RED the Book

RED Hearts: Entertainment: Flowers and Sunshine in Winter

admin — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 02:46:00 GMT

By Saskia Boggs, 20, reporting from Kalmazoo, Michigan, on the perfect bright spot (and inexpensive gift) for the dark days.

Before my birthday package arrived this month at school—bursts of surprise always extra welcome in Michigan February—my mom told me that she’d included something from my favorite kitschy little store back home. Fully expecting a cute necklace or maybe a DIY book (as moms do), I was surprised to find a plastic, solar-powered dancing flower in the box.

Yes, my mom had sent me a Two's Company Bee Happy Dancing Flower, the perfect gift for the depths of winter. These cheerful and cute little trinkets catch onto even the weakest rays of light, which make the leaves wave up and down and the flower sway from side to side. The colors are bright—pink flower, green leaves and stem, and a choice of either a blue or pink base—all especially great with the gray ick outside.

Seeing my dancing flower waving at me from my window whenever I get back from the icy trek from my classes to my dorm consistently raises my spirits. And the best part is, I don't have to remember to water this flower. These sun-happy blooms never die. And at just under $8, they’re definitely going to become my inexpensive-yet-thoughtful go-to gift for friends this spring—which has to be coming soon!

Red Hearts: News: Facebook for A Broken Heart

admin — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 02:23:00 GMT

By Sam Lewin, 20, reporting from New York City, on how to celebrate being newly single online.

"No longer listed as in a relationship" lingers on my Facebook profile. It reminds me of my new single status, sure, but also the one thing my broken heart can do about it—celebrate.

Alone this Valentines Day? Who cares? Evidently not you. You'll be utilizing a socially acceptable means to prove to the world and yourself that you're fine—better than fine. Go and post those pictures of your carefree antics, that cute like-a-brother buddy (who your former boyfriend didn't happen to meet) with his arm casually slung around your shoulder (a loving gesture he never thought to extend to you), and guess what? Our exes will have to take it.

No, it's not the straightest or most selfless route to saving face. But that's the beauty of Facebook, isn't it? We use Facebook to report on our lives in a space where narcissism is glorified, where, however "it's complicated," we're expected to assert our extraordinary vibrancy and fun-loving character.

See, somewhere in my heartache I realized that communicating via status or pics has the unique quality of appearing non-specific, i.e., not directed at my ex. The insecurity in my voice remains hidden beneath seemingly thoughtless announcements to an anonymous empty abyss. Awesome isn't it?

Just remember that the virtual land of masked passive aggression, like anything else, has its two-way roads. Be aware that your ex wields the same power of profile and just might reciprocate for your lonely heart to see. And if you dare break social barriers by bringing this data out of cyberspace and into conversation—and he dares say that the new pics were "my girlfriend's idea" and he never gave it a second thought—well, you'll have to take it.

But don't be bitter. I'm not. As my Facebook friends can plainly see, I never lost my composure.

Master Baiter

hannahm — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 02:07:00 GMT

I really wanted to post about this because it is something I think you will all enjoy immensely.

My new college roomate in college. Her name is Kristin. And, She masturbates. A lot.

I kid you not. When we first became new roomates, she did it maybe once or twice and I didnt really take any notice because I was asleep and didnt even really know what was going on.But now, I know. Boy do I know. For the past week or so, she has done it every night. EVERY NIGHT. And you know what? I get it, sorta. We all have "needs," sure. But I have to get up at 8am EVERY MORNING!!! And she doesnt have to get her ass out of bed until noon!!! So I dont understand why she can just wait until I leave in the morning when she can have 4 hours of undisturbed pleasure-time to herself, ya know?

I even did something kind of drastic. I sent an email to my favorite radio station because this is something they talk about. and they actually sent me an email back asking me if I'd like to come on the show with them and talk about it. And I was like HELL YEA!! So that whole thing went down. We talked for about 20 minutes on air and basically we came to the conclusion that my roomate is a crazy-possibly bisexual-exibitionist and this is every mans dream. They also suggested that I go on Craigslist and sell my room to a lesbian who would enjoy such a scenario.

It was all really funny and I had a great time talking to them.

Good news is lately she hasn't been doing it as much. My thinking is she went home one weekend and 'saw' her boyfriend. If you know what I mean. And about her boyfriend. He has come to stay with us I think twice this year? The first time - no big deal. The second time, however, they both came back really drunk and almost the worst thing ever happened. First, he started fingering her and she was all moaning and whispering and I was like "HOLY SHIT THIS IS NOT HAPPENING!" and then they were like "lets have sex!" and THANK YOU JESUS - they couldnt find a condom.

So needless to say me and my roomate are not exactly besties in the friend department. we get along alright, but she does not have my respect and clearly it seems she does not respect me that much either. Only 3 more months though.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Today I pretty much sat around my room all day. Watched Supernature and Vampire Diaries online, then I watched the "unaired footage" from Jackass. I laughed so hard. I love those guys!! Then I went to eat dinner with my friend and when I got back I remembered the new season of Amazing Race is on but I completely missed it!!! I'll have to watch it next Sunday I guess. :(

Cheers.

Snow days in college? Really?!

amyh — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 05:56:00 GMT

Could it be? Am I really blogging so soon after my last post! Les gasps!

Well, let's just say it's been the chillest week ever in the history of my college career so far. "Why is that?" You may ask. You see, last weekend we got a helluva lot of snow. Like, eighteen inches, right? And the roads and sidewalks sucked but we had classes anyway because, well, I guess it wasn't that bad. Until Tuesday. And then suddenly, it started snowing at 12:30pm and didn't stop until the next morning. I think we amassed another eight or twelve inches? Something in that figure. So Wednesday and Thursday, we totally had off as snow days. Snow days! In college! TOTAL CRAZINESS! I loved it, though, and surprisingly enough, I even did homework on those days. Thanks to those snow days, I managed to finish reading The Jungle today, and am now ahead with reading in a lot of my classes. I have an exam on Tuesday, however, and a paper due in three weeks that I need to really crack down on, but other than that, I feel pretty good about this semester now. Not that I didn't before. But, you know, I feel better about it.

So after classes on the Friday-that-felt-like-a-Monday-but-was-totally-a-Friday, Lyndsey left to go to Pittsburgh for Valentine's Day weekend, and Brittany and I basically have chilled since then. We played half of the songs on Beatles Rock Band on Friday night, and tonight (Saturday night, tonight, whatever) we played the rest of the songs and some of Band Hero, too. (I love the drums. They are WONDERFUL.) Oh, and I also watched UK beat Tennessee tonight. Intense game, loved every second of it, and so wish I could have been there for ESPN GameDay. But it's cool, it's cool, I'll get to see them whoop Florida on Senior Day when I go home for spring break. (My original plans for NYC with a friend were spoiled, but I'm kind of digging going home for a week.)

Tomorrow (today) will be more homework, though. Gotta really get into researching punjab cuisine for my History of Food paper, and I have a few write-ups for classes to do. However, it is so nice to just chill a little bit. Can you believe I've been reading for fun this semester, too? I finished Stephen King's The Green Mile (which I really enjoyed), and am now borrowing Brittany's copy of The Lovely Bones. Finding the time to read isn't always easy, but when I have it I try to take in as much as possible. And I'll probably have plenty of time to read during the five hours I'll be waiting in the State College airport, and then the four hours it'll take to get home from there.... Oh reading! How I have missed you!

But first: homework.

Also, guess what guess what? I put in my application for various internships through the SCA. Yessss! I'm hoping something comes out of this. I applied for, like, eight spots, mostly in the western half of the country (so far from home! so far from all I know! kind of nerve-wracking, to be honest). I also turned in a scholarship application and essay for study abroad, hoping to get the money to pay for travel fees. It's been crazy in terms of planning for the future, I guess.

Well, I guess I'm out, RED. Gotta rewrite my to-do list on my white board to reflect what I did and did not do this weekend, and then sleep beckons so that I can work work work tomorrow (...today). Let me just say, though: this semester? I love it. I get to write some fantastic papers (at least, I hope they'll be fantastic!), I actually like a lot of the readings that I'm doing, I love my professors, and so many things for the next year or so seem to slowly be falling in place. It's exciting. I could get used to this. I know I probably shouldn't—things screw up all the time—but still: it's pretty freaking awesome.

College. I am a nerd.

hannahm — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 03:09:00 GMT

So... it's only been, what? a year since my last post?

Blame it on college. Which I started and all. SHA-BAM! But I am going to post more. I promise. I even put a link to RED in my bookmarks toolbar so when I'm bored and have no purpose I'll see it and be like "well, I can post a blog now I guess."

Did I tell you all I got a wicked-awesome scholarship??!! This is old news for me, but new news for you guys. Oh yea, $20,000 big ones people. 4-year scholarship, I get $2,500 a semester. And what a big help it is, definately would not have even been able to GO to MSU without it. We can all thank the MCWT (Michigan Council of Women in Technology) for the scholarship. And my winning this scholarship has been so great that the MCWT has asked me to do a whole bunch of stuff representing them. They kind of asked me to be their "Spokesgirl" because they think Im so interesting and well-spoken. Go figure. So I went on the radio once, was interviewed for one of their benefits, and just recently I was asked to become one of the 2 student ambassadors for them from MSU. Good times.

Also, this is a pretty good story I guess: I got a job!!! well, another job, one at MSU. So now I can go to school and work, and when I come home I can work too. Money, money, money. When I first started college, I had my eye on a web design position with the Statenews.com, the local online version of the popular campus periodical. Being the huge procrastinator that I am, I did not apply until 1st semester was almost over. Nonetheless, a few weeks later I got a job interview that I thought went pretty well! However, one of the interviewers said, "I see you have knowledge of ArcGIS! So... why are you applying here?". But I explained to them that while I knew GIS, web design was my real passion and my real career goal at the moment. After some thought though, I wanted to be safe and secure in job for 2nd semester so I took the guy's advice and actually applied for a job with the GIS department at MSU. Haha. And then it turns out I did not get the web design job but did get the GIS job. And I make more money and have super awesome hours. So it all worked out. Thank you Statenews man.

College is of course great. I really like the environment, learning and social. To be real honest, I'm not the "party girl" that everyone kind of expects of me, since I go to MSU. Whenever I go home my friends are like, "oh come on, Hannah, you go to State, you party all the time!" and in truth, no. Really, I don't. I went out on Halloween to a house party where one of my friends live (had a fan-fricken-tastic time) and haven't party'd since. I WANT to though. Just recently went shopping and bought "going-out" clothes. I have gone to UofM with Sarah quite a few times and partied there with her though. I guess I just like UofM parties better. There I can make a fool of myself and never hear about it again at MSU. lol.

Only a few more months of my first year of college. It has gone by pretty quickly I think.

Right now I am watching Harry Potter and the Champer of Secrets and all I can think about is the new Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park in Orlando that is opening in April. GODDAMMIT I AM SO EXCITED. I even applied for a job there, lmao. But only for funsies. There is a good 98% chance that even if I do get the job I'll still stay home and work in my current GIS-nerd job. Working at Harry Potter World is pretty nerdy too, though.

Happy Valentine's Day tomorrow, everyone! Me and my boyfriend, Tom Welling, will be thinking about you. haha, j/k! but really, I love Tom Welling. More than Melissa loves Johnny Depp.

Sparty-on bitches!

RED Hearts: News: Pup Love

admin — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 13:22:00 GMT

Annie Littlewood, 21, reporting from Overland Park, Kansas, on the dog who's here to sit and stay.

I always had a dog during childhood. Our last dog, a German shepherd named Buddy Love, had to be put to sleep a couple of months after I graduated from high school.

It took four years for me to finally decide it was time for a new companion. Then for months, my boyfriend Pieter and I discussed making a home for our friend's Boxer's soon-to-be puppies. When we met Captain Mauser, two days after his birth, we knew immediately he was the one.

Dog parenthood is a huge responsibility and expense. You have to be mature enough to take care of yourself and another living thing. Will you be able to do it alone? How will your roommates feel? Where do you spend your holidays? Is there someone to babysit if you have to go out of town without him/her? Do you truly want to start a friendship that will inevitably end in death? Can you handle that?

If you're not up for the months of training, there are plenty of older orphaned, free animals that need love (find out how you can help animal victims of the Haiti disaster here). Animal shelters are the best places to find a dog who is already potty-trained, has its shots, can walk on a leash, and doesn't chew on furniture, shoes, trash, etc.

There are also a lot of essentials that come with that animal: food, leashes, bones, shampoo, brushes, vitamins, veterinarian visits. About.com gives a chart on average yearly expenses of dog ownership. And, dogs need consistent exercise — so you have to be up for the walks too. Taking Mauser out twice a day has given us an exercise routine, plus more time to hold hands.

When I come home, my pup's shiny, chestnut-brown body wiggles uncontrollably, and I can see, feel his pure, honest adoration. Your dog will fill your life with daily comfort and joy — a blessing that can always cure you of boredom. (Fetch is the best game.) I get to wake up every morning with my best friend, a being who will be more consistent in loving me than any sweetheart, taking up the entire end of my bed.

RED Hearts: News: Mentor to Be

admin — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 02:43:00 GMT

By Meike Schleiff, 22, reporting from Renick, West Virginia, on the kind of place every teen girl should have.

There are so many things a girl has to find in the world these days—friends, love, peace with parents, a bearable job, her keys, her cellphone, her happiness, her look, her way. So finding a mentor might not be on the top of your list for 2010. But did you know that having a mentor or mentoring program can help you reach dreams like these: saving babies in a NICU ward, tracking wolves, farming organically, starting a local restaurant, studying in China, being a great mom someday?

These incredible feats are all being done by alumni of High Rocks for Girls, the leadership program in West Virginia where I found my mentors—and my way. I always thought of myself as pretty "normal" as a teenager, whatever that means. No hot pink hair with black accents, no tattoos, no Goth attire. Nothing extreme. I never even painted my fingernails until my first High Rocks camp.

The amazing thing about places like High Rocks is that you'll find girls from every table in the school cafeteria there. And, when we got together to do wild things, like hiking out into the woods with outdoor survival kits for an overnight adventure or organizing a Halloween party for needy children in our area, we found out that we were more alike than we believed possible. We're all just trying to figure out what it means to be ourselves.

High Rocks has been helping teenage girls do this for 14 years. Check out how you can be involved there, or in a similar nationwide programs in your area, such as Best Friends, Girl Scouts of America, or Girls Inc. Or discover a smaller girls' club near you. What you'll find, most of all, is that growing up is a little easier when you don't have to do it alone.

Happy (late) New Year, RED! We meet again.

amyh — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 21:02:00 GMT

So, guys, you remember how all that time ago I talked about how I was a John Edwards supporter before he dropped out of the presidential race? Well, I've been pretty quiet about that ever since the first rumors of him cheating on his wife came out. By that time, I was a staunch Obama supporter anyway, and it just made me want to really distance myself from having supported Edwards. As more and more on the story developed, I stayed pretty quiet on it, just pretending that little "phase" was just a small blip, a teeny little mistake.

Well, we all know that it's a good thing he dropped out of the race. We all know about how he cheated on his cancer-stricken wife, which is in and of itself completely despicable. And then he denied that he was the father of this lovechild of his, which is pretty freaking rotten, too. (He only recently admitted to fathering his daughter.) Well, if that wasn't enough to make you absolutely despise him (and make me thankful that I voted for Obama through-and-through), turns out he has a sex tape. My first reaction? "What the hell!" And my second reaction? "GET THE HELL OUT OF MY LIFE FOREVER."

Because seriously. You run as the clean-cut, all-American good guy, the family man, the down-to-earth guy, and hey, you seem pretty intelligent, too! And, you know, whatever else that made you so great as a candidate. To be honest, I don't remember anymore, and I don't care enough to go look into it because, well, you totally disgust me now, John Edwards. But yeah, you run on all of these merits, and I totally fall for it, and then you cheat on your wife, and then you're enough of an idiot to leave a sex tape just randomly lying around for someone to find? So yeah, John Edwards, please go away, I'd rather not hear about you ever again because it makes me cringe a little to a LOT whenever I do. Since the news generally tends to be of the bad variety.

Just sayin'.

Anyway! What's up, everyone? I'm just now finishing up the first day of my second week of classes—all of which I have really enjoyed so far. My schedule is a bit lighter this semester than last, thank goodness. Don't let me take eighteen credits ever again, okay? My classes are as follows:

The U.S. Since 1877 (I have this and my other history class with the same professor, in the same classroom, but on different days of the week—it amuses me)

Sociolinguistics (SO fascinating)

Sophomore Colloquium (someday, I will be able to answer the question, "What can you do with a history degree?")

Cultures of the World (so much fantastic reading in this one)

History of Food (I get to eat! FOR A GRADE!)

And then, of course, violin lessons and orchestra. (We're playing The Planets with the Altoona Symphony Orchestra in April! I'm sure I've mentioned that, but it bears repeating.)

I had a fantastic winter break, too. I got to attend four UK basketball games—you know, UK, they're ranked number one right now and all—including their 2,000th win! I waited in line for near four hours, I think, for those tickets, and it was completely worth it.

Yeah, check that confetti. Totally sweet.

You know what amazing news I also got over winter break? My study abroad application was accepted! Once my recommendations are all turned in by my professors, it should be pretty official. And where am I going? The Gambia. Yeah, that's right, THE GAMBIA. Holy crap am I excited!

The only thing I find myself freaking out over now is internships, or a summer job, or something lined up for the coming summer. You know, it is quite difficult to find something when you (1) don't have a car of your own, and (2) don't have a way of living in a big city. Some internships sound totally awesome, like a lot of the ones listed at The SCA, but being nowhere near my home, I would need my own vehicle. And other internships in, say, D.C. or New York City and other big cities, as neat as they sound, and as much as I wouldn't need a car, I would still need a place to live. And living in the big city? Um, hella expensive, to say the least. I've got a few places I plan on applying to anyway, but chances are slim they'd be offering me any housing. But whatever, it's worth a try? Right?

But I don't have time to worry about that right at the moment. I need to finish up readings for class tomorrow. So until next time (and don't ask me when that is, because I sure don't know), RED. :)

RED Hearts: Entertainment: Best YA Debut Books of 2009

admin — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 13:54:00 GMT

By Jordyn Turney, 19, reporting from Alpine, CA, on the year's most riveting reads from first-time authors

It's been a tough year in too many other areas, but 2009 has been a great one for young adult books. This is the year that brought us Sarah Dessen's latest, Along for the Ride, as well as the sad and startling If I Stay by Gayle Forman. Along with these new novels by established favorites, 2009 also delivered some completely remarkable debut novels from first-time authors:

Twenty Boy Summer, by Sarah Ockler
This is a book about friendship, about loss, and about love. It's the story of Anna, a girl who had a secret romance with her best friend's older brother. A guy she liked for years, a guy who was amazing. A guy who died tragically before either of them told Anna's best friend. This is the story of what happens after. It's is a book chock full of emotion and incredibly written characters who will stay after you've turned the last page of the book.

Break, by Hannah Moskowitz
Break is the rare YA novel that focuses strongly on family. The story centers around Jonah, a boy with the unusual goal of breaking every bone in his body. The reasons for his unorthodox journey are shrouded at first but become clearer as we get to know his family—the younger brother with deadly allergies to just about everything, the parents who are hanging on by a string, and the baby who just seems to complicate things. This is an insanely well-done, gritty, and intense drama that, at its heart, is about connection and the people we love. Definitely a must-read. (Oh, and the author? She was only 16 when she wrote the book.)

Hold Still, by Nina LaCour
No book I've come across has taken on the issue of teen suicide so fully and with such wonderful results. The story revolves around a girl, Caitlin, whose best friend has killed herself. The only part of her friend that Caitlin has left is Ingrid's journal, which allows Caitlin to get to know a sharp, hurt, sad side of her best friend Ingrid that she never knew before. The story is both heartbreaking and hopeful, as it explores both Ingrid's life before committing suicide, and the journey Caitlin takes to put her life back together afterwards.

RED Hearts: Entertainment: Album of the Decade

admin — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 13:01:00 GMT

By Alison Smith, 19, reporting from Brooklyn, NY, on the record that rocked 2001—and still does today

So the first ten years of life in the 2000s come to an end, and the UK music magazine NME has voted the Strokes' Is This It the Album of the Decade. Eight years after its release pulled the music world out of a Nu-Metal funk, the 11-song album still holds some serious influence. The distortedly restrained vocals, chugging bass, and layered guitars—drawing upon music of decades past, Blondie to Nirvana to the Velvet Underground—have also no doubt opened innumerable doors for the Kings of Leons and Arctic Monkeys of today.

I was just eleven when the album came out in 2001 and paid little attention to the band who were quickly becoming the musical heroes of New York. But finally, for my fourteenth birthday, my friend gave me Is This It as well as 2003's Room On Fire. And that night in my bedroom, indifference gave way to obsession. I couldn't agree more with NME's number-one pick, or their description of the band's first full-length release as containing "a sense of life, vitality and spontaneity that [seemed] gone from rock n' roll forever."

If you weren't into the Strokes at the time—or even if you were—then the window between now and 2010 is your chance. Is This It should be a staple of any modern rock fan's collection. Rediscover it and check out NME's other 99 Albums of the Decade.

RED Hearts: News: Intern in the Great Outdoors

admin — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 12:24:00 GMT

By Amy Hunt, 19, reporting from Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, on an awesome site that will take you outside this summer

I know what I did last summer: pretty much nothing. I couldn't get a job and didn't even have my driver's license until August, a nice three-plus years after turning sixteen (don't laugh at me). I ended up volunteering a little at a local museum and even got to DJ on the radio. But overall my summer was full of boredom and lacking in green—of both the money and the nature varieties.

Which is why I'm so determined to start now in finding myself an internship for next summer—and was so pumped when a professor pointed out to me the Student Conservation Association. It's a great tool that lists internships at numerous national parks, wilderness areas, and other sites looking for hands-on help with jobs dealing in conservation. Listings range from places as popular and familiar as Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park to intriguing-sounding others largely unknown (at least to me!), like the Salmon-Challis National Forest of Idaho and New York's Clay Pit Ponds State Park. The jobs deal with all aspects of conservation: field work, education, research, preservation, and management.

What's even better about the SCA is that since many students don't live anywhere near the parks that they may be interested in interning at, the organization provides intern housing at pretty much any of the locations, as well as paying for travel to and from the site. The SCA wants students to get involved in conservation, meaning they want to help us out in any way they can.

So if you're like me and are dying to get away, gain some experience, save the planet—save yourself from summer boredom—and maybe even learn some life lessons, try checking out the SCA. It's a great place to start, and a happy reminder that internships don't have to be in musty old museums or law offices but can take you to the forests and mountains and along the coasts, and really can be found anywhere.

RED Hearts: Beauty: The Loveliest Lashes

admin — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:41:00 GMT

By Lisa Chau, 21, reporting from Ann Arbor, Michigan, on the eyelash curler she goes to bat for

I have been obsessed with my eyelashes ever since the day I-seventh grade, age 12-stole my sister's eyelash curler. You see, my little Asian eyes were blessed with scraggly, thin lashes that point straight down. Occasionally right into my eyeballs. But the moment I used that magical device for the first time, I realized what I was missing out on. My eyes were finally open to the world.

Since then, I've tried all different types of eyelash curlers: heated ones, mini ones, gold ones, silver ones, plastic ones, you name it. Yet they only managed to make my lashes look like tangled dead spider legs or checkmarks from the side. I could never create that "natural" curled look. Then it got worse: One morning I pressed too hard on my $5 metal curler and chopped my left set of fringe off. For the next month or so, I walked the halls of my high school looking like a mangled doll whose younger sibling had ripped off 50 percent of her eyelashes.

After this incident, I finally decided to splurge more than the cost of a fast-food value meal on a curler. And I found the greatest one ever: Shu Uemura's Eyelash Curler ($19). It fits the curve of my eye perfectly and has just the right amount of spring. I even learned a little trick to make my eyelashes curl faster. I heat my Shu up with a hairdryer for a few seconds first, and voila!

Topped with my favorite waterproof mascara, my lashes stay curled all day. My Shu sits in my makeup bag, loved and used regularly; I even have spares in my car and my purse. Sometimes my older sister will call and simply tell me, "I need a new Shu" and I know exactly what she means. - Lisa Chau

gmail did not let me know about this sale.

saskiab — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 05:26:00 GMT

A week and a half ago or so, there was an online sale at Office Depot wherein you could order 1000 full-color raised print business cards for under $4.00, including shipping. I jumped at the chance, and today, received them in the mail.

I've been passing them out all day, to friends and strangers alike (I've gone through about 75 cards today), as well as just leaving them sitting around in random places (taped to an elevator door, by a bathroom mirror, inside a vending machine door, in a computer lab, etc.), and so far it's been a really cool experience! Like for example, I learned that one of the ladies who swipes our meal cards when we go into the caf is celebrating her fifty-second wedding anniversary today.

Guys, that's a long time.

It's really curious - a lot of people seem to have a natural skepticism of complete strangers handing out business cards, and there have been several people who outright ignored my attempts to pass them off, which saddens me because they're probably the ones who would appreciate these the most :( But from those who have accepted them, I've received a wide variety of reactions: there was the meal card lady who told me about her anniversary and recounted some of her favorite anniversary memories, there was the other meal card lady who kind of choked out, "that's so beautiful," there was the history department secretary who could not believe that my name was not on them, there was the girl in my hall who shrieked "yay," there was the guy who crumpled it up and put it in his pocket, there was my Jewish Traditions professor who asked me if I'd put anthrax on it..., there was a friend who asked me for a stack of them so she could put them under doors in her dorm, there was the guy who refused initially and then walked back halfway down the street to get it once he saw someone else's reaction to getting them...

It's also curious how, initially, I almost didn't want to give them to strangers because I was nervous about how they would be received. Now, however, I just wish that I'd ordered another thousand while the sale still applied, because I know I'll want to continue doing this!

idek, guys, I have just been filled with so many good feelings since I started this this afternoon. I'm so glad that I decided to do this. aaaaaaaaah

Happy birthday, RED!

amyh — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 21:22:00 GMT

It being the second anniversary of the release of RED (thanks to Facebook and Saskia for reminding me!), I thought that updating this blog sounded like a good idea. I'm already procrastinating anyway, so why not? I've been meaning to update anyway (earlier this past week, I think I told Amy G I'd update... so yeah.), here we go.

Oh, November. This semester has gone by remarkably fast. I can't believe I have only two-ish weeks to write my first draft for my American Indians class, and I really need to get cracking on my other paper about feminism and the fossil record! AHHHH CRAZINESS. Plus, Thanksgiving's coming up soon, which I'm super excited about—we're going to Washington D.C., then dining with my dad's cousin Gwen, and then spending some time in Philly (which, don't tell my roomie Lyndsey, I am excited about, as I've never been to Philly before). I honestly am kind of tired of this semester, anyway. I want to go home and chill and see my friends back home! The other day, I talked to Saskia on the phone, and after that got so homesick for friends and restaurants and general awesomeness. Winter break winter break winter break, I eagerly await you! (But don't come too soon, because I have papers to write still.)

I'm also participating once more in NaNoWriMo this year. I have no idea why. All of these papers that I need to write, how am I supposed to find the time to write 50,000 words?! GOOD GOD, WOMAN. But I reached 15,000 words last night, so hopefully I can get to 50,000 before Thanksgiving again, which is what I usually aim for (because let's face it, do I ever do anything productive over breaks? um, NO). I also really like my story a lot so far—definitely an improvement from last year, when what I wrote was so painful to think about that after I finished, well... lets just say that I haven't looked at it since. And I try not to think about it. Or else I get really twitchy and cringey and just generally embarrassed. Because it was that. bad. But anyway... yeah. I like my story this year, and even though I seriously think that I have forgotten how to write, overall it's going well. I think.

Last month, for fall break, my roommates and I went to Pittsburgh, which was super exciting. I had never been to Pittsburgh before, and we got to go to a Penguins game and everything! Oh, it was wonderful. Afterwards, we waited out in the freezing drizzle to try and meet Penguins players. Luckily, Fedotenko stopped and signed autographs and got a picture with Lyndsey. It was lovely. :D Before and after that, Lyndsey took us around Pittsburgh to her favorite places, which was awesome. I really, really liked Pittsburgh a lot, whee.

Well, I guess rather than think about what else I can include in this blog, I should get back to NaNoing/researching/doing other homework. Hey! If I think of anything else, maybe I'll blog again soon! ...yeah. Sure. Um. We'll see.

Happy birthday, RED! Yay! Maybe I'll read some of you later today :)

RED Hearts: Fashion: Go GaGa

admin — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:14:00 GMT

By Charlotte Steinway, 21, reporting from Boston on the first Lady of avant-garde style

Though Lady Gaga is a bastion of cutting-edge style, there's a reason that many of her signature pieces have yet to make it into the stores. I mean, what's really the likelihood of someone being able to see out of fully rhinestoned sunglasses? And, exactly how marketable is an outfit without pants?

But if you're going Gaga, you don't need me to tell you this is for the best: a little of the Lady goes a long way. We can start with the sparkling booty shorts. Nearly two and a half years after Chanel's sequined hot pants made their runway debut, the 40s-inspired trend is back with a vengeance. After a short hiatus (pun intended), brazen Brits, burlesque dancers, and of course, Lady Gaga, have all been sporting them. And now, with Halloween around the corner and Topshop in the States, I have an excuse to buy their Scallop Sequin Knicker, as homage to Ms. Gaga in all her poker-faced glory.

From there—with no hooded leotard at Am Appy and no origami headband from Forever XX1—I'm left to the dubious fate of DIY. But I'm staying positive: Luckily, there are plenty of YouTube videos on how to make your hair into a Lady Gaga-style bow, including this one, 8:46 minutes and in HD, which has been viewed just short of three million times.

Throw in some rhinestones, post-op cataract glasses, and a hot glue gun, and I'll be good to go. —Charlotte Steinway

RED Hearts: Fashion: Chicago Manual of Style

admin — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:31:00 GMT

By Zoe Mendelson, 19, reporting from Chicago on the coolest T-shirts in (and out of) town

I don't know when graphic T-shirts lost their charm. Maybe it was somewhere between "Jesus is my Homeboy" and "90% Angel." Honestly, it took me way too long to admit that a mass-produced T-shirt couldn't actually be clever. Eventually I did give them up, but the concession made me sad.

This is why I'm all about Novem Studios. A once graffiti crew turned art collective in Chicago, they print silk-screened graphic tees that are clever without the camp: quintessentially fresh. My favorite is this Team Spirits design. It's a totem pole made of each Chicago sports team's mascot—I mean, they even worked in the Chicago Sky and Fire.

Novem designs are so far from the jokes made too many times on shirts at Hot Topic. This is flavorful local history (Obama surely coming soon) and just graphic design at its best, with an originality that anyone can appreciate, outside of the 312 and 773 and even past 630 land. Their newest Ts are a collaboration with another Chicago-based design collective, Delicious Design, featuring large intricate prints of animal faces. Fierce, yo—and also available in poster form.

So maybe we didn't get the Olympics, but show a little love anyway. From the City of Big Shoulders to your shoulders everywhere: they're all available at www.novemshop.com.

RED Hearts: Entertainment: Arrested Development

admin — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 11:51:00 GMT

By Maya-Catherine Popa, 20, reporting from NYC, on must-see (vampire-free!) TV

Tired of romances between the undead? Bored of America's Next Top blonde, sandwich, or kite flyer? Then maybe it's time to watch a TV show that's funny—actually funny, not "Isn't it funny how that model suspended in the air is crying upside down?"

Arrested Development tells the story of a dysfunctional family, the Bluths, led by a dodgy dad who loses all of their money in a financial scandal (one that will be all too familiar in this post-Madoff era). The father is wholly guilty as charged, and son Michael, the family's one conscientious member, is forced to manage his inept siblings and manipulative mother, while trying to raise a diligent son of his own. Of course, this proves to be the challenge one would expect from a group of people who are deeply perplexed by the idea of work and find it difficult to adjust to not charging everything from $18,000 magic tricks to large donations for their own invented, ludicrous charities to the company card.

But unlike watching an MTV reality sitcom on the lives of adolescent millionaires, Arrested Development features a script that is brilliant, and, best of all, grammatically correct. The show's comedic timing is perfect, and you may actually walk away a smarter, sassier individual.

So why was Arrested Development kicked off the air after three seasons? Maybe it just couldn't keep up with the times. The Bluths were, after all, human—painfully, hilariously human. A dysfunctional vampire or zombie family was the sure way to go.

*The three seasons of Arrested Development are available for download on iTunes.

RED Hearts: Entertainment: Want to Hear A Secret?

admin — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 13:45:00 GMT

By Cammi Henao, 15, reporting from Chicago, on how to get in on the secrets every Sunday

Every Sunday, even if I have absolutely nothing planned, I've got something to look forward to. What is it? PostSecret

I am a big fan of things that involve people from all over—especially when it is people from all over sharing experiences and secrets. PostSecret, created by Frank Warren, is a community art project in which people mail their secrets on a postcard. The secrets range from truly heartbreaking ("During previews, I still look to the seat next to me. Even though it's been 10 years. I'm worried I'll never find somebody who fits me as well as you did.") to thoughtful ("Your last mortal thought will be 'why did I take so many days just like today for granted?'") to incredibly sweet ("I am...with someone who is so good for me. He feels like home.").

There is a new batch of secrets posted every Sunday, so every Sunday I sit and read. Some of them make you want to cry for hours, some are funny, and there are many that you can connect with. There are, as far as I know, four PostSecret books out, all of which I own, treasure and love. It's amazing the stories that a few sentences can tell. These are secrets people could have kept for years, just bursting to get out, or simply days, something that they wish to share with the world. The PostSecret community is truly remarkable. I encourage you to check out the site today, this Sunday and every Sunday, and send in your own secret! —Cammi Henao

So now it's September.

amyh — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 04:41:00 GMT

I wrote the first half of this during my lunch break between classes today (well, yesterday). The second half was, um, now. Late Friday night/early Saturday morning. So please do not fret over any discontinuities in time. If there are any. Who knows, we'll find out.

Well. I think I've neglected you long enough, dear RED blog. I'm terribly sorry. It's not even that I haven't had the time to update. I procrastinate plenty—surely I could have found time to update this sad, lonely, and very likely dusty blog. But no. Instead I seem to have devoted my life to FarmVille. Thanks, roomies. (I'm so close to buying a treehouse, you guys! Only two more FV cash to go!) (...don't judge me.)

Since I last updated... May ended. (Shocking!) As did June, July and August. September's more than halfway there, too. But as it's been such a crazy week, one that's finally winding down and is about to end (one more class!), I figure what the hey, let's beat October to the punch.

This summer, I think that I fell even more in love with Lexington. Volunteering at the Lexington History Museum, DJing on WRFL (88.1 Lexington, all the way to the left!), trying out new restaurants in the glorious downtown area (new to me, though, and of all ages to Lexington). Who cares if I couldn't get a job? This summer, for lack of a better phrase, rocked. Country fair, Bluegrass Fair, Kentucky Kingdom. Pride Prom, Pride Fest, LexGSA in general (the most amazing people EVER

(Oh, story time! You know how everyone has their own "when I got my license" story? Maybe mine trumps yours. Morning of my test, my dad makes me drive to the parking garage downtown where it starts and ends. I drive into the garage, to the ticket thingymawuter, and, well, with maybe a little distraction from my dad to blame (he admits it, so I'm taking it!), I don't exactly turn the wheel when I accelerate and hit a pole. Oh dear. Oh dear. Oh god. My dad tells me to calm down, to not freak out, to just drive and park where I'm supposed to park for the test and then we'll assess the damage there and see what happens. And so I do, I park and I freak out a little more, thinking, "Oh my god, now the headlight's busted and I can't even take this stupid test, stupid, stupid!" My dad gets out of the car, checks it out, and... wtf. I seriously dented (like, SERIOUSLY, HORRIBLY) the car right next to the headlight, BUT SOMEHOW MANAGED TO AVOID THE LIGHT ALTOGETHER? WHAT? So I get out of the car, breathe, listen to my dad as he tells me to not freak out and just take the test, it's cool, it's cool, and I get everything set up inside and go wait in the car for the instructor guy. And I take the test. And I chat with the guy because what do you know, he has a daughter who lives in Worchester, Mass, so we talk about that, and he has a son who lives in Philly, so we talk about that, and we're totally bonding. And I get my license. Thirty minutes after driving the car into a pole in the parking garage where I started and ended the test. DON'T TELL ME I'M NOT AWESOME. But I digress.)

Then, at the end the summer, my family (mom, dad, nana, sister, and me!) headed out west to Montana. Missoula, to be specific. (Why, I even drove once or twice... shocking!) My sister started grad school out there, so we made a vacation of it to see her off. I have to say, I adore the west. Once you get away from the corn and the corn and the corn, suddenly you see sky and in the distance storm clouds erupting and miles and miles of road and earth. Its like a whole 'nother world out there, to use a common cliché. I only wish we could have spent more time out there—but what with the driving (Montana is far from Kentucky! FAR!), and the time restraints (parents only taking so much time off of work; Heather having to be there to move in, do paperwork stuff, whatever; needing to get back so I could see THE KILLERS on August 10th!!), it wasn't possible. However, just getting to see family I hadn't seen in years, and traveling through states I had never seen before (North Dakota! Minnesota! Wisconsin! All full of CORN!!) was pretty freaking awesome.

Now, I'm back at school. (About a month now, I have been.) And it's gotten a little intense so far already. Eighteen credits is definitely crazier than I thought it would be. A lot of reading. But it's all good, because they're good classes. I also have a job as a history department assistant, which is awesome—helping out the professors, doing projects for them, whatever they force me to do. Love it! I'll recap you all on my classes and job later in the semester, though, once I've really gotten involved in them.

I'm in an awesome quad (two rooms and a bathroom-turned-walk-in-closet!) with Brittany (last year's roomie) and Lyndsey (last year's honorary roomie), and our awesome international roommate, Daniela from Venezeula. She's fantastic. We all get along really well, and she's supersocial which is great. But not too social as to totally ignore us and never hang around the room, which is great, too. We talk and get along and I love her, she's wonderful!

What I've been sad about a lot this summer and into this semester, though, is that I really don't write a lot anymore. And I don't know why. And I miss it. But I can't seem to get back into it at all. Whenever I try, it lasts about a day and then I give up, move on, or forget about it. And I'm always thinking about it, definitely, stuff always going through my mind—characters, storylines, random phrases or sentences or ideas—but it never gets translated to paper or computer. Can anyone help me here? Can anyone help me figure out how to start again? Because it never works. And I hate it. Especially times like these, when I get back from something that makes me think about how much I miss it—a couple of slam poets came to Juniata tonight and blew me away, they were amazing—and how much I need to, want to, get back into it. Maybe it's because the environment's different—I'm no longer around a lot of other writerly friends, and I have so much other reading of textbooks and writing of papers to do for classes. But maybe it's really just that I'm lazy or procrastinatory or scared of starting yet another thing that I just can't seem to finish. Because I can never seem to finish anything unless I've got that deadline, that set schedule. I don't want to need a deadline for writing. It wouldn't seem genuine anymore. It would just seem... rushed. Dead. Like I'm trying too hard. I don't want writing to feel like that. But then again, it always seems to feel like that now.

So hey. Any tips? Any ideas? Any words of wisdom? This semester's gonna get tough, and it might be nice to have a way to release the stress and tension. A way other than wasting my life on FarmVille. Facebook gets old. Writing never does. Right?

I should go. Maybe help Brittany put together our psychedelic door design. Maybe take a shower. Maybe read or go to sleep. I'd like to say, "maybe write." But I don't really see that happening. (Yet? Ever? Bleh.) Time to put on some happy! And step away from this stress. For now, anyway.

RED Hearts: Dye For You

admin — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 13:08:00 GMT

By Jessica Goodman, 19, reporting from Los Angeles, on what a change in hair color can do

I have a brand-new obsession – hair dye. I love how it helps you transform into a more comfortable person, gives you the ability to change your appearance at the tip of your fingers, and lets you make your own statement whether people notice or not.

How often in life do you get granted such powers for under $10? Clairol Nice n' Easy is the classic; it's at most drugstores and works wonders.

When I have my friend dye my hair, I like to keep it somewhat neutral. I am a brunette, so I started off in the spring with Burgundy, a color that would illuminate reddish when the sun hit.

Which brings me to another reason I dye my hair: the sun here in Los Angeles. If I spend five or so hours outside, my hair gets a blondish tint. It makes my skin look completely tan, but I just want to keep my hair color to about the same, especially so my roots don't look bad.

So my most recent choice was Natural Darkest Brown, which lasts about two months. I will never in my life dye my hair hot pink or neon green, because one, it would never show, and two, I would never consider bleaching my hair blonde first. But I recommend hair dye for people who are serious about improving their self-esteem and creating an easy new look that's natural—only a little bit better. — Jessica Goodman

RED Hearts: News: Take This Job and Love It!

admin — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 12:38:00 GMT

By Cindy Morand, 20, reporting from New York, NY on a cool way to get back-to-school cash

* RED Hearts note: Remember, for safety, that if you sign on for an odd job, you should tell a friend exactly where you are, and tell the hirer that you've done so.

This recession is drastically affecting all of us—especially us students. A lot of us couldn't find summer jobs, and now we need back-to-school money. Being able to afford things is a great feeling. Trust me, I know.

Some of my friends are still seeking employment and no luck. They've been told they're "unskilled" or don't have enough experience. And we are left to wonder, are there any jobs out there for teenagers who are eager to work for those very same skills and experience?

Then I found this website, Odd Job Nation, a collection of quick, fun ways to earn extra money. The jobs are eccentric and usually one-offs, like singing a tune for $50 or playing against "the foosball master" at someone's office, or helping cut a tree. But having someone to pay you to do these things for an hour or two is not a bad job at all, right?

And who knows: You just might stumble on some of this coveted experience or even a future career. One of the ads is for a psychic assistant. The description says that one should be a "kooky, psychic, over-the-top, Janice Dickinson type." I am not saying that is your dream job—or that you are anything like Janice Dickinson—but hey, if it's a way to buy your books?

You can also sell raffle tickets, a job that's "great for college & high school students and people who know a lot of people." So if you're popular, this might not necessarily be your dream job—but it just might be your, um, ticket.

RED Hearts: Beauty: Hair Help: Untangled At Last!

admin — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 12:53:00 GMT

By Alison Smith, 18, reporting from Brooklyn, New York, on a summer beauty product that's as good as ice cream.

I can still remember being six, perched on the edge of my parents' bed as my father attempted to detangle my wet knotty locks with nothing but a flimsy plastic comb.

Sadly, my hair woes have since worsened (thank you, frying hair dryer). But I've fortunately come to rely more on detangling products than on my father's forceful tugs. Early this summer I found out about G&G Hair Products' Creamsicle Mist Leave-In Conditioner & Detangler and have sworn by it since. The bright orange liquid works best when sprayed vigorously on damp hair then applied throughout the day as needed. My knotted dead ends slowly moistened with each use. And, despite being intended for kids and tweens, the spray's packaging is so sleek it won't embarrass any teen or adult customer who pulls it out of a beach bag.

Although the creamsicle scent threw me at first, it turned out to be quite subtle and absolutely perfect for lounging by ice cream stands on hot afternoons. Plus, with several certified organic nutrients and a company policy against animal testing, I'm sure you'll feel as responsible as you do tangle-free when you use this product! — Alison Smith

Get the full set of RED Hearts posts-in Fashion, Beauty, Entertainment, and News.

RED Hearts: Entertainment: Speakers of the House

admin — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 19:51:00 GMT

By Jordyn Turney, 19, reporting from Alpine, California, on small, small speakers with big, big sound.

I'm not exactly a connoisseur of sound and speakers. I'm not even sure if speaker connoisseurs exist. But here's what I do know: I like to listen to my music on loud when I'm cooking, cleaning, or home alone. And sometimes I want my sister to be able to hear what's on my iPod without having to share the flimsy little ear buds. Also, I like to carry my music with me, not have it banished to my bedroom as if it's in time out.

So iHome's rechargeable mini speakers (tiny, cute, and deceptively powerful) are basically the best things ever for me. I was dubious at first, because there's not much worse than hoping to blast some Alan Jackson and finding out you've got more static than twang.

But these things are amazing. They charge via USB port, connect to the headphone jack of whatever music player you're using, and PRODUCE SOUND. There's enough volume that I can have the speakers in my room upstairs and the music is clearly audible downstairs. Of course, since they're so small, I could also just hook them up downstairs. But that's missing the point of their power entirely.

The speakers (red, black, or silver) can be bought on Amazon for about $45 and are definitely more than what you expect them to be—so much more that my dad wanted to steal mine as soon as he heard them. — Jordyn Turney

Get the full set of RED Hearts posts-in Fashion, Beauty, Entertainment, and News.

RED Hearts: Entertainment: Summer Reads with Suspense

admin — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 12:50:00 GMT

ByZulay Regalado, 20, reporting from Miami, and Jessica Goodman, 19, reporting from Los Angeles, on gripping new books that solve various mysteries—of murder and high school hallways.

Whatever the so-called reality TV shows and movies set in high school hallways present, the truth is that the dramas most teenage girls go through consist of the occasional backstab or heartbreak.

The Diamonds, by Ted Michael, does an excellent job of covering these small-scale (but big-pain) everyday issues. It's a gem of a coming of age story when so many books about high school students just seem so naïve and shallow.

One of the themes in the book that really stuck with me was trust. The characters learn, through every conversation and every event, who's really on their side. Marni Valentine, for example, used to be a part of Bennington High School's coolest crowd, known, of course, as the Diamonds. Then she got involved with her best friend Clarissa's boyfriend, Anderson—and went from most popular to most loathed in a matter of seconds.

But pieces of the puzzle slowly come together, and Marni's ex-best friend was never innocent. Without giving away too much of the story, it's a lesson that teaches you to watch your back, keep your eyes on the prize, and be careful of who you choose to confide in.

I think any girl in high school should pick up this book, and I also recommend it for college freshmen and sophomores like myself—because it reminds you how far you've come since the days when only popularity was a priority. —Jessica Goodman

******

As a child, I lived for the thrill of the unknown in a book—sitting under the covers with my hurricane flashlight, eyes glued to the text. Now I still crave the books that can keep me up and guessing. And Catherine Cooney's If the Witness Lied did its job.

There's a dark family (and dark modern media) story at its heart: The Fountain siblings are orphans, and speculation swirls around the circumstances of their parents' deaths. The private tragedy has brought much unwanted public attention upon the family, causing the siblings to part ways to deal with their individual pain.

Unfortunately for them, their Aunt Cheryl believes the way to get through the grief is to share it with the world: She's in talks with a television producer to film a reality docudrama on the family.

The siblings reunite to try and stop Aunt Cheryl from exploiting them—and portraying their baby brother as a killer. They also make some interesting realizations along the way that change their perception of the truth as they've known it. So, in addition to brewing some really enjoyable suspense and a slightly deranged aunt, this book is about overcoming issues within ourselves and coming together for a better purpose. And what better purpose is there than protecting those you love?

It's an ideal read, and though I've traded in my flashlight for a standard lamp, the electric air of mystery remains. — Zulay Regalado

math. and jonas.

emilykn — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 18:32:00 GMT

so this summer, i'm supposed to be working on math...i almost failed last year, and that was a new experience...i've only ever gotten A's before that..but anyways. an hour a day was the deal....it's now halfway through the summer, and i have not even touched the books. (okay, that's a lie, i opened one, read a problem, and then the solution. and then wrote down the steps on how to solve a problem like that...but that doesn't really count, does it?)

anyways. i got back from chicago yesterday. we went to see the JONAS BROTHERS :) (fans, anyone?!) and then went shopping. i think friday night was the best night of my life EVER...i seriously almost started crying.

now, i'm watching my dog bite his leg (freak.) but i'll forgive him b/c it's probably the radiation from his chemo. (he had cancer this past spring)...now he's healing the 'wound' by licking it. i'm telling you, he was probably dropped on his head as a baby. i'm also procrastinating and [not] trying to do my math :)

i guess i should get on that.

thought i'd give you all a little update. nothing wise or inspirational..but oh well. ha. life's not always like that.