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The Brock Turner Case Shows We Need to Stop Reacting and Start Acting to Stop Rape Culture

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The past few days I haven’t been able to scroll through social media without being bombarded with headlines about Brock Turner, the Stanford student who raped an unconscious woman on campus being sentenced to a mere 6 months in county jail. That alone sparked outrage across my Twitter feed and Facebook timeline. But no, it got worse, with Turner’s father defense that his son was too harshly sentenced for "20 minutes of action." The entire spectacle is just maddening and infuriating, to say the least. There’s no question about it: I’m furious. I’m beyond furious.

But I’m also tired. I am so damn tired.

I am tired of opening my social media feeds every week to find a new story about rape on college campuses. I am tired of meeting friends to catch up for coffee, only find out they’d been sexually assaulted over the weekend at party.

I am tired of debating with friends and family about whether or not rape culture still exists. I am tired of having to nod politely when family members or family friends try to explain to me that rape culture isn’t as much of a ‘big deal’ as we make it out to be because it’s been happening on college campuses since they were in college. I am tired of trying to explain that the number of false rape accusations is incredibly tiny—almost negligible—compared to the number of rapists that walk free, so no, it’s not a valid argument to make against mandatory expulsion for rapists on college campuses.

I am tired of feeling that sinking feeling every time a student raises their hand when I explain consent to ask, “Yeah, but if she’s drunk it’s still consent.” I am tired of seeing pre-teen girls internalizing the victim blaming and sexism thrown at them daily by peers and adults alike, already policing their own and their peers’ actions with sharp eyes and sharper tongues, because they think it’s the only way to protect themselves from degradation.

But I probably don’t need to tell you this. I think every feminist, every college aged woman, every mother, every friend, every sexuality educator, is tired. It’s an exhausting time to be fighting for women’s rights to their own bodily safety and integrity.

So many times, in so many different circles, I hear rallying cries of, “Don’t get tired, get mad!” or “Yeah, we might be exhausted, but the rage burns on!” And they aren’t wrong. The rage does burn on. I truly am mad. But, to be honest, I’m starting to get more tired and more angry at how we’re reacting to rape case after rape case after rape case.

I’m angry that we’re still talking about this with our vitriol aimed at individuals, instead of the system. When it comes to rape culture, there are so many systems we could be focusing our energy (and anger) on. These days, I’m finding myself more and more angry at the sex education system and its failure to prevent rapists from developing.

I went through high school not too long ago, and I remember a lot of what I learned (the mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell anyone?), but there’s one thing I distinctly don’t remember: learning about consent, rape, or negotiations in a relationship.

Maybe it's time we stop reacting and start acting. Maybe it's time we start acting proactively. Yes, we need to address all the horrible atrocities being perpetrated right now. But we also need to change the way we teach our children how to think about and talk about sex, consent and rape. Let's stop causing the problem instead of just wringing our hands about it.


10 DIY Ways to Revamp Your Sneakers

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Why break the bank on a new pair of sneaks when you can revamp your old ones at little to no cost? With 10 design ideas fit for any style or shoe, these simple hacks will keep you from ever wanting to toss your kicks again. 

1. Studded

We must admit: Studded sneakers have been on our DIY to-do list for quite some time now. 

2. Dip-dye

Dip your shoes into some playful colors. You won't regret it!

3. Painted sprinkles

Easy, playful and perfect for summer! 

4. Glitter

This is a literal example of that catchy saying, "She who leaves a trail of glitter is never forgotten."

5. Pattern

We're saying yes to this colorful summer DIY project, and you should too! 

6. Lace

The chicest slip-on Vans we have ever seen. 

7. Leopard print

It's amazing what a whole lot of paint can do. 

8. Stencil

It's time to think outside the box when it comes to stencils!

9. Embroidered

These might take a little more time to make than the rest of the options on our list, but we don't care! 

10. Fabric

With this girly upgrade, your kicks will always be one-of-a-kind!

Yoga Teacher Accused of Killing Her Twin Sister by Driving Off a Cliff

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A Florida woman has been accused of killing her twin sister by intentionally driving off a cliff in Hawaii during an argument, according to KHON 2 News.

Alexandria Duval, 37, was driving her Ford Explorer on the Hana Highway in Maui with her twin sister, Anastasia. Witness accounts say the SUV accelerated into a jagged rock wall before tumbling off the side of the cliff. Alexandria survived the 200-foot fall—Her sister was not so lucky.  

Duval appeared in court on Monday facing charges for second-degree murder, KHON reports. She is currently being held without bail.

Recent witness testimonies and court documents reveal the bizarre backstory to the deadly incident. Apparently, the women were fighting before the crash. “The passenger was pulling at the driver’s hair and the steering wheel,” according to one witness account. Lawrence Lau told KHON that he saw the twins arguing, as well. Lau then watched as the SUV sped past him and plummeted off of the cliff. 

“I saw a pair of hands jerking the head, pulling the hair,” Lau said. “My first thought when she was coming past us was, ‘Don’t hit me, don’t hit me,’ because she was slightly out of control… I’m amazed that that lady survived. I am really amazed because I saw how far she fell.”

The Associated Press reported that the SUV's air-bag control module showed that the driver never even attempted to brake. Even more disturbing, investigators found that the steering wheel made a sharp left, straight into the wall, before the car fell off the cliff. 

According to Cosmopolitan, both of the women’s pasts are a little murky. Their original names are actually Alison and Ann Dadow. In 2008, they opened a seemingly successful yoga studio together in Florida called Twin Power Yoga. However, the studio abruptly closed in 2014. They then opened up another studio in Utah, which also closed. The twins later filed for bankruptcy, claiming they were hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt. According to the AP, the pair had run-ins with the law in both Florida and Utah, as well as in North Carolina. Finally, they arrived in Hawaii in December, reportedly with plans to open another yoga studio, and began going by Alexandria and Anastasia Duval.

Alexandria’s lawyer, Todd Eddins, is denying that she purposely harmed her sister, KHON reports. "Alison did not try to harm herself or the person she most loved and was closest to in the world," Eddins said in court on Monday. The details of this heartbreaking tragedy are too strange to tell whether Alexandria/Alison killed her sister in a fit of rage or if it was just an unfortunately-timed accident.

Hillary Clinton Gave a Speech on Income Inequality Wearing a $12,000 Armani Jacket

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Hillary Clinton is facing some serious Internet criticism right now after giving a speech about income inequality while wearing a $12,000 Armani jacket, according to CNBC.

The Democratic nominee's New York primary victory speech, which focused on income disparity, job creation and retirement, was meant to paint her as humble and one with the masses, according to the New York Post.

That image was tainted, however, when the Post published a report on Sunday detailing the cost of Clinton’s extravagant wardrobe. Clinton apparently boosted up her wardrobe during her most recent campaign to appear more "relatable." 

Not surprisingly, some of the Internet was not buying into her new relatability.  



Others seemed to think that the Post's so-called exposé on the price of Clinton's jacket was just another instance of masked sexism aimed at the female nominee. 




Patsy Cisneros, a political image consultant, says that it is completely normal for politicians to dress strategically, as wardrobe choices often play a key role in shaping their image. "She's had to have spent in the six figures on this wardrobe overhaul," Cisneros told the Post

"[The Clinton campaign] is not going for glamour," she said. "They are going for something more natural. The hope is that Clinton stands out on the trail for her accomplishments rather than for her style, and that her fashion choices become less of a talking point than they have in the past...Do we see her more than we see the clothes? Do we see her more than we see the makeup?"

This is extremely important to keep in mind in a world where a woman’s hard work and intelligence can come second to her physical appearance, even if she is a presidential candidate.

We definitely don't think it's anyone's place to tell a woman what to wear to work (especially if that work includes running for president). But the next time Hillary wants to talk about financial inequality, she may want to leave the Armani at home. 

How to Stock Your First Real Life Kitchen

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Moving into your first place can be a very exciting milestone, but where to begin?! You’ve come a long way from your college kitchen days when dishes were stacked high in the sink and your fridge was always empty (save for those half-full wine bottles). Having a place of your own means you need to know how to maintain your kitchen with all of the food essentials and tools so you are always ready to prepare a meal or whip up a snack. Follow these tips on what to stock in your shelves, fridge, and counter and you’ll be set for life!    

1. Kitchen tools

Kitchens can seem like one of the hardest rooms to pack for, because there are so many tools and gadgets that you’ll eventually need! From baking and sautéing, to mixing and stirring, it’s smart to have all of the right equipment before you start cooking. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert chef, these necessities will be useful when first settling into your new kitchen.

  • Measuring tools
  • Spatulas/wooden spoons
  • Can/bottle openers
  • Coffee maker
  • Tupperware
  • Casserole dish
  • Pots and pans (variety of sizes)
  • Mixing bowls/cookie sheets
  • Cutting boards/large knife set
  • Oven mitts
  • Plates/glasses/silverware
  • Blender
  • Toaster oven
  • Colander
  • Aluminum foil
  • Plastic wrap
  • Oven and counter cleaner

2. Stocking your fridge, cabinets, and countertops

Stocking your first kitchen with all the proper utensils is just the beginning. Your next step is to make sure your fridge, cabinets and countertops are never vacant. It’s important to have some staple items that you can use to make for a variety of meals no matter what you’re in the mood for, as well as extras so you’re always ready to cook for yourself or a group of friends! These fundamental foods are perfect for any snack or dish you need to make.

Fridge

  • Eggs
  • Butter
  • Milk
  • Lettuce
  • Variety of vegetables & fruits
  • Cheese

Freezer

  • Frozen veggies/fruits
  • Frozen waffles/breakfast foods
  • Bread
  • Shrimp
  • Frozen dinners

Shelves

  • Pasta/Rice
  • Seasonings
  • Cereal
  • Canned soup/veggies
  • Peanut butter
  • Flour
  • Crackers
  • Olive oil
  • Baking soda
  • Jar sauce
  • Sugar
  • Coffee and/or tea
  • Bananas
  • Ketchup/mustard

3. Sink and dishwasher

When moving into your first place, remember to pack cleaning supplies, especially the ones you’ll need for your kitchen. Maintaining a tidy kitchen is key when preparing food, and it doesn’t take long for dirty dishes to pile up. Acquire the following supplies and you’ll be easily able to tackle any disaster in no time and keep your place in tip-top shape!

  • Sponges and scrubbers
  • Dish towels
  • Dish soap
  • Drying rack
  • Hand soap
  • Paper towels
  • Multi-purpose cleaning spray
  • Cleaning/disinfecting wipes

4. How to save

It’s easier than ever to make sure you’re saving money through the use of grocery apps and coupon websites such as Coupons.com and RedPlum.com. You even download savings apps to your phone! For example, Grocery Pal shows you where the best deals are in any supermarket and pharmacy and Coupon Sherpa offers a variety of deals with a barcode to scan at the register. You can also sign up for promotions through email subscriptions or even follow the store’s social media accounts to keep up with the latest sales. Ivy Mellow, Head Chef and owner of Ivy’s Simply Homemade in Connecticut, says there are many tips on how to save in the kitchen. “Growing your own herbs and vegetables at home will save you a lot of money and it is easy to do. Also, to avoid messing up recipes and wasting food, start with simple recipes from online and pay attention to the reviews to see if they are successful or not,” she suggests. Additionally, making simple decisions while you shop, such as buying some generic goods and using your freezer to make sure your food doesn’t spoil, can make a huge difference financially. 

In the end, moving into your first place can be an overwhelming step. However, your meal prep doesn’t have to be. Keeping your kitchen stocked with a variety of healthy options is far less stressful when you have the correct tools and know what to shop for. Now that you know what to buy and how to save, you’re ready to prepare and cook amazing meals that will impress both friends and family!

21 Thoughts Going Through Chad’s Mind When JoJo Dumped Him

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Well, first off, we know what was going through everyone’s mind when Chad finally got the boot: THANK GOD. He was rude, violent, careless and just awful to literally every single person while he was on the show, including JoJo, the one he was trying to win over. So when he finally got sent home on last night's episode of The Bachelorette, we were all relieved. Well, maybe not Chad. Below are all the thoughts probably going through Chad's mind when JoJo left him roseless in the woods.

  1. Is this real right now? 
  2. Is she seriously vibing this other guy? 
  3. I am going to punch him so hard after this. 
  4. Am I dreaming right now? 
  5. How could anyone not want me? I mean, seriously, has she seen my muscles? 
  6. Damn, I could use some meat right now. 
  7. Ha, if they think I am actually leaving, then they are in for a treat. 
  8. I don’t care if they have to drag me off this show—I am getting payback.
  9. What did I do to deserve this? Nothing. The answer is nothing. 
  10. I am going to beat up all those other guys. 
  11. My real estate career is probably over after this. But IDEC, I am going to get revenge. 
  12. Well, at least she didn't bring Evan on the two-on-one. Then I would have been really mad. 
  13. It’s totally fine that I didn’t win. I don’t want JoJo anyway. She sucks. 
  14. At least now I can be the next Bachelor. 
  15. Don’t cry. I am a manly man; I don’t cry. 
  16. Oh, look at my reflection in this beautiful lake. Wow, I look great. 
  17. Wait, maybe she didn't actually dump me. This must be a plot to draw in viewers. 
  18. No one messes with the Chad bear. 
  19. Ha, joke's on you. I am never leaving. 
  20. JoJo who? Must. Kill. All. Other. Attractive. Men. 
  21. But really, though, I look so good right now. 

Truck Slams Into Bicyclists in Michigan, Leaving 5 Dead and 4 Wounded

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Tragedy struck in Kalamazoo, Michigan after a pickup truck hit a group of cyclists on Tuesday evening. Out of the nine bikers that were involved, five were pronounced dead on the scene and four were sent to the hospital with serious injuries, ABC News reports.

Although the driver initially tried to flee the scene, he was found near the site of the calamitous hit-and-run just after 7 p.m, according to Fox News. As of now, investigators are simply describing the suspect as a 50-year-old man— his name or any other descriptions will not be released until police file official charges against him.

Apparently there had been several calls made to the local police earlier in the day about the truck, citing concerns about the suspect's erratic driving. 

All of the cyclists were adults, but the police are still currently working to identify those who were injured or killed. Bob Coffman, 68, told the Detroit Free Press that he would often wave hello to the same group of bicyclists, who rode by his house two or three times per week nearby the scene of the accident.

"It's terrible," said Coffman to the Free Press. "People just went out for a bicycle ride never expecting they weren't going to go home."

Let's hope the Kalamazoo police uncover more details in the following days of how this terrible accident happened and why the driver slammed into the unsuspecting cyclists. 

5 Easy Cooking Swaps For Instantly Healthier Food

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No matter how many times you eat salad for lunch, you just can’t shake carbs, dairy and meat from your mind. Why should you? Eating clean doesn’t mean you have to compromise your favorite foods and snacks, but tweaking them by substituting some not-so-healthy ingredients with healthy options allows you to have the best of both worlds. Without further ado, here are the foods you should try substituting the next time a craving rolls around.

1. Kale chips for potato chips

Potato chips may be your default snack food when you’re planning a heavy study session or feeling down, but we all know they’re anything but healthy. Kale on the other hand, is jam packed with vitamin K, which regulates your body’s inflammatory process. In fact, kale contains about twice as much vitamin K as its fellow cruciferous vegetables (cabbage, broccoli, collard greens, etc). It also is considered a remedy to high cholesterol (steamed kale is almost half as powerful as cholestyramine, a cholesterol lowering drug!).

Compared to potatoes, kale is extremely high in antioxidants. It contains the flavonoids quercetin and kaempferol, both of which are considered to have powerful anti-depressant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects. 

What are you waiting for? Next time you’re reaching for a pack of Doritos at the grocery store, grab a pack of kale instead. Making kale chips is also incredibly easy and quick.

  1. Rip the leaves into chip-sized pieces
  2. Sprinkle olive oil and whatever seasoning suits your fancy.
  3. Pop them into the oven at 350 degrees until they are brown and crispy at the rims.
Related: 6 Healthy Swaps for the Foods You Crave the Most

2. Honey for sugar

Honey technically also contains sugar, but between the two, you will need less honey to achieve the same level of sweetness in your tea, baked goods, etc. While sugar is 50 percent glucose and 50 percent fructose, honey is only 30 percent glucose and 40 percent fructose. Since the make-up of honey involves more complex sugars, your body will spend more energy trying to break it all down into glucose – meaning honey gives you less calories. 

3. Avocado for butter/mayonnaise

The buttery consistency of avocados has so many more applications than for toast – so why not directly substitute them into your cooking? Per quarter cup serving, mashed avocado has 300 fewer calories than butter. Additionally, avocados contain monounsaturated fat (the good kind of fat), which actually reduces bad cholesterol and leads to less belly fat. So the next time you’re baking some guilty-pleasure muffins or trying to sneak some more veggies into your diet, mix in some gooey avocado goodness to get the nutrition you deserve without compromising the foods you adore. The best part is, avocado can substitute butter at a 1:1 ratio. 

4. Cottage cheese for cream cheese

Cottage cheese, cream cheese’s lumpier cousin, turns out to be a much healthier choice when it comes to your next dip or baking endeavor. In fact, cottage cheese has about one-third the calories per serving.

5. Greek yogurt for sour cream

Greek yogurt may not sound super appetizing on its own, but when you think of using it as a substitute for sour cream, it kind of makes perfect sense. It comes fat-free and has way less sodium and carbohydrates than regular cream or yogurt. We suggest you mix it into soups or dips for an extra kick in your dishes.

Cooking is all about experimenting, and college is exactly the time to try new dishes and figure out what you enjoy. We dare you to try swapping out some of your cooking staples like butter and sugar for healthier alternatives – you won’t look back!


Watch This Video of a Mom Saving Her Daughter From Being Kidnapped

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When a Florida man tried dragging a thirteen-year-old girl out of a convenient store with him, a brave and pretty awesome mom stepped in to save her child. Thankfully, nothing is able to beat the strength of a mother’s love. She managed to chase down her daughter's captor and hang on for dear life until he gave up and fled the store.

The suspect was arrested shortly after he ran out of the Dollar General store in Hernando, Florida, CBS News reportsThe mother and store owner were able to get the attention of off-duty Deputy John Behnen, who followed the suspect and placed him under arrest. "When I first saw him run out of the building, I have to be honest, I just thought it was shoplifting," Behnen said at a press conference on Wednesday. "He fought a little bit, but when he realized I had the upper edge, he complied with everything thereafter."

According to theWashington Post, the mother and daughter were both “very rattled,” but managed to escape the incident without any injuries. 

This unhinged man has been identified by the authorities as 30-year-old Craig Bonello, who now faces charges of both kidnapping and child abuse. He is currently being held without bond and has a long list of previous arrests already in the book. His intentions for the attempted kidnapping remain unknown since he did not know the girl or her mother, and is not a registered sex offender. However, we can all guess that anyone's motives in kidnapping a young girl are probably really, really terrible.  

Citrus County Sheriff Jeffrey Dawsy encouraged parents to take this as a lesson to fight back if something similar ever happens to their children. "In that particular situation you don't back away," Dawsy said, according to CBS. "If your child is being snatched, you are going to do anything." The moral of the story here? NEVER mess with mom. 

15 Life Decisions We’ll Probably Regret When We’re 80

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Sure, everything that we do makes sense to us now but what about in 60 years when we're wrinkly and complaining about arthritis and dentures? Here are 15 life decisions we'll probably (most likely) regret once we're 80 years old:

1. Never understanding the concept of financial literacy

Financial literacy is about understanding how money works. This involves understanding the concepts of earning, investing, and spending. In our early years, most of us will spend too much and neglect the importance of saving. While living in the moment is what life is about, it pays off to be financially smart. You don’t need to go out and spend a ton of money every weekend when you could potentially have just as much fin (or even more) during a Saturday night in.

2. 89.9% of your tattoos

Everyone is all about their thigh tattoos and half-sleeves in their 20s—but what will they look like when we’re 80 and wrinkly?

3. Staying within your safety net

Settling. Not dreaming big enough. Only ever doing what you’re comfortable with. These are all circumstances where we force ourselves to stay within our safety zone. When we only ever do what we’re comfortable with, sure, we remain comfortable, but we never end up bettering ourselves. How can we learn new things if we’re always in the same restrictive place, doing what we already know? How can we grow as a person when we settle for things that are beneath our worth?

4. Working too hard

Society tells us that we have to work hard in order to reap the benefits of life. While that is all good and true, some (if not most) of us will make the mistake of getting too caught up in the work that we do. We may miss outings, birthdays and occasions that create the moments that make life worth living.

5. Not working hard enough

High school and college make for great parties and friendships, but we need to make sure that we never forget about the real reason that we’re in school—to learn. Don’t waste your money and the time that you have not doing what you went there to accomplish.

6. Spending too much time in a bad relationship

You may be staying in the relationship just to say that you’re in one. You may be staying because you’re afraid to be alone. Whatever the case, the fact that you recognize that your relationship is a bad one should be motivation enough to leave it.  Your time on earth is a gift—you only get a hundred years or so. So why are you spending your precious time with someone who is clearly holding you back?

7. Not talking care of your body when you were young

It’s no secret that we all think that we are invincible when we are young. But, SPOILER ALERT, we aren’t. In fact, we’re far from untouchable. All the things that we feel like we can evade right now (exercising, eating right, posture, dental hygiene, the list goes on and on)

8. Never learning another language

You’ll regret this one as soon as you enter the workforce. It’s a known fact that you are more likely to be employed (and paid more) if you speak another language. Damn your six-year-old self for begging your mother not to make you leave your friends and join a French-immersion school.

9. Plastic surgery

This regret has more to do with our perception of beauty than it does the actual plastic surgery. As we get older, we become more comfortable with ourselves and will probably grow to regret so drastic plastic surgery choices we made in our prime. One day, you could be looking through old childhood photos and literally not recognize the person that you see in the mirror now. Your quirks are what make you, you—you shouldn’t want to change your defining characteristics for the world. In the famous words of Justin Bieber, you should go and love yourself.

10. Never saying, “I love you.”

As we get older, we’ll realize that not saying what we’re feeling in the moment is stupid AF. Why let “the one who got away” be the one who got away in the first place?

11. Taking your parents for granted

There is no one on this planet who will love you as inconditionally as your parents do. No matter how annoyingly hard they are on you, they do it because they care. Appreciate the roof, food and comfort they’ve provided you throughout your entire life and take a moment to show them your appreciation.

12. Being too sheltered

Being educated about international news is important. There is life and importance beyond your own occurrences. Remaining sheltered for an entire lifetime will be a regret because you will have never gotten to know how wonderful and beautiful our earth is. Travel. Go to Greece, Paris, Barcelona, and every other place you’ve ever wanted to see.

13. Caring too much about what other people think

In caring about your perception in the eyes of others, you slowly begin to shape yourself into something that you’re not. Before you know it, you’re 30 and depressed because nobody knows the real you—not even you.

14. Not taking your parents’ advice

They said “don’t move out right away, save so that you can buy a house,” but you moved out right away anyway. They said, “I don’t trust that boy, he’s bad news,” and he ended up breaking your heart. Your parents are wise and experienced when it comes to understanding the land of the living. It’s worth considering doing what they say from time to time.

15. Holding grudges

Grudges take up far too much energy. When you’re 80, you won’t even remember why you were made at that girl who used to be your best friend. At 80, you’ll just be wondering where your former best friend is, and why you two never kept in contact.

 

12 Signs You Learned Everything You Need to Know About Life from 'The O.C.'

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The O.C was the OG teen drama that stole our hearts over 13 (yes, 13!) years ago. Seth, Summer, Marissa, and Ryan graced our screens long before we even knew about shows like Gossip Girl or Pretty Little Liars. They were pretty much essential in how we came to be. Seriously -- they taught us a lot, including the following ~important~ life lessons: 

1. It is possible to be friends with your ex

2. Avoid dating people you meet in therapy

3. Your past doesn't define your future

4. Chrismukkah is the best holiday of the year

5. "Friends with benefits" is hard to pull off

6. Food is a priority in all relationships

ok_080513_the-oc-burritos

7. Alcohol solves some problems...

ok_080513_the-oc-alcohol

8. But not when you're about to get behind the wheel!

9. Talking about sex with parents never gets easy

cohens

10. And sex itself can be awkward too...

11. Boys suck (most of the time)

25 Important Lessons We Learned From "The O.C."

12.  There's truly no place better than the O.C.

How to Deal When You & Your SO Have Opposite Political Views

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We’ve all heard the age-old expression “opposites attract,” — but does it apply to a couple’s political beliefs? The answer is a little more complicated than a simple yes or no. Avoiding political discussions is becoming increasingly difficult as this election season progresses. If you find you and your SO getting into frequent arguments regarding political issues, it might be time to re-evaluate your relationship. On the other hand, there are ways to make it work!

Factors to consider regarding your relationship

Every relationship is different. That said, there isn’t a particular set of rules regarding how to deal with major conflicting opinions. Jasbina Ahluwalia, Matchmaker, Dating Coach and Founder of Intersections Match by Jasbina, says, “People who have fundamentally conflicting beliefs and values have difficulty sustaining a healthy and fulfilling relationship.” This isn’t the case for everyone, though. It’s important to keep in mind certain factors that can help determine whether or not your relationship will work out.

Personal importance of politics

If you’re someone who’s always identified as a Democrat, yet you don’t really take a strong stance on issues or pay attention to elections, it might not matter if you end up dating a Republican. “Some people do not care about politics, so for such people it may not matter,” says Dr. Ramani Durvasula, author of Should I Stay or Should I Go: Surviving A Relationship with a Narcissist. However, if you or your partner do have strong political beliefs, maintaining a relationship can be difficult. “There better be a LOT OF LOVE to get over ideological divides,” Dr. Durvasula says. Remember, this is typically the case for those on extreme opposite ends of the political spectrum and only if both partners place a strong importance on politics.

Views on reproductive rights

There are certain issues which conservatives and liberals will never fully agree on. Some of these can end up being relevant to a relationship that includes both parties. “Some issues may have ramifications for a couple (e.g. abortion) as it may be something they would need to grapple with as a couple,” Dr. Durvasula says. “It would be devastating to disagree about it when the actual issue arises.” If you’re seriously questioning whether or not a relationship would work when you have different political views, you must keep in mind the extent to which both you and your SO’s fundamental beliefs and values are incompatible.

Related: 8 Things You’ll Learn Working On The Presidential Campaign Trail

Ability to communicate

There’s a huge difference between avoiding a daily political discussion and changing the topic every time something even slightly political comes up. Angeline Bernabe, a senior at California State University, Los Angeles, manages her relationship in a balancing act. “We’re very similar, but there are a couple of things we may not agree about,” she says. “We make it a point to respect each other’s opinions and views, but to never make it the first topic to discuss over dinner.”

If you’re avoiding the topic entirely, it’s likely that you’re scared of what might happen if you and your SO do have a discussion. Being able to have an engaging and respectful discussion is a huge factor in determining whether or not you can make your relationship work. “Tolerance, respect and acceptance go far with respect to any differences, including political,” Ahluwalia says. “Let your vision of the relationship you want to have be a higher priority than winning a political argument.” If you can’t do that — or even discuss politics — without yelling and getting mad, it might be time to take a hard look at your relationship!

Making it work

Though the previous factors certainly make a relationship easier to navigate, if you’re determined to make your relationship work, more power to you! Instead of trying to avoid discussing politics at all this election season, keep in mind an important piece of advice from Carole Lieberman, M.D., Beverly Hills psychiatrist, “Ask your partner for reasons why they like their candidate, and look at it as if it’s something interesting to study, rather than a contest to get your partner to change their mind.” She recommends keeping the conversation in a contest of a history or social studies lesson (but less boring than your History 101 lecture), rather than a fight to the finish! “Then, ask your significant other if [they] would like to hear what your political views are, just as a matter of interest, rather than a contest as to who is right,” Dr. Lieberman says.

Though this is the ideal situation, having an educated discussion is easier than it sounds when you’re both passionate about opposite things or people. If you can’t deal with it, at least try to follow these rules, as advised by Dr. Durvasula and Ahluwalia:

In the mood to argue?

  • Preface with a reminder that your relationship comes first
  • Don’t try to change your partner’s views
  • Avoid ridicule, name-calling, eye-rolling and contempt
  • Seek clarification of their views
  • Don’t make the argument personal
  • Take ownership for your opinion

Over this s***?

  • Agree to disagree
  • Shelve the discussion
  • Set a timer on the conversation

While this all might sound exhausting, it can work. Haley Koralek, a senior at Fort Hays State University, is living proof! “I’m as liberal as can be, while my fiancé is extremely conservative,” Haley says. In fact, she’s actively campaigned for Bernie Sanders by canvassing door-to-door, making phone calls — anything to support his campaign. On the other hand, her SO is a Trump supporter (talk about opposites!). “Since I’m so actively involved with the election, politics come up a lot,” Haley says. “But at the end of the day, we agree to disagree.”

Don’t let politics get you down (at least not in this case). At the end of the day, if you’re really into someone, it might be worth the effort to make the relationship work. That being said, don’t compromise your views to do so!

The Only Time We Like Donald Trump is When Meryl Streep is Playing Him

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If Meryl Streep wasn’t already your total idol, she will be now. Last night at the annual Shakespeare in the Park Public Theater Gala in New York City's Central Park, Meryl Streep won the show with her spot-on impression of Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee, according to Refinery29

The look, complete with “orangeface,” a long red tie, and lots of shirt stuffing, won over the internet and it’s obvious as to why.



But, it wasn’t just a one-man show. Streep also performed with her Mamma Mia costar Christine Baranski, playing the presumptive Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton. The two of them performed a song from the musical Kiss Me Kate. But instead of the original plot, the two took on the roles of male gangsters giving each other advice on how to “woo women.” So funny. 

Watch it for yourself in all its glory below. 



The Internship Beauty Rules You Need to Know

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Figuring out hair and makeup that’s suitable for your internship can be a daunting task. Some offices are super reserved and some are more easygoing, but no matter what kind of office environment you’ll be interning in, there’s a fine line between overdoing your beauty look and not doing enough. You want how you look to reflect how put-together, polished and reliable you are. With the help of two career experts and a beauty expert, HC pulled together a few dos and don’ts for making your beauty look appropriate for the office.

DO make sure you have groomed nails

Nails may seem like a minor thing, but they can have a big impact on your overall look. Meryl Weinsaft Cooper and Jessica Kleiman, co-authors of Be Your Own Best Publicist: How To Use PR Techniques To Get Noticed, Get Hired & Get Rewarded At Work, say in a joint statement, “At a minimum, be sure your nails are filed and cleaned. We’d typically recommend keeping your nails at a medium to short length for most positions; longer nails can be a hindrance when typing, texting or working with your hands.”

As for polish, regardless of where you work, chipped nail polish is a big no-no because it can really detract from an otherwise put-together look. When picking a polish color, you can play it safe by sticking to a neutral color. Bisi Essien, founder of Crystal-Eyez Makeup and Beauty Lounge, recommends earth-tone colors or soft pinks.

“I will definitely advise against bedazzled nails or any designs that will cause distractions,” Essien adds. You want your nails to add to your overall look, not distract from it!

Another way to figure out what polish works for your office is to use the workplace itself as a guideline. “If you’re at a more conservative location—like finance, for example—it’s best to stick with a classic neutral one, like Essie’s Adore-a-Ball ($8.50),” Cooper and Kleiman say. “In creative industries, you may see an openness to fun color palettes or even nail art. In fact, if you are in a trend-focused company—like a fashion magazine or PR—do some research on what colors are current, and opt for those.”

DON’T douse yourself in perfume

It’s tough to find a happy medium with perfume, because while you want to smell good, you also don’t want to be the intern who leaves a trail of perfume wherever she goes. Cooper and Kleiman say to follow a simple rule of thumb: “You don’t want the scent to arrive before you or linger long after you’ve departed. A classic tip to avoid over-application is to spray the scent in front of you and to walk through it versus applying it directly to your skin.”

If you’re unsure if your favorite scent is too overpowering or if it will sit the wrong way with some people, ask your friends to weigh in! Try a couple different options and see which they prefer. “Of course, if you find the perfect scent, it can be one of your ‘signature’ elements,” Cooper and Kleiman say.

DO keep your hair neat and professional

Your hair should be washed, brushed and out of your face. “It’s okay to wear your hair down, as long as it’s not covering a significant portion of your face and especially not over your eyes,” Essien says. “You want to be able to maintain good eye contact.”

Many collegiettes have the nervous habit of playing with their hair, so Cooper and Kleiman suggest styling your hair “in a way that will prevent you from playing with or touching it—either consciously or unconsciously—as that can be distracting for coworkers and often read as insecurity.”

Again, wearing your hair down is totally fine, but “if you’re someone who doesn’t like to spend a lot of time blow-drying your hair, you may want to opt instead for a pulled-back style, like a sleek ponytail, bun or even a simple braid to ensure a polished look,” Cooper and Kleiman say. A little bit of hairspray here and there can help keep your flyaways at bay and further guarantee a sleek and professional look.

DON’T wear heavy makeup

At your internship, less makeup is more. Keep your look as natural and light as possible. Your supervisors want to get to know YOU, not an overly done-up, caked-on-makeup version of you! Heavy makeup can detract from your natural beauty, and it’s also a hassle on your part to apply every day. Less makeup also means more time to sleep in, which might even reduce the bags under your eyes you’ve been trying so hard to cover up!

“Definitely even out your skin tone with tinted moisturizer or some sort of foundation,” Essien says. A great product to try is Laura Mercier’s tinted moisturizer ($44) because it gives you the ultimate “no-makeup look” while evening out your skin tone.

For eye shadow, Essien recommends using natural and earth-tone colors, or “you can even pass up on eye shadow altogether.” Too Faced Natural Eye Shadow Collection ($36) has a variety of earthy and neutral colors that would work at your internship. Also, it’s a perfectly portable size, so it would easily fit in your purse to bring to work for touch-ups.

For the rest of your look, Essien says to “keep your eyeliner thin and as close to the lash line as possible. A little bit of mascara will go a long way.”

When it comes to your lips, “use a neutral-tone lipstick, or something with a bit of color,” Essien says. “It’s safer to stay away from bright or dramatic lip colors.” A good simple lip color to try is NARS Satin Lipstick in Honolulu Honey ($27).

The simpler your makeup, the more put-together you’ll look, and that’s what bosses like to see in their interns! As a final note, Cooper and Kleiman suggest checking “your makeup under the fluorescent lights when you are applying (or when you first arrive at the office), as that will help you gauge whether or not you need to tone it down.”

DO be prepared for anything

Make sure that whatever makeup you do choose to wear is waterproof. You might sweat while sprinting to work in the summer heat, or you could be sent out on errands when it’s raining, and you don’t want to return to the office with streaks of mascara running down your face.  Switching to waterproof makeup on workdays will eliminate the stress of wondering if your makeup is smudged and ensure a more polished office look. Make Up For Ever’s Aqua Line has all sorts of waterproof products, such as mascara, eye shadow, eyeliner and more.

Also, Kleiman and Cooper say to “stash some beauty necessities in your desk or your bag—so you have them at the ready, if needed. Some of the key things to have on hand include a toothbrush and toothpaste, Band-Aids, a tinted lip gloss, a hair band and anti-frizz serum, nail polish remover pads and face powder.” With this bag on hand, you’re ready to face any beauty challenge that might come your way during the workday!

The final step to having a professional beauty look? Don’t forget to smile! A smile makes you seem warm, approachable and enthusiastic about what you’re doing. It also makes you look comfortable and confident, and that’s part of what makes a standout intern!

'Nashville' Might Not Be Getting Canceled After All

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Hold on to your seats 'Nashville' fans because you might be getting a happily ever after, after all… 

According to the EW, cable network CMT is in talks with the producers of the ABC drama to continue the series for a fifth season! Yes, you read that right. This is great news because of where the show left off and how angry fans were with the huge cliffhanger. Along with the possible deal with CMT, we may also get a Hulu streaming component. Hulu currently has all the rest of the seasons available for streaming, so this is exciting.

Although this is great news, it is not uncommon for canceled shows to look for other buyers. Unfortunately, most don't end up being picked up once they've been canceled once. So we have our fingers crossed that this deal goes through and we can see more of Juliette's (Hayden Panettiere) fantastic style and sass! 


British Olympian is Freezing His Sperm Before the Rio Olympics

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Due to the Zika virus epidemic in Rio de Janeiro, one Olympian is taking an extreme preventive measure for his future children, according to Cosmopolitan

Greg Rutherford, a long jumper for Great Britain, has decided to freeze his sperm. And it makes sense: Zika in pregnant women has been correlated with a birth deformity called microcephaly. The condition causes babies to be born with a head that is smaller than normal, which stunts the brain’s development. If he picked up Zika at the Olympics, he could easily give it to his partner, Susie Verrill, since the virus can be passed along through sex. The couple would like to have more kids to accompany their "feisty toddler," Milo. So, Rutherford will freeze his sperm to ensure that his future children won't contract the disease.

"We've also made the decision to have Greg's sperm frozen. We'd love to have more children and with [Zika] research in its infancy, I wouldn't want to put myself in a situation which could have been prevented," wrote Verrill in a post for Standard Issue magazine. 

While Rutherford will still be attending the Games, Verrill isn’t interested in risking it. Instead, she will be staying home with Milo and his grandparents. Among other reasons she lists in her Standard Issue article, she says that widespread concerns about Zika have been enough to sway her to stay in the UK and watch her man compete on "tha telleh" (the TV, everyone). 

The Rio de Janeiro location of the Olympic Games has been met with some serious skepticism because of Zika. Not only did the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention post a health advisory back in January, but doctors and researchers have strongly suggested the Games get moved, postponed or even canceled because of the health risks. We're glad to see Rutherford looking out for his way-in-the-future children and keeping his sperm nice and safe for his partner. 

Saint West's Wardrobe is Goals AF

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In case you haven't realized, there's 6-month-old who is way more rich and famous than you will ever be. Clearly, Saint West is that child. Son of social media mogul Kim Kardashian and designer/rap star Kanye West, Saint already runs the world, basically. 

On Wednesday, Kim gave us a sneak peak of what exactly Saint has in his closet—you know, in case you weren’t already jealous of him because of his famous parents. Thanks to Refinery29, we have a few of Kim’s favorite pieces for Saint. And yes, they all probably cost more than your college education.

There's his adorable bomber jacket that matches his mom's.

Do you think we could squeeze into these Yeezy's?

And who could forget this custom Ralph Lauren bomber jacket signed by Ralph himself?! 

But remember, these are just a few (and we are dying to see more). Kim wrote on her website, “Saint has so many amazing designer pieces already!!! Many of them are inspired by his dad, so I think it's appropriate to share them with you guys during The Week in Kanye!"

What exactly The Week in Kanye is, we don’t know, but do we care and want to know? Obviously. If it involves seeing more of Saint’s and North’s adorable wardrobes then count us in. 

Lena Dunham Dedicates a Sexual Assault PSA To the Stanford Survivor

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The cast of "Girls" stood up for their fellow women in a powerful PSA that Lena Dunham posted to Twitter yesterday.


In the video dedicated to the brave survivor in the Stanford sexual assault case, Lena Dunham, Allison Williams, Zosia Mamet and Jemima Kirke stand together against sexual assault. The statistics that they report are terrifying. According to the CDC, one in five women will be sexually assaulted, and 80 percent of attackers will be someone they knew.

Standing hand-in-hand, the ladies reveal that one in four girls will be sexually abused before eighteen. They address the hush-hush way that society often treats sexual assault cases and encourage viewers to stand up and be supportive instead. Why stay quiet when you could be a listening ear?

What if we helped simply because every victim is a fellow woman? "[This] may be the first time that four white women can accurately represent anything," Lena quips.

These girls have it right. Sexual assault is no time for silence. We need to stand together in support of our survivors.

Someone Tried to Burn Down the Kardashians' Dash Store in Beverly Hills

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On Monday night, an unidentified suspect hurled a “lit object” into the Kardashians’ Dash boutique on Melrose Avenue in LA. According to the Los Angeles Times, a passerby reported the incident to the police at around 11:20 p.m. and deputies arrived shortly after to investigate.

Thankfully, the object, which was later revealed to be a “weighted, burning rag,” caused no significant damage to the structure or anyone nearby. Still, police say that crowds of paparazzi have gathered at the location since the attempted arson, which is to be expected.

To date, none of the Kardashians has commented on the incident and no arrests have been made, but Los Angeles County Fire officials confirmed early Tuesday morning that a suspect has been taken into custody.

Police reports indicate that this is the first known attack on the boutique, which first opened back in 2012.  

How to Deal With a Jealous Friend

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When jealousy rears its head, it’s never pretty. When we start comparing ourselves to others, we can feel inadequate and insecure, and worse, it can put strain on our relationships because there often isn’t an easy way to talk about it. We’ve all been jealous and we know it’s not easy to deal with, but what happens when things flip and you’re on the receiving end of jealousy from someone who has started tearing you down instead of building you up? HC talked to Irene S. Levine, Ph.D., a psychologist and creator of the popular advice blog The Friendship Blog, for some tips to navigate this common but difficult friendship road bump.

Proceed with caution

Jealousy is tricky terrain. Because jealousy usually isn’t confronted head-on, it can be hard to be 100 percent sure that it’s the cause of tension in friendships. We’re often hesitant to assume people are jealous of us, and for good reason. After all, something could be going on that has nothing to do with you at all. You can have your suspicions, of course, but how do you broach the topic with your friend without seeming self-centered or accusing her of something completely off the mark?

To start, there are signs of jealousy you can look out for. Your friend might be clingy, competitive, passive aggressive or unsupportive of things that make you happy. But even if the signs are there, according to Levine, you shouldn’t bring up the J word until absolutely necessary.

“Before you confront a friend, you need to carefully think through your goals [in confronting her],” she says. “Accusing someone of being jealous may not be a good approach because it’s only likely to put her on the defensive. If you are upset by something your friend does or says that makes you think she may be jealous of you, point out the specific behavior that’s objectionable and talk about that.”

To keep this conversation as smooth as possible, utilize “I” statements and assume that her intentions were not to hurt you. If you’re lucky, this conversation will open lines of communication between you and your friend and the two of you can talk things out. If not, it might be time for some troubleshooting.

If your friend is jealous of your relationship

It’s not hard to understand why this happens. There’s nothing wrong with being single, but when your friends start dating, it can be difficult to be the single woman out. When you’re the one in a relationship and your friend starts exhibiting signs of jealousy—whether she’s subtly complaining about your boyfriend, being a bit too encouraging about breaking things off when you’re having relationship problems or being unwilling to hear stories about your relationship—what do you do?

First things first, consider that she might have reason to be jealous.

“[Jealousy] may suggest that your friend needs some reassurance that you still value her friendship and want to spend ‘girl time’ with her although you don’t have as much time as you once had,” Levine says.

Have your girls’ nights out been replaced exclusively by date nights, or have you found yourself talking excessively about your boyfriend? It’s understandable if you’re excited, but take measures to tone it down if you know you’d be annoyed if you were in her shoes.

“My friend made me realize that I was totally being ‘that girl' with my boyfriend,” says Brianna*, a recent graduate of the University of Oregon. “At first, I thought she was just nagging, but we talked about it and it turned out it wasn’t just petty jealousy.”

If you’ve been the single friend before, Levine recommends reminding your friend that you understand where she’s coming from. She also suggests you make efforts to not only have alone time with her, but to also consider including her in some of the things you do with your boyfriend. Don’t force her into being a third wheel, but if you make it seem as though your relationship isn’t some sacred, separate part of your life that she’s not allowed into, things will return to normal in no time!

If your friend is jealous of your other friends

Whether your friend expresses her jealousy of your other friends by trying to tag along on all your plans or by talking bad about your friends, it can put a serious strain on your friendship. Not to mention, it can be awkward… or seriously aggravating.

“My last year's roommate would do nothing but complain that I was never home,” says Rachel Cisto a collegiette at the University of Hartford. “[If] I went to a friend's apartment, she'd demand to know what friend, what complex [and] when would I come back, and when I didn't tell her, she would whine and complain that I didn't want to be her friend and clearly I hated her and [ask] why wasn't she invited to spend time with my other friends.”

Rachel eventually got a new roommate, but for less extreme cases of jealousy, there are definitely ways to deal.

“If your friend is jealous about your other friends, it may suggest that she feels insecure either about herself, the friendship or both,” says Levine. “If she is so jealous that she makes you feel uncomfortable socializing with other friends, you have to let her know that you enjoy her friendship but also have other friends who are important to you.”

If having that conversation sounds daunting, you may want to take steps to include your jealous friend into activities with your other friends, but only if you feel comfortable doing so. You should never feel as though it is your job to include her, but if you haven’t considered the option of combining friend groups, it might be the quick fix you need.

If your friend is jealous of you

It can be hard to pinpoint why your friend is potentially jealous of you, whether it’s your talents, your personality traits, your looks or some other facet of yourself. However, jealousy might manifest in the form of her tearing you down so she can feel better about the traits that she thinks she lacks. She might do this through insults, passive-aggressive remarks or constantly comparing the two of you.

No matter how she does it, confront her about this behavior without being accusatory and make it clear how her behavior is making you feel. You can say something as simple as, “Recently, I feel like you’ve been making a lot of comments about my body, and while I’m sure you don’t mean it to be hurtful, I wanted to let you know that it’s coming across that way.”

Levine also suggests thinking about why your friend might express herself this way.

“While your friend may be jealous of your looks or intellect, for example, she may not realize that you admire some of her strengths, too,” she says. “Take the time to point that out to her.

When to cut things off

Sometimes jealousy is a sign of a bigger problem. If your successes, good qualities and happiness make your friend unhappy instead of proud and glad for you, that might be a sign that your friendship isn’t as strong as you thought it was in the first place.

“Friendships are voluntary relationships that are supposed to be mutually satisfying,” says Levine. “If you find that a friend is consistently demanding and draining and [you] have frequent misunderstandings with each other that can’t be resolved, you may need to create some distance between you and your friend.”

Nervous to have that conversation? Levine has the following tips:

  • Write a script for yourself before you talk to her. Your breakup words won't be easily forgotten by your friend.
  • Take responsibility for your decision rather than blaming her.
  • Try to be honest without being hurtful. For example, you could say, "I've realized this friendship is too draining for me," or, "I need some time and distance from our friendship."
  • Remember that this person once was your friend; you don't want to hurt her even if you feel hurt.

Don’t feel bad for having to sever ties. With all of the stresses that collegiettes have to deal with on a daily bases, toxic friendships should not be one of them. If communicating and attempting to change the situation leads nowhere, it’s time to cut your losses and move on. After all, you deserve so much better!

*Name has been changed.

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