Quantcast
Channel:
Viewing all 25628 articles
Browse latest View live

Blake Lively Reveals Why She Married Ryan Reynolds & We Are Swooning

$
0
0

Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds are undeniably one of Hollywood’s hottest "it" couples, and just when we thought we couldn't love them any more than we already do, Lively let us in on a marriage secret that has us seriously taking notes. In an interview for the latest issue of Marie Claire, Lively reveals how she knew Reynolds was the one. 

"I knew he would always be my best friend for my whole life. That was the biggest thing for me." How sweet is that?

Lively also divulges that marrying your BFF is the key to success: "I'd never known anything like the friendship that I had with him. I could like him as much as I loved him."

So basically, throw away everything you know about falling in love with someone because liking them is just as important. Although we can't imagine that liking and loving Ryan Reynolds is too difficult.   


Bachelor in Paradise's Marcus & Lacy Were Never Legally Married

$
0
0

Bachelor in Paradise viewers will remember Marcus Grodd and Lacy Faddoul, the couple whose romance blossomed during their stint on the reality show and resulted in a TV wedding on a Mexican beach last June. Well, in an exclusive interview with Life & Style, Grodd reveals that not only have he and Faddoul broken up, but they weren’t legally married to begin with!

Grodd dishes that his fiancée completely cut off contact with him two months ago. “It feels like she’s a runaway bride,” he says. “We had this fantastic relationship, and then it totally vanished. It was like she ran away.”

Calling her a runaway bride might be a stretch, considering they were not legally husband and wife. Following their June 2015 wedding, they were “supposed to start the paperwork. But she stalled.” Now, he says, “I feel duped.”

In hindsight, Grodd seems to think the downward spiral began when he left for basic Marine training following Bachelor in Paradise. When he reunited with Faddoul three months later, he felt that their relationship was not the same: “I wanted to move in together but she recommended that I find my own place.”

Grodd says things seemed better between them around the holidays, sharing that “it seemed like we both wanted to move forward.” In January, however, he found “flirtatious” texts on her phone; he doesn’t know if she cheated on him, but they didn't see each other as often after that.

Finally, two months ago, Grodd and Faddoul met for dinner. After that, Grodd reveals, “She just cut off all communication.”

If you ever needed a sign to not rush into marriage, take Grodd's story as a warning.

Tom Hiddleston Kind Of Predicted His Romance With Taylor Swift in This Interview

$
0
0

If you’re like us, you’re probably still wallowing over the Taylor Swift/Calvin Harris breakup. If you’re like Taylor Swift, probs not. The pop princess was recently caught smooching new beau Tom Hiddleston.

The paparazzi snapped photos of the pair looking pretty cozy atop some seaside rocks near Swift’s Rhode Island home—just two weeks after her split with Harris.

The quick turnaround left fans wondering whether or not Hiddleswift is really all that new, and even crazier, if Hiddleston actually predicted the whole thing weeks before it all went down.

In an interview with MTV UK back in May, Hiddleston said that Swift was “very charming” when they connected at the Met Gala. The two shared a highly spontaneous, highly entertaining dance to songs by The Weeknd, T.I. and Beyoncé. And, he says, it was all Taylor’s idea. “I was on a table with Taylor Swift and The Weeknd was playing and she said, ‘The thing about these parties is nobody gets up to dance’…so we got up and danced.”


When asked about the possibility of a duet at the time, Hiddleston said jokingly, “We’ll see, you never know.” But we’re thinking maybe he knew…and maybe Taylor did too?

Way to shake it off, Taylor. 

Kendall Jenner Defends Her Supermodel Status

$
0
0

Kendall Jenner and BFF Gigi Hadid have come under fire again for not being *real* supermodels, according to supermodel vet Stephanie Seymour. In a recent interview with Vanity Fair, Seymour said of the two girls, “They are completely different than we were,” adding that “supermodels are sort of a thing of the past.” When asked what the girls should be called instead, Seymour said with a laugh, “Bitches of the moment!”

Although this isn’t the first time someone in the fashion world has criticized the girls’ careers, Jenner has decided that this time she’s not standing for it. In a message posted to her app, Jenner fires back, “If you choose to be a cyberbully, I’m going to stick up for myself. No one is trying to steal Stephanie Seymour’s thing, or trying to be her… If people want to call Gigi and I supermodels now, it doesn’t take anything away from supermodels of the past. Obviously, I have so much respect for those women, but right now, we’re the models of this time. Significant? Maybe. Hardworking? For sure.”

Jenner adds that, prior to the incident, she admired Seymour and is disappointed in Seymour’s attempts to publicly shame her and Hadid instead of mentoring and encouraging them like others in the business have. Jenner says that she receives tips and notes like ‘You’re killing it’ from other former supermodels, and suggests to Seymour that her behavior is class-less.

Jenner—who has walked in fashion shows for Givenchy, Chanel, Diane von Furstenberg, Balmain, Alexander Wang and Oscar de la Renta, just to name a few—ends the letter with confidence and grace, saying, “I fully intend on being a positive influence on anyone younger than me, my entire life.”

Hey Kendall, you’re killing it!

I Wore Heels Every Day For a Week & (Barely) Survived

$
0
0

I have a confession to make: I am short. Ok, well it’s not much of a confession if you have ever actually stood next to me, but still. Ever since I was in 5th grade and stopped growing, I have been a whopping 4 feet and eleven inches tall. So yeah, I am pretty short. When I was growing up my height always seemed to be a topic of discussion and even now, people cannot help but comment on it. In fact, I was getting so sick of being called short, small, tiny, cute, petite, etc., that I decided I would join the world of normal sized people and wear heels for an entire week. 

Now, before we go into exactly how this made me feel, let’s cover a few definitions. First, heels: to me, that is anything with a slight lift. Because of my height, it was somewhat impossible for me to wear stilettos to work because otherwise I wouldn’t be able to walk. When someone as small as me decides to suddenly be tall, it’s like walking on stilts. So safe to say that I stuck with shoes in the 2 to 4 inch range. 

On the first day, I picked a pair of small red heels to go with my black and white dress. They had been my mom's so they weren’t the most comfortable shoes and they were a tad big because I have the smallest feet in my family. The day was pretty easy because I work in an office where I don’t do much walking but I did have to commute to and from work on the DC metro. In the morning, it was a breeze because my feet weren't in pain yet and I was feeling pretty powerful with my new perspective on the world (aka being tall). Also, full disclosure: I do wear heels pretty often but never consistently because of how badly my feet hurt walking around NYC, where I live during the year. But because it’s summer, and I am living and working in Washington, D.C., I haven’t been wearing them.


 

This is the closest I'm gonna get to not wearing black this summer #ootd #shabbatshalom #rochester #summer

A photo posted by Isabel Lara (@isabelcalkins) on


After it was time to leave work on that first day my feet were still intact and not too sore but on the walk back from the metro... that’s when I felt it. Literally the second I got home I took off my heels and threw on my Uggs. So much better. 

The next day I was ready to put on my heels again because I had a stellar outfit picked out. I wore a pair of black shoes with a thicker heel and jeans. I was a bit nervous about this outfit because I knew that I had a party to go to after dinner so I wouldn’t be able to switch into flats. The day went by just like the first day although I did trip a few times on the sidewalk. Oh, and walking up the escalator on my commute home. So by the end of the day my feet were even more sore than the first day and I was ready for a day of sneakers. 


 

Hand me downs and pick me ups downtown  #ootd #fashion

A photo posted by Isabel Lara (@isabelcalkins) on


Days three and four were a blur because I wore the same pair of lace up heels. I was running out of shoe options so wearing the same pair was only logical. Again, my feet hurt even more but I was getting used to being taller. On day five I actually put on heels without even thinking about it because I was so used to wearing them. 

By this point I had made it through the end of my workweek and it was time for the weekend. This meant it was time to bring out the big guns: aka my cutest pair of heels... also known as the most uncomfortable. So far I had made it through the week wearing only heels with the exception of a yoga class and walking around the house so I was used to the feel of them by now. On Saturday night, my second to last day, I wore some super-high lace-up Steve Madden heels. Worst. Decision. Ever. (The shoes were not worthy of an updated #OOTD pic so here is a #TBT to show the "devil shoes.")



Although I only went out to dinner wearing them, I was ready to walk home barefoot because of the pain that I was in. I had been wearing small heels so when I switched to a five-inch pair, my body definitely was not ready. I could walk fine because of my years of watching America’s Next Top Model but my toes and heels were in such pain afterwards. Because of that evening, I decided to cut my week of heels short and end it there. 

Overall, there are a few major things that I learned about wearing heels every single day for an entire week. First off, being tall is super fun! You can reach things easily, look people in the eye, and people actually think you are your age instead of a 12-year-old girl! I also felt more confident wearing heels. Because they are usually seen as more professional, I had this mentality all week that I was a bad-ass woman in charge, though that's probably debatable. 

I know that people say that you have to accept the things you cannot change, like my height, but wearing heels is in my control and I think because of this week I will continue to wear them at least a few days a week. That said, I’m gonna stick to heels that aren’t taller than my iPhone. 

21 Things No One Told You Would Happen in College

$
0
0

College was our Barbie Dream House, that thing we always worked towards and saw as the moment our real lives would begin. So far, college has been the most amazing time of our lives, but there were definitely a few things people forgot to mention. Here's what nobody told you would happen in college:

1. Poverty. Endless poverty.

2. The “easiest” college classes actually require a ton of effort, and everyone was lying to you.

3. You’re going to blow most of your money on late night snacks.

4. You will begin to find it perfectly acceptable to binge watch nine seasons of show during a semester…or maybe just a few weeks…days?

5. No matter how strong your alcohol tolerance is, you’re going to throw up sometimes. Just accept it.

6. Casually dropping 200+ dollars on a textbook.

7. Painfully dropping 400+ dollars on a textbook––that your professor wrote.

8. You’re 100 percent going to gain somewhere between 10 and 30 lbs.

9. Every few weeks you’ll consider going vegan because all your friends are doing it.

10. You’re going to live with at least one psycho roommate, but odds are it will probably happen more than once.

11. Your best thinking happens at 2 a.m.

12. Halfway through your freshman year you start to actually enjoy talking to your mom on the phone.

13. You will see hot people EVERYWHERE!

14. But not get to date any of them.

15. You’re going to alternate between completely letting yourself go and then spending four hours plucking your eyebrows to perfection.

16. There will always be a large, strange smelling pile of dirty dished in your sink.

17. Having a car sets you up to be a perfect freshman slave to your upperclassmen friends.

18. Going to class is actually considered cool, and being friends with your professor is even cooler.

19. Interestingly enough, the library can be a terrible place to study because all your friends are there and quiet hours don't really exist.

20. Did we mention poverty?

21. Oh yeah, and fire drills still happen. 

15 Unrealistic Expectations We Have for Our Twenties

$
0
0

The glorification of our twenties in movies, television, advertisements and all over social media led us twenty-somethings to believe that there are various stepping stones in life we should have accomplished once we reach a certain age, and if we have yet to accomplish those goals, we are failing as functional human beings. In reality, your twenties are a time to explore, to learn, make mistakes and fail forward -- but instead, we make these unrealistic expectations for ourselves.

1. Having a dream job right out of college

Remember when you thought you were going to have a salaried job straight out of school instead of putting “hire me” on your grad cap?

2. Knowing who you are as a person

Your personality changes at every stage of your life. You do not need to know 100 percent who you are at 20 years old… over even 22… or even 28.

3. Knowing what you want to do... for the rest of your life

With the world changing so rapidly… theres a good chance your future occupation is something that doesn’t even exist right now.

4. Having the same body as you did in high school

Stop being upset with yourself for not being as skinny as you were in high school. You’re not in high school , you’re an adult with an adult body.

5. Finding “the one” and getting married

The "one” is probably telling his current girlfriend they’re going to be together forever…Funny, right?

6. The “white picket fence” dream

America has evolved so much since the traditional “two kids, one dog and a white picket fence” was a normative and desirable goal.

7. Jetsetting the world on your twenties budget

It might seem like everyone is living a luxurious life in lavish hotels around the world… Just know there’s more to the picture than you see from Instagram.

8 Outgrowing food like tater tots and mac and cheese

Kraft for *life*

9. Not needing your parents for *almost* everything

You might think that you don’t need them anymore… but wait until you have to get the air pressure checked on your tires or interpret an I-9 form . They’ll be the first ones you call.  

10. Outgrowing stores like Forever 21 and H&M

You thought you were over it… but you keep coming back, don’t you?

11. Having a wardrobe like Carrie’s in SATC

Monolo’s on a 20-something budget?

12. Never being lonely

Before your 20’s you assumed that when you got older you’d be in a stable relationship with tons of friends there for you all day, everyday. The truth is, your 20’s can feel like a lonely time, but its the time to find out who is really in your life for the right reasons, and who was never really there for you.

13. Keeping all the same friends as you did in high school and college

You get older. You realize more about each other and yourself, and that’s okay.

14. The expectation that putting yourself over everyone else is selfish

When you’re in your 20’s, its you > everyone... and there’s nothing wrong with that.

15. Thinking you’re too old to make mistakes

You will make mistakes at every stage in your life, and you’ll learn from them. Fail forward.

11 Stages of College Withdrawal

$
0
0

Leaving college and returning home can be quite the transition for collegiettes. College and home are two entirely different worlds, and it can be hard to adjust. Every collegiette goes through stages of withdrawal over their summer vacation, ultimately counting down the days until they return to their college home.

Reuniting with family.

You missed your parents and siblings a ton, and it’s amazing to be able to catch up with them and feel surrounded by undying love.

Salivating over freshly cooked meals.

You honestly can’t get enough of anything your mom makes you, and every meal is a gift sent from above.

Catching up with high school friends.

You haven’t seen them forever, and sharing crazy stories from the past year with your BFF is the best feeling ever.

Returning to your summer job.

It’s exciting to finally watch money go into your bank account, instead of nervously noticing it draining away during the school year.

But then the boredom settles in.

You can only do the few things your town has to offer so many times.

Your bed and Netflix become your two best friends.

Binge watching is now your life. Netflix has consumed you.

Watching all of your college friends’ snap stories makes you want to cry.

Why on earth do they live all over the country?

You feel anchored to your house.

Now that your parents are watching, you can’t come home at 4 a.m. anymore without a heated argument and pointed questions.

Every Instagram post is a #tbt displaying the crazy shenanigans that happened over the school year.

Reliving memories is the best way to make time pass…right?

Anything and everything related to school starts to excite you.

Registration? Perfect. Supply shopping? Nothing better! Even planning your meals for next year makes you happy.

Final Countdown.

After the long summer months, it’s time to watch your numerous countdowns dwindle as you wait anxiously to finally go back to college.


THIS is What's Wrong With the Fashion Industry Today

$
0
0

Fashion Culture Design held its "Unconference" on June 9, where some of the most powerful people in fashion critiqued the how the industry is being run today. James Scully, a well known casting director for brands like Jason Wu, Carolina Herrera and Tom Ford, among other high end designers, had a lot to say about recent casting for fashion week. He expressed his outrage at the lack of diversity in some shows, and talked about how upsetting it is that the norm during fashion week is to feature primarily white models, despite the diverse set of people watching what's going down the runway.

In the past, Scully has publicly criticized Raf Simons of Dior and Demna Gvsalia of Balenciaga for their preference of white models in their shows. It's important to note that a staggering 90 percent of the models cast for Fall 2013's Fashion Week were white, according to Fashionista. When Buzzfeed asked leading casting directors why this was, Scully took the opportunity to point out Dior's faults in their model line-up, saying, "I feel the Dior cast is just so pointedly white that it feels deliberate. I watch that show and it bothers me—I almost can't even concentrate on the clothes because of the cast."

As part of the panel at "Unconference," Scully, along with IMG President Ivan Bart, casting director Gilleon Smith, Paper's Editorial Director Mickey Boardman and models Ashley Graham and Alek Wek, discussed the changing definition of beauty in the fashion industry, according to Fashionista. He acknowledged that progess was being made among some designers, but it definitely has not become widespread. In fact, Ashley Graham's success as a plus-sized model in high-end fashion is one of very few stories that show the industry is moving forward—slowly.

One alarming story Scully remembers is of working with model Liya Kebede at the beginning of her career. He explained, "People think Liya Kebede just walked in the door and had an amazing career, but I actually left the business over some horror stories she experienced when she walked in the door." Scully recounted a time he was working with Kebede and a top photographer who did not want to shoot her because she was black.

"I was so stunned that would come out of the [photographer's] agent's mouth and I said, 'You shoot Naomi all the time, you shoot with Edward Enniful all the time,' and [he said], 'Yeah, well, that's different,' and I'm like, 'This girl is going to be huge,'" he said. Scully's choice to stand up for Kebede helped her pave her way to becoming the first black face of Estée Lauder, an important step in the high-end fashion and beauty industry.

Scully also pointed out during "Unconference" that the industry almost seems to be moving backwards rather than making progress. He referred to models like Cindy Crawford, Linda Evangelista and Christy Turlington, who used to be thought of as a "normal size." If they gained or lost a few pounds, no one seemed to really mind. Now when a model gains a few pounds, everyone seems to have something to say about it, when it really shouldn't matter. Graham noted that there are multiple charts that will tell her she is obese, when in reality she knows that she is living healthfully and taking care of her body. Bart added that he feels millennials will be the changing force in the fashion industry, saying, "It's no longer going to be the fashion industry dictating what the look is; the consumer will." So, millennials, are you up for the challenge?

6 Trends From the '90s That Are Even More Amazing Now

$
0
0

There's no denying that few decades have had as massive of an impact on our wardrobes lately as the '90s have. There's just something about the decade's effortless, rebellious style that adds just enough of an edge to our wardrobes. Read on for six '90s trends we just can't get enough of lately—you'll want to try them too!

1. Chokers

If we hear the words "chokers are the new flower crowns" again, we just might scream—but overused post-Coachella headlines aside, fashion has been having a love affair with chokers lately. What's not to love? They look amazing paired with a V-neck tee or cami and are super flattering, creating the illusion of an ultra long neck.

2. Overalls

We'll admit—at first, this trend was a hard sell for us, but once we gave in, we were obsessed. Plus, we never met a throw-on-and-go piece we didn't like. Overalls are a no-brainer when it comes to picking an outfit in a flash.

3. Slip Dresses

Sure our moms regularly tell us we look like we're headed out in our nightgown, but we're loving this trend so much we don't care. Style hint: to upgrade your slip dress, try a T-shirt or button-down underneath for a cool layered look.

4. Flannel

Now, the flannel trend isn't just limited to shirts, either—think outside the box with dresses and skirts for a girlier approach!

5. Denim Jackets

We're all about all-denim everything and the denim jacket is no exception. For a cool, effortless look, an oversized piece with a little distressing goes a long way.

6. Crop Tops

Do we really need to explain this one? Crop tops are amazing paired with high waisted bottoms, and will keep you cool in the summer. Enough said.

Senate Approves Bill Requiring Women to Register for the Draft

$
0
0

On Tuesday, the Senate voted to approve a military bill that would require women to register for the draft when they turn eighteen, just as men do. Despite the debate that this issue inspires, especially among more conservative legislators, the bill passed with support from both parties. 

In accordance with this bill, women turning eighteen on or after January 1, 2018 would be required to register for the draft. Failure to do so could result in a loss of financial aid, including Pell grants. The New York Times's report on the bill adds that this new policy will not apply to women who have already turned eighteen by then - they will not have to register for the draft and therefore will not risk losing their financial aid for doing so. 

The draft, or military conscription, is only used in dire situations and has not been used at all since the Vietnam War in 1973. Over forty years later, the composition of the military has tranformed, with women recently being allowed to serve on the front lines. In 1981, the Supreme Court ruled that women should not have to register for the draft because they did not serve in the infantry. Since that has changed, it stands to reason that the decision should be reconsidered as well. 

Although there was bipartisan support for the bill, some members of Congress are still strongly opposed to this policy change. Former Republican presidential candidate and Texas Senator Ted Cruz said yesterday, "I could not in good conscience vote to draft our daughters into the military, sending them off to war and forcing them into combat."

Even so, most Republicans were for the change. Senator of Arizona and chairman of the Armed Services Committee John McCain said, "Every single leader in this country, both men and women, members of the military leadership, believe that it's fair since we opened up all aspects of the military to women that they would also be registering for Selective Services."

McCain added, "I respect the senator from Texas's view. Too bad that view is not shared by our military leadership, the ones who have had the experience in combat with women."

After passing in the Senate, the bill will now be sent to the conference committee, where the Senate version of the bill and the House version of the bill will be merged into one.  Legislators and military experts are expected to continue to debate this bill, suggesting that even after yesterday’s vote, this ideological disagreement is far from resolved. 

Notably absent from this debate in the Senate are women. In the Senate, there are only twenty women, as compared to 80 men. Only one female Senator is quoted in The New York Times’s article on the bill, whereas as four male Senators are. Political representation is another important issue that must be addressed. This major policy decision affecting women was not made by women, it was made by an overwhelmingly male legislature that is not at all representative of America’s population. The new policy on the draft does make progress for the cause of equal rights for women, but it would be nice if more women had been able to help make that decision.

Orlando Shooter's Wife Tried to Talk Him Out of the Attack

$
0
0

According to NBC news, the Orlando gunman's wife has told law enforcement officers that she tried to talk her husband out of Sunday’s attack at Pulse nightclub.

The shootout, which left 49 dead and 53 injured, is the largest massacre on U.S. soil since Sep. 11, 2001. NBC reports that 27 victims are still in the hospital, six of whom are in critical condition, according to hospital officials.

Noor Zahi Salman, the 30-year-old wife of the shooter, told the FBI that she was with her husband when he bought ammunition and a holster, and had once driven him to the nightclub because he wanted to check it out, NBC reports.

Now, authorities are trying to determine Salman’s level of involvement, if any, in the attack. Legal Analyst Gil Soffer told ABC7 that if it is proven that Salman knew about her husband’s plans and withheld that information, or participated in planning the attack, she will face felony charges.

"As long as she took some sort of step, some encouragement of the crime, then she's absolutely exposed to criminal charges," Soffer told ABC7. "But if all she has to say is, 'I tried to talk him out of it,' then that's not going to get her very far."

A law enforcement official has also told CNN that Salman and Mateen texted during the attack—He texted to ask if she'd seen the news, and she told him that she loved him. She also tried to call him, but he didn't answer.

Salman has not spoken publicly about the attack. She is not currently in custody and is cooperating with authorities, according to NBC.

Trump Fans Would Date a Hillary Supporter, But Not the Other Way Around

$
0
0

We all know that compromise and finding the common ground are super important parts of dating, but just how much are you willing to overlook when it comes to a potential SO’s political views?

This week, MTV conducted a poll of 900 self-identified Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump supporters to find out just how irreconcilable the differences between partners can become when they have to do with politics, according to Cosmopolitan.

Interestingly, MTV found that Trump and Clinton supporters are pretty different in terms of how much they don't want to date someone of the opposite affiliation. According to the results of the survey, Donald Trump supporters are surprisingly open to dating Clinton fans. Hillary followers? Not so much, Cosmo reports.

For example, Trump supporters would prefer to date a Hillary fan than someone who cannot speak their language. Clinton supporters said the opposite. The survey also found that Trump fans would rather date a Hillary supporter than someone who smokes, won't share their Netflix password, or is a "bad texter," whatever that means (but probably means they'd reply to your essay of a text three hours later with just an "ok").

Adversely, Cosmo reports that Hillary supporters said that they would rather date a bad kisser, a smoker or a person with no cell phone than a Trump supporter.

And finally, to illustrate the extreme lengths that Hillary supporters are willing to go to avoid Donald Trump fans in the dating pool, the survey found that they would sooner date someone who pops his or her collar than someone is planning on voting for Trump. Wowza. 

This Female Veteran Destroyed the Guy Who Left a Sexist Note on Her Car

$
0
0

Going to the store usually involves buying some milk and bread, and maybe even some toilet paper if you're on the wild side. No one would ever expect it to be a place of hateful and aggressive misogyny, but that's what it turned into for U.S. Navy veteran Rebecca Landis Hayes. 

According to Cosmopolitan, Hayes parked in the "veterans only" parking spot outside a food market in North Carolina, only to come back and find this rude note on her car windshield: 

The note reads, "This parking is for veterans, lady. Learn to read and have some respect."

Aside from the note just being blatantly wrong, it's also exceptionally sexist. It clearly didn't occur to this ignorant man that women are veterans too. Hayes quickly took to Facebook to tear him apart, and also to educate on the issue. 

 

She calls him out on his "narrow misogynistic world view" but also laments that they "didn't get to have this conversation face to face." Too bad, because Hayes definitely could have taught him a thing or two about sexist assumptions. 

Juror in Brock Turner Case Writes Outraged Letter to Judge Persky

$
0
0

We were all upset when Stanford student Brock Turner was given a horrifyingly lenient jail sentence of only six months after raping Emily Doe. But imagine the reaction of the jury that convicted Turner on three felony counts of sexual assault, only to see their ruling essentially ignored. Judge Aaron Persky gave Turner an undeservingly mild sentence, which has provoked outrage in pretty much everyone. One anonymous juror from the trial chose to speak out about the sentencing in a letter to Judge Persky himself, according to the Huffington Post.

The juror wrote to the judge that he has lived in America for nearly 30 years, only recently becoming an American citizen, and was "frankly disappointed" by his first experience with the American justice system. 

"I was absolutely shocked and appalled when I heard on June 2 about the minimal sentence you announced that Mr. Turner would serve for this crime," writes the unnamed juror. "After the guilty verdict I expected that this case would serve as a very strong deterrent to on-campus assaults but with the ridiculously lenient sentence that Brock Turner received, I am afraid that it makes a mockery of the whole trial and the ability of the justice system to protect victims of assault and rape. Clearly there are few to no consequences for a rapist even if they are caught in the act of assaulting a defenseless, unconscious person."

"We were unanimous in our finding of the defendant's guilt," he reminded the judge, "and our verdicts were marginalized based on your own personal opinion."

This is the first person on the jury to speak about what happened during the trial, but there is an ongoing movement to remove Persky from his position, and he has already been removed from one sexual assault case.

The juror concluded the letter by giving a hardy "Shame on you" to Persky. Shame indeed. We can only hope that this letter really makes Perky think about his decision.

The full letter can be read here


The Best Salad Recipe for Every Zodiac Sign

$
0
0

As the summer begins, we all tend to find ourselves wanting to eat a little healthier. The more greens you eat, the more energy you have to get through your busy summer days at the beach or at your internship! Who said eating leafy greens and fresh fruits can't be fun? There is a salad perfect for everyone, based on your zodiac sign. 

Aries

Fennel, Orange and Feta Salad

Aries is a strong passionate leader, with a bright and fiery personality. This salad uses bright oranges that match an Aries perfectly, and fennel is a power food that will leave you with tons of energy to be the strong leader you are!

Taurus

Chicken Caesar Salad with a Twist

Tauruses are loyal—just like the chicken caesar salad that's always loyal to you when you go out to eat and don't like anything else on the menu! However, a Taurus is also bold and different, like the added crunch that comes with this salad. 

Gemini

Arugula Salad with Green Beans and Radishes

Geminis are curious and fun, and they love trying new and interesting things. This salad is different, not your typical tossed salad type. The beets and arugula are something new for you to try in your salad.

Cancer

Garden Fruit Salad

A Cancer loves to make those around her feel loved. Nothing matches a Cancer's personality better than a sweet fruit salad. 

Leo

Loaded Power Salad

A Leo is always strong and powerful. She is filled with willpower. This salad is packed with vitamins, protein and all the superfood you will need for a powerful day ahead!

Virgo

Simple Tossed Salad

A Virgo is simple and natural; a tossed salad is light and simple. Plus, this salad is quick and easy to make!

Libra

All-Green Salad

Libra is all about the color green. She loves the environment and being healthy. A power all-green salad is packed with vitamins and perfect for you!

Scorpio

Spicy Mango Salad

Scorpios have a sweet yet spicy personality. They can easily be described as tangy. This salad is the ideal blend of spicy and sweet, just like your personality. 

Sagittarius

Apple Pomegranate Salad

Sagittarius is bold, fun and energetic. She is always happy, likes the color red and shows off her smile on the regular. This salad is packed with bold red colors, and sure to put a sweet smile on your face. 

Capricorn

Traditional Greek Salad

Capricorns are known for their traditional views and values. The traditional Greek salad with feta, olives and cucumbers is your best fit!

Aquarius

Chipotle Apple Sweet Potato Salad

Aquarius doesn't like to stick to any routine, or eat anything boring and normal. This salad mixes a strange combination of ingredients—spicy chipotle with apples and sweet potato. It is sure to be far from the norm and great for an Aquarius. 

Pisces

Fresh Aloe Mint Summer Salad

Pisces is cool, calm and collected, much like this salad. The aloe and mint mix is as cool as any Pisces.

Prince William is the First Royal to Pose For an LGBT Magazine

$
0
0

Prince William recently invited a group of nine people to his home in Kensington Palace to speak about their experiences being bullied for their sexuality, as part of a feature in the British LGBT magazine Attitude.

William’s appearance on the cover of the magazine—the first time a royal has appeared in an LGBT magazine—comes just days after the mass shooting at gay nightclub Pulse in Orlando, Florida. William and Princess Kate Middleton paid their respects to victims of the attack by signing a book of condolence at the U.S. Embassy in London.

Following his meeting with young gay, lesbian and transgender individuals, William released a statement to the magazine saying, "No one should be bullied for their sexuality or any other reason and no one should have to put up with the kind of hate that these young people have endured in their lives."

The people and families he met spoke about how homophobic and transphobic bullying drastically affected their self-esteem, resulting in suicide attempts, eating disorders, mental illness and drug addiction. William praised their bravery "to speak out and to give hope to people who are going through terrible bullying right now," adding, "Their sense of strength and optimism…should give us all encouragement to stand up to bullying wherever we see it. You should be proud of the person you are and you have nothing to be ashamed of."

Attitude editor Matthew Todd says of William, "He put us all at ease despite the fact that we were talking about some intense and sometimes harrowing things.” "I was completely bowled over by him," he added. "He was absolutely passionate, compassionate and relaxed. Someone got upset during the conversation and he said, 'It's okay to cry. You can cry and be strong.'"

This meeting is part of Prince William's campaign with Kate and Prince Harry called "Heads Together," which promotes mental health and well-being. William's spokesperson said in a statement, "The Duke of Cambridge is working hard to support the fight against bullying and to help break the stigma around mental health."

"He knows that LGBT young people suffer unacceptably high rates of bullying and he was grateful to Attitude for facilitating such a serious conversation on this topic," his spokesperson continued. "He was moved by the stories he heard and impressed by the positivity and courage of the people he met.”

Now more than ever, the international LGBTQIA+ community needs more allies willing to stand up against homophobic and transphobic behavior. We're glad Prince William is using his platform to raise awareness of this serious issue in the wake of recent events.

9 Healthy Road Trip Snacks

$
0
0

It’s time to pack up the car and head off onto the open road with your girls for a summer adventure! A road trip is a great way to explore a new city and spend time with some close friends or become closer to new friends.

When it comes to eating healthy on the road, your best plan is to be proactive. Make sure you plan out your meals and snacks as best as you can before you leave, just as you’d prepare for your lodging, other expenses or your perfect road trip playlist.

Before you crank up the tunes and put the pedal to the metal, pack up some of these healthy and delicious snacks to stay fueled (pun intended) and focused for the fabulous journey ahead of you. Loading up on junk food will only make you feel lethargic and unenergetic for your trip, so pick these snacks instead! Some of them require refrigeration, so bring along a small cooler with you.

1. Trail Mix

Store-bought trail mix can be loaded with extra fat, sugar and calories compared to any DIY trail mix. Making your own trail mix is a great healthy summer treat compared to buying store-bought trail mix, and it’s super fun to make your own mix anyway.

Here’s a simple trail mix recipe to take with you on your trip:

  • Unsalted almonds
  • Unsalted sunflower seeds
  • Dark chocolate chips
  • Raisins
  • Dried cranberries

For a single serving of trail mix, add ¼ cup total of the nuts and seeds, and then a handful of each of the other ingredients. Having a DIY snack night the day before you leave can also be a great bonding activity for you and your friends before your trip!

2. Greek Yogurt

Make sure you don’t leave without packing a few cups of low-fat yogurt into your cooler! The calcium D in yogurt is essential for your health, as are the natural probiotics in yogurt. Look for the “live and active cultures” label on your yogurt, since this certifies that there are natural probiotics in your yogurt that will help to keep your digestive system running smoothly. Plus, yogurt can keep your blood pressure from climbing up too high—as if we needed another excuse to dip our spoons into strawberry goodness.

Pack Greek yogurt for a protein-packed healthy snack. Chobani plain Greek yogurt contains 13 grams of protein, compared to 5 grams of protein in regular yogurt like Yoplait.

When it comes to froyo, there’s nothing like taking a trip to Pinkberry over the summer, but doing so regularly isn’t the best idea for your health. The toppings are often high in calories and sugar, so even though you think you’re doing yourself a favor by choosing yogurt instead of ice cream, the turnover isn’t much different. If you’re totally craving froyo during your trip, then indulge and say #YOLO, but try to only visit one or two places instead of every one you find.

3. Low-Fat Cheese Sticks

For another low-calorie and calcium-filled snack, reach for some string cheese. It’s the perfect finger food that comes with awesome health benefits.

Research has shown that eating cheese can help to combat uncomfortable PMS symptoms because of its high calcium content. Cheese also contains zinc and biotin, which are essential for tissue repair and healthy hair.

Keep in mind not to eat too much string cheese though, as it can be high in saturated fat and sodium. Stick with no more than one stick per day to reap the benefits without consequence. To make this snack more filling, pair it with some whole-wheat crackers.

4. Whole-Wheat Crackers

While you enjoy your cheese stick, you can pair it with a handful of whole-wheat crackers. The good-for-you carbohydrates will keep you feeling energized and not too full. The crackers are also low in calories compared to other crunchy and greasy snacks like potato chips. Some reputable brands with amazing whole-wheat crackers are Kashi, Carr’s and Back to Nature.

One of the keys to not going overboard with crackers is to keep portion sizes in mind. “It’s so easy to just bring a box of crackers out for everyone to share and to end up eating way too much,” says Megan Dobinson, a junior at Messiah College.

To prevent overeating, check the portion sizes on the box of crackers and measure out portions of crackers into plastic bags before you head out on your trip. A standard serving size is about six crackers, but depending on the brand of crackers you buy, the serving suggestion may be different, so just check the label.

5. Whole-Grain Cereal

To avoid stopping at McDonald’s for a McMuffin, load up on whole-grain cereal. It will keep you feeling full for a longer amount of time and is guilt-free. These cereals are often high in protein if you pick the right one, so check the labels to decide. For example, Kashi GOLEAN original cereal contains 13 grams of protein per serving. You can also sprinkle an ounce of dry roasted sunflower seeds onto your cereal for 5 grams of additional protein.

If you’re on a gluten-free diet, look for Corn or Rice Chex cereal, which don’t have gluten but are still delicious and easy to take along with you.

Shelly Marie Redmond, a Louisiana-based registered dietitian, recommends Puffins cereal as well. “It’s high in fiber, yummy and there are plenty of gluten-free choices available,” she says.

6. Fruit

You can never go wrong with loading up on nutrient-rich fresh fruit. We recommend packing pieces of whole fruit like apples, oranges or bananas since they do not require refrigeration. To add some protein, bring along a few to-go packets of nut butter, like Justin’s squeeze packs. This will keep your snack interesting and will provide additional health benefits.

Fresh fruit is a more ideal option compared to dried fruit since it contains less sugar, so opt for fresh fruit whenever possible. However, dried fruit doesn’t need refrigeration, so it can be a good option to take with you on the road depending on which one you take. A smart choice is to pack dried apricots, according to Redmond.

“Dried apricots are high in fiber,” she says, which will help you to stay full for a longer amount of time. Keep in mind that one cup of fresh fruit is equal to half a cup of dried fruit, so keep your portions in check.

If you have access to a small cooler, you can also load up fruit like berries and grapes. Put them into plastic bags or storage containers to pass around and share with your friends.

To avoid a making a mess, try to pack fruits that don’t have extra waste, such as cherry pits or watermelon seeds. For the adventurous who want to bring these types of fruits along, just make sure you have some wet wipes on hand to clean your hands and a plastic bag to put the waste in.

7. Pretzels

Pretzels are a great low-calorie, low-fat snack that requires no extra preparation. One cup of pretzels contains about 170 calories and less than 2 grams of fat. There’s also about 5 grams of protein, too. To prevent bloat, stick with a brand that says “low sodium” or “unsalted” on the bag.

If you’re looking for something to pair your pretzels with, try eating them with one of your cheese sticks or with a piece of whole fruit. You can also dip them in nut butter for some protein.

8. Popcorn

If you’d kill for something crunchy and you’re not up for greasy potato chips, give popcorn a try. You can make your own air-popped popcorn before you leave for a healthy snack. It’s a low-calorie treat and fun to eat!

This great recipe from wikiHow is easy to make before you leave and can easily be taken with you for the beginning portion of your trip.

DIY Popcorn

  • Buy some brown paper bags to place kernels in. Make sure that the bags are microwave safe so that they don’t catch on fire!
  • Pour 1/4 to 1/3 cup of popcorn kernels into a brown paper bag.
  • Fold the bag over twice; do not use staples to seal.
  • Place the bag on its side in the microwave.
  • Cook on high for several minutes and adjust your cooking time based on your microwave.

Avoid buying pre-packaged popcorn that is already pre-processed and buttered. These options are loaded with unnecessary calories that can leave you feeling too full or bloated.

9. Nutrition Bars

To satisfy your craving for something more substantial than a small snack, enjoy a nutrition bar from brands such as LUNA for additional energy that’s still satisfying.

LUNA bars in particular contain a “Core 4” nutrient powerhouse: folic acid, calcium, vitamin D and iron. When combined, these four vitamins and minerals are just what you need to power through the day.

You’ve probably enjoyed one of these yummy bars during the school year in between classes or during finals season, and they are just as delicious and nutritious in the summertime. They’re a great way to get energized on the go so that you’re not tempted to stop by the nearest fast food restaurant for a burger and fries.

While you’re out conquering the open road, make sure you pack a few of these healthy road-trip-friendly snacks to keep you going. Remember, you don’t have to sacrifice good health for taste; it’s possible to have both!

Apparently, Donald Trump is 'Obsessed With Menstruation'

$
0
0

We've heard some crazy things about the 2016 Presidential candidates, and of course we don't expect that to change anytime soon. One of the most outspoken candidates has definitely proven to be Donald Trump, and he's back at it again with some interesting skeletons in his closet. 

Recently, a former member of the Apprentice crew claimed that Trump was "obsessed with menstruation."

In an interview with Slate, the crew member explained that Trump just couldn't stop talking about the bodies and physical attributes of the women on the show. 

"We shot in Trump Tower, the control room was on the seventh floor, and he walked in one day and was talking about a contestant, saying, 'Her breasts were so much bigger at the casting. Maybe she had her period then,'" reported the crew member. 

With Trump's many comments regarding the female physique, we can't say we're surprised by these newfound claims—and the former crew member isn't shocked in the least, either: "During the campaign, when he was talking about Megyn Kelly, I thought: He's obsessed with menstruation."

Doesn't look like Trump is going to start respecting women anytime soon.

Senate to Vote on Gun Control After 15-Hour Filibuster

$
0
0

Democrats in the Senate ended a 15-hour filibuster early Thursday morning after the GOP agreed to vote on two gun control measures following the mass shooting at a Florida nightclub last Sunday. The filibuster was the ninth longest in recent American history.

Sen. Chris Murphy, a Democrat from Connecticut, stood on the Senate floor from Wednesday morning into the early hours of Thursday morning. He assured the Senate that he would stay there "until we get some signal, some sign that we can come together."

According to The Boston Globe, Murphy left the floor arround 2 a.m., after Republican leaders agreed to vote on amendments to expand background checks and ban gun sales to suspected terrorists. 

Following the end of the filibuster, Murphy took to Twitter to share the news.



Thursday morning, he shared that he was back to work.


He continued,


Murphy spent most of his filibuster discussing the events that took place in December 2012 after the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School, which killed 20 children.

"It doesn't take courage to stand here on the floor of the United States Senate for two hours, or six hours, or fourteen hours," Murphy said. "It doesn't take courage to stand up to the gun lobby when over 90 percent of your constituents want change to happen! It takes courage to look into the eye of a shooter, and instead of running, wrapping your arms around a 6-year-old boy and accepting death as a trade for a tiny, little piece of mind for a little boy under your charge." Murphy was referring to Dylan Hockley and Anne Marie Murphy, two victims of the massacre. Anne Marie Murphy was a teacher and Hockley was a student.

Many other Democratic leaders took the floor and shared their own stories of mass shootings in their states. 

"The next time someone uses a gun to kill one of us, a gun that we could have kept out of the hands of a terrorist, then members of this Congress will have blood on our hands," said Sen. Elizabeth Warren from Massachusetts, according to the Globe.

Sen. Bob Casey from Pennsylvania told legislators that allowing a vote is the least they could do. "At least put your hand up for a vote that will begin the long journey to rectify a substantial national problem that takes 33,000 people every year," Casey said. "All we're asking for is a start."

The New York Times points out that there likely would have been votes on both of the gun control amendments even without the filibuster, and that versions of each measure were voted on after the San Bernardino shooting and failed. Still, Murphy's efforts trended on social media, so he got people's attention. That counts for something.

Viewing all 25628 articles
Browse latest View live


Latest Images