Quantcast
Channel:
Viewing all 25628 articles
Browse latest View live

The Justice Department Is Alleging The ACLU 'Misled The United States' In Undocumented Jane Doe Abortion Case

0
0

The Department of Justice has officially submitted a petition that claims "Jane Doe’s" lawyers lied about the time of the undocumented minor’s abortion procedure.

If you’ve been chronically napping through Jane Doe’s case, we’ll catch you up. Jane Doe is a 17-year-old undocumented immigrant, who has been placed in a government-funded shelter since September. However, she was pregnant when she was placed in the shelter and wanted to get a safe abortion (because it’s her body after all).

Because she’s unaccompanied minor, she couldn’t just choose to get an abortion in the state of Texas (because minors need the consent of an adult or representative), which is why these legal battles were necessary in the first place.


Although we thought this teen’s abortion case was over with (seeing as the Federal Appeals Court ruled in her favor and she was able to safely terminate her pregnancy), clearly it isn’t over yet.

The Huffington Post explains that the Trump administration requested the Supreme Court investigate the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) lawyer who represented the teen.

A spokesperson from the Justice Department, Devin M. O’Malley, told The New York Times, “The A.C.L.U. misled the United States as to the timing of Jane Doe’s abortion. After informing Justice Department attorneys that the procedure would occur on October 26th, Jane Doe’s attorneys scheduled the abortion for the early morning hours of October 25th, thereby thwarting Supreme Court review. In light of that, the Justice Department believes the judgment under review should be vacated, and discipline may be warranted against Jane Doe’s attorneys.” Well, those are some hefty claims.

The Federal Appeals Court hearing ended on Oct. 24, so why does it matter if the ACLU allegedly documented the wrong date of the abortion?

The New York Times explains that in Texas women need to attend a counseling session at least 24 hours prior to their scheduled abortion. If the teen’s hearing concluded on Oct. 24 and she got the abortion the next day, she wouldn’t have been able to attend a required counseling session 24 hours before the actual medical procedure. Unless of course she sprinted from the hearing to the nearest viable clinic, which records show she didn’t.

Nevertheless, The New York Times reports that the teen did attend a counseling session on Oct. 19, which would appease the Texas state law. Thus, this alleged misinformation doesn’t break any state laws.


CBS News reports that David Cole, the ACLU Legal Director combated these accusations during a press briefing. “The Trump administration blocked Jane Doe from getting constitutionally protected care for a month and subjected her to illegal obstruction, coercion, and shaming as she waited. After the courts cleared the way for her to get her abortion, it was the ACLU's job as her lawyers to see that she wasn't delayed any further — not to give the government another chance to stand in her way,” Cole said.

During the brief, Cole also stated that his legal team was keeping their client’s “best interest” in mind. The fact “that government lawyers failed to seek judicial review quickly enough is their fault, not ours,” Cole concluded the brief.

The Huffington Post also reports that the Justice Department’s documents show that Trump’s administration planned to solicit legal intervention before the teen got her abortion on Oct. 25. Thankfully they weren’t successful with this request, otherwise Jane Doe may not have been able to get the abortion that she wanted (and has every right to).

However, this might explain why the ACLU rescheduled the teen’s abortion to an early time, seeing as the administration was already planning to halt Doe’s abortion yet again.

While the ACLU did expedite the teen’s abortion by several hours (moving the abortion to Oct. 25 at 7:30pm instead of early in the morning on Oct. 26, the Justice Department claims), does the Trump administration still have grounds to investigate the ACLU?

Yes. While the legal team didn’t break any Texas state laws by changing the date of the abortion, the Trump administration could still pursue the ACLU lawyers for providing misleading information in the final court documents.

While this is all heresy, we’re just glad that this latest legal battle regarding Jane Doe’s abortion case doesn’t actually involve her.


Trump & Sessions' Claims That They Didn't Know About Russian Contacts Just Don't Add Up 

0
0

Attorney General Jeff Sessions and President Donald Trump have claimed to that they didn’t have any associates in contact with Russia during the presidential election but, as The New York Times reports, that doesn’t really make sense.

After the Trump campaign foreign policy adviser George Papadopoulos’ plea deal, Sessions might need to clear up his testimony (and potentially re-testify in the ongoing Russia investigation). While Sessions has been pretty redundant when it comes to disputing the Trump campaign’s ties to Russia, The Times explains that Papadopoulos revealed in the Mueller case “he had connections that could help arrange a meeting between then-candidate Trump and President Putin.”

However, a source has told CNN that Sessions after turned down Papadopoulos idea for this meet and greet.

If Sessions voted against this idea, why might Sessions’ have to testify again? According to Vox, Sessions never reported this information in the first place. (You know, despite being repeatedly asked if anyone involved in the Trump campaign had any connections with Russians.)

While Sessions could have just been abiding by the unofficial rule that snitches get stitches, CNN explains that Republicans and Democrats alike are urging Sessions to account for his testimony disparities.


Democrat Sen. Martin Heinrich informed CNN, “it turns out he was at this meeting with George Papadopoulos. Papadopoulos proposed meeting with Putin and Trump. He didn't disclose that to the committee." So maybe that’s why Sessions vehemently denounced any involvement with Russia.

Sen. John Cornyn, a Republican leadership who serves on the intelligence and judiciary panels, told CNN "I certainly think it's a legitimate area of inquiry" for investigators to look into.

Seriously, Sessions’ stories just don’t add up. Either nobody in the Trump campaign had any contacts in Russia and Sessions is telling the truth or Papadopoulos is lying and weirdly pleading guilty for no reason. However, nobody pleads guilty to a crime they didn’t commit (unless they’re trying to be a scapegoat for the real person who committed the crime).

Hopefully someone sets the record straight soon so this investigation can continue.

A Producer Wanted to Whitewash the 'Crazy Rich Asians' Movie, But the Book's Author Wasn't Having It

0
0

When producers originally began approaching author Kevin Kwan about making his bestselling book Crazy Rich Asians into a movie, some of their pitches were off base, to say the least. He specifically remembers one producer who wanted to cast the lead female role, Rachel Chu, as Caucasian. Just based on the title of the book, you should be able to tell that would change the entire narrative. Not surprisingly, Kwan was having none of it. 

“That was their strategy,” Kwan told Entertainment Weekly. “They wanted to change the heroine into a white girl. I was like, ‘Well, you’ve missed the point completely.’ I said, ‘No, thank you.'” Changing Rachel into a white protagonist wouldn't make much sense considering the story is about a Chinese-American woman returning to Asia. 

Whitewashing—casting white actors in non-white roles—is already a massive problem in Hollywood. The Crazy Rich Asians movie now has an all-Asian cast, with Henry Golding (Nick Young) and Constance Wu (Rachel Chu) playing the leads. Hollywood obviously wisened up to the fact that part of the book's power is in its representation of modern Asian culture.

The cast is proud of how the film represents Asians. Michelle Yeoh, who plays Nick's mother, noted how exceptional this cast is. “It’s been too long since there’s been an all-Asian cast,” she told EW

Constance Wu thinks it's important "to see Asians and Asian-Americans and Asian-Australians and Asian-British in a context that isn't like a period piece, like a dated piece—like contemporary people with contemporary problems, and not just the idea of an Asian but their real lives."

"The story itself is colored with so many characters and each character could have their own spin-off book or movie, just because they're so rich," Henry Golding said. "That has never really been explored identity wise for Asians in cinema. They've always sort of been typecast as the, you know, sidekick or have a very sort of bit role." 

Kwan said fans of the book seem supportive of his decision to turn down a whitewashed film adaptation. Even though Hollywood might seem stuck in its ways, when Kwan told readers how that producer wanted to whitewash the protagonist, they were just as upset as he was. “You should’ve heard them scream,” Kwan said. “They were like, ‘Nooo!’ I remember one woman saying, ‘What makes these people think that all we want to do is see the same white actors or actresses on screen?’ To hear that reaction really confirmed for me what the audience wanted.” 

Kwan eventually found a producer and director who supported his vision, which gives him hope that all of Hollywood will soon catch on. "I do think the tide is turning, and my personal experience as far as I’m concerned has always been a very positive one, from the very beginning,” he said. “I had one of the top producers in Hollywood come to me wanting to make this movie and wanting to do it right, so I think the culture is shifting." 

Let's hope the momentum continues. Crazy Rich Asians is set to be released in August 2018. 

19 Things Only Girls Who Are Not Basic AT ALL Understand

0
0

If you're slightly more introverted, independent and a bit of an old soul, you'll know all about this life. Being basic is so not your thing. 

1. You refuse to give in to hype

2. You have a tendency to do your own thing 

3. You usually stay away from viral internet trends 

4. You're not a huge fan of taking selfies 

5. You refuse to watch the TV shows that everyone raves about (Grey's, Friends, etc) because why bother

6. You are aware that Target is great. But is it THAT great?

7. You have come to grips with the fact that pumpkin spice anything is just a marketing ploy

8. You never jumped on that juicing bandwagon either 

9. You love drama like anyone else, but you don't invest too much time in it 

10. You couldn't care less about designer or name brands 

11. You have never felt compelled to buy a velour track suit 

12. In grade school, you would not have been caught dead in a Hollister

13. You can only assume that Uggs are mad comfy because why else would everyone else have them 

14. You'd rather watch just about any movie other than The Notebook 

15. You're a part of the minority that believes Taylor Swift is too often overhyped

16. It's also a "no" to Coachella

17. The Kardashians may be entertaining, but you've never really considered them role models

18. While you're super self-aware about what you like and don't like, you try* not to be judgy about other people's interests 

19. *Try

'Stranger Things' Season 2 Has Given Me a New Campaign for Justice

0
0

Warning: The below contains spoilers from Season 2 of Stranger Things. If you haven't finished binging, turn back now!

All right, Stranger Nerds (I just made that up as a fandom name—thoughts?), it’s time to buckle up for another campaign for justice. It's time to raise your proverbial pitchforks, for we have a brand new fight ahead of us. I’m talking, of course, about #JusticeForBob, and boy, do I have some thoughts for you about it. I've irrevocably lost my roommate's trust by binging Stranger Things 2 without her, thus I cannot talk to her about my thoughts, and so here I am to talk to you. Needless to say, if you haven't finished Season 2 yet and are still here, it's time to turn back. 

In case you’ve somehow forgotten, Season 1 of Stranger Things kicked off the first of what might just be many rallies for justice. When Barb disappeared into the Upside Down, last seen with what I can only assume to be baby Demogorgon/Darts crawling out of her poor, lonely corpse, there was quite an uproar, for Barb had quickly captured the hearts of viewers everywhere. When the end of the season came without a hint of redemption for her cruel, untimely death, an internet campaign the likes of which we’ve never seen launched in her name. Memes, pleas, products and more cried for Justice for Barb.

Christmas came early, honey.

Season 2 brought a slight relief to Barb’s army (I just made that up, too—thoughts again??). Keeping the truth from Barb’s parents quite literally tore Nancy apart, and so she set off to expose the truth of what happened to Barb. Of course, nobody in their right mind would believe the truth, so they made enough changes to the story to make it believable, leading to the government admitting responsibility, ensuring that skipping town was no longer the thought on everyone's mind and giving the girl the funeral she deserved.

Barbara Holland, 5ever in our hearts. May you someday be fully honored in the way you deserved.

Of course, while Nancy and Jonathan fought to reveal the truth to the world and finally bring our beloved Barb to justice, an equally sinister demise was brewing. You couldn't just let us have this, huh, Duffers???

We should've known that this lovable, genuinely thoughtful character who tried maybe just a tad too hard wouldn't last. 

I'm talking, of course, about Bob.

The slightly dorky, totally doting Radio Shack man that loved Joyce Byers and all the crazy she had to offer. Who gave his fancy camera to Will for the Halloween mems. Who, instead of being angry when it was returned to him all banged up, ensured that the bullies that he thought led to the damage would be dealt with. Who brought brain teasers for Will to pass the time when he was "sick."

Bob was A+, okay? Bob deserved better! Bob deserved a lifetime of loving Joyce Byers and chilling her TF out. Like Barb, he didn't ask to get wrapped up in Upside Down drama. Barb just wanted to make sure Nancy was safe; Bob wanted to make sure Joyce and Will were safe. He didn't sign up to get effectively quarantined in the Hawkins lab, or play an integral role in restoring power to save our faves, and then get EATEN by one of Dart's brethren. But he DID. He DID get wrapped up in Upside Down drama, save our faves and get eaten by Dart’s brethren. And it’s just not fair.

Poor, clumsy Bob, who left behind his gun, knocked over a broom and took a second too long to behold the enigma that is Joyce Byers when he made it back to them. 

I’m declaring myself a leader of the Bob Squad (????), and I, too, demand justice. 

Selena Gomez & Justin Bieber Reportedly Shut Down an Entire Restaurant for a Private Dinner Date Last Night

0
0

Love them together or hate them, it looks like Jelena could officially be back on — and my heart is simply not ready for it yet.

As Just Jared reports, not only were Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez spotted together AGAIN, but this time it was for a cozy dinner date. And, brace yourself: because the maybe-couple actually shut down an entire restaurant in Los Angeles for their date Friday night. While they reportedly left separately, the two met at Morton's Steakhouse — and closed it to the public for the night — after going to church together at Hillsong in LA earlier that evening. 

Meanwhile, we're all just still trying to heal from Selena and The Weeknd's unexpected split last week and I AM NOT OKAY. But for better or for worse, according to Us Weekly, it sounds like things are pretty much back on for the on-again-off-again couple.

"Selena and Justin are back together," a source told Us Weekly on Thursday. "Selena always had feelings for Justin. They realized it was time to grow past their history and move on,” an insider also told Us. “They’ve grown up a lot in the past couple of years and are mature about the situation."

Welp, as long as they're happy. Maybe this time is the charm.

11 Things Your Period Feels Like

0
0

Periods—where do we even begin? How about it's the worst kind of torture any woman could possibly go through? Nothing compares to the cramps, cravings, PMS-ing, bloating and the sore breasts on those days of the month. Here are 11 things your period feels like:

1. Constant AF diarrhea pain

2. Like someone is standing on your lower back in stilettos

3. Like you really have to take a shit

4. Like someone ripped out your ovaries and replaced them with razor blades

5. Like you're being repeatedly kicked in the lower abdomen 

6. This

7. Like you're being stabbed from the inside out

8. A Dementor trying to eat your soul

9. An elf traveling around your body, hitting your head with a hammer, bouncing up and down on your uterus, and pressing nails against your stomach

10. Or mini ninjas trying to kill you from inside

11. Like someone reached into your insides, competed in a Double Dutch Competition…and won

I Wore Full Makeup For a Week & This is What Happened

0
0

When I was 6 years old, my older cousin Lizzie gave me a makeup kit. It was pink with purple drawers and a small mirror and filled with headbands, cheap nail polish, eyeshadow, and lipstick. It was a dream come true!  I was so excited when she gave it to me—I was finally able to act like a grown up and do my makeup just like the Spice Girls!

My parents were not as happy with this gift, though; they were not comfortable with their little girl wearing makeup. Since an early age, my parents taught me that makeup is not something I should wear to become beautiful, but something that highlights my beauty. As any loving dad would, mine told me I do not need makeup, and I believed that. My mom also taught me that I don’t need makeup to cover my face and how my skin could become ruined because of makeup, especially if I start using it at an early age.

I was also taught that makeup should be used just for certain occasions, which is what I used to do; whenever I went to the movies with my friends and my crush was there I would apply mascara, when I had a wedding, bar mitzvah or a celebration my mom would apply a little foundation and blush, and in our yearly Israeli Dancing Festival I would wear the crazy designs that looked good with our outfits on stage. But other than that, my face was completely naked.

Related: 3 Professionals Share Their Best Tips for Natural Makeup

I started to wear “real” makeup after spring break of senior year of high school. My makeup consisted of BB cream, bronzer, and mascara and, for me, that was full makeup. It was something simple, but it did indeed highlight my beauty. But once I started college my routine changed. Some days I would wear what I considered full makeup, some days I would just apply bronzer, and other days I wouldn’t even touch my makeup bag.  I will admit that I am comfortable with my own skin, and it is normal to find me around campus without any makeup—even while out on the weekends.

Then one day I decided to conduct an experiment in which I would have to wear full makeup every day. Not just BB cream, mascara, and bronzer, but eyeliner, eyeshadow, and maybe some contouring. No matter where I go, I would have to wear makeup. It was extremely weird that my face didn’t match my mood most of the time, especially since I was jet-lagged for half of this experiment. (I spent my winter break in Israel, and I landed the day before I started this challenge.)

Day One

I was so excited to start this experiment. I just bought a new foundation, so I was actually excited to try it on. It took me a while to get it even, but once I did, I felt accomplished. I woke up that day an hour before I had to leave my house when I normally take care of my morning routine in less than 30 minutes. I put some powder and concealer, and I contoured my face a little bit. I applied bronzer and some blush to make my cheeks less pale, and put some eyeshadow on my lids. I tried to do a little bit of a smoky eye with earth colors, and I finished up with some liquid eyeliner, crayon, and purple mascara.

At work, all of my co-workers told me that I looked different. I was sick last month, so most of them told me that I look much healthier and they could tell I was rested. It was weird to receive compliments from my co-workers, especially since I'm just an intern. On the way back to campus a couple of guys cat-called me, which made me feel extremely uncomfortable, but—I have to admit—it made me feel noticed. I also went to the gym that night, still wearing makeup which was extremely disgusting; I could feel the makeup melting on my face, and the mixture of sweat and foundation was making me anxious. I couldn’t enjoy my run as much as usual because I was paying attention to my face. As soon as I got back to my apartment I took it the makeup off, and I felt relieved. This week couldn't go by fast enough.

Day Two

Tuesdays and Thursdays are my days off, and I normally go to the business building on campus or to a small coffee shop to get my work done. I was still jet-lagged, and all I really wanted to do was wear sweatpants and UGGs and binge-watch on Netflix. I had to write some articles and start my assignments for the online class I was taking, so I sucked it up and made myself move out of bed. I did wear sweatpants and a t-shirt, but did my makeup as required for this challenge and headed to the business building. I spent the whole morning there and then went shopping with one of my sisters from my sorority. It was great to try on clothes looking good. I haven’t been shopping in a while and having my makeup done definitely made me feel better about myself.

Day Three

I did my makeup with excitement on this morning and I went to work. I was told again that I looked great and well-rested, and that I should keep doing whatever I was doing. I had a sorority event that night and I knew I had to look put together especially being part of the executive board. I wanted to look my best, but I already had makeup on and I didn’t know how to re-touch it, or how to fix my smudged eyeliner without taking off my eye makeup completely.

Related: 14 Thoughts Girls Have When Applying Makeup

I had to ask my friend to help me out and fix my makeup because I never had to do so. When I got to the event, my sisters told me that I looked great and healthy. I felt so pretty that all I wanted to do is take pictures and have them up on social media. To be honest, I wanted a guy to see those pictures on Facebook and see if that gave him an excuse to talk to me. If I was wearing makeup, I felt like I might as well use it to my advantage.

Day Four

I had to wake up at 8 a.m. on a Saturday because I was being initiated into my sorority. We were told that we need to wear really natural makeup and I thought that was hard to accomplish with my challenge. I manage to do it as natural as possible and headed to the event. Because we were the first class getting initiated, we were taking an exorbitant amount of pictures, and I was happy to capture the moment. I felt so pretty that day that all I wanted was to take more pictures (after initiation of course). 

By the end of the day, I was so ready for a night in, but my friends wanted to get together that night. I hated that I had to wear makeup again that day, but after a couple of shots of espresso, I managed to find the motivation to do it. My friend helped me transition my full day makeup to something more suitable for the night. I felt weird wearing such a bright lipstick and more eyeshadow than I ever imagined, plus she even helped with winged eyeliner! We got to the get-together, and a guy who did me wrong a couple of months ago actually approached me to talk to me. Unfortunately, I knew he was definitely talking to me that night because of how I looked. I forgave him a long time ago, but the fact that he would just talk to me because I was looking good made me feel uncomfortable. I ended up leaving the party and went directly to bed.

Day Five

Sundays are supposed to be lazy days, but I had back-to-back meetings the whole day. I actually woke up feeling terrible, so I ran to CVS to buy some brownie mix. That always fixes things, right? It was one of those days when you don’t want to move from your bed, much less look presentable. I put a big hoodie on and did my makeup against my will. I never put makeup to run errands, much less when I am still wearing my pajamas! I had to admit that putting on makeup made me feel better and cheered me up a little bit. I made the brownies and ran from meeting to meeting the whole day. My last meeting was the formal chapter, and I wanted to look good. By the end of the day, I was starting to think that wearing makeup was not a hassle, but something I could actually enjoy.

Related: 7 Beauty Hacks That Will Change How You Use Makeup

Days Six and Seven

These final two days were pretty normal. I guess people got used to me wearing makeup and looking more put together. The only big thing that happened was that one of the members of a board I am part of introduced himself to me again—because he didn’t recognize me.

Overall Experience

My perception about makeup changed completely during this challenge. I still believe that makeup highlights your beauty and that full makeup should be reserved for special occasions. But I have to admit that I enjoyed feeling pretty and put together, it gave me a little push during those days when I was feeling down or when the jet lag was too much to handle. It also made me think about the perception people have of me; people compliment me when I wear makeup, which highlights my beauty. But they don't compliment me when I am brave enough to go around makeup-less. I guess wearing makeup is a double standard kind of thing; it makes me feel more confident when I wear it but makes me guess my beauty when I am not wearing any.

I also decided to not wear any makeup the day after the challenge, and I felt uncomfortable during the first 20 minutes I was outside. But after a while, I realized that the only person I want to impress right now is myself, and if I am not wearing makeup in public is because I do consider myself pretty enough.

At the end of the day, I know that if I decide to wear makeup it's because I want to and because it makes me feel better—not because I expect a compliment or a random guy to talk to me.


Netflix Has Announced It Will Completely Cut Ties With Kevin Spacey

0
0

Following sexual assault allegations made by actor Anthony Rapp and multiple employees of Netflix's House of Cards, Netflix has announced it will be cutting all ties from Kevin Spacey, including firing the actor from House of Cards and canceling the release of the company's upcoming film Gore, which Spacey starred in.

Us Weekly reports that in a statement on Friday, Netflix said it, "will not be involved with any further production of House of Cards that includes Kevin Spacey. We will continue to work with MRC during this hiatus time to evaluate our path forward as it relates to the show. We have also decided we will not be moving forward with the release of the film Gore, which was in post-production, starring and produced by Kevin Spacey."

According to The Hollywood Reporter, production of House of Cards is unlikely to cease altogether — instead, the show's writers are looking for a way to rework the sixth season and write Spacey out of it, possibly killing his character, Frank Underwood, off and allowing his wife Claire to take center stage in the show.

"They shut it down to figure out how to write him out," a source told The Hollywood Reporter, after production on season six of House of Cards was previously suspended this week when Rapp first came forward with allegations that Spacey made sexual advances on him when he was only 14 years old.

Following Rapp's allegations, eight employees on the show reported that Spacey made the work environment "toxic," and a male production assistant alleged that Spacey sexually assaulted him early on in the show's production.

As Netflix tries to determine the future of the show now that it has fired Spacey, the company has said it has, "nothing further to share at this time."

Senator Elizabeth Warren Says She Thinks the DNC Was Rigged in Hillary Clinton's Favor

0
0

Following the release of excerpts from former interim chairperson of the Democratic National Committee Donna Brazile's book, Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren has said she agrees that the DNC system was "rigged" to help Hillary Clinton in the 2016 election primaries.

In Sen. Warren's interview with CNN on Thursday, anchor Jake Tapper brought up the claims made in Brazile's book, saying, "We learned today from the former Democratic National Committee Chairwoman Donna Brazile that the Clinton campaign, in her view, did rig the presidential nominating process by entering into an agreement to control day-to-day operations at the DNC." 

Warren responded, "This is a real problem, but what we’ve got to do as Democrats now is we’ve got to hold this party accountable."

When Tapper asked Warren whether she agreed with Brazile's accusations that the DNC was "rigged" the Massachusets senator answered, "yes."

Warren's response follows Politico's release of excerpts from Brazile's book earlier this week, in which the former interim chairperson of the DNC writes that she discovered an agreement between the Clinton campaign and the DNC in which Clinton agreed to raise money for the DNC, and in exchange her campaign would, "control the party’s finances, strategy, and all the money raised." The agreement was, according to Brazile, in place far before Clinton became the official Democratic nominee, raising questions about whether it created a disadvantage for Sen. Sanders in the 2016 primaries.

Sen. Warren is seen as a potential Democratic presidential candidate in 2020, and added in her interview with CNN that she had spoken with Tom Perez, the DNC's new chairperson about making both the liberal and centrist members of the Democratic party feel comfortable. 

"This is a test for Tom Perez," Warren told CNN. "Either he’s going to succeed by bringing Bernie Sanders and Bernie Sanders representatives into this process, or he’s going to fail. And I very much hope he succeeds."

Blend & Cleanse Your Way to Smooth Skin with Clarisonic

0
0

Fall semester skincare can feel like such a struggle, especially with the back-to-school grind and long days spent in the cold weather. Practices like taking care of your skin typically fall on the back burner, but there’s no reason to have to cut radiant skin from your beauty routine!

Clarisonic is here to save the day and help you achieve your most radiant complexion for fall-ready skin instantly. With effective regular cleansing of the skin, your expensive skincare products can absorb better and work that much harder in those cold weather months.  In addition, with a clean canvas your makeup stays on longer and looks smoother. Enter below for the chance to win these amazing gifts––because yes, all Clarisonic devices can now blend your makeup AND take it off too!

Cleanse:

Blend:

  • Sonic Foundation Brush– get an airbrushed glow with this brush perfect for liquid or cream foundation, contour, blush and highlighter

Happy cleansing and blending! Enter to win the giveaway here!

 

Clarisonic Blend + Cleanse Giveaway

 

15 Signs You're Experiencing 'Bachelor' Withdrawals

0
0

With Arie Luyendyk Jr. gearing up to take the coveted Bachelor role, we're getting more and more excited for 2018's roses and romance. Here are 15 signs you just can't wait for The Bachelor to return. 

1. You're actually considering watching (or rewatching) Arie's season with Emily Maynard

Throwing it way back.

2. You're keeping up with all the rejects

You know all their names.

3. Arie is not your first choice, but at this point it doesn't matter

A total rando could be the Bachelor, and I'd still tune in every Monday.

4. You've even looked at an application form for the show

#Guilty

5. You're having trouble understanding why Bachelor in Paradise isn't a year-round program

Mike Fleiss, GET IT TOGETHER NOW.

6. Your Instagram feed is filled with past contestants

No shame.

7. You would just like all the spoilers already

A first episode sneak peek of Arie's season would suffice.

8. You miss Chris Harrison and his commentary

He makes the show. 

9. The franchise has taught you how to love drama

Actually me ^

10. You still cannot believe how much makeup Ashley I. brought to Bachelor in Paradise

If you don't have a separate suitcase for your cosmetics, then what are you doing with your life?

11. You wouldn't be surprised if Josh Murray was still probably on a beach somewhere

Eating pizza and being sweaty AF.

12. You feel weird not seeing breakups on television 

Because breaking up on national television is totally normal, right?

13. You're dreaming of date ideas for the show

A helicopter date is so last season.

14. You daydream about first impression gowns

Will two girls be dressed the same? 

15. You miss moments like this

Words of wisdom right there.

I Tried Shaving My Face & Here's What Happened

0
0

Now, if you read the title of this and cringed, I don't blame you. Everything we know or have been told about shaving should tell you to run away screaming if a razor comes near your face. However, after seeing this trick on Pinterest, I was intrigued. I've always been bothered by how my foundation looked over my peach fuzz, so I thought I'd give it a go!

In scouring the Internet for clues, I found that the verdict was pretty much split down the middle; some opinions were scary, but some were really promising!

Potential Pros:

  1. Softer skin and anti-aging from the exfoliation
  2. Smoother makeup application
  3. Potentially clearer skin

Potential Cons:

  1. Hair growing back thicker and darker
  2. Razor bumps/ingrown hairs
  3. Cuts/nicks
  4. Sensitive skin reacting poorly

Weighing the pros and cons, I decided the pros outweighed the cons and I wanted to give this go. After all of my research, I ordered the “Gabriella Women’s Eyebrow and Facial Razor” pack from Amazon, because it had the best reviews and the cheapest price. I would definitely recommend buying something like this rather than a traditional razor because it’s gentler for your face! I didn't buy any special shaving cream since it looked like everyone was saying to do it on a dry face (yes, dry! Not even water!).

Related: 7 Beauty Hacks That Will Change How You Use Makeup

After watching a few YouTube tutorials, I took a deep breath and started in on a potentially life-altering experiment. Here’s what happened:

Observing the pros:

Softer skin and anti-aging from the exfoliation

My face became so soft! This one is probably obvious, as you’ve learned from rubbing your baby soft legs constantly right after shaving them. But the surprising part was that my face stayed soft—for weeks!

Smoother makeup application

My makeup looked significantly better! Without any peach fuzz or dead skin in the way, my foundation went on so much smoother! No more streaks or weird build-up from the makeup grabbing onto the hairs or dry skin (gross). 

Potentially clearer skin

Confirmed: My skin started to get clearer! The pimples that I had improved considerably, and so did my patchy dryness. Why? Because with less hair in the way, it was easier for skincare products to reach pores and really soak into the skin!

Related: 6 Beauty Hacks You Should Never Try

Looking at the cons:

Hair growing back thicker and darker

For me, the hair regrowth went mostly unnoticed! In my research, I read that you should shave every two weeks. I thought that sounded like total garbage—no way would I let the hair grow for that long without looking like I was growing a beard! But two weeks came and went before I remembered my experiment. And when I looked at the hair up close in the mirror, it looked exactly how it did pre-shave—no prickly grow-back period whatsoever!

Razor bumps/ingrown hairs

This wasn't the case for me. I didn’t have any bumps, which was a huge relief!

Cuts/nicks

I managed to avoid these, too. Shaving was so easy it was almost impossible to mess up! I shaved using short strokes, which helped prevent any slip-ups.

Sensitive skin reacting poorly

The razor I used was so gentle! Even without shaving cream, it was so gentle on my skin that I didn’t have any issues with sensitivity.

Related: How to Revive Dull, Dreary Winter Skin

For me, I experienced all of the pros without dealing with any of the cons. Not only were the results better than I expected, a month after stopping shaving, my face is back to the way it was before shaving (so, no, my hair didn't grow back thicker). The razors were so affordable and easy to use, and the results were so fantastic, that there is almost no reason not to give shaving a shot!

Would you ever try shaving your face?

If You Didn't Love Them Already, Liam Hemsworth Made a Surprise Appearance on Miley Cyrus's Episode of 'SNL'

0
0

Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth were recently spotted on Georgia's Tybee Island, where they met while filming The Last Song, but of course this busy couple doesn't stay in one place for long. Although she was scheduled as the musical guest on the Nov. 4 episode of Saturday Night Live, Miley Cyrus also appeared in a sketch parodying everyone's favorite sick day watch, The Price is Right. To everyone's surprise, Liam also joined the sketch, proving that these two work to support each other and make their relationship a priority, even when they're working. 

In the sketch, called "The Price is Right: Celebrity Edition," Miley plays an ordinary contestant who joins Chris Hemsworth, played by SNL​ star Alex Moffat, in a game against host Larry David's Bernie Sanders. 

The sketch doesn't waste any time in pointing out the irony of Miley playing someone alongside her fiance's "big brother." As Amanda (who could honestly pass as Miley Stewart in the Hannah Montana days), Miley says, "You're really cute...do you have a brother?"

Later in the clip, "Chris" asks to phone a friend, cuing in the actual Liam. While the boys joke about being Australian, Amanda realizes that this might not be the best pairing for success in the game. But, really, can Liam and Chris actually co-host the show one day? Please? 

Although SNL's Family Feud sketches will forever be my favorite game show parodies, Miley and Liam definitely made this new kind of sketch notable. I'm all about this two proving that they love each other, no matter what the media says. 

Healthy Snack Alternatives For Every Craving

0
0

It’s 10 p.m., you’ve been up studying for three hours straight and you’re starting to go cross-eyed. The words “snack break” are repeated again and again until you cave and eat an entire bag of chips. Snacks are about as much a part of college as homework, but the constant worry of the freshman (or sophomore, junior or senior) fifteen only adds unnecessary stress.

Have no fear, though, because we hunted down the absolute best healthy snacks to munch happily on, whether you’re in-between classes, taking a study break or looking for something to pair with your latest Netflix binge. So instead of reaching for the Oreos, try one of these delicious and nutritious substitutes, no matter what craving you have.

If you’re craving chips…

If potato chips, tortilla chips or Doritos are on your mind, then you’re in the mood for something salty. These snacks contain tons of unnecessary fats and actually way more salt than you need, so instead try:

Pumpkin Seeds/Sunflower Seeds

Both of these crunchy seeds are super snackable, and you’ll still get to feel like you’re munching away without getting all of the unnecessary fats that come with chips. Plus they’re filled with plenty fiber, so you’ll fill up quicker and avoid overeating. Just keep in mind that they are calorie-packed, so put a serving into a bowl to avoid over-eating. Pumpkin seeds are a personal favorite of Sarah Madaus, a sophomore at Temple University, who says that she loves them because “they’re a complete protein (all 8 amino acids), they're full of good fats and they're a delicious way to curb the salty craving.”

Tequila Shot Cucumbers

This snack is similar to a tequila-less tequila shot. Instead of tequila though, cut up some cucumbers, sprinkle some salt on them and squeeze a little lime juice on top. The result is a perfectly crunchy and salty snack that is completely addicting. Madeline Frisk, a senior at Oregon State University, says these are her go-to snack. “My roommate made these [our] freshman year and I didn't think I would like them at first but I absolutely love them,” she says. “Once you start snacking on these it's hard to stop. My roommate also added chili powder so if you like spicy food that's definitely a great way to spice these up.”

Popcorn

This is a classic Netflix pairing, but instead of munching on a bag of microwave popcorn that can be over 400 calories and loaded with bad fats, try making your own by popping some kernels in a pot with a bit of oil on the stove. Just make sure to put a lid on top! Then, coat it in hot sauce, which actually has zero calories. Or, if you don’t feel like making it yourself, there are tons of low-cal premade options. “I love love love munching on Boom Chicka Pop or Skinny Pop when I need a study snack or something to eat while I'm on a Netflix binge,” says Sarah M.

If you’re craving anything chocolate…

This one is tricky because chocolate is irreplaceable…but there are healthy alternatives, including the following:

Dark Chocolate

If you absolutely cannot settle for anything less than chocolate, then switch out milk chocolate for some dark chocolate. Go for 70 percent dark chocolate, but make sure not to eat too much. One ounce, which is about one square of chocolate can be around 170 calories, so this works well for an unexpected craving—but won’t fill you up too much.

Love Crunch

This is basically the love child of trail mix and granola. There are tons of flavors, but if you’re looking for something especially chocolaty, Sammi Burke, Siena College Alum, recommends their Dark Chocolate & Red Berries flavor. “It's a granola mixed with dark chocolate chunks and dried berries,” she says “It’s sweet, chocolaty and crunchy.”

Lärabars

These are mega-addictive bars that you can eat without feeling guilty. Sometimes snack bars are loaded with sugar and are pretty much a glorified candy bar, but these are made with natural ingredients, fruits, nuts and spices. Plus, they’re gluten free, non-GMO and have vegan, dairy-free and soy-free options, so anyone can enjoy them. Elizabeth Lloyd, a senior at Minnesota State University loves the Lärabar bites. “They are like brownies!” she says. If you can’t decide which flavor to get, you can also try their Variety Box, which has everything from peanut butter cookie, to apple pie, to chocolate chip cookie dough flavors.

If you’re craving ice cream…

Who doesn’t love ice cream? It’s cold, creamy and so good that sometimes you don’t even notice that you’ve eaten an entire pint—oops. It’s definitely great as a dessert, but it’s not the healthiest choice out there, so try one of these cool snacks instead:

Nice Cream (Banana soft serve)

The name, “nice cream,” says it all when it comes to this ice cream substitute. It has all of your favorite things about ice cream without making you feel guilty for eating the entire thing. To make your own nice cream, blend frozen bananas with a little milk and then add toppings. Sammi Caramela, a senior at Rowan University says, “try toppings like dark chocolate, coconut shavings, granola, or other fruit!” You won’t even believe you’re not eating actual ice cream.

Halo Top

If you aren’t much of a do-it-yourselfer, then Halo Top is a great ice cream substitute. The low-cal ice cream is less than 300 calories a pint—yes, an ENTIRE pint. Chances are you won’t even be able to finish the whole thing anyway, and the texture and flavors are exactly like ice cream. Sarah Westbrook loves Halo Top because it's so close to the real thing. "This summer I tried working on a "summer bod" but what is summer without ice cream?" she says. "I finally found a store that had halo top and was hooked...I can eat a pint in one sitting. But the best is when you mix the birthday cake with the chocolate flavor." Also make sure to check out their strawberry flavor!

Greek Yogurt

The creamy texture of yogurt is a close trade with ice cream for way less sugar and fat. Plus, it will keep you full while still acting as a treat. Emily Luc, a senior at UNH[spell out] says this is one of her favorite snacks. “The Chobani Flip yogurts are one of my favorites because there is wide variety of flavors, you can eat it on the go and they’re delicious.” If you’re craving something a little sweeter, you can also add plenty of toppings, which is what Madaus [first name] does to treat herself. “My go-to snack right now is Oikos Greek yogurt Banana Peanut Butter Crunch,” she says. “I usually treat it like a desert, because there are more calories and sugars than plain yogurt because of the chocolate and peanut butter bits. The yogurt is sweet, and in addition to the chocolate/pb bits there's a bit of a crumble of something in there which gives it the crunch.”

If you’re craving cookies…

It’s so tempting to stash a sleeve of Oreos in your cabinet and grab a few (or six) without even thinking. But three Oreos hold 160 calories and 14 grams of sugar–so, instead, make the calories count:

Apples and Peanut Butter

Switch out the cookies for this sweet and crunchy snack. The apples will fill in for the sweetness of the cookie, and adding some PB makes everything taste better. Plus, the protein in the peanut butter and the fiber in the apple will fill you up. Madeline loves the convenience of this substitute. “I love this snack because it's a quick and easy snack that I can throw in my backpack if needed,” she says. “All I have to do is slice up an apple, grab some peanut butter and start dipping.”

Sarah M. also loves the peanut butter and apple combo—but with a twist. “For dessert sometimes I like to cut up fresh apples into bite-sized pieces, pour over two tablespoons of melted natural peanut butter, and sprinkle a few dark chocolate chips on top,” she says. “So yum!”

Fruit Leather

OK, so this doesn’t fit in with the crunchy aspect of a cookie, but it definitely replaces the sweetness. Basically, they’re the grownup equivalent of Fruit Rollups, so they have to be good. Sarah M. says this is perfect for a sweet tooth. “All natural fruit leather is a perfect chewy snack, and it's super easy to make too!” she says. “My favorite kind is strawberry or raspberry.” There are tons of healthy options to snag at the grocery store, but if you happen to have an affinity for homemade snacks, try making them on your own—it’s super easy!

If you’re craving a (very) late night snack…

After a long night of studying or going out, sometimes you need something filling. No amounts of mini-snacks will work and you want something that feels like a real meal, without actually being one.

Faux PB&J Sandwich

This has everything you love about the classic PB&J, without the excessive amount of sugar. Instead of regular PB, try almond butter. Sarah Zaghi, a sophomore at UCLA even has a genius replacement for the “J.” “Instead of jelly I use fresh fruit… like strawberries or apples,” she says. “The almond butter is salty and crunchy, the fruit is sweet and together it is perfect.” This spin on an old classic will keep you full and works as a much more substantial snack.

Cheese Sticks

Not only are these the most portable snack ever, but also an excellent source of protein so you won’t be reaching for the bag of chips ten minutes post-snack. Madeline says these are perfect for when you’re on-the-go: “I constantly put a cheese stick in my backpack or even with me to parties because they are so easy to transport and when I have a few are a good way to fuel up.”

Buffalo Bites

This is essentially the healthy equivalent of buffalo wings. Instead of chicken, though, use cauliflower. It’s a great way to get in some extra veggies while still feeling like you’re eating bar food. Sarah M. is a big fan of this healthy alternative. “They're delicious,” she says. “They're like buffalo wings, but way lower cal, not fried, and [they’re] vegetables, not meat.” Try this recipe from delish make your own!

Hummus and Veggies

This might not seem very filling, but hummus is absolutely packed with protein, which is exactly what you want when you’re looking for something to fill you up. Instead of the tortilla chips that you usually dip, try carrots, celery, cucumbers or pretty much any veggie that you love. Emily loves this snack because of the low prep time and the fact that it’s just plain delicious. “It's a perfect snack to not feel guilty about indulging in, and it's quick to make,” she says.

It’s time to stop giving snacking such a bad rap! With this go-to guide, you’ll be sure to curb every craving that comes along. So as long as you keep it healthy and reach for the good stuff, snack away.


Uma Thurman Has a Chilling Response to Harvey Weinstein; Says She's 'Waiting to Feel Less Angry' Before Discussing It

0
0

Amidst several Hollywood actresses coming forward about their experiences of sexual harassment from producer Harvey Weinstein, Golden Globe-winning actress Uma Thurman has revealed that she's "waiting to feel less angry" before discussing her opinions and own experiences of Weinstein. Entertainment Weekly reports that Thurman originally spoke to Access Hollywood about the scandal in October while promoting her Broadway play The Parisian Woman. However, her statement has now gained viral attention after Huff Post contributor Yashar Ali shared video of it on Twitter. 

"I think it's commendable," Thurman said of her peers speaking out about Weinstein's inappropriate behavior. "I don't have a tidy soundbite for you because I have learned I am not a child, and I have learned that, when I've spoken in anger, I usually regret the way I express myself. So I've been waiting to feel less angry. And when I'm ready, I'll say what I have to say."

Thurman is visibly firm yet emotionally affected in her explanation, which speaks wonders about how deeply sexual abuse has impacted women in the film industry. She has worked with Weinstein on several films, including Kill Bill and Pulp Fiction, suggesting that she has great insight into the widely reported scandals about the producing mogul. Police in New York, L.A., Beverly Hills, and the U.K. are currently investigating sexual assault accusations made against Weinstein. 

Twitter has applauded Thurman for her chilling response to the reports, pointing out that she has personified many women's feelings about such news only being taken seriously now. 

Of course, there are still people who believe that her response was not enough. Italian actress Asia Argento, who accused Weinstein of sexual assault, addressed the video clip on Twitter, saying to Thurman, "We need your strong voice, it truly is commanding." 

Regardless of people's reactions to Thurman's statement, it's clear that the actress has an important story to share whenever she feels prepared. 

Links We Love 11.5.17

0
0

Your dog might not always like your hugs. [Women's Health]

Dark chocolate is now a health food. [Vox]

More and more father led families are crossing the border. [BuzzFeed]

Want to spice up your dreams? [Elite Daily]

The joy of not wearing a bra. [The New Yorker]

There are only 4 black CEOs on the Fortune 500 list. [The Atlantic]

Kris Jenner shops at the Dollar Store. [Cosmopolitan]

Opinions on the 2016 election, one year later. [The Los Angeles Times]

What pros buy at Sephora. [refinery29]

How not following my dreams impacted my college journey. [Affinity]

 

 

An Anti-Corruption Committee in Saudi Arabia Has Arrested 11 Princes & Other Officials

0
0

At least 11 Saudi Arabian princes, four ministers and several former officials were arrested on Saturday by the country's new anti-corruption committee reportedly in an attempt to consolidate the power of the king's son and key adviser, The New York Times reports. Among the arrested is one of the world's richest men, Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, who has owned stakes in companies such as 21st Century Fox, Apple and Twitter, and also oversees Arab countries' satellite TV networks. 

The king's son Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has previously been the focus of criticism that he has gained too much power in the various fields of Saudi Arabian law for being only 32 years old. His father King Salman allowed for the creation of the anti-corruption committee and the prince's leadership of the group only hours before the arrests took place. According to Saudi-owned satellite network Al Arabiya, the committee has the power to "investigate, arrest, ban from travel, or freeze the assets" of those it finds corrupt. 

While President Donald Trump spoke to King Salman over the phone on Saturday about different issues, including the Manhattan terror attack earlier this week, the Los Angeles Times reports that Trump has not publicly addressed the mass arrest. A senior administration also reportedly danced around a reporter's question about the arrests coming up in the two leaders' conversation. Jared Kushner reportedly visited Saudi Arabia along with other White House officials last month, but it is unknown if the visit and Trump's phone call with the king are related.

As of now, the status of the arrested people is not publicly known. 

16 Strange Things You Can Only Learn in an Uber

0
0

Before Travis Scott told us to "Uber Everywhere," we were already, well, Ubering everywhere. There is nothing quite like an Uber ride—alone or with your squad. From trips to the bar, to trips to your favorite restaurant, to trips to work, to trips home from bae's house, there are some things you can't help but learn in your Uber. Read below for 16 of them.

1. Just how fucked up you are

*Internal monologue* "Something isn't right here..."

2. The name of the person whose Uber you tried to steal

Uber driver: "Is your name Pam?" You: "No... but it can be." 

3. What it's like to reevaluate your life

You just spent the last ten dollars to your name on this ride to the bar—and you feel no shame. 

4. The life story that your Uber driver wants you to believe

You want to believe it, too.

5. That you are, in fact, just a booty call

*Interprets being sent home by hookup buddy via Uber as a romantic gesture*

6. The order-to-delivery timeframe of your favorite pizza place

You've mastered the art of knowing when to call so that it's at your door when you get there. Round of applause!

7. The limits of your awkwardness

Are we at our destination yet? 

8. How long you can hold in your puke

Started from the bar and now you're here. On the sidewalk. Throwing up. 

9. The most irrelevant details of your surrounding environment

"You'll still get me, right?"

10. The true value of quiet time

Hey, Uber driver who won't stop talking! Could you, maybe, chill for a sec?

11. Your detailed escape plan 

Cause you just never know if your driver is secretly a serial killer. 

12. That you left your wallet, phone and dignity at the bar

No Ragrets Tho. 

13. That you really need to write a memoir

"Thanks for listening, Shawn. You've made me realize how interesting I am." 

14. The difference between a four-star ride and a five-star ride

"You got a phone charger and an aux cord, Uber driver? Say no more."

15. That you and your drunk squad are being rescued

Shout out to the Uber gods. 

16. The harsh realization that this surcharge is gonna be expensive as fuck

It seemed like a good idea at the time...

16 Tweets That Perfectly Sum Up Being a Woman

0
0

Twitter pretty much acts like the snarky BFF you always secretly wanted. It's so easy to find tweets that you completely identify with as much as Blair Waldorf identifies with plaid—especially when the tweets are about womanhood. Here's a list of the 16 best tweets that sum up the complicated, yet non-monolithic journey of the female individual.

1. The gender gap is all too real

2. Because mansplaining never gets old

3. We all have that one deal-breaker

4. How hard is it to understand that some jokes just aren't funny??

5. Priorities

6. My makeup, my problem

7. Some things just require dedication

8. The "s" word dilemma is all too real

9. Just let me eat my [insert food here] in peace

10. Which mood you catch us in depends on you

11. We can't live up to the world's expectations, only our own

12. Having money is truly a thing of beauty

13. Our confidence can go on a rollercoaster ride

14. Some things just aren't fair

15. Beauty should be a two-way street

16. You truly support other women

Viewing all 25628 articles
Browse latest View live




Latest Images