Links from our Group Chat: Emily Ratajkowski, Instagram, Voting and more!

Amy Schumer and Emily Ratajkowski among more than 300 people got arrested- no, not in another Judd Apatow film, but in real life. They were protesting Brett Kavanaugh, whose Supreme Court nomination hit the chamber floor and is now officially confirmed.

We all know how this goes. You open your group chat and ask “where should we go for our next GNO?”, and then it turns into some back and forth small talk that makes it hard to nail a decision. If that definitely sounds familiar, then we’re all on the same boat. Google Maps just rolled out a feature where you can compile a list of restaurants with locations, reviews, and a link to everything, making the decision process a lot easier. When you have to unwind from the workweek, Google Maps now totally has your back.

Another spot-on move, Spotify. The music streaming platform we all love to use during our morning commute is making rush hour on the freeway a lot easier with podcasts. It’s in beta right now, but hopefully you can catch the next episode of WorkParty on there soon!

It’s time for another hectic week, which also is time for another Trump meme to get in a quick laugh. The president was caught stepping onto Air Force One with none other than a piece of tissue stuck to his shoe, and nobody told him about it. Nobody. Everyone on Twitter is using their Oscar-worthy scoring capabilities and remixing the video and they do not disappoint.  

First BBM PINs, then Snapcodes, now Instagram Nametags. Yes. Instagram nametags are now here so you don’t have to spell out your punny blog name when you meet people IRL. To make one, all you have to do is log into your profile, choose your favorite emoji, or snap a selfie to add a personal touch. Then, when it comes time to add people you meet at our conferences, summits or meet-ups just push and hold in the in-app camera to scan!  

Presidential Alert: we’re here to explain what that random notification was. According to a September 13th press release sent out by FEMA, “the Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) system is used to warn the public about dangerous weather, missing children, and other critical situations through alerts on cell phones. The national test will use the same special tone and vibration as with all WEA messages (i.e. Tornado Warning, AMBER Alert). Users cannot opt out of receiving the WEA test.” Luckily for Chrissy Teigen, Trump can’t block her this time.

Google is doing some crazy sh*t, and we’re here for it. Gmail’s new Smart Compose feature is creepy but cool at the same time, just like Black Mirror. As you’re typing your emails, Gmail will finish your sentences based on AI. Google and robots: 1, us: 0.

Have you ever had a conversation in strictly emojis or needed one for your Instagram caption or IG Story and the keyboard didn’t have what you were looking for? Don’t worry, because Apple is releasing a new set with the iOS 12.1 update, which includes a bagel, a cupcake, a party face and so much more!  

Nov. 6 is coming up, and getting the deets on voting can be difficult. We’re here to help. Start out by going to vote.org and click on the red button that says “find your polling place” and follow the steps there. On voting day, you’re gonna need your ID or to sign a document to validate your identity. Happy Midterms season! We look forward to seeing you all with your I voted stickers!

By: Ashley Banayan


Ashley Banayan is a senior at the University of Southern California pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations from the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism with a minor in Web Technologies and Applications from the Viterbi School of Engineering. Currently, she works as an editorial intern for Create and Cultivate. She has experience in traditional public relations, social media marketing, influencer relations, content creation, and web development. Furthermore, she is the founder of Geocasion, a company designing Snapchat Geofilters for both businesses and personal clients, garnering 4.5 million views. In turn, these experiences led her to focus on the convergence and disruption in media, communication and web technologies.

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