Whether your spring break plans include catching up on some much needed ZZZs at home or escaping to an exotic locale to kick it by the pool, obvi one of the most crucial parts of break is documenting your adventures on Instagram! Not only is it a great way to show off to the followers, but you’ll love looking back on spring break memories and posts for years to come.

So, ladies, it’s time to follow our tips and capture the perfect spring break Instagram every time. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Smile for the camera

Though that signature pout plays well on Instagram the majority of the year, spring break is the best time to break your selfie rule and let those pearly whites come out to shine. It is spring break after all – show your followers how much you’re lovin the sunshine by dazzling with a smile and raising a fruity drink in hand! Pro-tip: Offset your smile with Buxom Va-Va-Plump™ Shiny Liquid Lipstick in Wine Me. The bombshell color is a must for babes who need a pop of berry pink to plump up their feed.

2. Mix the perfect hair cocktail

To manage busy spring break hair and keep your locks looking hot for the ‘gram, you’ve got to be prepared for anything. Keep a Bed Head by TIGI Get Twisted Anti-Frizz Finishing Spray nearby for damage control when it’s humid, plus a Superstar Queen for a Day Thickening Spray to get mad lift and texture. Whether you’re battling beach waves that got a little too beachy, or your travels have you on day four without a hair wash, just pick, mix and play with your ultimate hair concoction to be photo-worthy always.

3. Glow before you go

It’s been a long winter, but that doesn’t mean to mean your skin has to look that way. Arrive on spring break looking like you’re glowing from your last fabulous getaway. Whatever your skin routine, having a healthy spring glow is essential for pulling off your spring break Insta. Luckily a gorgeous tan is easy to achieve with L'Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Towelettes. Toss a tanning towelette in your beach bag or purse and get a natural-looking tan in just 2-4 hours, no appointments necessary. Even if Towelettes aren’t your thing, Sublime Bronze has a full lineup of products guaranteed to make your skin envy-worthy! Even if you’re just binge-watching from your couch at home all of break, you can still head back to campus looking like you spent every day lounging in the sun.

4. Get outside

Sure, that coffee shop or graffiti wall make for a chic backdrop, but to truly kick your spring break posts up a notch, you’ve got to get outside! The grass, the sand, a nearby lake – whatever it is, that burst of nature will do your feed some good. Plus, what better way to refresh after mid-terms than spending some time enjoying mother earth? Just one thing: Don’t forget to protect your skin from potential sun damage by applying some Hawaiian Green Tea SPF 45 Sunscreen from Alba Botanica® during your spring break play. Plus, this guy is water resistant for up to 80 minutes and offers broad spectrum protection. Win, win!

5. Grab your squad

Spring break is always better with your squad, so have them hop in your #SpringBreak2k18 snapshot for a next level Insta. Pick a killer backdrop – a pool, the beach, anything scenic – then add a pop of color to each of your ~eye looks~ with NEW Almay Shadow Squad™ Eyeshadow. Show off your fave shade in four different finishes - matte, satin, metallic and glitter for modern monochromatic looks! With 15 shades from flattering neutrals to hot on-trend colors, the collection has a shade for all spring break vibes! Squad perfection much? 

6. Prep for Instagram emergencies

Did your PopSocket fall off or your flip-flop break right before you captured the perfect shot? No worries, just keep some Krazy Glue All Purpose Singles in your bag for a fast-fix to any spring break emergency. Fashion and prop disasters are common when you’re doing it for the ‘gram, so Krazy Glue is a holy grail product to keep on set for every aspiring influencer.

So, is your Instagram spring break ready yet? With these few simple products you’ll be ready to fill your feed with the cutest posts the internet has ever seen. Now just sit back, relax, and let the likes start rolling in.

When Olympian Lindsey Vonn realized that it was Valentine’s Day and that she was without a valentine, she took matters into her own hands and asked the world of Twitter if anyone was willing to be her valentine, Time Magazine reports.  

The Olympic skier, whose very public relationship with professional golfer Tiger Woods ended in 2015, wrote on Twitter, “So apparently it’s Valentine’s Day….I forgot all about it because I’m at the #Olympics and I’m single. Anyone else out there single and want to be my valentine? #worthashot.”

Shorter after she posted her tweet, plenty of guys expressed their interest and volunteered to be her special valentine.

According to The Huffington Post, one guy said that he would be “honored to Vonn-lunteer.”

Others wrote he sweet poems.

This guy said his adorable niece thought that he would be an excellent valentine.

Others tried to win Vonn’s heart by donating to her foundation, HuffPost reports.

According to HuffPost, this guy knew that he probably wouldn’t end up being Vonn’s valentine, but he thought that being “‘friendzoned by @lindseyvonn’ is going to look perfect in [his] resume.”

However, there was one guy whose offer was “pretty enticing” to Vonn, Time reports.

It definitely looks like Vonn has some good options as far as valentines go. Regardless, we’ll still be cheering Vonn on at the Olympics.

First Lady Melania Trump brought Valentine’s Day cheer on Wednesday to children at a private facility on the campus of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), The Washington Post reports.

The First Lady was dressed in a festive belted red coat for the day of love, and she helped a group of children decorate heart-shaped cookies with frosting and sprinkles, ABC News reports.

According to The Post, Mrs. Trump greeted each patient, ranging in age from four to 26, with a “Happy Valentine’s Day,” and gave White House holiday cards to all the patients.

She also asked the children if they liked the Children’s Inn, a private, nonprofit facility for very ill children who are participating in clinical trials at NIH, as well as how the children were feeling, ABC News reports.

The First Lady also accepted handmade cards from the kids, including a paper gift bag from four-year-old Jared Rogers who was so excited to see Mrs. Trump that he ran over to her.

Another patient, according to The Post, gave the First Lady a pair of sunglasses, and she remarked that the sunglasses were “very fashionable.”

According to ABC News, Mrs. Trump has been focusing her work as First Lady on the well-being of children.

Having a crush sucks. It sucks even more when you don’t know how to tell them how you feel. If there are serious friendships at risk, mutual friends who you don’t want to involve, or any weird ex situations, telling someone you like them can put the weight of the world on your shoulders. But it shouldn’t have to. Telling a crush how you feel, dealing with possible rejection, or getting out of the friendzone can be tricky for everyone involved but it’s best to take a minute to strip the situation of any unnecessary dramatics and handle it properly for the best case scenario. Whether you end up with a date or an unsoiled friendship, addressing a crush can actually be painless.

Skip the lines

Nobody likes getting the dreaded “We need to talk” text, so don’t send one. You won’t enjoy writing it, and they won’t enjoy receiving it. The same goes for in-person conversation starters. Having a crush is not that serious, and the conversation will be way more relaxed and easy if you don’t exaggerate. Bringing up the subject can be as simple as “Is it weird that I kinda want to ask you out on a date?” or “I’ve been thinking about asking you out, as more than friends.” It sounds scary, but it’s way more comfortable than unexpectedly pouring out your feelings and they’ll appreciate the casualness. Whether you opt for a quick text or an IRL moment, simplicity is key.

Related: What It's Like to Text Your Crush

Ask them out instead of dancing around it

Sitting someone down and laying your heart out in front of them will probably come off a little too intimidating than how you’d like. Instead of planning any sort of dramatic conversation with a big emotional reveal at the end, just ask them to come out with you. If you’re already friends with this person, why not make plans as per usual and simply suggest that you treat it like a regular date? If it doesn’t work out, it doesn’t work out. When my girlfriend asked me out for the first time, I barely knew her and she was already deep in her feelings. I accepted her offer and, oops! Now I’m in a committed relationship. Just shoot your shot; the worst they can say is “No.”

Don’t get anyone else involved

It’s likely that you two have some mutual friends or maybe some sticky ex situations. We know you’re dying to talk to someone about how you feel and ask for advice from as many people as possible, but, on the off-chance that things get a bit awkward, you really don’t want too many people involved. You’re free to confide in anyone if you want to, but this is your business and it’s best to keep the rumor mill at bay. Read some think-pieces (kind of like this one!), do some reflection, maybe confer with your closest confidant, but don’t blow the situation out of proportion. The whole thing will go much more smoothly.

Related: 17 Reasons Why Having a Crush is Absolute Torture

Prepare yourself

We’re sure you’ve spent many nights imagining the excitement and romance of the best case scenario, but it’s also smart to stay humble and prepare for what’ll come next if your person of interest is… not interested. If you two have already got a working friendship, remind yourself of how much you value that friendship and prioritize that over anything. Let them know that your platonic relationship means more to you than your crush and that staying friends (if they don’t share your feelings) is more important than endless awkwardness. Remember that rejection is not the end of the world and that you’ll encounter many, many great loves in your lifetime. Don’t sweat it. And, if they do reciprocate your feelings, pour yourself a tall drink and celebrate.

Olympic snowboarder Shaun White responded to sexual harassment allegations that had resurfaced ahead of his winning performance at the final halfpipe event during a press conference, The Huffington Post reports.

During the press conference held following his win, reporters asked White about the allegations, to which he responded, “I’m here to talk about the Olympics, not, you know, gossip.”

According to ABC News, when asked is he thought that these allegations would tarnish his legacy, White said, “I don’t think so. I am who I am and proud of who I am. And my friends love me and vouch for me and I think that stands on its own.”

U.S. Snowboarding and Freeskiing spokesman Nick Alexakos tried to stop the questioning regarding the allegations and redirect the focus back to White’s performance, ABC News reports.

“I think we’re here to talk about the gold medal and the amazing day we had today,” Alexakos said. “Thank you, so if we don’t have another question why don’t we go ahead and just pass the mic.”

The sexual harassment allegations were first made public in the 2016 lawsuit. According to HuffPost, White’s former bandmate Lena Zawaideh accused White of having “repeatedly sexually harassed her and forced his authoritarian management style on her for over seven years.”

Zawaideh also accused White of sending her messages to wear more provocative clothing and forcing her to watch pornography, ESPN reports. According to the lawsuit, White also allegedly sent Zawaideh sexually explicit and graphic images.

Later on Wednesday, White apologized for his remark regarding the allegations, telling NBC’s “Today” that “it was a poor choice of words to describe such a sensitive subject in the world today.”

“And, you know, I'm just truly sorry. And I was so overwhelmed with just wanting to talk about how amazing today was and share my experience,” White added.

Asking someone for help with anything can be nerve wracking, especially when it's someone you look up to and admire. However, from pretty much the second you start college, great and unique opportunities arise that require applications, and often times, letters of recommendations.

Whether you're looking for a summer internship or completing a study abroad application, professors are a great resource to tap into when it’s time for a recommendation letter. They’ve gotten to know your work ethic on an intimate level, and hopefully you’ve been speaking up in class and going to office hours enough that they’ve to know you more personally. 

But asking professors for recommendations can be intimidating. There’s always the voice in the back of your heading thinking that they might say no and put you in an uncomfortable position. We talked to Professor Sarah Stanbury, a tenured professor of English at the College of the Holy Cross, and got some great advice that will hopefully ease your mind and give you confidence when asking for a recommendation.

Who to ask

As a college student, you’re going to encounter lots of professors that you will form different relationships with, so you’ll have to determine who is the best fit. “My biggest tip is to choose someone who knows something unique, special, and personal about you. Grad school committees and employers read hundreds of applications, and they can tell when the letter is genuine or when it is the traditional letter the teacher has written for every other student,” says Anna doCurral, a recent graduate of Assumption college who is currently working toward her Master’s Degree at Boston College. “You want someone writing your recommendation who has something to say about you that will set you apart from everyone else—a personal touch!”

Related: 7 Steps to a Stellar Grad School Application

You want to ask a professor who knows you on a personal basis, which means the work has to start long before you actually ask. “My main advice for any student seeking a letter of recommendation from a professor: make yourself known!” says Professor Stanbury. “When [professors] are asked to write a letter, we want to tell a story about that student that makes her into an individual.” Go to office hours, speak up in class, and choose someone who has seen you challenged. “When we are asked to write a letter, we want to tell a story about that student that makes her into an individual,” says Professor Stanbury. “What’s to make her look different from hundreds of other students? I want to know who she is, and want to have a story or two to tell about her.” If you’re applying to grad school, pick a professor in your major who has seen you face challenges and work to overcome them. If it’s for a job application, choose a professor from a major that relates to the field you are trying to work in.

How to ask

When it comes time to finally ask if they will write on your behalf, the most important thing to do is give them PLENTY of time. “There is nothing worse than saying you need a letter in a week,” says Anna. “Professors are busy and have their own lives—poor planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on their part! You’ll get a better, more thoughtful letter if you give them time to think about it.” You should ask at least six months in advance, two months if you’re able. If you’re on a shorter time period than a month, ask as soon as possible to give them as much time as you can.

If you are on campus and are able to, ask the professor in person to write on your behalf. If not, asking over email is totally fine. When you’re drafting the email, Anna suggests starting out with a “teachers’ pet” type of line, something along the lines of “I hope your recent conference went well” or “I hope your daughter’s birthday party over the weekend went well!” Let them know that you listen to what they say even when it doesn’t relate to what they teach.

Asking for a favor can be intimidating, but you don’t panic. “Students should never feel uncomfortable asking for a letter,” says Professor Stanbury. “We are educating students so that they can move on from college and pursue advanced degree programs, jobs, or internships; letting others know about their skills and credentials is part of the business of educating.” That being said, never make it sound like you assume a yes is coming. Don’t get caught up in all the complimenting and explanation that you forget what you are there for! Ask firmly and clearly: “Would you write a letter of recommendation on my behalf?” From there, go into why you chose them specifically, making sure to highlight that they have challenged you, making you into a better student. How have you learned from them, and how have you changed from taking their class? Finally, at the end make sure to say thank you! It’s such a little thing, but expressing gratitude is so important.

What to give them

When asking, include the specific details of the recommendation in the email so that your professor knows exactly what is expected of them. When you need it finished, what form it will be in, where it needs to be sent, and any special information or qualities they should highlight. If the letter needs to be sent in by mail, offer to provide them with an envelope and postage. If you’re asking in person, send them an email immediately after with all this information, or just include it in the initial email if you’re not in person.

The information you give a professor will change depending on what you’re asking them for. “When asking for a letter, be aware that not all recommendations are the same,” Professor Stanbury says. “A recommendation for Study Abroad is relatively easy to write… Recommendations for graduate school are another thing altogether. Most graduate programs are highly competitive, and securing strong letters that can speak to your achievements may well make the difference between an acceptance and a rejection.”

Try to give your professor something concrete they can reference when writing. A resume is a great way to show who you are outside the classroom, and if appropriate, some writing samples are good as well. “A student who was applying to graduate school recently sent me, as part of his materials, copies of all the papers he had written in my classes,” says Professor Stanbury. “Having those papers in front of me was very helpful when it came to writing his letter. I was able to refer to specific essays and quote turns of phrase—something that would have been much more difficult to do without those essays for reference.”

After you ask

You should also send them a reminder email if you’ve given them a long time to write it. Around two weeks before it is due, send them a quick email, gently checking in and reminding them of the recommendation and asking if they need anything from you to complete it. Don’t do this more than once, however, unless you’ve given them more than two months to write it. Trust that they have control of the situation and are organized and on track without nagging them constantly.

How to say thank you

Once the recommendation is finished, be sure to send a thank you email, and if you want to be really fancy a handwritten thank you note will really impress them. And keep them posted on how you make out! In agreeing to write on your behalf they are taking an active role in your future, and they most definitely want to know where you end up.

Every professor you are taught by has written a letter of recommendation at some point, so don’t freak out when it comes time to ask for one. They are more invested in your education than anyone else, because success on your end is success for them, and they want nothing more than for their students to use the knowledge they have taught to better the world. 

My girlfriend and I have been together for just over seven years now (we started dating in January 2009), and we haven't once celebrated Valentine's Day. We accidentally went out to eat on the 14th a couple years ago because our college roommates were out of town and we just wanted sushi, but it wasn't intentional. We started laughing the moment we saw that the restaurant was filled with couples and there were red roses on every table.

We usually spend our Valentine's Day doing absolutely nothing. We have our anniversary in January and our first kiss anniversary in February, and then in March, we celebrate my birthday. February 14 never had any special meaning to us, so we didn't celebrate. It seemed like a commercial holiday that other couples were over-hyping.

This year, we decided to celebrate Valentine's Day with all the stops and find out how we felt about it.

The Experiment

When I first proposed the idea, I was half certain I'd be shot down. Typically, our February 14 is spent mocking all the cheesy parts of romance that we don't like, and we're both very sarcastic people. To my surprise, my girlfriend loved the idea and thought it was sweet of me to want to try something new. To avoid any rom-com-esque drama, I let her know immediately that I'd be writing about our experience. As much as I love watching it on screen, I didn't want to have to chase her through an airport with a flash mob and a thousand yellow daisies and any other combination of getting-you-back ploys that happen at the end of a social experiment rom-com where the partner discovers the truth. 

I warned her that if we were going to do this, we had to really do it. The day would be spent on a cheesy date where we were not allowed to mock Valentine's Day in any way, and we had to give each other the kinds of traditional gifts couples often do, like flowers, chocolates and stuffed animals. 

Related: Why We Shouldn't Base Our Lives Off Rom Coms

The Planning

Right away, we were faced with all sorts of questions. This year, Valentine's Day was on a Sunday. We had no idea if couples normally went out to dinner on the Saturday before, or still celebrated on Sunday despite early restaurant closings. So we consulted several of our friends who are in relationships, and they all confirmed: people celebrate on the Sunday. 

Planning our adorable date didn't go as smoothly as we'd hoped. We were all set to take the over-two-hour trip to Connecticut to go to Mystic Aquarium and Red Lobster, but when sub-zero temperatures were announced for New England, this changed our date idea. Mystic has a few outdoor displays, and with my poor blood circulation, we didn't want our date to end at the hospital. This also meant that taking the train anywhere was out of the question, which is a difficult task if you live next to Boston.

Driving became our best bet, so we opted for the Museum of Science and dinner at Outback Steakhouse, because we knew they had lobster tails and filet mignon, which is almost as good as a full-on lobster restaurant. 

The Gifts

Because we'd decided to exchange gifts in addition to going out, I had more pre-planning for February than I normally do. My girlfriend and I usually stick to three gift-giving occasions a year: the Christmas/holiday season, our individual birthdays, and one made-up "summer gift" that we give each other just because. I wasn't used to shopping alongside all the other sappy couples, which made it weird.

For weeks, I scoured the Valentine's Day displays at every store. I was still determined to make this cheesy holiday perfect for us, so I immediately bought my girlfriend a new Moleskine notebook. She keeps one in her purse at all times to jot down writing ideas, which is something we were taught in our early days of journalism and creative writing. Her old one was almost out of room, so I figured this gift really said, "I know you."

I couldn't do it without chocolate, so I made two separate trips to Godiva to spoil her with two heart-shaped containers and a selection of handpicked favorites from the chocolate counter. Godiva is our go-to destination at the mall, so it was pretty easy to make a pit stop there while we were shopping.

I also felt it wasn't truly Valentine's Day unless I was scrambling to find a few add-on gifts last minute, so I got her a stuffed fox just days before the main event and bought her a dozen white roses just the evening before February 14.

It wasn't easy hiding all this from her in our small apartment, but luckily, I also have a car, so I just threw a bunch of it in my trunk and said, "Don't go in there."

The Execution

The day finally arrived, and it was colder outside than I could've imagined. I layered up in five pairs of thermal leggings and kept fur-lined Ugg gloves with me all day. 

We decided to do gifts and notes before we went out, because our plans were a daylong event. Unfortunately, my bouquet wasn't much of a surprise because I needed to put the flowers in water ASAP, but they still made my girlfriend smile.

She surprised me with plenty of my favorite Godiva chocolates, a Hermione Funko Pop bobblehead I've been dying to have, a stuffed cat from Kiki's Delivery Service and a cheesy-but-lovely Valentine's Day card with a letter written inside. 

After we exchanged gifts, we headed out to the Museum of Science. We weren't the only older people in attendance, but there were so many kids that we spent a lot of the date laughing about how old we felt, which always makes for a great time together. We already are always talking about how simultaneously old and yet not-at-all-adult we feel and it was a great way to bond.

We couldn't get tickets to the butterfly garden because they were sold out, but we were given stamps on our admission tickets so that we can reuse them and come back for free one time in the next six months. We also sprang for tickets to a Michael Jackson laser show in the planetarium, because why not.

After several hours of learning (and reminiscing about our childhoods and why we hate math so much), we headed out for part two of our evening: dinner and drinks. Like the classy people we are, we went to Outback Steakhouse. Our logic? We actually get sushi so often that it has become not special anymore, so she got filet mignon and lobster and I got ahi tuna and lobster.  

We ended the night back at our apartment with drinks and television watching. While we've been seriously binge-watching How to Get Away with Murder for a few weeks, but it didn't feel romantic to us, so we decided to watch some classic '90s cartoons like The Magic School Bus to continue our nostalgic theme. There is nothing millennials like more than talking about how everything was better circa 1990 to 2005, so it brought us closer together and we ended our night laughing.

The Posting

Like all couples do, I needed to document my day extensively via social media. This meant using Snapchat, Instagram and Facebook for more romantic bragging than I'm usually comfortable with. I tend to save my sappy posts for one or two times a year when really necessary.

I didn't mind telling the world what we were doing through the use of photos, because I actually really love Instagram. But I did feel a little weird posting my obligatory photo of all my gifts. It reminded me that there are probably couples out there who wish they could give their significant other a nice gift, but simply can't afford to. And that's not what love is about, or what Valentine's Day is about. It's about spending time with the people you love.

The Results

I wasn't sure what to expect from forced romance, because I've always had it in my head that Valentine's Day is a commercial holiday meant to encourage people to buy things. By that logic, though, the same can be said for most holidays, but that doesn't mean I'm giving up my eternal love for Halloween.

My girlfriend also pointed out that Valentine's Day actually does have romantic history behind it, and I remember celebrating the holiday with my mom when I was growing up. Bonus points for the nostalgia factor, especially because I grew up when kids exchanged cards with their entire homeroom class on February 14. I'd be lying if I said I didn't at least once give my elementary school crush a super cheesy Valentine in the hopes of blossoming romance. 

We learned a few things about Valentine's Day. We learned that just because other couples do something doesn't make it a bad idea. (It's never stopped us from wanting to plan a grand wedding, has it?) We also learned that even an over-hyped, cheesy holiday can be a personal event if you plan it in a way that'll make you happy. As one of our close friends recently said, "Valentine's Day is about the two people involved." So we made it our day. We hung out at a museum and ate lobster and watched old cartoons. February 14 wasn't inherently special to us, but it gave us a reason to make it special, when we normally would have spent it like just another Sunday, grocery shopping and obsessively binge-watching the dramatic lives of law school students.

Related: The Best & Worst Valentine's Day Dates College Girls Have Had

Because we forced ourselves to look at Feb. 14 like a special day, it became one. We didn't "hold out" for a special occasion, and instead of ordering sushi yet again, we had lobster tails and a nostalgic date. I don't think there's anything wrong with turning a regular day into an occasion. Living with your significant other has its perks—Netflix and chill really returns to its literal meaning, there are many nights of eating raw cookie dough, and there's always someone to come home and complain to—but we never want it to get boring. We made a commitment to have our life together be a permanent adventure, and sometimes that means trying things you're completely unsure about. 

To be honest, I'm not sure if we'll celebrate Valentine's Day again next year. It didn't go horribly and there were very few moments where I wanted to laugh at us for being sappy. It was actually kind of nice. 

The one thing I do know for sure is that if we do, we're totally making the trip to Mystic next time. I really want to pet a stingray.

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.)

VP Pence Said That “The White House Could Have Handled [the Porter Scandal] Better”

Vice President Mike Pence says that he thinks that the White House could have done a better job with the domestic abuse scandal revolving around former White House Staff Secretary Rob Porter, but stands with White House Chief of Staff Gen. John Kelly, ABC News reports.

“Well, this administration has no tolerance for domestic violence, nor should any American. As I said, and as the White House has said, I think the White House could have handled this better. I still feel that way,” Pence said.

“That being said, any more counsel I have on this, I'll share with the President of the United States,” Pence added.

Pence’s comments come after Porter, who was said to be up for a promotion from White House Staff Secretary to Kelly’s Deputy Chief of Staff, resigned, ABC News reports.

FBI Director Chris Wray gave testimony to the Senate Intelligence Committee on Tuesday and the information he provided directly contradicts the White House’s narrative on the departure of Porter from the White House.

According to ABC News, during an interview with Axios' Mike Allen on Wednesday, Pence was asked about Kelly’s handling of the scandal. Pence didn’t really answer the question, but praised Kelly’s service.

“John Kelly has done a remarkable job as chief of staff for the president and I look forward to continuing to work with him for many, many months to come,” Pence said.

Sen. Warren Gave a Speech on the Use of “Pocahontas” As a Slur

Sen. Elizabeth Warren gave a speech on Wednesday to the National Congress of American Indians, and called out President Trump’s repeated use of “Pocahontas” as a slur to refer to her, The Huffington Post reports.  

According to HuffPost, Trump has used “Pocahontas” as a slur against Warren on numerous occasions, starting in 2012 during Warren’s Senate run when Warren discussed her Native American heritage.

“I’ve noticed that every time my name comes up, President Trump likes to talk about Pocahontas. So I figured, let’s talk about Pocahontas,” Warren said. “Not Pocahontas, the fictional character most Americans know from the movies, but Pocahontas, the native woman who really lived, and whose real story has been passed down to so many of you through the generations.”

Warren talked about her Native American heritage in her speech, and discussed “our country’s disrespect of native people didn’t start with President Trump,” and how that disrespect “started long before President Washington ever took office.”

“We have a president who can’t make it through a ceremony honoring Native American war heroes without reducing native history, native culture, native people to the butt of a joke,” Warren said.

“The joke, I guess, is supposed to be on me,” Warren added. “I get why some people think there’s hay to be made here. You won’t find my family members on any rolls, and I’m not enrolled in a tribe. And I want to make something clear. I respect that distinction. I understand that tribal membership is determined by tribes — and only by tribes.”

Warren pledged in her speech to be an advocate for Native Americans and to lift up their stories, HuffPost reports.

“I’m here today to make a promise: Every time someone brings up my family’s story, I’m going to use it to lift up the story of your families and your communities,” she said.

Warren received a standing ovation at the end of her speech, according to HuffPost, and the National Congress of American Indians’ President shouted “We’ve got your back!”

An Adorable Bichon Frise is Now America’s Top Dog

Flynn, an adorable bichon frise, won best in show at the Westminster Kennel Club, CNBC reports.

According to CNBC, Flynn beat out Ty the giant schnauzer, Biggie the pug, Bean the Sussex spaniel, Lucy the borzoi, Slick the border collie and Winston the Norfolk terrier.

"It feels a little unreal," McFadden, Flynn’s handler, said. "I came in expecting nothing except hoping for a good performance, and I think I got it."

While it seemed that other dogs in the show we crowd favorite, Flynn still beat them for best in show. Almost six-years-old, Flynn got his 42nd best in show victory in what is most likely his last show before he retires, CNBC reports.

Flynn won a steak lunch at Sardi's, a trip to the top of the Empire State Building, and he's been invited for a walk-on part at a Broadway hit “Kinky Boots.” Honestly, forget about prize money. This sounds like the dream prize to me.

“He has my heart,” McFadden said. “He is pure joy.”

“He kept wagging his tail and that sold himself to me,” judge Betty-Anne Stenmark said.

What to look out for…

Turns out the dream job does exist because a resort in the Bahamas is looking for a CFO: Chief Flamingo Officer.

Some internships let you test out a career and network with fascinating people. Other internships have you on coffee runs or performing high-level tasks you haven’t been trained in. Every internship is different, and while having a summer internship is definitely something you should complete during your college career, there’s not always a guarantee that you’ll walk away from that internship having developed the personal leadership and career readiness you need to enter the workforce.

What if we told you a program exists that equips you with the same potential benefits and skills as a summer internship, BUT also empowers women with education, leadership skills and self-confidence? Not to mention it’s at the place where boss women like former Secretary of State and Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton ’69, broadcast journalist Diane Sawyer ’67, and more incredible women started their legacy. That’s what you can experience throughout the Contemporary Women’s Leadership Program during One Wellesley Summer – and real talk, it’s as life-changing as it sounds.

Here's how the program works:

A select group of driven undergraduate women from around the world spend a five-week summer at Wellesley College just outside of Boston, taking two full credit bearing courses related to leadership, gender and diversity in the workplace, followed by an experiential week spent in reflection and networking with accomplished female leaders and Wellesley College Alumnae. You get to take part in tradition and live in the historic Wellesley residence halls (just think of the Hogwarts castle!), while exploring leadership and gender from an intersectional perspective. Overall the program is designed to help you learn about the history of women in the workplace and determine the type of leader you want to be, but don’t be fooled – One Wellesley Summer is intensive. After all, Wellesley is growing the next generation of female leaders, and the best leaders find personal success through challenge.

Participating in this program can offer experiences a summer internship can’t. Here’s what you’ll gain:

• Hone your inner leadership through immersive personal growth activities, learning how to be an effective leader.
• Build your career development by networking in the field with women leaders across professional fields.
• Build friendships and bond with motivated women from around the world. Your Summer Sisters will be the ultimate girl boss squad!
• Work closely with renowned Wellesley faculty to learn and prepare for challenges women face in the workplace.
• Gain insight into yourself and your career goals in order to succeed during and after college.

One Wellesley Summer helps bridge the gap between where you are and where you want to be, so that when you enter the workforce you’re not just blending in – you’re stepping up, taking charge, and changing the world. As if you weren’t already sold, Wellesley is giving away a $500 scholarship to every Her Campus reader who is admitted, so get your juices flowing and learn more about the Contemporary Women’s Leadership program now. The application deadline for international students is April 15, and for domestic students May 15.

There’s so many amazing things that can be done in one summer when you choose to spend it at Wellesley. This is the first step in making your story part of history.

Did you know vending machines are banned in France? Even if you answered “yes,” how about that Hungary is installing a program to increase water consumption in schools? Mexico also has a soda tax and the Netherlands is promoting a fruit and vegetables program in school. But why? Ever since the World Health Organization’s sugar guideline recommended that adults and children should limit their sugar intake to less than 10 percent of their total energy intake—countries have gone to great lengths to cut the cravings.

Let’s break it down—to achieve the WHO’s standard, you must reduce your sugar intake to 12.5 teaspoons of sugar per day. Dr. Holly Willis, a registered dietitian nutritionist and program director of nutrition and dietetics at St. Catherine University, says, “The current Dietary Guidelines for American's suggest that people consume less than 10 percent of their calories from sugar.  This means for a person eating 2,000 calories per day, they should aim for less than 200 calories from added sugar.”

One regular can of soda contains 10 teaspoons, and one Hershey’s chocolate bar contains about 5 teaspoons of sugar. If you’re like us—you’re currently mentally tallying your drinks and snacks throughout the day. But before you freak—ask yourself—are these common entries in your daily food log? Or just your ~monthly~ sugar craze.

Can’t decide—or not willing to admit it? Here are six signs that your sugar intake is getting out of hand.

1. You feel totally drained

You’re not a little kid anymore. You can’t take those pixie stix before recess and then crash in your designated naptime spot. You have school, work and probably a few extracurriculars that don’t include curling up on a sofa.

Annie Lawless, creator of Blawnde.com, a certified holistic health coach and co-founder of Suja Juice, says, “Sugar causes a spike in our blood sugar, which then causes swings in our energy levels.” She recommends eliminating the processed sugars in your daily diet, and finding natural sugar alternatives. “For example, I have made a raw cacao bark, which hits my chocolate craving but doesn't leave me with the high-sugar intake,” says Lawless.

Some tips? Ditch the yogurt and fruit combo cups—start with plain yogurt and slice your own fruit to cut those additional sugary teaspoons. When you’re properly fueled and free from an impending sugar crash—ditch the indoors and take a stroll through the park or a nice jog around the neighborhood. Oftentimes to beat that lethargy you need to amp up your workout routine!

2. Your workouts are getting harder—and shorter

Has your mile count gone from four to two? Not getting as many flights in on the stair master? Chalk it up to sugar—and those pesky sports drinks.

According to Julie Corliss, executive editor of the Harvard Heart Letter, sugar-sweetened beverages like Powerade and Gatorade—which claim to replenish our electrolytes and energize our tired bodies—are a double-edged sword. They spike our blood sugar in the short term but then deflate our energies later on.

The sugar contained in the sports drinks and energy chews we take before workouts are “empty calories," that lack fiber, vitamins or any other necessary minerals to truly revitalize the body in the long term.

Life is a marathon—not a sugar-induced sprint. Take the time to fuel your body the right way. An ideal pre-workout meal mixes both simple carbohydrates and protein—so opt for a Greek yogurt and banana and you’ll be well on your way to mile six, seven or even eight.

3. You’re breaking out

It’s winter and the second semester is starting back up—which means snow clouds and stress. Don’t let your sugar intake add to the reasons why you’re breaking out.

Sugar spikes insulin levels in the body and when insulin levels rise, so do the amount of whiteheads. Stay away from foods like white bread, sweetened cereals (say goodbye to those Lucky Charms) and pasta that the body breaks down quickly. The faster the foods break down the higher the levels of insulin—and the higher your dermatologist bill will be.

Keri Glassman, celebrity nutritionist and contributing author in partnership with Healthline.com’s Break Up with Sugar Campaign, admits to the challenges of breaking that mid-afternoon chocolate craving. So how do we starve off these urges and the messy side effects of the sugar overload? Keri says, “Pack your meals with protein, which helps you stay satisfied longer and ward off those sugar cravings. But make sure you are eating enough throughout the day. I recommend snacks such as nuts, slices of turkey or plain, full-fat Greek yogurt topped with hemp seeds.”

Related:50 Years Ago the Sugar Industry Paid Off Scientists to Blame Fat for Health Problems

4. You’re never truly full—despite the bloat

You’re hungry, but, you haven’t eaten much today other than some Lay’s potato chips, Starbucks’ red velvet cupcakes, a yogurt and two scones—and some Chipotle. But according to Amy Schumer, that stuff goes right through you. Are you bloated—but still starving? Chances are you’re indulging in some serious empty sugar calories.

Sugar causes your body’s blood sugar levels to rise and large amounts of insulin to be released. Keri confirms sugar’s inability to satisfy hunger, but rather increase those cravings—she says, “Your body gets accustomed to being fueled with a high level of sugar, so when you consume less, you feel out of sorts — which causes you to reach for more sugar. This is bad news because changes in blood sugar can disrupt sleep, cause increased consumption of calories, and lead to fatigue.”

Basically, those potato chips that you thought would satisfy the hunger just increased your cravings! No wonder you can never have one chip.

For Kristen Van Buren, a student at High Point, when her sugar intake is too high, she says, “I would feel bloated but not full and I would also have energy spikes throughout the day.” A helpful tip to stay healthy and full—an apple a day can help keep the hunger away. The fiber and water from the fruit help weaken those pesky cravings before your next meal!

5. Your clothes are getting tighter

It’s time to face the facts—the wiggle-and-tug dance you’ve been doing to pull on your Levi’s is looking more and more absurd. It’s best to pinpoint the source of the weight gain. Our bet—along with the American Heart Association—is on sugar.

According to the AHA, Americans have steadily increased their intake of added sugars over the past 30 years. The nationwide sugar craze has resulted in an “obesity epidemic.” You see, sugar offers us all the calories and zero of the nutrients needed for a strong and lean body. Seems like a pretty unfair trade to us.

Dr. Willis says, “Too much sugar can lead to excess calorie intake, which can lead to weight gain. Someone who is overweight or who is gaining weight should look at their caloric intake and assess excesses (sugar is surely one possible culprit).”

So, don’t play into sugar’s manipulative hand. The taste of the Snickers bar or a cup of soda lasts a total of five minutes—but the satisfaction of a healthy body will last you well past the time those Levi’s are too worn to wear.

Samantha Burke, a recent graduate of Siena College says, “I went from always having juice or soda when I was thirsty to drinking mostly water all day every day—and it helped a lot with maintaining my weight!” Samantha recommends carrying around a personal Brita bottle (or a S’well of the like) and refilling it throughout the day.

6. You’re feeling especially scrooge-like

Bah-humbug. You’re feeling pessimistic and you don’t know why. We’re here to help you make sense of the inexplicable gloom.

We’ve stressed the deficiencies of sugar in your body’s nutrients department. Dr. Willis says, “Nutritionists might call this nutrient displacement because the sugar foods can displace foods that might contain beneficial nutrients.” As empty calories come in with nothing beneficial to show for it, Dr. Willis explains you might feel an overall “cruddy” feeling. “Whenever someone says they don't feel well or don't feel they have the energy or mood they used to, it's a good idea to take a look their diet as a whole.”

Dr. Willis stresses the importance of sugar in consideration with the larger picture of your diet as a whole. That being said—you should tailor your diet to what works best for your daily schedule, your exercise regiment and most importantly, your tastebuds.

“Some people might do really well choosing some portioned controlled sizes of their favorite sugar foods. For example, the mini-mini candy bars. Choosing to have a little of what they really want might be better than trying to find a ‘healthy’ food that tastes sweet but isn't satisfying.  Other people may benefit more from finding their favorite sweet fruits that can satisfy a craving,” Dr. Willis says.

Like most things in life—sugar is okay in moderation. We’ve all been there when that pint of Ben & Jerry’s is calling our names after a long day. Just be careful that pint doesn’t turn into a gallon—and an occasional treat doesn’t become a habit.

Keri agrees that an occasional indulgence of a sugary snack is OK—just don't let those cravings control you. Keri encourages you: "Envision your future self with more energy, better skin, less bloating, a clearer mind and a stronger immune system—all benefits of dramatically lowering your sugar intake."

Sugar is sweet—but a healthy lifestyle is sweeter.

During the quarterfinals men’s snowboard cross on Thursday, Markus Schairer broke his fifth cervical vertebra while he was navigating the course.

In an attempt to land one of his last couple of jumps, Schairer fell on his back, hitting his head on the ground hard. Though he stayed on the ground for a few moments, he was about to rise to his feet, before he was rushed to the hospital.

Yahoo! Sports reports that Schairer was officially diagnosed with a fracture of his fifth vertebra (C5). However, he is miraculously in stable condition with no risk of further injuries. Given how sensitive the fifth cervical vertebra is (let alone a spinal injury in general), Schairer is exceptionally fortunate to have evaded any further complications. Seeing as any significant trauma at or above the fifth cervical vertebra can inhibit a patient’s ability to breathe, according to Healthline.

Although Schairer is in stable condition, The Washington Post reports that Schairer will undergo additional evaluation and treatment in Austria.

However, there’s no doubt that Schairer will be back to training soon, seeing as he’s a veteran Olympic and X Games competitor and he’s no stranger to injuries.

KGW8 News, an affiliate of USA Today, reveals that Schairer broke five ribs at the 2010 X Games. Not to mention, he tore four ligaments and fractured one of his joints at another event in 2013. Plus, he injured his elbow earlier in the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympic Games (and was competing with that same injury today), Yahoo! Sports adds. 

While Schairer is undoubtedly strong AF for enduring countless serious injuries, we hope Schairer will receive a favorable prognosis so that he can recover soon.

A shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School near Parkland, Florida on Wednesday left 17 killed and 14 others hospitalized, as of Thursday afternoon. 

As details about the horrific incident came to light, many — including celebrities — took to the internet to offer their condolences, express their anger, call for gun control and more. Some even had a personal connection.

Camila Mendes

Josh Gad

Gabrielle Union

Rainn Wilson

Chelsea Handler

Fifth Harmony

Kim Kardashian-West

Ellen DeGeneres

Reese Witherspoon

Mark Ruffalo

Marlon Wayans

Patricia Arquette

Piers Morgan

Elizabeth Banks

Britney Spears

Tyra Banks

Mike Tyson

Hailey Baldwin

Lucy Hale

Paramore

Jenna Fischer

Amber Tamblyn

Some internships let you test out a career and network with fascinating people. Other internships have you on coffee runs or performing high-level tasks you haven’t been trained in. Every internship is different, and while having a summer internship is definitely something you should complete during your college career, there’s not always a guarantee that you’ll walk away from that internship having developed the personal leadership and career readiness you need to enter the workforce.

What if we told you a program exists that equips you with the same potential benefits and skills as a summer internship, BUT also empowers women with education, leadership skills and self-confidence? Not to mention it’s at the place where boss women like former Secretary of State and Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton ’69, broadcast journalist Diane Sawyer ’67, and more incredible women started their legacy. That’s what you can experience throughout the Contemporary Women’s Leadership Program during One Wellesley Summer – and real talk, it’s as life-changing as it sounds.

Here's how the program works:

A select group of driven undergraduate women from around the world spend a five-week summer at Wellesley College just outside of Boston, taking two full credit bearing courses related to leadership, gender and diversity in the workplace, followed by an experiential week spent in reflection and networking with accomplished female leaders and Wellesley College Alumnae. You get to take part in tradition and live in the historic Wellesley residence halls (just think of the Hogwarts castle!), while exploring leadership and gender from an intersectional perspective. Overall the program is designed to help you learn about the history of women in the workplace and determine the type of leader you want to be, but don’t be fooled – One Wellesley Summer is intensive. After all, Wellesley is growing the next generation of female leaders, and the best leaders find personal success through challenge.

Participating in this program can offer experiences a summer internship can’t. Here’s what you’ll gain:

• Hone your inner leadership through immersive personal growth activities, learning how to be an effective leader.
• Build your career development by networking in the field with women leaders across professional fields.
• Build friendships and bond with motivated women from around the world. Your Summer Sisters will be the ultimate girl boss squad!
• Work closely with renowned Wellesley faculty to learn and prepare for challenges women face in the workplace.
• Gain insight into yourself and your career goals in order to succeed during and after college.

One Wellesley Summer helps bridge the gap between where you are and where you want to be, so that when you enter the workforce you’re not just blending in – you’re stepping up, taking charge, and changing the world. As if you weren’t already sold, Wellesley is giving away a $500 scholarship to every Her Campus reader who is admitted, so get your juices flowing and learn more about the Contemporary Women’s Leadership program now. The application deadline for international students is April 15, and for domestic students May 15.

There’s so many amazing things that can be done in one summer when you choose to spend it at Wellesley. This is the first step in making your story part of history.

This article has been syndicated from Kelsey at First Glance, an InfluenceHer Collective Member. Read the full post here. 

Last night I went to a dinner for one of my very good friend’s birthdays, and while we were at dinner some of us got to talking about shopping and trends. I talked about how I shop and save money, and gave them some tips. They thought the tips were great, so I realized if they had never heard my recommendations some of y’all maybe have not heard of them either.

While I do not shop every weekend (nor do I shop a lot right now because I am on a post-graduation budget), I have been a major budget shopper my entire life. My mom taught me the shopping tips that she learned from her mom before her, and I have used them for as long as I can remember. We used to have some major shopping trips, and when we got home we would add up how much money we saved and it was always so much fun. I am talking about HUNDREDS of dollars saved here, people – not a few dollars. 

Some people gamble, I shop. I am not joking either! Shopping is like a sport to me, and it is such a great feeling to know I saved a ton of money. It feels even better when I wear a new outfit knowing how little I spent and getting complimented on it. Keep reading to find out my MAJOR budget shopping tips and tricks!

1. When shopping in store, go straight to the back.

The sale section of any store is almost always in the back. This ensures that you are not paying full price for anything that you purchase. My mom instilled in me that you do not need to pay full price for anything, and to this day I abide by that rule. I find a lot of stuff in the sale section that is similar to what is full price.  When I am window shopping and not really looking to buy anything I will look around the whole store just to see what is trending in every store and to get inspiration.

2. Always look for coupons.

Seriously a lot of stores have coupons for you to use, and there are plenty of apps to find them. Honestly, when I am in a store I Google the store and search for coupons if I do not already have one to use. If I do not find one I ask at the register and most of the time if a salesperson knows about a coupon, they will tell you. I know when I worked in retail I used coupons to my advantage to help sell items to customers. If there are not any coupons that is fine too, but it never hurts to ask.

3. Speaking of coupons, join the rewards programs for your favorite stores!

I know getting an email a day from a store can be annoying, but those annoying emails come in handy when you want to save some money while shopping. Also, some stores will ask for your email address after you make a purchase, and I always give the salesperson my email because I usually get a coupon/reward from it.

Some of my favorite stores with reward programs include:

• American Eagle
• Express
• Nordstrom
• Sephora
• Ulta
• Starbucks
• Target Cartwheel

4. When online shopping sort low-high, and try to have a limit in your head that you want to spend.

For me, if I know I want to spend less than $15 on a sweater (are you freaking out reading that price? I do it all of the time no, lie), I make sure to stick to that price and do not spend any more than that. I also use price filters when I can to make sure I am not shown items over my budget.

 5. Use websites like Ebates and RetailMeNot

A few years ago I remember a lot of YouTubers talking about Ebates and how it saved them soooooo much money. I honestly thought it was a scam, but throughout the years I have saved a good amount of money using Ebates. Essentially, Ebates is a cash-back system that retail companies partner with. Ebates offers a rebate based on a set percentage of your purchase. It could be anywhere from one percent to 40 percent cash-back, but most percentages are one percent to 10 percent. Ebates also has double cash-back for some stores periodically, which is super helpful too. When you sign up for Ebates you get $10 back when you spend $25 on your first purchase. Ebates also recently started offering in-store cash back which will help you save even more money! 

Read the full post here.

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

In the "preppy community," I feel like there is so much pressure to rush and get a bid from a top tier sorority. Rushing is not for everyone, and that’s OK! I’ve always felt a bit left out in the preppy community because I chose not to rush. I didn’t even partake in rush week. I hope my story and my decision can help girls who choose not to rush. I’m not here to sway you one way or another, but I hope that I can be here for those who may feel left out. I firmly believe that choosing if a sorority is right for you is a personal decision that shouldn’t be influenced by anything else. I don’t look down on anyone for the decisions that they have made or may make. Some people really love their sororities, and I’m all about finding something that you love.

Now that I’ve prefaced this post, I’m going to get in to why I chose not to rush.

1. There has always been a massive pressure on me to rush.

I run the Tumblr account "pier–pressure," and in my senior year of high school I had girls from UMD’s sororities posting anonymous messages in my inbox asking me to rush. At the time, it was really cool to be recognized. It made me feel important. But looking back on it now, it seemed very inappropriate, and here’s why: At UMD, recruitment isn’t until spring semester. That means that these girls were reaching out to me a little less than a year in advance. It seems a little bit like an invasion of privacy. Before I had finished my senior year in high school, they were already scouting. Now, they could have just been being friendly...but it still made me uncomfortable. You know the feeling where everyone is pressuring you so much to do something so much, that it makes you not want to do it? I feel like that’s exactly what happened to me when it came to recruitment.

2. Timing

When I came to college, I joined Women’s Club Ice Hockey. I loved it and the girls on the team. Since our season was right during recruitment, I wasn’t going to miss a game to rush. I had made a commitment to the team, and it didn’t feel right to me to just leave them for something that would be another commitment. Plus, I kind of found my "place" on the team. It was like having sisters, similar to what a sorority would be like. I felt like I was getting everything and more out of my hockey team that I would get in a sorority. The time commitment was too big to do both.

3. I’m an introvert

I had known this a bit going into college, but I think it really solidified during my freshman year. Plus, I have always struggled with my mental health. I was worried that adding the stress and the time commitment of a sorority wouldn’t be the best thing for me. Taking care of myself is my first priority. I know that when I over-commit it or feel like I have too much on my plate is when I struggle the most. This goes with what I said before – you need to do what’s best for you.

4. I didn’t feel like there was a sorority that I would fit in

I did some research on about every sorority, but I didn’t find one that really stood out to me, or one I would fit in to. My mom struggled with this in college too. She rushed and wasn’t happy with how her bid day went, so she actually started her own sorority at UVA (go mom!). There are definitely options to do this in college if you’re not happy with the sororities that are offered. Right after our rush week, a new sorority actually opened on campus. Several of my friends rushed Gamma Phi Beta and loved it! I think it’s really cool that they can be the first members in a new sorority.

Read the full post here. 

Award-winning Veep and Seinfeld actress Julia Louis-Dreyfus announced her diagnoses of breast cancer back in September, later sharing details of her battle that caused numerous people to voice their comfort and support while she underwent treatment. On Wednesday, Louis-Dreyfus had a fantastic Valentine's Day message to share on social media.

Like the true badass she is, Louis-Dreyfus posted a gorgeous shot of herself with the caption, "Hoorah! Great doctors, great results, feeling happy and ready to rock after surgery. Hey cancer, 'Fuck you!' Here's my first post-op photo." 

The comedy queen's continued humor throughout her chemotherapy treatments has been unwavering, and she's kept a positive outlook throughout the process. Her husband of 30 years, Brad Hall, has also been a person of support since her diagnosis and she has called him her "hero." 

Her strength during this time has been nothing short of inspiring and her fans are happy to see her doing so well. 

It’s only seven weeks into 2018, yet yesterday marked the 18th school shooting in the United States. The terrorist attackmass shooting that afflicted Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School was the eighth fatal shooting this year alone, according toThe Guardian. While mass school shootings seem to be a common trend in recent U.S. history, an even more prevalent trend has been running rampant. Every time a new school shooting makes headlines, politicians notoriously use their social media accounts to tweet and posts pseudo-sympathetic message that their “thoughts and prayers” are with the victims and their families; however, these politicians are finally getting called out on their contradicting messages.

A recent op-ed published by The New York Times, shows the top tweets posted by various politicians, who also happen to receive healthy contributions from the National Rifle Association (NRA). The opinion piece lists members of the Senate and House who eagerly express their condolences for gun violence victims.

Some notorious names made the list, from Arizona Senator John McCain to Iowa Senator Joni Ernst. However, Florida’s own Senator, Marco Rubio, also made the list for graciously accepting over three million dollars from the NRA.

However, Rubio (along with Florida Governor Rick Scott) received backlash from this new revelation. After the tragic shooting near Parkland, Florida took 17 lives and injured over a dozen others, Rubio took to Twitter to say, “Today is that terrible day you pray never comes.”  

During an interview with Fox News, Rubio declined to speak about gun control, “because people know how this [shooting] happened.”

Granted, several publications, including CNN and USA Today, seem to have outstanding evidence as to how the shooting happened. Nevertheless, Twitter users were swift to call Rubio out on his empty tweet. "Marco Rubio has faced no political pushback from constituents for his NRA-friendliness, despite 3 mass shootings in his state. Tell him so," one user wrote.

While Twitter users are taking a stand against Rubio’s inconsistent messages, The Hill reports that a writer for “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” is also using her platform to urge lawmakers to do something about gun violence.

After the most recent school shooting, Bess Kalb Tweeted, “This is not a political issue. This is not a Constitutional debate. This is a pandemic that's killing children. And it's perpetrated by hypocrites who preach a doctrine of "life" but take money from a profit-driven gun lobby. @RoyBlunt@SenatorBurr@SenThomTillis@SenCoryGardner.” While certain lawmakers might not agree with Kalb or the other thousands of Twitter users who are advocating for gun control, most U.S. citizens actually want stronger gun laws.

Although a recent survey done by Gallup shows that most U.S. citizens want stronger gun laws, lawmakers still accept these glorified bribes from the NRA — rather than actually listening to their constituents. Hopefully, lawmakers will start to do more than show their solace and actually do something about the school shooting epidemic, beyond just sending their “thoughts and prayers.”

Girls actress and writer Lena Dunham recently revealed that she had undergone hysterectomy surgery, in an essay she wrote for the March issue of Vogue. 

Dunham has been very vocal and candid about her struggles with endometriosis, a condition that affects one in 10 women of reproductive age, with countless others who struggle to receive a confirmed diagnosis. 

The symptoms that can accompany endometriosis are numerous and Dunham has suffered for years with constant chronic pain because of it. 

In her essay, she details the entire experience of receiving such a life-changing and frightening procedure for a woman who is only in her early thirties. 

With her signature dry wit and unflinching attitude towards uncomfortable subjects, she details her once strong wishes to become pregnant but recognized that she felt something was fundamentally wrong with her uterus. 

Tired of unbearable pain and not receiving any conclusive answers, Dunham ultimately made the decision to go through with the surgery. 

She includes an excerpt from a 1000-word essay she wrote to her doctor on why she was ready to let go of her uterus before she turned 32.

“I know that a hysterectomy isn’t the right choice for everyone,” Dunham wrote. “that it’s not a guarantee that this pain will disappear, and that you are performing it due to your deeply held, essential and—to my mind—feminist belief that women should be able to make a choice about how they want to spend their childbearing years.”

Dunham's essay is a moving testament to what women all over the world experience because of chronic pain. She concludes her piece on a sense of mourning over what she's lost but says she feels hopeful about her healing process 

"I might not believe it now, but I will soon enough. And all that will be left is my story and my scars, which are already faded enough that they’re hard to find."

Read the essay here.

On Wednesday, a mass school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School near Parkland, Florida took the lives of 17 students and staff, including Aaron Feis, a heroic Assistant Football Coach who lived his life inspiring and encouraging students and athletes.

Amid the shooting, Feis used his bravery to shield students from the shooter’s attack. The Daily Beast reports that he jumped between students and the gunman, using his body to protect them from any harm.

Whilethe Sun-Sentinel reports that Feis was one of the several victims who lost their lives on Wednesday, Feis didn’t just die a hero—his students, family and friends say he lived his life as role model to his students and community.

Colton Haas, a Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School student and a member of the school’s football team, told CNN that Feis “made sure everyone else’s needs were met before his own. He was a hard worker.”

“He worked after school on the weekends, mowing lawns, just helping out as many people as possible. [He was] very friendly, approachable and very selfless,” Haas said. It’s no wonder that continued to help students in their ultimate time of need—because Feis was truly an altruistic individual.

However, Feis wasn’t just a courageous coach. Feis was a family man, a mentor, a Douglas High School alumnus, a security guard and an overall exceptional human being. Scott Israel, Broward County Sheriff, told TIME during a press conference, “The kids in this community loved him. They adored him. He was one of the greatest people I knew. He was a phenomenal man. When Aaron Feis died, when he was killed — tragically, inhumanely — he did it protecting others. You can guarantee that because that’s who Aaron Feis was.”

The Douglas football team echoed a similar emotional message on their Twitter account, “It is with Great sadness that our Football Family has learned about the death of Aaron Feis. He was our Assistant Football Coach and security guard. He selflessly shielded students from the shooter when he was shot. He died a hero, and he will forever be in our hearts and memories.”

Feis was an extraordinary family-centered person, as The Sentinel notes, he was happily married to his wife Melissa and also had a young daughter. The Douglas High School shooter didn’t just take Feis—he took him, and the other victims, from his family, friends and loved ones.

While members of the Broward County will continue to draw inspiration from Feis’ exceptional character and life, KTLA5 News reports that victims and families are still suffering from the Douglas shooting.

To help victims recovering from this devastating act of violence, consider donating to Stoneman Douglas Victims’ Fund.  

There are few things more infuriating than a slow computer. It seems like every time you need it immediately, the Rainbow Wheel of Suffering starts turning (@ Mac users, you know) and your fate is sealed. Unsurprisingly, swearing at your computer, claiming that you’re going to buy a from a competitor’s brand, or throwing it across the room isn’t going to help with your technological woes. However, changing up your skincare routine to prevent skin cell loss might. 

According to Allure, when WFTS of Tampa, Florida, went looking for answers to their computer difficulties, they spoke to a Best Buy Geek Squad employee who revealed a surprising cause of your computer’s slow speed: dead skin cells. Icky already, isn't it? 

Geek Squad expert Adam Silkey told WFTS“A lot of dust, food, and other junk builds up in your computer and especially your fans inside your computer. Those are what keeps your computer cool and keeps it speedy." I’ll be the first to admit that my computer definitely isn’t the cleanest, which should be expected from someone who uses it like a lifeline, including while cooking, eating and doing makeup. However, if I were to ever guess why my computer was slowing down, I would have attributed it to the foundation or the pizza crumbs that accidentally fall in there during my Netflix binges – not my own skin.

"That's right, dust, which is mainly dead human skin, is one of the top offenders for slowing down your computer,” WFTS confirms. Can you imagine taking your slow computer to this Best Buy and being told that the reason your Netflix is buffering is because there’s too much of your skin in your computer? 

There are some steps that you can take if you’re officially grossed out at the prospect of even touching your own computer now. Make sure to clean the fans of your computer, as well as switching to a different moisturizer to prevent skin cell loss on your computer. Basically, limiting your computers direct contact with skin is best. Which begs the question… should I be wearing gloves while I type this? 

Obv this is no emergency because computers wear out over time anyway, and there's no real way to prevent skin cells falling off even if you wanted to. But hey, the more you know!