Lily Pebbles and Anna Newton, who are relatively famous across the internet, At Home With constantly tops the charts and features guest interviews from the comfort of their own homes. Who doesn’t love snooping just a little and getting a peek into someone else’s life? This podcast blends beauty and that little bit of nosiness we all love and crave.

Breaking Beauty

Ready to learn about the inside stories behind top beauty brands and the icons creating them? Long-time beauty editors Jill Dunn and Carlene Higgins dive into the brands topping the charts, covering up-and-coming cult favorites. They also discover just how the creators broke into the industry, and what stories lie behind these products and brands. Breaking Beauty is all about giving listeners an inside look at who creates the products we love and what goes into creating iconic products and household beauty names. 

7 Spotify Playlists for Just About Every Mood

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I’m going to let you guys in on a sad secret about my life: I can sometimes be a basic biatch. It can be so easy for me to sit down with my basic vanilla latte, my homework and throw on some Top Pop station on some random music app on my phone. Sometimes, life is so crazy that I get stuck listening to the same 10 songs on repeat rather than trying to find new music. But then I realized what my life was missing: a killer backtrack of sick tunes. I’m here today to save you from that awkward transition phase of deciding what grooves match the situations in your life. Here are seven playlists to add to the soundtrack of your life.

1. For When You Need Some Early Morning Energy: "Good Vibes"

Whether you’re walking to campus, driving to work or on that early morning ride with public transportation, sometimes you just need something that will bring a smile to your face. These chill yet upbeat songs will set the tune to the rest of your day. This playlist is great because it’s filled with songs you may have never heard before, but from the artists you know and love. These artists are known for their deep beats (RL Grimes, Gryffin, Louis The Child) but with these songs you’ll get a bit less of the Friday night party vibes, and more of the "I’m walking on sunshine" feel.  

2. For When You Spend All Day Cleaning: “All Out 00s”

Maybe it’s just me, but I LOVE jamming out while cleaning. Nothing gets me through mopping the kitchen quite like screaming the lyrics to “No Scrubs” by TLC. This playlist has it all, from the bangers you loved at school dances and to the ballads you cried to after your first crush told you he didn’t want to play volleyball with you at lunch (again, maybe that was just me). Either way, singing along to this playlist will make those less than fun tasks way more enjoyable.

3. For Your Long-Distance Drive: “Surf Rock Sunshine”

Going to school in a beach town, it is a necessity that I have a beach-anthem playlist on hand at all times. However, I’ve come to realize that those same playlists should not be limited to days of playing hookie and running to the ocean. If you don’t live in a beach town you’re in luck- these tunes are the best way to make a boring drive seem a bit more exciting. Beach tunes, like Weezers, “Island In The Sun”, or The Beach Boys, “Wouldn’t It Be Nice”, make for amazing solo car ride sing-a-longs!

4. For Studying: “Piano Hits”

Picture this: It’s midnight on a Tuesday, you have a huge project due and midterms next week. You just got to the library and you plan to be there for a few late hours. The library is silent and everyone is cuddled up in their corners working. A light piano score in the background is just what you need to help you stay focused and awake.

5. For When You Forget How Awesome You Are: “On Fleek”

Take one look at the cover of this playlist, an epic queen-like portrait of Beyoncé, and you’ll know why you need to put your headphone in and listen to this ASAP. After hearing Nicki Minaj tell you that no one is better than you, Dua Lipa telling you to remember your rules, and singing along to some of the pop music scene’s most talented women, you’ll be ready for anything.

6. For When You’re Feeling Heartbroken: “Drifting Apart”

Sometimes you just need a sad tune to cry to. This playlist is the perfect breakup and heartbreak station, filled with classics and sadder ballads by the artists you love. Just remember to listen to “On Fleek” when you’re ready to feel better and get your confidence back!

7. For When It’s A Rainy, Lazy Day: “Rap Cavier”

I don’t know about you guys, but for me one of the best ways to enjoy the rain outside my window or a day full of scented candles and face masks is some casual rap music. Rap Cavier doesn’t have the aggressive rap you play at pre-games, this one has more of the laid back and casual tracks. From some Drake tracks you already know you love to some softer XXXtentacion, this playlist keeps you feeling chill while still sending some slaps your way.

The most amazing part of these playlists is that they are continuously updated by the pros that work at Spotify. They update them with current bops and take away the tracks that are way overplayed. While Spotify has tons of playlists that are kept up with through their offices, a great way to find new music is to search through the playlists made by regular users like us! Just search within to figure out what mood you’re in, type some keywords into the search bar and see what playlists other people around the world use as their life soundtrack.

Michael Cohen, President Trump's Former Personal Attorney, Sentenced to 3 Years in Prison

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A federal judge sentenced Michael Cohen, President Donald Trump’s former personal attorney, to three years in prison for a series of charges for various crimes, including tax evasion, campaign finance violations and lying to Congress.

Before sentencing Cohen, Judge William Pauley said “Cohen pled guilty to a veritable smorgasbord of fraudulent conduct” and had “lost his moral compass,” adding that “as a lawyer, Mr. Cohen should have known better.”

According to ABC News, in addition to serving three years in prison, Cohen is required to pay $1.39 million in restitution, $500,000 in forfeiture for his campaign and finance crimes and $50,000 for lying to Congress.

Pauley explained to Cohen that the fine for lying to Congress was meant “to recognize the gravity of the harm of lying to Congress in matters of national importance.” In addition, two out of Cohen’s 36-month sentence are tied to his lying to Congress charge, Politico reports.

While Cohen did not receive the four or more years that federal prosecutors wanted, his sentence is the biggest punishment as of yet in special counsel Robert Mueller’s probe into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election.

The longtime Trump lawyer, who was once in the president’s innermost circle, had declared in the past that he would “take a bullet for the president” and “never walk away.” But when FBI agents raided his home, office and hotel room, Cohen turned on his former boss and began to cooperate in investigations targeted at Trump and the Trump campaign, including Mueller’s investigation.

Earlier this summer, Cohen seemed to signal a shift in his legal strategy, as well as a shift in relationship with Trump, telling ABC News that he would “put family and country” before Trump.

In the courtroom Wednesday, Cohen was visibly upset, and choked up while reading a printed statement.

“Today is the day that I am getting my freedom back,” Cohen told the judge. “I have been living in a personal and mental incarceration ever since the day that I accepted the offer to work for a real estate mogul whose business acumen that I deeply admired.”

Referring to Trump’s recent comment that his former personal attorney was “weak,” Cohen noted that his former boss was correct, but that his “weakness was a blind loyalty to Donald Trump.”

“Time and time again I felt it as my duty to cover up his dirty deeds,” Cohen said, with his family present in the courtroom.

Before receiving his sentence, Cohen accused Trump of causing him to “follow a path of darkness rather than light.”

Guy Petrillo, Cohen’s attorney, argued that he “came forward to offer evidence against the most powerful person in the country,” adding that Cohen received “threats” because of his cooperation with the investigations, ABC News reports.

Although the special counsel’s office appeared to be willing to give credit to Cohen for his cooperation, prosecutors from the Southern District of New York took a tougher stance.

Jeannie Rhee, a prosecutor from the special counsel’s office, said Cohen had provided “wide ranging and helpful” information in regards to the Russia probe, but did not inflate the value of that information. Nicolas Roos, a prosecutor with the Southern District of New York, said that Cohen “didn’t come anywhere close to assisting this office in an investigation, adding that “the charges portray a pattern of deception, of brazenness and of greed.”

Minutes after Cohen was sentenced, Rudy Giuliani, Trump’s current attorney, noted the length of the sentence in comparison to other involved in the Russia probe and called Cohen a liar.

“This is the first real criminal sentence,” Giuliani told Politico. “I have no idea if it’s the right one or not, but I do know he’s proven to be a consummate liar who has lied at all stages of his situation.”

Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA), said he hopes Cohen’s sentencing will encourage other to “come clean.”

“Cohen is one of the only individuals who lived in Donald Trump’s personal, political and financial worlds,” Swalwell said. “I would like to see Michael Cohen come clean, wholly before Congress, about what the president knew and what he was doing politically and financially with the Russians. I would like to hear from him. Just for the country’s sake.”

Cohen has been ordered to report to prison on March 6, 2019.

Chris Pratt & Tom Holland Team Up as Brother Elves in Pixar's 'Onward'

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In Avengers: Infinity War, Star Lord (played by Chris Pratt) and Spider Man (played by Tom Holland) only got to meet for a brief moment before they suddenly dissipated into nothingness, along with half of the entire universe (thanks a lot, Thanos). But lucky for us, it looks like Pratt and Holland will be teaming up again in Disney Pixar’s new original movie, Onward.

The new film, which had originally been referred to as an untitled suburban fantasy, follows two teenage elf brothers (Pratt and Holland) who embark on a quest to see if there is still magic in the world, Variety reports.

“At Pixar we try to create stories that come from some kind of personal truth,” Dan Scanlon, director of Onward, said in a statement. “This film was inspired by my own relationship with my brother.”

Scanlon, who directed 2013’s Monsters University for Pixar, said he was only one and his brother was three-years-old when their father passed away.

Octavia Spencer and Julia Louis-Dreyfus are also joining Pratt and Holland in the cast of Onward, according toE! News.  

Producer Kori Rae, who also worked on Monsters University with Scanlon, said “Chris brings equal parts huge heart and fantastic humor to his character,” and that Spencer “can do it all. We’re especially excited about the depth as well as humor that she brings to her character.”

According to Scanlon, Holland “has an infectious charm and sincerity that makes you root for him in every character he plays,” and “there is no one funnier than Julia.”

“But she also brings a warmth and loving side to her character,” Scanlon said of Louis-Dreyfus.

Holland, who has been known to accidentally spill secrets about upcoming movies, shared the news of the new Pixar movie on his Instagram account.

“It is announcement time! I am so excited. I’ve been trying to keep this a secret for so long—and I just can’t do it anymore. I am lucky enough to be making a Pixar movie...I'm so excited I finally get to share this with you,” Holland exclaimed. “Let's make a great movie!”

 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

My friends at @DisneyPixar have allowed me to make a very exciting announcement... #onward

A post shared by ✌️ (@tomholland2013) on

As usual, details surrounding Pixar’s new film are tightly under wraps. 

This definitely sounds like it’ll be a fun and exciting movie with a very talented cast. Onward is set to be released in theaters on March 6, 2020.

HC Wake-Up Call: Congress Reaches Deal to Curb Sexual Harassment, Dems Strike Deal With Pelosi & Tampons Recalled After Reports of Unraveling

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Good morning, Her Campus! With a break-neck news cycle, there is no possible way for you to stay on top of every story that comes across your feeds—we’re all only human, after all.

But, life comes at you fast. So grab a cup of coffee and settle in for this quick and dirty guide to stories you might’ve been sleeping on (like, literally. It’s early.)

Congress Reaches Deal to Curb Sexual Harassment on Capitol Hill

After witnessing several congressmen depart from Capitol Hill following sexual harassment allegations and the use of taxpayer money to cover up inappropriate behavior, Congress has finally reached a deal and is ready to pass a bill to crack down on lawmakers that sexually harass their staff.

According to The Huffington Post, House and Senate lawmakers worked out the differences between bills passed by each chamber and reached an agreement Wednesday to overhaul congressional regulations governing sexual harassment, allowing for both chambers to vote on the bill in the coming weeks, before Congress adjourns for the year.

“We have reached an agreement with the Senate on a strong package of reforms to the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 that will focus on protecting victims, strengthening transparency, holding Members accountable for their personal conduct, and improving the adjudication process,” Reps. Gregg Harper (R-MS), Bradley Byrne (R-AL) and Jackie Speier (D-CA) said in a statement.

“The agreement reflects the first set of comprehensive reforms that have been made to the Congressional Accountability Act since 1995,” the lawmakers said.

In the House’s bill, it was required that lawmakers pay out-of-pocket for all settlements relating to sexual harassment and discrimination, but the Senate bill still allowed for lawmakers to use taxpayer money. Congress reached a deal requiring lawmakers to be personally liable for all sexual harassment and retaliation settlements, but not for discrimination settlements, ABC News reports.

“I think it will send that message that there is zero tolerance for bad behavior,” House Administration Committee Chairman Gregg Harper (R-MS) told ABC News.

The House bill originally provided legal representation to all accusers, but the Senate bill did not. According to HuffPost, the final language will allow for House staff to have access to House counsel, but Senate staff will not have that option.

In the agreement, however, harassment protections will be extended to unpaid staff, including interns and congressional fellows, and an electronic system will be implemented to process sexual harassment claims, ABC News reports.

Lastly, the House bill required for there to be an impartial probe, but the Senate bill did not. The final agreement did not include that provision.

Here are some of the other provisions from the agreement via a press release from Reps. Roy Blunt (R-MO) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN):

via The Huffington Post

Speier, one of the leaders for the House bill earlier this year, said she is currently working to introduce bipartisan legislation in the next Congress to include provisions that did not make it into this final bill, according to an aide. She is also looking into whether the House could implement these provisions for itself in the next Congress.

“We believe this is a strong step towards creating a new standard in Congress that will set a positive example in our nation,” reads the statement by Speier and her fellow House lawmakers, “but there is still more work to be done.”

Nancy Pelosi Strikes Deal With Disgruntled Dems, Paving the Way for Her Speakership

Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) came to an agreement with Democrats that had tried to derail her bid for Speaker of the House, all but ensuring her election to the speakership.

According to USA Today, Pelosi announced that she is “comfortable” with a proposal for term limits for leadership positions within the Democratic caucus, and in return, a critical number of fellow Democrats have announced that they will support her in the January 3rd vote.

Under the proposal, top House Democrats would only be allowed to serve four two-year terms in their posts, including any posts that they had served when the Democratic party had the majority in the House, Politico reports. That means the proposal would also apply to Pelosi’s two deputies: Minority Whip Steny Hoyer (D-MD) and Assistant Democratic Leader Jim Clyburn (D-SC).

To be nominated for a fourth term under the proposal, Pelosi would need to get a two-thirds majority vote from House Democrats.

“Over the summer, I made it clear that I see myself as a bridge to the next generation of leaders, a recognition of my continuing responsibility to mentor and advance new Members into positions of power and responsibility in the House Democratic Caucus,” Pelosi said in a statement announcing the agreement.

Following her announcement, seven of Pelosi’s critics released a joint statement supporting her for Speaker of the House.

“We wish to thank Nancy Pelosi for her willingness to work with us to reach this agreement,” the lawmakers wrote. “We are proud that our agreement will make lasting institutional change that will strengthen our caucus and will help develop the next generation of Democratic leaders. We will support and vote for Nancy Pelosi for Speaker of the House in the 116th Congress.”

According to Politico, the proposal will come up for a vote before February 15th. Even if the proposal fails, however, Pelosi said she will still abide by it, limiting her tenure to a maximum four years.

Some Kotex Tampons Recalled After Unraveling in Users’ Bodies

In the latest menstrual hygiene news, Kimberly-Clark has issued a voluntary product recall on its U by Kotex Sleek Tampons after reports that the feminine hygiene products unraveled or broke apart in users’ bodies, The Huffington Post reports.

via U by Kotex

The company issued a press release Tuesday advising retailers to pull the tampons off shelves due to a “quality-related defect.”

According to the recall announcement, Kimberly-Clark said it received “a small number of reports of infections, vaginal irritation, localized vaginal injury, and other symptoms” and that some users had to seek “medical attention to remove tampon pieces left in the body.”

The recall only pertains to the United States and Canada, and is specific to tampons manufactured between October 7, 2016 and October 16, 2018, and distributed between October 17, 2016, and October 23, 2018, Hello Gigglesreports.

Users can check to see if they have a defective box by checking the lot numbers located on the bottom of the box. A full list of those lot numbers are listed on the company’s website. Users can also search a lot number to see if a box is defective.

“The safety of our consumers is our top priority,” the company said. “We are putting systems in place to prevent the occurrence of similar issues in the future.”

What to look out for...

Celebrate the holidays right and live out your Gilmore Girls dreams by having lunch (and lots of coffee) at Lorelai and Rori Gilmore’s house from December 22nd to January 6th at Warner Brothers Studio! 

7 Jobs No One Told You About & The Major You Need to Get There

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Are you thinking about an extraordinary career path? Bored of flipping through the masses of dry college guidebooks? Don’t fret. Being just two or three years shy of 20, it’s a lot ofpressuretohave everything “figured out” yet. You may have even taken a careers course or workshop in high school, and still haven’t got a clue what kind of career you might be interested in. Maybe your friends have detailed plans (*astonished stare*). Or perhaps you have a general idea of the subject area (e.g., science) to pursue, but aren't yet familiar with how niche and specific the potential career pool is out there (marine biologist, forensic chemist and archaeologist—just to name a few!).

Here are seven super-cool and totally legit jobs you may have never known existed until now, as well some educational paths to get there, as a start!

1. Canine trainer or behaviorist

Consider a bachelor’s or associate’s degree in: Animal Behavior or Studies 

If you to spend your life around puppies, but you’re not super interested in doing the years of veterinary school to get dog-time as your day job, this may be a dream come true for all you die-hard dog fanatics out there.

You’ll spend time actively analyzing and deciphering puppy behavior, practicing the most ethical and effective training methods. Employees often work in doggy daycare, animal shelters, boarding kennels and clinics. Daily activities you’d be responsible for with the pups include actively implementing learning techniques, building habits and other cleaning duties.

A major in animal behavior (diploma in canine behavior science) will give you the informative background on the physical and psychological systems of animals, to ensure proper care and handling. Sample classes that you’ll take include canine development, biological rhythms and aggression. The ideal puppy trainer will multitask, handle emotional outbursts with patience and have a sense of consistency and hunger for constant improvement. Just keep in mind that training can become repetitive at times, because not all dogs grasp new skills at the same pace!

2. Food stylist

Consider a bachelor’s or associate’s degree in: Food Science, Nutrition, Culinary Arts

If you’re that friend who’s always setting the brunch scene to get an Insta-worthy shot for the ‘gram, then consider becoming a food stylist. These spunky designers work on a variety of sets, often for flyer or advertising photo shoots. They’re in charge of preparation, nutritional safety measures (that’s where the science background comes in), and carefully arranging the food to perfection.

Sample courses you’ll need to take include food safety systems, processing and microbiology. A great eye for detail, clear communication skills and an overall creative perspective will come in handy for the role. Through a unique blend of food science and culinary arts courses, you’ll be well-equipped to practice the best (strict) safety measures and spiff up some tasty dishes.

Bonus: free food. Need we say more?

3. Museum technician

Consider a bachelor’s degree in: Art History, Life Sciences (concentration in Museum Studies if possible)

If your friends and/or family have started rolling their eyes whenever a day plan is mentioned because they know exactly what you’ll say (the museum, duh), take pride in it! You’d get to spend time with beautiful artifacts and time-travel during work. Being a technician involves a comprehensive understanding of the museum area of focus – be it art, history, science or a combination of these – as well as a general hunger for knowledge.

Most trainees start out as interns or volunteers at specific exhibits or sections to gain experience, so it’s a good idea to get your foot in the door early on through walk-in, on-the-spot interviews with the museum staff. You’ll need a sharp eye for detail and data, as you’ll be working with some very fragile and precious objects. Perks? Paid vacations  as well as membership passes to other galleries.

4. Professional matchmaker

Consider a major in Psychology, with master’s program in Interpersonal Relationships

Do you have a reputation for always being the one hooking your friends up, successfully? Can you outsmart the online dating algorithms? If you can easily see the chemistry between people, their long-term potential, and sense right off the bat reading online match convos whether it’s a yes or a hard no, you might actually be a great matchmaker IRL. Empathy and the ability to dish out constructive criticism makes for a golden combo here.

A typical day for a matchmaker involves booking appointments, seeing clients and providing time-sensitive relationship advice. If your academic interests lie in psychology, then lucky you, because courses in personality, human behavior and even psychopathology are critical for a well-rounded analysis of two (hella complex) individuals.

5. Greeting card designer

Consider a bachelor’s degree in: Visual Arts, Graphic Design

Yes, you can totally embody Tom from 500 Days of Summer. The greeting card industry, like any publishing gig, can be difficult to break into, but once you’re in, the rest is a designer’s cloud nine. Get recognized through your unique style of art, and make sure to maintain a pristine portfolio showcasing some of your best stuff while you’re at it. Sometimes, artists gain popularity on virtual marketplaces such as RedBubble or Society6, which make for a great starting point.

Greeting card designers are typically in charge of the selection, drafting, production and revision of ideas and artwork. Many of these positions are freelance, part-time or both—but full-time opportunities are definitely out there (typically granted with seniority).

6. Travel writer

Consider a bachelor’s degree in: English, Communications, Journalism

Do you dream of getting paid to take vacations, and have a knack for telling stories that get everyone in inspired? If you know how to shoot stellar photos on the fly, travel writing may be the picture-perfect fit! Exploring unforeseen spots and being perpetually immersed in a state of adventure is not a joke. Aside from capturing those breathtaking shots, travel writers are also responsible for delving deep into the culture of the particular area they visit. They can gather readers all over the world to sit with them on a virtual campfire through every adventure. Want in? Check out some popular travel writers documenting their journeys for a sense and inspiration on how their writing takes flight (literally!).

7. Entertainment tagger

Consider a bachelor’s degree in: Film Studies

Get your popcorn and pizza ready, because it’s always movie night when you’re a tagger. Be the first to review new shows and release your inner critic in all of its glory. And yes, that means kissing business casual goodbye—hello 24/7 PJ parties!. Do make sure, however, that your ability to convey a succinct, crystal-clear message is top-notch. They’re 100 percent checking for enthusiasm and bucket-loads of passion.

Sure, it sounds simple, but Netflix is actually looking for an educational background in film to ensure that taggers are well-versed in film theory and terminology to be able to describe in detail what makes for a particular genre. Daily roles as a tagger are similar to those of a librarian: meticulously categorizing based on keywords, or tags. If you know a second language such as Spanish or French, all the better. It’s a very niche area to get into, but the film junkie with a diverse taste and right attitude will flourish in the role.
College hopeful, this has been a non-exhaustive list of some pretty rad careers. But there’s so much more to keep in mind. It may be helpful to stay as an undeclared major or even take a gap year to give yourself ample time to figure out what really clicks with you. A good starting point would be to evaluate your strongest subjects and analyze which extracurricular activities you’ve joined throughout the years. Ask around as much as possible, and consider finding a mentor. Good luck!

5 Ways to Stop Being Emotionally Unavailable

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Having an invisible emotional plastic bubble can be comforting — it allows you to keep people at an arm’s length and helps you better dictate who you let into your life. However, that emotional unavailability can ultimately be damaging to current or potential relationships. And while we all know that all collegiettes are strong, independent women, we also know part of being strong means allowing other people into your life.

Though emotional unavailability often affects romantic relationships, it can be harmful to other aspects of your life as well. Similarly, being emotionally available can have a positive effect on your life.

“Becoming emotionally available opens up every corner of your life – not just romance, but friendships, family, business connections, educational connections. People are drawn to someone who is emotionally available,” says Bryn Collins, a licensed psychologist and author ofEmotional Unavailability: Recognizing It, Understanding It, and Avoiding Its Trap.”

Sound familiar? Here are five tips for how to curb that emotional unavailability and open yourself up to better and healthier relationships.

1. Recognize any fears you have

Failure is a vital part of life. However, failure oftentimes breeds a fear of failure.

“One of the biggest reasons people cut themselves off in relationships is fear: fear of rejection, fear of not being ‘good enough,’ fear of intimacy, fear of not being in control,” says Collins.

Though fear of all of those things is understandable, it can ultimately lead to an overall lack of being vulnerable to friends and partners. Usually, when people are harboring so much fear, it’s easy to withdraw from relationships and shut yourself off to anything deemed as ‘weak.’

“Relationships inherently require vulnerability and many people feel as though being vulnerable is emotionally dangerous — as though their vulnerability makes them weak," continues Collins. "Actually, vulnerability is a strong position and strengthens a relationship.”

Veronika, a senior at the University of Toronto has experience with this. “I generally don't like being vulnerable and that's why it took me a bit to open up to my boyfriend,” she says. “I think what helped is considering him a best friend and trusting him enough to confide in him.”

Like Collins suggests and Veronika knows, opening yourself up to people and confiding in them one of the best ways to start being a more emotionally available person. There’s an exchange of trust that happens, ultimately leading to stronger relationships.

2. Trust yourself

We’ve all heard that saying — before you can love someone else, you need to learn to love yourself. The same holds true when talking about trust.

“Trust is also important and trusting yourself is step one,” says Collins. “Trust has four components: predictability, reliability, truthfulness and honesty. Self-confidence is important as are good communication skills.”

While it’s obvious that most people need to trust someone in order to open up to them, it’s also equally, if not more important, to trust yourself. You need to be able to trust your own decision-making skills, your own boundaries and your own ability to communicate with your friends and SO. If you block emotions from yourself, how are you supposed to share them with those around you?

Related: What to Do If Your SO Has Anxiety or Depression

3. Set boundaries

Even though being emotionally available is important and has the ability to make your relationships thrive, it’s also good to know your own limits. Being emotionally available is hard; opening up to people makes you more vulnerable to getting hurt. With that in mind, it’s a good idea to set your own boundaries for how vulnerable you want to be.

“Have good boundaries – don’t permit yourself to be used or abused,” suggests Collins.

While it’s good to be emotionally available, you don’t want to be available to the point of people using you or taking advantage of your emotions. While hopefully this won't happen, it’s something to be wary of.

4. Communicate, communicate, communicate

Everyone knows that at the core of every relationship is good communication. Despite that, it can be difficult to communicate with your partner, especially if you struggle with being emotionally available. However, a lack of communication when you’re feeling particularly distant can leave your partner at a loss for what to do – which is the exact opposite of what should happen in a healthy relationship.

“It's important to keep talking about your feelings when you're in a relationship, even if it makes you uncomfortable,” says Rachel Fitzgerald, a senior at the University of Windsor. “Tell your partner how you're feeling and why – and if it's about them, make sure you don't use words like, "You always..." or "You never..." because it can make your partner feel attacked. Instead, try, "I'm feeling ____ because _____" and you'll probably get a lot further.”

Similar to being vulnerable in relationships, having good communication in relationships will make them so much stronger.

5. Find out what’s causing you to distance yourself

For some people, being emotionally unavailable may just be part of who they are. For others, it may boil down to other elements like being stressed or the way you were raised. Regardless, it’s important to work on recognizing the triggers that make you becoming emotionally distant.

“Recognizing and combating the fears … is also critical,” says Collins. “Working through fears and unlearning childhood damage help as well, perhaps with a therapist.”

Whether you going through the causes of your emotional distance with a professional or getting a handle on any day-to-day things that may prompt you to pull away, recognizing these triggers can make it easier to stay emotionally present in the now.

“I find that I'm usually emotionally distant when focusing intensely on school or work – I block out my SO when I'm stressed out,” says an anonymous collegiette. “It's helpful for me to involve him and remind myself that he's here and willing to help so I don't have to face everything alone.”

If you know what your stressors are and what tends to make you more distant, you’re more likely to know when you’re being distant because of your own boundaries or when the distance is caused by a different source.

Being emotionally available is definitely hard work. As collegiettes, we’re often taught to power through and sometimes that means bottling everything up even though it may not be the healthiest way to go about things. Opening up to the people around you can help reprieve you from some of the burden of carrying a bunch of stress and emotions around. So take the plunge, trust yourself and open up a bit.


Miley Cyrus Is Headed To ‘Black Mirror’ Season Five

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Black Mirror, a show that keeps you up at night with its dystopian, unexpected plot lines that seem all too plausible doesn’t seem like the place for a pop star—but plot twists are what the show is all about, right?

Miley Cyrus, everyone’s favorite Disney star turned music icon, revealed that she will appear in the upcoming fifth season of Black Mirror. True to the show’s habit of leaving its viewers guessing until the last minute, the plot of the season and Cyrus’ role in it have yet to be revealed.

On Howard Stern’s Sirius XM show on Wednesday, Miley answered the question about her appearance in the show with a coy nod of her head. She told Stern, “If you guess it, then I will shake my head yes, or no.” According to Stern, she nodded “yes.” Of course, we’re more than willing to believe him.

Although the episode plots and premiere date for season five is still unknown, it’s likely to be full of twists and turns, disturbing scenes and storylines that leave us uneasy for days. But maybe seeing Miley on screen will make it a bit easier to handle.

Ring In 2019 With Everything Coming To Netflix In January

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Netflix definitely knows how to start the year off right—and it's perfect for binge watching until the start of spring semester (too soon?).

Here are a few shows and films you should watch next month:

1. Solo: A Star Wars Story - January 9

If you didn't get a chance to watch this Star Wars film in theaters, Netflix has your back.

Young Han Solo (Alden Ehrenreich) finds adventure when he joins forces with a gang of galactic smugglers and a Wookie named Chewbacca (Joonas Suotamo). Indebted to the gangster Dryden Vos (Paul Bettany), the crew devises a plan to travel to the mining planet Kessel to steal a batch of valuable coaxium. In need of a fast ship, Solo meets Lando Calrissian (Donald Glover), the suave owner of the perfect vessel for the dangerous mission—the Millennium Falcon.

2. Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: Season 4 Part 2 January 25

"Females are strong as hell!"

The series revolves around Kimmy Schmidt (Ellie Kemper) as she adjusts to life in New York City after being rescued from a doomsday cult in the fictional town of Durnsville, Indiana, where she and three other women were held by Reverend Richard Wayne Gary Wayne (Jon Hamm) for 15 years. Determined to get a fresh start, Kimmy decides to restart her life by moving to New York City, where she quickly befriends her landlady Lillian Kaushtupper (Carol Kane), finds a roommate in struggling actor Titus Andromedon (Tituss Burgess), and gets a nanny job for socialite Jacqueline Voorhees (Jane Krakowski).

3. Marvel Studios’ Ant-Man and the Wasp - January 29

A movie with Paul Rudd AND Evangeline Lilly playing a badass hero. Heck YES.

In the film, Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) grapples with the consequences of his choices as both a superhero and a father. Approached by Hope van Dyne (Evangeline Lilly) and Dr. Hank Pym (Michael Douglas), Lang must once again become Ant-Man and fight alongside the Wasp. The urgent mission soon leads to secret revelations from the past as the dynamic duo finds itself in an epic battle against a powerful new enemy.

4. Disney Pixar’s The Incredibles 2 - January 30

It's been 14 YEARS, yet Disney and Pixar managed to live up to our expectations and hopes with the sequel to everyone's favorite superhero family film.

In Incredibles 2, Helen Parr (Holly Hunter) is called to lead a campaign to bring back the Supers, while Bob Parr (Craig T. Nelson) learns to navigate the role of a stay-at-home father with Violet (Sarah Vowell), Dash (Huck Milner) and baby Jack-Jack. However, their mission is derailed when a new villain emerges with a brilliant and dangerous plot that threatens everything. 

Here are a list of more shows and films coming to Netflix:

January 1:

  • A Series of Unfortunate Events: Season 3
  • Across the Universe
  • Babel
  • Black Hawk Down
  • City of God
  • Comedians of the World
  • Definitely, Maybe
  • Godzilla
  • Happy Feet
  • Hell or High Water
  • I Know What You Did Last Summer
  • Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
  • Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
  • Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark
  • Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom
  • It Takes Two
  • Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back
  • Jersey Boys
  • Mona Lisa Smile
  • Mr. Bean’s Holiday
  • Pan’s Labyrinth
  • Pinky Malinky
  • Pulp Fiction
  • Swingers
  • Tears of the Sun
  • The Addams Family
  • The Boy in the Striped Pajamas
  • The Dark Knight
  • The Departed
  • The Mummy
  • The Mummy Returns
  • The Strangers
  • Tidying Up with Marie Kondo
  • Watchmen
  • xXx
  • XXX: State of the Union

January 2:

  • Monty Python and the Holy Grail

January 4:

  • And Breathe Normally
  • Call My Agent!: Season 3
  • El Potro: Unstoppable
  • Lionheart

January 9:

  • GODZILLA The Planet Eater
  • Solo: A Star Wars Story

January 10:

  • When Heroes Fly

January 11:

  • Friends from College: Season 2
  • ReMastered: Massacre at the Stadium
  • Sex Education
  • Solo
  • The Last Laugh

January 15:

  • Revenger
  • Sebastian Maniscalco: Stay Hungry

January 16:

  • American Gangster

January 17:

  • American Crime Story: The Assassination of Gianni Versace

January 18:

  • Carmen Sandiego
  • Close
  • FYRE: The Greatest Party That Never Happened
  • GIRL
  • Grace and Frankie: Season 5
  • IO
  • Soni
  • The World’s Most Extraordinary Homes: Season 2 Part B
  • Trigger Warning with Killer Mike
  • Trolls: The Beat Goes On!: Season 5

January 21:

  • Justice

January 24:

  • Conversations with a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes
  • Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation

January 25:

  • Animas
  • Black Earth Rising
  • Club de Cuervos: Season 4
  • Kingdom
  • Medici: The Magnificent
  • Polar
  • Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: Season 4 Part 2

January 27:

  • Z Nation: Season 5

January 29:

  • Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias: One Show Fits All
  • Marvel Studios’ Ant-Man and the Wasp

January 30:

  • Disney Pixar’s The Incredibles 2

Some Kotex Tampons Are Being Recalled for Unravelling Inside People & I'm Pivoting To The Menstrual Cup For A Bit

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Kimberly-Clark recalled regular absorbency U by Kotex Sleek Tampons after reports that the tampons were unravelling inside of users.

According to a press release by the organization, there were reports of tampons “unraveling and/or coming apart upon removal, and in some cases causing users to seek medical attention to remove tampon pieces left in the body.”

The tampons being recalled were distributed for sale between October 17th and October 23rd. The lot numbers affected by the recalled are available via the press release from Kimberly-Clark, The Washington Post reports.

WebMD reported that users who develop vaginal pain, bleeding, or discomfort, vaginal itching or swelling, bladder and/or vaginal bacterial and/or yeast infections, or other symptoms such as hot flashes, abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting should seek immediate medical attention.

Kimberly-Clark also advises that users who experience issues with their products contact their customer service team. 

Kimberly-Clark said that they would continue to prioritize customer safety and are putting systems in place to prevent this from happening again, according to The Washington Post. 

A New Study Shows Free Tuition Makes A Huge Difference For Low-Income & Marginalized Students

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A new study in The National Bureau of Economic Research studied a hassle-free way to guarantee low-income students a free college education and the results showed that it works. The percentage of low-income students at the university in the study jumped from 13 percent to 28 percent — all by sending information about a free tuition policy to qualified students and publicizing the policy clearly, according to The Atlantic.

The researchers examined a targeted campaign at the University of Michigan. The campaign, the High Achieving Involved Leader Scholarship (HAIL), encouraged low-income, qualified students to apply to the University of Michigan with the guarantee of an undergraduate education with no tuition or fees. Each student, their parents and their high school principal were sent a personalized mailer offering the scholarship to students —even if they didn’t fill out FASFA. 

The HAIL is a new program at the University of Michigan that differs from other similar programs because the advertising focuses on the fact that free tuition is guaranteed to the accepted students, as The Atlantic noted. The study found that this language may have even encouraged students who would not have gone to college anyway to consider the University.

Students who received this personalized mailer were reportedly twice as likely to apply to the University of Michigan than students tested in the control group. 

The study also addresses a phenomenon known as undermatching — referring to when students don’t attend the most selective college that they would be accepted by. Adam Harris noted that under-matching ultimately hurts students because they are less likely to graduate and receive the social benefits that come from attending an elite college.

Another study found that the chances of a student under-matching is less likely when students’ admission is guaranteed through state policy — and when it's as transparent as possible what admission to their schools of choice would require and what it'll cost. 

What It Feels Like Getting a Degree in Women's Studies in a Feminism-Trendy World

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Recognizing the current social issues is like a double-edged sword. Society seems bleaker if you’re aware of what’s going on behind the curtain, but being aware means you can ultimately contribute to bettering the state of things.

As a women’s studies major, I will always believe in the latter. Choosing to pursue a degree in women’s studies was an easy yet complicated decision, given how we live right now. Each day, I am outraged by the cases I hear silencing women’s rights. Simultaneously, I’ll see every woman on my campus wearing a “Future is Female” tee, sticking feminist logos on their laptop, and tweeting out in support of #MeToo.

We are living in an incredible moment right now, where feminism has not only become recognized, but trendy. And from my perspective, I often question how I feel seeing my in-depth studies translate into popular culture? An you know, there are a lot of conflicting feelings, actually.

Feminism is one of many topics at the heart of women’s studies discipline. Despite the name, the women’s studies major actually focuses on the relationships between gender, race, sexuality, and class. Given all these elements of identity, seldom do I ever think about helping only women with my studies; I want to serve humanity as a whole.

And that’s why feminism is a complicated idea to untangle, especially when I encounter it in popular culture. There are so many ways in which the public engages with feminism, with some ideas ringing true according to the research I study, while others being misunderstood. As I scroll through my social feeds, watch the news, and talk to my peers, I encounter a whole lot of differing perspectives.

So, here are four sentiments I reinforce on a daily basis as I earn my women’s studies degree while navigating a “woke world.”

1. I'm hopeful when fellow college women contribute valuable insights.

When I hear fellow students talk about feminist issues, my heart fills with hope. Women speaking up is so important to what I study. As a women’s studies major, I’m always taught to seek out the voices of all women, from different backgrounds, races, and classes. My major teaches me to think about privilege and what it means to be one woman who is also of a certain race, class, gender and sexuality and why those differences matter. Therefore, every different voice I hear in between classes, in line at Starbucks, or in my Women’s studies classes means the world to me. These are the voices of different kinds of people and I know I need to hear them to understand our world a bit better.  

What’s more is that in my women’s studies classes, I encounter women from a plethora of disciplines. Some students are on a pre-med track while others are into activist work. I, an aspiring feminist writer, activist and lawyer, feel like every women’s studies class period is incredibly insightful.  All of us will use this knowledge to make sure whatever field we are in is fairer and juster.  Listening to women from different fields is always so interesting. Sometimes outside of my women’s studies classes, I’ll talk to other women about feminist issues. One time, a classmate made a great point on how paid maternal leave should be especially enforced for lower socioeconomic families, and it was so articulate I’d guess that she was studying women’s studies too (plot twist: she wasn’t).

However, in my women’s studies classes, I get to hear my classmates talk more in depth and it’s always so enriching. For example, when a black sister talks about how so-called “liberating” partying culture actually oppresses people like her, I want to do nothing but hype her knowledge up (usually by nodding my head vigorously). Her personal experience is backed up by women’s studies research, like studies which find that black women on average are less likely to hook up at frat parties due to white men thinking of them as “cheap” or “easy” or “overly sexual” in comparison to white women. These women around me live their lives and search to find the wrongs in them, but they come to the table to discuss them and that is absolutely outstanding.

2. The trendiness of feminism is inherently limiting.

Don’t get me wrong, the more feminists, the better! But as someone who’s studying feminist studies, I can see both the pros and cons with making it “trendy." Of course, if feminism is trendy, then more eyeballs will see it and want to explore it right? It’s wonderful to have more people study feminist ideology because it means more people will contribute to feminist causes. But exactly how many of these “feminists” go beyond just liking posts on Instagram?

We have to remember that everyone is inclined to follow the status quo. Right now, being a feminist is trendy. But it wasn’t always good to be called a “feminist”.

Back in the '70s, due to media messaging from (of course) patriarchy-controlled companies, being called a feminist was deemed insulting. It could mean you were a men-hating person looking to overthrow all men in power, or an overzealous lesbian (or both). No offense to any beautiful lesbians out there, but demonizing a sexuality based off an ideology is disgustingly wrong. However, nowadays, being called a “feminist” is becoming conveniently trendy, so more people are willing to call themselves as such. Though as a women’s studies major, I’ve learned that bandwagoning feminism is risky and it happens more than we think.

It looks so “woke” to like feminist posts on Instagram or to slap a “The Future is Female” sticker on your laptop, but when you do that, what exactly are you saying? I hope you’re saying that you acknowledge that you have it rough as a woman, but that other women have it rougher than you for reasons you may not immediately understand. I hope that you’re saying you want to listen to women’s experiences before you judge them for yourself. I hope that when you say you’re a feminist, you won’t enable toxic people in power to oppress women who may not be exactly like you but who deserve the same equality as you. I hope you acknowledge the privileges you have just as much as the injustices you face. I hope when you wear your trendy t-shirt, you admit you don’t have all the answers but want to learn them all from listening to yourself and all other women equally.

Basically, I hope your trendy feminism means something more to you and causes you to act on it. To go out and vote for people who will stand with women, to sign petitions for issues you care about, to simply talk about issues with your peers to get to a solution. I hope that your trendy feminism envelopes your everyday life and makes you want to support other women both like, and unlike, yourself.

3. I feel more confident defending ideas, because I know what I’m talking about.

Knowledge is power, right? Studying women’s studies extensively for my degree gives me the authority to educate others on what I’m learning. Albeit, no matter how I well-versed I am, I am never going to just magically know the answer to dismantling toxic patriarchy or bridging the wage gap. But when you comb through years of research and hold complex discussions with other scholars like yourself, you have to know what you’re talking about. In a feminist-trendy world, I feel more confident in joining the conversation because of the knowledge I have. I am always eager to share it with others. For example, when I look at commercial feminism at play on TV and online ads, I have the knowledge to make me think twice about them.

Again, feminism is conveniently trendy, and companies like to take advantage of that. When a Dove commercial screams #GirlPower by including women of different races, skin tones and body types, that’s great. But when they proceed to sell skin bleaching creams, they are contributing to toxic colorism, the precise opposite of what their ads stand for.

From what I’ve learned, skin bleaching is a huge industry which profits off of women feeling ugly for being too dark. Colorism also contributes to why we think of darker women as lesser than lighter women. Poverty myths associated with darkness also come into play, so buying bleaching creams can also demonstrate how financially well off a darker woman actually is, encouraging them to keep buying them.

All of these horrible norms are perpetuated by the same brands who claim to be super “woke”. When it comes down to profit, where did these brands’ precious feminism go? As I pursue my women’s studies degree, I study these types of phenomena all the time. I don’t feel as uncertain about calling brands out because I do have the information to back it up, which I’m always so grateful for.

4. Feminism has to call everybody out, including other women.

There’s a lot of feminist issues that deserve further discussion. White feminism is one of the first that I had to study, but I still don’t believe people truly understand what it is. Firstly, I never want to come off as someone who looks to blame others. I think every person has a role in every issue. In my opinion, no one is absolved of responsibility when it comes to injustice towards women.

But as I’ve learned, everyone has some sort of privilege, some more than others and sometimes we don’t want to see it or admit it. Privilege is a heavy word because when someone tells you you’re privileged, you feel like they’re saying you had it easy. You went through your own trials to get to where you are, and it hurts to be told that you actually had it easy when it feels like you totally didn’t. But acknowledging privilege doesn’t mean dismissing your personal struggles. It means understanding that you, a person of a certain identity, reap the benefits of the system whether you meant to or not.

If you’re white, for example, there’s a whole set of barriers that you don’t have to face even as you pour your blood, sweat, and tears into getting a good education and career. The everyday occurrences in your life are also privileged as well. If a white woman is stopped by a white male cop for speeding, the chance of the woman being in life-threatening danger is slim. But for a black male, of course, it’s a different story. Job interviews, frat parties, college admissions, these are all the institutions which look to benefit only one group while disparaging others.

As a women’s studies major, I know I am privileged in a lot of ways. I’m traditionally able-bodied, cisgender, and heterosexual; these are identities that society privileges. At the same time, I am a woman, an Asian person of color, a Muslim, young and middle class; these are identities which oppose those who are privileged. I have to acknowledge all of these identities and understand what they mean to the social structure I inhabit.

White feminism essentially erases the ideas of privilege. I still remember one of the first unrealistic white feminist ideas I ever encountered. Once in high school, I saw that a white woman on Facebook said she “didn’t need feminism” because she lives a great life where she wants to be at home and cook for her husband while he earns all the money for the household.

First, a white family is already more preferable in most high-end jobs, so her husband has a better shot at maintaining a good, stable income. Then, there’s the implied “choice” that this woman had; if she wanted to, she could work but she chose not to. That choice is a luxury, as many lower socioeconomic women of color can’t afford to stay at home if they want to support their families. These women are often pushed toward lower paying jobs, especially lower-income immigrant women who are trying to build up their wealth from almost nothing. Bridging the national gender pay gap would make it so that these lower-class women could make more money and maybe have more time to spend at home with their families.

It's understandable that not every person is going to think this far ahead. That is why I am studying women’s studies, so that I can investigate these issues further. But I believe every person has a responsibility to at least try to understand other people’s realities. This one white woman recognized her own reality as the one every other woman faces, which is very wrong. I was in high school and I didn’t know anything about feminism at the time, so I wasn’t in a position to educate her. I didn’t know any better and maybe neither did she. However, that’s why it’s worth revisiting issues, and using the voices of others to give you the context you need to come to a sounder conclusion. That’s what I do every day in class, and while it’s taxing to find answers to problems, I’m so happy this area of study enables me to do so. 

As you could probably tell, feminism really can’t be explained in just a word, a t-shirt or a hashtag. It’s an ongoing dialogue that I will probably keep studying until I can barely read the words in my women’s studies textbooks anymore. But it’s a field I’m so passionate about, where I never find what I learn pointless or boring. Every bit of education I receive in this field is precious to me as I try to figure out ways to make the world simply more rewarding and equal to all types of people from all places.

Thanks to this present feminist-trendy world, I have never ever been more engaged. As I finish pursuing my undergraduate degree in women’s studies, I hope I can continue to educate others and be educated by them too. I just need to get over my perpetual shyness, and maybe I can tap the girl next to me in English with the #MeToo sticker on her water bottle and have a little chat with her about it and many other feminist issues I want to explore.

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