But seriously, most high-profile celebrities seem like pretty busy people. In between lunch at The Ivy and midnight drinks at Chateau Marmont, they barely have enough time to do the things they want to do. And Eva Longoria just put them all to shame.

Last night, Longoria graduated. The 38-year-old former Desperate Housewives star (who already holds a Bachelor of Science degree in kinesiology) had been taking classes in-person at Cal State Northridge since 2009 — And on Wednesday, she donned cap and gown to pick up her hard-earned Masters degree in Chicano Studies and Political Science.

Longoria’s been extremely active in championing for the Latino community in the U.S., and getting this degree was just another part of that.

“I really wanted a better, more authentic understanding of what my community has gone through so I can help create change,” she said.

So congrats, Eva! And congratulations to all you other graduates out there!

Featured image via Us Weekly

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Kaitlyn Hunt, a high school senior in Florida, is facing a choice between going to trial and potentially serving up to 15 years in prison as a sex offender, or accepting a plea of two years under house arrest and a year on probation. All this for dating a girl in her school who was 15 years old. Her parents assumed that her girlfriend’s family was aware of the relationship, but apparently things were a bit more complicated.

With no previous attempt from Kaitlyn’s girlfriend’s family to communicate their disapproval of the relationship, the 18 year old high school student was arrested in February, in her home, and taken away in handcuffs. The lack of attempt at talking things out one family to another, and the very serious felony charges brought up against Hunt (lewd and lascivious battery on a child ages 12 to 16), seem to point to a hysterical outburst of homophobia on the part of her girlfriend’s parents upon finding out about the relationship. Your first reaction to your daughter’s fully consensual relationship isn’t to call the police, unless you’re in the middle of a freakout. Most rational people will at least try to have a conversation first.

“Use taxpayers’ money to prosecute REAL criminals, not a high school student who has never been in trouble a day in her young life, all because she had a mutual consenting relationship with someone who has bigoted parents,” said Kelley Hunt Smith, Kaitlyn’s mother. The irony of this case is that, in asserting statutory rape laws, Kaitlyn Hunt is being held to equal standards as anyone else would be in a heterosexual relationship. Of course, that equality is lost when it comes to marriage rights for many same sex couples across the country.

As for rape of any kind, let alone statutory, since 97% of violent rapists never go to jail, it seems a bit arbitrary to consider sending anyone to jail who was in a completely consensual and non-violent relationship. The thought of a criminal justice system in which police will handcuff an 18 year-old girl and haul her away like a violent criminal, while so many actually violent criminals walk free, is frankly disturbing. Two girls, three years apart, in a consensual relationship warrants an arrest and potentially 15 years in prison? The Steubenville rapists were only given one year, just for being minors, because apparently before you turn 18 you’re an impressionable idiot but on the day of your 18th birthday the Adulthood Fairy comes and taps you on the nose with the Magic Wand of Accountability and Maturity. We underestimate youth too much sometimes.

While statutory rape laws are indeed there for a reason, they also come with a lot of problems. Statutory rape laws are complicated, because while they are meant to protect minors, they also restrict a lot of freedoms. A relationship is more influenced by shared bonds, such as culture and maturity, than by age, because age has limited influence on the intellectual and emotional aspects of a romantic connection. An 18 year-old high schooler dating a 16 year-old is someone who still lives at home, and is part of the same culture as their partner. An 18 year-old in college is someone who probably lives in campus housing, and has a much more independent and adult life than even an 18 year old who is still a high school senior.

In the end, this isn’t a unique case, it just involves a same-sex couple. This kind of press doesn’t happen when a parent calls the police on their 16 year-old’s slightly older partner. In a way, it’s refreshing to see so many people allied with Kaitlyn, because her case seems so strongly tinged with homophobia. There’s a Change.org petition to help Kaitlyn’s family with legal fees. This is a good time to rethink not only bigotry, but how accountable minors are, as well, and perhaps to stop underestimating them.

Featured Image via RawStory

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I am a relatively young adult woman, though I have my days where I feel a million years old. One of the quickest ways to feel young, I have noticed, is to talk politics. There are hundreds of political scandals older than me (and probably you guys, too) so it is hard to decide if we are progressing or regressing when it comes to certain aspects of the political game. It feels like it has been a really long time since the last presidential sex scandal – like, I cannot even imagine something like that going down in President Obama‘s administration (no offense, President Clinton) – but really, the mid-’90s wasn’t all that long ago when we think about all of the presidential issues we have ever faced.

And of course, politics isn’t just talkin’ presidents. Political scandals encompass all the big titles: governors, senators, runner-ups and the like. What I have noticed is that we seem to have a faster rebound in forgiving the (usually) men that make huge mistakes while in office, or while holding a title with prestige. Do you think 50 years ago we would have allowed a man with a mistake like Mark Sanford’s back into office?

In case you don’t remember, Sanford was the former Governor of South Carolina until the media caught onto the affair he was having with a woman he called his “soulmate.” He admitted to having numerous inappropriate relationships with women that were not his wife, though his main mistress was the one that caused him to go into hiding, ignoring phone calls from his staff as well as his family. Sanford eventually resigned from his position, though in May of this year, Sanford was sworn back in to the House of Representatives.

Back in the day, an extramarital affair could kill someone’s career. Sanford was praised for his honesty and humility throughout the situation instead.

This week, Anthony Weiner, also formerly a member of the US House of Representatives, announced his intent to run for mayor of New York City. I want to assume we all remember Weiner at least from the combination of his unfortunate last name paired with his “sexting” scandal in which he tweeted lewd pictures to multiple women. Though Weiner initially blamed the incident on his Twitter account being hacked, he later admitted that he had control over his account and his actions, and Weiner resigned.

Yesterday, Weiner spoke while announcing his candidacy, stating: “I’ve made some big mistakes and I know I’ve let a lot of people down. But I’ve also learned some tough lessons.”

Many news sources are claiming that Weiner does not have the same appeal as Sanford and will not have much luck in his run, however the interesting aspect of the whole situation is the fact that Weiner is even attempting another political run after his previous, er…mishap. Have our values as a society changed, or do these incidents just seem more common because we are all much more tuned-in what with the access to everyone’s personal lives at all times via social networking and the internet and our fast paced environment? Do we forgive and forget easier because of the way we run now?

Personally, I believe political scandal is not more present today than it was ever before, I think privacy terms have changed. We expect people in the public eye to give us a particular amount of attention, which almost always involves their personal lives. I do not necessarily think it is wrong to demand certain details about men and women we are electing into office–because we certainly expect to trust authority and our leaders–so in that case, I believe it is okay to forgive an affair or a ridiculous amount of penis pictures. These things aren’t new to politics (well, tweeting penis pictures kind of is). Just because these situations are not as hush hush as they once were does not mean everyone should be punished harsher.

Forgive and forget, except for in extreme cases. Embezzlement and abuse are unforgivable to me. Cheating on your spouse I can get over.

Featured image via nymag, Sanford image via huffingtonpost. 

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Apparently, the new trend this month is speed dating for skinny people. Yes, you read that correctly and no, sadly there is no punch line because this is not a joke. If you are heavier than the average woman, you need not apply because you wouldn’t even be allowed to attend. Except by heavier than average I mean below to well below the norm in this country, considering the average American woman wears a size 14 and the self titled “Skinny Minny” event boasted a pool of women between size 0 and 8. Don’t worry, though – not all attendees were blatantly discriminated against; if you are a man hoping to attend “Skinny Minny” speed dating, there is a come one, come all policy – size 8 pant size or under not required.

You may be wondering how I could have anything else to discuss for the remainder of this article, because surely I gave away all the terribly misogynistic details up front. I wish you were correct, but thanks to OnSpeedDating.com’s extreme levels of insanity, the size restriction is not the only offensive aspect of their event. The Huffington Post recently reported that the women who attend these dating events are asked to wear a name tag with their dress size on it. So, in the case that the men in attendance are even more narrow-minded and shallow than originally suspected, unsatisfied with the knowledge that any woman in the room is a size 8 or below, they can easily weed through those on the “larger” end of the spectrum to find their size-appropriate soulmate.

If you are anything like me, you may still be in shock, hoping beyond all hope that this is a hoax. Perhaps you are wondering how any decent human being could attend an event such as this, let alone admit to being the brainchild behind it. However, the dating site experiencing their fifteen minutes of fame completely defends their decision to host a matchmaking event based on weight by saying, “We all have relationship ‘deal breakers‘ and that does not make us shallow, we’re just single New Yorker’s that know what we want and are attracted to.” I hope single New Yorker’s everywhere are outraged that they have been lumped into this exclusive group; like the secret society to which you never hoped to be admitted.

Just in case you were worried that a beautiful, kind-hearted, intelligent, size 10 catch of a woman might, by some chance, slip through the cracks and be admitted to the event, subjecting herself to the madness at hand, have no fear. The good people working for On Speed Dating have vowed that they would never let that happen. “Guys, no need to worry about meeting a biggie-size chick ‘down-sizing’ to an 8 like when you’re dating online. We’ll be checking labels at the door,” they proclaimed. THANK GOD! For a minute I was really worried about the integrity of this event being upheld.

“Biggie size chick.” I honestly didn’t know that grown adults who function at the minimum level necessary for social interaction such as dating used such immature, closed-minded, hateful speech. The people over at Dove must be having an actual cow right in the middle of their positive-body-image-loving offices because this event is the very antithesis of their real beauty campaign.  The idea that matchmaking and dating should be dictated by dress size breathes life into the worst ideals and notions that exist in our society, despite people dedicating their careers to disband them. While we are pouring our hearts into breaking stereotypes and shedding light on real beauty, making strides to instill positive body image within all generations, it is unfortunate to realize that events like “Skinny Minny” dating exist, providing even the smallest amount of fuel to the negative body image fire. How anyone could think it is okay to discriminate women based off of their “larger” dress sizes and market others based off of what they consider a more “desirable” waistline is beyond me.

The most disturbing part is that there must have been women who signed up to attend this event; to get dressed up and go meet these men who, first and foremost, are fixated on their body type, prioritizing it over their brain. Just like most of us, I am not always supremely happy with my body, but I am healthy and happen to fall within the required (and, once again, ridiculous) parameters of this date night. However, I would rather sit in the desert and eat sand than meet men while being made to wear a “Hello My Name Is Size 4” name tag; men who came to meet me because they knew I would fit a specific mold and men who would choose not to meet some amazing single women I know, on many accounts women more amazing than myself, all because they were not my size.

Some of the most loving, wonderful, successful, beautiful women that I am lucky enough to call my friends and family have a tag in the back of their pants that reads size 8 or above. I also consider myself blessed to have ladies in my life whose hearts are ten times the size of their waistline. Do you want to know why my nearest and dearest run the gamut of shape and size? Because our personalities are not directly related to our body type and our feelings of self-worth or ability to be desired by a partner shouldn’t be either. Sure, we all have preferences and pre-conceived ideas of what our significant other may look like but, as human beings, we also have this incredible ability to love people for what really matters when we enter into dating and life with an open mind; even when certain parts of our culture try to narrow our vision. The idea that you might not be able to fall in love with another person, find your perfect match because they fall outside of a physical ideal, is absurd.

It isn’t just that I thought we had evolved as a society, it is that I know we have. By no means are we perfect or wholly accepting, but we have certainly made significant headway in regards to a woman’s self-worth not being defined by her waistline. Therefore, I must resign to the hope that this is simply an unfortunate sign that a select few have been unable to keep up with the progress and that the negative reaction by many proves we are no longer turning a blind eye and perpetuating a weight obsessed culture.

Do you think we have made progress on defining real beauty in our culture? Tell me what you think about real beauty and the concept of “Skinny Minny” dating.

Feature Image via Shutterstock

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When our forefathers discovered this great nation, I do not know whether or not they had the foresight to realize that one-day a membership warehouse would provide the masses with microwavable burritos AND front-loading washing machines, but I do know that they would be proud.

Here are a few of the patriots who frequent this institution:

1. The Guilty Sampler

Taking advantage of Costco and it’s wholesale generosity, this individual strategically rotates around the warehouse, tasting all of the microwaveable delicacies. After the third lap, they begin to notice an overwhelming sense of shame, which is often confused for indigestion. Either way, he/she decides it is time to leave, but not before their top hat-wearing cricket of a conscience morally obligates them to purchase something, anything. Consequently, they leave the store with a 2×2 box of Tums, contemplating a gym membership.

2. The Bi-Annual Visitor

This person is awful to get trapped behind in line because they have three over-sized shopping carts full of bulk items. Their purchases are expansive and all encompassing. They appear to be simultaneously stocking up for Y2K, the zombie apocalypse, the lesser known (and far cuter) guinea pig Armageddon, the seventh seal to break and a surprise visit from in-laws.

3. The Food Court Regular

Their vision is obstructed by the yard long churro that protrudes from their esophagus.  ”Wait…Wha…There’s a store here too!”

4. The Shifty Electronics Buff

Certain, rare instances arise when you are able to perceive life’s symmetry.  One such fleeting occurrence was when new electronics came out in 6 month increments and the Costco return time limit was exactly 6 months. This enabled technology enthusiasts to swap out their icky, outdated PC Windows for an upgraded Apple skylight or something. Then one dark day in the third fiscal quarter, Costco shortened their return time from 6 months to 3 months. The world has never known a story of more woe.

5. The Astonishingly Self –Restrained Shopper

They go in looking for a five speed blender and they emerge fifteen minutes later — with a five speed blender. Due to what I can only assume to be heightened propensity for psychosomatic evolution, this (mutant) consumer has developed a keen sense of necessity, which has proven optimal for physical and fiscal survival. Along with their astounding levels self-regulation, these naturally selected hyper-humans are also commonly known to feature a pretty succinct five-year-plan and a solid grasp on the concept of a 401K. Darwin is satisfied.

6. The Person Who Tries Justifying the Necessity of a 4 Gallon Bag of Werther’s Originals

Addicts often attempt to rationalize their dependencies, so too will the Costco fanatic try to defend their ever-unnecessary purchases. “I can use this pound of Velveeta/ soldering-iron value pack/ above ground swimming pool as a wedding present/ Halloween costume/ doorstop.” Under a very limited number of highly unrealistic circumstances would you ever need that much hard candy, all of which require you to be over the age of 75.

Featured image via savingnaturally.com

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A pit of despair!

Like teenage melodrama

but then you text me.

2.

You’re making me like

preteen love songs and

I’m singing along.

3.

Hi, welcome back to

the college crushes you knew.

Now older, bolder.

Dylan and Alaina write a daily haiku blog. You can find a new haiku every day at ooohhhaiku.tumblr.com or every Thursday, here at HelloGiggles.

Featured Images via Dylan Joffe.

The post 3 Haiku: I’ve Got A Crush On You appeared first on HelloGiggles.

I’ve hated grocery stores and grocery shopping all my life, and I always got dragged along to help carry the bags. Once I was too busy with high school activities, I thought I was home free. And then came college. With a meal plan my first year, I was pretty set for food and didn’t have to buy or shop much, so when I moved into my first apartment and had to fend for myself, it was kind of a slap in the face.

Now that I’m actually attempting to cook more (it’s only taken 20 years…) I have to go shopping with lists and buy real ingredients like spices and plain yogurt. I kid you not, last week I bought groceries three times—it’s getting a little ridiculous. With all the time I spend at the store, I have plenty of reasons piled up as to why I hate going there.

1. Food is EXPENSIVE. I really hate spending my own money, especially on things that are going to be gone soon. And it’s hard to be healthy on a college budget when junk and fast food is so much cheaper than organic and health foods. A girl can only afford so much hummus before her piggy bank starves, you know.

2. Nothing is where it should be. How many times do you walk from front to back just to find that stupid jar of olives? There has to be a better way to arrange food so it can actually be found. I swear it’s a ploy meant for us to walk by the cookie aisle so much that we just have to add a package or two to our carts.

3. I feel like people judge me. Even if I’m only buying bread and peanut butter, I feel like everyone is judging the contents of my cart. Even worse when I have to go over to the feminine products aisle and carry them through the store past eight groups of guys staring me down. There’s no privacy at the grocery store.

4. I never know what I want. I always have a list but there’s always something I forgot to write down, and do you think I could remember it when it’s convenient? Nope. And how do I choose which brand is better? And if I buy strawberries today will I eat them before they go bad? How do I know I’ll be hungry tomorrow for the meal I’m getting tonight? Way too many unknowns.

5. I can’t push my cart and check my list simultaneously. I’m just not at the same skill level as my mom, and I feel like I’m just not qualified for this job yet. I’m walking through the refrigerated section trying to push a cart and check off my list on my phone and I either have to stop in the middle of the floor or risk running into someone, which makes me a hazard to the whole store.

I don’t think I’m completely alone here, am I? Or does every other 20-something get excited to see Grocery Day circled on their calendar? I love being independent and having the freedom to buy whichever cereal I want, but sometimes when I’m searching aisle after aisle for chia seeds I’d just like to call my mom so she can tell me exactly where they are (because my mom can navigate grocery stores she’s never even stepped foot in—can’t yours?).

You can read more from Eleni Upah on her blog.

Featured image via.

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I grew up in Tulsa. I went to the University of Oklahoma. I met my husband in Norman and spend a lot, I mean a lot, of weekends with his family in Moore. I was married in Edmond. I’m a Sooner. I’m an Okie. And to be a short three-hour drive away from home feels like I’m on the moon. I’m watching a storm from hell ravage this town again and I feel as helpless as people further away, people far less connected to that red earth.

My heart aches because I tirelessly texted, called, Facebooked, and waited to hear from a roll call of people I call friends and family yesterday. And that was all I could do. But like everyone else, I want to do more. My soul needs to do more. If I had it my way, I’d be covered in mud helping to clear debris. Or making sure moms had diapers for their babies. Or handing out much-needed water because the city’s supply has been turned off. I’d stand on a street corner and hug people because we all need one.

So for people like you and me who are watching this horror from what feels like too far away, I ask you to help in a few different ways. This we can do. Your nails won’t get dirty, you won’t share tears with new friends, and you won’t see the destruction for yourself, but you will make sure someone has a place to sleep tonight, gets a hot meal, and has a classroom in which to learn again this fall.

DonorsChoose – Rebuild Moore Schools

This organization is a champion for teacher and classroom needs, and since yesterday morning they’ve raised more than $29,000 in an exclusive fund that will go to help Moore teachers with whatever they need to help their students learn in a safe, equipped, and friendly environment once again.

OU Foundation – Help OUr Neighbor Fund

The University of Oklahoma’s dorms emptied last week after the school year ended. Before sunrise this morning, they’d already taken in 100 families and will no doubt continue to fill those rooms, free of charge, to the many displaced families in Moore. The money collected here goes directly to students, faculty, and staff of the university who’ve been affected by this tornado – and that number isn’t expected to be a small one.

Operation BBQ Relief

Oklahomans love good barbecue, so it’s fitting that what may be the most charitable food truck around is making its way to Moore right now. Help them feed victims and rescuers with a cash donation on their site or shop directly from their Amazon Wishlist.

Farm2Me

This company sources healthy, local food and delivers it in communities like Austin, NYC, and Boston, but they are reaching out to help Moore. If you are in the area, have a car, and are willing to help, email them to volunteer your time and get quality food in to the victims’ hands.

The Shirt On Your Back

The race to print T-shirts for charity is on. Creative design, quality tees, and a lot of heart will put you in some cool new duds and send much-needed funds to the people of Moore. So far, we like what we’re seeing from ShopGoodOKC and Tree and Leaf/TheOkaySee. Each is sending 100% of proceeds to local relief efforts.

A fellow HelloGiggles contributor and Oklahoman, Sarah Neal @Boldface, tweeted this today, “The outpouring of love and support for our state is overwhelming. Thank you.” I replied that, “everyone loves Oklahoma, sometimes they just don’t know it yet.”

I hope today you become one of our Oklahomies, too, and help our friends, our neighbors, our fellow humankind.

Featured image via

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