Quantcast
Channel:
Viewing all 25628 articles
Browse latest View live

Betsy DeVos to Announce Changes on Title IX Enforcement

0
0

Education Secretary Betsy DeVos is expected to announce how the Department of Education will address Title IX enforcement while speaking at George Mason University on Thursday.

DeVos has argued that the guidance created during the Obama administration on how universities should address sexual assault complaints isn’t effective. According to ABC News, DeVos told the Associated Press that the current system “is not working right and well for anyone.”

“We know we have to get this right,” DeVos said. “We have to get this right on behalf of all students.”

According to ABC News, while considering changing the current policy, DeVos has met with sexual assault victims, individuals wrongly accused of assault and college representatives.

At the center of the debate is the Education Department’s “Dear Colleague” letter, which was released in 2011 by the Office for Civil Rights, according to Reason. The letter mandated that universities comply with Title IX, and that sexual violence and sexual harassment are forms of gender inequality, thus requiring universities to “investigate and adjudicate” sexual assault cases, Reason reports.
Unlike criminal courts where a “beyond a reasonable doubt” standard is used, universities are only required to determine whether a student was “more likely than not” to have committed the offense, ABC reports.

“The era of 'rule by letter' is over,” DeVos’ speech says, according to Reason. “Through intimidation and coercion, the failed system has clearly pushed schools to overreach.”

According to ABC News, opponents of the Obama-era guidelines argue that they force college to “take heavy action” against students accused of sexual misconduct. As is outlined in Reason's article, opponents believe that the guidance violates the due process guaranteed under the Fifth Amendment, and that due to its questionable legality, several students who were found guilty of misconduct ended up being found innocent in cases against their universities.

However, based on a glimpse of DeVos’ announcement, it appears that she will subject the guidelines to public scrutiny. “We will seek public feedback and combine institutional knowledge, professional expertise and the experiences of students to replace the current approach with a workable, effective and fair system,” her speech reportedly says, according to Reason.

While advocacy groups who support the guidance created during the Obama administration believe they are flawed, they argue that the policy is worth saving since it has protected many sexual assault victims and forced universities to confront long unaddressed sexual assault issues on their campuses, ABC News reports.

 

There's a Secret Pattern Behind 'Game of Thrones' Deaths, & It's Pretty Cool

0
0

By now everyone has come to accept that there's a lot of dying on Game of Thrones. Like, a lot. If fans are smart, they wouldn't get too attached to any one character because chances are they're going to perish in some intense and gory fashion. While it may seem like the writers are just out to break hearts, there's actually a method behind the murder madness

A fan on Reddit exposed the genius way that so many characters come to their brutal ends. As the pattern proves, many characters are killed in an action comparable to their most memorable moments on the show. Remember when Roose Bolton stabbed Robb Stark? He was killed with a knife to the heart as well. Or when Olenna Tyrell poisoned Joffrey? She was later executed with poison. What about Ramsay Bolton's habit of feeding people to his hounds? He then fell victim to the same murderous method. 

Take a look at the mind-blowing examples below.

The list continues to grow as other fans leave examples of the pattern in the comments. 

It appears that the GoT writers are awfully fond of this eye-for-an-eye form of vengeance. How did I not notice this before?! 

Spotify & Hulu Have Teamed Up to Create a New Premium Streaming Plan for Students

0
0

For those of you who love to blast your favorite music on Spotify and binge-watch your favorite shows on Hulu, get ready, because Spotify and Hulu have just teamed up to create the perfect streaming entertainment bundle for students.

Students can sign up for the new Spotify Premium for Students, now with Hulu plan to stream music, movies and shows for only $4.99 per month. That’s about the same price as our seasonal Starbucks favorite: a grande PSL! According to Variety, if you subscribed to both plans individually without any discounts, it would cost $9.99 and $7.99 per month, respectively. So this premium entertainment package is not only convenient—it’s also super affordable.

The plan is available to all qualifying student subscribers to Spotify and gives you access to Spotify Premium and Hulu’s Limited Commercials plan. You can learn more about the plan and its eligibility requirements here.

But Spotify and Hulu aren’t stopping there. According to Variety, the companies announced on Thursday that “offerings targeted at the broader market” would eventually be introduced.

The announcement of this new student plan comes only a day after Variety reported that Spotify hired media veteran Courtney Holt from Disney to advance their video efforts.

“We are proud to announce Spotify as our newest strategic partner – they’re an iconic brand in music streaming and a proven leader in reaching and engaging young consumers. By bundling our enormous catalogues of content together in a single, highly compelling offer, we’re making it easier for people to enjoy all of the TV and music they love, whenever and wherever they want,” Tim Connolly, SVP, Head of Distribution and Partnerships at Hulu, said in a statement.

So what are you waiting for? There are so many songs to listen to and shows to watch!

21 Adorable Best Friend Tattoos For You & Your BFF

0
0

Best friends share almost everything: secrets, food, clothes…the list goes on. So why not share some ink? Here are 21 super cute tattoos for you and bestie to prove that you really do mean best friends forever.

1. To Infinity and Beyond

Because your friendship is forever!

2. PB&J

This cute and quirky tattoo will remind you of all the school lunches you've shared with the PB to your J.

3. She Keeps Me...

great way to honor your favorite quality about your best friend. 

4. Small Birds

No matter where you may fly, this tattoo will always remind you of your BFF.

5. Palm Trees

 

A post shared by Ida Roosa (@idaroosaaa) on

Matching palm trees perfect for you and your oh-so tropical bestie!

6. Moon and Sun

This artsy ink is for the besties who are like night and day.

7. Peas in a Pod

After all the times your mom has called you two peas in a pod, you might as well own it.

8. Small Hearts

Because best friend love is the BEST love. 

9. Thumbprint Hearts

These hearts add a personal touch to your bestie tattoo by including the shape of your thumbprint.

10. Owls

This is extra amazing if you and your BFF's mantra is YOLO (You Obviously Love Owls, that is).

11. Ying and Yang

A great symbol for the friend that brings balance into your life.

12. Wildflowers

These non-matching wildflower tattoos are perfect for friends who want something permanent, yet individual to represent their friendship.

13. Pinky Promise

 

A post shared by @erbse97 on

You and your pal have made many promises throughout the years, but this tattoo is a reminder of one you will never break.

14. Beach Babe Besties

A must for the beach babe besties who grew up coast side.

15. Musical Notes

These music-themed tattoos will remind you and your band geek bestie of your summer band camp days.

16. Infinity Symbol

Friends til the end.

17. Puzzle

 

For all the best pals that aren't complete without each other.

18. Tetris

Quirky ink for the bestie that you've been kicking it with since the Nokia days.

19. Tandem Bikes

Nothing like a bicycle built for two!

20. Your Favorite Show

Commemorate your friendship by getting your favorite Netflix binge inked. 

21. Classic Clock

This intricate, yet timeless (see what we did there?) tattoo is a reminder that you guys are going to be best friends til the end.

This Campaign Is Raising Money For Undocumented People Affected By Hurricane Harvey

0
0

Since Hurricane Harvey touched down in Houston as a category 4 storm at the end of August, many families have lost their homes, their belongings or even their lives. While many Americans have rallied support in money and supplies, undocumented people and their families are presented with an even greater disadvantage. 

As a social media contributor for ABC News in Houston, Antonio Arellano is using his platform to help who he calls "the most vulnerable" in this terrible situation by starting a YouCaring crowdfund campaign to help undocumented families.

"Undocumented immigrants may be eligible for Crisis Counseling or Disaster Legal Services and other short-term emergency aid from FEMA," Arellano wrote on the campaign page's site. "However without a social security number they don't qualify for cash assistance."

He said he hopes to give the money to families who lost their cars or homes during the hurricane. Plus a larger portion will be given to "those affected most severely."

At least once a day, he posts a link to the fundraising campaign in English and in Spanish, tagging celebrities to shine a light on the issue. Volunteers in Houston told PBS NewsHour that they get calls from immigrant families afraid to go to shelters with available space because of the current tensions surrounding undocumented families. According to PBS, 1.5 million undocumented immigrants live in Texas, and they are fearful of immigration raids and deportations. The already horrifying circumstances are magnified for these families.

Arellano's campaign goal is $100,000 with over $42,000 already funded. Families of two or more can request help by emailing UndocRelief@gmail.com. It's so important that these communities aren't forgotten in the wake of a disaster.

Russian Hackers Reportedly Made Fake Facebook Profiles to Influence 2016 Election

0
0

Although a number of accounts is still being discovered, the New York Times reports that large amounts of fake social media profiles were used to share damaging information about Hillary Clinton and other Democrats during the 2016 election. And the impact was huge.

Yes, people actually made fake accounts on Twitter and Facebook to share false or stolen information from a website called DCLeaks. If you're wondering if the hacking is real, just ask the CIA. In January, they concluded that President Vladimir Putin of Russia ordered an operation to influence and help President Donald Trump's campaign while damaging then-candidate Hillary Clinton's campaign.

That includes some pretty believable social media accounts. 

One of the first was "Melvin Redick," a supposed graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania. But, the New York Times reports that most of the claims on his account were false: The school has no record of him attending and his pictures appear to be posted from Brazil. All of his posts were "news articles reflecting a pro-Russian worldview."

The language they used was awkward, but not obvious. Another fake account named "Katherine Fulton" had a post titled "Hey truth seekers! Who can tell me who are #DCLeaks? Some kind of Wikileaks? You should visit their website, it contains confidential information about our leaders such as Hillary Clinton, and others," with a link to DCLeaks. 

The New York Times also reports that on Wednesday, "Facebook officials disclosed that they had shut down several hundred accounts that they believe were created by a Russian company linked to the Kremlin and used to buy $100,000 in ads pushing divisive issues during and after the American election campaign."

Twitter wasn't doing so well with the random accounts, since they don't require a full name to sign up. Plus "bots" or automated accounts can even create fake trends to grab the attention of real users. 

At first, the accounts were few and far between, but research from The New York Times and FireEye has uncovered a wealth of information. This new age of hacking had a bigger impact than some thought, and eyes are on President Trump to see if further insights into these activities confirm allegations of collusion between his campaign and the Russian government. 

3 Things You Need to Do ASAP Your Senior Year to Find a Job

0
0

Your senior year is here and the worry and stress of not having a job lined up post-graduation is already sinking in. However, this is your year to tackle those fears and get ahead of the game, so come graduation, you’ll either have a job waiting for you, or at least be less stressed about finding one. Here are three things you can do right now to ease the senior spring scaries. 

Have a vision

Entering your senior year without a plan in place is never a good idea. By now you’re almost done (or maybe finished) completing your major requirements, so begin to craft an idea and plan for yourself. 

Mara Hyman, Marketing Coordinator at WBZ CBS Boston suggests, “The first thing you need to do at the beginning of senior year is to get into the zone and mental state of the job hunt and tune out the noise.” You can do this by writing out your goals for each month or semester and then circling back to them every time you’re in need of inspiration. “You can’t go backwards, so appreciate the experience you do have on your resume, have confidence in your abilities, and don’t put too much pressure on yourself.” Hyman adds.

Above all else make your senior year a dress rehearsal for the real world, so take it in stride, but craft a plan as soon as you can. Make a calendar of deadlines, workshop cover letters with your friends and reach out to career coaches to learn more about how you can approach you desired career field. 

Network

You have a special opportunity by being in college, because of the connections you can form. Professors, advisors and faculty members are there to help you.

Kristen Perrone a recent graduate at Siena College adds, “Organize your LinkedIn profile and resume to make both look as detailed and professional as possible! Although I was good at keeping my resume updated throughout college, I didn't really get into fixing up my LinkedIn until senior year. I definitely noticed so many friends and classmates using LinkedIn more throughout the year.” Use these conversations with your peers and the adults in your community as educational and networking tools and know that you’re benefitting from them regardless of their relation to your specific future career path. Perrone notes, “ In the past few months since graduation, I've gotten notifications that several employers who later contacted me for an interview first looked at my LinkedIn profile. It may seem a little daunting at first, but it can be even more informative than your resume because you can easily add links to your clips or projects relevant to your possible career field. I would even look at the LinkedIn pages of my friends within my major for inspiration on how to word things and what to include!”

Keep your options open

Entering the work force is like entering uncharted waters- scary and unfamiliar. Zoe Strickland a recent graduate of Western Oregon University has recently experienced the and offers, “Keep your options open. You may be set on the dream job, but it’s important to realize that your dream job may not be the one you get straight out of college. You may get something that has the potential to lead there, or you may not.”

Working hard will always pay off, but having a one-track mind about a career you want isn’t always the best idea. Keeping your options open to new endeavors and possibilities will clear more paths for you and ultimately lead you to a career you love.

Remember that your senior year is your opportunity to take advantage of all the world has to offer, but enter into this time with an open mind, an eagerness to connect with those around you and a vision for where you want to see yourself. Good luck collegiettes!

Peter Responds to Arie as the Bachelor; Says 'Never Let Fear Hold You Back'

0
0

The verdict’s still out on old-school fave Arie Luyendyk Jr. as the new Bachelor, but someone who’s definitely disappointed about the news is Rachel Lindsey’s runner-up Peter Kraus. Although he said he wasn’t thinking about starring on The Bachelor once Rachel’s season ended, Peter quickly emerged as one of fans’ top contenders for the Bachelor gig. With Arie’s new position official, Entertainment Weekly reports that fan favorite Peter believed the show was his “up until early this week.” Um, same.

“Peter got an indication yesterday that a new Bachelor was going to be announced and it wasn’t him,” an inside source revealed. “But he had no idea who it was or that it was specifically Arie.”

Bachelor producers and franchise creator Mike Fleiss have spent the past week being annoyingly cryptic about their final casting decision, and many fans were under the impression that Peter had rejected the team’s offer. The source shared that while Peter was conflicted about proposing at the show’s end, he still believed in the franchise’s process of finding love.

“He genuinely fell in love on The Bachelorette, so he knows this process works,” the source said. “His reservations weren’t about proposing or not proposing. Then [producers] came back to entice him and eased his concerns, and he was open to it. But suddenly over the last few days, it all went quiet.”

It sounds like the opportunity interested Peter, but ultimately, production wasn’t willing to bet on the guy who refused to propose at the end of The Bachelorette. The dreamy personal trainer first took to Twitter to hint at his feelings, perhaps suggesting that he was way more emotionally invested in being the Bachelor than we were let on to believe.

"Never let fear hold you back," Peter shared with his followers. "Lesson learned."

Later that same day, Peter posted a longer reflection on his Instagram account. If you weren't already a Peter fan, get ready to shed a few belated tears over what he's been through in the past few months.

 

#tbt to the most incredible journey of this life time that has now officially come to an end today. As I sit here writing this, I struggle to hold back the tears as I am overcome with emotion one last time. First and foremost.. @therachlindsay , there are so very many things that I've wished I could say to you since the day we parted ways in Spain, but for everyone's sake, I'll keep it short... You gave me a chance and all that I can say is thank you. I have a heart filled with love for you now and always and wish you nothing but the best in your life and love ahead. ABC, you saw something in me, but something held me back. You treated me with such love and kindness and showed me glimpses of a life I never once dreamed that I could have. I will be forever humbled and grateful and will always look back at these last 6 months with an ear to ear smile, knowing that this has truly been a very special life indeed. Upon leaving the @bacheloretteabc I was asked, "what did you learn about yourself during this process?" And at the time I naively said "nothing that I can think of." Now... looking back... I realize I learned one of the single greatest teachings of my life; When you let uncertainty or fear guide your decisions, you risk missing out on what could potentially be the greatest opportunity of a life time. So live dangerously, live without the fear of the unknown, and continue to live and love with a heart that is truly open to anything. #thankyou #lovealways

A post shared by Peter J Kraus (@peterkrauswi) on

"First and foremost, [Rachel], there are so very many things that I've wished I could say to you since the day we parted ways in Spain," he wrote, "but for everyone's sake, I'll keep it short...You gave me a chance and all that I can say is thank you. I have a heart filled with love for you now and always and wish you nothing but the best in your life and love ahead."

"ABC, you saw something in me, but something held me back," Peter continued. "I will be forever humbled and grateful and will always look back at these last six months with an ear to ear smile, knowing that this has truly been a very special life indeed."

Then the lengthy caption became even deeper. "When you let uncertainty or fear guide your decisions, you risk missing out on what could potentially be the greatest opportunity of a lifetime," he said. "So live dangerously, live without the fear of the unknown, and continue to live and love with a heart that is truly open to anything."

Excuse me, I'm just weeping over the thought of a gorgeous man using words that way.

We'll probably never know what went down with the negotiations regarding Peter as the Bachelor, but I'll definitely miss him being on my TV. 


Quiz: Which 'Bachelor in Paradise' Hottie Would Be Your Soulmate?

0
0

Love isn’t easy to find, which is why these sexy singles are still looking for it on Bachelor in Paradise. But what if you had the chance at a happily ever after with one of the contestants? Find out which hottie you’d choose—for better and for worse!

 

Prince George Is All of Us Going to the First Day of School

0
0

As excited as I get for a new school year, the first day is always a little nerve-wracking. Will I have a bad teacher? Will that cute guy from my dorm be in any of my classes? Needless to say, a day filled with the unknown (and the mourning of summer) usually leads to some nerves and anxiety. While heading to his first day of school at Thomas's Battersea in London, Prince George basically summed up all of those feelings in the short walk from the car to the building. 

Before showing up to school with dad Prince William at his side, four-year-old George posed with him for an inevitable "first day" pic at Kensington Palace, PEOPLE says. The shot shows George looking excited and happy, which I think is how we all try to look when we're taking these photos for our moms. 

Things got a little more serious for George when he and William arrived at Thomas's Battersea. Maybe it was the photographers there or the absence of pregnant mom Kate Middleton (who's suffering from intense morning sickness), but George definitely wasn't looking so thrilled anymore. 

The father-son duo was welcomed by the head of Thomas's lower school, Helen Haslem. Although George adorably shook Haslem's hand, he kept a firm hold on William's hand. Tbh, I think we all have those days in college which we wished we had a parent around to hold our hand. 

Despite George looking super nervous, William later said that the drop-off ran smoothly. At an event at Kensington Palace, he shared, "It went well. There was one other parent who had more of an issue with their children, so I was quite pleased I wasn't the one."

Don't worry, George. If there's anything education has taught me, it's that the first day is always the toughest. Hang in there!

15 States Have Sued President Trump Over His Decision to End DACA

0
0

Following President Donald Trump’s decision to end DACA, 15 states and Washington D.C. have now filed a lawsuit against Trump for his choice, Teen Vogue says. D.C., Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington State have all decided to sue the president. 

In addition to filing the lawsuit against Trump, the states’ attack includes the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the country’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the United States as a whole. Yup, they went there

Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey addressed her state's involvement on Twitter, believing that Trump's move was "without justification or due process." 

The lawsuit references comments Trump made about Mexico when announcing his official presidential campaign. In the 2015 speech, Trump was quoted as saying, "When Mexico sends its people, they're not sending their best...They're sending people that have lots of problems, and they're bringing those problems with us."

The states' argument also lists other examples of Trump speaking out against Mexicans, reading, "As President Trump's statements about Mexico and those with Mexican roots show, the President has demonstrated a willingness to disparage Mexicans in a misguided attempt to secure support from his constituency, even when such impulses are impermissible motives for directing governmental policy."

The states are asking for the rescinding of the DACA program to be unauthorized. According to ABC News, legal experts say that evidence of Trump's bias isn't strong enough for this situation. Immigration expert Kari Hong told ABC, "It might be able to muck up the works, maybe push off the effective date of the repeal, but I don't see litigation being successful in the same way as the travel ban."

Under Trump's ruling, those in the DACA program are protected until their permits expire. Before Oct. 5, they can renew permit that may expire before next March, but DACA is not currently accepting new applicants. We'll have to keep an eye on the program and the progress of the lawsuit to see if anything noteworthy may change Trump's decision in the next few months. 

8 Reasons You Should Join a Sorority Your Freshman Year

0
0

Starting college is exciting––but let’s be real, it’s also scary, stressful and nerve-wracking. So, why add even more stress by joining a sorority? With all the rushing, outfits and talking, it can seem like a huge undertaking to go Greek, but it’s worth it.

Taking the time to rush your freshman year will set you up with a home away from home, which can be hard to find when you’ve suddenly been dumped on a college campus and left to your own devices. Without a sorority, you’re still guaranteed to find friends ––but with one, you’ll get a head start on not only finding friends but also on learning about college life (and your campus layout). So, to prove why going Greek as a freshman is a great idea, we asked current collegiettes and they told us the best parts of being a srat star.

1. You'll make friends

This is probably the reason everyone tells you to join a sorority. Collegiettes who are already in a sorority might tell you, “You’ll make SO many friends,” and, “Literally all my friends are my sisters,” and those statements can totally be true.

Blair Donovan, a senior at Miami University, found her best friends through her sorority. For Blair, getting a big sister meant finding her BFF as well. “Getting [a big] was something I always looked forward to in joining a sorority, and mine surpassed all expectations once I finally got one," she says. "She became my best friend and literal twin (we looked creepily identical). She was go-to person to get Mexican food with and vent about our lives. I can't imaging not having her in my life, and the bond that we formed was unlike any other!” But, there’s no rule that says you are confined to the pool of sorority girls that you are a part of.

In fact, you should also look for friends outside of your sisterhood. In college, you’ll meet friends on your floor, in classes and at parties. The great part about being a part of a sorority though, is having a group of girls you’re familiar with.

For Elana Golub, a junior at Northwestern University, joining a sorority introduced her to a whole new group of girls. “I hardly knew any of the girls in my sorority before I rushed, and now they are my best friends in the world," Elana says. "It would've taken me a lot longer to find them on my own!” Because you’re already grouped together, it takes away the awkwardness of finding common ground because (duh!) you’re sisters. Plus, with so much bonding, you’ll inevitably connect with certain girls. 

2. You'll have sisters in class

Sometimes, deciding where to sit in class can feel like a life or death decision, but seeing a beacon in the form of sorority letters will wash an instant feeling of calm over you. Picking your seat on the first day of classes will be a dilemma for the next four years, so having sorority sisters is always a great resource.

This is all too true for Madeline Frisk, a senior at Oregon State. “I love that joining in my freshman year in my spring term I was able to make friends that were in my classes," she says. "You not only get to know people in your chapter, but you feel connected to anyone with letters you see on campus, which is a truly amazing feeling.”

Kristen Van Buren, a senior at High Point University, believes that finding friends in class is more than just having a neighbor. “My sorority sisters have helped me so much when I have had my rough times in life and when I have been stressed over projects and tests,” she says. Having sisters who can help you in class really comes in handy when you’re stressing over a physics question that would stump even the Einsteins of the world. Strength in numbers!

3. You'll learn your way around campus

Your sisterhood will be one of your best resources in college, because you automatically have access to girls that know all the ins and outs of the campus. One of the scariest parts of college is getting to know the school itself, but it doesn't have to be thanks to Greek life.

Sarah Westbrook, a junior at the University of South Carolina University, learned the ropes at her school from her sorority sisters. “Joining a sorority my freshman year helped me to figure out how everything at college works," she says. So, if you’re struggling to find that astronomy class that’s inside the gray building that’s adjacent to another gray building, you’ll have a huge resource to help you get through the literal maze of buildings.

Plus, some colleges will have recruitment before classes start, so you’ll get the opportunity to explore the campus before it’s overrun with students.

4. You'll learn about college life

Like we said before, being in a sorority will give you a direct connection to some older girls. In college, they will seem wiser than you could ever imagine. From recommending when you should buy textbooks to telling you where the best food places are, they have a plethora of knowledge. Use them wisely, collegiettes!

Additionally, your older sorority sisters will most likely take you under their wing and attempt to guide you through the crazy world of college. For Kayla Hanigan, a senior at George Mason University, this was definitely true. “I think joining my freshman year was amazing because it allowed me to experience the confusing and overwhelming parts of freshman year with other girls and a huge support system that I otherwise would not have had," she says. "We all stumbled, and the older sisters constantly looked after us making sure we were using all of our campus resources.” Although you will definitely be fine on your own, having a ton of older sisters will smooth the transition of going from high school to college.

5. You'll become a part of the entire Greek world

Joining a sorority doesn’t mean you’re just associated with the group of girls you share letters with. When you become a sorority sister, you also become a part of the larger Greek community. That means you share a bond with all the sororities and fraternities at your college or university. This bond can last beyond college and follow you into the professional world.

“Since I've joined my sorority I've been able to get involved in the recruitment process, numerous philanthropies, grow as a student leader, make professional connections, make life-long friends and sisters, and as cheesy as it sounds I believe I've grown as a person,” Madeline says. So basically, when you’re applying for a job and the employer who was a former KKG sees that you were in Greek life too, you’ll already have an in. Connections are key in the working world and Greek life is one of the many ways to get a step ahead.

Related:8 Insider Tips for Sorority Rush

6. You'll find your home

Part of joining a sorority is recruitment, where you learn about each sorority at your school and find where you belong on your own. Going through recruitment places every sorority on an even playing field and gives you the opportunity to judge them on their philanthropies and sisterhood, not on passing rumors.

Going through the recruitment process as a sophomore or junior can make you biased towards certain sororities because of stories you’ve heard, or other people’s perceptions. Lexi Hill, a junior from South Carolina agrees, “I joined my sorority and it ended up being the best decision for me," she says. "My advice to incoming freshman is to keep an open mind.” When you come into the recruitment process as a freshman, you get to form your own opinions instead of relying on surface-level gossip you may hear. 

7. You'll get involved on campus

Whether it’s community service or Greek organized philanthropy, belonging to a sisterhood will provide you with TONS of opportunities to give back. Not only is volunteering great because you’re helping others   which is obviously an awesome thing to do    but employers also look to see that you spend time doing volunteer work. It shows that you’re able to take your personal time and put it towards the good of others.

Sometimes, it’s hard to find opportunities for community service and having Greek life as a resource makes it so much easier to find these opportunities. Many sororities have specific philanthropies that they support, as well as events they host that give you plenty of options for giving back. “We were given study hours, social opportunities and most importantly, leadership opportunities," Kayla says. "Our sorority was unique in which our new members were allowed to run for executive positions in our chapter. We all pushed one another to make ourselves better scholars, women and leaders.” With so many available options for leadership and giving back, being a part of a sorority will provide more opportunities to help others than you might find on your own.

8. You’re all in this together

One of the greatest parts of joining a sorority during your freshman year is that the rest of your pledge class will most likely be in the same boat as you. A pledge class is the group of girls that is in the process of becoming members of a sorority. “You’re surrounded by girls who are excited about you being in their sorority and want to get to know you, and they really helped with my transition [into college],” Sarah says.

Most of you will be freshmen that are making friends, learning about college and discovering what the hell you want to do with your lives. The feeling of togetherness will automatically bring you closer to your pledge class. If that right there isn’t community, then who knows what is.

Sorority life has so much to offer, whether it’s philanthropy, sisterhood, or first-hand campus knowledge, and joining your freshman year is sure to ease the transition into college life.

A Major Earthquake Hit The Coast of Southern Mexico Last Night

0
0

A major earthquake early Friday morning, measuring 8.1 on the Richter scale, killed dozens of people and incited fears of potential tsunamis down Central America, reports BuzzFeed News.

The earthquake struck just off the coast of the state of Chiapas at a reported depth of 20 miles, according to the US Geological Survey. The epicenter “was located about 102 miles west of the city of Tapachula.” It had a far-reaching impact, with people all the way in Mexico City, which is more than 600 miles away from the epicenter, feeling tremors. There are many videos on social media showing buildings and other structures in the capital city swaying dangerously.

There were a number of smaller earthquakes in the same area, with one registering at 5.7, following the initial quake.

So far, the Associated Press and other media outlets have cited local officials in saying that at least thirty-two people have been killed as a result of the quake. BuzzFeed News was not able to obtain any further confirmation on the official death toll, but the USGS said “significant casualties and economic loss were likely across the affected areas."

Videos and photos of the destruction in the affected areas are pouring onto social media. Photos tweeted out from Chiapas show buildings with significant damage. The civil protection agency in Oaxaca, 280 miles south of Mexico City, shared a photo which appears to be a shot of a hotel that collapsed.

When the quake hit Mexico City, people had to evacuate shaking and swaying buildings. Some people were still in robes, and some didn’t even have time to grab their shoes.

Sophie Mallentjer, a 24-year-old exchange student from Belgium, said she first felt the tremors while leaving a bathroom at a house party.

“I thought I was drunk,” she told BuzzFeed News. “And then I realized it was an earthquake.” She ended up on the street with six other exchange students, waiting fearfully with the rest of the city for potential aftershocks.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) says tsunami waves of at least 9 feet in height are possible along the coast near Mexico City. Waves of three feet or higher could also potentially be seen in El Salvador and Guatemala, or even as far away as American Samoa, Ecuador, Fiji and other Pacific islands. However, Mexican officials warn of tsunami waves of 13 feet or more and the governor of Oaxaca, Alejandro Murat, has issued a request that all at-risk areas be evacuated.

Schools in Mexico City, Oaxaca, Chiapas and other areas will be closed Friday as relief efforts begin.

All 5 Living Former Presidents Have Teamed Up to Appeal For Hurricane Relief

0
0

All five of the living former US presidents have joined together in order to support relief and recovery efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, and to brace for the impact of Hurricane Irma, reports CNN.

Former Presidents Jimmy Carter, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama appeared together in a video. In the video, they ask Americans to stand together and respond with help to the destruction Hurricane Harvey has wrought. The effort the video introduces is called the One America Appeal.

The offices of the elder Bush say the initiative will also include an appeal during the opening of the regular NFL season and another public service announcement happening over the weekend.

The hurricane hits particularly close for the Bushes. Their home state of Texas has been devastated by the hurricane, as has the neighboring state of Louisiana. Flooding and high winds have destroyed many homes and killed dozens of people. Recovery efforts for the aftermath of Harvey have already been headed up by the Bushes so far.

“We love you, Texas,” said the elder Bush in the video which has been posted to the One America Appeal website.

The office of the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library Foundation issued a statement saying any and all donations made will be collected and distributed by a restricted account.

This isn’t the first time former presidents have joined together in order to respond to a natural disaster; Clinton and the elder Bush created a joint effort to respond to Hurricane Katrina, the South Asia tsunami and the earthquake in Haiti. These previous charity appeals have always brought together former presidents.

The one thing that happens to be different about this particular time is that all previous efforts have included the sitting president in some capacity. The White House has not responded to questions about whether or not Trump was invited to participate. He did, however, offer his support on Twitter Thursday evening, writing: “We will confront ANY challenge, no matter how strong the winds or high the water. I’m proud to stand with Presidents for #OneAmericaAppeal.”

His re-election campaign has encouraged private donations and stated that the president himself donated $1 million to be used for recovery efforts after Harvey.

It would be nice to see any and all political angst put on hold in this trying time.

Where You Should Study Abroad, Based on Your Zodiac Sign

0
0

While studying abroad anywhere will probably be a magical experience, the plethora of options available can make the decision rather overwhelming. As amazing as it would be to just go everywhere, most people only get one semester abroad. You want to make sure you end up somewhere that suits your style. If you’re truly stumped, it never hurts to let the stars decide for you—or at least see what they have to say.  

Aquarius

As an intelligent humanitarian, an Aquarius needs to go somewhere she can get involved. But as a person who lives outside of the box, a unique cultural experience is also a must. You won’t be satisfied with sightseeing in Western Europe.

Places in need of your care and ideas will be the most beneficial for you and those you help. Ghana’s modernized city life in Accra will give you interesting cultural immersion, while the problems of poverty, corruption, illiteracy, and hunger facing the region will welcome your innovative help.

Pisces

As a romantic, a Pisces craves a study abroad destination that looks like it came straight out of a chick flick. You thrive around the water, obvi, but also need an outlet for your creativity and compassion.

Surrounded by water and overflowing with culture, Greece would serve as the ideal host for a Pisces girl. The vibrant colors and crystal blue ocean suit the Pisces lifestyle, as does the warm nature of the locals. If you’re lucky, maybe you’ll find a cute fisherman to keep you company, too.

Aries

The confident and energetic Aries needs to go somewhere adventurous. You take charge and aren’t afraid of a little risk and danger.

The nature of New Zealand creates a perfect playground for an Aries. From hiking the Fox Glacier to exploring the volcanic Tongariro National Park, you’ll stay amused—or die trying.

Taurus

A bit Type-A in nature, a Taurus probably wants to study abroad somewhere not terribly far outside her comfort zone—a place where she can make a plan and be her true, tourist-y Taurus self.

London would be the perfect place for a Taurus to experience a slightly different culture without being overwhelmed by a language barrier. From there you could perfectly schedule all of the tours and weekend trips you want, in order to make the most of your time abroad.

Gemini

Geminis need constant stimulation for all of the facets of their personality. The hustle and bustle of an urban city would satisfy your curiosity and give you plenty of people to talk to.

Tokyo’s fast-paced environment and large population would be enough to keep even the most impatient of Gemini busy while they study abroad. The uber-modernized city is the perfect environment to keep a Gemini from complaining of boredom, and even the language barrier won’t stop you from chatting with a stranger.

Cancer

Cancers are stereotypically considered homebodies, but that doesn’t mean they can’t have a fantastic time abroad too. A site near water without too much culture shock would be ideal for you.  

As the only English-speaking country in South America, Belize shouldn’t give a Cancer too much anxiety. The underrated tropical paradise’s beaches will make for a lovely (temporary) home away from home.

Related: How You Can Actually Afford to Study Abroad

Leo

Always in the mood for a dramatic adventure, the confident Leo must travel somewhere where she can have a good time and show off her exuberant personality.

What could be better than Barcelona, Spain, for a firecracker like you? The warm streets of Barcelona are the perfect place for you to strut your stuff, just like the Cheetah Girls. Plus, the energetic nightlife will let you continue to live it up into the wee hours of the morning.  

Virgo

Tender and nurturing, Virgos thrive when they are caring for others. Humble and down-to-earth, your time studying abroad would best be served helping others.

A Virgo would feel right at home surrounded by the nature of Thailand. Plus, helping the underdeveloped areas of the country will make your time abroad even more fulfilling.

Libra

Libras cannot tolerate injustice but are also non-confrontational. They enjoy peace and harmony and would enjoy studying somewhere low-stress where they can relax with friends.

Consistently considered one of the happiest countries in the world, Denmark—with its picturesque scenery and quaint cities—is sure to be a stress-free study abroad locale for you.

Scorpio

Never one to take the easy road, Scorpios love exciting places where they can experience new things and come out as improved versions of themselves.

A Semester at Sea would be the perfect adventure for a Scorpio, who is definitely up to the challenge of living on a boat. With common stops including places like Peru and Brazil, you’d be sure to encounter your fair share of adventure.

Sagittarius

Typical study abroad locations like Paris and Rome just won’t cut it for a Sagittarius. Your curiosity won’t be satisfied with any tourist traps (no offense, Taurus), and you will naturally wander far, far off of the beaten path.

Jordan cuts it close to the Middle East without putting you in the midst of serious danger. A Sagittarius would love to experience a culture so different from her own and be somewhere others often shy away from.

Capricorn

Characterized as serious and traditional, a Capricorn’s ideal study abroad location would have to be one with a rich history and culture.

Somewhere with art and beauty like Rome would be perfect for a Capricorn. You could geek out over all of the history of the Roman Empire and the various historical sites in the area. No shame.

If you get to spend a semester studying abroad, you should thank your lucky stars. Might as well let those same lucky stars help you pick where to go, right?  


Taylor Swift's Music Video Director Claims Beyoncé Copied Taylor

0
0

There’s bad blood in the air again, and this time Taylor Swift didn’t start it. Joseph Kahn, the talented man behind many of Taylor’s music videos, pointed a finger at Beyoncé in his latest interview with the Los Angeles Times. While Kahn has worked with the “Love on Top” singer in the past, he's not afraid to set the record straight. The “Formation” and “Look What You Made Me Do” music videos are not the same, despite what many fans think.

Defending his idea, Kahn said, “['LWYMMD'] is not ‘Formation’ at all. They try to say she’s wearing a black crop top and Beyoncé wore a black crop top. But they don’t realize in 2015 in 'Bad Blood,' Taylor Swift was wearing a black crop top. I really do think, by the way, that Beyoncé copied 'Bad Blood.'"

Kahn paired his accusatory statement with positive comments on Twitter, which I think was smart. It shows that he doesn’t regret working with Bey and being part of her team a few years back. Calling her “an amazing person” and sending her “love and respect,” it's clear Kahn isn't trying to trash Beyoncé.

Black crop tops are such a wardrobe staple—they shouldn't be the basis of a public feud between a director and a fandom (yes, the Beyhive is flooding Kahn's social channels with bee emojis). The two singers' styles are so different something as superficial as clothing had to be called out. While Kahn should stand up for his work, let's stick to the Kimye fight because that one is far from over. #reputationiscoming

Kaitlyn Bristowe Didn't Want Nick Viall to Be Her Runner-Up on 'The Bachelorette'

0
0

I distinctly remember watching Kaitlyn Bristowe’s season finale of The Bachelorette for two reasons: the final two contestants and her sparkly dress. Besides having serious wardrobe envy, I was surprised at Kaitlyn’s choices for her final two men. The whole fan base seemed to know that Shawn Booth would be the winner, but many were left wondering why she chose to break Nick Viall’s heart instead of Ben Higgins’.

In the most recent episode of her podcast, Off the Vine, Kaitlyn shocked listeners with the real reason she kept Nick around until the very end—to keep her season exciting. While it was ultimately her choice, she had to think about the fact that she was on a TV show. 

"I knew it was going to be Shawn, and in the last little while—oh, this is a big secret—I wanted my final two to be Ben and Shawn," she said, “because I knew I would hurt Nick. But I couldn't because then apparently it would've been boring, my season, and at that point I was like, 'Whatever, it was going to be Shawn.'"

Nick is no stranger to doing certain things for ratings. After being on two seasons of The Bachelorette, one season of Bachelor in Paradise and his own season of The Bachelor, it’s hard not to think that his excessive appearances are about more than finding love. He’s from Milwaukee, a city with a population of a half million people. There has to be some potential there, right? I just hope he gets his happily ever after someday. 

Police Shut Down an MIT Frat Party That Rigged Their Stairs into an Indoor Waterfall

0
0

Right before midnight on Sunday, police responded to a Phi Delta Theta fraternity party at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) that had gotten more than a little wild — as students had found a way to turn the marble staircase in the house into a waterfall (yes, really), according to the Boston Herald

Boston.com also reports that the official police report cited the frat house with underage drinking, an unlicensed DJ and the waterfall over the staircase which they said was one of the many "hazardous" features of the party. Clearly, MIT students’ frat parties are as noteworthy as the university’s engineering programs.

“The occupants had also installed a waterfall on an interior upper floor that allowed water to fall through the central stairwell, soaking the marble staircase and adding to the hazardous conditions presented by the excessive occupancy,” police told the Boston Herald.

Boston.com reports that police initially interrupted the party because they noticed 40 people lining up outside the frat house, assuming the fraternity might have gotten a little overzealous about when they promoted the shindig. Regardless, the frat house is a licensed dorm, which gives the house a maximum occupancy of 39 people. However, police told Boston.com that there were 116 people in total at the party (and, of course, a marble staircase waterfall.) 

Seeing as Phi Delta Theta is a dorm and the members of the frat are obviously MIT students, the students involved could face additional ramifications from the university along with the premise violation issued by the police.  

May this be a warning for the next group of kids who try to turn their party into a water park. 

Cole Sprouse Reveals Why He Was a Child Actor

0
0

We're about a month away from the premiere of Season 2 of Riverdale, and suffice it to say, I'm getting a little antsy. Luckily Cole Sprouse answered some questions about Jughead and his own career as a child star in a recent Reddit AMA

Cole reflected on his child actor days and revealed his original motivation for acting. "I think many young celebrities from my upbringing face a similar dilemma: Acting was, for a long time, a means to keep my family alive financially," he wrote. "And being that I was put into it before I made a conscious decision to pursue it out of passion, the only definition I had for the artform was a business/survival definition. It affected every aspect of my involvement: my ability to improve talent-wise, my care, my choosing projects, etc. That until I took a large break for re-definition of that artform, I couldn't possibly return."

After taking a hiatus from acting to attend college, Cole's interest in the field was renewed. "Now it's much more enjoyable, and Riverdale is so much fun to be a part of. Now it's passionate." 

Does he miss working with his twin brother Dylan, though? "Naw I don't miss that guy, he sucks," he joked.

Cole also hinted at what's to come for Jughead. "Jughead has been dealt a pretty bad hand. He's trying to make his own path and it's not being accepted. He has to acclimate, even temporarily, to pursue the questions he needs to answer," Sprouse said. "He burns with a desire to help his father, currently his only real family member, and will stop at very little to do so." 

Thank goodness Cole returned to acting because I can't imagine anyone else playing Jughead.

Fenty Beauty Has Arrived: Here Are Our Top Picks

0
0

The time has come. The highly coveted Fenty Beauty line has arrived, and beauty gurus all over the world are collectively freaking out.

Not sure what Fenty Beauty is? It’s Rihanna’s self-titled beauty line (because her real name is actually Robyn Fenty), and this collection differs from your average celebrity makeup releases for a few reasons. The first, and most apparent, is that it's her own collection. Rihanna worked on it for two years, produced it herself and has earned well-deserved recognition for her effort. In fact, Sephora is stocking the entire collection online and in stores, a feat that many independent and small brands can tell you is incredibly difficult. 

The second notable difference is her range of product offerings. From my own personal observation, I’ve noticed that many celebrity brands tend to focus on “fun” products, such as lipstick and palettes. Thus, by making products that you can “never have too many of,” celebrities like Kylie Jenner (Kylie Cosmetics) and Jeffree Star (Jeffree Star Cosmetics) are ensuring that their products will sell. Rihanna, however, has taken an entirely different approach, focusing the majority of her products on skin. 

Fenty Beauty of course decided to start with a bang, meaning Rihanna launched it with an entire, well-rounded collection, instead of testing with a market stage and releasing more products later. Honestly, the collection is so large it rivals that of brands that have been around for years. Of course, with so many products released at the same time, its hard to choose what to buy. Here are the top five most innovative, must-have products we've noticed from the collection. Get on this ASAP! 

1. Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation ($34 at Fenty Beauty

The best part of this foundation is its color range. Fenty is offering a staggering 40 shades, which means it's that much easier for everyone to their true color match. Rihanna has specified that she wants there to be a greater range of shades for darker skin tones - something that many other brands fail to do. Filling such a crucial part of the market, Fenty Beauty is sure to create some loyal fans quickly. Say goodbye to mixing your own custom shades or settling for something that isn’t your perfect match! 

2. Precision Makeup Sponge ($16 at Fenty Beauty)

I’ve never dreamed that there would be a replacement for my tried and true Beautyblender… until now. Currently, I use an original Beautyblender ($20 at Sephora) for my foundation and concealer, plus a structured, flat sponge ($14 at Sephora) in my everyday makeup routine. What interests me about this Fenty sponge is that it incorporates that rounded shape of a traditional makeup sponge, with the new, flat surface perfect for loose powders and baking. Two for the price of one? Yes please! 

3. Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter ($34 at Fenty Beauty)

Its 2017… and no makeup look is complete without a healthy glow (courtesy of highlighter!) Fenty Beauty released a line of six highlighters, two single shades, and four duos. There are two things that I find particularly interesting about this product. The first is the unique formula: these Killawatt highlighters are combination of a powder and a creme, that “instantly melts into skin and blends with almost zero effort.” The second is that this product claims to be incredibly buildable, meaning that you can use it for anything from a subtle glow to a blinding one. NEED.

4. Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer ($18 at Fenty Beauty)

This lip gloss is the only lip product that has currently been released by the Fenty Beauty line. Made in a rosy, neutral shade, it boasts that “one luscious swipe of Gloss Bomb’s XXL wand gives lips more to love, while conditioning shea butter enriches from within.” Plus it was designed to be universally flattering. Rihanna’s reasoning behind the product? "I made it because I wanted the girls to get kissed more,” she announced. We can back that!

5. Portable Touch Up Brush ($24 at Fenty Beauty)

Its official: Rihanna is a genius. I don’t want to even admit to you the number of brushes that I've ruined trying to shove them into small bags, knowing in advance that I would need to touch my makeup up sometime while I was out. This compact brush that looks no bigger than a tube of lipstick is literally the answer to all of my prayers. The best part? This brush magnetically attaches to Fenty’s blotting powder, creating the ultimate shine-proof duo. 

Viewing all 25628 articles
Browse latest View live




Latest Images