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Barack Obama Has Been Ranked as One of the Best Presidents in History

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We all love former president Barack Obama (kitesurfing antics included), but it turns out that historians are in agreement.

According to a C-SPAN survey of 91 presidential historians, Barack Obama is ranked as the 12th most popular president in history. The historians rated all U.S. presidents on 10 different attributes on a scale from 1-10. They ranked him highly for managing the economy, public persuasion and "moral authority," and he was even ranked third of all 45 presidents for pursuing equality. His lower marks were on qualities such as handling international relations and managing relations with congress.

Obama is the first president since Ronald Regan to receive such a high ranking immediately after leaving office, according to TIME. As Refinery29 points out, considering his approval ratings were at 63 percent when he took office, and 57 percent upon leaving office, this isn't much of a surprise. (And in fact, it's surprising that he still wasn't ranked higher.) However, it's also relatively soon to be able to tell what kind of legacy Obama will leave behind in the history textbooks.

According to the survey, which has been done previously in 2000 and 2009, the most popular three presidents of all time are Abraham Lincoln, George Washington and Franklin D. Roosevelt.

If this isn't further evidence that Americans want Obama back, we're not sure what is.


5 Beauty Products You Use, But Probably Shouldn’t

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Despite the glossy packaging and the satisfying feeling of applying makeup in the morning, it's hard to know whether your daily beauty products are healthy...or actually ruining your skin. And it's especially hard to tell when the ingredients label of your favorite eyeliner contains an extensive list of chemicals that you can barely pronounce. So we've consulted with experts and are here to explain some of the most common beauty products and how you can avoid potentially harmful ingredients found in them. Before you go trying crazy beauty trends, make sure you know what you're getting yourself into!

Related: 6 Beauty Hacks You Should Never Try

1. Nail Polish

Trust me, we wish it weren’t true.

We all love getting a manicure every once in a while and to horde a bunch of nail colors for some DIY fun. But let’s be real: nail polish isn’t good for you and most still contain a toxic trio of a carcinogen (formaldehyde) and two reproductive toxins (dibutyl phthalate and toluene). According to Slate, in 2006 Essie, OPI and several other nail polish brands agreed to eliminate the toxic trio from their nail products. However, in 2012 the California EPA’s Department of Toxic Substances Control randomly tested 25 brands and discovered ten out of every dozen brands still contained toluene. Although OPI is thankfully in the clear, smaller nail polish companies such as Golden Girl, Chelsea and Dare to Wear were mislabeled as being "three free," when in reality they contained toxic chemicals. Substances such as DBP and toluene impact prenatal development—Slate also speculates that these chemicals could be connected to a trend of early puberty in girls. Next time, we recommend you keep an eye out for whether your favorite nail polish brands contain any of these three toxic substances. 

2. Perfumes

Choose scents over fragrances.

Perfumes are the perfect finishing touch to any beauty routine before you walk out the door, but be careful about the ingredients your favorite perfume may contain. Why? "Approximately 2 to 4 percent of the general population and up to 10 percent of the North American population has an allergy or sensitization to fragrance," says Dr. Amy Kim, who is a board certified dermatologist and Founder of Baby Pibu, an infant skincare line. Dr. Kim explains that there are over 2800 chemicals that can make up a fragrance, with at least 100 of those being common substances causing allergic reactions. Fragrances causing allergic reactions can lead to women developing a skin rash on the face and hands, termed allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). In fact, in 2014 the European Union's Scientific Committee recommended a ban on common perfume ingredients HIC and moss extracts atranol and choroatranolwhich. These moss extracts were actually found in iconic perfumes including Chanel No. 5 and Dior's Miss Dior.

So, Dr. Kim recommends using 'scents' instead of 'fragrances.'"Since repeated exposure to fragrance can increase the likelihood of developing an allergy to fragrance, scented products with essential oils can be considered," she says. "Essential oils causing the least allergic reactions are lavender, rosemary, and thyme oils." It's time to embrace natural scents, ladies. If you're not ready to do away with your favorite perfumes right now, the least you can do is make sure your skin isn't reacting or becoming irritated by your signature fragrance.

3. Deodorant (and more!)

Whoa, parabens?

Parabens are an ingredient that all beauty junkies should know about. It is an extremely commonly used preservative in cosmetics products, meaning that it is supposed to defend against mold and fungus developing. That's a good thing, right? But in 2004, the Journal of Applied Toxicology published a game-changing paper that found traces of parabens in breast tumors. The theory was that parabens have estrogen-like qualities and therefore may contribute to the development of breast cancer tumors. Ultimately, the paper did not prove a direct correlation and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not discovered enough evidence to vilify parabens. However, Dr. Kim recommends using paraben-free skincare products: "Oil of Olay Age-Defying Classic Night Cream is what I use as my oil-free facial moisturizer for day or night application," she says. "It is free of parabens and does its basic job of moisturizing without clogging pores."

4. Old Mascara

Why you should twist, not pump.

Admit it—you probably use the same mascara until it runs dry. And depending on how often you coat your lashes, that can take any amount of time between a couple of months to over a year. But according to Vision Source, mascara is especially susceptible to housing bacteria because mascara tubes are dark, moist environments. And this is no innocent infestation; bacteria in these tubes can cause serious eye infections like pinkeye or styes. Since bacteria accumulates, infections can become threatening to your vision. So no matter how much is left in your tube, make sure to throw out your mascara within three to four months of opening. 

Another tip is to twist, not pump your mascara wand. For those of you who absolutely cannot leave the house without at least three coats of mascara—we feel you. But you should also know: not only does pumping your mascara wand allow the product to dry faster, but it also creates a more fertile breeding ground for bacteria. Pop Sugar explains that when you repeatedly pump your mascara wand into the tube, trapped air combined with the potential bacteria from your eyelashes both increase. 

5. Soaps with a pH Imbalance

You can be basic; the soap you use shouldn't be.

Our skin is full of amazing qualities, one of which is that our skin has an acidic mantle that protects the skin from bacteria, viruses, and other potentially contaminating substances. Pretty amazing, right? Except that while our skin is normally at an acidic pH of 4.5 to 5.5, most soaps have far higher, or more basic, pH levels of around 9. As a result of this pH imbalance, soaps will strip the acidic mantle from our skin, making us more susceptible to bacteria and making our skin feel drier. It's far safer to choose a soap that achieves a better pH balance to our skin. Dr. Kim personally recommends the white Dove Bar Soap, citing, "Soaps that make us feel squeaky-clean are actually soaps with a basic pH, and these soaps strip us of our natural oils. pH-balanced soaps like Dove bar soap get us clean without the squeakiness and stripping of natural oils."

In conclusion, it’s important to be vigilant about which beauty products we use in order to stay healthy. Paying attention to the ingredients in your cosmetics and staying faithful to brands that have reputable chemical producers are easy ways to make sure that we both look and feel beautiful.

17 Signs You’re the Corinne of Your Friend Group

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We’re nearly done with this season of The Bachelor, and when it comes to Corinne, you either despise her or adore her. Some of you are wanting her sent home immediately, while others are praying to The Bachelor gods that she wins Nick’s heart. In fact, some of you probably love her so much because you can totally relate. A gorgeous blonde who’s not afraid to have a nanny and say what she means? So you! Being the Corinne of your friend group means you have one ~unique~ personality, and you’ll relate to these 17 things like nothing before.

1. You’re not entirely self-sufficient yet

2. As in you maybe have a nanny or all your friends have to take care of you

3. You need to pause social activities for v important nap time

4. Your career goals are huge, and you’re all about being the boss

5. It’s safe to say you’re the risqué one of your friend group

6. Sometimes you get on your friends’ nerves

7. Because you’re not afraid to always say what you mean

8. Your favorite meal to eat out is cheese pasta

9. And snack time at your house means cucumber on cucumber on cucumber

10. Boys are always seeking your attention

11. In fact, you’re definitely the most boy-crazy friend

12. You take pride in being in touch with your sexual side

13. You’re more of a city girl than a country girl

14. Your friends' nickname for you is “corn”

15. You know all about emotional intelligence

16. Luscious blonde hair is your trademark

17. You’re obsessed with The Bachelor, of course!

15 Things Only Girls from Orange County Understand

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As an Orange County girl, there are certain things you learn/know after living in this bubble. Although very beautiful, OC has a bad reputation. I swear we aren't all rich, white and snotty! There are people, like me, that make the place a little more well-rounded. There are some amazing things about OC like Yogurtland, acai bowls and Laguna Beach. Here's a list that'll hit home for my OC girls.

1. Top of the world is a weekly hike that happens. For the Instagram opportunities of course.

2. You always get asked if this is L.A. No.

3. Letting your inner Disney princess out at Disneyland.

4. The son of a Real Housewife of OC is in your calculus class.

5. You skip classes to go to the beach since it's only 15 minutes away.

6. Acai bowls are life.

7. The hang spots are really Irvine Spectrum or Mission Viejo Mall.

8. In n Out is a must on a summer day.

9. Then you follow up with some Yogurtland.

10. Instagram opportunities are plentiful at the Packing District in Anaheim. 

11. Meeting at the movies needs to be specified. Irvine Spectrum’s theater, the one in Foothill or Aliso Viejo?

12. Kaleidoscope is teeny-boppers galore, but there’s Yogurtland there so it's worth it.

13. San Juan Capistrano is the place for photo shoots of all kind. Senior pics, graduation or fashion photo shoots, whatever you’re in the mood for.

14. Dance pictures at the train tracks? Duh.

15. 70 degrees is cold. 

How She Got There: Lauren Cecchi, CEO & Creative Director​ of Lauren Cecchi New York 

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Name: Lauren Cecchi
Job Title and Description: CEO & Creative Director of Lauren Cecchi New York 
Website: www.laurencecchi.com
Facebook: @theLaurenCecchi
Instagram: @laurencecchi

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

Lauren Cecchi:  No day is the same. Every day is a new journey and a new experience. Some days I’m designing new handbags for new collections, other days I’m picking leather or attending trade shows to sort leather and figuring out what we’ll be doing in future collections. Other days I’m in the warehouse and we’re working one-on-one to see how production is going, and then everything else that has to go into a brand; doing the website, the blog, managing interns, photo shoots, photographers and videographers, hair, makeup, models, the whole nine-yards. So, no day is the same. Every day is different but that’s the exciting part; every day, you never know what’s going to happen. It’s exciting to meet new people, and it’s exciting to do new projects. 

What inspired you to start Lauren Cecchi New York?

LC: Before I started Lauren Cecchi New York, I was a visual stylist for Bloomingdale’s, an event planner for Mar-a-largo in West Palm Beach, and then I was a buyer for 15 department stores. So a little bit of everything, really. I kind of took a little from every job and brought it into Lauren Cecchi New York, and had a better understanding of, you know, the fashion industry by learning all of these different types of traits. Visual styling was so different from event planning, but event planning taught me how to go from A to Z, and to include everything in between. And then buying, when I was there, that’s when I realized that there were a lot of the made-in-Europe luxury brands, so obviously the Chanel, the Louis Vuitton and the Fendi’s of the world, and then there was a lot of made-in-China brands, so there was made in China, made in Bangladesh, made in Vietnam, but there was not a lot of made in USA brands that were things that you really want to wear. There was a lot of handmade things, or maybe cowboy boots, but not luxury handbags, so I was like, okay, there’s a niche here because we have American designers that aren’t making here and European luxuries that aren’t made here either, so how can we bridge the gap? Then I just decided, and I started sketching since I was five, mostly clothes when I was younger, then I was like okay… When starting with a brand, clothing would be a little tough because there are so many fits and styles and fabrics, and so I was like okay I think I can go with handbags because they’re kind of one-size-fits-all, and I just wanted to make luxury handbags that everyone really wanted to wear on the day-to-day. They’re very versatile and fun to wear, but still sophisticated and classic in case you’re going from the office to night, or wherever life takes you. 

What is the best part of your job?

LC: I think it’s all the best part of my job because it’s my dream coming true! So, every piece and every day, I get to do something that I love. Of course, finances is not my favorite, but it has to be done for tax reasons. But, I love sketching and I love creating. I really love the creative side of it all, but you have to have the business side of it too to be successful and for people to know you. So, I really love being able to pick out leather and colors, and when I’m on set for photo shoots, that’s another story. It’s so fun; you get totally wrapped up in to it and you get to create! And I get to work with my friends, so that’s even better. 

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

LC: My first season, I really wanted to do made-in-America, so our handbags were made here. And I also wanted our leather to be made here, which, I didn’t know before I ordered leather from the USA, but they do it as the raw leather, meaning they don’t scotch guard their leather because it’s a tanning process in the United States, but they don’t have the same tanning process as Italy or France have used because it’s a chemical. And, so I chose this raw leather, I chose it in cream color, which was another mistake of mine, and without the scotch guard, everything on your hands, every oil, every little dirt on your hands, got transferred onto the leather. So I made all of these handbags and I put them on my site, and then I started selling them. People started calling me and being like, “Oh my God, it’s so dirty, what am I supposed to do?” And I just couldn’t figure it out. Everyone had to return their bags, I had to send them new bags. I was like, this isn’t going to work out. I would never buy raw leather ever again in my life. 

What words of wisdom do you find most valuable in your life? 

LC:  My old college professor told me to “do every single thing your boss tells you to do. If you don’t want to do it, just do it.” If it’s a six-week internship or if a job is temporary or you’re only working a 12-hour day, it’s going to end. So, you need to do every single thing, because the more you do, the more opportunities come your way. So, for instance, I was working a job and there was another intern. I said yes to every opportunity and they said no to every opportunity, so I got to do more things and more fun things. I got to go to the Versace mansion, go to fashion shows and I got to meet Russell Simmons, and just got to do crazy things that I never even thought were possible, but it’s because if you say yes to every opportunity that comes your way, many doors will open for you.

What do you look for when hiring someone?

LC: When I’m hiring somebody, I look at their resume first, and maybe their cover letter if they send one. And whatever can really stand out to me that makes me want to hire them. Being able to put a little personality in your cover letter, or your resume even, like if you did something like Elle Woods and scented your resume and sent it to me, that would be something that popped off the page for me. So, something that’s a little more personable. If I see resumes all day, something that really pops will be something that I’ll be interested in reading. 

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

LC: I would say get internships, 100 percent. Internships will open up doors for future jobs and networking opportunities. I think networking is so important, and if you’re in fashion, there are so many fashion events happening all the time. Like, a Rebecca Minkoff’s store event, or Bloomingdale’s doing something, or, there’s just so many things happening in New York City that you should be out there, not sitting in your dorm room or hanging out with your friends all the time. Sometimes you should dedicate time to doing things that are in the industry that you really like. I would say interning, networking, getting out there; I think that would be my best advice is just meeting people in the industry. Not every internship has to be the end-all. When I started at Bloomingdale’s, I was styling, and I was like, “Oh my God, I love this,” and then I was event planning and I was like, “I really love this,” and then when I was buying, I was like, “This is what I’m going to do for the rest of my life,” and then look what I’m doing right now. I think every job or internship you take will lead you to your end destination and your end goal. 

Fill out my online form.

 

Nikki Yanofsky Will Make You Fall in Love With Jazz

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Jazz is a timeless genre—it's interesting to see how it sustains and evolves through generations. Nikki Yanofsky is a soulful artist bringing her unique take to jazz music. Starting out in the music business at the age of 12, Nikki has come a long way, having worked with artists like Stevie Wonder and Quincy Jones and released two studio albums and a new EP, Solid Gold

We got the chance to talk with Nikki, and we're beyond excited to see where this young, talented singer's journey takes her. 

You were introduced to the music industry at a very young age. What was that like? 

Nikki Yanofsky: I think that when you're young, people are quicker to dismiss you or your opinions. The amazing thing about music is that it's ageless. If you hold your own, you get taken seriously. Working in an industry where age is but a number and ability is all that matters, I think that gave me a self-assurance that has become priceless as I've gotten older.

When did you first know you wanted to be a singer?

NY: I have always said I want to be a singer. I can't remember a time when I didn't believe that. Some of my earliest memories are performing for my family or writing songs in the second grade. I'm really lucky that my family and friends gave me room to dream and turn that dream into my reality.

What was it like to work with music legends like Quincy Jones, Herbie Hancock and Stevie Wonder?

NY: Absolutely surreal. I grew up completely obsessed with all three of those legends. To be able to work with them has really been so humbling. I just try to take in as much as I possibly can when I am with them. You learn the most by being thrown into situations that scare you. I was nervous working with all three, but at the end of the day, if you are able to swim rather than sink and these opportunities are met with loads of hard work, you grow and realize [that] maybe there's a reason you're there.

Who are your musical inspirations?

NY: Ella Fitzgerald, Stevie Wonder, Amy Winehouse and Bruno Mars are some of my fav artists of all time. My fav songwriter is Rod Temperton.

What has been one of your favorite moments in your music journey so far? 

NY: It's hard to pick one moment because it's not just a moment that makes up a journey, it's a collection of moments. That being said, I do have a top three, in no particular order: 

  • Singing at the opening and closing ceremonies for the 2010 Olympics was surreal. 
  • Singing a duet with my hero, Stevie Wonder. I could cry just thinking about that day!
  • Singing for Barbra Streisand with Herbie Hancock was absolutely insane. He is a huge influence of mine.

What has been one of the biggest challenges?

NY: I think the biggest challenge has been slowly introducing the word "jazz" to a younger audience. All it is is freedom of expression in its purest form. I am not a traditionalist, but I am very inspired by jazz and want to share that magic with the world.

You've already released two studio albums and an EP. How would you say your music style has evolved from when you first started in the business? 

NY: I started in this business at 12 years old. I think my music has grown with me. I have clearer goals and a sound that is mine, rather than just pulling from my influences, as kids do.

Congratulations on your new EP Solid Gold! What do you hope to achieve with this milestone?

NY: I hope that I can show a more honest and vulnerable side to my fans. I'm very proud of this EP.

Now that you've released a new EP, what's next for you?

NY: I'm always writing and working on new music. I will be releasing more music very soon!

Want more from Nikki Y? Listen to Solid Gold on Spotify!

13 Things Every Girl Tells Herself During Spring Break

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It's finally here! Spring break couldn't come at a better point in the semester if it tried. Whether you're heading to Panama City Beach, Tijuana, Key West or anywhere else warm and sunny for your upcoming break from exams and essays, these are a few of the things that you're likely to think during your week of sunkissed debauchery.

1. "OMG I need this break SO badly! Where's the alcohol?" 

2. "...But I'm not going to drink THAT much. I know my limits!"

Nice try. You're not fooling anybody.

3. "We definitely won't get hungover. We're better at drinking than that." 

4. "I seriously need a tan."

5. "My hair is going to look so beachy and Blake Lively-esque. For once." 

Or not. 

6. "But I've been working out, so at least my beach body will look banging."

7. "And I'm going to be sure not to drunk eat and ruin that beach body." 

But then there was pizza.

8. "I can definitely put on my makeup for tonight after drinking on the beach all day." 

What could go wrong?

9. "I'm not going to spend that much money; boys will buy us drinks!" 

But really, kiss your savings goodbye. You didn't like money anyway, right?

10. "I really feel like I'm going to meet a great guy here!"

If "good guy" means "guy who is looking for a dance floor make-out and nothing more," then yes, you will meet a good guy. Many, in fact.

11. "Oh well, at least I have margaritas."

And daiquiris. And piña coladas. So many new friends to keep you company!

12. "Oh, and obviously I'll be sure to get my assignments done before we go back to class..." 

LOL NOPE.

13. Can spring break just last forever, please?!

#sorrynotsorry

These Crime Scene Images from Kim Kardashian’s Robbery Are Extremely Upsetting

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Only a few months ago on October 2, Kim Kardashian was gagged, bound and held at gunpoint in her hotel during Paris Fashion Week. The robbers took almost $10 million worth of jewelry, and our hearts still stand with Kim. We applaud her incredible strength to mentally recover from this situation.

Now, crime scene photos from the robbery have been released by French television network TF1, as part of a video reenactment of the robbery, and we are seriously so disturbed and upset looking at them. 

Below is a picture of the bed in her room.

This is the tie the robbers gagged her with.

This is the tape used to bind her hands and feet.

This was Kim’s hotel bathroom.

Even more shocking, CCTV captured pictures of the alleged robbers, who were arrested in January, before the attack.

Honestly, these images are so terrifying. We are so proud of Kim for her amazing comeback, as well as her openness and vulnerability through this entire process.


Angelina Jolie Gets Emotional Discussing Her Split from Brad Pitt for the First Time

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Angelina Jolie just began promoting her new film, First They Killed My Father, but she's already having a hard time avoiding questions about her split from Brad Pitt.

Jolie got emotional in an interview with BBC Sunday. 

BBC reporter Yalda Hakim was the first to get Jolie to broach the subject since the September split. Hakim started, "Your film is about family and loss. I understand this is a very sensitive issue. We know that an incident occurred which led to your separation. We also know you haven't said anything about this, but would you like to say something?"

Jolie became teary-eyed, responding, "I don’t want to say very much about [the incident] except to say that it was a very difficult time and we are a family. And we’ll always be a family." 

She continued, "And we’ll get through this time and hopefully be a stronger family for it."

We applaud Jolie for putting her family first, even in the worst circumstances. 

A Former Uber Engineer Wrote a Horrifying Blog Post About the Sexism She Experienced Working There

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Former Uber site reliability engineer Susan Fowler Rigetti has some not-so-great stories for women out there who may be considering working for Uber. In a blog post on Sunday, she revealed the disturbing amount of sexism she experienced at the company, including sexual harassment, unfair performance reviews and ongoing problems with reporting issues to human resources.

On her very first day at Uber, she wrote on her blog, her manager had told her about his open marriage and made sexual advances on her. When she reported the situation to HR, she expected they would take care of it—and the manager would be fired. That’s their job, right? But the problem only got worse.

“I was told by both HR and upper management that even though this was clearly sexual harassment and he was propositioning me, it was this man's first offense, and that they wouldn't feel comfortable giving him anything other than a warning and a stern talking-to,” she says in her blog post. “Upper management told me that he was a ‘high performer’ and they wouldn't feel comfortable punishing him for what was probably just an innocent mistake on his part.”

Ummm, okay.

She ended up having to find another team to work for, because if she had stayed under the same manager, he probably would have given her a bad performance review.

Later, the same issues cropped up again and again. One of her performance reviews was changed from good to bad so that she wouldn't be able to transfer teams—her manager wanted her to stay so he could say he had women on the team. The company refused to order special leather jackets for the female engineers because there were only six of them. And every time Fowler tried to report sexism to HR, they told her she was the problem.

As Fowler met more women engineers for Uber, she found out that more women had similar experiences with sexism and the HR department. She even found that out of over 150 engineers in the site reliability engineering teams, only 3 percent were women. When she had first joined, they had made up over 25 percent. Well, isn’t that interesting.

Uber CEO Travis Kalanick sent the following statement to BuzzFeed News: "What she describes is abhorrent and against everything Uber stands for and believes in. It’s the first time this has come to my attention so I have instructed Liane Hornsey our new Chief Human Resources Officer to conduct an urgent investigation into these allegations. We seek to make Uber a just workplace FOR EVERYONE and there can be absolutely no place for this kind of behavior at Uber — and anyone who behaves this way or thinks this is OK will be fired."

Huffington Post founder Arianna Huffington, who's also a member of Uber’s board, has announced she will work on the investigation.

Hopefully this chaos will all be resolved, as women deserve the same treatment in the workplace as men do. Fowler gets major props for speaking out not just for herself, but for the many women who have experienced similar situations while working for Uber and other male-dominated companies.

Milo Yiannopoulos Cut from Conservative Conference Lineup After Apparently Defending Pedophilia

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Breitbart editor and generally awful person Milo Yiannopoulos found himself at the center of yet another controversy Sunday after a year-old video surfaced in which he appears to defend pedophilia. The comments were enough to get Yiannopoulos disinvited from the upcoming Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) where he had been scheduled to speak about free speech on college campuses, Politico reported.

The video, originally shot for “The Drunken Peasants” podcast, features Yiannopoulos discussing the benefits he sees for relationships between “younger boys and older men”: “In the homosexual world, particularly, some of those relationships between younger boys and older men – the sort of ‘coming of age’ relationship – those relationships in which those older men help those young boys discover who they are and give them security and safety and provide them with love and a reliable, sort of rock, where they can’t speak to their parents,” he says. He specifically mentions relationships between 13-year-old boys and adults.

CNN anchor Jake Tapper fired off a series of tweets in response to the video, calling out Yiannopoulos for his comments, saying “Preying on children is the definition of evil. Justifying it in any way is sick and disturbing.” He also called on the American Conservative Union, the group that puts on CPAC, to drop Yiannopoulos from their lineup. Not long after, ACU board member Ned Ryun declared on Twitter that the "alt-right and its 'fellow travelers' have no place inside the conservative movement,” and that this "is why you consult board members” about speakers, the Huffington Post reported.

Yiannopoulos released a statement via Facebook, saying that he “deeply regret[s]” the way his comments were interpreted. “But I understand that my usual blend of British sarcasm, provocation and gallows humor might have come across as flippancy, a lack of care for other victims or, worse, ‘advocacy,’” he wrote. Still he was quick to point to the possibility that selective editing had made his comments worse than they actually were: “There are selectively edited videos doing the rounds, as part of a co-ordinated effort to discredit me from establishment Republicans, that suggest I am soft on the subject,” the statement said.

Though CPAC has been applauded for cutting Yiannopoulos from its lineup, the event has also been slammed for inviting him in the first place. As Charlie Sykes, a former conservative radio host who has lately been critical of the Republican Party wrote on Twitter, “Anti-Semitism, ok. Racism, ok. Alt Right, ok. Advocacy of pedophilia? Is THAT the bridge too far?”

An Official in the National Security Council Was Fired After Criticizing Trump at a Private Event

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Craig Deare, who was, until Friday, serving as the National Security Council’s senior director for Western Hemisphere Affairs, is now out of a job thanks to some anti-Trump comments he made at a private event at the Woodrow Wilson Center think tank last week, the Associated Press reports.

According to a source who was present at the event, the AP reports, Deare slammed the Trump administration for its poor handling of relations with Latin America. He particularly singled out their treament of Mexico, citing Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto’s decision to cancel his trip to Washington as only one of several alarming signs. Deare expressed frustration that he and his NSC colleagues were frequently cut out of important conversations, with Trump preferring to surround himself with advisors like Steve Bannon and Jared Kushner. The same attendee told the AP that Deare also made some “awkward” comments about Trump’s daughter, Ivanka.

On Friday, Deare was fired and escorted from the Executive Office Building. White House Spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced that Deare would be returning to his former position at the National Defense University, where he was previously a faculty member. When asked if Deare had been let go because of his comments, Sanders said, "I don't think any person that is there in order to carry out the president's agenda should be against the president's agenda." According to CNN, she went on to say, “If you don't support the President's agenda then you shouldn't have a job in the White House."

The move is concerning to say the least, as it indicates that Trump will tolerate no dissension in his White House. (Apparently all disparaging comments made by several of his current aides—including Kellyanne Conway and Sean Spicer—during the election have been forgotten.) Deare is also the second member of the National Security Council to leave this week, after Michael Flynn was asked to leave over potentially illegal communication with Russia. On Monday afternoon, Trump announced that Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster will replace Flynn, calling him “a man of tremendous talent and tremendous experience.” Trump made the announcement from his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida.

How To Deal With Acne on Your Back, Chest & Body

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Although there are several known treatments for facial acne, non-facial acne is less often talked about—but can be just as annoying to have. So we talked to Dr. Kenneth Mark, a board-certified dermatologist and clinical assistant professor at the NYU Department of Dermatology, and Peggy Hall, a wellness expert, to get the lowdown on dealing with non-facial acne. According to Mark, acne can pretty much form anywhere on the body except for your hands and feet. So it’s important to show your body the same care and love you give your face. Since the pores on your body are actually bigger than the ones on your face, it's way easier for them to get clogged, resulting in breakouts. With these tips for treating body acne, you'll have the clear, silky skin you've dreamed of in no time!

1. Use a body wash that contains acne-fighting ingredients

Salicylic acid, an acne-fighting ingredient, is one of the lifesavers for acne—whether it’s on your face or on your back. Mark recommends using body cleansers with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. Using a body wash containing active acne-fighting ingredients on a regular basis can help reduce inflammation, treat and prevent breakouts, and unclog pores.

Try Neutrogena's Body Clear Body Wash ($6.99 at Neutrogena), which will help treats and even prevent breakouts on your body without overdrying or irritating your skin. Or, for more of a splurge, try Murad's Acne Body Wash ($40.00 at Sephora), which deep cleans and exfoliates to eliminate and prevent acne all over the body. 

2. Exfoliate 

Just like it’s important to exfoliate your face, it’s also important to show your body some scrub-love too. Exfoliating helps to scrub away dead skin cells and unblock pores and Mark tells us that “ALL acne starts with a clogged pore." The best thing you can do is prevent them from getting clogged in the first place. Just be careful not to over-exfoliate. Too much scrubbing can also irritate your skin, so only do it a few times a week.

There are a ton of great exfoliating body scrubs that are also gentle on your body. Try Clinique’s Sparkle Skin Body Exfoliator ($26.50 at Clinique), which helps get rid of surface dryness, dullness, and leaves a buffed glow. For a more budget friendly option, try Softsoap's Body Butter Coconut Scrub Body Buff Wash ($2.97 at Walmart), which will exfoliate your dead skin while also moisturizing it. Scrub, scrub, scrub!

Related: Face Mapping: What Your Acne is Telling You

3. Keep your hair products off your skin

Your hair products might be helping your mane, but they could also be damaging your skin. Shampoos with sulfates can actually clog the pores on your body. 

To fix this, try tilting your head away from your body when washing your hair so that the product’s residue doesn’t get on your face, chest, and back. You can also quickly rinse your body again after you’re done washing your hair. Or, look for sulfate-free shampoos. The more organic you go, the better it is for your skin. 

4. Shower after your workouts

Mark advises to “to shower as quickly as possible after sweating and exercise [because] excessive sweating from working out can certainly clog pores and cause chest and back acne.” If you can’t get in a shower right after your workout, try wiping down your face, chest, and back down with facial wipes to get rid of the sweat and bacteria on your skin, decreasing your chance of clogging your pores and breaking out in the process.

 Try Acure Organics Argan Oil Cleansing Towelettes ($6.99 at Target) to help you wipe away any makeup, dirt, sweat and environmental toxins.

5. Change your detergent 

Your skin can also have a bad reaction to your laundry detergent. “Detergents that come into contact with your skin could also contribute to acne flair ups on the chest and back,” says Hall. Some chemicals and fragrances in detergent are too harsh and lead to increased dryness. The chemicals from the detergent left on your clothes or sheets can irritate your skin, especially if you have sensitive or extremely dry skin. 

Find a detergent that is unscented, dye-free and dermatologist-recommended. Try Tide's Free and Gentle High Efficiency Liquid Laundry Detergent ($11.99 at Target), which is dermatologist-tested and doesn't contain any dyes or perfumes. 

6. De-stress

Since stress and hormones cause acne, take some time to relax and love yourself. “Fluctuating hormones (that cause facial acne) can also cause back and chest acne,” says Hall. “Stress can cause hormones to become even MORE crazy, so take time to relax, do things you enjoy,” she advises. Try to take some time in your day to relax and breathe. You can even look on YouTube for some guided meditation to help unwind.

7. See a doctor or dermatologist

If all else fails and the at-home treatments are not effective, try seeing a doctor or dermatologist. They will be able to look at your skin and decide the best treatment option for you. 

Make use of these tips and show your skin some love so you can say "buh-bye" to breakouts on your body in no time!

Lana Del Rey's New Video for 'Love' is Everything & More

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After Lana Del Rey dropped a surprise single on Saturday for the first time since 2015, it's safe to say that the world basically stopped. Okay, not actually but still, it was amazing. 

Now, according to Cosmopolitan, she's back and better than ever in the music video for her song "Love." Check it out below and prepare to fall in love with her all over again. 

Brb watching this over and over again. 

15 Things Only People Who Are Obsessed with Disney World Understand

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Is there any better form of escapism? This earth was lucky enough to be blessed by Walt Disney, a man who believed imagination could take you places. Disney truly brings magic to life and makes us all believe that our dreams can come true. Of course, some of us may be a little more passionate than others about our favorite mouse and his goofy friends. 

1. You are probably a member of the Disney Vacation Club. 

2. And visit the most magical place on earth at least once a year. 

3. You believe that no one can be cranky in Disney World. 

4. You truly admire Walt Disney and all that he created. 

5. You see hidden Mickeys everywhere (even outside of Disney World). 

6. You have several Disney posters and/or stuffed animals in your room. 

7. You have already planned your wedding at Walt Disney World even though you're single. 

8. Whenever you have to study a company in your business classes, there is no other contender. 

9. You have dreamt about working at Disney World. 

And just…living there. 

10. You know absurdly random facts about Disney World. 

Like that you actually can be pronounced dead on Disney property.

11. You burst into tears when Disney's Magical Express crosses under *the* sign. 

12. You have been known to start singing Disney songs at random moments. 

Including the "Wishes" song they play during the fireworks at Magic Kingdom.

13. You have the bus and monorail recordings memorized. 

14. Your mouth automatically waters at the thought of Disney restaurants. 

Looking at you Ohana.

15. You can barely get through this article without planning your next trip to Walt Disney World. 


5 Ways to Get Out of a Date

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The modern dating world isn’t exactly filled with romance and deep conversations anymore. From swiping right to double tapping, affection seems to be shown online more than any other way. Sadly, this doesn’t exactly get our hearts beating as fast as a bouquet of unexpected flowers could. The romantics in us still believe true love exists and are hopeful more meaningful encounters will make a comeback, but here are a few ways to get out of a date — ya know — just in case.

Related: 15 Things Only People Who Love Being Single Understand

1. Tell a white lie

White lies are what make up the majority of excuses we have listed below. Zara Barrie, Senior Sex and Dating Writer at Elite Daily, explains why telling white lies are sometimes necessary. "If you need to get out of a date and you don't want to hurt their feelings because they're kind people and rejection sucks--I think telling a white lie is okay,” she states. We can definitely get behind this idea of sparing someone more heartache than they deserve. From blaming it on minor family problems to an impromptu work event, there’s always room for a little kindness when it comes to letdowns.

2. Say you’re sick

This seems to be the go-to, classic way to get out of a date. Rachel Petty, a senior at James Madison University, says, “It always works to say you aren't feeling well or came down with something. No one wants to risk getting sick!” This can be true for many people — nobody has time for a cold.

But on the other hand, Barrie believes this particular lie can backfire if you truly don’t wish to date this person at all. She explains, "Don't tell a fleeting lie, like 'I'm sick.' If they like you they will try and reschedule with you.” So, if you’re feeling desperate and need to get out of a date ASAP, saying something like you’re sick (maybe even providing gross details) is a good way to shut down a situation, no questions asked. But if you really want to end this possible relationship, and not see this person again, you’ll need to be more honest with your reasoning.

3. Tell them you’re focusing on yourself right now

This is better than “I’m sick” if you’re trying to end all ties completely. Barrie suggests saying something like, “I'm actually not in a place to date, right now. I thought I would be honest with you. I'm focusing my energy on cultivating a healthier relationship [with] MYSELF." Preach! We are all about self-love and inner happiness. After all, there’s nothing better than loving yourself first and then entering a relationship.

If you’ve already been on a date with this same person, however, it can be a tad trickier. This is where you can try saying, “I thought I was ready to date, and I enjoyed our time together, but I’ve realized I’m truly not there yet and I don’t want to waste your time.” This is more upfront, which is good, and it alludes to the fact that you need to spend more time alone.

4. Say you’re still not over your ex

Similar to not being ready to date, you can blame your sudden lack of interest on your feelings for your ex that haven’t quite faded away. Barrie recommends saying, "I think you're an amazing person, but I'm still a bit hung up on my ex, and I don't think it's fair to you," which is very true. Being upfront now will save both of you a lot of disappointment down the road. It can be difficult to compete with an ex sometimes, especially if you’re still not over them, so why drag someone else into your unfinished business?

5. Just be direct

Of course, there’s always the option of true honesty. Olivia Hennedy, a senior at Bishop's University, shares her thoughts: “It’s always difficult to let someone know that you aren’t feeling the same way about them as they are about you,” she says. “But at the end of the day, it’s always best to be honest with yourself and them. It’s not fair to string someone along especially if you’re unsure about how you feel.” We couldn’t agree more. Letting someone down doesn’t have to be harsh, but it’s better to be upfront than give them false hope.
We hope you ladies find an SO worthy of you and all you have to offer. In the meantime, keep putting yourselves out there and enjoying your time alone. Dating can be fun if you give it a try, just be sure to stay safe and be courteous of other people’s feelings, which may include telling a white lie from time to time. Happy dating!

16 Struggles Only Girls Dating Guys With Beards Understand

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When you're dating a guy with a beard, the scruffy look can be super sexy. That being said, there are also some very real struggles that come with the territory. A beard can make all the difference especially if you've only dated clean-shaved guys in the past. 

1. There's always hair in the sink

2. He takes longer in the shower than you do

3. He likes to get creative

4. It tickles when you make out

5. There's always a tipping point between him looking really sexy and, well, looking super ratchet

tv television celebs beard beards

6. He's super proud of it

7. Him growing out his beard means he'll soon be growing out a man bun too

8. He loves the mirror

9. He uses your brush to comb it

10. Making out also means getting hair in your mouth

11. Everyone loves it and are forever complimenting him on it

12. You can't remember what he used to look like

13. You find yourself always wanting to pet him

14. He looks older and you look younger

15. When it gets wet its feel disgusting

16. Other girls are forever drooling over him

Should You Get A Master's Degree or Work Experience?

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You are finally in your last semester of school, or just recently walked across that stage with a diploma in hand, and are thinking about your next career move post-college. One of the first questions your friends and family members are asking is what your plans are for the future. Are you going to graduate school? Jumping into the real world to get work experience? This isn't a one-answer-fits-all situation. Your field, financial background and career goals all play a role in deciding what to do after you graduate. Career strategist and author, Rick Gillis, and Pace University Career Services Counselor, Nicole Catalfamo, helped us weigh in on what you need to consider before choosing between graduate school and experience.

1. Consider your field

There are hundreds of different college majors and minors in universities across the country. Rick Gillis, author of "Job Search Optimized" is in a field of his own, a combination of entrepreneurship and consulting. Gillis himself recently decided to start a master’s program, although he says he doesn’t necessarily need one to advance his career. “I’m going to start this master’s program because I want to, I work for myself, and I don’t really need it,” he says. “I think there are some fields where if you don’t have those advanced degrees you aren’t going anywhere.” Gillis mentions that a master’s degree would have complemented his business degree. Other fields like medicine and teaching are almost directly linked with advanced degrees. 

Nicole Catalfamo’s advice differs slightly. Regardless of major, she gives the same advice to students contemplating graduate school versus work experience.

"The first question I ask is, 'Why do you want to go to graduate school?' and 'What type of program are you considering?'" she says. “I typically leverage my advice depending on the student’s answer and their specific field of interest, because not every job or field requires a master’s degree.” Certain fields and specific jobs do require a master's or secondary degree, including law and medicine. Other fields, like journalism or business, depend on the situation.

When considering your industry while making this decision, ask people working in your field, including alumni and even your internship supervisor, about their experience. Ashely Kuinlan, a senior at Penn State University, recommends shadowing graduate students. "After shadowing grad students, I realized that being a grad student was not what I thought it was," she says. "With the climate of society and the world right now I feel as if law school would be the best way to utilize my skills." 

2. Consider your financials

It’s all about the money. In many ways, money is the major factor that is troubling students considering a graduate degree. Will it be worth the cost? College debt is real and adding to it with another degree shouldn’t be taken lightly, according to Gillis. “It really comes down to financials,” he says. "You need to take into account any outstanding debt.” Fields with entry level jobs that start with lower salaries may not increase much with the addition of a graduate degree.

Cataflamo thinks students need to ask themselves if an advanced degree will allow them to make more money at any point in their career. “The answer isn’t always yes,” she says. “You want to consider the return on investment.” If you don’t have the cash right out of school, you could postpone your second degree. There isn’t a time limit on how long you have to wait before going back to school and waiting may help you save up.

3. Consider your career goals 

Most people who have ever been in an interview have been asked, “Where do you see yourself in five years?” The answer to this could help determine whether you should be going to school for a graduate degree or going into the “real world” for some work experience.

Gillis spoke with a woman in book publishing who was making this decision a few years ago. Ultimately, she did the math to determine the number of hours she would spend in graduate school and instead divided them up across the span of three years. She added these hours to her regular work hours and dedicated them to doing more on-the-job learning and extra work. She sacrificed some of her free time, but was determined to better her career with these additional hours. She leaped past her coworkers and landed a new position much quicker than her competition. This doesn’t mean this solution will work for everyone, but it does show that you can reach certain career goals without another degree.

Not every industry values a graduate degree in the same way. Knowledge from on-the-job training and knowledge from classes aren’t always equal. A master’s degree is specialized and focuses on a specific area, which is why Catalfamo suggests students take the time to get real world experience. “I want to make sure the student knows exactly what field they are getting into and what exactly the master’s program provides,” she says. For students in medicine, for example, their path is somewhat set in stone. You can’t legally practice medicine without an advanced degree. 

4. Consider your timing

Going to graduate school not only takes money, it also takes time. It is possible to go to graduate school and work at the same time. This best of both worlds practice is more common than not. Stephanie Trupel, a student at Pace University, is currently working full-time and taking classes part-time for her undergraduate degree. She is considering doing the same thing for her graduate degree in the future. "I want to take some time off after my undergrad in May and get more work experience before graduate school," she says. "I would consider working while getting my second degree." If you can pull this off, you would be getting the best of both worlds, experience and a higher degree. 

Related: How To Land Your First Job In a Field You Have No Experience In

Deciding what to do after college can be stressful. No matter what you choose, know that what you put into something, whether that be work experience or another degree, is what you make of it and how you use it. Before jumping into one or the other, consider what your career goals are, what field you’re working in and what your financial situation looks like. There isn’t one set path for every career, but the fact that you’re thinking ahead makes you one step closer to your dream job.

7 Things We Learned About Raquel During Corinne's Hometown Date

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We’ve heard about Corinne’s nanny, Raquel, all season long. We even got a quick glimpse of her in the premiere. But Bachelor Nation collectively died and came back to life when Raquel graced our screens during hometowns.

Prepare to have your mind blown by the facts we learned about Raquel last night.

1. She’s very open to hugs

Raquel hugged Nick…TWICE. She’s a hugger, folks.

2. The Olympios family lets Raquel eat dinner with them (when cameras are around)

Corinne and her mother Perry want the world to know that Raquel is part of the family. She even ate dinner with them—but only after she served their food and wine.

Burning question: Where does Raquel dine when the Bach cameras aren’t rolling?

3. Perry “couldn’t do a lot of things without her”

This is a direct quote from Corinne's mom, and I believe every word of it.

4. Corinne is like a daughter to Raquel

Bless you, Raquel. No struggle can match yours.

5. She’s a woman of few words

Raquel didn’t have much to say, but when she did talk, she was deep AF.

6. She obviously doesn’t know who Nick is

During their one-on-one sit-down, Raquel asked Nick about his intentions, which is so sweet and naïve of her. If she knew anything about him, she would know he’s here because he wants to be on Dancing with the Stars.

7. Raquel is committed to her work

Corinne’s family was staring out their condo window like a trio of vultures at Nick and Corinne after they left. But where was Raquel? Cleaning up the dinner table.

I could treat you so much better, Raquel.

Kim K Has Gone Blonde Again & She's Killing It

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In honor of Paris Hilton's 36th birthday, Kim K. has gone platinum blonde. It's been a hot minute since she's debuted such a light color, the last time being Fashion Week in 2015, but blonde Kim is back, amidst a host of other A-Listers who are going lighter, like Lena Dunham and Lucy Hale. Is this Kim's way to show her support for the blonde hair that Kanye debuted back in December? Check out this Instagram post from her stylist Chris Appleton and see for yourself.

 

 

A post shared by Hairstylist (@chrisappleton1) on

Now, if Kim is anything like her little sis Kylie, we can assume this isn't a permanent change, but probably just a wig or extensions. If it is a real color change, though, I hope it sticks around for a while!

What about you, collegiettes, would you make such a drastic hair change?

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