28 September, 2009

Your TU Tuition: Paley's Media Center

This post is for Temple University students and people who like libraries.

Paley Library Media Center

This Tuesday, the main campus library at Temple University is holding a Media Center Open House. It will be held all day (9 am to 5 pm) on the ground floor, showcasing their VHS and DVD collection while providing tours, snacks and giveaways.

The library is one of the most important aspects of a University, and I'm glad to see any efforts to improve ours. It's always refreshing to check out their resources for leisure as well. Temple's libraries' holdings include 3 million volumes, 6 million photographs, more than 30,000 print and online subscriptions, 35,000 linear feet of manuscripts, and a rich collection of sound and video recordings.

That's a lot to discover, whether for class or personal use... wouldn't you rather catch up on Mad Men season 1 and 2 on DVD than research for that industry report, anyway?

Find out what the Media Center has to offer! Visit the Media Center this Tuesday September 29 and learn about one of Paley Library's newest, most exciting additions.

27 September, 2009

Being Lady GaGa

I finally decided on what to be for Halloween. Ok, the choice to be Lady GaGa was the easy part - the rising pop star of 2009 parades around in extravagant costumes on a regular basis. So the hard part was deciding which of her costumes to recreate. With about four costumes per music video, even more during live performances (recently, she changed looks four times at the MTV Video and Music Awards and twice on Saturday Night Live), and a host of unique "everyday" outfits, I finally decided to use the red outfit in her "Beautiful Dirty Rich" video.

Why? I love the song, which was released as a promotional single on September 16, 2008 but never got the radio play that Just Dance, Love Game, and Paparazzi have. The outfit won't be too labor-intensive. And I already have some banana-yellow-colored pumps.

I'm also hoping that my version of Lady GaGa won't be the most popular selection this year, so I can party with the other GaGas without feeling like a clone. If I had more time, I can think of some other great GaGa costumes for the occasion (perhaps her VMA performance of "Paparazzi" with blood dripping down her stomach, or her fantastical bubble costume that she wore during her Fame Ball tour).

At any rate, as a dedicated fan, I decided to outline below some of the basic steps you will need to recreate GaGa's signature style, whatever outfit you choose.

  • If you don't have platinum blonde hair with bangs already, you'll probably want to grab a straight blonde wig. The bob cuts I found in the store were a bit too short (Lady GaGa's new 'do is more shoulder-length) so I bought a long wig for $10 and I'm planning on trimming it myself. It's also going to need a good brushing. You could play around with replicating her curly styles as well, using a Marilyn Monroe wig. Just make sure to pair it with a ridiculous outfit so you don't get your pop icons confused. If you're really daring, you could also try her afro puff look like the cover of the Rolling Stone magazine.
  • Some stunna shades like the classics seen on the face of the lovely lady.
  • You'll also want some black eyeliner and mascara, fake eyelashes, dramatic eyeshadow, and shimmery face powder or a cream skin brightener for that pop star glow. You may also need some cream makeup to create a lightning bolt over one eye for certain looks, and rhinestones never hurt. Check out this cute YouTube tutorial by user MichellePhan for inspiration:
  • "we just like to party, like to p-p-party, yeah / bang, bang, we're beautiful and dirty rich"
    Opaque black pantyhose, or in my case, flesh-colored (it is October, after all, and Lady GaGa is infamous for her no-pants trademark).
  • Fortunately, Lady GaGa keeps her kicks simple. You probably already have a pair that will do. The black bootie style is very popular this season and seen in many of her videos. Anything lace-up, patent, or otherwise embellished will do.

Have fun!

24 September, 2009

My Second Birthday

This post is for anyone who likes blog birthdays and a fair amount of self-reflection.

I'm two years old today! That's kind of a big deal in the blog world. I must be doing something right if I still have readers and haven't run out of material yet.

My first post was this one on September 24, 2007.

Year one in review (personal judgment):
Favorite stories were the Exploding Banana on October 12, 2007 and Espresso Mess-o on March 23, 2008. Best introspective moment was Culture Shock on January 22, 2008. Most interesting photos were taken on Spring Break across Europe from February 22 - March 2, 2008.
Then I turned one year old and didn't celebrate.

Year two in review (again, personal judgment):
Most useful write-up was Word Reference on October 24, 2008. Most colorful post was Deƨigual at Macy's on March 6, 2009. Favorite sarcastic post was Dishwashing Etiquette on May 13, 2009. Best introspective moment was Finally Out of North Philly on June 14, 2009.

Going into my third year, I'm going to keep this blog more down-to-earth than ever. I am developing a separate portfolio and considering starting a blog about tech-y and marketing-related subjects, or perhaps guest posting on other blogs devoted to these subjects so that this one can remain focused on My Life and the the people, places, and events that are important in it. That may mean fewer posts, but it will ensure that this space is maintained as a playground for my experiences in real life, and not just the virtual sphere.

I'd love to hear your thoughts below about what has made this blog special to you over the past two years, and what kept you reading. Were there any posts you particularly enjoyed that I didn't highlight above? As awlays, your comments and continued support are much appreciated.

05 September, 2009

Happy Birthday, Mom!

This post is for my mother, and for my best friend Kaitlyn. And anyone else who likes e-cards, birthdays, or Flash design.

Birthday shoutout to my dear mother, without whom I would not exist. Love you, mom! Here is an original e-card I designed especially for you (you might recognize the cake):

Click here for e-card

Also, happy birthday to Kaitlyn, who shares this September 5 birthday, but a few years later... ;-)

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