Quantcast
Channel:
Viewing all 25628 articles
Browse latest View live

Tow Truck Driver Refuses to Help Disabled Woman Because She's a Bernie Sanders Supporter

0
0

When Cassandra McWade, a disabled woman, got into a car accident on Monday in North Carolina, she needed a tow truck. 

But tow truck driver Kenneth Shupe left McWade, who according to The Guardian suffers from "psoratic arhritis, impaired mobility, early stage Crohn's disease, severe fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome," stranded on the interstate. The reason? She had Bernie Sanders stickers on her car, something that Shupe couldn't deal with. Shupe refused to tow her car, claiming that she was a "socialist" for supporting Sanders. 

"I’m a conservative Christian, I’ve just drawn a line in the sand,” Shupe said, according to the Huffington Post. “I’m not going to associate or conduct business with them.” Shupe also claimed to Fox Carolina that in past dealings with "socialist minded" people, he hasn't gotten paid. "Every time I deal with these people I get 'Berned' with an 'e' not a 'u'," he said.

McWade's mother reassured friends and family that Cassandra was fine after the accident via Facebook, but expressed her extreme frustration for Shupe's towing company. 

"Spread this bigot's story far & wide," posted the mother. "Btw, I'm guessing he's a Trump supporter." (He is—Shupe told the Huffington Post he will support Trump "110 percent.")

It's safe to say that Shupe is not "feeling the Bern," but we're glad that Cassandra is safe and sound. 


15 Awkward Moments Only Short Girls Will Relate To

0
0

Being 5’1 and 20 years old, usually calls for a plethora of comments. Us short girls have been mistaken for 12-year-olds, pointed out at in amusement parks and even been called fun-size. But really though, we don’t think I’ve grown since fifth grade. Whatever happens, we need to embrace our shortness and all of the awkwardness that comes with it. 

1. Having to stand on the countertops to reach the shelf.

2. Getting annoyed when yet another person says, “Oh wow, you’re really small.”

3. When you stand up after a lunch meeting and you see the shock on the person’s face because of your height.

4. Swimming. Only the top of your head pops out in the 5 ft section. The 6 feet section is a danger zone.

5. Sitting behind… well, anyone.

6. Concerts. NEVER buy pit tickets.

7. Can’t take the selfie because you’ll cut off everyone’s head.

8. Pants are the worst. They are always too long. Don’t worry I know how to hem pants now.

9. Walking next to a tall person. Their strides are so long, you have to run beside them.

10. Dating anyone over 6 feet. It’s like dating a giant. Or maybe it’s like dating a midget… never thought of it like that.

11. You can turn a maxi skirt into a maxi dress easily.

12. You’re always adjusting the car seat.

13. People always point out your height at amusement parks. “Hey, do you even reach the height requirement.” Ha. ha. Good one.

14. Your feet never touch the ground when you’re sitting.

15. Grocery stores are not made for us. Somehow, everything you need is on the top shelf.

It’s okay, we can wear heels. HA.

11 Struggles of Living in a Small Town

0
0

No matter where you’re from, everyone has a special place in their heart for where they grew up. But if you grew up in small town, you know that part of loving it is facing all of the struggles that come with it. If you can’t go to Starbucks without seeing someone from high school or hate how gossip travels quicker than lightning, this one’s for you. Here are the 13 struggles of living in a small town. 

1. No one’s heard of your town

Why even bother explaining where it is?

2. You can’t avoid running into your parents’ friends at the grocery store

And they inevitably ask if you’re seeing anyone.

3. Plus, you gave up Starbucks because EVERYONE from high school is there

Yay awkward small talk!

4. And it seems like the same cute guy rings you up for tampons every time you go to the pharmacy

Every. Single. Time.

5. Going to the bar on the weekend is strictly a college thing

Friday nights are spent with Netflix, not by choice.

6. The closest thing to a party is drinking in your friend’s basement…which gets busted by the cops

They don’t have anything more exciting to do.

7. Eventually you realize drinking is pointless because no one delivers late night food  

Is cheese fries at 3 a.m. really too much to ask?

8. You can’t rely on your cell service anywhere

“Can you hear me now? What about…now?”

9. News travels faster than basically anything in your town

“Xoxo, Gossip Girl” –everyone

10. You can’t even drown your sorrows in shopping because the closest mall is 30-45 minutes away

It’s a rough life.

11. Not like you have any money to spend considering you waste it all on gas to get out of your town.

You do love your town. You just love it more when it’s in your rearview mirror.

Links We Love 5.8.16

0
0

8 basic rules for your new relationship. [a new mode]

Ranking your favorite childhood drinks as chasers. [Spoon University]

Fall in love with the world around you. [Thought Catalog]

Best yearbook photo ever. [USA Today College]

How to take a gap year. [The Huffington Post]

A toast to kids who broke up with their toxic moms. [Jezebel]

Half of your friends probably don't think of you as a friend. [New York Magazine]

President Obama delivers Howard University commencement address. [The Washington Post]

Michael Phelps is a dad! [CBS News]

Age and gender affect how much sleep you get. [Tech Times]

10 Places to Find One-of-a-Kind Vintage Items Online

0
0

We all have our favorite places to shop, but sometimes, they just don't cut it—especially when you want something that's totally unique. That's why we're always on the lookout for amazing vintage pieces. We've scored the internet to find the best vintage shops online... see our favorites below!

1. When Decades Collide

$128, etsy.com

If you're looking for a dainty summer dress, this Etsy shop is the place to go. Full of florals and flattering silhouettes, you'll look just darling!

2. Vintage Camera Club

Canon AE-1 Program 35mm SLR camera - With 50mm f1.8 FD lens - vintage camera

$174, etsy.com

This shop is perfect for the photography lover. It's full of quaint old cameras (that work) so that you can capture modern moments with retro equipment.

3. Dig Vintage Clothing

Vintage 60s brown tiny DAISY mini dress / Bohemian folk mini / Crochet lace details

$57, etsy.com

Any boho girl will love this hippie-inspired shop. It's a great alternative to American Eagle and Urban Outfitters.

4. D & R Photos

Vintage Photo "Shopping Sisters" Women Snapshot Photo Old Antique Photo Black & White Photograph Found Photo Paper Ephemera Vernacular - 09

$4, etsy.com

Old photos are perfect for a unique gallery wall.

5. Fluff

90s MERMAID HOLOGRAPHIC / Metallic Strapless Maxi Dress / Party / Formal / Prom

$56, etsy.com

We're all '90s girls, and this amazing shop is giving us ALL the feels.

6. The China Girl

Vintage Fine China Japan Rosanne Pink Blue Floral Teacup & Saucer Set of Three

$24.50, etsy.com

If you're a Pinterest fan, you've probably seen some gorgeous crafts using teacups. This shop is perfect for finding those charming cups to put your homemade candles in!

7. Sabrosa Vintage

Vintage Maxi Skirt // Plus Size Vintage Skirt // 1970's Psychedelic Maxi Skirt

$36, etsy.com

This fun shop carries a wide range of sizes, and it's great for finding plus-size vintage clothes.

8. Drop the Needle

ON SALE Grease Musical Soundtrack Vinyl Record Album 1960s Retro Theme 1970s Cast John Travolta "Grease" (1978 RSO w/"You're The One That I

$22.50, etsy.com

Records have made a big comeback in the last few years, and this shop is the place to get them.

9. Off Broadway Vintage

Vintage 50s Dress // Purple Ombre Bombshell Dress // Small

$220, etsy.com

For fancier dresses, look to Off Broadway Vintage. It's a great place to find a dress to wear to graduation, a summer wedding and any other big event.

10. Cute Bright Fun

$24, etsy.com

This shop carries novelty print fabrics that are great for sewing your own clothes. Or, you could use the fabrics for tapestries, scarves, pillow covers, and so much more.

Now that you know about these awesome shops, it's time to get shopping! You'll look like the bee's knees in these vintage clothes.

Join Her Campus in Celebrating National Women's Health Week

0
0

Collegiettes, it's never too early or too late to work toward being your healthiest you! Make your health a priority and join Her Campus in the National Women's Health Week celebration May 8-14. 

National Women's Health Week

Led by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office on Women's Health (OWH), National Women's Health Week helps collegiettes and women of all ages understand what steps to take for better health. To join in on the fun, OWH encourages you to: 

You should also encourage your mom, grandma and other women to get involved! OWH offers checklists for every decade that outline what you can do to improve your health and well-being. Get together with your friends and family, whether they're in their 20s or 90s, and pledge to take at least one of the steps on the checklist for a healthier life!

You can also get involved with NWHW on social media! Use #NWHW in any messages you share, and follow the Office on Women's Health on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest

For more information about National Women's Health Week, visit www.womenshealth.gov/nwhw

4 Ways to Stay Informed When You’re Way Too Busy

0
0

As a student, it can be easy to get stuck in the campus bubble, completely absorbed in campus life and oblivious to what’s going on in the world outside of college. With classes, extracurriculars, work, a social life and everything else on your plate, who has time to sit down and read the entire newspaper?

It can be hard to keep up with what’s important without sifting through websites for hours. Here are some quick ways to stay informed that won’t intrude on your much-needed free (read: Netflix) time.

1. News apps

News apps such as Circa News, Digg or The Huffington Post’s app, all free for iOS and Android, are ideal for the collegiette on the go. These apps let you pull up an article at any time.

“The app Circa makes news reading way easier by dividing it up into comprehensive facts and pictures that you can swipe through at your leisure,” says Hannah Witherbee, a student at Dalhousie University.

Most major national newspapers also have their own app. Many have the option to send push notifications to your phone, so you won’t forget to check out what’s going on in the world.

2. Email newsletters

A super convenient way to get your news is through email. Email services like theSkimm do all the work for you by picking and choosing the most important daily headlines and sending updates right to your inbox. You can also try BBC Email News or the USA TODAY email newsletter.

3. Rivet News Radio

Listening to the news via radio is great for when you need to multitask. For the more modern listener, the Rivet News Radio app customizes your audio news based on your location, listening history, personal interests and preferences and is available free for iPhone and Android. Play the app while you’re getting ready or while you’re driving to class if you have a car so that you can get your daily fill while you commute.

4. Podcast apps

Podcast apps also let you listen to the news while on the go. “I like podcasts for when you have to walk somewhere, or are doing something like cooking or cleaning,” says Meaghan Carlson, a Dalhousie student. “I love NPR.”

Other apps like Umano let you listen as professionals read news articles out loud. You can be extra productive and listen while you’re eating breakfast or you’re on the treadmill at the gym.

Keeping up with what’s going on is mega important for any collegiette — after all, we should be informed about the world we live in, especially as we venture out into it after graduation.

18 Reasons Why Your Best Friend From High School Will Be Your Lifelong BFF

0
0

There's something about a friend who has known you FOREVER that makes them special. Knowing your bestie since high school means they have seen you through all your highs and lows and, somehow, you two are still going stronger than ever. Here are 18 reasons why your best friend from high school will be your lifelong BFF.  

1. You survived each other’s awkward teenage years together.

They loved you even during your prepubescent braces, neon stripes and Jesse McCartney-obsessed phase.

2. They know all of your embarrassing stories.

They’re not afraid to use them against you, but they also know when to keep them a secret.

3. You can reminisce about all your high school memories together.

You can talk about that one time at the pep rally and they know just what you mean.

4. They understand you better than anyone

After all these years, they practically know you better than you know yourself.

5. When someone asks who your best friend is, you always think of them.

Now that is true friendship.

6. They know all of your past crushes and lovers. 

 

They know all the crazy stories about Jordan from freshman year of high school and that cute athlete you hooked up with at last night’s party.

7. You are totally and completely comfortable together. 

You have long forgotten the word “boundaries” because you’ve known each other that long.

8. You’ve always gotten through fights and drama.

Nothing has ever come between you guys and it never will.

9. They’re the one person who will drop everything and come over to your house at 2 a.m.

They won’t even ask any questions.

10. They make you excited to go back to your hometown.

Home wouldn’t be the same without them there.

11. Your families know each other.

You know all the gossip about their cousins and you've friended their mom on Facebook.

12. You always have things to catch up on and talk about.

Since you went to college, you may not see them everyday, but when you get the chance to talk your conversations are epic.  

13. They’re never afraid to give you some tough-love.

 

After knowing you this long they aren’t scared of hurting your feelings when it's necessary.

14. You have the best inside jokes that no one can understand.

Your high school bestie can make you laugh harder than anyone else with just a few simple words.

15. They know how to cheer you up when your heart is breaking.

Whether it's with a tub of Ben & Jerry’s or a just a big hug, they know how to make it all feel better.

16. You’ve been talking about future plans for years.

You have convinced them to name their first born after you. 

17. They’re the person you have vowed to marry if you're still single at 40.

You know your friendship is so strong that it WILL last that long.

18. You’ve stayed close during college, even though you both lead separate lives.

Whether you have thousands of miles between you or just a new friend circle, the fact that you’re still close shows how special they are. 

 

There's no doubt that you best friend from high school is going to be a lifelong BFF. You two have had a strong bond for years now and nothing is going to break it! 


How She Got There: Erin Zaikis, Founder of Sundara

0
0

Name: Erin Zaikis
Age: 26
Job Title and Description: Founder of Sundara, a nonprofit that recycles hotel soap in India, Uganda and Myanmar
College Name/Major: University of Michigan, Public Policy
Website:www.sundarafund.org
Twitter Handle:@sundarafund
Instagram Handle:@sundara_fund

What does your current job entail? Is there such a thing as a typical day?

Erin Zaikis: There’s no such thing as a typical day—which makes it both stressful and exciting. On any given day I have a few calls with India, Uganda and Myanmar, write fundraising proposals, speak to donors, and plan awareness events and site visits.

What is the best part of your job?

EZ: I love getting to travel to our country sites and hearing from single mothers and victims of domestic violence how much it means to them to have regular employment. Going to bed feeling like you’ve helped someone, somewhere in the world has got to be the most satisfying feeling. Another great part is the random emails and Facebook messages from people who say they heard my story and were inspired to take the leap to pursue their passion, too. That sort of encouragement makes this journey worth it!

What inspired you to start Sundara?

EZ: In 2013, I was working at a school in Northern Thailand and met children who didn’t know what soap was. I asked a group of teenagers if they had any soap, and they shrugged and said, “What’s soap?” It blew my mind that these children lived their whole lives without something I took for granted every single day of mine. How could the world be so unfair? I brought them soap and watched as they clawed at the bars, some smacking it against their heads, having no idea what to do with it. I realized there is a strong focus on clean water but who is working on providing soap and hygiene education to these communities? I really felt that if I didn’t do it, no one would. That was a pressing obligation and it inspired me to act.

What is one thing you wish you knew about your industry when you first started out that you know now?  

EZ: It’s OK, and in fact good, to ask for help. People act as though there is some sort of glory to have by “doing it all,” but it’s just not possible. Acknowledge your weaknesses (mine are making budgets and building websites) and go find someone to help you do them. And make sure to return the favor some day!

What is one mistake you made along the way and what did you learn from it?

EZ: Having a backup plan…or two! I took a lot of side jobs and freelanced when I was starting Sundara because I was so afraid that it wouldn’t work out and I wouldn’t have anything to fall back on. Now I’ve realized that if you just plunge in and really commit, that provides motivation like nothing else. You will succeed because you have to succeed.

What has been the most surreal moment of your career thus far?

EZ: Giving a TEDx speech last year. It was the scariest thing—I have a huge fear of public speaking. However, I realized it was such a privilege to use my voice to speak for others who don’t have that platform, and realizing that I was doing it for someone else felt wildly empowering. I think the best things in life happen when you come face to face with the thing that scares you the most.

What words of wisdom do you find most valuable?

EZ: There was a quote by Jackson Kiddard that really resonates with me about living your dreams. “The price you have to pay to live your dream is facing your deepest darkest fear and the reward you receive from this courageous act is the realization that your fear was an illusion and that your dreams were always real.”

What advice would you give to a 20-something with similar aspirations?

EZ: The world needs more people who take big risks and feel ALIVE! If you have a dream that seems wild, but you really believe in it with all your heart, go with it! Don’t let anyone stop you. And oh girl…there will be so many bad days and mistakes in the process. These mistakes won’t kill you; in fact, they build character and one day (in the not so distant future) you’ll be laughing about it. The world needs more people who inspire and take risks—be one of them!

 

Fill out my online form.

In the Fight Against Rape Culture, Let's Actually Include Black Women

0
0

As I walk around my campus, I see lawn signs glittered with phrases like “Consent is Sexy” and “Sexual Conduct Applies Off Campus Too”. Oddly, I don’t feel a sense of comfort. 

Why, you ask? Because when we say that “25 percent of women will be sexually assaulted before graduating college," I understand that that does not pertain to me, a black woman, who had a 60 percent chance of being sexually assaulted before even turning 18. And my peers who, when experiencing violence, are likely to underreport as well at 1/10 the rate of their white female counterparts

Clearly, a public health crisis is at play here; one that campus assault programs often shy from addressing. Instead, our programs resort to monolithic campaigns that (supposedly) cater to everyone, but that in reality shell out statistics and “feminism facts” that lead to black women’s erasure; erasure of our experiences with violence and the striking statistics that come along with it; and the erasure of the many historical traumas that have led us to this point of experiencing so much, so often.

So naturally, the first question people ask is…

“How can we include black women’s voices in our fight against campus assault?”

But I think the bigger question is…

“What do we not know right now? And what can we learn in order to grow from here?”

I think the first step is just listening. 

In this essay, I will brush on just a few of the many complexities of black womanhood, focusing on our experiences with historical/normalized violence and erasure. As you know, I can't speak for every black woman on a college campus. But what I will do is give an honest perspective based on what I've seen and what I know.

… What’s at play here?

 

1. Well, history first off

For centuries, black women were enslaved, raped, sterilized against their will, and...must I continue? For too long, we’ve had no agency over our sexuality or our bodies. And that’s only the tip of the intersectional iceberg. 

Whether we want to openly admit it or not, society has completely normalized violence against black women. I see it in media, in passing conversations, everywhere. This is not an issue of the past, but a deeply rooted norm that continues to silence many black women from opening up about their experiences.

2. Mainstream feminism “forgetting” us

Remember that time period when women got to stand up and fight for their equal rights? Yeah…black women weren’t invited to that party; or anything else afterward for that matter. For those who didn’t know, mainstream feminism actively excluded women of color back in the day, and many argue that its roots of white-washing haven’t really changed.

Unfortunately, black women are not only here to smash patriarchy and go home. We have racialized and gendered violences to confront so that we too can live freely in our bodies. This makes our fight incredibly complex.

3. The media shaming us...A LOT

Ever witnessed the whole “independent black woman” trope in movies and television? Well, it’s actually less of a compliment, and more of a really damaging narrative. 

Whenever I, as a black woman feel fear or sadness, this stereotype tells me to “toughen up”. Whenever I want to speak up about my rights being violated, this stereotype screams "quit being so angry."

In conclusion, it silences many black women from just being like “hey, that’s really screwed up,” and you know what? That’s toxic for all of us.

4. Mass Incarceration

Ending violence against black women takes a deeper understanding of the criminal justice system and how it has failed us all.

Maisha Johnson of Everyday Feminism hit the nail on the head when she said that “feminist anti-violence campaigns often push for more police [and] harsher sentencing. [But] these “solutions” simply aren’t solutions at all for many survivors. […] People living at the intersections of oppression are disproportionately targeted by police and prison systems, and they also take the greatest risk in calling for state intervention.”

The prison industrial complex, the war on drugs, police brutality and many other policies and practices put direct stress on black women and only contribute to our lack of reporting.

Where do we go from here?

College campuses often believe they are immune to the many problems of the world or to whatever happened at xyz university. But the truth is that none of us are. 

Yeah, we may be part of a community of 20-somethings that come with title IX rules, a student government and our own structured activities. But the bubble we’re part of is far from a utopia of any kind. We’re a direct reflection of the state of our country, our region and our communities. And because of this, we as students, educators and university administration can and have to do better.

Across the board, assault against all women on college campuses is becoming an epidemic. But assault against black women on college campuses is practically flying under the radar; you wouldn’t even think it was happening. Because of this, us feminists, allies, and lovers-of-women must begin asking ourselves some seriously uncomfortable questions, beginning with how we, ourselves, can be more inclusive in our fight against assault on our campus. And how we can include the voices of those who have been systemically silenced, while not erasing their many historical and societal realities.

So let’s drop the buzzwords and forget your lawn signs that say “Consent is Hot.” There’s a public health crisis at hand for women like me, and nothing we throw on a sheet of paper matters when a larger culture of ignoring mine is all the rage.

Students at Howard University are speaking up against assault against black women on their campus with the hashtag #nomeansnohu source: Bopho Designs

Check out these great movements and begin the conversation about assault against black and brown women on your campus today:

  1. Polish & Politics, a space where “Black Women can challenge the rhetoric of how society attempts to define us and how we have gone about defining ourselves.”
  2. Women of Power, a University of Oklahoma “organization for women [of color] who want to be influential, powerful, and excel."
  3. Decolonize Media Collective (DMC) is a “student of color collective dedicated to promoting social justice struggles." They are taking a stand against Hampshire College’s response to campus sexual assault
  4. #TakeBackTheNightHU, a group of black men and women who are combatting assault and rape culture at Howard University, a historically black university.

The Do’s & Don'ts of Casual Hook-Ups After College

0
0

Yep, the rumors are true—life after college isn't as carefree as your life as a student. One thing we really can't be carefree about? Our safety and health when hooking up with people in the real world. Gone are dorm room booty calls or sloppy make outs in frat houses (hey, it happens). The real world hookup scene comes down to trusting someone enough to go home with them, sometimes right after you've met. Flirting and flings are going to happen—we are young, after all—but being a pro at keeping it safe during a night out is essential. Get started actively protecting your body and mind when hooking up with these tips. 

Do: Have a good time, but know your limits

It’s the weekend, and you deserve to have a good time on the weekend. Hit the dance floor with your friends at a club and talk to a group of hotties by the bar. Just set your own drinking limits before your night of fun and stick to it. Having too many shots isn't fun and you might be more prone to making decisions you might not make otherwise. Of course, being overly intoxicated absolutely isn't license for anybody to take advantage of you—drunk or not, your body is your body. So if you do find yourself a little more drunk than you're comfortable with, don't be afraid to give a firm “no” when the cutie at the bar asks you to go home. If you're interested, give your number instead; you can always see each other another time.

Don't: Let anybody pressure you into doing something you're not comfortable with

If your gut is telling you to go home, whether you’re tired or the person you’ve been talking to all night is just not for you, listen to your instincts. Hooking up should be fun, not stressful. “I think you should only hook up with someone you’re truly comfortable with… I’m all for girls hooking up when they want. No one should tell them what is right. I’m all about doing what feels right [for] you and you alone. Other people’s opinions don’t matter,” says Andrea*. Hooking up with someone, especially if you are going home with them for the first time, is your decision. You’re a grown woman who can make these choices for yourself, and don’t let someone tell you otherwise. If you feel bad rejecting someone, try a simple, yet to-the-point response: “I had a good time talking to you, but I have to go now.”

Related: 18 College Women Get Real About Sex On the First 'Date'

Do: Have a buddy system

Always have a game plan for the night. Knowing what time you're going to leave and what friend you're going to leave with ahead of time prepares you with a reasonable excuse if someone asks you to go home with them and you're not feeling it. But if you or someone you are with decides to go back to a hook-up's place, avoid going alone if this is the first time you two have met. “Do so with a friend. If things check out and it feels safe, then perhaps your friend can exit,” says Dr. Ramani Durvasula, a licensed clinical psychologist and author of Should I Stay or Should I Go: Surviving a Relationship with a NarcissistSure, your hook-up might not love the fact that someone's third-wheeling, but if that's what makes you feel comfortable, don't make any exceptions.

Don’t: Leave with someone without knowing any information

Get as many details as you can. Everything from their name and address, to if they have roommates or what their hobbies are, could reveal safety information you need to know. “Google him right then and there if you have to,” says Durvasula. After all, you're entering a private residence with someone you don't know—which, regardless of what time of day it is, whether or not you've been drinking and what you're there for, can be a risk. “If I’m meeting someone from a site like Tinder, I always tell a few friends that I’m meeting someone just in case something were to happen. I also always meet a new person in a public place,” says Andrea. If you're flying solo, “get the address ahead of time… double check it when you enter, and let a trusted person know [where you are],” says Durvasula. Better yet, fill multiple friends in on exactly where you're going and who you're going with. Give them a time when you'll be checking in with them and even consider not spending the night so a friend or roommate can expect you to be home at a certain time.

Do: Brush up on your Sex 101 knowledge

There’s no doubt asking someone if they’ve been tested for an STD is awkward, but it’s necessary. “Ask them if they have been tested. Believe it or not, most people are honest,” says Durvasula. “If they say they haven't been tested or don't know, then treat that as though they could have an STI and cover up.” We all had Sex Ed in high school but it’s easy to throw the rules out when we’re caught up in the moment. “Knowledge is power!” reminds Dr. Theresa Woodruff, Vice Chair for Research in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Northwestern University. It’s nice to think someone who knows they have an STD wouldn’t be putting other people at risk by hooking up with them, but that isn’t always true. “Scientific terminology can be difficult to comprehend, especially when covering topics that are so rarely discussed openly, such as reproductive health,” says Woodruff. Especially when you're hooking up with someone you just met, make sure you're taking extra precautions, too. 

Don’t: Be afraid to step back and say “no” for any reason

Whether you actually see signs of an infection or just have a bad feeling, say no. “This may sound a bit icky, but look and pay attention. If you notice obvious sores on their penis or labia or vagina it may be time to step back and say ‘not now,’” advises Durvasula. Her best tip? “[Condoms] are the best line of defense.” Be sure to carry your own, just in case! Remember: you don’t have to have a “real” reason for not wanting to go home with someone. Sometimes if you get a sketchy feeling, it’s best to not commit to anything. “I really only hook up with people I’ve gotten to know a little bit, and usually I can tell a weird/unsafe vibe from a guy right off the bat. So if I did get that vibe, I wouldn’t spend time with him again,” says Gabby*. Ultimately, trust your gut—if something feels off, say no.

Do: Ask for what you want in bed

Just because it's not a relationship doesn't mean you shouldn't benefit as much out of the night as your hook-up does. “If you do end up having sex with a guy, you should be firm about what you’re into and what you’re not, so that he doesn’t get rough or put you in a position that hurts,” says Gabby. “Girls have to be extremely clear with sex because it could easily go wrong.” Don’t just go along with what the other person wants to do. Speak up and voice your needs as well. Hooking up is a mutual thing and not just about satisfying one person.

Don't: Hesitate to set boundaries

The other person won’t know your boundaries unless you tell them. This includes what you’re comfortable doing in the moment and what you’re comfortable experimenting with in the future. Be open and honest about what you're not okay with doing. If all of a sudden the person you are with does something you don’t like or don’t recognize, always let them know you’re not into it. As Woodruff says, understanding and knowing your body is key to making educated health choices. Her most vital sexual health tip for all women? “[You] are in control of [your] body,” she says. And don’t forget it!

Ultimately, you’re young and hooking up should be fun. Thankfully, the days of awkward encounters on campus with your hook-up are over. There are so many people to meet in the real world! As long as you play it safe, hooking up can, and should, be satisfying, liberating, and confidence-boosting (who couldn’t use some more of that?). You’re your best, and sometimes only, ally—always do what’s best for you.

*Names have been changed.

Kesha Performs a Heartbreaking Rendition of Lady Gaga's 'Til It Happens to You'

0
0

Kesha is crushing it with yet another incredible performance. The pop star sang a heartbreaking and emotional rendition of Lady Gaga's "Til It Happens to You" at a gala for the Humane Society over the weekend, and lucky for Kesha supporters, the moment was captured and shared on Instagram. 


 

Wow! @iiswhoiis just sang #tillithappenstoyou INCREDIBLE @ @humanesociety gala

A video posted by marcmalkin (@marcmalkin) on

Given Kesha's difficult lawsuit with Dr. Luke and the message behind Gaga's song, Kesha was bound to perform the Oscar-nominated tune and do so flawlessly. We love and respect Kesha even more for taking the opportunity to showcase not only her talent but also her struggle.

We're especially glad to see Kesha back on stage, and we hope this is just one of many performances to come.

8 Make-Ahead Breakfasts for Busy Mornings

0
0

It's been drilled in our minds that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Sometimes though, the morning gets the best of us, and we rush out forgetting to pick up a bite to eat. Next thing you know, it's 10 a.m. and your stomach is making all kinds of noises. You can save yourself from those morning growls with these awesome recipes!

1. Healthy Berry Smoothies

Smoothies are not only very healthy, but they're also super filling and won't leave you feeling hungry throughout the day. Blend your smoothie the night before and let it freeze overnight. In the morning, take the smoothie out of the freezer and carry on with your usual morning routine. By the time you leave to start your day, your smoothie will be ready to eat.

2. Egg Breakfast Muffins

Eggs make for a healthy breakfast, but they require a little time to make. After all, no one has time to make an omelette every morning. Make these muffins over the weekend and keep them in the freezer until you are ready to eat them. You can even divide them into grab-and-go snack packs.

3. Frozen Banana Pops

Breakfast on-the-go just got a lot more fun. These pops combine two of our favorite breakfast foods: peanut butter and bananas. They're easy to make, too!

4. Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies

Who said you can't have cookies for breakfast? These cookies are gluten free and contain no refined sugar. They are for the girl who does not even have the time to wait three minutes for microwave oatmeal. These cookies taste just like oatmeal and are ready for you to instantly snack on.

5. Homemade Frozen Breakfast Sandwiches

You can never be too sure about what's inside those frozen breakfast sandwiches sold at the supermarket. The drive-thru may not be the best place to get your egg sandwich either. Instead, skip the wondering, and pre-make and pack your own.

6. Coconut Pecan Chocolate Chip Granola

Granola is very filling but also good for you. You can make a batch of this granola to top that yogurt you'll grab on your way out the door. It's also just as delicious when eaten on its own!

7. Maple Coconut Energy Bites

These pop-in-your-mouth bites are made with nut butter and oats, keeping you full and focused throughout the day. They don't take long to make, and are easy to eat on your way to class or when you get there!

8. Homemade Granola Bars

Granola bars are by far the easiest on-the-go breakfast. You can now make your own granola bars instead of eating boring store-bought ones. You're welcome.

Miley Cyrus & Liam Hemsworth Fuel Reconciliation Rumors on Instagram

0
0

Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth are still stirring up rumors that they’re back together. Miley started wearing her engagement ring again in January, which caused the internet to explode, understandably. But then Liam claimed he was not engaged, leading to quite the ruckus among fans.

Now, Miley is giving us even more proof that the duo is most likely on again. And it has less to do with Liam and more to do with his dog.

Liam is the proud owner of a beautiful, fluffy dog named Dora. He adopted Dora in November from a rescue shelter—with Miley’s help, of course.

A few days ago, Miley posted a pic of herself to Instagram cuddling with Dora. We don’t want to jump to conclusions, but this is definitely a strong sign the couple may really be back together. 


 

A photo posted by Miley Cyrus (@mileycyrus) on

If the reconciliation rumors are true, Dora deserves all the cuddles. Actually, she deserves all the cuddles either way. 

7 Weeknight Activities That Aren’t Netflix

0
0

Show of hands: How many of you spend more time socializing with TV characters than you do with real people? After 8+ hours sitting in your cubicle, do you get home from work and never want to leave your bed again? Don’t worry; you’re not alone. We totally get it—the real world is exhausting, and Netflix is just SO good.

But in order to avoid becoming a couch potato/cat lady, it’s important that you make time for friends and social activities in the few free hours you have each day. The graduate life has a lot more to offer than just a steady paycheck. This is the time to catch up with our college besties, meet new people, explore our surroundings and even learn a thing or two about adulthood.

So, the next time you find yourself in bed before 8 p.m. bingeing on One Tree Hill, we dare you to try one of these activities. Your Netflix account will still be there for you when you get back, we promise.

1. Shake it like T. Swift at a new workout class

These days, there are more exercise options than there are lululemon leggings in the world. Whether you’re down for some booty-poppin’ cardio at a Beyoncé-inspired dance class or pumping iron at a hardcore CrossFit class, your muscles will love the attention after a long day at the office. Plus, the endorphins will help you stay awake long enough to watch Scandal live.

Groupon, along with phone apps like FiTMAPPED and BurnThis, are great resources for finding classes in your area depending on where you live. Graduates in New York City, Boston, Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles or Washington, D.C., should also check out ClassPass for access to over 1,000 different fitness classes—everything from pole dancing to rock climbing. Grab a few friends and go sweat it out!

2. Host a TV viewing party to avoid Netflix-ing alone

There are certain shows that are just better to watch in groups (The Bachelor/Bachelorette, Pretty Little Liars and TheX Factor, just to name a few). Evaluating best and worst dressed at the rose ceremony is a lot harder when you’re the only judge, so get together with a group of friends to view the latest episode. Grab a bottle of champagne and a bowl of popcorn, and you’ve got yourself a partayyy. For competition-based shows, you can create brackets (à la March Madness) and pitch in for a final prize.

3. Share food with friends at a potluck dinner

Cooking is an important adult skill (and making a bowl of cereal does not count). If the idea of preparing a whole meal gives you anxiety, offer to host a potluck dinner for a group of your friends. Each person brings one dish, along with instructions for how to recreate it. One friend can even play bartender and mix up a round of cocktails for the group. You can also attend cooking classes (in person or online) to build your skills in the kitchen and cook up something delish.

4. Attend local get-togethers and networking nights to meet new friends

Making friends in a new city is no small feat. Unlike college, there’s no “Real World Orientation Week” to set you up with a clique (and permanent meal partners). However, networking nights are great ways to find people with shared interests or career goals. NYC-based graduette Rebecca Shinners attends networking events through Ed2010 to form connections in the magazine industry.

Apps and websites like Meetup, Nearify, Badoo, MeetMe and Tea With Strangers can also help you find groups or individuals in your vicinity who are searching for their next BFFs. Hundreds of other graduettes are in your same position, but you’ll never cross paths if you don’t make it happen. You never know; your future bestie may be right around the corner.

5. Take a break from reading BuzzFeed and join a book club

We know the phrase “book club” probably makes you think of your grandma, but there’s no reason why twentysomethings can’t partake in this intellectual activity as well. You really should be reading more than two books a year anyways.  

Chances are you called your BFF sobbing when you finished The Fault in Our Stars and texted her rampant “SOS” messages when you got to part II of Gone Girl, so you’re already used to discussing your favorite reads. Get a few friends together and create a Facebook group or Google doc so that everyone can contribute titles to your reading list and vote on the book for each month. You can take turns hosting and leading the meetings where you’ll chat about the latest bestsellers or whatever books you choose. iPad editions welcome.  

6. Show off your artsy side at a group painting class

The class name may vary depending on your location (e.g., Paint Nite, Sips n Strokes, Bottle and Bottega), but one thing is for sure: Amateur art goes great with wine. In fact, we’re starting to think that a little booze brings out the artist in all of us. Everyone (even the bro-est of guys) leaves these classes with a semi-decent looking canvas—it’s the Eighth Wonder of the World. Visit sites like Gilt, Groupon and LivingSocial to search for deals before you sign up, and be sure to bond with everyone else taking the class! You might end up with some new friends—plus new decoration for your living room.

7. Volunteer for a cause that’s important to you

After staring at an Excel document for nine hours a day or completing constant busywork for your superiors, it’s easy to feel like your life lacks real meaning or purpose. Give back to your (new) community and remind yourself of how good you have it by signing up to volunteer. You can brighten a sick child’s day through an organization like Project Sunshine, become the ultimate role model by joining Big Brothers Big Sisters or get your puppy fix helping out at a local animal shelter.

New-York-City-based graduate Beth Armstrong volunteers at Gilda’s Club, an organization that supports cancer patients and their families. “I love volunteering at Gilda’s Club events and getting to know all of the amazing members,” she says. “If I can bring joy to them for even two hours, it is well worth it.”

Yasmine Scott, who also lives in New York City, helped to organize a service day through her office that brought hundreds of employees out to a Special Olympics tournament, soup kitchens, book drives and a school in need of repair.

You can check with your HR department at work to see if your company has any similar opportunities, or volunteer to head up a service committee if they don’t have anything in place. You’ll take your mind off of whatever’s stressing you out by devoting a few hours to a rewarding cause—and you’ll probably have some fun, too.

Whether you’re aiming to meet new people, reconnect with old friends, get to know your neighborhood or just get out of your wine-and-Netflix-in-bed rut, these activities are sure to spice up your workweek. And now that you’re done reading this article, we give you full permission to shut down your computer, pack up your fave purse, swipe on some lip gloss and get out there! The real world is waiting for you.


Police Officers Protest Beyoncé's Houston Concert

0
0

Not everyone in Beyoncé's hometown of Houston was happy to see her return for her Formation World Tour stop in the city. On Saturday, a group of police officers in Houston held a silent protest outside of the sold-out concert venue where the superstar was performing.

Law enforcement across the country has been protesting Beyoncé and her concerts since her controversial Super Bowl halftime performance, which many believe was "anti-police."  

According to KHOU, Houston's CBS affiliate, members of the Pasadena Police Department and the Coalition for Police and Sheriffs—who staged the protest—were upset by some of Bey's recent performances and music videos, though they didn't specify which ones. In addition to her Super Bowl performance, the imagery in Beyoncé's "Formation" video was criticized for including a police car sinking into floodwaters among other nods to law enforcement.

Beyoncé has vehemently denied that her work is "anti-police." In a recent interview with Elle, she made her stance clear: "I'm an artist and I think the most powerful art is usually misunderstood. But anyone who perceives my message as anti-police is completely mistaken." 

But that's not all Bey wanted to clarify: "I am against police brutality and injustice. Those are two separate things. If celebrating my roots and culture during Black History Month made anyone uncomfortable, those feelings were there long before a video and long before me." 

Yet again, Beyoncé's powerful work has managed to create an important national conversation. 

North Carolina Sues Federal Justice Department over Bathroom Law

0
0

Debates about North Carolina’s bathroom laws, which some see as discriminatory to transgender people, became even more heated when Governor Pat McCrory filed a lawsuit Monday against the Department of Justice.

On Wednesday, the US Justice Department sent a letter to North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory. The LA Times reported that the letter notified him that the state’s House Bill 2, which forces people to use the public bathroom that corresponds to the gender on their birth certificate instead of the gender they now identify with, was unconstitutional and violates the Civil Rights Act.

Some of us thought that the Justice Department’s letter might finally be the end of the “bathroom debate” and allow transgender individuals to use the bathroom they felt most comfortable in. However, McCrory and its Republican state leaders vowed to defy this federal letter, according to the LA Times.

In McCrory’s official complaint, he accused the Department of Justice of “baseless and blatant overreach,” according to The Washington Post. The lawsuit came right before McCrory’s deadline to abandon the law or else violate the Civil Rights Act of 1964.


In the letter from the U.S. Department of Justice, officials explained that the DoJ believed that North Carolina’s law violated Title VII of the 1964 Act by engaging in a pattern or practice of discrimination against transgender state employees, according to CNN.

Reuters reported that McCrory’s lawsuit and failure to comply with the Justice Department could cost the state $4.8 billion in funds, mostly from a loss of federal money to North Carolina’s universities. McCrory defended the lawsuit as an extension of the Monday deadline to allow time for a federal court “to clarify federal law.” He hopes the lawsuit will prevent the state from losing federal funds.

“We believe a court rather than a federal agency should tell our state, our nation and employers across the country what the law requires,” said McCrory in a news conference, according to The Washington Post. “Right now, the Obama administration is bypassing Congress by attempting to rewrite the law and set basic restroom policies.”

“I do not agree with their interpretation of federal law,” McCrory continued in the conference Monday. “That is why this morning I have asked a federal court to clarify what the law actually is.”

According to CNN, the bathroom law, or Public Facilities Privacy and Security Act, puts a ban on individuals to use public bathrooms that do not match their biological sex. The law also prevents cities from passing any anti-discrimination ordinances to protect gay or transgender people.

The case has legal ramifications not just in North Carolina. The precedent that the “bathroom debate” sets will affect the entire country. People from the more conservative side of the debate have argued that the law protects families using the bathroom, while others say it is just a thinly masked but blatant discrimination against transgender people. Social media, per usual, says it all: 





As McCrory said, according to CNN, “This is not just a North Carolina issue. This is now a national issue.” Let’s hope that a federal court sees how ridiculous North Carolina is being, and restores both the rights of its cities and transgender citizens. 

You Can Now Sue Uber for Sexual Assault

0
0

When two women brought Uber to court, claiming they had been sexually assaulted by Uber drivers, the company tried to escape being sued. Uber essentially claimed that their drivers were not really employees. Instead, they were independent contractors, so Uber wasn’t really responsible for them. One California judge didn’t buy it—and she did something about it. Uber can now be sued over sexual assaults.

U.S. District Judge Susan Illston of San Francisco ruled on Wednesday that “an employment relationship may plausibly exist,” according to CBS News. Uber may therefore be held responsible for their employees, who apparently acted within the scope of employment.  

RELATED: How Many Sexual Assaults Have Happened on Uber Rides?

“Assaults of this nature are exactly why consumers would expect taxi companies to perform background checks of their drivers,” the judge wrote in the ruling. “Holding Uber liable could also forward the underlying policy goals of respondeat superior, including prevention of future injuries and assurance of compensation to victims.”

The case involved two women who were sexually assaulted two separate times by their Uber drivers. Refinery29 reported that both women were suing for sexual assault, in addition to negligence and fraud over driver screening processes by Uber.  

Consumerist reported that the first plaintiff, Jane Doe 1 of Massachusetts, had her claim of negligent hiring dismissed by the court. This is because the first driver was a recent immigrant with no issues in his 3 year stay in the U.S., and a more extensive background check would not have turned up with anything more anyway. Meanwhile, the second driver had a 12-year-old domestic violence charge on his record. However, Uber background checks only go back 7 years. This meant the charges of Jane Doe 2 of South Carolina could go forward.

Other than the first dismissal of negligence, the judge let the rest of the case proceed. Basically, despite whatever Uber calls their drivers, they have an employee-employer relationship. Therefore, Uber can be held responsible for sexual assaults by the drivers. Hopefully this will cause Uber to shape its policies and more carefully screen drivers to avoid cases like this in the future.

4 Things to Do Tonight to Wake Up With Flawless Hair Tomorrow

0
0

In a perfect world, we would all be able to wake up in the morning with perfectly styledhair that doesn’t require all the work. But the universe manages to work against us, causing us to wake up with a bedhead that’ll take up way too much time to work around. Luckily for you, there are a few tricks that you can pull out of your hat right before you hit sheets to wake up with amazing hair that’ll make it look like the hair gods blessed you.  

For a wavy look:

We all love beach waves, but thanks to this thing called college, not all of us have the time or the resources to take a trip to an actual beach. But the beauty of beach waves is that you can get them without kicking it in the sand. The technique is simple. Shampoo and condition your hair in the shower before you go to bed. Once that’s done, part your hair into at least four sections and form a loose braid from every section. Let this dry overnight and wake up with beachy waves that are to die for. 

For natural curls:

A twist out is such an easy style that can be performed on natural hair of any length. For any of you naturalistas out there, all this style requires you to do is wash your hair at night and your regular LOC method. LOC is just an abbreviation for “Liquid, Oil, Cream,” the technique that natural-haired women use to moisturize their hair. All you have to do is hydrate your hair with a liquid, normally water or any water-based product, seal in the moisture with an oil of your choice (think coconut or olive), and a cream (like SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie) that will help prevent moisture loss. Once you’ve completed that, divide your damp hair into sections. Divide those sections into even smaller sections and twist away until your entire head is covered. Sleep on it and, once you wake up and unravel the twists, you should have flawless curls that not only look natural, but will also last you about two to three days. If you need more of a visual, take a look at this tutorial from Mini Marley.

For a more hands-off approach:

Are you more of a get-up-and-go type of girl? Then you’ll love the pineapple. Realistically speaking, we don’t always have the time to complete twist outs every single night for great hair in the morning, which is why pineapples are so convenient. The pineapple is a styling method that many natural-haired women of all hair lengths use to protect their curls overnight. To get the look, all you need is a satin scrunchie and a satin scarf to hold your hair in place while you sleep. Gather all of your hair at the top of your head and place it in a high (and loose) ponytail. Wrap the satin scarf around your head to protect the sides and the edges of your hair while you sleep. Once you wake up in the morning, you can remove the scarf and fluff your pineapple any way that you desire. This style is a great way to protect your natural hair in between wash days and it can also reduce breakage and tangling.

For the naturally curly girls:

The plopping method is used as a way to prevent breakage and frizz from occurring while the hair is drying. It’s as simple as sleeping with your hair in a plop. Wash and condition your hair how you normally would, then grab a soft, cotton t-shirt to wrap around your head.

Do this by bending over so that all of your hair is at the front of your head and wrapping the t-shirt around your head. Then just twist the shirt like an accordion and fold it up at the top of your head. All you have to do the next morning is remove the t-shirt as gently as you can and style it however you desire. 

Believe it or not, there is a way to literally wake up like this. The secret to waking up with a flawless head of hair is all in how you style it before getting your beauty sleep. 

15 Memes That Are So "You as a Mother" It Hurts

0
0

For most of us, motherhood is a vision very far in the VERY distant future. Now, that doesn't mean we don't spend time imaging what that future part of our loves will look like. Some of us will be the moms totally making our kid's lives miserable through embarrassment, while others will be powerful feminist moms proudly freeing the nipple while breastfeeding in public. Whatever type of mom you think you'll be, here are a 15 memes that will definitely be you as a mother. 

1. You will be the cutest pregnant lady to ever walk the earth, and if anyone tells you otherwise, you'll tear their beating heart form their chest. 

2. Also, you thought of hilarious birth announcement ideas for years, and you can't wait to use your newborn infant as a baby model. 

3. You will 100 percent have children that are as painfully dorky as you were. This will fill you with glee. 

4. You'll excitedly join the ranks of proud breast-feeding mothers taking the internet by storm. 

5. You realize that sometimes you will totally regret your life choices, but will still look super classy while doing it. 

6. There will be times when you feel as crazy protective as Jamie Less Curtis in Freaky Friday.

7. And also times when you're the coolest mom in the world. 

8. Cool to the point that all your children's friends will be lowkey obsessed with you. 

9. At some point you might even pop out another baby or two just because you love this life so much. 

10. Motherhood will slowly consume your life. Even through the weird quirks, you will start to love cartoons and ABC spaghettios more that your children do.  

11. You plan on being really upfront with your kids, teaching them what's actually considered good and bad. 

12. You will be powerfully in control of all shenanigans that happen in your house, and when you start counting down from three, your kids are going to know to stop whatever mess they're making or else. 

13. And every once in a while there will be these days...

14. And ESPECIALLY these days...

15. But ultimately, this is what it all comes down to. 

 

Viewing all 25628 articles
Browse latest View live




Latest Images