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Here's What You Need To Know About The 13 Russian Nationals Indicted By Grand Jury For 2016 Election Interference

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The United States Department of Justice announced on Friday afternoon that a federal grand jury has indicted thirteen Russian nationals and three Russian entities. They are being charged with allegedly meddling in the 2016 election, specifically with conspiracy to defraud the United States. Three defendants were charged with conspiracy to commit wire and bank fraud, and five with aggravated identity theft.

According to the indictment, the defendants created fake US personas and lived in the US posing as citizens, operating social media pages and groups to attract US audiences. Their identities have not been revealed at this time. 

Per CNN, Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein has stated that the indictment does not feature any allegations against Americans knowingly participating in the fraud: "There is no allegation in this indictment that any American was a knowing participant in this illegal activity. There is no allegation in the indictment that the charge conduct altered the outcome of the 2016 election. 

President Donald Trump has been briefed on the indictments by FBI Director Chris Wray and tweeted on Friday afternoon that the "anti-US campaign" from Russia was started prior to his run and claimed that "The results of the election were not impacted. The Trump campaign did nothing wrong - no collusion!"

In a statement from the White House, Trump said “It is more important than ever before to come together as Americans. We cannot allow those seeking to sow confusion, discord, and rancor to be successful. It’s time we stop the outlandish partisan attacks, wild and false allegations, and far-fetched theories, which only serve to further the agendas of bad actors, like Russia, and do nothing to protect the principles of our institutions. We must unite as Americans to protect the integrity of our democracy and our elections.”

The indictment also reports that the Russian organization Internet Research Agency began operations to interfere with United States political systems as early as 2014, which includes before and during the 2016 election. The Internet Research Agency has a "strategic goal to sow discord in the US political system" and the indictment describes several different angles they took to encourage a distrust of the U.S. election system — including posting "derogatory information about a number of candidates," supporting Trump and Sen. Bernie Sanders while continuing to disparage Hillary Clinton, buying ads that furthered divisions between the bases of various candidates and communicating with individuals tied to the Trump campaign who were reportedly "unwitting."

The grand jury was pulled together by special counsel Robert Mueller, who has been investigating the alleged Russian interference in the 2016 election and any possible ties between Russia and Trump campaign associates.

According to Rosenstein, "the defendants allegedly conducted what they called information warfare against the United States, with the stated goal of spreading distrust towards the candidates and the political system in general." 


Tyga Opened Up About His Ex Girlfriend Kylie Jenner's 'New Life'

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Tyga went on the Complex show Everyday Struggle and naturally, Kylie Jenner came up. DJ Academiks asked the rapper if there was any "bad blood" with his former flame, whose been dominating the news with the birth of her and Travis Scott's baby girl, Stormi. The two have been broken up for a while now, but DJ Academiks made a valid point — "people are wondering." 

Tyga kept it quick and to-the-point.

"She has her new life and I have my new life and that's it. There's no bad blood, no problems," he said. Fair enough.

But he also revealed that the two have not completely severed ties. "We communicate here and there." Really though, the two seem to have amicably split. "People love the drama," Tyga said. V true. 

Tyga already said all of this awhile back, but it was before the world knew Kylie was pregnant. On The Breakfast ClubTyga talked about the break-up, "I feel way more like myself again, way more free," he said. In the interview, he added that he "didn't feel no type of way" about Travis Scott either. He said him and Kylie had been broken up for seven months. "He's not in the wrong," Tyga said. "It's not like I broke bread with him and said he's my day one homie." 

Sounds like Tyga is fine. Seems like Kylie is fine. The end. 

Aaron Carter Just Released a Remix of 'I Want Candy'& I'm Freaking Out

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Singer and songwriter Aaron Carter surprised everyone this Valentine's Day by dropping a remix of "I Want Candy," a song from his first album in 15 years. For fans of Carter when he was a teen heartthrob and sang "I Want Candy" on an episode of Lizzie McGuire, this revamped version sung by 30-year-old Carter is sure to fill you with nostalgia. 

The new album, titled LøVë was just released on Friday and includes 5 new songs. He has called each of the songs "individual stories," one of which is dedicated to his late father. 

Carter was previously in rehab for two months and has stated that he now feels "cautiously optimistic." Carter's new music is exciting for both his original and fresh fan base, so hopefully, he'll continue to make more music in the future. 

Until then, you can listen to his new remix here.

7 Important Takeaways From 'The New Yorker''s Report On Trump's Alleged Affair With Playmate Karen McDougal

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The press is often called “the fourth branch of the US government” and, in the past couple of years, that analogy has proven to carry a lot of weight. However, just as the government is sometimes found to be corrupt, the media can distort and hide information from the American people. On Friday, The New Yorker's Ronan Farrow published a story detailing the nine-month affair between President Donald Trump and Playboy model Karen McDougal.

The most troubling aspect of this story isn’t the existence of the affair itself. (Although Trump was married, the affair was apparently consensual.) Rather, the most troubling aspect of this story is the extent to which American Media Inc. (A.M.I.) went to hide it from the American people.

 

There's a lot to unpack, but here's some highlights that you need to know about:

1. McDougal wrote down everything.

Ronan Farrow, the author of the piece, explains that John Crawford, a friend of McDougal’s, provided The New Yorker with an eight-page document that was handwritten by McDougal. He says that when he showed McDougal the document, she “expressed surprise that I had obtained it but confirmed that the handwriting was her own.”

The document, written in a sloppy, loopy script, notes everything from the meals that Trump ate during their affairs (“he always ordered steak and mashed potatoes—he never drank”) to the people she encountered while she was with Trump (Drew Brees and Tiger Woods, to name a few).

2. Trump offered to pay McDougal for the affair, which occurred when Trump was already married to Melania

According to McDougal’s notes, Trump and McDougal met when Trump filmed an episode of his reality TV show “The Apprentice” at the Playboy Mansion. Their first date was dinner in a private bungalow at Beverly Hills Hotel.

“I was so nervous! I was into his intelligence + charm. Such a polite man,” McDougal writes. “We talked for a couple hours – then, it was “ON”! We got naked + had sex.”

After they had sex, she notes that “he offered me money. I looked at him (+ felt sad) + said, ‘No thanks - I’m not ‘that girl.’ I slept w/you because I like you - NOT for money’ - He told me ‘you are special.’”

She says that after their first date, she “went to see him every time he was in LA (which was a lot).”

McDougal ended the relationship after nine months, apparently because she felt guilty about it and was concerned about what her mother thought. (It didn’t help, of course, that Trump referred to her mother as an “old hag” when McDougal voiced her concerns.)

3. Trump always hid his payments

McDougal notes that Trump always paid for her to visit him, but he always discreetly made his payments: “No paper trails for him,” McDougal wrote. “In fact, every time I flew to meet him, I booked/paid for flight + hotel + he reimbursed me.”

4. McDougal sold the rights to her story to American Media, Inc., who never published the story

McDougal, who says she is a Republican, was initially hesitant to share her story: “I didn’t want to influence anybody’s election. I didn’t want death threats on my head.”

However, when a former friend of McDougal’s posted details of the affair on social media, McDougal began to change her mind. “I didn’t want someone else telling stories and getting all the details wrong,” she said.

On November 4th, 2016, the Wall Street Journalreported that American Media, Inc. had paid McDougal $150,000 for rights to her story: “A contract reviewed by the Journal gave American Media exclusive rights to Ms. McDougal’s story forever, but didn’t obligate the company to publish it and allowed the company to transfer those rights.”

American Media, Inc. is a publishing company that owns magazines like The National Enquirer, which has published favorable information about Trump. Its owner is David Pecker, who has described himself as a personal friend of Trump. It's asserted in the piece that A.M.I. never published this story, but because they had exclusive rights to it, nobody else was able to talk about it. The New Yorker explains that “purchasing a story in order to bury it is a practice that many in the tabloid industry call ‘catch and kill.’”

Jerry George, a former senior editor for A.M.I., told The New Yorker “We had stories and we bought them knowing full well they were never going to run...We never printed a word about Trump without his approval.”

5. A.M.I. made sure that McDougal never shared her story

Part of the deal was that McDougal would get to write a column on aging wellness, but A.M.I. has allegedly failed to publish the vast majority of the columns.

However, A.M.I. has been quick to ensure that McDougal holds up her end of the deal. The New Yorker states that in May, 2017, Jeffrey Toobin asked McDougal for comment about her relationships with A.M.I. and Trump as part of a profile he was writing on David Pecker. A.M.I. immediately forwarded McDougal an email with the response she was to give with the subject line “SEND THIS.”

After information was released that Trump had an affair with Stephanie Clifford (AKA adult film actress Stormy Daniels), A.M.I. grew even more stringent with its control over McDougal, supposedly worried that she would share her story thanks to Daniels’ influence. They were quick to suggest she undergo media training, and offered to let her host the Emmys for OK! Magazine and even put her on the cover of a magazine.

“They got worried that she was going to start talking again, and they came running to her,” McDougal’s friend John Crawford told The New Yorker.

6. The #MeToo movement inspired McDougal to speak out, despite her contract

“I know it’s a different circumstance,” she said, “but I just think I feel braver...Every girl who speaks is paving the way for another.”

7. The Trump Administration and A.M.I. deny this story

"This is an old story that is just more fake news. The President says he never had a relationship with McDougal," a White House spokesperson said to the New Yorker.

It's disconcerting to know the extent to which important information can be hidden. It's important to be aware that information can be suppressed, and to do our best to seek out the truth.

Why It's Okay To Cut Toxic Family Members Out of Your Life

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We get it, your connection with your family is supposed to be this mythical bond that nobody and nothing can break—however, sometimes it’s okay to distance yourself from certain family members, even if that means cutting them off indefinitely.

You should never compromise your mental, emotional or physical health for the sake of tolerating a toxic family member.


Before you start blocking Aunt Susan and your second cousin, it’s important to recognize the signs of a toxic person:

  • They’re judgmental. Constructive criticism is healthy, but persistent, unwarranted criticism can deteriorate anyone’s self-esteem.

  • They feed off drama. Have you ever turned to a family member for some personal advice? Yet, somehow after you’ve shared your most vulnerable moments with them—someone you thought was a trusted ally—somehow everyone in your family knows everything about your personal life (including your distant cousin in Hungary, who you’ve never met).

  • They gaslight you. If your family member continually claims they never said something, when you and everyone else knows they did, it might not seem that serious. However, this is a form of gaslighting, which is highly emotionally abusive behavior.  

  • They only talk to you when they need something from you. Often, they’ll go to you for advice or emotional comfort. But once you turn to them for support, they dismiss your needs or hold your personal information against you.

  • They flip-flop between positive and negative reinforcement. They can lash out at you, yell and insult you. However, once you ignore them after this senseless attack, they’ll likely coax you back into their trap by offering you pseudo-praise and support. Typically these positive interactions are short-lived before this individual goes back to their typical manipulative behavior.  

Related: What to Do When Your Well-Meaning Friends Say Body-Negative Things

If anyone in your family displays any of these symptoms of toxic (i.e., abusive) behavior, they’re putting your mental health in jeopardy.

Alithia Asturrizaga, a licensed clinical social worker at Alithia Psychotherapy Associates, P.C., explains to Her Campus, “I have worked with countless people who have lived their lives dealing with toxic family members and significant others. In fact, this is one of the chief reasons that many people seek therapy.”

Toxic relationships, even with family members, can drain you emotionally, which can impact your overall mental well-being. Nevertheless, you shouldn’t accept this as the status quo.

“There are certain techniques that people can use to make these relationships more tolerable—these methods generally involve distancing yourself to a certain degree from the toxic person. However, in many cases the best solution is to remove the toxic individual from your life completely. This is rarely easy and is often complicated and emotionally conflicting in the case of close family relationships, such as with a parent—but when situations deteriorate to the point of making it impossible to live a happy and liberated life, this course of action is usually the best,” Asturrizaga says.  

This abusive behavior isn’t confined to romantic relationships because anyone can have a toxic influence on your life.

Shannon Battle, LPC LCAS for the last eight years at Families Services of America, tells Her Campus that the best way to approach a toxic person is first to establish boundaries. To help stick to these boundaries, Battle suggests, “Anytime you deal with toxicity, understand there is a learning curve. There will be periods of uncertainty, guilt, and possible loss in relationships. You have to determine the level of sacrifice you are willing to make to protect your emotions and those that trust you to protect them as well. Sometimes, you have to hurt one to help another. The hurt is never intended to be malicious, but always done in love and respect. Behavior is choice-driven.”

Related: How to Find the Right Therapist For You 

Although you might feel an innate impulse to keep your toxic family member in your life, especially if that family member is your parent, it’s important to understand that keeping a toxic person in your life will have damaging effects on your mental health.

While you might try to convince your family member that what they’re doing is emotionally harmful to you, it’s possible that your family member won’t change—and that’s okay.

Personally, I spent most of my teenage years and a couple of years of my adulthood trying to get my parents to comprehend their emotionally abusive and toxic behavior. After finally convincing my mother to go to therapy with me, so my therapist could help her comprehend her abusive behavior (so she could make a positive change), my mother vehemently denounced my therapist’s suggestions and proclaimed that I was the one “who needed help, because [I was] the one who [was] crazy.” Not only did her statement perpetuate offensive ableist language, but it also contributes to the ignorant stigma that only the "emotional fragile" need therapy. In reality, everyone can benefit from therapy and counseling.

Before this instance, I’d heard similar phrases from my mother countless times. I told myself that her abhorrent behavior wasn’t worth sacrificing my mental health and emotional well-being because she was obviously never going to change—so I needed to change the situation to protect myself from this abuse.

Initially, I felt worthless because the very person who birthed me refused to change to keep me in her life, but I realized that I couldn’t force her to change.

Nevertheless, it’s okay if the toxic family member in your life never changes. Though you might become obsessed with getting them to change, this obsession can also negatively impact your mental health. Imagining a life where you disassociate from a family member might seem unfathomable, but it’s possible—because you don’t need them.

Even after you distance yourself from that toxic person, it will still take time to recover from that abuse, and that’s okay, too. Family is a subjective term, so you can form a new family from your supportive friends. Surrounding yourself with supportive people will help you reinforce the positive change that you need in your life.

While my personal experience with toxic parents might seem like an isolated event, it isn’t. Lori Osachy, MSS, LCSW and director and owner of The Body Image Counseling Center, explains to Her Campus, “Often one of these toxic family members is a parent. It is extremely painful to realize that a toxic parent’s personality is very unlikely to ever change. The decision to go low or no-contact, and then stick with one’s decision, can be excruciating. On top of that, my clients often do not realize the parent’s behavior is toxic, so they continue to put up with abusive behaviors.” It can be a never-ending cycle of abusive behavior, until you accept that this behavior is, in fact, harmful and that it won’t change until you distance yourself from this family member.

“The social stigma of needing to ‘honor thy mother and father’ is another stumbling block. Sometimes cutting a parent out of your life is the best decision, but you need enormous support and education to do it successfully and experience relief,” Osachy says.

As someone who’s perfected the art of cutting toxic lovers, friends and family out of her life, the toxic person in your life might try to gaslight you into thinking that you’re actually the abuser. They will likely claim that they’ve been victimized because you’re avoiding them, just because they give you the false sense of change or because they’ve made you feel remorse. These are the same abusive tactics they’ve used before, and you shouldn’t backpedal and accept them back into your life.

After all, toxicity is noxious, and you don’t need that kind of behavior killing your mental health.

4 DIY Parties To Throw For Your Friends This Year

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Throwing a party can be stressful, but it shouldn't have to be. You need to think of what will keep your guests entertained but you don't want to go broke. If you're looking for activities to bond with your family and friends on a budget, a DIY party is a bomb idea. Doing it yourself can make the planning fun, plus you have the freedom to make your vision come to life. There are two ways to have a DIY party; you can either do all the DIYing beforehand, or you can have your guests do crafts as a bonding exercise. To throw a party DIY style, though, you should plan ahead and have a theme. Think of something all of your guests will enjoy. For example, in February, before Valentine's Day, you could have a "Single Ladies" party or a love-themed party. Check these four party ideas, all DIY-style.

1. Single Gals Valentine's Day Party 

This party should be full of hearts, pink and red colors. Make different decorations that people can take home with them like a jar of love. Buy little mason jars and decorate them with red, white or pink wrapping paper of you choice. You can also get heart stickers and stick them all over. Inside the jar, put kind quotes that will leave a smile on the recipient's face. 

Play around with your V-Day candy! Though plain chocolate in a box is delicious, it can be a lot better if you get creative with it. Why just have Twix when you can have a Twix Candy Bourbon Milkshake? Your guests will go ballistic when you recite the ingredients. 

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups white sugar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup good quality bourbon 
  • 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt

To make the milkshake:

  • 3 scoops good quality vanilla ice cream
  • 1/4 cup brewed espresso, chilled 
  • 2 tablespoons good quality bourbon 
  • 1 tablespoon salted bourbon caramel 
  • 2 small Twix Fun Size
  • Whipped cream, for topping
  • Flaky sea salt, for topping

More cocktails like these, a few words of kindness here and there, and you will have the happiest guests.

2. Baking Party

Most people love sweets. Especially when it's hot, sweet dough coming straight out of the oven. Throw a baking party and have your guest decorate their own cookies or cupcakes. Have you even gone to the patisserie and wanted everything that was displayed? Or are you the kind of person who can picture that one cupcake being made? Throw a bunch of ingredients on a table and have everyone make their own mixtures. Hell, make it a competition. See who can make the best cookie or who gets more creative.

Darth Jayder, a student at the State University of New York at Old Westbury says, "I would go crazy at a baking party. I would make red velvet cupcakes with cream cheese frosting and melted chocolate, of course! I would add a raspberry cheesecake cupcake to that too. It sounds like heaven."

3. Social Media Party

If you're a true millennial, you can't wait until you make that next Instagram post where you show off how happy or pretty you look. You have you own reality show on Snapchat and Twitter is your diary. So why not throw a party all about that? Invite friends over and have different photobooth sections. Make edible decor and serve cool drinks. There are a bunch of cheap photo booth props you can buy from Amazon. Have a chalkboard or a white board in the back so people can write or draw whatever they please. Get some wrapping paper and other tools, such as glitter and confetti, to make cute party hats.

Related: How to Throw the Ultimate 'Bachelorette' Viewing Party

4. Super Bowl Party

It honestly does not matter whether you like football or not, this party will be a blast. In case you're not a football fan and some of friends aren't either, you can just enjoy the treats. What makes this creative process easy is that everything has to be football related and all your food will be super American. You get to make everything look either like a football or a football field. Johanne Lamothe from University at Buffalo says, "I only watch the Superbowl for the half-time show and the food." It is safe to say that Johanne is not alone in this situation. 

Stick with green and brown decor and always choose easy snacks such as chips and guac or popcorn. 

Also, make sure to incorporate football terms. 

DIY parties are awesome, but to be honest, people will only enjoy the party if you do. So be positive and enjoy all your hard work!

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Jennifer Lawrence Sobbed at BFF Amy Schumer's Wedding & I Need More of This Friendship

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She may have a budding new friendship with fellow actress Emma Stone, but Jennifer Lawrence's friendship with Amy Schumer is still strong. The Oscar winner attended Schumer's surprise wedding to chef Chris Fisher in Malibu, California, last week, appearing in several of the day's photos posted to Schumer's Instagram. Lawrence has now shared her feelings about her friend's marriage and how she reacted to the ceremony. 

Cosmopolitan reports that Lawrence spoke to Entertainment Tonight about the special day. "It was beautiful," she said. "It was very sudden, but it was, I was sobbing."

Lawrence also revealed that Fisher wrote his own vows, which apparently affected her in particular. "His vows were stunning," she said. "It's when two people really love each other and they really mean it, it shows, and it was a beautiful ceremony and an amazing time. I couldn't be happier for them."

Lawrence was in several of the photos Schumer shared on Instagram. In one, the two friends are posing at the ceremony site, with Lawrence kissing Schumer on the side of her face. 

 

Yup

A post shared by @ amyschumer on

In another, Lawrence and Schumer are on the dance floor together, while the friends smile with Chelsea Handler and another wedding guest in a following picture. 

 

@robandlindsayweddings

A post shared by @ amyschumer on

It wouldn't be a true Lawrence interview if she didn't poke fun at herself. Pointing out the dress that she wore for the day, she said to ET, "Notice my shirt was accidentally undone the whole time. In every wedding photo, all of my buttons were undone. It looks like I was like, 'Oh, you thought this was gonna be about you?'"

In 2015, Lawrence spilled on how the two women became friends, telling ET, "I reached out and everything just happened so quickly. We both have very similar senses of humor, obviously, and aren't afraid, which is a good and bad thing...And we're both very blunt. So we've gotten through a really strenuous process without ever fighting, because we're both very straightforward."

Schumer and Lawrence have previously worked together when they co-wrote the script for a yet-to-be-produced comedy starring themselves. As of last year, the funny duo was still searching for a director to take on the project. 

Until that movie comes to fruition, I'll live vicariously through these wedding pictures. 

How Internalized Sexism Might Be Affecting Your Dating Life

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You’re probably like “whaaaaat?!” Internalized sexism is so not affecting my dating life. My spirit is half Beyoncé, half Tavi Gevinson, and I only date feminists or else. Well, even the best woman warriors find it hard to get through the day when your Netflix shows, classmates, guys at the gym and even parents are unknowingly reinforcing sexist ideals all around you.

Internalized sexism is involuntary and occurs on an individual level. It means you’ve been exposed to messages that tell you women are inferior, and you’re now a byproduct of a society that shames and devalues you and others who share your gender. It’s infectious, invisible as air and lets you reinforce oppression without even choosing to.

Maybe you’ve developed body image issues because you don’t look like a Victoria’s Secret Angel. Maybe you’ve spent too long trying to be the “cool girl” who fits in with men. Internalized sexism manifests in various ways for different people. From something as subtle as believing women are fussy and emotional, to outright thinking of yourself as nothing more than a sexual object, it happens. Internalized sexism can arise from multiple influences (ie. the mother f**king patriarchy andprivilege). You could have picked it up from watching your mom stay at home and be the primary caregiver, or just not seeing enough women as actresses and news anchors on TV. The commercial side of America is terrible for reinforcing gender stereotypes, and when we’re exposed to it every day, it can be hard to get back in to a Betty Friedman mindset and slay the patriarchy.

Obviously internalized sexism is dangerous for yourself, other women and society as whole, but you may not have considered how significantly sexist oppression plays a role in your dating life. The basis of our male/female relationships is backed by sexist, heteronormative gender roles, and because of that, misogyny manifests in these three sneaky ways.

1. You’re hyper focused on your femininity

Raise your hand if you loathe shaving your pubes but do it anyway because you think it makes you more beautiful. SAME. That’s internalized sexism for you! We aren’t born with the instinct to shave our body hair, but body policing make us fear that our man will mouth-vomit and call us nasty if he sees some hair down there. If you’re hyper-focused on fitting the mold of an ideal feminine woman, and feel like nobody will be sexually attracted to you if you aren’t physically perfect, then a problem is happening.

We’re talking dieting, going to the gym in full makeup and thinking of all the ways to be bae’s perfect arm candy instead of focusing on the fact that you’re smart enough to work at NASA. There is no shame in valuing the sexy, feminine parts of yourself. But if you and your partner place no value on your intellect, personality or skills, then you’re perpetuating sexism. Sexism says that a woman must be pretty, quiet and nothing else. Operating outside of sexism means you see value in yourself beyond your looks, and want your partner to see that too.

Brown University alumna, Suzannah Weiss, is a well-known writer that covers relationships and gender issues, and holds a degree in cognitive neuroscience and gender and sexuality studies. When it comes to internalized sexism and femininity, she has a lot to say. “Women strive toward feminine qualities at the expense of their wellbeing,” she says. “For example, being small is considered feminine. When we take pride in ourselves for being thin, we're conforming to the ideal of women as unimposing and ascetic and conventionally beautiful, not because that's how our body just is. We are perpetuating a standard of beauty that harms us.”

Fun fact: You don’t have to fit a societal ideal to be desirable. That’s a toxic message which will inevitably lead to low self-esteem because beauty standards are not attainable or realistic. Primping isn’t in itself internalized misogyny, but if you feel anxious not doing it then it’s problematic. If your face and body are the basis of your romantic relationships, you should do some revaluating. Love yourself more than that, and find a partner who does too.

Related:10 Things You Do For Yourself, Not Guys 

2. You always feel guilty

Do you find yourself apologizing often for the way you are? AKA feeling embarrassed when you share a controversial opinion, interrupt someone or, god forbid, eat a large meal. Shaming yourself and feeling guilty for totally reasonable behavior shows that you’ve definitely internalized sexism, and you’re not being fully authentic or free in your relationship.

Carly, a sophomore at the University of Michigan, shares her own struggle and realization at the way sexism has made her feel guilty in her relationship. “I’ve had countless men and women tell me not to speak up,” she says. “From being little in class and raising my hand, to being in college and trying to share thoughts I think are valuable, I live in a society that wants me to be quiet. For years, I internalized this and didn’t realize it. In my first serious relationship, I found I had trouble speaking up in bed or talking to my boyfriend if he did something that hurt me.”

Carly continues, “Eventually I had a breakdown and spilled the beans that I felt being honest about my feelings and speaking openly would make him mad at me. He was really sweet about it, and basically told me that being a good girlfriend doesn’t mean being a quiet girlfriend. I only realized that a lot of times female guilt is internalized sexism last semester when it was directly addressed in my gender studies class, so now it’s something I’m actively thinking about and trying to reshape.” 

You should never exert pressure on yourself to act a certain way while dating, because that is the world telling you your natural self isn’t good enough. You are not inadequate because you are a real live woman with feelings and needs. Doesn’t the “sorry, not sorry” mantra of your sisters mean anything to you?

Related:5 Feminist Dating Dilemmas (& How to Deal)

3. You unreasonably elevate your partner above yourself

When you’re battered with sexism on the daily, it’s hard not to see your male partner as supreme. This could come out as sacrificing your plans for his, being submissive to his wants, letting him win the fights and generally seeing your opinions as less valuable than his. If you're graduating soon and planning to move to be with him instead of the other way around, something is wrong sister. Relationships built on inequality can leave lasting emotional damage. We’re here to tell you that you should never minimize your own value or let a gender bias convince you that you’re worth less than someone with a penis.

Whether you’re in love or just really vibing your bae, it’s difficult to notice when sexism is creeping into your interactions, and it likely falls under your radar. It takes perception to notice when you let your partner be in control of you.

Weiss, our gender and relationships guru, has more to share. “The balance of power in your relationship becomes sexist if what you want is constantly pushed on the back burner,” she says. “If it’s subtle then it’s usually him not being invested in you and you’re making more sacrifices than he is. But if it’s harsh then it could be as severe as him not asking for your consent and belittling aspects of your gender. If the sexism in your relationship isn’t ever addressed, his power grows and yours diminishes. That’s really dehumanizing for women.” 

Freeing yourself from internalized sexism takes a lot of personal strength. Not medication, a detoxifying juice cleanse or mass amounts of chocolate can cure it. What you can do is recognize cultural practices that lead to internalized sexism, and re-channel thoughts that harm or set limits on yourself.  You can engage in dialogue with your partner about your suffering, hold them accountable to treating you as an equal and in turn, have them hold you accountable to empowering yourself. Addressing sexism in your relationship is a cause very worth your time, and it can only lead to your value, happiness and being surrounded by better people. You should also absolutely collaborate with and support other women. They’ll be the readiest to talk about male privilege and fight dominance with you. Good women sharpen each other, and we believe you can have a romantic life where you are in control of your choices and feel how truly worthwhile you are.


As Students Speak at an Anti-Gun Rally, Florida Lawmakers Hope to Demolish the Building Where the Stoneman Douglas School Shooting Happened

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After a gunman killed 17 people on the campus of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida this week, state lawmakers have announced that they hope to remove the building in which all of the fatal shootings occurred. HuffPost reports that several state senators announced that they plan to provide the resources the school district would require to demolish the high school's Building 12 and build a new series of classrooms. They also plan to create a memorial on campus in honor of the shooting's victims. 

Speaking to the Miami Herald on Friday after visiting the school the day before, Republican Sen. Bill Galvano said, "This building has to come down. Everything was strewn across the halls from people running and dodging and there was significant blood splatters on the wall. Like someone took a milk jug and explored it...It will still be very difficult for students to return. But that particular building should be razed, and the memory of the perpetrator erased and a memorial honoring the victims and their families be put in its place."

Replacing Building 12, which is the newest on the school campus and serves approximately 900 of more than 3000 students, is estimated to cost between $25 million and $30 million. While Broward Country Public Schools Superintendent Robert Runcie shared hopes of reopening the school soon, it's still unknown to the public where students who use Building 12 would go if the structure is destroyed and then reconstructed.

Runcie plans to work with state senators to earn enough money to make these changes to campus. He also announced that teachers will likely return to school before students and that a decision regarding the school's reopening may be released this weekend. 

At an anti-gun rally held in Fort Lauderdale on Saturday, several Stoneman Douglas students passionately spoke about other lawmakers' responses to the country's gun violence. Students Emma Gonzalez and David Hogg, who previously spoke to CNN about the country needing action, both called for improved gun safety laws in the wake of last Wednesday's shooting. 

 

4 Ways to Tour a College Without Stepping Foot on Campus

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As you prepare for one of the most important choices of your life, there are many ways you can make a well-prepared decision. Selecting the right college involves many nights of pros and cons lists, overseeing tuition costs and trying on school colors to see which ones you like best.

According to some, one of the best ways to reach this decision is by visiting the campus of the school you might attend during the fall. Sadly, sometimes you are unable to visit the three or four (or even more) schools you applied to. There are various reasons why you’re unable to go visit that dream campus: maybe your parents do not seem keen on the idea of driving two or more hours or they’re probably worried you’ll miss school, the money you saved up from babysitting still can’t buy you plane tickets or you just can’t take time away from school to make that trip.

Don’t fret—there are numerous ways you can explore your prospective college without actually stepping a foot on campus. 

1. Browse the school’s website

This one sounds very cliché but it is the first step you should take to see if you would like the campus or not. The photos taken for your desired school’s website are top-notch and will show all the splendid things your campus offers. Explore the tab for prospective students, search for sports event photos and even visit any Twitter or Facebook page the university may have. When you’re looking through their website, notice any links to student blogs about the campus or extracurricular clubs that might also have Social Networks. That way, you can read up about what’s going on at campus from their perspectives.

Did you know that Instagram is also your best friend? Most campuses have their own hashtags that students use to upload photos. Another way to get to know that campus is through the eyes of someone who’s actually going there and Insta is the best place to do that! Write #ThatSchoolsAcronym and I’m pretty sure you’ll be blown away with the photography and/or videos you’ll find.

2. Reach out to alumni

An amazing thing that most websites have is an Alumni tab, and if you get really lucky, you might even find testimonials. Before choosing the right university, you should always know what past students think about their campus, the academics and the student life at that school. It’s important to contact those that have been in the same place as you just a couple years ago.

“Before actually going to campus, I found a girl on Twitter that majored in what I wanted to and I started talking to her on there. She was extremely nice and even offered some advice on how to get classes and such!” says Madelyn, a student at the University of Puerto Rico.

There are a lot of ways to get in touch with an alumni. Just remember to be calm, cool, collected and a professional. That is why, the top recommendations are always LinkedIn or writing them an e-mail. As long as you treat them with respect, any of them will be happy to help!

3. Find out from the inside

Sometimes, school websites and alumni are going to talk amazingly about campus. Want to know the inside scoop? There’s an amazing way to do so! School blogs and newspapers are quite truthful about the issues going on around campus. Most universities have newspapers and student council pages that are constantly sharing what scholars are involved in. If that campus has a Her Campus chapter, even better! Magazines such as Her Campus or newspapers such as The Daily Free Press, The Daily Collegian or The Michigan Daily will give you a perspective on what goes on at the dorms, academically and other events (such as sports, lifestyle and/or social) on campus. What better way to learn than to read it from the own students?

Related: 8 Fears You Have About Choosing An Out-Of-State School

4. Take advantage of Google Maps

Did you know that this is your best friend? If not, get acquainted! Google Maps will not only show you how to get to campus (from the airport, your house, grandma’s house or any other place) but it can actually show you places nearby. It’s important to know where the nearest Target or Walmart is, if your favorite restaurant is walking distance, if there is a mall nearby, etc.

By using Street View you can get to know how things will look if you decide to go to that campus. Knowing these things and being able to peruse the neighborhood you are considering is extremely important to help come to your decision. Why? Since you’re going to live there for at least four years you have to know whether your neighborhood or college town is safe or not. That’s an important thing to acknowledge, especially to keep your family and friends at ease. 

Before planning a trip to visit a college campus, save your time (and money) by maximizing your computer use. Sit down one day and do all the research you feel you might need to reach your decision. There's no rush, but you might want to get a head start before admissions come rolling by. Good luck!

6 Common Misconceptions About Internships

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Whether you’ve had five internships or none, there’s one thing we want to set straight: There are some common misconceptions about them. Some claim internships are all making coffee runs and copies while others brag about the glamorous behind-the-scenes work they get to be a part of — does it really go one way or the other? We've talked to Rachael Bozsik, CEO and Founder of The Brand Girls, and former interns to figure this out. Before you start judging internships by their covers, let’s break down some of the common rumors there are about them.

1. Interns don’t do anything worthwhile

We’ve all seen the movies where the intern is running around taking coffee orders and making copies. But the world of interns has changed a lot. Although you may be asked to do the occasional task nobody else wants to do, that won’t be the majority of your role (unless it’s specified when you apply)! Internships are all about what you make of them. If you seek out opportunities to help and share your ideas, you’ll be trusted with bigger tasks and appreciated by your coworkers.

2. Paid internships are better

We know — unpaid internships are tough. You’re working as hard as you can and they aren’t compensating for anything — but does that mean you shouldn’t accept an unpaid internship? Rachel Popa, a junior at Roosevelt University believes collegiettes should have open minds. “I found that working as an unpaid intern was a lot more rewarding and I felt and knew for a fact that my work was appreciated,” she says. “When I was paid, it felt like those who ran the internship saw me more as an employee than an intern who had room to grow.” In addition to this, just because an internship is unpaid doesn’t mean it won’t be a great experience. If it’s a company you love and a role you’re interested in, give it a shot! Your resume will thank you. If you aren’t in the financial position to take an unpaid internship, you can find strictly paid internships by filtering your search.

Related: 5 Ways to Turn a Negative Internship Around

3. Internships will always turn into jobs

Although an internship can turn into a job, you by no means are guaranteed a permanent position. Even if you get an internship somewhere you wouldn’t necessarily want to work, like Madeline F., a senior at Oregon State University, you can have an awesome experience. “I interned at an apparel showroom and though it wasn't necessarily what I want to do after college now, it was a fun and low-key workplace,” she says. You don’t have to intern in your respective field of study — internships are all about figuring out what you do and don’t like! “Whether it's to work towards a dream job or to learn about the industry in general I think interning can be a great experience, regardless of the bumps along the way,” Madeline adds. If something unique comes up, it may be worth it to take the opportunity.

4. Your boss won’t notice you

We can’t stress this enough — internships are what you make of them. If you sit at your desk all day and don’t seek out opportunities, you may go under the radar. But if you’re actively sharing your ideas and asking what you can do to help, your experience will be much better. Interns can’t just sit in the corner and play on their phones all day. If you want real experience, you have to work for it. Sit in on meetings, talk to people in your workplace and ask questions — you’ll be thankful you did.

5. Your role is set in stone

Internships are often very different, and it’s up to you to decide what you want out of it. If you want to work more hours or take on a project, let your boss know! “I ended up working less hours than I thought as well, so I would really recommend students be clear about their expectations to get the best possible experience,” Madeline says. During the interview, it’s totally okay to ask, “What types of tasks will I be taking on?” or “How many hours will I be working per week?” You want to get as much information as you can before accepting a role! And if the internship isn’t turning out to be how you thought it would, it’s important to talk to your supervisor and let them know what you think you’re missing.

6. Your internship needs to be with a nationally recognized company

We all have companies we dream of working at, but don't be crushed if you don't land an internship there! "Google, NBA, E!, Prada — if you have not been lucky enough to land an internship at a major national organization there is NO need to fret," Rachael says. "When it comes time to apply for a full time position companies are looking for two important things... transferable skills and personality. You can absolutely build out a list of both hard and soft skills anywhere from a Fortune 500 to mom and pop business. If you are in the PR industry you can build transferable skills with media pitching, press releases and media advisories in any sort of space." Take this advice to heart, and don't be upset if you end up interning at a smaller company!

Internships can be fun, hectic or boring — but you’ll never know until you try. Just keep in mind that what you hear from someone about her internship isn’t necessarily true for everyone. Seek out internships you’re interested in and once you’ve landed one, make the most of your time there. And most importantly, don’t let these misconceptions steer you away from what could be an amazing opportunity.

12 Things to Do If You’re Sick of the Single Life

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It’s cuffing season, so put your hands up single ladies because this article is for you! Some of us who belong to the single population get sick and tired of being on our own. But who says it has to be this way? Through a few simple steps you can learn to either thrive as a single person or put yourself out there in new ways that will have you well on your way to changing your Facebook relationship status.

1.Ask yourself why you’re single

To understand why you’re on a single streak, it’s best to identify why so you can take steps to move into a relationship if that’s what you want. Being single isn’t a bad thing, and this question isn’t to tear yourself down but rather to analyze where you are in your life and where you see yourself going.

Maybe you spend a lot of time by yourself or need some tips on how to let people knowyou’re into them. So whether you’ve just been working on yourself for the past few months, focusing on school or taking a break from guys, think about what the best steps are for moving into a relationship.

2. Don’t lower your standards

No matter how much you want to be in a relationship, make sure you never lower your standards. Now these shouldn’t be ridiculous like your future SO just has to have blue eyes and dark hair, though that’s great if it works out that way. Say it’s important that your future SO has goals and aspirations. Don’t settle for someone who has no idea what they plan on doing and aren’t even trying. Find out what’s important to you and don’t compromise.

3. Understand that it’s okay to be single

The longer you’re single, the more time you have to develop yourself to be an amazing person when you are in a relationship. And if you’re sad about being single, that’s okay too. Acknowledge and accept your feelings for what they are, but remember to look on the bright side when you’re ready.

4. Make yourself (more) awesome

Being single can be an opportunity to improve the current you. Take the time you might be spending in a relationship and devote it to making a cooler version of yourself. Go kayaking, learn to cook an amazing dish (for yourself) or volunteer at the local shelter. Find something that will help you reach your goals in the future and make you a more interesting person.

5. Immerse yourself in learning

Finding ways to engage in self-learning encourages you to enjoy developing yourself and loving who you are. Join a book club or learn how to teach Pilates all on your own. The confidence you’ll gain in having this new knowledge will attract others who will be relationship material.

6. Work on your other relationships

Investing in non-romantic relationships is essential to your mental health. Plan a girls’ night in with your squad or have a long phone call with one of your siblings. Reconnect with a friend you haven’t heard from in a while. Whether it’s growing in your faith or strengthening your friendships, recognizing that an SO is not the only source for human intimacy and closeness will help you be a mature individual and a better SO to someone else in the future.

Related: 5 Little Ways to Show You're Into Him

7. Go do things by yourself

One of the best things you can do as a single person is learn to be happy independently. Visit your favorite book or record store just to browse. Head to a coffee shop with only your own company. Try and find ways to relish being on your own doing what you love. If it’s the right moment, a fellow record collector might just get your number.

8. Force yourself to be social

This may be counterintuitive to the above suggestion. But having the ability to be comfortable both on your own and in social settings will help in starting a relationship. If you’re typically the grandma or awkward turtle of your friend group, ask one of your fun-loving, social friends if you can shadow them for a night out. If going out isn’t your thing, join a group or club to meet new people. The more people you engage with, the more likely you are to create a network that contains someone you’re compatible with.

9. Ask around

Ask your girl or guy friends if they know any people who are looking to date. They just might be willing to help you out. It could be that your friends have no idea you’re trying for a relationship and you just have to let them know. Your future SO could be a mutual friend away.

10. Step up your flirting skills

Still not sure how to flirt? Maybe the guy you like just doesn’t know you’re into him. It might be time to brush up and get some professional tips to get you past level zero in flirting.

11. Get online

Many girls are just not into online dating. And while it can have disastrous results, it can also be a new way to find your future SO. You may even find your true love.

12. Make the first move

I am a firm believer that at least once in every woman’s life, she should make the first move. If you see someone in class you think is just too cute to ignore, ask them to study and maybe text them later to see if they want to go out for coffee. Guys are often just waiting until a girl shows interest before they start pursuing a relationship.

In the end, you need to know that the right person will often come at the time you least expect it. All you can do is try not to freak out in between and be the most amazing single person possible.

Francia Raisa Spills About Donating a Kidney to Selena Gomez & She's Brutally Honest

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Since announcing on Instagram that she received a kidney from her friend Francia Raisa in June 2017, Selena Gomez has remained vocal about her health struggles and how much Raisa contributed to her life. She appeared alongside Raisa in an October 2017 TODAY interview discussing Raisa's decision and her kidney miraculously matching Gomez's needs. Now, Raisa has spoken up on her own about her perspective of the life-changing surgery. 

Cosmopolitan reports that Raisa opened up about her kidney donation during an interview with Harry Connick Jr. on his show Harry, which is set to air on Feb. 19. If you weren't already in awe of Raisa's selfless decision to help her friend, this interview is bound to improve your opinion of her. 

"It's harder as the donor because we are losing something our body didn't need to lose, so trying to recover from that, and she's gaining something her body needed," Raisa said of Gomez benefiting from the surgery. "So she's up and at it immediately and I had a hard time." 

 

Hermanas

A post shared by Francia Raísa (@franciaraisa) on

Now bearing four scars from the procedure, the Grown-ish star also shared about her difficult recovery afterwards. "I couldn't take a shower by myself, I had to have someone help me because I couldn't move," she told Connick. "I'm a very, very active person, so...Two months, I couldn't do anything active. All I could do was walk. That was very hard for me and I have a dog and every day the thing I look forward to is drinking my coffee and walking and I couldn't do that. It was really, really hard."

Gomez required a kidney transplant to cope with complications with lupus, which she was diagnosed with in 2013. In the interview, Raisa touched upon the guilt that Gomez initially experienced over Raisa's donation, but as we've all seen over the past few months, the decision has changed the women's friendship for the better.

 

I’m very aware some of my fans had noticed I was laying low for part of the summer and questioning why I wasn’t promoting my new music, which I was extremely proud of. So I found out I needed to get a kidney transplant due to my Lupus and was recovering. It was what I needed to do for my overall health. I honestly look forward to sharing with you, soon my journey through these past several months as I have always wanted to do with you. Until then I want to publicly thank my family and incredible team of doctors for everything they have done for me prior to and post-surgery. And finally, there aren’t words to describe how I can possibly thank my beautiful friend Francia Raisa. She gave me the ultimate gift and sacrifice by donating her kidney to me. I am incredibly blessed. I love you so much sis. Lupus continues to be very misunderstood but progress is being made. For more information regarding Lupus please go to the Lupus Research Alliance website: www.lupusresearch.org/ -by grace through faith

A post shared by Selena Gomez (@selenagomez) on

"She felt bad about even having me do that because we are just friends, I am not her family or anything," Raisa said. "Well, I am now. She has my blood. We just wanted our families around and it was cool because now I have a big family. I lost my grandparents when I was younger... Her grandparents are my grandparents now and so I have this extension of a family and it's been really amazing."

Kudos to Raisa for making one of the ultimate sacrifices for her friend and being honest about the physical challenges that came as a result. 

Stoneman Douglas Students Are Planning a "March for Our Lives" to Demand an End to Gun Violence

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After calling for gun safety laws both online and in TV interviews after a gunman killed 17 at their Florida school, five students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School have announced their plans to organize a nationwide march asking lawmakers to find solutions to end gun violence. HuffPost reports that the students made the announcement on Sunday during several different TV appearances, sharing that the "March For Our Lives"will be held on March 24 in Washington, D.C. 

The news of the march comes after several students passionately called for gun control at a local anti-gun rally on Saturday. Stoneman Douglas senior Emma Gonzalez, whose emotional speech at the rally went viral within hours of her delivery, joined four of her peers on Sunday in satellite interviews with ABC, CBSCNN and Fox News. In addition to the main march in the nation's capital, similar marches are expected to run in other major American cities. 

"Here's the time: March 24," said junior Cameron Kasky on the ABC program This Week. "In every single city, we are going to be marching together as students begging for our lives. This isn't about the GOP. This isn't about the Democrats. This is about the adults. We feel neglected. At this point, you're either with us or you're against us."

Also accompanied by students Alex Wind, Jaclyn Corin and David Hogg, Gonzalez stressed the need for other students' presence at the march. While speaking on Fox News Sunday, she said, "We want students to be at that march and to be with us. We want to be with those students who we didn't understand their pain before and it's all too tragic that we all have to understand the same pain now."

On the website promoting the march, the event's mission statement reads, "School safety is not a political issue. There cannot be two sides to doing everything in our power to ensure the lives and futures of children who are at risk of dying when they should be learning, playing and growing. The mission and focus of March For Our Lives is to demand that a comprehensive and effective bill be immediately brought before Congress to address these gun issues. No special interest group, no political agenda is more critical than timely passage of legislation to effectively address the gun violence issues that are rampant in our country."

Actresses Are Wearing Black at the BAFTAs to Support the Time's Up Movement

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Following the black dress code seen at this year's Golden Globes ceremony, actresses are following the same guidelines in dressing for the BAFTAs, aka the British equivalent of the Oscars. BuzzFeed reports that many actresses arriving at the BAFTA red carpet on Sunday were in black to support the Time's Up movement. 

The official Time's Up Twitter account referenced the reemergence of the dress code earlier that day, writing, "Tonight, at the BAFTAs and beyond, we wear black to say Time's Up on workplace abuse, inequality and harassment." The account also pointed out that more than half of women in the UK experience sexual harassment at work, proving that the Time's Up movement's message applies far beyond than Hollywood. 

With female nominees such as Saoirse Ronan, Margot Robbie and Frances McDormand attending the London ceremony, BAFTA host and actress Joanna Lumley connected the powerful campaign to the work of suffragettes. In the UK, women first won the right to vote in 1918, now marking a century since the historic decision. In her welcoming remarks, Lumley chose to recognize"the determination to eradicate the abuse of women." 

Also present at the ceremony were the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William and Kate Middleton. The pregnant Kate initially caused a bit of a stir when she arrived on the red carpet wearing green rather than black. 

According to Glamourher green Jenny Packham dress wasn't intended as a snub to the movement. Simply put, members of the royal family aren't allowed to make political statements with clothing, which makes sense. Although you could argue that the fight against sexual harassment is far from being solely political, critics of Time's Up have said that politics have inevitably become involved in the movement, causing Kate's neutral attire.

Kudos to the actresses who aren't letting awareness of sexual harassment and Time's Up stay within the United States. 


Links We Love 2.18.18

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The evolution of figure skating hair and makeup. [HelloGiggles]

"Don't let my classmates' deaths be in vain." [The New York Times]

Celebrating Gus Kenworthy's kiss at the Olympics. [CNN]

The unique horror of a bulletproof backpack. [New York Magazine]

Quirky hotel rooms inspired by cartoons. [USA Today]

A relationship guru reveals modern dating fails. [The Daily Mail]

The best mascaras of all time. [Coveteur]

Florida students turn to activism in wake of shooting. [The Hill]

Adam Rippon will be an NBC correspondent for the remainder of the Olympics. [Us Weekly]

Yale students flock to the pursuit of happiness. [Times Higher Education]

How to Get a Job Where You Can Work From Home

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We’ve all said it when getting dressed or sitting in traffic: I just wish I could work from home! It conjures up a nice image of a leisurely day spent with your computer and of wearing sweatpants instead of a pencil skirt. The good news is that working from home is an actual possibility. It’s all about knowing what to look for.

There are different routes you can take when looking for a job where you can work from home. The first thing to decide is whether you’re interested in working from home all the time or just want the freedom of being out of the office a couple days a week. The first option gives you the benefit of a more flexible schedule and, in some cases, allows you to largely be your own boss. But the second means having an office and team of coworkers to socialize and sympathize with when the job gets you down.

Freelancing

If working from home every day is your jam, keep an eye out for job listings where the position location is “virtual” or “remote.” These jobs often deal with content writing, editorial or social media work, because in those cases, all you need is a computer and a steady WiFi connection. Also consider becoming a blogger or a full-time freelancer. They can be based anywhere! Admittedly, these sorts of jobs might not be enough to keep you completely afloat, but they definitely offer flexible hours. And if you take on freelancing work, there’s always the possibility of keeping multiple projects going at once, as long as you’re able to keep yourself organized.

Related: Contract Work: What You Need to Know Before You Take the Job

Of course, it’s one thing to decide to freelance and another to actually find work. But the internet has made that easier than ever and millennials are known for making the world wide web work for them. Michelle Adams, a freelance writer and editor, says, “There are a lot of online resources for finding work from home jobs! Personally, I like the job board at VirtualVocations.com because they check every job for spam and fraud before listing it.” It’s also worth checking out resources like Freelancer if you have a particular skill you’re interested in selling.

That can be anything ranging from marketing or editorial expertise to data entry and graphic design. Still, Adams offers some cautioning words: “You have to be really careful that the job is with a reputable company, not someone who just wants to scam you.” And of course, it’s important to remember never to give out your Social Security Number or bank account information until you’ve been officially hired.

At-Home Sales Rep

There are also companies that allow you to become a consultant or sales rep from your own home, Samantha Burke, a 2016 Siena College graduate, suggests. “The biggest downside is the money you need to put down to start, but I have a family member who does LuLaRoe and I know with LuLaRoe's leggings, your profit margin is over fifty percent,” Burke says. Other brands, like Chloe + Isabel, a jewelry retailer, have similar set ups. It’s important to do your research when considering working for with these companies, as a number of them amount to little more than scams. You will often also need to store your own merchandise. However, the more reputable brands can be great for someone who’s self-motivated and willing to put in the work.

Related: 5 Career Options with Flexible Schedules

A Few Days a Week

More traditional companies will also sometimes allow employees to work from home a few days a week, particularly in cities where traffic congestion is a real worry. Marketing professional Mara Hyman recommends that job seekers should “look for companies that offer a work laptop instead of or in addition to a desktop monitor!” Even if work is primarily done in a traditional office setting, “having a laptop allowed us the flexibility to work while away or if there was a snowstorm,” Hyman says. “By having a specific laptop for our role, we had all of the software and files necessary to perform our jobs at any location, as opposed to using a personal laptop and only having access to work emails.” It’s always worth asking potential employers if they allow work from home or if you can negotiate a certain number of days a week when you can do so.

The important thing to keep in mind while working from home is that you are still in fact on the job. As delightful an image as it is, it can’t all be pajamas and working on your couch. Make sure your workspace puts you in the right headspace. Don’t keep the TV on in the background or let yourself stop working every five minutes because you remembered you need to clean the bathroom or check your laundry. Keep the unnecessary internet time to a minimum (or at least on par with what you would do in the office). And maybe, sad as it is, consider skipping the pajamas.

Working from home can be a great option, whether it allows you the freedom to set your own schedule or just gives you the opportunity to skip the commute every so often. And if it sounds tempting, look into all the different ways to live the dream! Just make sure you’re cut out for motivating yourself. Procrastination doesn’t fly when you’re actually getting paid.

How to Style Every T-Shirt You Own

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T-shirts are timeless and essential, especially for college students. It takes a lot of effort to put on jeans and a nice top for early morning classes, and frankly, we don’t usually put forth that effort. You’re lucky if you even make it to class on time. T-shirts are comfy and convenient, so why sacrifice comfort to look stylish? Luckily, you don’t have to. Next time you’re tempted to wear your T-shirt with a pair of worn-out sweats, make it a little more chic with these styling tips for every kind of tee you own.

Graphic Tees

Still cold outside? Wear your favorite graphic tee by with a duster coat, high-waisted jeans, and a pair of sleek, heeled boots to stay warm.

 

First Coat of the Season @purificaciongarciaoficial #london #lfw #mystyle

A photo posted by Sara (@collagevintage) on

Make your graphic tee a little more edgy with a classic black leather jacket and vintage mom jeans.

 

r o a r @ysl ph @johnhillin

A photo posted by Mary Seng (@happilygrey) on

Dress up your favorite graphic tee by pairing it with a distressed denim miniskirt and a beaded or embroidered kimono. No kimono? No problem. Bomber jackets are super trendy right now and would be a great replacement.

 

Band Tee & Boho Jacket #mystyle #ootd #collageontheroad

A photo posted by Sara (@collagevintage) on

Solid Color Tees

We love solid tees because they’re so versatile. This fashionista paired a solid gray tee with black denim and a huge statement necklace. We love.

A loose-fitting solid tee looks great with distressed boyfriend jeans, plenty of dainty jewelry and a stylish pair of neutral mules.

 

In a pink mood

A photo posted by Aimee Song (@songofstyle) on

A solid tee with a deep v-neck begs for layered necklaces, a scarf or both. Pair it with distressed shorts for a casual but fashionable look.

 

exploring Havana tap for details!

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Sorority Tees

If you’re in a sorority, you wear your letters with pride. But sometimes it’s hard to find new, cute ways to style your favorite Greek tee. We love pairing them with high-waisted jeans and little accessories, like a choker or a flannel tied around the waist.

 

Two more days until registration for sorority recruitment closes! Link in our bio #GoGreek #TUPanhel

A photo posted by Delta Phi Epsilon (@dphietemple) on

Give your favorite sorority tee a makeover by tie-dying it or cutting it so your cute bralette peeks out. As it gets warmer, pair it with some denim shorts and flat sandals.

 

San Diego State ΓΦΒ

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White Tees

White tees are perhaps the most versatile of all T-shirts. For a classic look, pair your white tee with literally any kind of denim and dress it up with black heels.

Winterizing your favorite white tee has never been easier with a duster coats. Find an adorable one at almost any fast-fashion store, slide on your favorite vintage jeans, and add some of your favorite accessories for the perfect cold weather combo.

 

Wish you a wonderful weekend

A photo posted by Caroline Daur (@carodaur) on

Beauty icon Emily Weiss is our white t-shirt goals. She got creative and paired it with blue skinny jeans, a slouchy blazer, black booties, and a statement scarf. This is a look you can totally copy.

Related: 6 Ways to be Chic & Cozy AF at the Same Time

University Tees

Bleaching and cutting university tees to make them more unique and stylish has been a huge trend this year. Give all of your free college tees some DIY TLC and you’ll be the talk of the tailgate.

Pair your favorite college tee with pants that coordinate with your school colors, throw on classic Converse, pile on the gaudy beads, and smear on the face paint for the most spirited look that can go from the football game to a house party (minus the beads and face paint).

 

Friday night lights #DidntBeatArmy

A photo posted by Sarah Madaus (@sarah_madaus) on

Striped Tees

A striped tee paired with true-blue skinnies and casual sneakers is a classic outfit; you don’t need to add any jewelry or statement accessories to make this work.

Can’t bring yourself to part with your sweatpants? No problem. A fitted striped tee looks great with plain sweats or even a pair with a muted pattern.

To give off a high-fashion vibe, pair your favorite striped T-shirt with black overalls or skinnies and a statement choker.

Oversized Tees

For a classic tomboy look, pair your oversized tee with loose patterned pants and slide on sneaks.

 

Love what you do: @haleyarneson

A photo posted by CollegeFashionista (@cfashionista) on

We love the way Zendaya paired her oversized tee with classic black wide-leg pants and bright white sneakers.

Who said you had to stop wearing T-shirts in order to look stylish? These outfits take little time to put together and they’re so comfy. Go ahead, hit the snooze button again!

HC Wake-Up Call: Adam Rippon Declines Offer to Work With NBC for the Rest of the Olympics, President Trump Blames the FBI for Parkland Shooting & Harry Potter Dueling Wands Are Now Available

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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.)

Adam Rippon Declines Offer to Work With NBC for the Rest of the Olympics

After winning over America's heart through his work on the ice and his wittiness on Twitter, Olympic figure skater Adam Rippon has declined an offer to work as a contributor for NBC for the rest of the Olympics. Although PEOPLE reported earlier on Sunday that the 28-year-old would help the network with TV, digital and social media projects, Rippon later turned down the offer when he realized accepting it would mean that he would have to leave behind his teammates in Olympic Village.

"If I took this opportunity, I would have to leave the Olympic team and I’d have to leave the [Olympic] Village,” he said in an appearance on NBC's sports network on Monday in PyeongChang. “I worked so hard to be on this Olympic team, and my teammates and my friends were there for me during my events and that meant so much to me, that I really feel like I need to be there for them during their events as well.”

Before he earned a bronze medal alongside other American skaters in the team skating competition, Rippon, who is openly gay, earned praise for his criticism of Vice President Pence serving as the head of the American delegation for the Olympic Games. Known for his sassy Twitter persona, Rippon addressed haters in a post last week, saying, "I've learned from every setback, proudly own up to my mistakes, grown from disappointment, and now I'm a glamazon bitch ready for the runway." 

Rippon later explained his decision to turn down NBC's offer in another tweet.

President Trump Blames the FBI for Parkland Shooting

In a late night tweet on Saturday, President Donald Trump blamed the FBI for "spending too much time" on its Russia investigation and not looking into a tip about the young man who would kill 17 people at Florida's Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. NBC News reports that Trump blasted the FBI for missing "all of the many signals sent out by the Florida school shooter."

Earlier on Twitter last week, Trump also seemingly suggested that people at the gunman's school and within his community should have done more in response to his troubling behavior. On Friday, the FBI confirmed that someone connected to shooter Nikolas Cruz called its tip line in early January about the 19-year-old's "gun ownership, desire to kill people, erratic behavior, and disturbing social media posts, as well as the potential of him conducting a school shooting."

The FBI admitted that protocols of following up on the tip were not followed.

Harry Potter Dueling Wands Are Now Available

If you grew up obsessed with the dueling feature of Harry Potter computer games, get ready for a nostalgic blast to the past. BuzzFeed reports that toy company Jakks Pacific will debut a series of motion-sensing toy wands that have the ability to "cast spells." Three different kinds of wands, styled to match those of Voldemort's, Harry's and Dumbledore's, will be available upon the product's launch. The toys will also include three different game modes, including a "laser-tag-esque" mode called Wizard Tag. Sign me up!

The wands will sell for $24.99, so if you have a younger child in your life, I definitely wouldn't judge if you also budgeted for your own wand in addition to theirs. 

What to look out for...

Before the women take the Olympic ice later this week, check out the ice dance skating finals in PyeongChang tonight. Working with less technical requirements than the pair figure skaters, ice dancers' routines are even easier to follow and evaluate with an untrained eye. 

Fergie Sang An, Uh, Interesting Version Of The National Anthem At The NBA All-Star Game

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ICYMI, Fergie went solo to perform the National Anthem at the NBA All-Star Game on Sunday night. Let's just say the singer's rendition of "The Star Spangled Banner" was anything but fergalicious, and it resulted in a wave of online criticism.

 

During her two-and-a-half-minute performance, Fergie's exaggerated and intentionally raspy vocals caused several listeners to let out a laugh, including basketball player Draymond Green and audience member Chance the Rapper. While some social media critics compared Fergie's anthem to Marilyn Monroe's sexy song, "Happy Birthday Mr. President," I can't help but be reminded of the Saturday Night Live skit of Maya Rudolph mockingly singing the National Anthem.

Shaquille O'Neal called Fergie's rendition "sexy," while Charles Barkley said, "I need a cigarette after that." As always, Twitter had so many words to say about all the grunts, screeches and purposefully shaky vocal cords. Some users went as far as to say that this is the worst rendition of the National Anthem ever.

The United States may not agree on much, but can we all just agree, as a nation, to sing the National Anthem conventionally?

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