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Daniel Radcliffe Responds to Controversy of Johnny Depp in 'Fantastic Beasts,'& He Makes Such a Great Point

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Harry Potter fans are still not too thrilled about Warner Bros. and J.K. Rowling's decision to cast Johnny Depp as Gellert Grindelwald in the Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them franchise, despite allegations that he physically and verbally abused his ex-wife Amber Heard. Now, our beloved boy wizard is speaking out about Depp's involvement in the Harry Potter spinoff films. Daniel Radcliffe has publicly addressed the controversial choice, and he seems pretty torn about the casting news.

"It's a very hard thing for me," Radcliffe told Entertainment Weeklymentioning that he wanted to be supportive of the producers, all of whom worked on the original franchise and gave Radcliffe "a great start in life and an amazing job." 

In a statement explaining Depp's casting, Rowling, who has written the screenplays for the first two Fantastic Beasts films, said, "The agreements that have been put in the place to protect the privacy of two people, both of whom have expressed a desire to get on with their lives, must be respected. Based on our understanding of the circumstances [between Depp and Heard], the filmmakers and I are not only comfortable sticking with our original casting but genuinely happy to have Johnny playing a major character in the movies."

Although he expressed support of Rowling and her colleagues, Radcliffe brought up a valid point about casting Depp. "I can see why people are frustrated with the response that they were given from that," he said. "I'm not saying anything that anybody hasn't already said — and this is a weird analogy to draw — [but] in the NFL, there are lots of players arrested for smoking weed and there is other people's behavior that goes way beyond that and it's tolerated because they're very famous players. I suppose the thing I was struck by was, we did have a guy who was reprimanded for weed on the [original Potter] film, essentially, so obviously what Johnny has been accused of is much greater than that."

Radcliffe was referring to the case of Jamie Waylett, who played one of Draco Malfoy's sidekicks, Vincent Crabbe, in the first six films. After he was arrested for growing 10 marijuana plants in 2009, Waylett was fired from the films, and his character was simply removed onscreen. In 2011, the same year that the last Potter film premiered, he was arrested for having a homemade bomb on his person during the London riots. When news of Depp's casting broke, many avid franchise fans reminded us of the way Waylett was treated, asking why someone with Depp's fame wasn't viewed with the same severity upon an alleged criminal offense. 

Leave it to the Boy Who Lived to share a thoughtful view on the controversy surrounding Depp. Although it doesn't change anything about Depp's role in the franchise, it's good to know that there are actors within the Potter world willing to call out what's wrong about it. 

Sequel Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: The Crimes of Grindelwald, which will likely feature Depp in a prominent role, hits theaters on Nov. 16.


Plane Skids Off Turkish Airport's Runway & Comes Close to Falling Into Black Sea

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A Pegasus Airlines plane carrying 168 passengers and crew members skidded off the runway and teetered on a slope on Saturday before everyone was safely evacuated, the Huffington Post reports. The airplane veered off the runway as it was trying to land at Turkey's Trabzon Airport and ran down the nearby slope that led to the Black Sea. 

The airline released a statement apologizing for the incident, saying that the flight had a "Runaway Excursion incident during landing...All 162 passengers, 2 pilots and 4 cabin crew have been disembarked safely from the aircraft. There has been no loss of life or injury to anyone on-board."

Photos of the trapped plane show the aircraft's tip scarily close to the Black Sea below. 

The Boeing 737 craft was flying from Ankara, Turkey's capital, to Trabzon that night. Following the close call, the airport closed for a few hours to investigate the skidding's cause, but was reopened by Sunday. The Turkish state-run news agency Anadolu reported that passengers were panicked as the plane began to move off course. Passenger Fatma Gordu told Anadolu, "We tilted to the side, the front was down while the plane's rear was up. There was panic; people shouting, screaming."

 

Remarkably, no one was hurt in the accident. As of Sunday afternoon, a precise cause of the plane's difficulties has yet to be reported. 

Links We Love 1.14.18

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What to do if you fall asleep in your makeup. [refinery29]

Women in Saudi Arabia just did this for the first time. [USA Today]

Kris Jenner as a mime. [E! Online]

How to add rose gold to your beauty routine. [allure]

The best lines for guys who refuse to wear condoms. [Women's Health]

Why the 2018 Women's March is more important than ever. [PopSugar]

Recipes every mac 'n' cheese lover needs to try. [BuzzFeed]

DACA participants can apply for renewal. [The New York Times]

How Facebook keeps its users hooked. [Quartz]

Is popping your pimples really that bad? [Self]

How She Got There: Mary Lambert, Poet & Singer-Songwriter

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Name: Mary Lambert
Age: 28
Job Title: Poet/Singer-Songwriter
College Name and Major: Cornish College of the Arts, Bachelor of Music (composition)
Website:  www.marylambertsings.com
Twitter: @marylambertsing
Instagram: @marylambertsing

 

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

ML: My days are bizarre and not static at all. I appreciate the fluid nature of being an artist and am grateful for the flexibility it allows. About two years ago, I left both my management and my record label in order to reclaim my day-to-day, my sense of self, and my artistic vision. That departure has changed my life! I used to have a schedule in which I could not take care of myself, my health, hold relationships, and worst of all, I had no idea what was actually going on. I was severely disconnected from all aspects of my work. Now, as an independent poet/artist/pop singer, my job entails writing emails, doing graphic design, scheduling, negotiating, delegating and working with my team, booking logistics, designing and conceptualizing merchandise, packing and shipping merchandise, on top of finding time to actually––you know––create! When I am in the studio or carve out weeks to write, I try to re-balance the administrative work so I don't make myself crazy. When I'm not doing those things, I am touring, which is a whole 'nother set of tasks!

What is the best part of your job?

ML: THAT I GET TO CREATE AND PEOPLE WANT TO BUY WHAT I MAKE???? It's literally insane!!! I just make stuff and hope it's not shit, and then people are like, "yeah, this isn't shit. I will buy this." AND THAT'S HOW I LIVE.

What was your first entry-level job in your field and how did you get it?

ML: My first gig as a musical artist was when I was 13. I had been writing songs for five years or so, and I felt that I had a strong set of about eight songs. I practiced and practiced and decided that I wanted to perform them for the public. I had heard that Jewel, my idol, had gotten her start performing in coffee shops, so pulled out the phone book and called every single coffee shop in our town. I asked: "Hi, are you looking for an in-house musician?" I got about 15 no's and one maybe. That one maybe was a general manager at a local Starbucks who wanted to help someone like me out. The manager offered me a regular Friday night gig. He couldn't pay me, but he did offer free drinks and allowed me to have my guitar case out! I ended up making out like a bandit- $50 a night as a 13-year-old wasn't too shabby.

I ended up playing every Friday night for two years!

What words of wisdom do you find most valuable?

ML: “Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” ― Howard Thurman

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

ML: I think something I continually learn is that no one knows what the fuck they are doing. If someone tells you how to do something, it's because it worked for them. And that method, whatever it may be, could be an efficient route or a good idea, but if you feel compelled to take a different approach or if your instinct pulls you in another direction, FOLLOW THAT. Do work that makes you feel proud to come home.

What has been the most surreal moment of your career thus far?

ML: Singing a duet at the Grammys with Madonna always seems like a hilarious joke that actually happened.

What do you look for when considering hiring someone?

ML: I have a very small team: one full-time assistant and three interns. When I hire someone, they need to be able to write a clear, concise email, and be enthusiastic about the work. I don't care if they have experience in the field because the music industry is such a strange beast. I care if they have a good vibe! Touring with a group means the group dynamic is important, so I have to ask myself, "Does this person add, neutralize, or negatively impact the existing energy?" The schedule is also nuts. My poor assistant gets emails from me at 4 a.m. worrying about the van rental for the tour and has to endure long hours with the tour––sometimes 18 hour days. I think if I was a traditional artist on a major label it might be a lot worse. I take a lot of breaks and a lot of time off to spend time with the people I love, and I encourage my team to do so as well. So even though the tour is a bananas endeavor of 5-6 weeks in a van eating beef jerky, there is generally the same amount of time on vacation.

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

ML: What makes you different than anyone else creating? Why does it matter? Does the work you make inadvertently harm the world? I would advise anyone entering in the music industry that it is a fickle, bizarre creature––that there are no sure bets. Trust your creative instinct. I was applying to graduate school to be a music teacher when "Same Love" fell onto my lap, and I really do believe that success happens when preparation meets opportunity- so do everything you can to be prepared when a door opens. For instance, I wrote four choruses for "Same Love" in an hour. I was determined to be the one that was the feature on that song. There are millions of talented people, artists far more talented than me. It was luck that I got the call, but it was hard work, practice, and diligence that allowed me to deliver.

What's the one thing that's stood out to you the most in a resume?

ML: Enthusiasm. Intellect. Joy.

Fill out my online form.

HC Wake-Up Call: White House Says 'Wall Street Journal' Misquoted President Trump, Mudslide Death Toll Rises & Starbucks Debuts Wellness Teas

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Good morning Her Campus! With a break-neck news cycle, there is no possible way for you to stay on top of every story that comes across your feeds—we’re all only human, after all.

But, life comes at you fast. So grab a cup of coffee and settle in for this quick and dirty guide to stories you might’ve been sleeping on (like, literally. It’s early.)

White House Calls Out Wall Street Journal About a Trump Quote

The White House has taken issue with a quote from President Donald Trump seen in an interview published by the Wall Street Journal, CNN reports. In the interview, which was published on Thursday, Trump is quoted as saying, "I had a great relationship with him [China President Xi Jinping], as you know I have a great relationship with Prime Minister Abe of Japan and I probably have a very good relationship with Kim Jong Un of North Korea."

On Saturday, White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders disputed the print copy, claiming that the president actually said, "I'd probably have a very good..." in reference to Kim Jong Un. 

Huckabee Sanders has revealed that the White House has been in contact with the newspaper since Friday morning asking for a correction, but the Journal stands by its transcript. An "external service" used by the paper also confirmed that Trump had said "I" rather than "I'd."

Trump tweeted about the controversy on Sunday morning, accusing the paper of false statements. "Fortunately, we now record conversations with reporters," he wrote. 

Death Toll After California Mudslides Rises

The death toll following southern California's mudslides has risen to at least 20 people, CNN reports. The increase comes after 17 people were reported dead earlier this week. Four people between the ages of 2 and 53, are also missing. The dead, all of whom lived in the badly affected area of Montecito, range from 3 to 89 years old, and authorities believe that the number of missing people will soon rise "significantly." 

"In disaster circumstances, there have been many miraculous stories of people lasting many days," said Santa Barbara County Sheriff Bill Brown. "We certainly are searching for a miracle right now. But realistically we suspect that we are going to continue to have discovery of people who were killed in this incident." 

Starbucks Introduces Wellness Teas

In case you've been hit hard with a post-holidays cold, Starbucks may have the perfect solution. The coffee chain will now sell three kinds of Teavana wellness teas that seem ideal if you need your Starbucks fix but just can't handle coffee when you're sick. The Defense Wellness Tea, packed with white tea, blackberry leaves and Vitamin C, hopes to help the drinker's immune system, while the Comfort Wellness Tea includes ginger and lemon. The Rev-Up Wellness Tea boosts metabolism with a combination of black, oolong and green teas. Starbucks, here I come!

What to look out for...

Although today is already great because of the federal holiday Martin Luther King Jr. Day, you may still find yourself feeling a little down in the dumps. According to some calculations, Jan. 15 is known as"Blue Monday," which is the belief that the third Monday of January is the most depressing day of the year. Factors such as the colder weather and the growing distance from the holiday season play into the concept. Here's hoping that your Monday doesn't live up to this theory!

5 Things Anyone With a Physical Disability Should Know Before Applying to a Job

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Getting ready for your next job search is immensely stressful for pretty much everyone (if it’s not, you need to share your secrets). However, it can seem impossible to find a job when you have a disability, especially for those of us who have a physical disability (seeing as a lot of physical disabilities are easily visible).

According to the United States Census Bureau, about 57 million Americans have some form of disability. However, just because people with disabilities are a protected class, doesn’t mean magically hiring managers throw job offers you.

In fact, the United States Census Bureau elaborates that people between the ages of 21 and 64 who have disabilities are 38 percent less likely to have jobs than those who don’t have disabilities.

Because those with disabilities are statistically less likely to get jobs over those who don’t, we need to work harder to land a job, especially since it takes extra work to combat the negative stigma that surrounds everyone with a disability. Beyond the incorrect stigma that people with disabilities are lazy, there are several things that we need to know before we even apply for a new job.

Related: 4 Ways You're Secretly Sabotaging Yourself at Work

1. You should choose to disclose your disability at your discretion

If you need to use a mobility device on a regular basis, then your disability might seem like it’s revealed once you meet a hiring manager. However, formally disclosing your disability to your company’s human resources department can help ensure that you perform your daily tasks more efficiently (by getting access to reasonable accommodations or additional sick days for medical appointments).

For those of us who have invisible disabilities, hiring managers might not notice our disabilities right away.

Staff Attorney for the National Disability Rights Network (NDRN), Amy E. Scherer, tells Her Campus, “There is still a lot of stigma surrounding people with disabilities, so I think there is, unfortunately, good reason for people to be hesitant about disclosing a disability. Obviously, if the disability is visible, there may not be a choice in the matter. But, I don’t think a person should feel obligated to reveal a disability to the employer if it has no impact on the ability to perform the job.” If you’re confident that you can successfully perform every aspect of the job, without accommodations, then you might not need to disclose your disability to your employer. However, if this changes and you do need reasonable accommodations later in your professional career, you can still formally disclose your disability with your company’s HR department.

“However, it is important to note that if a person is requesting reasonable accommodations from the employer, covered under the ADA, one must disclose the disability. But, one can say that a reasonable accommodation is requested due to a medical condition, impairment or disability without having to disclose more about the particular diagnosis,” Scherer continues.

2. You have the right to reasonable accommodation

If a specific job posting requires you to stand for long periods of time (for no other reason than to stand to greet people or otherwise), your employer needs to accommodate you if you physically cannot stand or it’s too painful for you to stand for an extended period.

For example, I have arthritis (which is especially painful in my wrists and fingers), so I need text-to-speech applications to type this article.

Because I already know that these apps help my productively and quality of work, I often indicate in my applications that I am disabled. If there’s a section in an application that asks for additional comments or any accommodations, I indicate that I need text-to-speech applications. However, I make it abundantly clear that these “accommodations” allow me to be even more productive and competent in my job.

Often, companies think that requesting additional accommodations somehow translates to you needing extra help or time on a project, which is why it’s important to inform your employer about why you need these accommodations and how they make you a better employee.

If your employer isn’t giving you access to reasonable accommodations, you shouldn’t quit. Scherer explains, “If your employer has ignored your request for an accommodation, your first step should be to make sure you were understood. Put the request in writing, and specifically mention the ADA. Even though the law doesn't require you to be so explicit, your employer may not understand its obligations or may not have fully grasped your request. If the request continues to be ignored after that, legal action may be necessary.”

If it feels like your employer has forgotten about your request for accommodation, try to continue the conversation and make sure they understand your needs.

3. You don’t need to accept a lower wage because of your disability

The United States Census Bureau explains that of those in that average working age (seeing as most people work between the age 21 and 64), those with disabilities earn significantly less than those without disabilities. “Adults age 21 to 64 with disabilities had median monthly earnings of $1,961 compared with $2,724 for those with no disability,” the Census Bureau says. That’s all sorts of messed up.

While the discrepancy in wages between people with and without disabilities could attribute to experience and education, it’s equally important that you know how to market yourself in an interview and that you know your worth.

Steve Aaron, a spokesperson for the National Organization on Disability (NOD) and President at SRA Communications, tells Her Campus, “For the 57 million Americans living with disabilities, the largest barriers to employment usually stem from stigma about what individuals with disabilities can achieve and contribute to the workforce. Despite an increasing number of people with disabilities entering the workforce, these pay disparities persist as another ‘face’ of these stereotypes, and they result in discrimination that devalues the work and contributions of people with disabilities.” Although the stigma against people with disabilities might seem impossible to break, you can still fight any workplace injustices--especially if you believe your employer has discriminated against your disability.

Aaron explains that “this discrimination is unlawful.” Though it may seem impossible to retaliate against workplace injustices, you can take legal action if you believe you’re experiencing pay disparity based on your disability.

Personally, I’ve had companies (granted it was only two companies that I applied to) tell me that they needed to pay me less than the salary they advertised on their job posting because, “They needed to allocate funds to my additional accommodations,” which honestly is BS. They know it. I know it.

Conversely, Scherer reveals that “it would be rare for co-workers performing similar jobs (one with a disability, one without a disability) to be receiving different salaries solely as a result of the difference in the person’s disability status.” This makes sense because not all physical disabilities are easily visible.

“The differences are more likely to be caused by the fact that the person with a disability may work part-time due to the functional limitations of his/her disability. The biggest reason for the discrepancy, though, is the huge unemployment rate for people with disabilities. Many people with disabilities are forced into a life of poverty because employers are reluctant to hire them and therefore, they have no other income, outside of social security benefits,” Scherer concludes.

Nevertheless, it isn’t necessarily illegal for a company to offer anyone a different wage than the advertisement, seeing as a job posting isn’t a contract, so there isn’t anything that legally binding that company to offer you the advertised wage on the job posting. However, it’s generally a bad practice, and you can report them to the Better Business Bureau.

Regardless, you shouldn’t accept a lower salary offer if you aren’t comfortable with it. Instead, you should counter that you deserve a higher wage because of all of your qualifications and your potential benefit to the company.

Related: How to Deal With Criticism at Work

4. You don’t need to lie about gaps in your employment history

Depending on your physical disability, you may have had to take a brief hiatus from the working world (because your health is always more important than a paycheck). However, you don’t need to lie to a hiring manager about why you have a gap in your employment history. After all, even people without disabilities have to take extended periods of time off of work for their physical and psychological health.

Instead of creating an elaborate alibi that you rescind from your last job to go on a year-long humanitarian expedition, tell the truth. Explain to the hiring manager that you have a gap in your employment because you needed to take some time off for your health because otherwise your wellbeing and your quality of work would’ve been in jeopardy.

It may seem a bit heavy to explain this during a face-to-face interview with a hiring manager, so you could always opt to reveal this vague, but truthful, information in an “additional information” section of an application.

However, you don’t have to explain that your employment gap was due to your disability or medical condition. Scherer recommends “highlighting anything that happened during the gap (volunteer projects etc.) and avoiding the inclination to go into any detail about the medical history that led to the gap.” In this scenario, you can transform your employment gap into a positive experience, and you avoid discussing your medical history.

You could also explain your employment gap, and subsequently your disability, to your advantage. Aaron reports that you can “be honest about the reason behind any gaps in your resume” as long as you “give yourself credit for the skills you may have honed in having a disability.”

After all, your disability has allowed you to develop an incredible set of skills. Aaron explains, “Dealing with a series of cancer treatments may have given you improved multitasking skills or heightened your sense of empathy. Learning to navigate your city in a wheelchair with paraplegia may have improved your time management skills. All of these are valuable assets to employers. This fact is more than field-tested: the employers who do hire from this pool consistently rank employees with disabilities among their best, most dedicated workers, with some of the lowest rates of turnover.”

Instead of trying to seem like the perfect professional person, be truthful without revealing too much information about your medical condition. By too much, you don’t need to review your entire medical history with your hiring manager. Instead, you can simply explain that you have a gap in your employment history because you had a medical emergency, and use Aaron’s advice by explaining how your disability gives you strength in the workplace.

After all, your hiring manager would contact your previous employer to confirm whether or not you left that position to volunteer around the globe. And a company never wants to hire an untrustworthy candidate.

5. You aren’t alone

If your inbox is filling up with rejection letters even before you get to an interview, you aren’t alone. Scope explains, “When applying for jobs only 51% of disabled applications result in an interview compared with 69% for non-disabled applicants. Also on average, disabled people apply for 60% more jobs than non-disabled people when searching for a job.” Not only do people with physical disabilities get fewer interviews than applicants without any disabilities, but we also have to apply for more jobs than those non-disabled applicants.

Although we might have to search for jobs a bit differently, companies also need to grow and change in order to include people with disabilities in their hiring practices.

Lori Golden, Abilities Strategy Team Leader at Ernst & Young (EY) which is a member of the NOD Corporate Leadership Council, acknowledges that “one important signal in building the kind of culture that makes employees feel comfortable self-identifying is ensuring that company facilities are truly accessible to all employees. For example, are hand towels in the bathroom within reach of an employee in a wheelchair? Do emergency alarms feature accessible visual and auditory cues for blind or deaf employees? Does your company show employees with disabilities of all levels working and contributing in your company? Do they share the stories of how they are successful on the job, especially if it involves accommodations?” If more companies update their facilities to accommodate for people with disabilities, then their workplace atmosphere will appear more inviting to every applicant.

Company attributes like these also help applicants find employers with their best interests in mind.

If you’re still having a difficult time landing an interview, try reaching out to one of these organizations:

  • Vocational Rehabilitation Services: If you’re having a difficult time affording medical devices or issues finding employment, try contacting your local Vocational Rehabilitation Agency.

  • National Disability Rights Network (NDRN): A non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the civil and human rights of people with disabilities. NDRN is also the most prominent, legally based advocacy dedicated to protecting the rights of people with disabilities.

  • Scope: While this non-profit organization is in the UK, their mission is to ensure that people with disabilities have access to the same employment opportunities as people without disabilities.

  • National Organization on Disability (NOD): This organization is a national leader in helping businesses tap the disability labor pool, and offers companies a complete set of solutions, including benchmarking, program design and planning, and customized local hiring engagements. NOD’s employment experts make the journey with companies, from initial exploration through stage after stage of improvement, all the way to success.

  • American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD): Although AAPD that promotes change positive change and growth for people with disabilities, this organization helps connect people with disabilities to the proper resources to ensure we have the same employment opportunities.

  • U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC): If you believe that you are being discriminated against during an interview, at your work or you simply aren’t receiving reasonable accommodation, then you should contact the EEOC immediately.

Although there’s a stigma that disabled people are just lazy people who live off of the government (which by the way is ridiculous, especially since the average SSI disability paycheck barely keeps people with disabilities above the poverty line), people with disabilities want to work and a lot of us are actively searching for employment opportunities.

For those people with disabilities who want to work (or just don’t want to go through the hell that is the SSI application), only 17.9 percent of people with disabilities were employed in 2016, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

We can’t really put the same effort into applying to jobs as people without disabilities and expect to receive equal job opportunities. Instead, we have to think of fancy new tricks before we apply to jobs, because we can’t just attach a business card dispenser to our mobility devices and expect hiring managers to swarm toward us. Instead, we have to fight the stigma against people with disabilities even before we start drafting your application material.

7 Signs You Should Go For That Tinder Hookup

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Let’s be honest, we’ve almost all been there. More often than a lot of us would like to admit, our curiosity has led us to check out the new pool of potential partners through dating apps such as Tinder. Whether we’re looking for a genuine relationship or purely just for a little bit of fun, it can be a little nerve-wracking going to actually meet your potential boo. With all the talk about how dangerous meeting an online date could be, many of us are afraid of ending up on the end of some horror story. However, sometimes it’s worth it to take a little risk every once in a while. In any case, it’s important to be extremely cautious before agreeing to meet up, especially if it’s just to hook up. If you’re not sure if your Tinder hookup will end up as a beautiful fairy tale or a tragic horror story, here are some signs to keep in mind:

1. You’ve talked for a decent amount of time

We know, time says nothing when it comes to love. However, when it’s just a hook up with someone you don’t know a lot about, it’s important that you allow a sufficient amount of time to get to know a person before meeting up with them. You never want to agree to meet up after a three quick messages unless you personally know them or someone who knows them.

Whitney Le, a graduate from the University of Texas at Dallas, couldn’t agree more. “It’s easy to seem normal within the first few messages,” she says, “but after talking to them for a while you can pretty much tell if he’s creepy or cool.” Even if you don’t want anything serious and maybe you don’t even care where they’re working or where they go to school, it’s always important to make sure that this will be a safe encounter. Even a minimal amount of small talk can tell you a lot about the intentions of the person. After a few messages you can usually tell the creeps from the kings and queen.

2. They don’t seem reluctant on sharing personal information about themselves

One huge indicator that they’re not someone you should meet up with is if they’re reluctant on sharing personal information. Now we aren't saying that you should be worried if he won’t tell you his deepest fears and desires, but if he won’t even share with you his first and last name, that may be a huge red flag. Although he or she may just want to hide using a dating app from his or her friends, he or she could also be hiding the presence of a significant other… or even a criminal record. Even though it’s usually not that serious, the person you’re agreeing to meet up with should at least respect you enough to tell you something about themselves.

Kaitlyn Tran, a freshman at Collin College, says that this is a bad sign. “Most of the time it’s easy to tell if they’re just embarrassed or just plain sketchy,” she says. “If he won’t even tell you his real name and has only one photo, don’t give him the time of day.” We couldn’t agree more. Nothing ever comes from secrets!

3. Your conversations flow naturally 

Although it’s hard to see how well you may click with someone over text, it’s never a good sign when the conversation already seems forced. If some of the texts he sends seem to make you uncomfortable or uneasy, it’s never a good sign. A conversation over text isn’t everything, but you can tell a lot about how a person thinks by the way they text. If your conversations are always leading to a dead end or constant misunderstandings, there may be an issue. 

Joel Hurtado, a senior at the University of Texas at Dallas says couldn’t agree more. “Even though I’m pretty bad at texting, it’s still pretty easy to tell if I will click with a person or not,” he says. “If I have to constantly stop to think what I should say to a person, it’s probably not gonna work.” Of course, people are different behind the phone screen than they are off it, but it’s important to remember that most of the time, they are less afraid to show who they are behind the screen. If it’s awkward when you text, it’s probably going to be even more awkward in person. 

4. You have mutual friends

One of the sure-fire ways to tell if a person is safe is if they know people that you know. Even though this isn’t a requirement, it definitely helps. One of the best things about Tinder (unless you’re trying to hide from your friends is that since it is connected to Facebook, it allows you to see if this person knows some of the same people you do. Even if there are no direct connections, even a secondary connection could mean something. If your match is showing to have no connections whatsoever, it could be a little bit worrisome. Especially since it is mostly location-based, it’s usually pretty likely that they know someone you do. However, if they’re off the radar, that just means you should be extra cautious!

Sarah Lee*, a junior at University of Missouri, says having mutual friends helped calm her nerves. “After finding out that I had a couple friends who knew him, I was definitely a lot less reluctant on meeting him,” she says. “Even if I couldn’t tell if he was cool from talking to him, since I knew people who knew him, I knew the worst thing that could happen was an awkward encounter.” Let’s be real, awkward encounters are pretty bad, but it’s a lot better than a dangerous one!

5. They don’t seem too pushy about meeting you 

This is one sign that a lot of people look over. Although it’s okay for someone to be eager to meet you, he or she should never be pushy about meeting you. It’s always a bad sign when they’re almost getting angry at your reluctance and constantly giving you excuses for it being okay. In the digital dating world, many people understand that most people are often unsure about meeting someone for the first time. This is something that your match should respect and understand. 

Kelby Cole, a senior at the University of North Texas, says this is a huge red flag. “Your match should never guilt you into coming,” he says. “Although it’s nice for them to simply want you to come, it should never be an obligation.” If your match seems to constantly beg you to come over, it’s probably not a good idea. 

6. You think it’s time for you to get out there

One of the best things about online dating is that it gives you a chance to get out there when you may otherwise not be able to. If you want to experience something new but don’t know where to find it, this is a great reason to go for that first date. A lot of times with balancing work and school, it’s hard to find a good pool of candidates. If you are open to trying new things, what better way to do so than through a dating app?

Neal Brooks* a junior at the University of Texas at San Antonio says this is huge time saver. “It’s hard to find new people to meet in college,” he says. “It’s hard not to come off as weird when you’re approaching someone in real life, but with a dating app you know that you’re both at least somewhat romantically interested.” This could is one huge reason why you should go on that tinder date. If your mindset is open to new people and new experiences, go for it!

7. You truly want to go  

At the end of the day, it’s ultimately your choice. Sure, there are a lot of ways to make sure that your potential hookup isn’t a serial killer of some sort, but it’s also important to think about yourself. Deciding whether or not you should go is not solely based on the trustworthiness of the person you’re meeting but your personal desire to go. There’s never anything wrong with getting yourself to get out there and have a little fun if it’s something that you truly feel that you want to do. 

Thalia Carrillo, a junior at the University of Texas at Austin, agrees that this is a huge factor. “I think so many people are so worried about the safety of the whole situation that they forget to think about what they want,” she says. “Although you should never let your desires cloud your judgment, if it’s something that you have a good feeling about and you want to do, why not?” We couldn’t agree more. With all the safety reasons aside, the truth is that most of the time people on these dating sites are just as normal as you are. 

Related Article: 6 Dating Tips for Shy Girls

We all have those moments where we just want to meet new people and let loose. It’s totally okay and definitely nothing that you should be ashamed of. Although the whole idea of Tinder may have a horrible stigma around it, the truth is that there are a lot more people that engage in these activities than you may realize. As long as you’re smart about it, it could be a great opportunity to meet some really cool people. However, since the Internet is full of various types of people, being safe is of the utmost importance. If your match passes the test, don’t be afraid to go for it!

*name has been changed

Why the Wrestling Group Date on 'The Bachelor' Was Completely Innapropriate

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It’s easy to think of The Bachelor as this alternative world where politics and current events don’t exist and you measure your life in the glasses of wine you’ve had. As escapist TV, this is sometimes great, but then things like this week’s wrestling group date happen. Even if you’re a WWE fan (and I guess Bekah M. is?), the show’s attempts to seemingly create an empowering GLOW-like atmosphere fell flat in the worst way possible.

I’m all for being a powerful female athlete, but from the beginning, this date was not about showing the women positive, strong role models in sports. After being told that they would compete against each other in the wrestling ring, the ladies met two professional female wrestlers from the actual GLOW organization that began in the 1980s. I hope that these pros were told to play up the intensity for the cameras because they were not very inspirational.

Their tough, often rude talks with Arie’s women felt like one of those America’s Next Top Model challenges when Tyra wants to see how the girls take criticism from industry moguls. This is The Bachelor, where physical fitness and willingness to literally knock another girl out shouldn’t matter. What happened to the old-school group dates where they talked to kids about the birds and the bees or painted an orphanage in Thailand? (Okay, these were both Bachelorette dates. Notice a pattern in how they differ from Bachelor dates?)

The wrestlers’ intensity particularly affected Bibiana, who didn’t take criticism about her name lightly, and Tia, who was in tears after one of the wrestlers began yanking at her hair. Their emotional distress reminded us that, given both this date and last week’s demolition derby, The Bachelor is trying to be too oblivious of the greatest issues the country is currently facing.

Arie’s season feels different than its predecessors because it comes in the middle of the Time’s Up movement and the widespread national focus on sexual abuse and misconduct. Women of various backgrounds and industries have united in the name of #MeToo, and Hollywood has especially been vocal about igniting change in the conversation on gender equality. Last week, Oprah delivered a truly inspirational speech at the Golden Globes about men and women coming together to begin a new era in treatment of each other. The next day, The Bachelor aired its demolition derby date, which seems to have kicked off an unflattering pattern of the women being pitted against each other in unusually violent, occasionally degrading ways.

It’s not like The Bachelor is an ideal watch if you want something that always preaches feminist values. Producers can run and edit this show however they please, and sometimes the women don’t end up in scenarios that make them look the greatest. But when dates are becoming this tone deaf about the United States’ current social climate, it’s definitely concerning. It wasn’t necessarily the idea of wrestling that bothered Bibiana and Tia — it was the wrestlers’ rude, intimidating comments. Such critique made the atmosphere toxic, and these two were right to point out that such extremity between women was unneeded. I’m already hoping for them to teach guys a thing or two about feminism in Paradise this summer!


Why the Wrestling Group Date on 'The Bachelor' Was Completely Inappropriate

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It’s easy to think of The Bachelor as this alternative world where politics and current events don’t exist and you measure your life in the glasses of wine you’ve had. As escapist TV, this is sometimes great, but then things like this week’s wrestling group date happen. Even if you’re a WWE fan (and I guess Bekah M. is?), the show’s attempts to seemingly create an empowering GLOW-like atmosphere fell flat in the worst way possible.

I’m all for being a powerful female athlete, but from the beginning, this date was not about showing the women positive, strong role models in sports. After being told that they would compete against each other in the wrestling ring, the ladies met two professional female wrestlers from the actual GLOW organization that began in the 1980s. I hope that these pros were told to play up the intensity for the cameras because they were not very inspirational.

Their tough, often rude talks with Arie’s women felt like one of those America’s Next Top Model challenges when Tyra wants to see how the girls take criticism from industry moguls. This is The Bachelor, where physical fitness and willingness to literally knock another girl out shouldn’t matter. What happened to the old-school group dates where they talked to kids about the birds and the bees or painted an orphanage in Thailand? (Okay, these were both Bachelorette dates. Notice a pattern in how they differ from Bachelor dates?)

The wrestlers’ intensity particularly affected Bibiana, who didn’t take criticism about her name lightly, and Tia, who was in tears after one of the wrestlers began yanking at her hair. Their emotional distress reminded us that, given both this date and last week’s demolition derby, The Bachelor is trying to be too oblivious of the greatest issues the country is currently facing.

Arie’s season feels different than its predecessors because it comes in the middle of the Time’s Up movement and the widespread national focus on sexual abuse and misconduct. Women of various backgrounds and industries have united in the name of #MeToo, and Hollywood has especially been vocal about igniting change in the conversation on gender equality. Last week, Oprah delivered a truly inspirational speech at the Golden Globes about men and women coming together to begin a new era in treatment of each other. The next day, The Bachelor aired its demolition derby date, which seems to have kicked off an unflattering pattern of the women being pitted against each other in unusually violent, occasionally degrading ways.

It’s not like The Bachelor is an ideal watch if you want something that always preaches feminist values. Producers can run and edit this show however they please, and sometimes the women don’t end up in scenarios that make them look the greatest. But when dates are becoming this tone deaf about the United States’ current social climate, it’s definitely concerning. It wasn’t necessarily the idea of wrestling that bothered Bibiana and Tia — it was the wrestlers’ rude, intimidating comments. Such critique made the atmosphere toxic, and these two were right to point out that such extremity between women was unneeded. I’m already hoping for them to teach guys a thing or two about feminism in Paradise this summer!

Mark Wahlberg Donates $1.5 Million Salary to Time’s Up Campaign in Michelle Williams' Name After Pay Gap Exposed

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After the news that Michelle Williams made 1,500 times less than co-star Mark Wahlberg for All the Money in the World reshoots went viral, many — including celebrities like Jessica Chastain and Williams' longtime BFF Busy Philipps— publicly spoke out. The reshooting had taken place when director Ridley Scott replaced Kevin Spacey with Christopher Plummer for the leading role of J. Paul Getty due to Spacey’s numerous accusations of sexual misconduct, only months before the world premiere of the film. According to USA Today, Wahlberg received $1.5 million, while Williams made less than $1,000.

On Saturday, Wahlberg donated his $1.5 million in Williams' name to Time’s Up, a campaign focused on defending accusers of discrimination, sexual harassment and abuse. 

Williams released a statement praising Wahlberg and his talent agency William Morris Endeavor (WME), which donated an additional $500,000.

Her statement reads: "Today isn't about me. My fellow actresses stood by me and stood up for me, my activist friends taught me to use my voice and the most powerful men in charge, they listened and they acted. If we truly envision an equal world, it takes equal effort and sacrifice. Today is one of the most indelible days of my life because of Mark Wahlberg, WME and a community of women and men who share in this accomplishment. Anthony Rapp, for all the shoulders you stood on, now we stand on yours."

Others are not so happy about the donation.

Some claim that Wahlberg only donated in order to cover up that he asked for the $1.5 million for reshooting.

Regardless of Wahlberg's intentions, I'm happy to see the money support the Time's Up movement. It's important that others become aware of the injustice and inequality found in the workplace and that we learn how to do something about it.

All the Money in the World is in theaters now.



The Jonas Brothers Might Be Reuniting & the Internet Is Freaking Out

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Say it ain't so! Jonas Brothers fans are in a frenzy after their Instagram account was reactivated on Jan. 15, sparking rumors of a reunion. Is there any proof that it's actually happening? No. Do I still believe it wholeheartedly? Absolutely.

Fans took to twitter to share their excitement over the possible news, proving that they're just as dedicated as ever.

The Jonas Brothers tragicallysplit up in 2013. Their last Instagram post was July 22, 2013, meaning the reactivation of the account is the latest activity in four-and-a-half years.

 

Playing acoustic with KISS108 before the show tonight in Boston!

A post shared by Jonas Brothers (@jonasbrothers) on

Since the official split, all three brothers have gone their own ways. Kevin lives in New Jersey with his wife Danielle and their two daughters, Alena and Valentina. Joe is the lead vocalist for band DNCE, which is mostly known for single “Cake by the Ocean.” Nick has found success as a solo artist, with several of his singles reaching the top of the charts. He’s also continued to act, most recently appearing in Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle.

For now we can’t say if the rumors are true, but I for one will be first in line for tickets to a Jonas Brothers reunion!

Former Bachelor Nick Viall Might Be Dating 'Mad Men' Alum January Jones

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Attention, Bachelor Nation! There’s some juicy news on the horizon that doesn't have to do with the current suitor, Arie Luyendyk Jr. 

According to Page Six, ex-Bachelor Nick Viall, who split with his season's winner Vanessa Grimaldi last year, has been linked to Mad Men star January Jones!

How did this magical pairing of insanely good looks come together? Jones first mentioned Viall on The Late Late Show with James Corden in November, telling the host that he had reached out to her and asked if she'd face him on Lip Sync Battle

"So is that like, his way of asking me out, or does he have a problem with me? I don’t know what that was. But I declined, because I don’t need to be humiliated," Jones said.

Though she told Corden that Viall didn't follow up and ask her out, the report from Page Six says otherwise. The two were apparently even seen celebrating Jones' birthday over the weekend.

Could they be the next Wells Adams and Sarah Hyland? Only time will tell!

What do you think of this pairing, Bachelor fans? Do you think Nick has found love at last? Or do you think that he’s a player and just seeing where this takes him? Sound off on Twitter and let us know what you think!

You can find Megan on Twitter here.

Timothée Chalamet Is Donating His Entire Salary From His Upcoming Woody Allen Movie to Time's Up & Other Charities

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Timothée Chalamet's is the latest actor to announce he will not keep his salary from the upcoming Woody Allen film, A Rainy Day in New York, and will instead donate it to Time's Up, The LGBT Center in New York and RAINN. For years, Allen has been accused of sexual assault by his daughter, Dylan Farrow. 

Chalamet's announcement came in a post on Instagram, where he also explained why he hasn't spoken directly about working on the movie when asked about it in interviews. 

 

A post shared by Timothée Chalamet (@tchalamet) on

The post reads: "This year has changed the way I see and feel about so many things; it has been a thrilling and, at times, enlightening education. I have, to this point, chosen projects from the perspective of a young actor trying to walk in the footsteps of more seasoned actors I admire. But I am learning that a good role isn't the only criteria for accepting a job—that has become much clearer to me in the past few months, having witnessed the birth of a powerful movement intent on ending injustice, inequality and above all, silence. I have been asked in a few recent interviews about my decision to work on a film with Woody Allen last summer. I'm not able to answer the question directly because of contractual obligations. But what I can say is this: I don't want to profit from my work on the film, and to that end, I am going to donate my entire salary to three charities: Time's Up, The LGBT Center in New York and RAINN. I want to be worthy of standing shoulder to shoulder with the brave artists who are fighting for all people to be treated with the respect and dignity they deserve."

Though Farrow's open letter about her father's alleged assault was published by The New York Times almost four years ago, it has resurfaced under a new climate in Hollywood: one where sexual assault cases are taken more seriously, victims are speaking up and abusers are facing public punishment for their wrongful behavior. And with the creation of Tarana's Burke's Time's Up Movement, more people are coming together to combat sexual assault and to put an end to inequality in all industries.

Just last week, Chalamet's co-star in the film, Rebecca Hall, announced she would donate her salary. In her Instagram post, Hall explains that Woody Allen, "gave me one of my first significant roles in film for which I have always been grateful." She goes on to admit that she is "conflicted and saddened" after learning that her decision to accept the role in A Rainy Day in New York weighs heavier than she initially realized.

 

The day after the Weinstein accusation broke in full force I was shooting a day of work on Woody Allen’s latest movie in New York. I couldn’t have imagined somewhere stranger to be that day. When asked to do so, some seven months ago, I quickly said yes. He gave me one of my first significant roles in film for which I have always been grateful, it was one day in my hometown - easy. I have, however subsequently realized there is nothing easy about any of this. In the weeks following I have thought very deeply about this decision, and remain conflicted and saddened. After reading and re-reading Dylan Farrow’s statements of a few days ago and going back and reading the older ones - I see, not only how complicated this matter is, but that my actions have made another woman feel silenced and dismissed. That is not something that sits easily with me in the current or indeed any moment, and I am profoundly sorry. I regret this decision and wouldn’t make the same one today. It’s a small gesture and not one intended as close to compensation but I’ve donated my wage to @timesup. I’ve also signed up, will continue to donate, and look forward to working with and being part of this positive movement towards change not just in Hollywood but hopefully everywhere. #timesup

A post shared by Rebecca Hall (@rebeccahall) on

She says, "After reading and re-reading Dylan Farrow’s statements of a few days ago and going back and reading the older ones - I see, not only how complicated this matter is, but that my actions have made another woman feel silenced and dismissed. That is not something that sits easily with me in the current or indeed any moment, and I am profoundly sorry. I regret this decision and wouldn’t make the same one today."

The actress ends her apology by saying she has donated her wage to Time's Up. "I’ve also signed up, will continue to donate, and look forward to working with and being part of this positive movement towards change not just in Hollywood but hopefully everywhere," she finishes. 

If the allegations are true, 2018 may be the year that Dylan Farrow finally receives justice for the horror and pain she endured as a child. For now, we can only hope to see other celebrities follow the example that Timothée Chalamet and Rebecca Hall have set. 


Kim Kardashian and Kanye West Just Welcomed Their Third Child & the Message to Their Surrogate is Cute AF

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The homepage of Kim Kardashian's website reads in big, bold letters, "SHE'S HERE!"

Kim posted the message, marking the official arrival of the third Kardashian-West child 12:47 a.m. PT on January 15. 

"Kanye and I are happy to announce the arrival of our healthy, beautiful baby girl," she wrote on her site.

The couple made the decision to use a surrogate due to Kim's potentially life-threatning placenta accreta

Kim continued the message, "We are incredibly grateful to our surrogate who made our dreams come true with the greatest gift one could give and to our wonderful doctors and nurses for their special care. North and Saint are especially thrilled to welcome their baby sister."

Now we just need to know her name!

Selena Gomez's Mom Had a 'Long Talk' With Her About Working With Woody Allen, But 'It Didn't Click'

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It turns out Selena Gomez's mother, Mandy Teefey, had warned Gomez about working with Woody Allen. Allen is known for directing the films Annie Hall and Manhattan, and is alleged to have sexually assaulted his daughter, Dylan Farrow.

Despite the allegations, Gomez went on to star in Allen's upcoming film A Rainy Day in New York, a rom-com based on a relationship between a teenager and a middle-aged man (er...), starring Rebecca Hall, Jude Law, Elle Fanning and Timothée Chalamet. The film's storyline itself raises tensions on Allen's questionable history, particularly with the 35-year age difference with his current wife, Soon-Yi Previn.

When a fan requested that Gomez make an apology for the Woody Allen film on Instagram, Teefey wrote the response "Sorry, No one can make Selena do anything she doesn't want to."

It also looks as if Teefey had cautioned Gomez about Allen: "I had a long talk with her about not working with him and it didn't click," the comment continued. 

Teefey didn't place blame on anyone working for Gomez, though. "Her team are amazing people. There is no one fall person here. No one controls her. She makes all her own decisions. No matter how hard you you try to advise. It falls on deaf ears," Teefey wrote.

It's hard to say if Gomez will respond to the controversy, but for now she hasn't said anything.

Meanwhile, her co-star Timothée Chalamet has announced that he will donating his salary from A Rainy Day in New York to the Time's Up movement, LGBT Center in New York and anti-sexual assault organization RAINN. Rebecca Hall has also expressed regret and announced she will donate her salary from the film to the Time's Up movement.





How to Find A College Roommate That Will Be Your Best Friend

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This article has been syndicated from Generation Tay, an InfluenceHer Collective Member. Read the full post here.

When I was getting ready to go away to Fordham, one of my biggest fears (among many) was living with someone I didn't know. Nothing sounded more terrifying to me than sleeping across from a total stranger. But I'm here to tell you, if you're anything like I was, don't worry! You will be ok. I ended up being so ok that I lived with the same roommate all four years and we became not just friends, but like sisters.

Each year we added more fabulous roommates as we grew into bigger apartments, but we remained inseparable and our additional roomies became like family as well. Since graduation, nearly everyone who hears that I lived with my roommate for five years (including a year post-college) is shocked,  so I began to realize such roommate success stories are not as common as I thought. Because of this, a few of my past roomies and I chatted about how exactly we worked together so well. In the end we came up with a list of tips for finding your "roommate soulmate(s)" and maintaining a healthy relationship that lasts. Yes, it works a lot like dating. Here are the 5 things we came up with:

1. Pick your own roommate(s) even if you don't know him/her/them very well.

While schools do their best to match up people who they believe are compatible, often times it doesn't work out. That's not to say it never works out, but my suggestion is to not test this theory unless you absolutely have to. To avoid letting them pick for you, find someone on your own!

Question you're likely asking: How do I pick a roommate if I don't know anyone going to the school with me? Well, there are a few ways actually!

Social Media

The beauty of social media these days is that you will likely find multiple roommate options online. And as bizarre as it sounds, the process is very similar to online dating.

I was in several Fordham University Facebook groups where girls in my future class were planning New York City meetups and exchanging contact information!

Through this process I ended up chatting with several prospective roommates (one who even ghosted me), but eventually someone finally seemed like a good fit (she was the lucky gal who got to live with me for 5 years hehe).

Roomsurf.com

If you can't find any Facebook groups or the ones you're in are just not working, Roomsurf.com is a great site that could help match you with your roommate soulmate (also a lot like a dating site).

Meet Ups/Orientation 

Look into whether or not your college/university has organized meet ups or orientations for new students. At my school, a Fordham meetup was offered to my class in various states on different dates so incoming students could meet other classmates from their area before school began.

Another option for us was orientation. Before the summer was over, we were invited to attend one of two orientations where we could meet and connect with new people.

2. Go in open-minded and be flexible.

Whether you pick your roommate(s) or your school picks for you, you likely won't know everything about them before living together. Because of this, it's absolutely vital for you to remain open-minded and flexible at all times. When you live with someone you become roommates with the good, bad, and ugly parts of them.

Remember: none of you are perfect, so if he/she/they have an annoying habit, there's a huge chance you have one they can't stand either. My advice? If it's not serious nor is it ruining your life, just deal with it. If it's serious or ruining your life, talk about it. (But if it's really really serious or past the point of discussion, skip the rest and tell an RA). This leads me to my next point...

3. Communicate effectively.

To start, avoid any awkward conversations down the line by being open from day 1 and discussing boundaries, habits, and schedules.

During your time as roommates, whether you become best friends or not, communication will be absolutely necessary. No relationship can be perfect, but it can come close to it with open and calm conversation before things escalate. Always remember to discuss these things in person, not via text.

Read the full post here.

How the Fashion Blogging Industry Lacks Diversity & What We Can Do About It

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This article has been syndicated from GoodTomiCha, an InfluenceHer Collective Member. Read the full post here.

When I started my blog in 2015, I wanted to be one of the first black fashion bloggers. Crazy, right? I was really naive enough to think that there wasn’t a lot of us out there. As I began searching through hashtags like #blackgirlswhoblog and #browngirlbloggers and finding inspiration on Pinterest, it became abundantly clear that I wasn’t alone. If there were so many of us, why wasn’t I seeing black fashion bloggers on my feed?

How does this happen?

One of the main ways to make money as a fashion blogger is through collaborations. Different affiliate networks or retailers will reach out if they believe your audience will love their products. While some of this has to do with the brand you’ve created for yourself, it can also be from exposure from blogging websites. When those websites fail to highlight women of different backgrounds, you’ll begin to see the same faces over and over (seriously, the amount of Gucci belts and LV bags on my timeline is almost laughable). The brands then choose the same group and work with them on campaigns and the harmful cycle continues.

Fashion and beauty are not one-size-fits-all.

It seems that only recently has the fashion industry decided to implement more diversity. From runway shows to magazine covers, I always do a little dance when I see even the tiniest bit of Black Girl Magic represented. If you dress a certain way, you’re seen as “too white” or “too black.” What do those terms even mean? This can lead to a lot of young, black women believing they need to fit into a specific mold in order to be on trend.

Beauty standards for black women have also always encouraged us to fit into a Eurocentric culture. After being teased for having braids as a kid, I begged my mom to let me get a perm to straighten my hair. Unfortunately, that led to severe hair damage which of course made the teasing even worse.Not only is highlighting diversity the right thing to do, it’s also good business! Rihanna’s launch of Fenty Beauty grossed over $72 million in one month simply because makeup lovers were excited to finally see a shade created with them in mind.

What we can do:

Next time you see a woman of color posted in a campaign or posting their content, share it! The more eyes that see that we’re here, the more people will pay attention. If you see a brand reposting a black fashion blogger, leave a like or comment so they know that people we want more diversity. Finally, to all of my fellow bloggers, let’s make sure to encourage one another! “Community over competition” is a beautiful thing. It’s my goal to encourage women of all backgrounds to be proud of their style and who they are, but I specifically want to use this platform to lift up other women of color. I think it’s time we hold brands accountable for showcasing all of the beautiful women out there. We come in all shapes, sizes and colors and we deserve to be represented in the fashion and beauty space.

It’s great that we’re moving forward, but we still have a long way to go.

Read the full post here.

How to Deal When Your Friends Are Going Abroad

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You want to feel happy for your friends when they’re ecstatic about traveling the world and immersing themselves in a new culture, but it’s difficult when you realize this comes with saying goodbye for a few months. What’s even worse is that feeling that you’re being left behind while your friend is meeting boys with accents and eating decadent food. It’s a bittersweet situation, but here are a few tips on how to cope while still being a supportive friend.

1. Be supportive

Your friend is about to embark on a journey of a lifetime. There are few opportunities in life that allow you to travel for months at a time without any demanding responsibilities (besides the actual classes you’re taking abroad). Students usually aren’t married or have children to worry about. They’re young, hungry for opportunity, and excited about how blessed they are to have this experience.

It would be insensitive and cruel to make your friend feel bad about this. You’re allowed to express your concerns about missing them, but be supportive. Help them pack and listen to their concerns about international travel. Maybe do some research and help them learn some languages if need be. They’ll surely miss you and remember your kindness when they come back.

Kasey*, a sophomore from the University of Michigan, says, “I’m not going abroad this year, but my best friend is and it honestly sucks we’re going to be away from each other but what can I really do. I just have to be cheering her on because that’s what a good friend does.”

2. Transform the jealousy into gratitude

It’s one thing to be sad about not having a certain opportunity, but to take it out on your friend is another thing. Yes, her classes abroad are probably going to be a lot more luxurious and exciting in Italy than at your school, and you’re going to feel a little jealous. However, you should transform that jealousy into gratitude for what you have now.

Sarah* a junior at The College of New Jersey, says, “It’s hard seeing people take pictures under the Eiffel Tower while you’re studying in the library, but it’s easier knowing you’re working your way towards being able to go abroad one-day."  It’s not all for nothing. No, you may not be touring ancient art museums in class, but you have other opportunities many wish they had. Be thankful for your loved ones, health, and the education you’re pursuing! Sometimes, focusing on what you have is healthier than focusing on what you don’t have.

Related: Why It's Okay If You Haven't Found Your Best Friends in College

3. FaceTime (or Skype) your friend

There will probably be a time difference to tackle, but reaching out to your best friend via FaceTime or Skype is the next best thing to being there in person. I’m sure you’ll want to hear all about their travels abroad, and they’ll want to hear all about life back at campus. Catch them up on what they’ve missed at frat parties, and it will be just like old times. Sharing new experiences with each other can keep you guys connected.

Molly*, a senior at Lehigh University, says, “My best friend and I studied abroad different semesters our junior year. We were inseparable before then so we thought it was going to be torturous but it was actually a lot of fun being able to meet new friends and catching each other up on what we missed.”

4. Make the most of your time on campus

While your friend is abroad you may feel like your life is at a stand-still back on campus, but it’s not! You have around three months to make new friends, tackle new classes, and have just as much fun on the campus you’re comfortable with. Take advantage of the semester and join new clubs. Perhaps get ahead in the career search and visit your university’s career center. Maybe explore your college town to find new restaurants and picture spots! There are so many options for what you can do this semester. Your time is just as valuable on campus.

5. If you have the resources, visit your BFF

This step isn’t feasible for everyone, but while you and your BFF are missing each other, you could be visiting each other. If your friend is studying abroad over spring semester, you could potentially visit herduring your spring break. Again, this is just an idea to toy around with, with varying degrees of possibility. But I thought I’d throw it out there for those willing and able to visit their friend abroad.

We hope this helps you girls that feel a little left behind. The best thing is to do is to be there for your friend, while using your time wisely on campus. Good luck!

Simone Biles Revealed She Was Also Sexually Assaulted by Ex-USA Gymnastics Doctor Larry Nassar

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After several of her teammates came forward last year as victims of ex-USA Gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar, who has been accused of sexually assaulting dozens of gymnasts throughout his career with the organization, Simone Biles revealed in a statement on Monday that she too was sexually abused by Nassar while competing with USA Gymnastics.

The "Fierce Five" member and Olympic medalist took to Twitter the day before many of Nassar's victims were scheduled to testify in court to share her own #MeToo story.

"Most of you know me as a happy, giggly and energetic girl. But lately…I’ve felt a bit broken and the more I try to shut off the voice in my head the louder it screams. I am not afraid to tell my story anymore," Biles began the statement. "I too am one of the many survivors that was sexually abused by Larry Nassar," she continued. “Please believe me when I say it was a lot harder to first speak those words out loud than it is now to put them on paper. There are many reasons that I have been reluctant to share my story, but I know now it is not my fault."

In the statement, Biles detailed the heartbreaking way in which she was told she was receiving a "special treatment" from someone she felt she was supposed to trust in order to cover up the abuse, and explained that she'd even spent years feeling guilty and blaming herself for what happened to her. She later added that returning to the same training facility where the abuse took place, in order to prepare herself for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, had only made her pain worse.

Despite her devastating account of her experience, Biles ended the statement by saying she would not allow being a victim to define her and that she plans to continue competing.

"We need to know why this was able to take place for so long and to so many of us," she said. "We need to make sure something like this never happens again."

Biles's teammate Aly Raisman, another one of Nassar's victims, was quick to offer love and support to Biles. (Especially since not long ago, it was Biles sending messages of encouragement to Raisman when she came forward with her own allegations in November.)

Both Gabby Douglas and McKayla Maroney have also publicly revealed they are among the victims of Nassar's abuse. As CNN reports, multiple young women who were assaulted by Nassar were given the option to testify against him in a Michigan court on Tuesday as part of his criminal sentencing, and multiple future dates have been set aside for the court to hear from up to 125 victims and their parents. 

While we're sure it wasn't easy for Biles to come forward, we hope her bravery and courage will help other victims realize they are not alone.

Ryan Reynolds Filmed a Hilarious Birthday Message for Zayn Malik & We'd Expect Nothing Less

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If there were some kind of award for "best birthday shout-out creator" Ryan Reynolds would take it home, hands down. Exhibit A (in case you somehow forgot): his hilarious Instagram post in honor of his wife Blake Lively on her birthday, which was actually just a blurry photo of him and half of her face. Exhibit B: the LOL-worthy way he wished Zayn Malik a happy 25th over the weekend.

In a video Reynolds sent to the former One Direction member (which Zayn subsequently posted to his Instagram for all of us to see — bless), Deadpool, a.k.a. Ryan, filmed himself offering a birthday shout-out to Malik — except midway through, things take a hilariously creepy turn.

 

A post shared by Zayn Malik (@zayn) on

"Zayn, it's Wade. Don't hang up," Deadpool/Wade/Ryan begins the video. "I just want to wish you a very happy birthday — again. I also want to apologize for jumping out of the cake like that. I didn't realize it was the middle of the night and I had no idea I was in the middle of your bedroom. I want to thank your security who were very, very gentle and creative with the taser."

Of course, we're guessing that Ryan came up with the story just to crack us all up — or at least we hope so for his sake, since getting tased doesn't exactly sound like anyone's idea of a good time. Considering this all came from the same guy who hilariously trolled his own daughter with a terrifying Santa Claus story and just couldn't stop himself from making a hilarious post about the ~look~ Blake Lively was sporting during filming for her upcoming movie The Rhythm Section, would we expect anything less? Absolutely not.

Ryan, if you're reading this, my birthday is April 24th...just you know, in case you want to get a head start on planning my birthday shout-out.

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