Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Four Bodies Show Up Dead in NY
Never go meet someone from Craigslist. Did the Craigslist killer mean nothing to you?!? Guess not...
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Tom Brady the New Face of...UGGS?
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Who's Afraid of The Big Bad Wolf??
The Trailer was released and it looks AMAZING!! I cant wait to see it. It comes out in March. Will you go see it?
BA NA NAS
Rachel Zoe, everyone's favorite stylist...or maybe just mine is officially PREGGERS!! I die! She just tweeted her official announcement: @rzrachelzoe Hey everyone! I want to officially confirm to my loyal friends and followers that I am pregnant!...
I'm so happy for Bravo to film this. It's going to be HILARIOUS!! Congrats Rach and Rodg!!
I'm so happy for Bravo to film this. It's going to be HILARIOUS!! Congrats Rach and Rodg!!
My New Favorite Site
Are you ready....http://www.boutiques.com/
It's a site that puts together all your favorite fashionable celebs and then once you click on a celeb they give you a whole page of different clothes to buy and they are all reasonable pricing (for the most part). You also get to make your own boutique about what you like and then they will give you suggestions to buy. Great concept. I'd buy anything the Olsens or Blake Lively wear. True story.
It's a site that puts together all your favorite fashionable celebs and then once you click on a celeb they give you a whole page of different clothes to buy and they are all reasonable pricing (for the most part). You also get to make your own boutique about what you like and then they will give you suggestions to buy. Great concept. I'd buy anything the Olsens or Blake Lively wear. True story.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Natalee Found?
The bone was supposedly found Friday by tourists, who took it to the front desk of the nearby Phoenix Hotel, who subsequently forwarded it to authorities.
Netherlands National Forensic Institute spokeswoman Inge Oevering told CNN, "The prosecutor's office of Aruba sent us some bone material," adding the testing process traditionally takes a week to complete.
It’s still unknown if the jaw bone belonged to an animal or human being, CNN reported. If there is any match, the bone would be the first shred of evidence in connection with Holloway’s disappearance.
Joran van der Sloot - who's been arrested twice in connection with Holloway’s disappearance - is accused of extorting the Holloway family with false information. Van der Sloot's currently being held in Peru's Castro Castro prison in connection with accusations he killed Stephany Ramirez Flores, a 21-year-old Peruvian woman on May 30, five years to the day of Holloway’s 2005 disappearance.
It's a nice day for a Royal Wedding
 |
| Prince William gives fiancé Princess Diana's engagement ring |
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
More Chelsea!
Aren't you??
Thursday, October 28, 2010
MySpace Gets a Makeover...or so They Think...
MySpace revealed a new look this week, to try and compete with Facebook. Are you ready for it.
Are you really ready.
Not kidding. That's the logo.
MySpace was bought by News Corp. in 2005 for $850 million!!!
(I bet they wish they bought Facebook....)
Are you really ready.
Not kidding. That's the logo.
MySpace was bought by News Corp. in 2005 for $850 million!!!
(I bet they wish they bought Facebook....)
Notre Dame Student Falls to His Death
Declan Sullivan, a 20-year-old Notre Dame student, fell to his death on Wednesday when the tower he was standing on collapsed while he was filming the school’s football practice. Shortly before he fell, he tweeted about being on the tower, “Holy [bleep]. Holy [bleep]. This is terrifying.” Forty-five minutes later, the tower collapsed, toppled by 60-mile-per-hour winds. Earlier, he had tweeted, “Gusts of wind up to 60 mph well today will be fun at work … I guess I’ve lived long enough.”
Hello?! As sad as this is does anyone see the irony in his last tweet?! This immediately reminds me of the Sex and the City episode (because life so oftern relates to it) when the girl from 3rd Rock From the Sun -Kristen whatever -was at the party and she was smoking by the window in a NY apartment and said I'm so bored I could die and then fell out the window!!
INSANE!!!
Hello?! As sad as this is does anyone see the irony in his last tweet?! This immediately reminds me of the Sex and the City episode (because life so oftern relates to it) when the girl from 3rd Rock From the Sun -Kristen whatever -was at the party and she was smoking by the window in a NY apartment and said I'm so bored I could die and then fell out the window!!
INSANE!!!
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
This Week's US Weekly is looking Good...
Taylor Swift and John Mayer-do you think it's true??
Now Kim and John Mayer-jeez he gets around!! Mayer and the Situation should have a face off...or a STD check....
And Justin....if you really want to cheat on your girlfriend...I'm right here. Thanks.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Monday, October 18, 2010
Book Clubbers Unite
Have you read it?? If so let me know what you think but don't tell me the ending!!! I hope to have it done by the end of the week!
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Is Rachel Zoe Preggers??
"Us Weekly reports Rachel Zoe is pregnant wit her husband of twelve years, Rodger. A source told the magazine, "It's very hush-hush," adding the 39-year-old stylist is "telling people she can't travel." Another source remarked to Us that Zoe was spotted drinking only water with lemon at a recent event in L.A."
A little note to Bravo..PLEASE FILM THIS! I'd die!! Love Rachel and hope she really is pregnant.
Monday, October 11, 2010
NEW MILEY
So Miley Cyrus' new music video, "Who Owns My Heart?," has been slammed by the Parents Television Council. They released the statement, "It is unfortunate that she would participate in such a sexualized video like this one. It sends messages to her fan base that are diametrically opposed to everything she has done up to this point. Miley built her fame and fortune entirely on the backs of young girls, and it saddens us that she seems so eager to distance herself from that fan base so rapidly."
It's a little on the risquè side but I like it!! It's fine....she coulda ended up like the other Disney star-you know the red head in rehab...AGAIN. Too bad the lyrics are cheesy, but the beat is fun.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Cupcakes with Booze!!
Thank you Cosmo for giving us recipes that mix baked good and alcohol. Now I can truly say..Happy Holidays!
Here is the main recipe:
Simple Vanilla Cupcakes
Makes 24 cupcakes
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups milk (preferably whole)
Preheat the oven to 375°. Line two cupcake pans with paper liners and set aside. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a large bowl using an electric mixer, beat the butter and the sugar until light and fluffy, about three minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then beat in the vanilla extract.
Add one-third of the flour mixture and beat to combine. Add half of the milk and beat to combine. Add another third of the flour, then the remaining milk, then the rest of the flour, beating to combine after each addition.
Divide the batter between the liners, filling each about 2/3 of the way full. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the cupcakes are golden-brown and spring back when pressed lightly. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, then frost with Simple Buttercream Frosting.
Simple Buttercream Frosting
Makes enough frosting for 24 cupcakes
1 3/4 sticks unsalted butter, softened
6 to 8 cups confectioners’ sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup milk (preferably whole)
In a large bowl, beat the butter with an electric mixer for 1 minute. Add 6 cups of confectioners’ sugar, the vanilla, and the milk. Beat on low speed until creamy. Gradually add the remaining confectioners’ sugar, a little at a time, until the frosting is thick and creamy.
9 Boozy Variations
1. Mint Julep Cupcakes: When preparing the cupcakes, reduce the vanilla extract to 1 teaspoon and add one teaspoon of bourbon. When preparing the frosting, reduce the milk to 1/4 cup and add 1/4 cup of bourbon. Garnish with chopped fresh mint leaves.
2. Malibu Madness Cupcakes: When preparing the cupcakes, reduce the vanilla extract to 1 teaspoon and add one teaspoon of coconut rum (such as Malibu). When preparing the frosting, reduce the milk to 1/4 cup and add 1/4 cup of coconut rum. Top with shredded sweetened coconut.
3. Cosmo Cupcakes: When preparing the cupcakes, omit the vanilla extract and replace with 2 teaspoons of orange liqueur (like triple sec). When preparing the frosting, reduce the milk to 1/4 cup and add 1/4 cup of cranberry flavored vodka and a dash of red food coloring. Put a pinch of freshly-grated lime zest on top.
4. Dark and Stormy Cupcakes: When preparing the cupcakes, add 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger with the flour. Reduce the vanilla extract to 1 teaspoon and add with 1 teaspoon of dark rum. When preparing the frosting, reduce the milk to 1/4 cup and add 1/4 cup of dark rum. Add 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger. Garnish with lime zest.
5. Coffee Chocolate Cupcakes: When preparing the cupcakes, reduce the flour to 2 cups and add 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder. Reduce the vanilla to 1 teaspoon and add 1 teaspoon coffee liqueur (such as Kahlua). When preparing the frosting, reduce the milk to 1/4 cup and add 1/4 cup of coffee liqueur. Decorate with chopped chocolate covered coffee beans.
6. Lemon Drop Cupcakes: When preparing the cupcakes, reduce the vanilla to 1 teaspoon and add 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice and 1 heaping tablespoon freshly grated lemon zest. When preparing the frosting, reduce the milk to 1/4 cup and add 1/4 cup of limoncello or lemon-flavored vodka (like Absolut Citron).
7. Sangria Cupcakes: When preparing the cupcakes, add 1 teaspoon cinnamon with the flour and 1 tablespoon freshly grated orange zest with the eggs. When preparing the frosting, reduce the milk to 1/4 cup and add 2 tablespoons of brandy, 2 tablespoons of fruity red wine, and a dash of red food coloring. Garnish with half a wheel of thinly sliced orange.
8. Cupcakes for Your Guy: When preparing the cupcakes, reduce the flour to 2 cups and add 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder. Reduce the vanilla extract to 1 teaspoon and add one teaspoon whiskey. When preparing the frosting, reduce the milk to 1/4 cup and add 1/4 cup whiskey.
9. Berry Boozy Cupcakes: When preparing the cupcakes, after dividing the batter between the liners, spoon 1 teaspoon of raspberry jam in the center of each one. When preparing the frosting, reduce the milk to 1/4 cup and add 1/4 cup raspberry liqueur (such as Framboise). Top off each cupcake with a fresh raspberry.
Makes 24 cupcakes
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups milk (preferably whole)
Preheat the oven to 375°. Line two cupcake pans with paper liners and set aside. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a large bowl using an electric mixer, beat the butter and the sugar until light and fluffy, about three minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then beat in the vanilla extract.
Add one-third of the flour mixture and beat to combine. Add half of the milk and beat to combine. Add another third of the flour, then the remaining milk, then the rest of the flour, beating to combine after each addition.
Divide the batter between the liners, filling each about 2/3 of the way full. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the cupcakes are golden-brown and spring back when pressed lightly. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, then frost with Simple Buttercream Frosting.
Simple Buttercream Frosting
Makes enough frosting for 24 cupcakes
1 3/4 sticks unsalted butter, softened
6 to 8 cups confectioners’ sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup milk (preferably whole)
In a large bowl, beat the butter with an electric mixer for 1 minute. Add 6 cups of confectioners’ sugar, the vanilla, and the milk. Beat on low speed until creamy. Gradually add the remaining confectioners’ sugar, a little at a time, until the frosting is thick and creamy.
9 Boozy Variations
1. Mint Julep Cupcakes: When preparing the cupcakes, reduce the vanilla extract to 1 teaspoon and add one teaspoon of bourbon. When preparing the frosting, reduce the milk to 1/4 cup and add 1/4 cup of bourbon. Garnish with chopped fresh mint leaves.
2. Malibu Madness Cupcakes: When preparing the cupcakes, reduce the vanilla extract to 1 teaspoon and add one teaspoon of coconut rum (such as Malibu). When preparing the frosting, reduce the milk to 1/4 cup and add 1/4 cup of coconut rum. Top with shredded sweetened coconut.
3. Cosmo Cupcakes: When preparing the cupcakes, omit the vanilla extract and replace with 2 teaspoons of orange liqueur (like triple sec). When preparing the frosting, reduce the milk to 1/4 cup and add 1/4 cup of cranberry flavored vodka and a dash of red food coloring. Put a pinch of freshly-grated lime zest on top.
4. Dark and Stormy Cupcakes: When preparing the cupcakes, add 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger with the flour. Reduce the vanilla extract to 1 teaspoon and add with 1 teaspoon of dark rum. When preparing the frosting, reduce the milk to 1/4 cup and add 1/4 cup of dark rum. Add 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger. Garnish with lime zest.
5. Coffee Chocolate Cupcakes: When preparing the cupcakes, reduce the flour to 2 cups and add 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder. Reduce the vanilla to 1 teaspoon and add 1 teaspoon coffee liqueur (such as Kahlua). When preparing the frosting, reduce the milk to 1/4 cup and add 1/4 cup of coffee liqueur. Decorate with chopped chocolate covered coffee beans.
6. Lemon Drop Cupcakes: When preparing the cupcakes, reduce the vanilla to 1 teaspoon and add 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice and 1 heaping tablespoon freshly grated lemon zest. When preparing the frosting, reduce the milk to 1/4 cup and add 1/4 cup of limoncello or lemon-flavored vodka (like Absolut Citron).
7. Sangria Cupcakes: When preparing the cupcakes, add 1 teaspoon cinnamon with the flour and 1 tablespoon freshly grated orange zest with the eggs. When preparing the frosting, reduce the milk to 1/4 cup and add 2 tablespoons of brandy, 2 tablespoons of fruity red wine, and a dash of red food coloring. Garnish with half a wheel of thinly sliced orange.
8. Cupcakes for Your Guy: When preparing the cupcakes, reduce the flour to 2 cups and add 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder. Reduce the vanilla extract to 1 teaspoon and add one teaspoon whiskey. When preparing the frosting, reduce the milk to 1/4 cup and add 1/4 cup whiskey.
9. Berry Boozy Cupcakes: When preparing the cupcakes, after dividing the batter between the liners, spoon 1 teaspoon of raspberry jam in the center of each one. When preparing the frosting, reduce the milk to 1/4 cup and add 1/4 cup raspberry liqueur (such as Framboise). Top off each cupcake with a fresh raspberry.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Did You Hear Me Dish On The Lisa Wexler Show?
http://livewithlisaradio.com/index.php?option=com_mtree&task=viewlink&link_id=646&Itemid=351
I'm in the very last segment. I talk about Mark Zukerberg, Katy Perry, Nicole Richie and more. Listen away!!
I'm in the very last segment. I talk about Mark Zukerberg, Katy Perry, Nicole Richie and more. Listen away!!
OUT TODAY!
I'll watch-will you??
NO! Say it isn't so!!!
Rumors are speculating that E! has decided to give the Kardashian family ANOTHER reality show, this one being called Kourtney and Kim Take New York. WHYYYYYYYYYYY!!! That's all I ask.....WHYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY??
Friday, September 17, 2010
Snooki Charges $20,000 to Walk a Red Carpet
The new Us Weekly exclusively reports the staggering amounts of money the cast of MTV's "Jersey Shore" are raking in:
SNOOKI
The star charges $20,000 to walk an event's red carpet. She also has hair products and a book in the works.
SAMMI
She earns $15,000 for event appearances. Plus, "I have beauty and fitness products in the works," she says.
RONNIE
For party hosting, he gets "$12,000 to $20,000," says his manager, Matt Cohen, adding that he also has plans to sell his signature drink, "Ron-Ron Juice."
VINNY
The house's most mellow member earns $6,000 an hour to appear at clubs and, a source tells Us, "he's recording a single."
PAULY D
Want to get DJ Pauly D to spin beats at a bash? The going rate is a cool $20,000.
THE SITUATION
He'll earn about $100,000 for "Dancing With the Stars"; his cologne, fitness DVD and endorsement for a nutritional supplement could net him millions.
JWOWW
In addition to the $25,000 they each make per show, her Filthy Couture fashion line helps pay the bills.
ANGELINA
The lowest earner of the bunch ($5,000 for appearances), she has an accessories line under way.
Not everyone is thrilled with the money — and fame the self-described "guidos" and "guidettes" are getting.
The National Italian American Foundation issued a statement earlier this year expressing concerns over the way the show depicts Italian Americans. Said NIAF President Joseph V. Del Raso: The show's characters have "more in common with the adolescent residents of Animal House than with Italian Americans."
New Jersey Governor Chris Christie even declared that the hit show — MTV's highest-rated telecast in the network's 12-34 demo in eight years — is bad for the state.
On Tuesday's Ellen DeGeneres Show, castmate Vinny fired back, saying people should be worrying about other issues. "There's the economy, poverty, equal rights — and 'Jersey Shore' is the worst thing that's wrong?" he asked.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Blake can do no wrong!!
Are you ready for Gossip Girls Tonight???
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Leighton Meester Fights Edward Sissorhands
Friday, September 3, 2010
Going The Distance....
Wait...WHAT ?!?
ONLY MY NINTH BOYFRIEND!?!? Umm she's 28. cough cough whore cough cough
did I mention she was also married?!? because she was...
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Monday, August 16, 2010
NJ Nut FIRED!!!!
“Real Housewives of New Jersey” star Danielle Staub has been fired from the Bravo reality show, according to a report from Life and Style Weekly.
Wait....WHAT!?!?
Staub was told she would not be returning for a third season, Life and Style reports. The decision was a “complete shock, and she thought she was definitely going to return” to the series, a source told the magazine.
ME TOO!!!
Best known for her sex tape and a recent admission that she is “a member of the gay community,” Staub has been the black sheep of the cast and controversy queen, often at the center of any catfights among the New Jersey housewives.
According to Life and Style, Staub is trying to generate interest in a spinoff show that would focus on her life.
No not another trainwreck reality show....I can't!!!
Reps for both the Bravo Network and Staub told Fox411.com that Staub and the cast just finished filming a “fantastic” finale and have not announced any formal decisions regarding a third season.
NY hasn't been asked yet so maybe this is all bull but still if it's not that's CRAZY!!
Lizzie McGuire Weds!
My twin got hitched this weekend and so far all I found was this bootleg picture! I can't wait for People or Us to come out with the pictures (who bought them-anyone know?) Well what I can see it looks like a fairytale wedding! Though I'm not to sure about that bun.....
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
iSex?
I found this perusing HuffingtonPost.com and thought I'd share.
iPhone Users Have More Sex Than Android Users (REPORT)
Huffington Post | Bianca Bosker First Posted: 08-11-10 09:42 AM | Updated: 08-11-10 10:45 AM
After analyzing data from nearly 10,000 smartphone users, online dating website OkCupid has found what it says is "statistical proof that iPhone users aren't just getting [screwed] by Apple."
OkCupid tracked sexual activity (measured in number of partners) by smart phone brand. It found that, on average, a 30 year-old iPhone user has had twice as many sexual partners than an Android user of the same age. Thirty year-old BlackBerry users fall somewhere in the middle. See the chart below:
OkCupid also plotted a graph showing how the number of sexual partners varies according to smartphone brand and age. See chart below:
OkCupid tracked sexual activity (measured in number of partners) by smart phone brand. It found that, on average, a 30 year-old iPhone user has had twice as many sexual partners than an Android user of the same age. Thirty year-old BlackBerry users fall somewhere in the middle. See the chart below:
OkCupid also plotted a graph showing how the number of sexual partners varies according to smartphone brand and age. See chart below:
Monday, August 9, 2010
Really Brody Jenner?
Brody Jenner showing his affection for yet ANOTHER girlfriend. This time it's for Avril Lavigne.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Listening URL:
http://www.blogtalkradio.c
THE MARTINI QUEENIES WANT YOU!
...
Yes, dear loves, we have finally arrived!
Who are the Martini Queenies, you ask? We are Olivia and Cara, of course! Though our views might be dichotomous, we shall never be anonymous!
This and next week, the show will be on Tuesday, then please join us weekly on Monday nights at 6 pm PT/9 pm ET for all the fun you never thought you could have on your computer! Grab a filthy dirty martini (we have!) and come into our radio gabfest to dish on things we love, things we hate, people we love to hate, special guests we try not to offend, and fun that never seems to end!
There is a live chat room, so you may interact with the Queenies, but you must first register a username at the top of the page . Sign in or you can't interact. And what fun is that? We'd love to meet you, so don't be shy! Best part of all is that you can actually phone in to talk to the Queenies, and become part of a permanently archived show that will be available on iTunes or the original link for-evah! (Scary, huh!)
Future shows will include special guests, topics, odd news stories, topical discussions, and guest Princess or Prince. Fun, times infinity. Trust us. You, too, can become part of history in the faking!
Monday, August 2, 2010
How to Avoid Hipster Names....
I read this and found it interesting....thought you would too. What are your favorite baby names?
1. DON’T NAME YOUR BABY AFTER A JAZZ MUSICIAN. No Ella, no Ray, no Miles. Nix on Billie, nyet on Bessie, never on Duke. And did you really think you were going to get away with Thelonious or Django? No and no. Lionel, however, is still genuinely cool.
2. NO NAMES OF GODS AND GODDESSES. We can blame the ultimate cool mommy blogger Dooce for this one. Her daughter is named Leta, which is derived from Leda, who was the mythological mother of Helen of Troy. And then, at the farmers’ market in Madison, Wisconsin, we heard a hipster dad calling to his toddler son, “Stop right there, Odin!” Zeus, Jupiter, Andromeda, and Pandora are all similarly hipster heaven.
3. AVOID THE NAMES OF HIGH-FALUTIN’ LITERARY CHARACTERS. Atticus, anyone? The more obscure and high-minded the character, the more hipster-worthy the name. So you’ll have to stay away from Scout, Daisy, Maisie, Holden and Gulliver. Soap opera character names remain safe if otherwise repellent bets.
4. AVOID THE NAMES OF HIGH-FALUTIN’ WRITERS. This is kind of a thin line. We’d say Auden, Austen, Flannery, Harper, Tennessee and Tennyson are dripping in hipsterdom; Edith, Eudora, and Ellison, still okay.
5. NO NAMES YOU MIGHT USE FOR A DOG. Prince, Duke, Max, Fifi: This kind of I’m-so-cool-I-don’t-care name should not be used for a human, even one you make yourself. Likewise do not name your dog Marian, Frederick, or Patricia.
6. IF A SUPERMODEL WOULD CHOOSE THIS NAME FOR HER BABY, STAY AWAY. Along with four-foot-long legs and cheekbones as wide as their shoulders, supermodels seem congenitally hip, and inevitably choose hipster names for their babies. (Yes, all supermodels seem to have babies.) Nameberry has a list ofSupermodel Baby Names, which run toward choices such as Neva, Presley, and Sahteene.
7. SIMILARLY AVOID NAMES CHOSEN BY HIPSTER CELEBRITIES. Matilda hits the hipster list because it was chosen by hipster parents Heath and Michelle. Romy is Sofia Coppolla’s pick and Roman Cate Blanchett’s; Ramona is Maggie Gyllenhaal’s choice and Moses is Gwynnie’s. While you’re at it, you should probably not use names of hipster celebrities themselves: Isla, Ewan, Scarlett.
8. STAY AWAY FROM NAMES OF PLACES YOU WOULD NEVER GO. Okay, so Savannah and London are overplayed. Hipster parents have therefore decamped to Alabama, Indiana, and Reno. And from there it’s all too easy to wander from hipster turf into maverick territory: right, Bristol Palin?
9. DON’T PICK ANY NAME THAT STARTS WITH I OR Z OR ENDS WITH X OR O.If this whole issue is way too confusing for you, just following this one simple rule and you should be all right. Forget Iris and Isaiah. Zoe and Zane. Pax and Maddox. Nico and Orlando. Done.
10. FORGET ALL HIGHLY UNFASHIONABLE AND HIDEOUSLY UGLY NAMES.One earmark (Hi, John McCain) of hipsterism is being so hip you can be totally unhip, so cool you can give your kid a name that’s entirely uncool. Like Edna. Or Ignatius. Or Myrtle. But as important as it may seem to avoid names that threaten to turn you into a hipster cliché, it’s even more essential to stay away from those that might make your teenager try to kill you while you sleep.
Pamela Redmond Satran is the coauthor with Linda Rosenkrantz of nine bestselling baby name guides, including Beyond Jennifer & Jason and Cool Names for Babies,and a developer of the new baby-naming site Nameberry. A former fashion editor for Glamour, she is also a columnist for that magazine, writes for The New York Times, and is the author of five novels. Her children are named Rory, Joe, and Owen.
And the Top Party School Is....
The University of Georgia (really?!?)
The Princeton Review announced Monday that Georgia is the No. 1 party school on its now infamous annual ranking. The school of about 30,000 students has been on the list 10 times since the ranking was created in 1992, but this is the first time the university has taken the top spot.
For the campus — surrounded by nearly 100 bars in tiny downtown Athens — parties are just part of life from August to May each year. Many students gear up for the weekend on Thursdays and sometimes don't rest until Monday morning. (ummmm doesn't everybody????)
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Top Cities for Young Adults Under 35
Here are 10 cities in the U.S. that offer exceptional opportunities for those starting out in life. We began our search using the criteria we used to select our overall list of Best Cities for the Next Decade: healthy economies fueling new job growth. We fine-tuned our search using other youth-friendly factors such as large percentages of people under 35, cost of living and rental costs, culture, nightlife, and the time you're likely to spend in traffic. (This was done by YAHOO!)
Austin has the fourth-lowest jobless rate among cities with populations of one million or more. Living costs fall below the national norm. It doesn't hurt that this is the capital of Texas and home to eight colleges and universities, including the University of Texas. Austin's cultural scene is exceptional, with two giant music festivals each year, a vibrant nightlife, and eclectic, up-and-coming neighborhoods, There's certainly more than enough here to keep a recent grad busy.
Austin, Texas
Metro population: 1,705,075
Cost-of-living index: 97 (average is 100)
Median monthly rent (includes utilities): $864, nat. average+$819)
Average annual wage: $41,380 (as of 2007)
Unemployment rate: 6.9%
Percentage of Gen Y residents: 30%
Top employers: Austin School District, Dell, city and federal government, IBM, Seton Healthcare Network, St. David's Healthcare Partnership, University of Texas at Austin
Cost-of-living index: 97 (average is 100)
Median monthly rent (includes utilities): $864, nat. average+$819)
Average annual wage: $41,380 (as of 2007)
Unemployment rate: 6.9%
Percentage of Gen Y residents: 30%
Top employers: Austin School District, Dell, city and federal government, IBM, Seton Healthcare Network, St. David's Healthcare Partnership, University of Texas at Austin
Austin has the fourth-lowest jobless rate among cities with populations of one million or more. Living costs fall below the national norm. It doesn't hurt that this is the capital of Texas and home to eight colleges and universities, including the University of Texas. Austin's cultural scene is exceptional, with two giant music festivals each year, a vibrant nightlife, and eclectic, up-and-coming neighborhoods, There's certainly more than enough here to keep a recent grad busy.
PROS: Below-average cost of city living, hundreds of bars and music venues for the twenty-something set, reasonable rent
CONS: Long, hot summers, accelerating urban sprawl, limited public transportation (though the average drive will last only 23 minutes)
Charlotte, N.C.
Metro population: 1,745,524
Cost-of-living index: 94
Median monthly rent: $803 (average is $819)
Average annual wage: $41,190
Unemployment rate: 10.9%
Percentage of Gen Y residents: 21.7%
Top employers: Carolinas Healthcare System, Wells Fargo/Wachovia Corp., Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, Bank of America, Wal-Mart Stores, Presbyterian Regional Healthcare, Delhaize America
Cost-of-living index: 94
Median monthly rent: $803 (average is $819)
Average annual wage: $41,190
Unemployment rate: 10.9%
Percentage of Gen Y residents: 21.7%
Top employers: Carolinas Healthcare System, Wells Fargo/Wachovia Corp., Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, Bank of America, Wal-Mart Stores, Presbyterian Regional Healthcare, Delhaize America
Charlotte has seen explosive growth over the last 20 years, and is now the second-largest banking center in the country (after New York). The city took it on the chin in the 2008-2009 meltdown, but it should offer lots of entry-level jobs for college graduates as the financial sector recovers. Despite the towering new skyscrapers, and a vibrant Uptown district, it's still possible to live comfortably here on a tight budget.
PROS: A cost of living that skews well below the national average, reasonable rents, a bustling downtown still being developed, high-paying advancement opportunities in the financial sector
CONS: Hot, humid summers, smog alerts, high (but falling) crime rates, you'll need a car (average commute lasts 24 minutes)
Chicago, Ill.
Metro population: 9,580,567
Cost-of-living index: 118
Median monthly rent: $861 (average is $819)
Average annual wage: $45,119
Unemployment rate: 10.3%
Percentage of Gen Y residents: 24.6%
Top employers: City, state and federal government, Chicago Public Schools, Wal-Mart Stores, Advocate Health Care, Walgreen, JP Morgan Chase, Abbott Laboratories, AT&T
Cost-of-living index: 118
Median monthly rent: $861 (average is $819)
Average annual wage: $45,119
Unemployment rate: 10.3%
Percentage of Gen Y residents: 24.6%
Top employers: City, state and federal government, Chicago Public Schools, Wal-Mart Stores, Advocate Health Care, Walgreen, JP Morgan Chase, Abbott Laboratories, AT&T
Chicago is an exceptional value in big-city living, packing the cultural punch of Manhattan at nearly half the cost. Its lakefront district, with beaches, parks, a zoo and several museums, is a model for other waterfront cities. There are great sports teams, theater companies, and music festivals. And it's the home of the deep-dish pizza. The jobless rate is higher than the national average, but the Windy City's financial sector is thriving and promises more entry-level jobs in the future.
PROS: Low cost of living for a major city, cheap and widely available rentals, an efficient and user-friendly public transportation system, high-paying jobs in business and finance, great nightlife and entertainment venues
CONS: Extreme winter weather, high crime rate, and it's a long car drive to other major cities
Houston, Texas
Metro population: 5,867,489
Cost-of-living index: 91
Median monthly rent: $775 (average is $819)
Average annual wage: $41,074
Unemployment rate: 8.3%
Percentage of Gen Y residents: 23.9%
Top employers: Wal-Mart Stores, Memorial Hermann Healthcare System, Administaff, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Continental Airlines, Kroger, Exxon Mobil
Cost-of-living index: 91
Median monthly rent: $775 (average is $819)
Average annual wage: $41,074
Unemployment rate: 8.3%
Percentage of Gen Y residents: 23.9%
Top employers: Wal-Mart Stores, Memorial Hermann Healthcare System, Administaff, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Continental Airlines, Kroger, Exxon Mobil
Like its rival Austin, Houston offers great job prospects and exciting big-city amenities at a price so low, even struggling grads can afford it. Diversity is one of its unsung strengths. More than a million of Houston's inhabitants were born outside of the U.S. H-Town's economy is varied as well: The city has strong energy, manufacturing, aeronautics, transportation and healthcare sectors, and 25 Fortune 500 companies have headquarters here.
PROS: A small-town cost of living in the country's fourth-largest city, rents well below the national average, one of the country's best restaurant scenes, vibrant nightlife, an hour from Gulf Coast beaches
CONS: Oppressive heat and humidity, infamous bumper-to-bumper traffic (the average commute will last 26 minutes), heavy air pollution, a crime rate well above the national average
Kansas City, Mo.
Metro population: 2,067,585
Cost-of-living index: 96.4
Median monthly rent: $697 (average is $819)
Average annual wage: $40,950
Unemployment rate: 8.3%
Percentage of Gen Y residents: 22.2%
Cost-of-living index: 96.4
Median monthly rent: $697 (average is $819)
Average annual wage: $40,950
Unemployment rate: 8.3%
Percentage of Gen Y residents: 22.2%
It may not have the big-city buzz of a Chicago or Houston, but KCMO is on its way up. The "Paris of the Plains" is in the midst of a $9 billion downtown development project, which will create a swath of new condos, apartments, offices, bars and restaurants- many of them targeted to young professionals. Unemployment and cost of living are low here as well, and job prospects are promising. Six Fortune 1000 companies call Kansas City home.
PROS: Below-average rents, low cost of living, money and momentum behind future development, innovative jobs in business, research and technology. The average commute is only 21 minutes.
CONS: Mediocre nightlife and limited cultural offerings (at least until the downtown development is finished), high crime rate, poor public transportation (though a light rail is under construction)
Lansing, Mich.
Metro population: 453,603
Cost-of-living index: 100
Median monthly rent: $630 (average is $819)
Average annual wage: $41,773
Unemployment rate: 10.2%
Percentage of Gen Y residents: 26.9%
Top employers: State government, Michigan State University, Sparrow Health System, General Motors, Lansing Community College, Ingham Regional Medical Center, Lansing School District, Meijer
Cost-of-living index: 100
Median monthly rent: $630 (average is $819)
Average annual wage: $41,773
Unemployment rate: 10.2%
Percentage of Gen Y residents: 26.9%
Top employers: State government, Michigan State University, Sparrow Health System, General Motors, Lansing Community College, Ingham Regional Medical Center, Lansing School District, Meijer
Home to five medical schools, two law schools and Michigan State University, Michigan's capital is a little-known hotbed for young professionals. Granted, this Great Lakes community can't quite compare to the larger cities on our list in terms of job prospects or things to do. But it has a relatively low cost of living. And its youthful population, downtown renewal projects, and emerging technology sector make Lansing a stand-out in mid-sized cities.
PROS: Cheap rent well below the national average, a respectable bar and club scene, high-paying job opportunities in bio and Internet technologies. Average commute is only 20 minutes.
CONS: Public transportation is unimpressive, extreme winter weather, unemployment rate is a full point above the norm (the opportunities here skew toward the highly-skilled)
New York, N.Y.
Metro population: 19,069,796 (includes Long Island and Northern New Jersey)
Cost-of-living index: 218 (Manhattan), 179 (Brooklyn), 158 (Queens)
Median monthly rent: $1,025 (average is $819)
Average annual wage: $50,784
Unemployment rate: 9.4%
Percentage of Gen Y residents: 21.9%
Top industries (New York does not release specific employer statistics): General medical and surgical hospitals, individual and family services, restaurants, securities and commodities contracts, legal services
Cost-of-living index: 218 (Manhattan), 179 (Brooklyn), 158 (Queens)
Median monthly rent: $1,025 (average is $819)
Average annual wage: $50,784
Unemployment rate: 9.4%
Percentage of Gen Y residents: 21.9%
Top industries (New York does not release specific employer statistics): General medical and surgical hospitals, individual and family services, restaurants, securities and commodities contracts, legal services
There's no place for recent graduates quite like the Big Apple: the job prospects are exceptional and the culture and nightlife are without parallel. Yes, it's tough to live here. The cost-of-living is the highest in the continental U.S. Conveniences most Americans take for granted don't exist here, like places to park a car. Fortunately, however, there are still areas of the city where young professionals can eke out a living: Brooklyn's Prospect Heights has recently come into vogue,Sunnyside and Long Island City in Queens are youth-friendly, and the money you save on rent inHoboken will help ease the stigma of being a "B&Ter" (bridge-and-tunneler - someone who works and spends time in Manhattan, but actually lives elsewhere).
PROS: Incomparable job opportunities, an extensive mass transportation system that makes car-owning superfluous and allows young adults to live well outside the city.
CONS: Expensive, sometimes ridiculously so. But hey, if you can make it there, you'll make it anywhere.
Portland, Ore.
Metro population: 2,241,841
Cost-of-living index: 110
Median monthly rent: $779 (average is $819)
Average annual wage: $43,346
Unemployment rate: 10.2%
Percentage of Gen Y residents: 21.9%
Top employers: Intel, Fred Meyer Stores, Oregon Health & Science University, Providence Health Systems, Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of the NW, city government, Legacy Health System
Cost-of-living index: 110
Median monthly rent: $779 (average is $819)
Average annual wage: $43,346
Unemployment rate: 10.2%
Percentage of Gen Y residents: 21.9%
Top employers: Intel, Fred Meyer Stores, Oregon Health & Science University, Providence Health Systems, Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of the NW, city government, Legacy Health System
A haven for bohemians, punk rockers, aging hippies, techies and other creative souls, Portland is renowned for its progressive, DIY spirit. The city's creative-class profile comes at a price, however, as cost of living is now above average. Nearby Olympia, Wash., a two-hour drive fromPortland, may be a reasonable alternative for grads who don't mind sacrificing some street cred - it's a much smaller city, but unemployment and cost of living are lower.
PROS: Below-average rent, a walk-able (or bike-able!) average commute, plenty of microbreweries and hip coffee shops, innovative art and music scenes, no sales tax
CONS: Above-average cost of living, surprisingly high crime rate, notoriously rainy weather, an unemployment rate that skews almost a point above the average
Salt Lake City, Utah
Metro population: 1,130,293
Cost-of-living index: 100
Median monthly rent: $698 (average is $819)
Average annual wage: $39,722
Unemployment rate: 7.0%
Percentage of Gen Y residents: 28.8%
Top employers: University of Utah, state and county government, Salt Lake City School District, Novus, Delta, LDS Hospital, Salt Lake City Corp.
Cost-of-living index: 100
Median monthly rent: $698 (average is $819)
Average annual wage: $39,722
Unemployment rate: 7.0%
Percentage of Gen Y residents: 28.8%
Top employers: University of Utah, state and county government, Salt Lake City School District, Novus, Delta, LDS Hospital, Salt Lake City Corp.
Here's an affordable alternative to trendier Rocky Mountain cities like Denver and Boulder, where job growth, nightlife and climate are similar but living costs are prohibitively high. A year's rent in Boulder will buy a year and a half in SLC - though maybe not in its explosive downtown district, where dozens of luxury condominiums, high-rise office buildings and clusters of shops and restaurants have sprung up since the 2002 Olympic Games.
PROS: Low rents and cost of living, urban development, job opportunities in manufacturing, finance, and technology, nearby ski slopes and cycling trails. The setting is breathtaking.
CONS: Mediocre nightlife, occasional smog, relatively low wages, the average commute requires a car (but takes only 19 minutes)
Washington, D.C.
Metro population: 5,476,241
Cost-of-living index: 139
Median monthly rent: $979 (District of Columbia, average is $819)
Average annual wage: $54,371
Unemployment rate: 6.0%
Percentage of Gen Y residents: 27.2%
Top employers: Federal government, McDonald's, Northrop Grumman, Science Applications International, Verizon Communications, Safeway, Ahold USA, Wal-Mart Stores, Macy's, Citigroup
Cost-of-living index: 139
Median monthly rent: $979 (District of Columbia, average is $819)
Average annual wage: $54,371
Unemployment rate: 6.0%
Percentage of Gen Y residents: 27.2%
Top employers: Federal government, McDonald's, Northrop Grumman, Science Applications International, Verizon Communications, Safeway, Ahold USA, Wal-Mart Stores, Macy's, Citigroup
Like New York, D.C. is a place of great opportunity and great cost for young adults. Job creation is constant in the government and government-related sectors. But rents and living costs are quite high. Fortunately, a constant influx of college grads, as well as immigrants, has spawned several off-beat, affordable neighborhoods, such as Adams-Morgan, Chinatown, and Ballston and Shirlington in nearby Arlington, Va. Group homes abound.
PROS: Stable government jobs, extensive public transportation system, a young workforce from all over the nation and the world, up-and-coming neighborhoods, vibrant nightlife
CONS: Hot, humid summers, regular Metro breakdowns and traffic gridlock
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