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10 Richard Gilmore Quotes to Get You Through the Rest of the Semester

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With finals less than a month away, the end of the semester is near, and with that knowledge comes a ton of papers, club meetings, study sessions and breakdowns galore. But don't despair. Instead, grab a cup of coffee, ignore your responsibilities for a little while and get excited, because the Gilmore Girls revival is set to arrive at the end of this month. 

In honor of this momentous occasion, it's only fitting to commemorate the late Edward Herrmann with Richard Gilmore's best quotes. Richard wasn't always the easiest person to get along with, but there was no doubt he loved his job and his family. If there's one thing Rory learned from her grandfather, aside from their shared love of literature, it's that with age comes wisdom. And Mr. Gilmore was a very wise man. 

1. "Rory, you are a person of great heart and great character, and that combination will always win the day."

Never did a more accurate Richard Gilmore quote exist. If you're a loving person with the right intentions, who strives to treats others well, you'll be able to work any situation out. Good always trumps evil. Always. 

2. "Only prostitutes have two glasses of wine at lunch!"

Setting standards for Emily Gilmore and the rest of us from day one. 

3. "Oh, people die, we pay."

The ever-blunt Richard Gilmore. This is what happens when Richard tries to explain his insurance job to his family. 

4. "It takes a remarkable person to inspire all of this."

Richard had no qualms about letting his daughter know just how proud he was of her. Great things can happen if you believe in yourself. 

5. "Cranking Metallica? If that's some sort of drug reference, it isn't funny!" 

No-nonsense is the way to live one's life, according to Richard. He always did have a way with words.

6. "Never let them see you sweat, dear."

Don't show any weakness. Wise words of encouragement, Richard.

7. "Everyone knows ugly men make the best doctors."

If Richard Gilmore declared this, it must be true. 

8. "Look at this! I'm walking around, and I'm still on the internet."

Nobody appreciates expanding internet capabilities the way Richard Gilmore does. 

9. "If my wife wants the first cup of tea, she's going to have the first cup of tea!"

Nobody messes with the Gilmore patriarch. 

10. Sometimes, he was at his best when he didn't say anything at all.

Nothing could beat Richard and his newspaper. 


5 Ways to Let Go of a Relationship That Ended Before it Started

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You know the signs of a relationship that’s dead in the water. They stop responding to your texts with the same excitement (or they stop completely), it becomes impossible to make plans or life just gets in the way. There are so many reasons a relationship can end before it even begins, and none of them make the mini-heartbreak any easier to get over.

Thankfully, the heartbreak doesn’t have to be permanent by any means. Plus, others have gone through this before you, and they’re here to help! Read on for ways to get over a relationship that never quite got started and for some collegiette advice for getting through the disappointment.

1. Take all the time you need

It’s easy to feel invalidated by a casual or brand new relationship. We all want to keep our cool in the early stages of a romance, and that often involves playing down our feelings. It’s also pretty much impossible not to think about where the potential significant other lands in your larger plans for life. “No matter how casual a relationship is, it's hard not to think about a future with that person,” says Cristina, a senior at Marist College.

This doesn’t mean, though, that everything we feel isn’t legitimate. That said, it might take you a while to feel like your usual self after a brand new or getting-there relationship ends. There’s no one acceptable grieving period for every type of relationship or every length of relationship. Work through your emotions, take time for self care and do what you have to do on your own terms. After all, you are the one going through it!

Related: How to Get Closure After a Breakup

2. Don’t blame yourself

In any breakup scenario, it’s easy to develop a sort of complex about the “it’s not you, it’s me” reasoning. It has to be you, doesn’t it? Don’t let yourself get caught up in this kind of thinking. This reasoning isn’t always accurate, and it certainly isn’t good for your personal wellbeing in the wake of a breakup.

Blaming yourself for the ending of this kind of romance won’t get you anywhere. “There comes a point where you have tried everything you can and it still doesn't work,” says Lauren*, a recent grad from Marymount University. “You have to know that things that happen like this are out of your control.”

Life happens, and you have to put yourself first when it does. “I am still holding on but it has come to the point where you need to do what is best for yourself and let go of something that no longer serves you,” Lauren says. There’s no reason to endure the pain of a relationship that isn’t working, and you also don’t need to have an excuse that makes sense to other people in order to justify its end.

3. Try to look at things objectively

There are plenty of circumstances that can lead to the early demise of a relationship. Rather than get caught up in the back and forth and the emotions of it all, it can be helpful to take a step back. Consider the realities that made it impossible for the relationship to go on. Maybe you had bad timing, like a casual summer hook-up that started to get serious, but you both had to return to school. Maybe one of you was fresh out of another relationship, and there was just no way you could get into something serious again.

You might also have been flat out incompatible in fundamental ways that didn’t make themselves evident at first. “I was in an amazing relationship with a guy who was my opposite in every way…we were so good together, but in the back of both of our minds, I think we knew it wouldn't last,” says Cristina. “We couldn't see a future where we were together…I just had to keep reminding myself that we wanted different things in life.” Sometimes it’s really that simple.

Related: Should You Break Up? A He Said, She Said Guide

4. Avoid being sucked back in

Suddenly not having a person to go to for physical or emotional comfort is really jarring, and going cold turkey on this kind of intimacy and support won’t be easy. It will be for your benefit, though. If this means you have to block their number or be irrationally angry for a little while, that’s fine! “I'm taking it day by day and I'm focusing on myself, my friends, and my work,” says Catherine Lowe, a senior at Winthrop University. Whatever it takes to keep your head above water is what you have to do.

The reasons for the romance’s end are legitimate reasons, so you have to be kind of hard on yourself to make sure that you don’t let the other person get ahold of you. You also want to make sure it’s not you that ends up going back to them or trying to start things up again. "There's probably a clear reason or collection of reasons as to why things ended, so reminding yourself of that will also remind you that the relationship's not worth starting again," says Megan Sawey, a senior at Temple University. Keep yourself busy and focus on what’s ahead of you.

It's difficult to not lapse right back into something that was comfortable (even if not without its problems). “We got together several times after we broke up, which ended up being a mistake because in trying to end things civilly, we couldn't stop having the same problems we always did,” says Cristina. It's for your own good to keep the person out of your life, and it will make dealing with your emotions that much easier.

5. Remember this isn’t the only romance you’ll ever have

This can be the hardest part, but the old saying holds true—there are plenty of other fish in the sea! Wallowing has its merits and is a necessary part of the mourning of the end of a romance, but don’t let it turn you bitter. This was not the only romance you’ll ever experience in your life. It taught you about yourself and about what you’re looking for, which makes it a good thing, even if the feelings involved might be horrible.

If you’re the type of person who would benefit from a rebound, put on your best outfit and your biggest smile, get out there and get some! If you’re not, stick to your support circle of friends and family, and just don’t let yourself be alone and sad (at least not for too much time).

Don’t let what might have been keep you from enjoying the rest of your life, especially when it comes to romance. Endings are sad, painful and may even seem utterly pointless. You just have to do your best to remember that, in time, everything truly will be all right. For some immediate recovery, make yourself laugh, binge your favorite easygoing TV and talk things out with people who can give you support.

To give another cliché its due, your relationship with yourself is the most important one you can be in! Self-love is essential before, during and after a relationship. “We have to know our worth is greater than anyone's uncertainty about us,” says Lauren. Remember that your happiness, even if it doesn’t seem like it’s in reach now, comes first!

*Name has been changed

15 Times Lorelai Gilmore Spoke Directly to Your Soul

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There’s no denying that Lorelai Gilmore is the shining star of the cult classic, Gilmore Girls. As a coffee enthusiast and spokeswoman for all things sugar, it is utterly impossible to resist her charm. In honor of the soon-to-come Gilmore Girls Netflix reboot, here’s a list of all the times Lorelai had you staggered by her wisdom and bowing down to her Majesty.

1. When she totally understood your insane coffee addiction

A perfect example of ~fine dining and breathing~

2. But felt no shame in encouraging it

Every morning is a coffee morning, after all.

3. When she validated the errors of your youth

Literally so many.

4. When she was a strong advocate for the post-breakup wallow

Ice cream = closure.

5. When she wasn’t afraid to get want she wanted

A Gilmore through and through.

6. When she found inspiration in an American junk food staple

FREEDOM.  

7. When she highlighted the glory of all junk foods in general

It’s a tradeoff, really.

8. When she managed to turn frustrating moments into brilliant one-liners

Home is where the heart is, eh?

9. When she had no qualms about embracing cynicism

There’s a little bit of evil Lorelai in all of us.

10. When her approach to life’s hardships was clear and simple

Clear as the cling film upon which she sat.

11. When she established that weekends are for sleep and sleep only

SLEEP ONLY, RORY.

12. When she was passionate about basic human desires

Not a lot indeed!

13. When she admitted to being fluent in moron

Probably one of the easier languages to learn.

14. When she was an all-knowing prophet and just wanted you to know

She has much knowledge, you see.

And lastly,

15. When she had her goddamn priorities in check

As if she’d have it any other way.

While she certainly has her faults, the incomparable Lorelai Gilmore is always in our hearts. What with the new episodes arriving, here’s hoping that she stays that way.

This Model Hopes She'll One Day See a Plus-Size Woman on the Victoria's Secret Runway

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Although plus-sized models have recently been showcased a lot in an effort to provide realistic models, the Victoria’s Secret runway isn’t likely to be following suit anytime soon.

Model Nadia Aboulhosn, who has appeared in campaigns for big brands like H&M, Addition Elle and Good American has been breaking ground on model stereotypes, but she says that the models that appear in the Victoria’s Secret’s fashion show are all a part of the company’s brand. "I think they have a brand image for themselves," she said in an interview with Mic."That's just what they've done for years. I can't expect everyone to turn a new leaf as quickly as I'd like them to. I love VS, I wear them all the time. I really think with time, they will. Maybe that's me thinking positive or maybe that's because I never give up on trying to break down doors."

Aboulhosn is no stranger to the fashion industry. In April she graced the cover of Women’s Running Magazine—only the second plus-sized model to do so. Plus, with more than 503,000 Instagram followers, she’s nothing short of Insta famous.

It seems that although the fashion industry is trying to accommodate more types of bodies, Victoria’s Secret is still falling behind. But this is nothing new; the lingerie company has always been a little slow on the diversity front. Aboulhosn still has hope that one day a plus-sized model will strut down the runway though:

"I think it's just going to have to be pushing down doors and really being persistent," said Aboulhosn. "The more we show and demand that women of all sizes and ethnicities are beautiful, then they'll come around."

The 12 Pairs of Shoes Every Collegiette Should Own

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This article has been syndicated to Her Campus from Fashion Food Fotos, an InfluenceHer Collective member. Read the full post here.

I’ve tried to google for a comprehensive list of shoes that every woman should own more times than I’d like to admit. There’s something oddly calming and comforting to me about a good list. Clear action (i.e. purchase) items that don’t seem quite as daunting as scrolling through pages and pages of online shopping, only to possibly end up spending hard-earned money on something that I won’t end up wearing. Unfortunately, I have yet to be satisfied with any of the lists of shoe essentials I’ve found, so, after a significant amount of internal reflection and thought about what a good wardrobe needs, I’ve created my own. Take a look, read through my styling tips, and let me know what you think in the comments!

Classic Black Pumps

I know, I knowww: groundbreaking start to your list of essential shoes, Becky. But just hear me out. Whether they’re a simple piece meant to tone down a statement outfit, giving an otherwise masculine outfit some feminine daintiness, or just being your go-to shoes for date night, the classic black pump is a must for everyone. If you’re looking to get the most use out of them, I’d recommend finding the sweet spot where the heels aren’t too high for the office, but are still high enough you could wear them for a girl’s night out. And comfort. Never forget about comfort! This pair of shoes is going to be your go-to for everything, so you want them to fit like a glove.

If you’re on a budget, I’d recommend shopping at places like AldoDSW6pm, and Nine West. I used to own a pair from BCBG and they were both comfortable and lasted me a long time before I had to get rid of them. Now I have a pair from Kate Spade, but I’m hoping to save up for a pair from Manolo Blahnik one day.

If you have a larger budget and are looking for high quality, cult classics include the Manolo Blahnik BB, the Jimmy Choo Romy, the Stuart Weitzman Nouveau, and the Christian Louboutin Pigalles. As iconic as they are, I would not recommend the Louboutins if you’re looking to just have the one pair of classic black pumps, since they are insanely uncomfortable and that does not a go-to shoe make. Damn, they’re sexy though, right?

Ballet Flats

The right pair of ballet flats can put the ultimate Parisian touch on a casual outfit. Find the right pair for you, and you can bounce around all day feeling like Audrey Hepburn in front of the Eiffel Tower… too much? You get the idea. The obvious pairing is to wear them with cropped skinny pants and a Breton stripe shirt, but let’s face it: these shoes go with pretty much anything.

While the ultimate pair of ballet flats would, in my opinion, be Chanel (a girl can dream, right?), Repetto is probably the most famous for the shoe, since they’re an actual ballet company. I prefer the model with the pointed toe, but it’s obviously up to you to decide what you like more on your own foot. Anniel is another go-to brand for ballerina style, and J. Crew has a great range of colors and patterns in a more affordable price range.

Read the full post here.

Am I a Domestic Goddess, Or Just Boring?

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I didn’t think my preference for binge watching Netflix over binge drinking made me boring, but I can’t help but feel like I’m missing some right of passage into adulthood. Like I’m not doing college right by not wasting away my weekends getting wasted. Like I’ve failed as a 20 year old by not having “wild” enough stories to tell. Have I spent my glory days wrapped up in a fuzzy blanket cocoon re-watching Vampire Diaries for the seventh time?

I know I’m not the only college student who stays in on a Thursday night, but there’s always a part of me that feels guilty, like an extreme case of FOMO. While my friends are living out the college dream, I’m in bed tearing up at cute puppy photos.

I pretty much have domesticity down. I mean… I’ve officially dubbed Fridays as my cleaning day. (Should I be embarrassed to admit that I find some weird satisfaction in the smell of Lysol?) I thoroughly enjoy watching home decorating shows on TV, I fantasize about pumpkin patches and ice-skating with my boyfriend, I get unreasonably excited about pillows, and I religiously believe that you should match your candle scent to the weather/season.

But when everyone asks me what I dressed up as this year for Halloween, or if I’m going to the party next weekend, or if my year in the wildest residence on campus was as crazy as they said it would be, I feel like I’m letting them down. Did I even go to college if I didn’t black out at least once a week, or even once for that matter? With ranked lists of “best party schools” and infamous frat parties, I can’t help but feel like I’m missing the “college experience." People don’t talk about all the sober Tuesdays they had that year at college; they go home and talk about how crazy all the parties were.

There are some perks, however, to my chosen lifestyle. I’ve laid out a few for my fellow homebodies:

1. I get hangover-free Sundays

No party is worth the impending doom of the morning after.

2. I have no regrets whatsoever

What even is a walk of shame?

3. It's super cost-effective

Why spend money on alcohol when you could be in bed online shopping?

4. Pants are optional

No pants are the best pants.

5. I can always get wine drunk!

Wine makes everything better.

So if you’re like me and would choose a Friday Night Lights marathon over a club crawl every time, then raise your remotes! Here’s to embracing boring domesticity for all it has to offer. Because at the end of the day we’re wearing sweatpants, and they’re wearing stilettoes, so who is the real winner here? 

Hillary Clinton Made Her First Public Speech Since Losing the Election, & It Was Inspiring

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Everyone has a tough week once in a while, and this includes Hillary Clinton—who may have had the toughest week of any of us. In her first public speech since conceding to Donald Trump at the end of the 2016 presidential election, Clinton said at a Washington D.C. charity gala, “There have been a few times this past week when all I wanted to do is just to curl up with a good book or our dogs and never leave the house again.”

Although sharing her own disappointment only makes Clinton seem more human, the point of her speech was far from self-pity. Being honored by the Children’s Defense Fund for her years of service, Clinton used the opportunity to share inspirational words and talk about her late mother’s influence, NBC News reports.

“I dream of going up to her…and taking her in my arms and saying, ‘Look, look at me, and listen,’” Clinton said. “’You will survive…And as hard as it might be to imagine, your daughter will grow up to be a United States Senator, represent our country as Secretary of State and win more than 62 million votes for president of the United States.’”

She also had a few words of advice for those feeling down since Trump’s presidential win. “America is worth it. Our children are worth it,” Clinton shared. “Believe in our country, fight for our values and never, ever give up. Service is the rent we pay for living. You don’t get to stop paying rent just because things didn’t go your way.”

If we needed any more motivation to make a kind of peace with election results and try to fight for what’s best, let Clinton’s speech be a sign.

Want to Own Your Career? You Could Win the Ultimate #BossKit Shopping Spree

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Who do you think of when you hear #Boss? Is it Sophia Amoruso? Sheryl Sandberg? Arianna Huffington? So many women have made their mark in the world of business—but have you ever considered that you could be next?

We at Her Campus are all about empowering collegiettes like you to be the best you can be; we’re always on the lookout for ways you can advance your career. That’s why we’ve teamed up with the Forté Foundation—a nonprofit consortium of top business schools and companies that encourages women to consider a career in business.

Forte #Bosskit shopping spree

Whether it’s through business education, professional development, or access to a community of successful women, Forté aims to help you take ownership of your career and become a boss in your field. Now, they’re giving you the chance at a major #BossKit giveaway so you can feel your best and be successful. Enter now and you could win:

  • J.Crew Gift Card ($1,000 value) — Did someone say shopping spree? Upgrade your wardrobe with some J.Crew classics so you’re ready for anything—whether it’s an internship or interview.
  • Amazon Echo— Meet your new best friend. This hands-free, voice-controlled speaker is about to make your life a whole lot easier.
  • American Airlines Flight — Time to plan a trip.
  • GMAT® Exam Voucher— Take the GMAT and start laying the foundation for a promising career in business.
  • Kate Spade Purse— This classy black leather tote will keep your laptop secure and match everything.
  • PNC Bank Card ($100 value) — Yes.
  • Bank of America Bank Card ($100 value) — Also yes.
  • MOO Business Cards — Customize your very own business card using this service’s variety of paper and design options.
  • Passion Planner — Stay organized with a planner that matches your style.
  • Lindsey Pollak’s book "Becoming the Boss"— This is the book every collegiette needs on her bookshelf.
  • Earrings from PortManteau— This jewelry makes a statement and is ideal for both daily wear and special occasions (like when you get accepted to business school, obviously).
  • S'well Water Bottle — Stay hydrated between commuting, classes, and everything else on your agenda.

Now that’s some seriously #Boss swag.

Ready to own your career? Enter now to win the ultimate #BossKit shopping spree courtesy of the Forté Foundation.


I Won't Let the Election Come Between Me & My Family

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About as soon as I was old enough to access political information for myself, I’ve been liberal. How I came to identify this way surrounded by a largely religious and conservative family is somewhat beyond me, but honestly the opposition has only strengthened my resolve to support the liberal Democratic cause. I have so many fond memories of arguing with my stepdad across the dinner table, and feeling more firm in my beliefs than ever, even after my mom distracted us both with dessert and a funny story from the yoga studio. However, after Trump’s election, I feel like I’m surrounded by so much hatred and negative partisanship. As someone who identifies as LGBTQ+, I feel like my relationship with my government is changing drastically, and I don’t know what to expect. This year, I just don’t have the energy for another family-style debate on whether the United States is a patriarchy (it is), or which of my mom’s pies is the best (pumpkin), or whether same-sex marriage should be legal (it should). Because of this, I didn’t buy plane tickets home for Thanksgiving this year.

As a nation, I feel like our political affiliations are separating us now more than ever. I want to be close to my parents and my siblings, but I don’t want to constantly have to censor myself in case I say something “too liberal." I don’t think of my beliefs as anything controversial, or as something that I should have to hide from the people I love and trust the most. Unfortunately, I think this election has forced me to hide some part of myself from my family, and I’m scared to subject myself to that type of environment over the holidays.

I’m not out to my parents, so when I made the decision not to come home, I cited money trouble instead of attempting to explain how I'm still trying to work through my personal feelings surrounding the election. Upon hearing this, my mom immediately responded by buying my tickets herself. Whoops. In retrospect, I really should have seen that coming. Afterwards, I figured it might be time to reevaluate some of my priorities. Are politics really more important than my relationship with my family?

Yes, politics are very personal. Yes, I voted in a way that directly results from my experiences and my morals, both of which are intrinsically important to me. Yes, my family voted differently, and I don’t think I will ever understand why, just like they might not ever understand why I voted Democratic (unless, possibly, I come out to them, but that’s another story altogether). But, when I think of my family, I don’t immediately think of their political beliefs. I think of how my little sister watched an entire season of Pretty Little Liars in one weekend, and how sometimes when my mom has insomnia I wake up to the smell of a freshly-baked cake. I think of my aunts yelling in Italian, and my American uncles laughing when they get lost. They are all so much more than the way they voted, and I am too. 

Of course, I have significant privilege in my relationship with my family. I recognize that not everyone gets to come home to a group of people who love them unconditionally, and that not every person can vocalize their beliefs the way that I can without facing punishment of some sort. However, for everyone that feels safe in doing so, I urge you to stay close with your family after this election. Please, don’t end up like me, awkwardly paying my mom back for a trip I could have afforded myself. All my efforts to keep my feelings from my family are going out the window anyways; I have a lot of explaining to do! 

These next four years are going to be, for everyone, more alienating than ever, and any place where there is a community based on love and acceptance needs to be protected and cherished. This is why, although I didn’t buy my tickets, I’ll be going home for Thanksgiving this year.

Kendall Jenner Would Rather Drink Bird Saliva Than Cross Taylor Swift

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Kendall Jenner had her game face on when she sat down with late night host James Corden this week. The duo played a game called "Spill Your Guts or Fill Your Guts." It's like truth or dare, but with much grosser dares (think bull penis, fish eyes and cod sperm) and even harder hitting questions.

One question for Kendall: Which member of Taylor Swift's squad is her least favorite. It didn't take long for her to grab the glass of bird saliva—which, for the record, looked absolutely disgusting. Corden certainly wasn't going easy on her—he asked her to rank the baby names of her nieces and nephew, and after considering the sardine smoothie, she revealed that North is her favorite name—followed by Saint and Dream. 

The other question that had Kendall opting to fill her guts? Having to answer for her sister Kylie. Kylie was supposed to appear on the show as well, but canceled last minute because she wasn't feeling well. Corden whipped out a photo of Kylie from earlier that day, looking as healthy as ever. Momager Kris Jenner shouted from the audience, "Drink the clam juice!" Because mom knows best, Kendall sipped on some clam juice.

Now that is loyalty.

This Pro-Trump Spokesman Said Japanese Internment is a Precedent for a Muslim Registry

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It’s been a busy week full of news about President-elect Donald Trump establishing his presidential staff and sharing some of his possible plans for crucial American issues. However, some of the week’s most startling news hasn’t come from Trump, but from Carl Higbie, former Navy SEAL and representative of Great America PAC, a political organization that supports Trump.

Higbie appeared on Fox News Wednesday to suggest that, once in office, Trump would legalize a Muslim registry to keep track of anyone practicing Islam. The idea of a registry traces back to Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach, who said in a recent interview that Trump’s transition team has proposed planning out a registration program, according to NBC. Higbie, however, made sure that no one’s focus turned to Kobach after he hinted at actions that would entail a scary repeat of history.

While talking with Fox’s Megyn Kelly, Higbie tried to defend the passing of a legal Muslim registry. “I know the ACLU is going to challenge it, but I think it will pass. We’ve done it with Iran back a while ago. We did it during World War II with Japanese.”  His last comment referenced a dark period in American history, when the government kept as many as 120,000 Japanese-Americans in internment camps following the 1941 attacks on Pearl Harbor. In 1988, more than 40 years after internment ended, President Ronald Reagan officially apologized for it and started the process of paying reparations to those who were detained.

Kelly said what we were all thinking while watching this clip. “You’re not proposing we go back to the days of internment camps, I hope. You can’t be citing Japanese internment camps as precedent for anything the President-elect is going to do.”

Higbie defended himself by explaining that the president’s first priority is to protect America and that “there is precedent” for the idea, but the damage was already done. Comments Trump made to TIME in 2015 were dug up where he refused to condemn Japanese internment, saying, “I would have had to be there at the time to tell you, to give you a proper answer. I certainly hate the concept of it.”

According to The Washington Post, Kobach and the rest of Trump’s transition team are considering reinstating the National Security Entry-Exit Registration System (NSEERS) that was designed after the 9/11 attacks. Before being suspended in 2011, the system required that those from “higher risk” countries be fingerprinted, interrogated and even forced to check in with authorities.

Star Trek star George Takei, who has famously discussed spending his childhood in a Japanese internment camp, summed up a lot of people’s thoughts about the news through a single tweet:

Ivanka Trump is Already Using Her Dad's Presidency To Promote Her Jewelry Brand

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Ivanka Trump, the daughter of the President-elect, is coming under fire for plugging her fine jewelry brand after an appearance on 60 Minutes. It was the first interview with the president-elect, and featured his entire family, including Donald Jr., Eric, and elusive youngest daughter Tiffany. About a day after,  Ivanka's fine jewelry brand sent out an email to journalists, noting the bracelet she wore and its $10,800 price tag.

The email, which was leaked by New York Times Sunday Style journalist Katie Rosman, came from the vice president of sales of the brand. It asked that the journalists share it "with clients" (journalists, not salespeople, but okay). This move caused widespread criticism, as it shows a HUGE conflict of interest. It makes it seem like Ivanka is using the presidency to make money. It isn't the first time Ivanka has plugged her line after political events—She also raised eyebrows after she promoted one of her dresses after the Republican National Convention.

According to Teen Vogue, this move is typical for celebrities, but Ivanka is no longer just any celebrity. She’s the daughter of the president-elect and, by all accounts, a key part of his transition team. Many journalists have noted that while Michelle Obama and the current First Family were style icons, the press would have to search for where their outfits came from—they would never be sent a sales email about it.

The Ivanka team has chalked the whole thing up to a mishap, brought on by the post-election unfamiliarity. According to Chief Brand Officer Abigail Klem, the email in question was sent by a“well-intentioned marketing employee” who was “following customary protocol," and the company is making “adjustments post-election."

While Ivanka said during the interview that she wants to maintain her own businesses during the presidency and be a daugher, rather than a policy adviser, to President-elect Trump, I don't think that's how this works. But then again, it seems the Trumps don't know how this works either.

What You Need To Know About Trump's Potential New Cabinet

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Welp, now that the 2016 Twilight Zone theory is canon, I guess we have to get a little deeper into it, right? The U.S. has chosen a president-elect, and now the president-elect must select a brand new cabinet. Not cabinet as in the furniture, but as in trusted officials who will influence and help execute the president's plans. If you weren't paying attention in American gov and need a little refresher, here goes.

The Cabinet is a group of high government officials who serve the United States. All official Cabinet members must be confirmed by the Senate. The jobs include: Secretary of State, Secretary of Energy, Secretary of Education, Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Secretary of Homeland Security, Secretary of Health and Human Resources, Secretary of Housing and Development, Secretary of Transportation, Secretary of Treasury, Attorney General, Secretary of Defense, Secretary of Labor, Secretary of Agriculture and Secretary of Commerce. There are also high level officials who are not a part of the Cabinet, including the Chief of Staff, Chief Strategist, Ambassador to the United Nations and more. Every new president must select a brand new Cabinet, unless he or she inherits the job via the death of the previous president. So in the time between election and inauguration, most president-elects are called on to reveal their Cabinet, especially the most important members—the Secretary of State, Chief of Staff and Attorney General, Press Secretary and so on. Still with me? Cool. Moving right along.

Most presidents have mostly decided on a Cabinet, including intensely vetting potential hires and promising positions to those who make the cut, by the time they're elected. That's not the case for President-elect Trump, making his Cabinet selection process especially scrutinized. Rolling Stone reports that the president-elect didn't really know the scope of his responsibilities, including hiring a completely new staff, before President Obama explained it to him. But now his team has gotten to work choosing people for the new Cabinet, and everyone's watching closely—The New York Times, the Washington Post, Politico, The Hill and the BBC are all tracking his picks. (An interjection—Isn't part of being a good businessman due diligence? As in knowing what you're getting into before you get invested to take over?)

There have already been crazy shake-ups in Trump's Cabinet selection. For one, Chris Christie has been replaced with Mike Pence, Congressman Mike Rogers suddenly resigned from the transition team, and overall there's been a fair amount of infighting caused by disarray (and Jared Kushner, some gossip suggests). The overall Cabinet selection seem to be holding close to chest, which isn't unusual for Washington insiders. So far, Trump has vetted campaigners and advocates for the job of his executives. But still, there is no clear direction to which roles these potentials might occupy, seind journalists and media outlets into a frenzy. So far, only two people have been revealed in his Cabinet, including Reince Priubus and Steve Bannon, the latter a highly criticized choice. But Trump seems to like the attention, tweeting about his mysterious choices. He has tweeted that none of "finalists" know who will make it into his Cabinet, minus the ones the team has already made. But we can't wait for the season finale so here's your comprehensive guide to the "finalists" and the confirmed members of his Cabinet.

Confirmed members

Chief Strategist: Steve Bannon, Former Head of Breitbart News: Let's just say his reputation preceded him. White nationalists were jumping up and down at this appointment (which spells a giant DOOM for people like me, but digress). He's supposed to be the ear to Trump which frightens the rest of the world, given his history as a alt-right political figure. 

Chief of Staff: Reince Priebus, Chairman of the Republican National Committee: The bridge of the operation. As a fixture of the "establishment" but also a huge advocate for Trump, Priebus has the know-how and the connections to make the administration successful. Priebus has never held political office before, but has been called a close friend by Speaker of the House Paul Ryan. These men are supposed to work closely with each other during the transition and in the days following the inauguration. 

The potential finalists

Sarah Palin, former Republican VP nominee & Former Alaska Governor: Another huge campaigner for the president-elect, Palin seems to be in prime position to snag a job in the Trump administration, perhaps as Secretary of the Interior. Not particularly juicy, but a cushy job nonetheless. 

Newt Gingrich, former Speaker of the House: The Speaker of the House from Georgia has been loyal to the president-elect since he became the clear winner of the primaries. According to multiple sources, despite Gingrich's bashfulness at accepting a job in government, his name is being floated in several positions. Those include: Secretary of State, Attorney General and Secretary of Health and Human Resources.

Chris Christie, Governor of New Jersey: After the president-elect essentially decimated him during the primaries, Christie turned around and campaigned for him, reminding the world part of an absolute victory is to salt the fields, like the Romans did. He was supposed to lead the transition team but Bridgegate, a major scandal during his governorship, came back to haunt him. He's been kicked off the transition team, but is rumored to still be in the running for Secretary of Commerce and other positions in the Cabinet.

Rudy Guilani, Mayor of New York: The former mayor of New York and Trump campaign surrogate (God help us all) was previously shopped around for the Attorney General, which he may have declined. After "cleaning up the streets of New York" as mayor (by mass incarceration of the city's black and brown people through relative minor offenses like turnstile jumping—believe me, I was there) and having an unsuccessful run for president himself, it seems he has caught his second political wind on Trump's sail. His name is being floated for Secretary of State, and potentially still Attorney General. However, because there is evidence countries have paid Giuliani for various reasons, Secretary of State might not seem like the most likely position (although we were wrong about Trump so...).

Michael Flynn, Former Lieutenant: Seems there is one thing sources do agree on. Lieutenant Michael Flynn seems like a shoo-in for the National Security Adviser position. He was an advisor to Trump on the campaign trail, but in order to be sworn in, he would need a waiver from Congress, due to a rule where officers who haven't been retired for more than seven years can't hold a position like this.

Jeff Sessions, Alabama Junior Senator: Another campaign surrogate, Jeff Sessions seems to be one many are dreading. According to Salon, Sessions is anti-immigration and a former criminal prosecutor. He apparently has risen among the ranks in Trump's personal Cabinet. He is being considered for Defense Secretary, Attorney General and Secretary of State. 

Jamie Dimon, President of JP Morgan Chase: It was mentioned that Dimon was an option for Secretary of Commerce or Secretary of Treasury, which would make sense seeing that his entire background is the in finance. However, it is also rumored he has denied the job and wants no other job in the Cabinet.

Steven Mnuchin, Goldman Sachs executive and Hollwood Producer: Another banker, Mnuchin worked extensively with Goldman Sachs. He then decided to turn into a national finance chairperson for Trump. He is being considered for Secretary of Treasury.

People who declined offers

Dr. Ben Carson, Retired Neurosurgeon: Dr. Ben Carson was like Christie—a presidential candidate who didn't make it to the podium and ended up being a surrogate for the president-elect. However, unlike the rest looking for a position in the fledgling administration, Carson actually pulled a "That's... That's too much responsibility for me..." and pulled out the consideration for the several positions including Secretary of Health and Human Resources or Secretary of Education, citing that he had no previous government experience. Someone tell him what he was running for before!

This list is changing by the day.

4 Purdue Football Players Will Not Be Charged After Sexual Assault Accusations

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This past week, it came out that two women at Purdue University were pressing charges against four members of the football team for sexual assault. The incident took place on Oct. 13 while the two students were at an apartment with the four football players, according to local Indiana paper the Journal & Courier.

The two women were having sex with two of the football players when the other two “initiated unwanted sex with them," they reportedly told police. The four men were apparently cooperative during their criminal investigations. The victims’ “statements as they appear in the [police] report are ‘completely inaccurate’ as portrayed by police officials,” the women's attorney, Mario Massillmany, said in an interview with CBS Sports.

The players have all been suspended from the Purdue football team, but they will not be criminally charged by the Tippecanoe County Prosecutor’s Office, where Purdue is located. The university is still conducting its own investigation.

This incident occurred as one of five reported sexual assault cases in four days in October, the Journal & Courier reports. While the incidents are reportedly unrelated, it definitely seems like rape culture is alive and well at Purdue. These cases are also in line with a larger national trend increasing reports of sexual assault over the past several years, particularly those in which the accused individuals were not charged (Brock Turner, Austin Wilkerson, and others).

How do we create a culture where survivors of sexual assault receive justice? How do we change criminal investigations to stop privileging the perpetrator’s point of view? These are questions we still have to keep working to answer.

7 Kylie Jenner Outfits You Can Totally Copy

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If you're as obsessed with all things Kylie Jenner as we are, you've probably wondered how you could emulate her casual-chic and sometimes daring outfits. We've got you covered, with seven looks you can put together with clothes you already own (or can find at Forever 21).

1. Blush co-ords

 

Love my new co-ord from PrettyLittleThing.com @OfficialPLT

A photo posted by Kylie (@kyliejenner) on

You can get this exact set from Pretty Little Thing for less than $40! The sports bra and panties will each set you back $17.50—a total steal when it comes to dressing like a Kardashian-Jenner.

2. All-white chic

You can't go wrong in monochrome! Try pairing a cute blouse like this one from Forever 21 ($24.90) with straight-cut white jeans and a simple white blazer, for a look that's a little more campus-friendly than Kylie's classy get-up.

3. Grungy babe

All you need to do to master this look is throw your favorite denim jacket over a bodycon dress like this one from Forever 21 ($9.90). Top it off with some lace-up booties and aviator sunnies, and voilà!

4. Daisy dukes

It really doesn't get much simpler than this. Next time you're feeling lazy in the morning, throw on some cutoff jean shorts, a black t-shirt and combat boots, and tell everyone you dressed like Kylie. Bonus points for swiping on a classic red lipstick (we love MAC Lipstick in Ruby Woo, $17).

5. Athleisure forever

You don't need to be headed to the gym to show off your sporty side. This Adidas outfit is cute and functional—perfect for class!

6. Snow princess

For this look, get your hands on a pretty white skirt like Kylie's and pair it with a plain turtleneck ($15.99 at Charlotte Russe). SO FRIGGIN' CUTE.

7. A classy affair

Pretty Little Thing has a dress almost identical to this one, but it's on sale (for $26.25), so act fast! If caged cut-out boots aren't your jam, opt for some simple black booties instead. This outfit is perfect for a dressier occasion.

Which look is your favorite, collegiettes?


China Wants to Remind Everybody That They Did Not Make Up Global Warming

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On the off chance that anyone out there agrees with President-elect Trump that global warming is a hoax created by the Chinese to further their manufacturing sector, China’s Vice Foreign Minister Liu Zhenmin spoke at a press briefing at the UN summit in Morocco on Wednesday to assure everyone that that's not the case.

"If you look at the history of climate change negotiations, actually it was initiated by the IPCC with the support of the Republicans during the Reagan and senior Bush administration during the late 1980s," he said. Reagan and the senior Bush were two of the most beloved Republican presidents.

This was not the first or last crazy thing that Trump has said about climate change:

The President-elect also appeared on Fox & Friends back in January and claimed that China “does not do anything to help climate change," according to USA Today. But China's actually doing better than the U.S. at combatting climate change. And given that Trump has chosen Myron Ebell, a climate change denier, to lead the transition at the Environmental Protection Agency, China's likely to do a lot more than us in the next four years to help save our planet.

According to USA Today, China's president Xi Jinping and Trump spoke on the phone earlier this week and “established a clear sense of mutual respect for one another.” 

An Oberlin Professor Was Fired for Anti-Semitic Facebook Posts

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On Tuesday, Oberlin College professor Joy Karega was fired for “anti-Semitic writings on social media” after an investigation that began in August. Karega’s case was originally brought to the attention of the Oberlin Board of Directors earlier this year after past posts from her private Facebook page were discovered, according to Inside Higher Ed.  

When screenshots of Karega’s posts were first made public, the Oberlin administration maintained that, while her posts were undoubtedly harmful and offensive, the College was committed to protecting academic freedom, or the rights of members of its community to “free inquiry [and] the expansion of knowledge.”

Of the situation, Karega said on Wednesday that she has endured abuse of all kinds since her posts came to light. “Several of my Facebook posts were taken out of their original context...Since [their publication], I been inundated with HUNDREDS of hatemail filled with slurs (racial, misogynist, classist), harassment, and threats,” she said in a statement. She pledged to fight back against her dismissal.

Oberlin President Martin Krislov himself responded to the events in a statement this past March, saying that as a practicing Jew he found the comments personally hurtful, but as a devoted academic he fell on the side of freedom of speech rights. “This freedom enables Oberlin’s faculty and students to think deeply about and to engage in frank, open discussion of ideas that some may find deeply offensive,” said Krislov.

But his opinion apparently changed after the Board of Directors at Oberlin voted to remove Karega from the staff, stating that “the central issues are Dr. Karega’s professional integrity and fitness.” According to the college, Karega was given more than adequate due process in her investigation but proceeded to “[attack] her colleagues...and [disclaim] all responsibility for her misconduct.”

Jewish Students who are members of Oberlin’s Students for Palestine organization published a letter via an Oberlin news source in March stating their support for Karega and their disagreement with the College’s take on her posts. They touched on the racism Karega said she has experienced, saying “we are troubled by the implicit and explicit currents of anti-Black racism prevalent in the mass defamation of Professor Karega.” They called on the Oberlin community to support the professor.

What do you think? Where do expressions of prejudice fall on the freedom of speech line? Is it relevant that these were Karega’s private views that she presumably didn’t intend to teach to her students?

Leaked Columbia Wrestling Team Group Message Exposes Racism, Sexism & Entitlement

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Last week, a series of group messages exchanged between senior members of the Columbia University men’s wrestling team was released on the student publication Bwog, exposing some horrifying racist, sexist and homophobic language and an overall culture of disrespect for women and minorities. In the group chat, which is approximately three years old, the students make offensive comments about people of color, female students at Columbia and protesters of police killings in Ferguson.

Shortly after an investigation of the team was announced by the university, the rest of the team’s season was cancelled, The New York Times reports. The team’s schedule is still posted to their website, however, and no announcements have been posted regarding the recent events.

The comments were “appalling, at odds with the core values of the University, violate team guidelines and have no place in our community,” the university said in an official statement, according to Columbia Daily Spectator.

In comments on news coverage of the scandal, many people seemed upset that the entire wrestling team was punished for the actions and words of a small number of individuals. But these individuals were leaders of the team, and spent a significant amount of time participating in this bigoted culture.

“The entire program, not just individual offenders, [must take] responsibility for the full scope of the harms they caused,” said former Columbia wrestling coach Hudson Taylor in a commentary on the incident.

A petition calling for the expulsion of all of the seniors on the wrestling team from Columbia currently has 1,085 signatures. A protest and occupation of the school’s gymnasium was also held Monday to “hold men’s athletics accountable,” and the organizers demanded that the names of the people involved in the group message be released.

It seems that we are hit with a new story like this from X men’s sports team at X university every week. It's almost like something about these environments might foster this kind of behavior. Call it “locker room talk” or whatever you want—it's offensive and violent, and it can't be condoned by any of us, let alone by institutions of “higher learning.”

Texas Teacher Pleads Guilty to Assault After Being Impregnated by Her 13-Year-Old Student

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A 24-year-old woman from Texas has pleaded guilty to engaging in a sexual relationship with one of her students. According to ABC13 News, the former middle school teacher will face a maximum sentence of five years for the aggravated sexual assault of a child. 

Alexandria Vera was an English teacher at Stovall Middle School. Last summer, Vera taught an 8th grade English class. ABC13 reports that she started a sexual relationship with a male student who was just 13 years old. Court documents indicate that the student’s parents were both aware of the relationship and accepting of Vera’s role as their son’s girlfriend. 

In addition to this, the court documents detail Vera’s alleged pregnancy. They state that she became pregnant with her student’s child in January 2016. Although the boy’s family expressed excitement over the baby, Vera chose to terminate her pregnancy after Child Protective Services arrived unexpectedly at her school in February to find out more about her relationship with him. 

According to KTLA, Vera initially refused to admit to any wrongdoing. Police were able to find evidence of the relationship via Vera’s cell phone, so, in April, school officials placed her on administrative leave. A warrant for Vera’s arrest was issued the following month.

Vera surrendered and plead guilty, a move that reduced her maximum sentence by 20 years. The student has been placed in foster care. 

A Grandma Invited a Teen to Thanksgiving Dinner after Accidentally Texting Him, & He's Probably Going

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In light of recent events, here’s a charming story to cheer us all up. An Arizona grandma has officially gone viral for texting a random teen about Thanksgiving because she thought he was her grandson.

Jamal Hinton received a text from an unknown number. It was a group message that included two other numbers, neither of which were saved in Hinton’s phone. The texter wanted to know whether or not Hinton would be able to attend Thanksgiving dinner at her house. Hinton had no idea who this person was, so he asked for clarification—to which the texter responded “Your grandma.”

Hinton’s confusion continued. Because he thought it may have actually been his grandma, he asked for a selfie from the texter.

She’s someone’s grandma, but she’s definitely not Hinton’s grandma.

Here’s the best part. The whole stranger thing didn’t stop Hinton from texting back, so he asked if the Thanksgiving offer still stood. And the random grandma responded in a way that has us wishing she could be everyone’s grandma.

Hinton’s friend Ronald tweeted screenshots of the conversation. People were immediately swooned.

According to the Huffington Post, the grandma’s name is Wanda, and she lives close enough for Hinton to visit. In fact, he actually went over to Wanda’s home to meet her.

“She was really nice!” he told the Huffington Post. “A very funny, sweet lady.”

In case you’re wondering, the answer is yes—Hinton plans to head back to Wanda’s house for Thanksgiving. 

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