Latest ‘Pop Culture’ Posts

Katy Perry Flaunts Baggie of Pills

Katy Perry can’t live with her strict regimen of pills.

katypery_pills_drugs

She goes on Twitter to talk about her daily habit. Hope she doesn’t overdose on these pills.
The singer is a popper for healthy candy! She marks her ziplock bags- breakfast, lunch and dinner- making sure she doesn’t miss out on any health supplements.

katypery_bags

Katy Perry keeps fit with the organic and gluten-free stuff after nights of heavy partying.

katy-perry-drunk_

The popstar who was once married to Russell Brand tweeted, ‘I’m all about that supplement & vitamin LYFE!’

Russell+BrandKaty+Perry+Twitter

Pregnant Kim Kardashian Got Botox And Lip Injections? Pregnancy Lips Outta Control!

Collagen and botox injections are made to create fuller looking lips- a common indulgence among Hollywood stars. However, the procedure is not approved for women who are pregnant. But Kim Kardashian claims her lips are swollen due to her pregnancy.

kim_kardashian_pregnant_lips

Kim tweets: ‘My pregnancy lips are outta control #IGuessNotABadProblemToHave.’

So will Kanye’s baby be no different from a crack baby? If Kim really had collagen shots, the risk of allergic reactions from collagen injections alone are scary.

kimkardashian_pregnant_lips

So consider the irreversible damage you’re doing to your baby, Kim? Lay off the botox for a few months will yah. It wouldn’t hurt to wait.

kimkardashian_pregnant_bikini_kendall

Sun-soaked Momma: Kim Kardashian is one gorgeous pregnant woman in a bikini. She should worry less about her looks!

kimkardashian_preggy_bikini

Kim’s pout didn’t look as big before, but her belly now sure looks huge. Love those curves girl!

kimkardashian_pregnant_bikini

Why Gambling in College Sports Is Cause for Concern

Point shaving is a serious issue in college sports, and it’s at the core of a recent slew of investigations. The simple fact is that college athletes are more vulnerable to gambling influence than many professionals. The recent suspension of Varez Ward, an Auburn basketball star, because of point shaving highlights the rampant issue. Some people are starting to wonder just how “normal” point shaving is in college.

Just like any illegal activity, it’s impossible to know how many people are getting away with it. These athletes are young, inexperienced and they don’t know what’s next after college. Their finances are shaky and they see an opportunity to make some serious cash. Sports betting in college is another obstacle. One researcher, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania, estimates that one percent of all college games are subject to gambling corruption–and that an astounding six percent of favorite teams included players who were up for illegal point shaving.

The Details of the Act

The research followed a number of teams over a multi-year period. However, the study is quick to point out that no real evidence was drummed up; this is just an estimate based on an unusually high number of close wins. In addition to favorite teams, up and coming teams are exceptionally prone to vulnerability. This was the case of the Ward investigation, and the player still denies intentionally spreading points.

On the other end of the spectrum, a 2008 NCAA survey revealed that about 30 percent of male athletes engage in sports betting once a year or more. This is illegal in the NCAA, although it hasn’t been very well enforced. Less than one percent of football players have admitted to accepting money to throw games, but these numbers may be skewed since up to two percent claim they know someone else who accepted bribes.

The Seedy Side of College Sports

From the illegal bookie at the University of San Diego who was found with over $100,000 in a car to an underdog player throwing a game, the purity of all sports is up in the air. The bookie was at the helm of illegal sports wagers and two players got caught up in the scandal along with one coach–each was charged with sports bribery, illegal gambling and selling marijuana. However, when it comes down to point shaving in basketball, the usual culprit is the point guard.

This was Ward’s position, and it makes sense; after all, the point guard has the ball more than anyone else in the game. Critics have reviewed Ward’s games, and there’s some evidence to his throwing games, but it’s nearly impossible to prove anything without a paper trail. According to an ex-gambling addict and current gambling counselor, only two types of players will throw games: gambling addicts and/or people who need the money.

Many mainstream outlets don’t discuss college sports. Unless a person is closely following college Division I action, these types of conspiracies aren’t well known. To keep up with sports betting news and college sports, depend on a reputable source.

Warehouse Jobs for Students Studying Long Hours

Being a student can be a tough job on its own; especially for students who are studying very long hours. Add to the stress of studies the fact that many students need to work in order to make an income and the situation can become even more hectic.

What type of work would suit a student who has such a demanding schedule? It can be hard to synchronize a work schedule with a study schedule. It can also be challenging to devote extra brain power to a job that requires complex cognitive tasks. There is one such job that is actually quite suitable for a student who is studying long hours, and that job is a warehouse worker.

Job Description of a Warehouse Worker

According to State University, a warehouse worker’s primary functions are receiving, storing and shipping merchandise that is kept in warehouses.

Typically, warehouse workers unload any shipments that are received in the warehouse and store those shipments. They also load merchandise that is being shipped out to customers. This loading and unloading can be done by hand or with a forklift.

While the primary role of a warehouse worker is to accept merchandise, store the accepted merchandise and handle sending out shipments, the specifics of a warehouse worker’s duties vary depending on the place of employment. No matter what the exact function, working in a warehouse is usually physically strenuous; however, because it does not require research, report writing and other such mentally taxing tasks, it is a position that is well-suited for college students who are studying long hours.

Working Conditions

The working conditions of a warehouse worker are quite fair. Hours can range from a full-time 40 hour work week to a flexible part-time schedule. The latter of the two is ideal for a student who is studying long hours. In addition to a flexible schedule, warehouse workers generally receive other perks, as well. These include sick days, vacation time, as well as benefits.

Finding Work

The employment outlook for warehouse workers is quite positive. Production of supplies and the need to ship and receive those supplies is a constant. Warehouses are located throughout the country and are often seeking help. 3PL Warehouse Inventory and Logistics is one of the many reputable companies seeking applicants on a regular basis and will accommodate the needs of students who are studying long hours.

In conclusion, working in a warehouse is a highly suitable job for a student who is studying long hours. Flexible scheduling and the need for workers make this an ideal job for those who must balance work and their studies.

Robert Pattinson Hauls his Dogs and Stuff Out of Kristen Stewart’s Mansion

It’s moving day for Twilight hunk RPatz!

Robert Pattinson moves out

This time RPatz made sure there was no baseball cap left behind for KStew to wear backwards whenever she’s out getting snapped by the paps.

Robert Pattinson stuff

Though there’s no U-Haul in sight, Robert Pattinson got the best of the gym equipment, his two dogs Bear and Bernie, probably the couple’s mutual toaster and a trashbag load of his stuff. RPatz is surely driving fast and farther away from his cheating ex.

Kristen stewart

Kirsten Stewart who has been photographed by the paps secretly meeting Rupert Sanders in various parking lots a few months ago. She also ditched RPatz on his birthday this year.

Robert Pattinson kirstenstewart

Robert was clearly miserable as he drove away in a red pick-up truck filled with his personal belongings.

Robert Pattinson red truck

Kristen Stewart’s Los Feliz California mansion was officially RPatz’ free by Sunday.

Keanu Reeves is FAT!

Keanu Reeves has gone the way of Hollywood hunks before him, much like chubby Val Kilmer, Alec Baldwin and Gerard Butler. Once A-list hunks that dare tip the scales over- with too much beer and Cheetos perhaps?

keanu_reeves_fat
The Matrix heart throb stepped onto a yacht in Cannes looking all bloated and tired.

keanu_reeves_fat_2013

Keanu’s not doing this for a role like the way Christian Bale usually does it.

christian bale_weight

Yah know going method means going fat once in a while and more Oscar cred to boot!

keanu_reeves_weight

Keanu in his hot younger years:  So is Keanu’s still the sad, sad boy the Internet has made him out to be?

keanureeves_weightgain

There’s no ice cream on this spoon: this Keanu weight gain phase may not be good news if they decide to do a Matrix prequel.

keanureevesweightgain

If there’s any consolation, Val Kilmer has lost 80 lbs. this year and Gerard Butler just got his abs back for a role. So there ‘s still hope for 48 year-old Keanu to shape up!

How to Shop for the Man Who Has Everything

Buying a man a gift can be a frustrating experience, especially when it seems like he’s already got everything. He’s got a good wardrobe, his favorite books are on his Kindle, his music player has the best songs, and his Netflix collection is immaculate. Still, there are ways you can ensure your next gift to him is unique, personal and novel. Here are some ideas on how to shop for the man who has everything.

Keep Your Ears Open

People say more than they think they do. If he’s got a hobby or an interest, you don’t have to dive into it, but listen to what he might say about it. If you hear him wishing he had a new golf club, or how he needs just one more book to complete his Stephen King collection, you already know what to do. He may not broadcast his idle wishes from the rooftops, so your attentiveness is key here.

Be Creative

If he’s already got everything, then you can put Amazon.com on the backburner. It’s the greatest shopping website out there, but since everyone uses it, you’ll spend days trying to find the perfect gift (and spend every one of those days hoping that he hasn’t gone out and bought what you eventually decide on). Instead, think outside the box. Go to a site like etsy.com (or sites like Malebox), or bust out your old arts and crafts or knitting book. He’ll already have every DVD you can think of getting him; but he won’t have your creativity and inspiration.

Go Beyond Gifts

Signing into Amazon.com and clicking “Add to Cart” is the easiest thing in the world, but shopping for an experience – not just a gift – is different. Anybody can give a gift, but buying him a guided tour of his favorite ball park, a chartered helicopter ride or a wine tasting cruise is special. The man who has everything won’t have adventures like those in his collection.

Tech Gifts

Computer and technology gadgets are wonderful, but they go out of date at the drop of a hat. Even the most dedicated technology connoisseur has trouble keeping up with the newest toys on the market. Make life easy for him by getting him the latest version of something he’s already got. After all, even if he is the man who has everything, some of his stuff is going to be obsolete sooner or later.

How to Understand the Recent Department of Justice Decision Regarding Plan B

There have been new developments recently in the court case between the government and reproductive rights organizations regarding Plan B aka ‘the morning after pill’, a medication that can prevent pregnancy if taken within three days of having unprotected sex. Though this case has been in the media quite a bit, it can be difficult to follow and understand what the most recent decision means. What follows is a guide to understanding the recent Department of Justice (DoJ) Plan B decision and what it means.

The Case

Until recently, the drug Plan B was not available to minors without a prescription despite various reproductive health groups and women’s interest groups lobbying to have the drug made more widely available. Eventually, several reproductive rights groups launched a case against the government for get rid of the age restriction on access to Plan B, which would also get rid of the requirement for those purchasing the drug at a pharmacy to show their ID at the time of purchase to confirm their age.

At the conclusion of the court case on April 5 2013, U.S. District Court Judge Edward Korman ruled against the government and ordered that Plan B be available without any ID or prescription requirements within 30 days. When the DoJ requested that Korman stay (postpone) his order until the appeal process had taken place, Korman refused to do but he eventually conceded to stay until May 13 2013 when the Court of Appeals would be responding to the DoJ’s request.

The Decision

In response to Judge Korman’s refusal to stay his order until the government had ample opportunity to appeal the ruling, the DoJ took their request for a stay to the Second U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New York. The court says that they will look at the request and reach a decision on the matter by the 28th of May. Until then, Komen’s order that the medication be available without any prescription will be on hold, meaning that current regulations regarding Plan B still apply.

It is also important to note that on April 30th 2013 the FDA did approve of a request by Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (the current manufacturer of Plan B) to sell the drug to people 15 and older without a prescription. The previous age to access the drug without a prescription was 17. It is also important to note that those purchasing the medication will still be required to show identification at the time of purchase in order to prove their age.

The DoJ’s Reasoning

Without the age restriction on the sale of Plan B, people purchasing the drug would no longer have to request it from a pharmacist and could get it off the shelves themselves in any pharmacy. The DoJ is arguing that by removing the restrictions and allowing women to purchase the drug without speaking to a pharmacist, they would not be given any medical advice on how to take the medication, which could pose medical problems and they have used the testimony of expert witnesses to support their case.

Furthermore, the DoJ has argued that they don’t feel that removing the age limitations on the sale of Plan B appropriately serves the public trust. They make the claim that the majority of the public are opposed to removing age restrictions, while Judge Komen has asserted that the right to purchase Plan B is a constitutional issue. The government has provided expert witnesses to refute the notion that access to the drug is a constitutional right, as well as to support their claim that the general public is staunchly opposed to changing the age requirements.

Big Data’s Growing Importance at American Universities

Colleges and universities are supposed to be a collection of the best and the brightest, coming together to not only further personal learning but to push the world’s knowledge forward. From admissions to graduation, schools turn to big data in order to best cater to the needs of the faculty and student body and, hopefully, to bring in better underclassmen every year. The success of students and school, then, greatly depend on the effectiveness of the selection process. Between big data and recruiters, the process of placing the right students in the university and the environment that they are most likely to grow and succeed can lead to countless graduating classes prepared to enter the world and make great strides in their respective field.

Picking and Choosing

The success of a college depends on the drive of the students just as much as the balance between academics and all the other stuff that a college provides. Balance comes from the kinds of students admitted, their interests, and their academic abilities. Without a selection process that finds this right balance within the incoming student body (in addition to the current students), the university can lose money and their reputation.

Data collection is an interesting subject. In the digital age, we’re all used to having everything we’d ever need to know just a click away. But with big data, collecting, storing, and analyzing new information proves to be a tricky business. We’ve gotten to a point where there is too much data to save and interpret with the current methods. However, this isn’t typically the case on the levels that universities work at.

For most people, the selection process is a shrouded and mysterious subject. If data is collected about applicants, how is it used? Business intelligence software is employed to help universities extract even more out of the data they have. The result? Universities find the students that are best for their courses and make sure that each individual student has the attention and tools they need before they even step onto campus in the fall.

The Need for Big Data

As colleges and universities collect data about their past, current, and potential students, they learn a lot of things. With the exception of small private schools, most colleges house and teach thousands of students. And there isn’t just academics to worry about– they have to consider billing and financial aid, housing, diversity, courses and majors, resources, professors, and everything down to the food served in the cafeterias. The large scale that universities have to deal with depends of wide overviews and accurate, up to date data in order to balance their already tight budgets.

As big data finds its was into universities across the country, and administrators are learning to use that data to its full potential, schools are able to improve the overall experience that can offer students and better prepare their graduates for the world at large.

6 Industries Great for College Students

Gone are the days when college meant working in a coffee shop 10 hours per week while going to a few classes. Competition is getting fierce, it’s getting more difficult to secure student loans, and college is the perfect time to kick start a career. From work-study positions to internships or even entry-level positions, choosing a career path as an undergrad can pay off handsomely come graduation.

There are a few fields prime for college students, especially for those who have a few related credits under their belt. A career path should have solid growth potential, a lucrative potential salary and match a student’s interests and natural talents. Here are 6 great industries for college students where getting a foot in the door is fairly easy. However, starting with a job shadowing experience can also help.

1. Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

SEO is a skill that can be learned outside the office, and it’s a quickly growing profession that can be very lucrative. Students interested in tech, engineering, writing and/or marketing are great fits for this position. Start by volunteering as an SEO writer, build skills from the ground up and perhaps operate as a freelancer to work around class schedules.

2. Technical Writing

Most writers have an innate talent that can be improved upon in college. To make money as a writer, technical writing is one route. It usually requires keen skill sets in tech fields, too, such as knowing XML or a certain hardware. Get an internship and start building that technology portfolio. Many technical writers work from home, so convenience is a big perk.

3. Social Media Management

This is a field everyone wants to get into, which means the competition is intense. However, students can start out as a social media assistant and learn the ropes. Depending on the company, telecommuting may be an option. Students can also quickly figure out if they’re really passionate about the platforms or should stick to Facebook for personal use before committing to a career.

4. Fitness Instructor

For students pursuing a degree in fitness education, why not get certified to teach a sport, practice or dance during a break from classes? Some intensive training is only a few hundred hours, which is easily done in a summer. For example, great yoga training can lead to working in studios with flex schedules to work around college classes, and students can build a following well before getting their degree.

5. Software Expert

There are a lot of jobs for titles like SharePoint Developer, and the best place to focus on niches is in college. For students interested in a certain software program, now is the time to learn everything possible about it. These careers often pay well, too, since few people have the necessary skills.

6. Internet Marketing

Internet marketing is trending now, and students are in a great place to keep pace with the changes. From developing infographics to outreach via social media, blending business with technology is a great avenue. Consider working for a local company that might be flexible when it comes to telecommuting to make the most of it.