Thanks, Obama? Former president Barack Obama might've just told the world the sexes of Beyonce’s twins, and the internet is going crazy over it.
Let’s rewind to Thursday, when Jay Z was tweeting love to his influences in celebration of his induction into the Songwriting Hall of Fame. Because they’re just that close, Barack sent Jay a video (via Dropbox link) congratulating the rapper on his latest achievement and quite possibly telling the world the sexes of Jay and Bey’s twins.
Here's what the dropbox link @S_C_ posted.
(My President) Obama inducting Jay into the Songwriters Hall of Fame pic.twitter.com/BVY7nVyDtz
“I like to think Mr. Carter and I understand each other,” Obama said in the video. “Nobody who met us as younger men would’ve expected us to be where we are today. We know what it’s like not to have a father around. We know what it’s like not to come from much, and to know people who didn’t get the same breaks that we did. So we try to prop open those doors of opportunity so that it’s a little easier for those who come up behind us to succeed as well.”
“Jay and I are also fools for our daughters, though he’s gonna have me beat once those two twins show up. And let’s face it, we both have wives who are significantly more popular than we are.”
Whoa, hold up. He’s going to have Obama "beat" once the twins arrive? Could that mean Queen B’s babies are girls? Thanks to this video, Twitter users are convinced Beyoncé is expecting twin girls, meaning Jay Z's three daughters would "beat" Obama's two daughters in terms of numbers.
the only service to humanity obama has done in all his yrs of being in the public eye was to leak the fact that beyonce is having twin girls
Zendaya always slays, which is why it's not even suprising anymore. When the 20-year-old actress and singer is not leaving us in awe with her wisdom and inspring us to be better human beings, she is crushing the red carpet. I mean have you seen the girl in a gown lately? She is lethal.
The star just landed her first-ever Vogue cover and it's a work of art, of course.
The choppy bangs, dark eyes, mismatched earrings and tasteful side boob are most definitely a winning combo for this cover.
It was about time, Vogue! Zendaya has already appeared on the cover of pretty much every other magazine out there, including Cosmopolitan, Allure, Essence, Teen Vogue, Marie Claire and Seventeen. NBD. The actress has established herself as a true fashion icon: she has never been afraid of taking a risk for fashion's sake and, no matter what she wears, it somehow turns out incredible. Since her Disney days in Shake It Up alongside Bella Thorne, the actress has become the "it" girl in the front row of ever fashion week show. All that was missing was this cover. Check!
One of the many faces behind the body positivity movement is Lena Dunham. So it’s no surprise that the Girls star just posted a nude photo of herself on Instagram with an empowering message to back it up.
“I spent so many years loving my body but thinking it wasn’t lovable by others—its sole purpose was to be fodder for jokes,” her caption reads. “I performed the insult so no one else could. I don’t regret any of it—that’s my art and that was my truth—but now, at age 31, having been through hell and back with my health and other people’s perceptions of my physicality, I feel deeply comfortable with the idea that this pear-shaped pot of honey is equally good for making people laugh and laying out like a Suicide Girl circa 2004. Love it all.”
YES! Love it all! Thank you, Lena. I think we all needed to hear this.
You may want to limit your fry consumption, because a recent study conducted by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that people "who eat fried potatoes two or more times a week double their risk of an early death compared to those who avoid them,” according to CNN Wire.
The study, which was conducted over a span of eight years, followed the lives of 4,440 people between the ages of 45 to 79, who all had a degenerative joint disease called osteoarthritis. While the study was intended to understand the underlying cause of the joint disease, researchers decided to focus on their consumption of potatoes, because of the lack of data on the topic. What they uncovered was that those who consumed fried potatoes of any kind two to three times a week were more likely to die earlier than those who did not consume fried potatoes of any kind.
But don't freak out yet—researchers did note that this study was observational, meaning they simply tracked the behaviors of participants and noted the correlation between their diet and early death. There would need to be several much more rigorous studies to prove that fried potatoes actually cause early death.
They also noted that potatoes in their raw form are totally healthy, and it could be that people eating more fried potatoes just lead unhealthier lifestyles generally.
So take what you want from this study—but you already knew eating tons of fries is bad for you, right?
It's a surprising outcome, but the verdict is set: 18-year-old Michelle Carter was pronounced guilty June 16 by a judge in a nonjury trial, according to The New York Times.
Three years ago, Conrad Roy III was found in his pickup truck, dead from carbon monoxide poisoning. But if no one was there, how could Carter be responsible?
According to South Coast Today, texts were shared between Carter and Roy on the days leading up to, and the day of, his suicide. The case became an issue of whether Roy would have killed himself if Carter hadn't been in communication with him.
Take a look at some of the shocking text messages sent during their conversation, reported by Cosmopolitan in 2015.
"So I guess you aren't gonna do it then. All that for nothing. I'm just confused. Like you were so ready and determined," Carter said.
"I am gonna eventually. I really don't know what I'm waiting for but I have everything lined up," Roy replied.
Carter insists, saying, "No, you're not, Conrad. Last night was it. You kept pushing it off and you say you'll do it, but you never do. It's always gonna be that way if you don't take action. You're just making it harder on yourself by pushing it off." She then explains to Roy where he should take his truck and what time is best, when no one is really around.
Defense lawyer Joseph Cataldo said that Roy was determined to take his own life, as he had tried and failed to kill himself two years earlier. He believes that the prosecution was trying to "apply manslaughter to speech," which seems like a hard concept to prove. However, prosecutor Katie Rayburn makes an important point about this tragic incident. She says Carter participated in the suicide by sending Roy texts right before he took his life, and being on the phone with him when he died.
Legal experts told The New York Times that the verdict is a surprise, since Massachusetts has no law against encouraging suicide. Daniel S. Medwed, a law professor at Northeastern University said that the verdict sends a strong message that "using technology to bully people into committing suicide will not be tolerated."
There may be no law against encouraging suicide, but the lengths that Carter went to are destructive and now considered deadly. When someone feels like they have no way out, words like these force them into painful situations that no one deserves to be in. Carter is expected to be sentenced Aug. 3.
Being a sorority girl comes with a number of negative stereotypes. From the outside looking in, sorority girls are regarded to be shallow and spoiled, they’re assumed to have paid for their friends and apparently, they care about nothing more than their hair, nails and ludicrously over-priced shoes.
These perceived ideas are blown way out of proportion and have begun to degrade the Greek system. Beauty and appearance are not all that matters to a sorority girl—in fact, joining a sorority will definitely change the way that you will think about beauty.
The rush week delusions
Any girl who goes through the rush process remembers the night before their first rush party. For me, despite the countless shopping trips I took, I remember still worrying that my outfits weren’t stylish enough. After spending forever watching makeup tutorials, I still wasn’t sure if I knew what the hell contouring was or if my lips would ever look like Kylie Jenner’s.
It was oddly comforting to see that the other girls in my dorm were all having the same anxieties that I was—and looking back, it's interesting to see how much attention we were putting on how we looked; it seems that stereotypes can affect us even if we don't know it. For that night and every night after, we all spent the evening consulting each other on our outfit choices and making sure that everyone’s Tory Burch and Louis Vuitton totes were full of every possible essential that we might need.
Even with all the preparation, when it finally came time to step into the first rush party, I felt wildly intimidated. No matter how confident you feel when you leave your dorm room that morning, it all changes once you are greeted by the astonishingly polished and beautiful Panhellenic woman at the door of the first gargantuan house.
The first thing I noticed about the girl who greeted me at the door was that she was towering over me—she was in these incredibly high heels. I then noticed that her makeup was even more flawless than the makeup gurus that I idolized, and she had a stark white smile that stood out against her perfectly tanned skin.
Despite all of the effort that I had put into making myself look and feel as flawless as possible, I still left the first rush party feeling like a tiny ogre. “How is it even possible that her eyebrows were THAT on fleek? How is she not sweating right now? I feel like I just got out of a two-hour hot yoga session. Does her hair look like that all the time???” These thoughts ran through my mind the second I left the first house and if you were like me, you probably felt like you would never be pretty enough to find a place to call home in the Panhellenic community.
“When you walk into the rush process you have no idea what you've gotten yourself into. Everyone seems to be prettier than you or have a cuter outfit, making you overthink everything,” says Carsen Zink, a junior at the University of Florida.
What you don’t realize as a PNM (potential new member) is that NO ONE looks like that IRL. The moment recruitment ends, the same women whom you found intimidatingly beautiful trade in their 4-inch heels for their Birkenstocks and replace their chic outfits with a pair of Norts that are concealed by an oversized t-shirt, bearing their letters across a purely decorative frocket. Their impeccable hair is thrown up into a messy bun and they're barely wearing makeup, if any.
The notion that all sorority girls look perfect 24/7? It’s a complete and total fabrication of the real deal.
Why all the fuss?
Now I bet some of you are wondering, “if they don’t really look like this, why do they pretend to during recruitment?” The answer is simple. It’s just good marketing. The goal of recruitment is for every girl to leave the house wishing that she could either be you, or be your best friend. Since first impressions are inevitably based heavily on appearance, the way that a chapter woman looks can heavily influence a PNM’s opinion on the house as a whole.
During rush, every chapter wants as many PNM’s to come back as possible; this means that they need to impress them more than other houses they have been to. Since every house is pulling out all of the stops in every way (including personal appearance) during recruitment, every other house has to do the same in order to stay competitive on campus.
The realizations of the new member period
As a naive new member, you will probably feel a need to keep up the charade that you look as nice as you did during rush week—all the time. I can remember walking into the house for lunch on my first day as a new member and feeling a calm come over me when I saw that every girl in the house, my new home, looked totally normal.
They no longer towered over me and the most makeup that they had on was a brush of mascara and maybe some concealer. I’m positive that everyone in my pledge class was thinking the same thing: THANK GOD.
“I remember feeling really at home once I realized that all of the girls in my chapter were just normal girls and didn’t devote hours to their makeup every day,” says Emma*, a junior at the University of North Carolina.
Don’t get me wrong, there are definitely times when the recruitment-ready face is brought back out. For big events like formals and parties, you can bet that we are looking our best. Isn’t that the same for most of us though, not just those in a sorority?
The misconception about the shallowness of sorority girls is brought about by rumors that surface around campuses all across the country. A lot of people believe that sisters are told by the leaders of their chapters that they must look a certain way at all times and that this means they must have their hair done and makeup perfect any time they leave their dorm. Yes, it's true—chapter women are encouraged to represent their chapters in the best ways possible, but not through physical appearance.
“Our chapter leaders always say ‘you are always wearing your letters’ to remind us that we are always representing our chapter. They never say to always look crazy hot, just to be presentable for ourselves and our chapter as well,” says Christine*, a junior at Florida State University.
What this means is that they are expected to do their best to represent their chapter by means of their character. Sisters in most chapters are encouraged to be respectful and kind to everyone they come across and show great work ethic in classes as well as high involvement on campus. No chapter cares about how long you spent on your makeup that morning; they care that you are representing your chapter in the best ways possible and upholding the standards that got you a bid in the first place.
The true beauty in Greek life
Although many girls have the idea plastered into their minds that they must look drop-dead gorgeous and impeccably flawless when they enter the Greek community, the true beauty in Greek life goes a lot deeper than fiercely contoured faces and remarkably winged eyeliner.
Women who are now sisters in the Panhellenic community will tell you that the preconceived ideas that revolve around beauty in the Greek system are not what beauty really means to these women.
Catherine Palmer, a sophomore at the University of Florida, explains that she saw the true beauty in Greek life after her first few weeks in her sorority. “When you're immersed in the culture you receive nothing but support while learning about the passions and goals of other women all of whom have pure hearts and lots of smarts,” says Catherine.
Panhellenic women all know that when it comes time to take off the makeup and trendy clothes, all you are left with is the woman underneath it all. It might sound like a hoax, but Greek life really does emphasize the beauty that is found beneath the surface of each and every sister. At its core, sisterhood is where the real beauty lies in Greek life.
“When you actually get into the sorority you realize that everyone is just like you and makes you laugh. The clothes and make up aren't the real beauty, it's the friendships you make when you join a sorority,” says Carsen.
In addition to appreciating the beauty that you already have within you, your sisters will only further encourage you to become an even better version of yourself. Whether it is pushing you to study harder or run for a leadership position on campus, or giving you someone to confide in when times get rough, your sisters only want to see you succeed and be as beautiful and successful as you can possibly be, on the inside and outside. This type of encouragement, support and love is just another portion of the beauty that is promoted within Greek life.
Even though the true testament to sisterhood is based on inner beauty, that doesn’t mean that we don’t value killer make-up and trendy clothes—just as many others, whether involved in Greek life or not, do. However, being in a sorority will teach you that you do not need all of that in order to be beautiful.
ICYMI in your summer-induced slumber, Amazon acquired Whole Foods on Friday for an inconsequential $13.7 billion, which is how much I will make when I am a bestselling author and the star of my own reality TV show. For most people, though, the news of this deal was a great source of anxiety, which, like good millennials, they took out on Twitter. Rather successfully, I might add.
There were a LOT of Alexa jokes:
Jeff Bezos: "Alexa, buy me something from Whole Foods."
Honestly, this feels like the rightful culmination of madness that we, the avocado toast generation, had coming at us. At least if I can't buy a house until I'm 60, I can lay all my hopes and dreams in the ability to order small-batch organic hummus from my bed. Better than nothing.
The first winner of Beyoncé's Formation Scholars Award was announced yesterday, and we are absolutely living for the winner! Sadiya Ramos, a 19-year-old dance student from Berklee’s Boston Conservatory, has won the $25,000 prize to help fund her college career.
According to The Boston Globe, Ramos has been dancing since she was only six and performed with the Debbie Allen Dance Academy during the opening ceremony of the Special Olympics in 2015. If that doesn’t scream success, then I don’t know what does.
A post shared by Sadiya Ramos (@_sincerelysadiya) on
Beyoncé announced her prestigious scholarship program in April, as a way to celebrate the one-year anniversary of her Lemonade album. I mean, who wouldn’t want to celebrate their own success by helping others achieve their own? Clearly, Beyoncé knows how to honor her achievements and give back to other artists. If you’re just learning about this now, where have you been for the last two decades?
In total, four Formation Scholars will be announced. The Formation Scholars committee will review applicants from four different schools to help inspire young women studying creative arts, music, literature or African-American studies to pursue their college dreams. After all, artists need to be rewarded for their accomplishments, too.
Though it should be obvious that Ramos is more than an adept dancer, ELLE reports that she has danced on stage with Stevie Wonder, as well as at the White House. Seriously, if you still doubt Ramos’s dance skills, just check out this video. Now, I feel even worse about my "dancing" skills—or lack thereof.
While we’re all mad jealous of Ramos, we’re glad that such an accomplished young dancer won this incredible accolade. We aren’t the only ones that agree Ramos is deserving of this amazing opportunity. Cathy Young, executive director of the Boston Conservatory at Berklee, told ELLE, “Sadiya’s energy and talent knows no limits, and I know she will continue to excel as a dancer and artist as a student, and in the future.” However, shortly after Ramos's was announced as the first scholarship winner, the names of the remaining Formation Scholars were released.
According to CNBC, the remaining Formation Scholars Award recipients are Avery Youngsblood, Maya Rogers and Bria Paige. While all of the scholarship winners are inspiring females who are devoted to their respective craft, Ramos, Youngsblood, Rogers and Paige are all focusing their studies on very different disciplines in college.
Youngsblood, who previously graduated from Stanford University with a dual degree in Linguistics and Comparative Studies, is continuing her education at Parsons School of Design to focus her academics on the social interaction in multicultural societies. Rogers is an experienced singer and songwriter, who is working on her graduate degree in Musical Therapy at Howard University. Paige is a student at Spelman College, who is earning her degree in English with a concentration on black feminist thought. Paige explained to CNBC that her research is often influenced by Beyoncé's work, which shows just how perfect she is for this scholarship.
Spelman College President Mary Schmidt Campbell told CNBC just how important the Formation Scholars Award program is: "Beyoncé Knowles-Carter's support of women who are 'unafraid to think out of the box and are bold, creative, conscious and confident,' is critical at a time when those qualities are required to address some of the world's most pressing challenges." It's no doubt that these women will change the world on day, and we can’t wait to hear about even more of their future triumphs. You go, girls!
Danica Roem has just made history. The openly transgender journalist from Manassas, Va., has just won the Democratic primary for the 13th district seat in Virginia's House of Delegates, NBC reports.
She is the first openly transgender candidate to win a primary in Virginia, and the first transgender lawmaker in the state if she wins. But, Roem is running against conservative Republican Del. Bob Marshall, a 13-term incumbent in the district.
According to U.S. News & World Report, Marshall frequently sponsors conservative bills that don't often pass—including a transgender bathroom bill similar to the infamous HB2 in North Carolina, which bans transgender people from using the bathroom of their gender identity in government buildings.
He also attempted to pass an amendment that banned the same-sex marriage part of the Virginia constitution, according to the Washington Blade, but the amendment was overturned in court.
Roem knows what she's up against, and is very aware of her positive impact. "Let me make this really clear for you: When the people of the 13th District elect a transgender woman to replace the most anti-LGBT legislator in the South, it will be an act of certainty, and it will be a defining moment that will resonate across the country,” she said at the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund Brunch in May.
Thank you all! I'll have a lot more to say later. For now: we know how to defeat Del. Bob Marshall (R). We're ready. #NoH8#FixRoute28
The general election will be held Nov. 7. Based on the high turnout for the primary that worked in Roem's favor, voters in the 13th district could be looking forward to making history again.
Back in early May, Senate Republicans decided not to vote on the House-passed health care bill designed to repeal and replace Obamacare. You probably haven’t heard much about the American Health Care Act since then. That’s because GOP Senate leaders have taken it upon themselves to recraft the entire bill—behind closed doors, in virtual secrecy.
Only a small working group of 13 conservative senators have their hands on the newest version of the health bill. “We’ll let you see the bill when we finally release it,” said Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), NBC News reports.
According to the Associated Press, even President Trump called the House health bill “mean,” and urged Senate Republicans to write a “more generous” version.
Yes, the same Donald Trump who campaigned on a promise to repeal the Affordable Care Act on “Day One.” The same Trump who said in an MSNBC town hall in February 2016, “We're going to have great plans. They're going to be much less expensive and they're going to be much better because the Obama plan is unaffordable and it's a disaster.”
And yes, the same Donald Trump who proceeded to throw GOP leaders a party in the White House’s rose garden to celebrate the House’s passage of the AHCA. “This is a great plan,” Trump said at the time. “I actually think it will get even better…”
This so-called “mean” bill not only isn’t supported by the very person trying to shepherd it along—most of the country is probably against it, as well. According to a New York Times study, there is not even one state that supports the new AHCA. In places like Maine, Alaska, and Ohio, public support for the House health bill is under one-third.
One study the Times pointed to, conducted by American Politics Research, showed that Democrats who supported Obamacare lost an average of about six percentage points when it came time for their reelection votes in 2016. There are currently 15 sitting senators who took hold of their offices by less than that margin. Supporting the AHCA could mean losing their jobs altogether—although GOP politicians tend to overestimate their constituents’ support for conservative health care ideals by around 20 percent.
Even conservative senators left out of the loop are concerned.
“I think it’s being written by someone somewhere, but I’m not aware of who or where,” Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) told NBC News. “If you get a copy of it, will you send me a copy?”
Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) told NBC, “Would I have preferred a more open process? The answer is yes.”
Reporter asks what's in Senate health bill, saying public doesn't know.
"Well join the crowd. I'm in the same category," says Orrin Hatch.
Assuming unanimous opposition from Senate Democrats, the GOP cannot afford to lose even three conservative senators when their hopeful voting date comes by the end of June. The AP reports that Senate Majority Leader McConnell hoped to pass the AHCA before Congress’ Fourth of July recess. If they leave before a vote, Senators could face town halls of angry constituents who may sway them against the House health bill.
You began your job search completely hopeful and equally worried about what would come of it. After all, the job market is not the kindest to millennials. Nevertheless, you landed a few interviews and weeks later found yourself with more than one offer and a whole lot of stress. Knowing how to politely decline an offer can leave you with anxiety, especially if you’ve never experienced this situation before. But never fear, we’re here to help you craft a polite and gracious “no, thank you.”
Step 1: Take a breath
First and foremost, weigh all your options. The excitement of multiple job offers can lead to irrational decisions, which could ultimately lose you those offers. You don’t want to find yourself sending a “thanks, but something better came along,” email. Decide what job is best for you, and from there begin to craft your responses. Fine-tune what you want to say in a word document and then copy and paste that into the email thread.
Step 2: Be gracious
Your job hunt wasn't only stressful for you! Employers had to put a lot of time and work into this process as well. More than likely, they spent hours scoping your social media profiles, checking with references and interviewing other candidates. Taking a few extra minutes to craft an honest and genuine thank you will go a long way. Be specific: if there was anything that stuck out to you in the interview process, compliment the employer!
Step 3: Be honest
Inform the employer as to why you’re going in a different direction. Keep it brief, but provide your reasoning behind the decision. Explain that another job opportunity arose or you felt compelled to continue your job hunt. The employer was clearly invested in you and saw great potential, so leaving him or her completely clueless as to why you declined the offer is neither polite nor professional.
Step 4: Think about the future
No matter the job market you’re in, you will learn quickly just how small it is. Make sure you keep a positive relationship with all employers you interviewed with. Autumn Dube, a recent graduate of Emmanuel College, notes, “You never want to burn bridges because you never know what the future holds. I have had to decline great jobs before because I didn't think it was the right fit at the time or a better offer came along - and this is exactly what I told the employers. Honesty is important and admirable.” Stay professional and cordial and remember that not all jobs last forever, so you never know if you’ll be interviewing with that employer again.
Turning down any offer can be hard and stressful, but keep in mind it’s all a part of starting the job of your dreams. Good luck, collegietes!
ICYMI, the Internet was freaking out earlier this week over the fact that Lorde might have a side hustle as an Instagram onion ring critic when New Zealand-based publication News Hub speculated that she was behind the account @onionringsworldwide after noticing she and her friends were among its 24 followers. As it turns out, Lorde is a much bigger fan of onion rings than anybody realized.
During an appearance on The Tonight Show Jimmy Fallon asked the singer point-blank whether she ran the now-deleted account - and she confirmed that it was very much her posting photos of and rating all of the onion rings she eats as she travels.
"It's me, it's me, it's me," she told Fallon. "I sort of naively didn’t realize it would be, like, a thing that I was going to different places and trying the onion rings at each of those places."
But make no mistake, this wasn't some kind of stunt she pulled in order to look "relatable." (She's actually just that amazing in real life.) "It reads like the kind of thing a pop star would do to, like, look relatable,” she said. "I was like, this is a good pastime. It was fun for, like, five seconds."
I only have one question: why would she delete such a beautiful thing? Teasing us with reviews of one of our favorite foods and then taking them away? Cruel AF. She does say that she still has plans to keep eating them though, "because they're my favorite." Girl, same.
Studying abroad in Rome? Get a crash course in how to make the most of time in The Eternal City with Her Campus’ abroad guide. We spoke to collegiettes who studied in the Italian city, who shared their tips on everything from getting around, to staying safe to enhancing your time in this new city!
What must you see while you’re living in Rome?
TheTrevi Fountain is “absolutely beautiful” and “throwing a coin over your shoulder will bring you luck” and back to Rome in the future. Make sure to visit The Vatican. “Regardless of your religious affiliation, St. Peter's Basilica is overwhelming and incredible.” Insider tip: “experience the Papal Audience there on Wednesday mornings.” On the topic of churches, Basilica dei Santi Cosma e Damiano has “the most splendid 6th century mosaics over the altar.” In search of great views? “Check out Palantine Hill. On top of this hill, which overlooks the Roman Forum on one side, Circo Massimo on the other, there is an ancient imperial palace. It feels like an isolated oasis in the center of everything. There's also a beautiful garden with access to panoramic views.” Also up in the hills are The Capitoline Museums(“One of the galleries leads you to a balcony overseeing the Roman Fora!”) where art fans can see “lots of great sculptures.” Museum buffs can also get their fix at the Museo Nazionale d'Arte Moderna (“great for getting a break from ancient roots.”) “The collection itself has a lot of local Italians you've never heard of that are fantastically talented with a good deal of the greats of modern art as well.” The Colosseum is great for “taking a step into the world of Ancient Rome” since it’s where the “epic gladiator fights occurred.” Experience peace at Ara Pacis or theAltar of the Augustan Peace, which is housed “in a beautiful glass building that lets light pour in and make the Ara Pacis nearly glow. I've heard it's equally beautiful at night! But you can walk through it and it's a great subject to sketch!” Bocca della Verità or The Mouth of Truthis a quick stop that “draws crowds to stick their hand into the mouth” to determine whether or not they’re liars.
What doesn’t live up to the hype?
The Colosseum is “so overrun with tourists” and “is not as magnificent on the inside as the outside.” Unless you’re going to spend “money for a guide” the Forum is not worth it because “you’re trekking around things you can’t fully understand or appreciate why they’re so magnificent.” Crowds not your thing? “Be care about going to St. Peter’s on popular days” because “when it’s crowded you can barely move” and “it’s hard to appreciate the beauty and stay long enough to connect with what you’re seeing.” Finally The Spanish Steps— “you can look at a picture” and that’s enough. “Do not make a big deal about going there.”
“Buy lingerie from Intimissimi.” Walk along “Via del Corso” but beware this is where “the most expensive stores are.”
What’s the best way to get around?
“Bus transportation sucks” and “can not be trusted to be on time in Rome.” Those who are fans of the bus are also the ones who sneak on. “I went on the bus for free for weeks until I actually saw someone check for passes. Just run off when you see them.” (HC does not reccomend this!) As for the metro, “it’s good…if you can use it.”
Where should I go with my parents?
At Osteria dell’Anima, “you must try the pear pasta.” The view is “worth the splurge.” Spaghetti lovers rejoice atSpaghetteria L'Archetto with their “over 100 different spaghetti sauces. Their house wine is also amazing.” For people watching, “Sabatini in Piazza Santa Maria.” Finally, “La Quercia was absolutely amazing. I took my family there when they visited. Get the proscuitto and mozzarella and bruschetta for appetizers.”
Best dinner recommendations?
EATALY“can get pricey” but “you have so much culture in one building.” Celebrity spotting your thing? “Pierluigi is a classic” and “many celebrities go on their visits to Rome.” Sample everything Italian comfort food at Grazia e Graziella in Trastevere “served in a fun and modernized atmosphere.” Their motto is ‘smiles are free’ and “waiters sing and sometimes hot wine is complimentary.” Dar Poetahas the “best pizza” for “great prices.” Cul de Sacserves “life changing lasagna and phenomenal cheese plates” plus their “broccoli and pecorino cheese pasta” and bread is “to die for.” Not afraid of a splurge? “Il Gabriello is worth the price.”
Where can I get authentic Italian food?
“Pietro Valentini for everything truffles. It’s basically locals only. You’ll thank me later.” Or just explore the neighborhoods of “Trastevere or Testaccio.”
What about an authentic night out on the town?
“Scholar’s Irish Pub on Via del Plebiscito” for Monday night trivia and Tuesday karaoke is a “must.” Go to Ponte Sisto“with your own bottle(s) of wine and sit on the steps nearby and watch the sunset.” People are always “gathered around the apertitivo spot Freni e Frizioni.” The “most fun bars are in Campo di Fiori.”
Where do the American students go out?
Bars in “Trastevere and Campo di Fiori” are popular with Americans, but “it’s not safe to drink there because it’s so Americanized and you can get hurt or robbed.” Those who do feel OK in Trastevere recommend “a cute bookshop turned into a bar that sells very cheap chocolate liqueur shots at night.” Piazza Navona is another notorious American hotspot. Drunken Ship is “American-owned so it attracts other Americans.”
Alums of studying abroad in Rome recommend wine, prosecco, grappa, spritz and limoncello as far as drinks. While pasta and pizza is an obvious recommendation, Cacio e pepe is the special call-out. For dessert, don’t leave without having cannoli, tiramisu and gelato.
How can I make the most of my time in Rome?
Foodies, “take a cooking class.” Winos, “go on a wine tour.” Take advantage of the churches in Rome and “learn about their different designs, especially Santa Maria Maggiore and Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano, the two major churches of Rome.” For an amazing view, visit The Keyhole View(“not many tourists know about it!”), it’s “absolutely stunning.” Watch the sunset at Piazza del Popolo— “if you climb to the top of a building, you can see nightfall over Rome.” The most obvious: “go on as many free tours as possible!”
“Wifi signals are not strong” so look into an “Italian SIM card.” Or, keep your phone and “get an international plan.” However, “if you must be online at all time, consider getting an Italian phone or at least an international SIM card.” Pay as you go with “very cheap” carrier “TIM. It’s totally worth it.”
What can I not forget to pack?
It “doesn’t get cold very often, but it does rain during the winter” so “pack rain boots” and “an umbrella.” With “killer cobblestones” make sure you have “sturdy shoes (I highly recommend not wearing heels).” For hostels and traveling, “bring small shampoo and conditioner.” The easiest thing for packing is “lots of sundresses!”
Any tips on staying safe?
“Do not go out by yourself; travel with friends” and “watch your back.” To not like a tourist one student advises, “write yourself directions and take pictures of maps so that if you get lost you can find a reference that isn’t a giant map” since “that’ll make you a target as a tourist.” Being “alert” is key and “put your phone down!”
Where should people stay when they visit?
For your parents or anyone staying in a hotel, “the Vatican and Piazza Navona area has great hotels.” Vatican-area hostels are recommended, as is “the Orsa Maggiore Hostel for Women Only.”
Any tips on the abroad programs?
“I studied through Loyola University Chicago. Loyola gave me the opportunity to study abroad my freshman year in Rome. It was an unbelievable first year experience. From the first day, I experienced my perspectives changing and myself becoming more globalized. I wouldn't be the wanderlust soul I am today without my study abroad experience.”
“I loved my classes at Trinity in Rome. The "campus" is very small and easy to traverse, in my opinion. I highly recommend Professoressa Fossà for Italian! She taught my intermediate class, and I learned so much! Drawing was also my number 1. Our professor was smart, funny, and encouraging while critical at the same time. I never thought I would be able to draw until she encouraged me to experiment with something new!”
“I would absolutely recommend the John Cabot University program to anyone. The campus and dorms are located in a beautiful, livable area of Rome called Trastevere, which is a quieter part of the city. It made me feel like I had my own little corner of Rome away from the touristy city center, yet was extremely accessible to all the sites I wanted to explore.”
“JCU offers several on-site classes, such as art history and sketching, which allows its students to get out of the classroom and see the ancient world about which they are learning. I took an Ancient Rome and Its Monuments class, which allowed me to learn the history of the city through seeing the ruins and structures that still stand today.”
“If you go through UCEAP Rome Through The Ages I would highly recommend taking any of Professor Paolo Alei's class. They are rigorous, but fascinating. Alei's passion for art history is contagious, and you'll leave each class feeling enlightened. Consult the ACCENT Center local Italian staff for advice on how to get around (public transportation) as well as food recommendations. Site visits can be spread out around the city, so know that 30 minutes (what you're usually allotted to get there from the ACCENT Center in centro storico) requires you to have a plan ahead of time. Italian public transportation can be unreliable, and very crowded.”
Yanez pulled over Castile in July of last year for having a broken tail light, and Castile allegedly informed Yanez that he had a registered firearm in the car, explaining that he was reaching for his ID. Yanez then shot Castile seven times, and the case made national news and lead to protests when Castile's girlfriend Diamond Reynolds used Facebook live to record the aftermath. Both Reynolds and her young daughter were in the car when Castile was shot.
After the verdict was announced, Castile's family reportedly left the courtroom crying, and his mother Valerie Castile yelled an expletive when the verdict was announced. She later told reporters, "My son loved this city, and this city killed my son. And a murderer gets away," she said. "Are you kidding me right now? The system in this country continues to fail black people and will continue to fail us."
Judge Glenda Hatchett, a representative for Castile's mother, told Buzzfeed News, "This time, we didn't have a man fleeing from the scene or fighting with police. We had a man who was fully compliant like his mother taught him."
Despite being aquitted, it was announced shortly after the verdict that Yanez will no longer serve as a police officer in the city of St. Anthony.
As the youngest child, your transition from high school to college can be especially emotional for your family. But for you, it's a welcome period of well-deserved freedom. Forget your parents' and siblings' worries about you going out of state. This is your time!
1. You're homesick, but, like, not that homesick.
Your friends are calling their parents multiple times a day while you're enjoying sharing a hallway with 30 people who actually KNOCK!
2. Your parents are busy enjoying their retirement while you're busy celebrating your newfound independence.
It's a new chapter in your life, and you are greatly enjoying the first page.
3. Your siblings are reliving their glory days and desperately want to visit.
Any sibling older than 21 is more than welcome to crash on the floor of your dorm room.
4. No one in your family understands that using a laptop in class is very standard.
And they praise every teacher that bans laptops in class, yet do not realize how many emails college students receive per hour.
5. You get roasted in the group chat every time you look drunk in a tagged photo on Facebook.
It's not your fault your siblings went to college before Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, Finstas and Twitter were a thing! We're all adapting to this new DIGITAL AGE!
6. You're a little too comfortable with flying alone.
All those trips back and forth with no company have made you an honorary flight attendant.
7. Actually, you're so comfortable flying alone that traveling with family members stresses you out.
It's just so much easier when your mom isn't telling you to take your shoes off even though you're in the TSA pre-check line while she's divvying up the tickets and photo IDs.
8. Every phone call home begins with questions about the weather.
Yup, I go to school in the Midwest. Which usually means it's five degrees warmer than my hometown in New York. Riveting.
9. You come home for Thanksgiving with new regional phrases and accents, unrecognizable to your family.
"Yeah, in Ohio they call soda POP! And sneakers TENNIS SHOES! It's like another planet!!!"
10. Your room at home becomes a gym.
You knew your parents had been planning this since the firstborn left, but of course you're the one who has to get rid of all their stuff and adjust very quickly to a new environment.
11. After the initial sparkle of freedom dulls, you're jealous of your friends who can cure their homesickness with a short drive.
While they may bug you constantly, you actually do kind of miss your family sometimes.
12. You get used to missing small holidays at home.
But are soooo thankful to your friends and their families who are willing to take you in for a long weekend.
13. You are replaced by a pet.
And the pet is probably a lot easier to take care of than you were, so you can't really fault your parents for showering it with love, affection, attention and treats.
14. You get one step closer to being seen as an actual adult.
You've always been the baby of the family (and probably always will be) but now that you can navigate college life and get yourself across the country, you're that much closer to being a real person and not a child!
We've officially reached peak bath bomb: one brand has combined two of our favorite things, (pizza and cute bath products), to make, yes, a pizza bath bomb.
Etsy beauty brand Bathesda Boutique took to Instagram to share a video of its pizza slice-shaped bath bomb, and it's weirdly realistic - that is, before it's dropped in the water. And in case you had any concerns about what a pizza-inspired bubble bath would look like when it's in use, no worries - the thing actually fizzles into a bunch of pretty rainbow colors. (Although, we can't help but wonder if it smells as good as it looks.)
A post shared by Bath Bombs with PRIZES (@bathesda_boutique) on
Naturally, the brand's video is going viral, because honestly, who WOULDN'T want this in their life? It also sold out super quickly, but I'm not saying I won't be checking Bathesda Boutique's Etsy site pretty much every single day until it's available again.
Whether you're an old lady at heart or you're just growing up, sometimes it feels like you don't get the kids these days. Here are some signs that you're just not hip anymore.
1. You don't recognize the song that everyone is singing along to
What is this mainstream junk??
2. You need 8 hours of sleep or else
Gone are the days when you could function on 3 hours of slumber.
3. You can't go out more than once a week
It's just too much effort, and neither your feet nor your liver can take it.
4. You will choose Netflix over literally anything
You've learned that there's nothing better.
5. Your hangovers are death
You used to bounce back so fast!
6. You ask 5-year-olds if they remember you from 3 years ago
Bonus points if you pinch their cheeks.
7. You freak out every time you hear the new freshman class' graduation year
Class of 2021? Really? REALLY?!
8. You find yourself actually regretting how things used to be
Ah, the good old days!
9. You spend your life on Urban Dictionary
Among your recent searches: "snatched,""OTP" and "ship."
10. You get called out for still saying "swag" or "rad"
You're all about the oldies but goodies.
11. You're shocked at how young kids get iPhones these days
Why does your 8-year-old cousin need a smartphone?
12. You have fewer but closer friends and meeting new people is a chore
Why find new friends when yours are already everything?
13. You tell lowerclassmen to make the most of everything
14. You enjoy talking to grown-ups
Talking about politics and taxes? No problem!
15. You and your parents are homies
You've come a long way from telling them they ruined your life.
16. You'll gladly take a filet mignon over chicken tenders
17. You won't take anyone's crap anymore
You're older, wiser and all-around a total badass.
After hours of deliberation this week, the judge in the Bill Cosby trial has officially declared a mistrial on Saturday, CNN reports, because the jury failed to reach a consensus as to whether or not the actor is guilty of drugging and sexually assaulting Andrea Constand.
The jury of five women and seven men reportedly deliberated for over 52 hours in six days over Cosby's three charges of aggravated indecent assault. His lawyers argued that the encounter between he and Constand, which took place in 2004, was consensual, but Constand is one of dozens of women who have come forward with stories of being drugged and assaulted by the actor - and she is the only woman who has pressed criminal charges.
"We can never underestimate the blinding power of celebrity but justice will come," says Gloria Allred, lawyer for 33 accusers of Bill Cosby pic.twitter.com/r8KRB0PZcv
Despite being declared a mistrial, prosecutors have already said that they plan to retry the case. Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele, who represents Constand, told the New York Times that the case sent, "a strong message that victims of these types of crimes can come forward and can be heard.”
"If the court allows more accusers to testify ... it might make a difference. In other words, it's too early to celebrate Mr. Cosby," Attorney Gloria Allred, who represents many of Cosby's accusers, told CNN after the trial.
Freshmen, it's time for you to embark on the greatest journey of your lives, and the first step to making it the best is to make your space feel like home. Some decor for your dorm might take a bit longer to craft than others, so we're here to ensure you have these cute DIYs done before you head off to school!
Storage is a necessity in tiny dorm rooms. Head to any craft store and grab wooden crates to decorate; then make them into an ottoman for storage and seating!
Dorms don't often supply the largest amount of space for you to make your own, so this functional vanity made out of plastic storage drawers is an amazing addition to any space.
An upholstered headboard can jazz up any space, but this isn't an activity you should put off for too long. It might take some extra time, but the headboard will make your space as cozy and cute as possible!
If you don't already think so, mugs will become your greatest friend. You're bound to have a ton, so why not save up some drawer and counter space by storing your mugs on the wall?
Just because you buy cheap plastic drawers doesn't mean they have to stay that bland shade of white. Spray paint will come in handy when turning any dull drawer into an instant statement piece.
You can jazz up any space with a little TLC. To make your dorm really feel like home once you arrive on campus, you should get a start on these crafts sooner rather than later.
2017 has already not been a stellar year for reproductive rights, and it looks like things could be getting worse. Refinery29 reports that the Missouri State Senate is in the process of trying to pass a bill that, among other things, would make it completely legal for employers and landlords to discriminate against a woman who is pregnant, has had an abortion or uses birth control.
The bill would overturn a law that was passed in St. Louis in February that added reproductive health decisions to the list of reasons people couldn't be discriminated against when applying for housing or a job - which essentially translates to allowing companies to fire women becuase they are pregnant or allowing landlords to deny housing to women who use contraception. Not okay.
Alison Dreith, executive director of NARAL Pro-Choice Missouri, called lawmakers "shameful," telling the Kansas City Star, "Passing further restrictions on women’s access to abortion in the dark of night is shameful, at best,” she said. “Republican senators know this, or they would have allowed the hundreds of people rallying at the Capitol on Wednesday take part in the process.”
The bill would also place stricter regulations on abortion clinics throughout the state and allows Missouri's state attorney general to enforce them.
The bill isn't law yet, and hopefully won't become law - but even the thought that these kinds of restrictions could be placed on women, simply because of what they choose to do with their bodies, is seriously scary.
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