Lifestyle Category

I don’t like the gym. Call me crazy, but I would rather spend all day wandering a trail in the backcountry than run on a rotating belt while staring at a wall. Unfortunately, shit happens (read: stress fractures) and I grind it out on the elliptical and lift heavy things. The last 6-8 weeks have been eye opening into the world of stair-masters and bro tanks. Here are a few observations and recommendations when hitting the gym…   TO THE LADIES: I don’t trust girls with skinny arms. Blame itRead More

It’s every man’s dream to one day climb to the greatest status that exists in all of human kind, the world, the galaxy, the universe, the whole enchilada…to be a “Slob.”  Yes, being a “Slob” takes years of dedication and persistence. The goal of every young boy is to watch “Girls” on HBO in his underwear as the dog eats the taco you left in the couch last Thursday when you “wake-and-baked” at 6am, only to forget the taco, miss class, miss work, and ask the postwoman, Shirley – who’sRead More

I knew it right away, after our first date, heading back to my apartment on the Metro line eight; this girl was different, awesomely different. We talked for hours as we wandered at dusk from the bars on Ile St. Louis to bars on Cité, listening to street musicians. Maybe it was Paris, maybe I became mature enough to chill out and go with the flow (probably not), or maybe it’s that she’s just a uniquely awesome girl (probably so), but also, maybe it’s just European women. In any case,Read More

This will only apply to half of you. As a filmmaker, writer, creator, dreamer, and human being, I’ve held onto physical copies of things since I was a kid. I saved every letter from cousin Maria, I cut out every newspaper article on the Oscars. I scrapbooked each family reunion which included The Plate (a sign-in paper plate record of who attended that year). I have a collection of DVDs, VHS, and blu-rays. I have the binder paper where I wrote my first story in 8th grade to cope withRead More

Neutrogena’s Oil-Free Acne Wash – Pink Grapefruit line of products is perfect for those looking for a fresh, clean feeling after washing their faces. The lines smells great, while also helping to get rid of the dirt that gets caught deep in the pores of skin. Each of Neutrogena’s products helps to relieve and prevent acne problems from worsening, but it is important to know your skin type. Neutrogena’s Pink Grapefruit Facial Cleanser is great for the morning wash and before bed. A quick wash with the facial cleaner removesRead More

Instant gratification is exhausting.  We are a generation that can get what we desire immediately, we want what we want when we want it, and we can have it.  In a time like this, the word “patience” can be as foreign to us as the idea of mailing hand-written letters for communication purposes; both unnecessary and rather annoying. This instant gratification mentality can leave us in an uneasy state of quantity versus quality, and distracts us from a more meaningful existence full of things out of our control – aRead More

While I’m aware I’ll have to survive off fantasies of a world without texting, I know I can fight for one cause… Please, dear God, stop texting your boss. Why? Texting has already ruined every relationship in your life. Let’s go through a mental checklist: Lovers? Deleted your number awhile ago. Friends? Sick of the same stories. Parents? Don’t even call you anymore. You? It’s so over… (because you just killed yourself in a texting and driving accident) Did anyone text me? No. What about now? Hmm. Hmm. Hmmm. Oh now?Read More

Is your productivity at an all-time low? Have trouble getting up on time? Prefer to play video games or watch trashy TV shows than getting your work or studying done? CARROT produces a few apps that will help you break those shitty habits and send you on the road to being the productive adult you’ve always wanted to be.   Meet CARROT Are you the type of person who doesn’t get stuff done unless someone is constantly badgering you to do it? Meet CARROT, your new best friend…if your bestRead More

Last spring I got out of the Marine Corps and decided to go on a road trip to enjoy all the freedom I had been busy fighting over for the last five years.  I’m not sure what a country with no Air Force or Navy or any hostile Army at all has to do with American freedom, but that’s what I was told.  I was originally going to go solo, but I ended up taking my little sister along.  I initially said “hell no” when she asked, but I thoughtRead More

1. A Friendchip Party Celebrate the power of friendship with a chip potluck!  Potato chips could stand alone as my lifelong romantic interest, I love them so deeply.  I beg you to supply me with a human who doesn’t crave her crunch so that I can fix her.  Just imagine the rich diversity of a chip potluck.  The assortment of dips.  Chips of different color, categories, and socioeconomic backgrounds, all gathered together in harmony.  Doritos next to sweet potato chips, kale chips next to sour cream and onion Lays.  TheRead More

I think it’s time we give some much needed appreciation to the best radio station there is: NPR. Or for you newbies, National Public Radio. First off, they won’t play that annoying JBiebs or Miley Cyrus song 6 times in one hour. NPR is all about giving you relevant, worldly knowledge. Whether it be current events or the latest in gardening, I’m always learning something new from NPR. They tell me the news, quirky facts, and touching stories; they talk about debatable topics, and so much more.  This is aRead More

My last post might have gotten you started on some thoughts for piercings, maybe in addition to my previous musings on tattoos. Hopefully I’ve shed some light on the deal-io with common body modifications and I didn’t send you running. That part about infections was pretty fucking gnarly, though. Anyway, today I aim to poke into some more touchy areas (see what I did there?). Incidentally, do you think I use parentheses too much? Unlike tattoos, you get second-chances with piercings. You can always take them out. Here is oneRead More

Piercing is the new black. Okay, maybe it’s the old black. I know, I know, piercings became cheesy and cliché the minute AJ from the Backstreet Boys paired up a couple silver lobe-loops with some medium-hold/high-shine hair gel and a fedora for the “I Want It That Way” video (dope pants, btw…I digress.) Maybe the 90’s eye-brow rings stay there with the Backstreet Boys (though I think we agree wall-ball needs to make a comeback) but people, I promise you a well-placed piece of metal can be the most funRead More

As a twenty-something, you’re at a major crossroads in your life.  You’ve graduated college, or are so close that you can taste it – the stale beer, that is. You’ve already had a taste of being abroad, whether it involved studying abroad with your classes in a foreign language, or a spring break trip to Cabo. At this point, you’re settling into a phase of your life where you’re expected to be semi-responsible, which is making that creeping wanderlust you’re still feeling an issue. On the one hand, your twentiesRead More

“Thailand? You went to Thailand?” And so begins any conversation about Taiwan. Many expatriates will tell you the confusion between Thailand and Taiwan is common. I mean, they sound the same. And isn’t Taiwan in China? Why go there and not Japan, Thailand, Laos, (insert favorite Asian country)? After two years living in Taoyuan, Taiwan, I can tell you: there is every reason to make your next stop Taiwan. Forget Thailand, forget Laos. Come to the rolling hills of bamboo, the marble mountains, the people welcoming you at every turn.Read More