Oversized bows

The popularity of this trend is due to one woman in the limelight who has continuously (and bravely) stepped out of the boundaries of the common fashion world: Lady Gaga. Gaga is notorious for having an absurdly large bow as part of her ensemble, whether it be atop her head or on a dress. She has even used her own hair to create a bow, showing no signs of slowing down in leading women to the next big thing in fashion. Though the concern with following the trends set by Lady Gaga is that soon all women will be walking around with a bird’s nest on her face.

Leg layering

Women often feel the need to wear an additional layer on her legs. Stockings or tights under a dress or skirt are normal when going to work, but some females have become overly creative when it comes to layering. Girls have been seen wearing a skirt over jeans or bright colored leggings under shorts. What’s the point of wearing shorts if you are just going to put a long pair of neon pink leggings underneath them? Men want to see women’s legs whether in a skirt of shorts, but become perplexed when she feels the need to unnecessarily cover up with tights. Perhaps she is using this to cover her unshaven legs? Not an excuse.

High waist jeans

The look of wearing pants around your belly button has never been one that is attractive on anyone. Case and point: Steve Urkel. Women wearing high waist jeans have become increasingly popular lately and leave men wondering if she purposely pulled her pants that high. Low rise jeans are the more flattering choice and that which men would prefer to see a female wearing. High waist jeans make a woman’s backside and midsection seem increasingly long and do not seem to flatter any body type. Women would not like to see men walking around with pants around their belly button, so please, ladies, give us the same courtesy.

Lace up shoes

Seeing a woman walking down the street in shoes that lace up her ankle leave men perplexed as to where she is going. Is she a ballerina? Did she not know what to do with those extra laces? Are the oversized laces cutting off her circulation? Shoes are a love for many women and while there is an immense amount of styles to choose from, this is one that should remain on the shelf. Some shoes make it seem as though the woman’s feet are trapped and there is no way any man would ever be able to figure out how to take those shoes off.

Shawn Triggs is a graduate of Fordham University with a bachelor’s degree in Communication & Media Studies. He currently lives in New Jersey and hopes to one day become a writer for a popular men’s magazine.

Los Angeles is made up of annexed communities, where Los Angeles proper is primarily downtown, the city center. It is the hub, so to speak, and from it extends satellite neighborhoods such as Santa Monica, West Hollywood, Burbank, Pacific Palisades, and Marina Del Ray. Los Angeles is the largest city in California, the second largest city in the country, and it proudly boasts an impressive average of 263 days a year of sunshine. Not bad!

Los Angeles is also one of the most artistically, socially, economically and politically enriched cities in the United States, drawing in artists, businesses, cultures, and traditions of all kinds. The streets are overflowing with delicious internationally inclined restaurants, shops galore, and world-class museums, and art galleries. The unique and diverse population of Los Angeles also helps foster incredible food markets, and festivals such the annual Olvera Street Dia de los Meurtos festival, the L.A. Greek Fest and the Shakespeare Festival. Los Angeles has two sides: the universally famous film and television star, and the humble city with a remarkable history. It’s your classic rags to riches story.

History

Spanish general Felipe Neve founded Los Angeles in the late-18^th century and at one point (following its independence from Spain) was an active part of Mexico until it was purchased under the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848 by the United States. California did not become a state until 1850.

What is now Los Angeles was originally inhabited by Native American tribes thousands of years ago. Early Los Angeles thrived on its oil exports, and silent filmmakers flocked to the city for one particular reason: consistent sun meant they had reliable light for shooting outdoors (as they often did). Indeed, electrical lights, though widely available then, were not strong enough to expose film properly, so many film productions shot on the roofs of buildings, and in a few cases, in a studio with a retractable roof. 

Los Angeles has been host to the Olympics twice, once in 1935 and again in 1984. It is a city that has weathered some very serious natural disaster in the past, and has bounced back without fail each time.

Travel, Accommodations and How to Navigate

Because Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is one of the busiest in the world, there are loads of cheap non-stop domestic flights available in and out of the city. Los Angeles does not have a designated “off-season”, so there is no real particular time of year that is best to visit the city. Cheaper flights might be available during the rainy season, which typically occurs in January, L.A.’s rainiest month. Summer holidays and awards season (namely the Academy Awards or the Emmy’s) do turn L.A. into a bit of an industry Mecca, so avoid these occurrences if you are able. Also, look at the possibility of flying into alternate L.A. airports such as Burbank International Airport for any further deals.

If a visit to Los Angeles is in your future, my first piece of advice would be to rent a car. L.A. is not a walking city by any means, and that is perhaps its greatest fault. That said, if you want to get anywhere, and on your own time, it is best to have a vehicle handy. One of the easiest ways to get to know L.A. and understand its urban geography is by driving around. It is said that no-where in L.A. is more than twenty minutes away, which for the most part is true, and therefore very convenient (many of L.A.’s most significant landmarks, such as the Hollywood Bowl, and Sunset Blvd., are in close proximity to each other). Just mind the morning and afternoon traffic, as it can be a nightmare, and always double check oncoming cars when making a left turn. Angeleno’s are known for running red lights.

The Farmer’s Daughter on Fairfax Avenue is a boutique hotel located in the heart of West Hollywood, and I recommend it for any first time L.A. visitors who look for two things: comfort and affordability.  I was pleasantly surprised by its locale (it’s across the street from The Grove, and wedged comfortably between Melrose Avenue and Third Street, two excellent shopping districts), and utterly charmed by its newly renovated, incredibly chic design. The Farmer’s Daughter offers fantastic deals, online specials, and packages to local spas, and museums. AAA discounts included. It has excellent service, its restaurant Tart is fantastic, and its beds are heaven. Check out their website:

Places Every Tourist Visits

L.A. is full of icons, old and new. The city is constantly reinventing itself by revitalizing old, run down areas, refurbishing historic architectural jewels, and cleaning up the streets. The L.A. of twenty years ago is, in areas, virtually unrecognizable, and it is extraordinary to watch it go through such a drastic metamorphosis. Of course, with that aside, there are still always L.A.’s classic hotspots.

Mulholland Dr. is the picture perfect introduction to Los Angeles, and features many rest stops offering the most stunning views of the city, and its surrounding mountains, and vistas. From here you will be able to get fantastic views of the iconic Hollywood sign, downtown, the Hollywood Bowl, and the Pacific Ocean to name a few examples. Just drive with care. This road is a mountain road, and therefore very curvy and precarious.

The Getty Center is by far one of L.A.’s greatest local/tourist hotspots, and certainly one of my own personal favorites. It is an impressive architectural feat, with stunning one-of-a-kind gardens, and one of the most comprehensive art collections in the world. It’s sister museum is the Getty Villa located just of the Pacific Coast Highway in Pacific Palisades. Built as an exact replica of the Villa of Papyri in Herculaneum, and re-opened in 2006, the Getty Villa houses a breathtaking collection of Greek and Roman art, and is by far the neatest museum experience I have ever had. It’s like stepping back in time; the only thing missing is the toga. Both museums are free.

Rodeo Dr. is a fascinating experience, one that continually amazes me for its incredible wealth and posh elegance. Many top international designers such as Louis Vuitton and Michael Kors have their flagship stores here, and the people-watching alone is worth the visit. The Spanish Steps, made famous in Clueless, and modeled after those in Rome, Italy, are located here as well.

Griffith Observatory was recently renovated, a process that took a few years and a few million dollars ($93 million to be exact). Re-opened in 2006, the observatory is a very popular local and tourist attraction. Of course, many might recognize it from James Dean’s famous film Rebel Without A Cause. I suggest visiting the Observatory for many reasons. The views are lovely, the architecture is typical old Hollywood, and the exhibitions are super interesting (how else would I know I weighed 32 pounds on the Moon, and 450 pounds on Jupiter?).

And finally, I know it’s a Los Angeles tourist cliché, but go to Disneyland. It is not the cheapest thing to do anymore, but if it’s feasible, go! I suggest going to the original park, Disneyland, over California Adventure, and go on a weekday during school months.  Go as early in the day as you can, and stay until closing. When everyone is leaving the park to head home, lots of attractions sometimes stay open a little longer to allow the final few lingering people an extra ride or two with absolutely no wait-time. My top three favorite rides: The Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean and Indiana Jones. The line for Pirates and the Mansion are pretty consistent, and move at a steady pace. But Indy has a ridiculously long line up, so I suggest getting one of those tickets at the ride entrance, going elsewhere and returning at the time allotted.

Unique Places for Fabulous Chicks

One of my favorite restaurants in L.A. is Mao’s Kitchen on Pacific Avenue. It is, in my opinion, the best American Chinese food in the city, and because it’s super cheap, healthy, and yummy, you can’t lose. It’s located in the famous Venice Beach neighborhood (with a new location on Melrose Ave. in Hollywood), so it’s literally feet from the Pacific Ocean. Mao’s is the ultimate respite from a day at the beach. I recommend the one-dollar salad (yes, it is one dollar) as an appetizer, and sharing a dish of long life beans, with orange-ginger chicken and steamed rice. The servings are big enough for leftovers, I promise.

For something really unique, I suggest visiting the Silent Movie Theatre on Fairfax Avenue in West Hollywood. Seeing a silent movie in your own home is pretty rare, but seeing one in a restored art deco theater, with live piano, extra comfy couches and gourmet cupcakes makes for great memories. My silent film education began here, and I can safely say you’ll never truly appreciate a film until you see it in its earliest form.  Some highlights include Buster Keaton’s The General and Clara Bow’s 1927 hit Hula. Check the calendar regularly as the best screenings occur on weekends, and make sure to arrive early for the good seats!

We all know the beach is a must- see when visiting Los Angeles, but sometimes the crowds can get a little intense at its more popular locations. El Matador, however, is a relatively secluded and exceedingly beautiful pocket beach located just west of Malibu. I adore its stunning views, Goonies-esque rock formations, and sea caves. El Matador is known for its particularly clear water (though there can be a lot of sea weed), and propensity to put couples in the mood for romantic strolls in the sand. Take note: there are no lifeguard towers (though on busy weekends, a guard should be on duty), and unfortunately, it is wheelchair inaccessible. Parking is available. 

What Made This Chick Fall in Love with L.A.

L.A. as we see it depicted on film is not the L.A. I love. There’s more to it than the glitz and glamour of its abundant wealth, palm trees, and movie stars. I’ll admit, L.A. takes some getting used to; anyone who has moved to L.A. from elsewhere will tell you that. It’s a sprawling urban mass of cars and people. It’s hot, and the earthquakes and fires can be truly awful. But that’s okay, because there’s one thing that makes up for all of that: Los Angeles is full of life! It’s dynamic and diverse. People are living their dreams, while others are making them happen. The magic of the film industry is truly unique to L.A., and it’s always fun (no matter how much you claim not to care) to be walking down the street and see your favorite actor walking towards you by chance.

I fell in love with its perseverance, even in the worst of conditions (and to think those wild fires happen every year, to no avail). I adore its energy, and confidence. L.A. is not shy, or quiet, and it certainly doesn’t turn down an opportunity for a close up.  

Los Angeles is a remarkable city, with a tendency to surprise you when you least expect it.  Right when I’m ready to check out, I find an amazing café hidden in Silverlake, or a great little store in Larchmont. That’s what makes LA. great, the small things. So if L.A. is next on your travel list, do as the Angeleno’s do, enjoy the sun, live for the moment, and seek out its hidden gems. You’re bound to find something, I guarantee it.

Jasmin Charters is a graduate of Mount Allison University in Canada. She adores theatre, film, art, and literature, and could watch Law & Order: SVU non-stop. Though she is a Torontonian by birth, Jasmin has come to know and love Los Angeles as a second home away from home, where she goes to visit family as often as she can.

Image from here.

An employer looking for a sales assistant will not be impressed, if the interviewee keeps stuttering and clearing his throat on the phone. Because most managers, supervisors, editors, and HR representatives have a very limited amount of time each day to complete their work, phone interviews can greatly alleviate the energy and resources it takes to find the right person for a job.  

Many people may feel uncomfortable on the phone. Some may be inclined to talk too much. Others may wait too long to answer questions, which may result in awkward lulls on the phone. During phone interviews, it is impossible for the employer to see how you are dressed, what you look like, where you are located, or what else you are doing at the same time. The following guidelines are tips on how to prepare for a phone interview and what kinds of questions you should expect.  

Do’s 

Do find a quiet place to conduct the phone interview. Inform anyone living with you that you have a phone interview scheduled for so-and-so a time. Tell them that it may take anywhere from fifteen minutes to an hour and not to disturb you so long as you are on the phone. Sit down at a desk in your office or bedroom and wait for your employer to call you.

Do keep your résumé  and other items in front of you, where you can easily access them. Print out a copy of your résumé. Go online and keep the company’s website on your front page. Prepare for a phone interview in much the same way as you would an in-person interview. Know what you are going to discuss. Be ready for any and all curveball questions that may come your way.

Do try to refrain from talking too much, or talking too little. As soon as you think you have appropriately answered your employer’s question, stop. This is a difficult rule to follow. Most people may feel like they have an obligation to fill up a lull in a conversation. However, let your employer do the talking. Answer his or her questions in the most concise and direct way possible. Indicate, using your tone, when you have finished your response.

Do smile during a phone interview, even though your employer cannot physically see you. When you smile, your voice will naturally sound more energetic and upbeat. This will make your employer feel more at ease, and he or she will be more inclined to think that you are really a top candidate for the job in question.

Do dress up for a phone interview. It is never a good idea to crawl out of bed in your pajamas just as your employer is calling. If you dress up in office attire, your body will automatically adjust to the right state of mind. Treat a phone interview with a professional and not a casual or laidback attitude.

Do expect to hear at least a few of the routine interview questions. Questions about your résumé, work experience, and time commitment are all to be expected. Other typical inquiries like why you want the job, what you plan on changing and doing, how or why you feel qualified for the position should be anticipated. Know how to highlight your strengths, while refraining from coming across as arrogant or pompous.

Do follow up on a phone interview the same way as you would an in-person interview. Send a quick e-mail highlighting the points you made on the phone. Emphasize your strengths, without sounding too desperate, and always thank your employer for taking the time to seriously consider you as an applicant.

Don’ts

Don’t try to multi-task during a phone interview. It’s okay to have a cup of coffee or tea at your side, but don’t be tempted to go on Facebook, answer any text messages, or check your e-mail. Focus all your energy and attention on the questions that your employer is asking you. Make sure to pause and think before blurting out an answer!

Don’t agree to do the interview at the last minute. Make sure you have a quiet and relaxed place where you can speak clearly without background noise or distraction.

Don’t talk to the employer like you would to anyone you chat with on the phone. Make sure to remind yourself to slow down, breathe and focus on what the person is asking you. This is your opportunity to shine -even if they can’t see what a fabulous chick you are! 

Katherine J. Chen is currently a sophomore at Princeton University majoring in English with a certificate in Creative Writing. She has had many a phone interview in the past, and happens to love them more than in-person meetings.   

Rent the Runway is a brand new site that let’s you “rent” one item of clothing for 4 or 8 days for a fraction of the price of the original garment.  It’s sort of like Netflix, only for luxury dresses.  Rental fees range from $50 to $200.  You simply go online, select your dress of choice, select the your size (they also include a bonus second size for free just in case the first one doesn’t fit quite right.  Amazing right?!), select the day you want your dress to arrive and for how long, and when you’re done, just slip the dress back into the pre-paid garment bag (no cleaning necessary, they do it for you), and voilà, it’s that simple.  

Designers include: Alice + Olivia, Yigal Azrouël, Robert Rodriguez, Matthew Williamson, Giambattista Valli, Diane Von Furstenberg, Doo Ri, Christian Siriano, Proenza Schouler and many more!  This site is your answer for those special occasion needs, runway desires, and a little bit of fashion experimentation all swirled all into a perfect storm.  Founded by two friends, Jennifer Hyman and Jennifer Carter Fleiss who met while they were students at the Harvard Business School, this website is both business savvy and fashion genius!

College life incorporates high-profile events including Homecoming, formal dances, and theme parties. Halloween, for college students, translates into an opportunity to show as much skin as possible. While these specific events emphasize looking your absolute best, some women bypass healthy options like exercise and appropriate diet. Instead they opt for a quicker and more effective solution: crash dieting.

Why should you alter your entire lifestyle in order to get gradual results over a long period of time when, as an alternative, you can drop a significant amount of weight with a short term starvation?

One of the main reasons to avoid this depriving mechanism of losing weight, other than sudden death, is the short-term and long-term health effects that may result from the fast. Psychological factors including depression, eating disorders, and other mental health issues may result from the mood swings and extreme cravings that accompany crash dieting. The restrictive nature of depriving the body of nourishment may block out healthy food alternatives that the body needs to maintain blood oxygen levels. Dieters who ignore vitamins including potassium, sodium, or vitamin B12 often possess low levels of electrolytes that promote proper muscle and nerve functioning in the body. Organs including the liver, kidney, heart, and brain are also directly affected by low caloric intake and inadequate amounts of energy.

Considering that girls who put themselves on crash diets are desperately seeking to shed pounds, it is not sensible for them to use a weight loss mechanism they cannot maintain for an extended period of time. As they limit their nutritional intake, their metabolisms slow down and learn to process small amounts of food. Once they are through with the diet and go back to their normal lifestyle habits, their metabolisms overcompensate and can only process a small amount. This usually results in more weight gain from their habitual lifestyle than would occur even before the crash diet. 

While crash dieting may seem like the quickest way to drop the pounds before a big event, it is vital to consider its effect the body. Instead of losing weight in the fastest manner possible, consider slowly reducing your caloric intake and exercising as part of your regular schedule. Not only will this promote a mechanism of weight loss, but it will encourage a lifestyle change that is stable and easier to adapt to over an extended period of time.

Epigee: Crash and Burn: Yo-Yo and Crash Dieting

Jenn Sinrich is in her third year at Northeastern University majoring in History and Journalism. She loves living in Boston and especially likes running by the Charles River. She enjoys acting and theater, musicals and listening to show tunes, scrap booking and collaging, and anything else that encourages and inspires creativity.

Of course, my smugness immediately flounders under the knowledge that, at one point, I did care deeply enough for somebody to do those same things for him. If it weren’t cooking, I’d give him wake up calls, help him study for a midterm, watch Star Trek with him, and even play the scariest video game ever - Silent Hill - with him at night when both of us needed a break from schoolwork.

Do I miss doing those things for somebody? During the holidays, maybe, but to be honest, I miss knowing that I want to do these things because they’re nice things to do, and not just because it’s relationship protocol to bake cookies for your boyfriend, or whatever it is girlfriends do nowadays.

1) Pack his lunch in the morning. If you’re the home-cooked meal type of couple, make some extra at night so that he can bring the leftovers with him to work or an internship the next day.

2) When you’re out having dinner with your girlfriends, order a takeaway to bring back for him later. One of my friends quietly order an extra cookie or cupcake for her boyfriend when she and I go out for coffee, and I think it’s the cutest thing ever. The key here is to be innocuous. Don’t make a big show out of your “romantic gesture” or make your friends wait too long. Keep it affectionate, not annoying!

3) Give him the squishy pillow once in a while

4) If you live together, take out the garbage and do the dishes, even when it’s not your turn. I know, I know, it sounds a little old-fashioned to do someone else’s chores, but I’ve found that there’s something liberating in not being legalistic about specific duties. If you don’t live together, well, go ahead and help him pair his socks or make his bed. He’ll appreciate it!

5) Plug in his gadgets when they’ve run out of batteries without him noticing

6) The next time you’re at a grocery store - or, if you live in New York, even a subway station - pick up a pack of his favorite candy. (A can of soda or a small bag of chips work, too!)

7) Be a good car buddy. Learn how to work the GPS, even if you’re technologically-challenged. Pack some pretzels or Gatorade, and most importantly, stay awake on long drives!

Pick up some toothpaste/toilet paper/Kleenex - any of those household items that one often forgets to buy - when you notice he’s running out.

9) Bring him a glass of water or a plate of Oreos when he’s doing work.

10) Always brew enough coffee for two people! As cliché as it sounds, learn how he takes his coffee so that you can have some milk or creamer on hand.  
11) Make a mental note of his schedule and upcoming errands so that you can ask him about them later. Don’t nag, just bring them up so that he either remembers, or - if he’s already done them - knows that you care about even the most mundane, boring parts of his everyday life.

12) Send him funny YouTube videos. If possible, try passing him links before posting them on Facebook or Twitter. It’s nice to receive a link directly, rather through the same means as the rest of the Internet.

13) Set a no-technology time. I prefer putting those things aside during meals, but by all means, take a technology-free walk together or just do a jigsaw puzzle without being distracted by music or BlackBerrys.

14) Take care of him when he’s hungover. As tempting as it is to get mad at him for even getting that drunk in the first place, remember that how much you appreciated the people who helped YOU out when you downed one too many Jager bombs. If you’re going to give him the earful, save it for when he’s not in the throes of nausea.

Denise Ngo graduated from Fordham University in 2009. When she’s not asking  herself, Avenue Q-style, what one actually does with a B.A. in English, she’s surfing Amazon for bargain books or hunting down the novelty food trucks in New York City. 
 

Model Life: The Journey of a Pint-Size Fashion Warrior never takes the time to explain why Jade feels so passionate about making a career for herself in modeling in the first place. The first scene depicts Jade lying on a bed wearing Guess Jeans and an H&M top. She is flipping through various fashion magazines and dreaming about joining the ranks of high fashion’s most prestigious line-up of supermodels. How does she go about pursuing this dream? Well, like any neophyte, Jade turns to Google, and up pops Craigslist. What follows is a series of dangerous and even life-threatening scenarios. (Though readers may be impressed by Jade’s courage and gung-ho attitude, Model Life also serves as a great example of how dangerous it is to answer stranger’s ads without taking any precautions.)  

Jade’s first graphic novel is devoted largely to her first (and mostly unsuccessful) attempts at entering the world of modeling. During this time, Jade poses nude, gets imaginative with a cocktail glass, scores brownie points with a shady painter who decides to use her body as his next canvas, and has an awkward run-in with softcore porn. What readers of Jade’s book may most identify with, however, is her struggle to balance what she clearly loves to do (model) and what she feels compelled to do (schoolwork). While endeavoring to launch her modeling career off the ground, she fails a three-credit course at the New York Institute of Technology. She also loses her boyfriend, alienates her two best friends, and gets in big trouble with her mother and sister when a YouTube video of her softcore escapades finds its way online.  

Jade eventually smartens up about where not to look for viable modeling jobs. She attends legitimate go-sees sent to her by an agent who recognizes, perhaps reluctantly, her potential as a supermodel. She successfully removes a damaging video from the Internet (even though it means returning the $500 she made). And her biggest success comes at the very end of the novel, when a stranger approaches her on the street and points up to the sky. What does she see? Well, that is a surprise ending which readers will have to find out on their own.  

Model Life is a worthy read for anyone who has been belittled, discriminated against, or put down for any reason. Though no one can argue that Isobella Jade had a rocky entry into the modeling industry, she is now a successful model who has been featured in media outlets like The New York Times, Page Six, The New York Post, The New York Daily News, The Wall Street Journal, Advertising Age, mediabistro.com, and much more. Jade puts it perfectly when she writes that this novel is “dedicated to anyone striving to accomplish something difficult, and waking up just for the chance, because the higher you aim, the more you can achieve.”

Katherine J. Chen is currently a sophomore at Princeton University majoring in English with a certificate in Creative Writing. Having participated in a wide variety of internships in the past, Katherine has discovered the bliss of keeping one’s eye on “the big picture,” a lesson she has learned only through practice and experience.

So you and the boyfriend just broke up. How long should you wait to talk again? There is no magic time, but keeping some distance for a little while is a good idea. While it is harder to keep your distance when the two of you share friends, it is best to stray for a little while.

I have tried being friends with an ex-boyfriend way too quickly, and all it did was make him upset because it was too hard for him, and in turn, I got really frustrated with him, and then realized it was too hard for me too.

So instead of forcing a friendship too quickly, let time do its job by healing the post-break-up wounds naturally. If you and your ex-boyfriend are meant to be friends, you will be eventually.

Unfortunately, not everyone is meant to be friends with an ex-boyfriend. Sometimes there are those guys who were a big part of your life for so long that it is impossible for the two of you to let go of the old romantic feelings. It is okay to just accept that it is simply too hard to be friends with a guy who held your heart in his hands for so long.

While great loves are great, there are the guys who you dated for a few months and then realized you were better off as friends. Those are the ones who it is the easiest to be friends with because there was not a strong romantic connection to begin with.

Somewhere in between the great love and the great friend is the guy who you loved but the timing was off. Maybe you and this guy decided to break-up due to distance or something else out of either of your control. It is more likely that you and this ex-boyfriend will be friends because you did not have a Greek tragedy style ending.

However, because you did not end due to hatred for each other, or something else fundamental to your personalities, it can be hard to remember why you broke up. It could feel like you and your ex-boyfriend are still dating because nothing has changed except for your status on Facebook.

Talking to your ex-boyfriend constantly can be torturous for both of you because it can make you think you should be back together, causing you to forget why you broke up to begin with. But after sufficient time has passed, allowing the wounds to heal, a friendship could be formed.

Essentially, do not force a friendship. If it is meant to happen, it will in some way. If you and your ex-boyfriend do not work out as friends, then all you have to do is remember him as your boyfriend, complete with all the great memories. The “I hope we can still be friends” you once muttered is now just a hope.

Julianne Olson is a freshman journalism major at Appalachian State University and an intern news reporter for The Appalachian newspaper. She hopes to one day write for a national magazine based in New York City, where she can further her love for writing and lots of people.

Photo from http://www.lunasmith.com/images/upset_couple3_ukmq.jpg

It started during my freshman year of college, when a friend began criticizing a mutual acquaintance’s refusal to move on from her high school glory days. Before long, the conversation morphed into an intense reflection on our respective pasts and presents, and the value of letting go.

“It’s like she’s stuck in that Nickelback song,” my friends said. “You know that one, ‘Photograph,’ about saying goodbye to high school memories? Life feels like that sometimes.”

While I agree that being stuck in high school memories while attending college is pretty lame, it’s also not the coolest thing to quote the lyrics, “What the hell is on Joey’s head?” to illustrate a point about someone else’s supposed lameness. Friend, I love you, but your argument is invalid.

It only got worse from there. The instant people started citing B-grade songs or bands to otherwise meaningful emotions or life experiences, I stopped taking them seriously. Some of these people included:

The brooding classmate who listened to My Chemical Romance while feeling distraught, angry, and in the mood for “rock music.”

The significant other who used Phil Collins’ “Against All Odds” to signify his sentiments for a long-lost ex-girlfriend.

The guy who serenaded his dream girl with Enrique Iglesias’ “Hero.”

The girl who brought up Celine Dion as an example of a “Golden Oldies” artist.

The date who said his favorite band is Coldplay (don’t get me wrong, Coldplay is no My Chemical Romance, but naming Coldplay as your favorite band is akin to naming Jesus and Einstein as the historical figures you would dine with if you had the chance.)

Granted, I’m no music aficionado. I can only imagine what my junior year roommate, a diehard Muse and Lost Prophets fan, thought of my Hall & Oates collection. Maybe she thought I was a tacky loser. Maybe she did not think anything of it. Either way, it didn’t stop me from putting “You Make My Dreams Come True” on speakers for all to hear.

So go ahead, Chicks, listen to whatever you want, whenever you want. Don’t mind the music snobs. For all you know, one of them might have played Eric Cartman’s version of “Poker Face” five times in a row while you weren’t in the room.

Denise Ngo graduated from Fordham University in 2009. When she’s not asking  herself, Avenue Q-style, what one actually does with a B.A. in English, she’s surfing Amazon for bargain books or hunting down the novelty food trucks in New York City.

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He even gives a playful nod to their talent-cheating ways in “D.O.A. (Death of Auto-Tune)” the voice-altering machine Kanye used to “sing” on 808s and Heartbreak. Perhaps the most stand out track from this album is his duet with Alicia Keys, Empire State of Mind. Meant as a tribute to the artists’ hometown, the old school piano and searing lines from Jay-Z make it glitter more than most. “The city never sleeps/better slip you an Ambien.”

He also includes a quieter song to the mosaic collection, a duet entitled “Venus Vs. Mars” with his new wife and longtime love Beyonce Knowles. Another standout to the work is “Already Home” featuring up and comer Kid Cudi, whose addictive beat and honey tongued lyrics sing of Jay-Z’s success and the problems it brings. Also check out “Young Forever,” a remix of Rod Stewart’s classic standby, wherein the artist expels the importance of living in the moment.

Throughout the record, Jay-Z’s hits just keep on coming, with each track more imaginative and witty than the last. It is a rare thing for a rapper to be equally talented at finding new music and beat productions to back up his lines, and it is this innate sense of artistic prerogative that keeps Jay on top.