You make me wanna throw my pager out the window, tell MCI to cut the phone calls. Break my lease so I can move ‘cause you a bug a boo, a bug a boo.

Leave it to my honorary auntie Bey to break my life down perfectly! I decided to reactivate my dating profile last month out of 75 percent boredom, 25 percent desperation. And I’ve already experienced 100 percent failure. With helpful tips from an anonymous (and awesome) editor, I declared that I wouldn’t take everything so seriously this time. It’s just dating! Every guy I reach out to won’t write back and every guy that talks to me won’t be Michael Ealy. You win some and lose…umm, most.

On New Year’s Eve, I got a message from a 6’1 self-proclaimed local “rapper.” He wasn’t my usual type, but whatevs. I’m down for almost anything at this point. He could read and write and knew how to upload pictures – sadly, that was good enough for me.

We partook in the typical introductory prose – where are you from, what do you like, what are you studying. He seemed nice. “Maybe this is a sign of things to come,” I thought. “This is the year of the boo!” I was flattered when he instant messaged me the next day. It was pleasant – idle chitchat with a stranger can be oddly entertaining. He was smart and knew some good music. He wasn’t the guy I wanted to marry or even date, but he had the potential to be a good friend.

It’s funny how perceptions differ, because he wants to be more than my friend, just after two days. What. The. Hell. I woke up to three inbox messages from him – he kept on chatting me up long after I logged off. He keeps visiting my profile and pays attention to anything I change on it. And he wrote me a song – the opening line being “I want you/I need you/I need you/I want you.” I didn’t even give this guy my real name and this wannabe Jay was already treating me like his Queen B!

I don’t know how to get rid of him in the most polite way possible – I’ve been on the other end of heartbreak several times. In high school, I had a crush on a guy for a good two or three years. I’m talking forlorn stares on the bus, attention-seeking moves of desperation and love emails.  Needless to say, he publicly rejected me each chance he got. I still had feelings for him, though…the more he said no, the harder I tried. It was really hurtful. I vowed that if I were ever on the receiving end of anyone’s affection, I’d be understanding and kind if things went awry. But my gosh, enough is enough! He won’t take a hint and he keeps asking for my number. I guess it’s true – be careful what you wish for.

CollegeCandy readers, tell me. How can I shake my bug-a-boo? Have you been in a similar situation? What did you do?

I’ll never forget the first footage I saw of the uprising in Egypt last winter – Tahrir Square full of people shouting, chanting, and waving Egyptian flags. As the Arab Spring movement continues to grow, we are witnessing a revolution. But watching a revolution from afar is strange – it’s exciting, scary, and confusing all at the same time.

Recently, I had the chance to interview Lara Setrakian, a foreign correspondent for Bloomberg Television and ABC News. Lara is a young American journalist based in Dubai, but travels back and forth to the United States frequently. She has come to be regarded as an authority on the political situation in the Middle East, and reported live from Tahrir Square earlier this year as the rule of President Hosni Mubarak came to an end. Who better to provide a little perspective on these events than someone who has seen them firsthand? Read on for my interview with this incredibly inspiring and driven lady!

What is a typical day in your life like?

On a typical day I’m in the office by 8 am, reading the Bloomberg wires, the New York Times, and everything I can get my hands on. Usually I’m on air for Bloomberg Television at 9am, having prepared a story the night before (of course if it’s late-breaking news, that’s more of a scramble). Throughout the day I’ll file reports for ABC News radio, covering whatever is happening in the Middle East. On a busy day I’ll be on air from 9am to 9pm, roughly once an hour; as a standard I’ve set for myself I’ll never deliver the same report the same way twice. It’s exhausting, but the adrenaline keeps you going!

What is it like to be an American woman living in the Middle East?

It’s easier than it used to be. At the start of the Iraq War in 2003, there was more of a backlash against Americans – it was a war that most Arabs didn’t want to see. But even then, people in the Middle East are good at separating Americans from America’s foreign policy. In the Gulf states, even in Saudi Arabia, being an American woman isn’t tough; the separation of men and women creates a comfortable distance. Ironically, it’s in traditionally more liberal places like Egypt or Tunisia where you’ll feel less comfortable. There is a certain machismo, a mix of cat calls and outright physical harassment that takes a thick skin to brush off.

What are some of the global implications of the recent (and continuing) upheaval in the Arab world? How might it affect the lives of Americans?

The upheaval creates more space in the Arab World – we’re just not sure yet what’s going to fill it. The ideas and ideologies that carry the day will shape the Middle East for generations. Every country in the Arab world is being reshaped, not just the ones that have been through wholesale regime change. Whether it’s our oil allies in Saudi Arabia or our sworn foes in Iran, they are finding a new balance, and our foreign policy need to adapt to that.

As Americans, we’ll feel it a number of ways. The uncertainty and upheaval has already raised the price of oil – that hurts our economy and our own wallets as goods get more expensive. If we see sustained violence, even a potential conflict between the likes of Iran and Israel, that impact will be magnified. On the flip side, if the process stabilizes, a broader swath of people feel invested in and represented by their governments, that will calm the Arab street. Less public frustration will mean less anger, less fuel for terrorism against the United States. At least that’s what US diplomats are hoping that stable – that more democracy in the Middle East will mean a safer America.

What do the recent political and social changes in the Middle East mean for Arab women?

So far there’s no clear consensus. Women have been heroes of the revolution, especially in Egypt, Tunisia, and Yemen. In Syria, actress Fadwa Suleiman has had iconic moments leading the protests in Homs. They are powerful role models for a generation of Arab girls. But where the dust has settled, and the transition to democracy has begun, women are not freer or further ahead than they were under dictatorship.

On the bright side, women activists have a better chance than ever of making change. For one example watch the movie Cairo 6, 7, 8, about sexual harassment of women in Egypt. It changed attitudes and even laws before the revolution. But now the director tells me there’s even more hope that the film and others like it can make an impact. Self-expression and a sense of empowerment are on the rise, and in the long run that bodes well for women’s rights.

How would the daily life of a college-aged woman in the Middle East differ from that of a college-aged woman in America? How are they similar?

A college-aged woman in the Middle East would almost certainly live at home, and she’d sooner face family pressure to marry, settle down, and have kids. The same notion of independence doesn’t apply; instead it’s much more about interdependence, across families and communities. With that it gets harder to break certain norms – in Egypt, it might mean social pressure to wear a headscarf, or in Saudi Arabia, a perceived need to marry within your social class. It comes with a thicker support network of friends and family, but also a sure-fire invasion of privacy.

Click the gallery to see photos of Lara working!

Follow Lara Setrakian on Twitter @Lara.

Garnet is a student at Columbia University in New York City. When she’s not dancing or writing, she can be found exploring the city, and let’s be honest, spending way too much time on the internet. Follow her @garnethenderson.

It’s as though we view the average freshman girl as a super-eager, stupid, slutty, and sloppy caricature: think Rebecca Black-out. Full disclosure, I’ve repressed the fact that I’ve come pretty close to resembling that image on a few Friday, Saturday, and maybe even a handful of Sunday nights my own first year of college. So, maybe I’m a little biased in their defense.

I thought this was a secret sentiment, but when I signed onto Twitter the one day in early August, at the top of my timeline, a public tweet by a fellow rising sophomore read: “Attention incoming freshman girls: We already hate you.”

It has now come to my attention that a phenomenon is occurring in which confident young women are reverting to insecure mean girls. So what is going on? Why do freshmen girls make their (slightly) older counterparts so crazy?

Why we hate them:

1. We want attention.

I don’t care where you go to school; every fall marks the beginning of The Freshman Feeding Frenzy. Everyone (and by everyone I mean upperclassmen guys) gets excited that an immature, impressionable group of girls is coming in…and they begin the buffet (creepy metaphor right? Well, it is creepy.). As freshmen, this attention feels great, even if it isn’t for the best reasons. However, as sophomores, some of us fear that we’ll become socially irrelevant or that our new “competition” will (gasp!) start to think that they’re hot shit. This is ridiculous.

I know some of us are scared of losing “our” guys, but keep in mind ladies, this frenzy says more about the average upperclassman guy’s relationship with himself than with you. He wants attention too! Remember how he went from god to gross right before your eyes by the end of freshman year? That fall from grace hurts too.

Well, now he has someone new to awe with that “sick” jersey display in his dorm room and lavish with V.I.P. invites to exclusive campus soirées. Awww, see girls? They just want to be loved and appreciated… starting with their kegs.

2. We no longer have an excuse for being “that girl.”

I don’t care who you are; every freshman girl has at least one of those embarrassing, rookie moments. I’m talking about everything from wandering the campus lost, looking for your first class to classily booting on that bro at that frat party that you don’t quite remember (black-out, a blessing in disguise?). But seriously, no more excuses. We’re all obviously still young and will still make mistakes, but we no longer have that wonderful “stupid freshman” defense—and that pisses us off.

3. We don’t get a second chance at freshman year.

So, maybe you were “that girl” a lot last year and would like a fresh start. Some girls have the idea that, because their freshman year is over, their reputations/college destinies have already been determined. Really? You’re over-the-hill at 21?

Each year is a new beginning. Don’t limit yourself.

4. We’re just jealous.

Let’s be honest with ourselves, all the above point to plain ‘ol playa’ hatin’.

So…

Why we should love them:

1. We all get little sisters, mini-me’s, or minions.

Whether you’re thinking sister or something more sinister, freshman girls just provide another opportunity to develop friendships or even take someone under your wing. I’m not talking magic carpet ride college style, but something more along the lines of  “Hey, you, let’s get you to the bathroom so you can vom in a toilet and not in the middle of this dance floor.” Now, to an obliterated freshman, you’ve opened up a whole new porcelain world.

2. We’re above this bullshit.

This is college, not high school. Lets grow up, girls. We’re better than this.

3. We WERE JUST THEM.

One, two, three years ago TOPS. We’re really not so different. Oh and hey, remember the times being a freshman sucked? Of course you don’t, because it’s easier to get nostalgic. We can totally relate to them, so let’s come from a place of compassion and not from a place of I’ll-cut-a-bitch.

4. Now, if none of the above possibilities appeal to you, you’re probably pretty selfish (no judgment, I understand). However, I still want to help you out. So consider this: YOU WILL LOOK BAD.

So, you know how we JUST WERE THEM? Remember when you realized that the upperclassmen didn’t like you — even though you had never done anything directly to them? It didn’t take me long to go from cowardly to conceited when I realized that the girls that made nasty faces when my group of friends entered a party actually felt threatened by us. “Why should I be scared of them if they’re scared of me?” That sense of power eventually turned to pity. And do you really want to be pitied by the girl who just ate shit by the pong table because she still doesn’t have her beer-soaked-floor footing?

So, let’s try this again.

Dear incoming freshman girls,

We love you. Good luck this year. We’re here if you need us, butsohelpmeGODifyoutouchthatseniorguyI’vehadmyeyeo-F***

Still working on it…

Dear Tuffy Luv,

Here’s my dilemma. I’ve been dating my boyfriend for about 7 months. He’s great, really into me and always doing anything he can to make me happy. At first, all the “you’re so beautiful and perfect” blah blah comments were cute and flattering, as any girl would think, but he’s still doing it now, to an extreme, and it’s a little…annoying.

I mean, every girl needs a little bad boy now and then; not a mush ball ALL THE TIME. Sometimes I wonder if I’m with him because I’m afraid no one else will treat me as well as he does, but other times, I love being with him. Am I forcing it? Am I leading him on? Should I end it now, before things get further along? UGH

~Overloved

Dear Overloved,

Honey, you need to sit this boy down and tell him to cut that sh*t out.

It’s great to be flattered, but it’s only great if you know it’s sincere. And to Tuffy, it sounds like this is exactly the problem. How are you supposed to know he means it if he says it all the fricking time?!

Guys are always complaining that girls don’t like nice guys, why can’t girls like nice guys, girls are stupid for not liking nice guys, blah blah blah save your breath, jerks. Girls like nice guys. We just don’t like guys to butter us up like a fat guy’s doorway.

Compliments are nice, but your boy needs to learn to save them for when he really means it.

Besides, all this talk of being “perfect” is downright creepy. Yeah, I’m sure he means it in a flattering way, but, to me (and probably to you since you wrote to Tuffs about it), it seems kind of pathetic. I mean, you guys should be equals in the relationship. Why is he trying to put you on a pedestal?

It’s been my experience that guys who do that tend to have the whole Madonna/Whore complex: a girl is perfect until she disappoints them and then she’s completely evil. Both extremes are effed up.

My suggestion is this, Overloved: Ask your boy if he knows he’s acting this way and if he knows why. Have a really good, non-judgmental discussion about it (tell him it bothers you, but do it kindly and make sure he knows you appreciate his intent). Then give him two weeks to get it together.

If you still feel uncomfortable after two weeks, it may be time to move on. Just don’t move onto some other guy who treats you badly to compensate. If I get a letter from you as “Underloved,” I will cut you.

Hey, but drop me an email and let me know how it goes!

Hearts & Skulls,
Tuffy Luv

Welcome back to The Rival Rundown! If you’ve always wanted to give props to your school on CC, now’s your chance! Shoot us an email explaining what’s awesome and unique about your school (or what stinks about Rival U) at rivalrundown@collegecandy.com!

We’ve covered college rivalries centered around sports, location, tradition, gender (and many other factors), but what about academics? Besides endless keggers and lack of parental supervision social stimulation,  isn’t an education the reason we came to school in the first place? That’s the way students at California Institute of Technology (Caltech) and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) look at things. The two schools boast impressive faculty rosters, tirelessly motivated students, dozens of highly decorated alumni, and a fond affinity for pranks.  Which school will most likely produce the discovery of a cure for cancer? Let’s assess the variables.

1. Provocative Pranks

Caltech – Though certainly not an athletics powerhouse, Caltech once made an appearance at the Rose Bowl. In what’s known as The Great Rose Bowl Hoax, in 1961 Caltech students designed a series of cards to be held up by spectators at the Rose Bowl (contested between Washington and Minnesota) to read “CALTECH.” And in the last decade, several Caltech students appeared at MIT’s  campus preview weekend to hand out t-shirts reading “MIT” on the front…that when unwrapped were found to read “Because not everyone can go to Caltech” on the back.
MIT -Excuse us – at MIT, they’re called “hacks,” not “pranks.” A popular one is finding another place to hide MIT’s unofficial acronymous slogan, IHTFP (“I Hate This Fucking Place”), which has been delicately placed everywhere from class rings to assemblies of giant letter cubes in campus lobbies. The most epic Caltech hack occurred when a bunch of MIT students disguised as movers removed a 1.7 ton cannon from the Pasadena campus and drove it all the way back to Cambridge.

Three credits to: Looks like Caltech is tops in this category, for originality and humor.

2. Nobel Prize Tally

Caltech – Boasts 31 Nobel Prizes among 30 winners; chemist Linus Pauling won in 1954 for chemistry (natch), and the 1962 Peace Prize for preventing the testing of nuclear weapons.
MIT – Affiliates have brought home 63 Nobel prizes, including 27 for physics alone!

Three Credits to:  MIT hits one out of the park!

3. Terrific Traditions

Caltech – Ditch Day is an annual tradition in which seniors design a handful of tasks for underclassmen to perform to gain entry into their dormitories, which are trapped. Professors cancel classes and students consider it the highlight of the year.
MIT – Designing each year’s class ring, known as the Brass Rat, is a storied tradition carried on by students in Cambridge. It forms a bond between all students and alumni, and it’s a campus pastime to try to find the letters IHTFP somewhere in the design (see Provocative Pranks, above).

Three credits to:  Caltech, since trapping doors usually results in arrest elsewhere.

4. Ass-kicking Alumni

Caltech – Frank Oppenheimer (physicist on the Manhattan Project), William Shockley (invented the transistor radio), Sabeer Bhatia (co-founder of Hotmail)
MIT – Buzz Aldrin, George Eastman (founder of Eastman-Kodak),  Benjamin Netanyahu (PM of Israel),  (Honorable mention, from the MIT Admissions website: “Steve Altes ’84, Brad Pitt body double and model on the box of “Just For Men” Sandy Blond hair color”)

Three credits to: MIT, for alumni who span, erm, all trades.

5. Acceptance Rate Agony

Caltech – 17.4% for the class of 2012
MIT – 11.4% for the class of 2012

Three credits to:  MIT, though both schools tied for 4th place in US News & World Report’s Best College Rankings 2010

And the diploma goes to: The score is MIT 3-2! Can’t argue with math, folks!

Until about 5 minutes ago, I thought Cinco De Mayo was a holiday to celebrate the invention of the pinata. Or tequila. Or those make-you-wanna-kill-yourself hangovers that only come from a full day of drinking tequila. What? That’s pretty much what the holiday means to most college students, right?

When someone hands you a pint of Jose at 8 am on May 5th, you don’t ask what you’re celebrating – you put on a sombrero, plug your nose and take a swig. Then you do it again and again and again, screaming “Viva La Mexico!” and “I’m living la vida drunk-a” until the sun goes down and another fantastic drinking holiday has come to an end.

But I was wrong. There is no holiday celebrating the birth of the pinata (though I think we should start some sort of online petition to get one going), nor is Cinco De Mayo a 24 hour celebration in honor of Jose Cuervo. Cinco De Mayo happens to be a somewhat important day in Mexican history to commemorate the day in 1862 that the Mexican army defeated a much stronger and better-equipped French army.

It also happens to be a minor holiday in Mexico, pretty much only celebrated in the region where this battle went down. And they don’t even celebrate with cocktails.

I’m not sure how it turned into such a drunk fest up here in the US of A and I’m not saying we shouldn’t celebrate it (because any opportunity to get rowdy all day long must be taken), but maybe we should think about the history a little bit as we’re downing a Tequila Sunrise over breakfast. Maybe we should pour one for our Mexican homies for overcoming their enemies. And maybe we should toast our margaritas to Mexico tomorrow for more than being a great Spring Break destination and the ground zero of the Swine Flu.

So here’s to Mexico! Regardless of all that Swine stuff, we still love ya!

We didn’t start the year off in the best way (laying on the couch, chugging water and eating breakfast sandwiches while watching USC dominate on the field), but now we’re ready! And not hungover! And we couldn’t be more excited to get 2009 going. We have huge plans and goals and lists of things to do.

In the spirit of the new year, we decided to sit down and list our resolutions for 2009. We probably won’t keep ‘em, but it’s the thought that counts, right?

John – UConn: I think the only New Year’s resolution I know I can keep is to diligently turn 21. Pounds can leave, come back and leave again, and friends are the same way, but drinking age is forever.

Leah – Ryerson University: Stop dating, getting involved with, and/or having sex with douchebags. 2009 will be a douchebag free year!

Elise – UCLA: No Diet Coke!!!!

Elizabeth – UC Berkeley: To keep running for fitness health, and wellbeing – not weight loss.

Carly – Grinnell: To get at least one step closer (whatever that might be) to becoming a pastry chef.

Elizabeth – UA Hunstville: To find the easiest, most slacker way possible to make tons of money.

Lauren – University of Michigan: Get out and flirt with boys more. What? I like to make resolutions I can keep.

Kelly – UMass: I’m quitting smoking. For real this time.

Sara C – Fordham: It sounds crazy, but I want to run the New York City Marathon. At the very least, I’ll be running the half-marathon in April, because I already signed up. Oh boy!

Alex – Lakehead University: To be more grateful. I’m starting by writing down 5 things I’m grateful for everyday.

Noa – CU Boulder: Read more non-school books.

Erica – Kent State: I really want to spend 2009 doing more & thinking less!

Beata: I never make New Year’s resolutions because I always forget them two days later. If I did make one, mine would be to make time for all those things I would do if only I had more time…

Suzanne – Tulane: I want to save some money. And I have to, considering I probably won’t be able to get a job next year.

Yeah, yeah.

We get that, but we still l-o-v-e the gifts! We love giving em and getting em (and then going to the store and getting all the deals on the gifts those other people returned).

This year CollegeCandy got new iPod speakers (woohoo!), a giftcard to Ikea (yayyy), and a 30 rack of Miller Light (yeah, our brothers aren’t too creative). Oh, and someone got us a Spin Spa… are they trying to tell us something? I mean, we shower daily almost daily. And we use a vanilla soap! Do we smell? Is it that obvious? Couldn’t someone have just told us!?

Anyways, moving on. We want to know what you got this year. Better yet, tell us: what is the best gift you have ever gotten? What about the worst?

Last year, Atlanta Falcons superstar Michael Vick made headlines when he pleaded guilty to a series of charges relating to his backyard dog fights. Many were outraged that the NFL quarterback had set a poor example for his young fans by intentionally hurting animals in his dogfighting ring. But the story has a bittersweet ending, Vick was sentenced to 23 months in prison, and a Utah shelter took in the abused pups. Now, if you want to support the poor dogs, you can do so by purchasing a bottle of Vicktory Dogs wine!  Each bottle costs $40, showcases one of Vick’s former dogs, and proceeds go to the Utah animal shelter, Best Friends Animal Sanctuary.

Sounds like there’s a tasteful resolution to this dog tale.

It may only be early November, but the holidays are approaching fast.  Just like your major term paper due this semester, holiday shopping is something best approached far in advance. And though I can’t help you research West African history, I can give you a few suggestions on what to get your loved ones this December.

The Quicktionary II Pen

Know anyone studying abroad next semester? This gadget can scan a line of text and automatically translate it from English to Spanish (or Spanish to English). Best of all, it comes with a speech option so you can hear how the words are pronounced.

Price: $139.99 and up

From: Amazon.com

Mini Building Block Speakers For iPod

These miniature speakers are cute, quirky, and totally original. Compatible with most iPods (except the iPod Touch), they come in a variety of colors and are easily transportable. Perfect for bringing the party with you in your purse!

Price: $19.95 (free shipping!)

From:  LandofNod.com

New Brewers Complete Homebrew Kit

The perfect gift for your beer pong partner, or anyone who enjoys a good beer (who doesn’t?).  This home brewing kit contains all the ingredients and instructions to make your own drinks. It also contains four dozen amber beer bottles and bottlecaps to make your six-packs look legit!

Price: $119.95

From: MonsterBrew.com

Pocket-Sized Guitar Hero To Go

What party or gathering these days is compete without Guitar Hero? Well, now that wildly addictive video game has entered our cultural lexicon, it’s about time things got personal. Really personal. For the Guitar Hero addict in your life, why not snag this awesome hand-held version for their holiday gift?

Price: $14.99

From: ToysRUs.com

Individualized Pop Art Portraits

Have your favorite picture retouched in the style of Roy Lichtenstein (pictured) or Andy Warhol! Send in your photograph of choice and you will receive a professionally modified work of art fit for a museum. Great idea for a quirky family portrait to give to Mom and Dad.

Price: Varies

From: AllPopArt.com

Wrapable Garland Light Fixture

If you know anyone who recently got an apartment, or perhaps just loves interior design, this funky light fixture is guaranteed to brighten their day (and their room!).  It’s glamorous without being gaudy, shimmery without being glittery, and a beautiful way to tie the room together.

Price: $79.95

From: Wrapables.com

Fishbowl Bookends

It’s a shame you can’t bring your dog or cat to college.  Nothing beats having a little animal companionship when you’re up all night cramming for exams. This kick-ass gift supports both your studies and your spirits: it’s a fishbowl that doubles as bookends! Terrific for the dorm or the home, it’s a perfect excuse to spring for a goldfish or two. This is one accessory that will be sure to have all the neighbors talking.

Price: $29.00

From: ChimpFeet.com

Personalized New York Times Puzzle

This gift is really good for just about anyone. Choose a date in history (the recipient’s birthday, anniversary, etc.) and you can have a 400-piece puzzle made from the front page of that day’s New York Times. It comes with a reference copy of the newspaper’s front page, as well as space on the box’s cover for a personalized message.

Price: $45.95

From: PersonalizationMall.com

Target Digital Camera Gift Card

You know you’re living in the 21st Century when even gift cards have gone high-tech. If you still can’t find the perfect gift for that special someone, it’s cool to go the gift-card route now that Target has transformed the gift card into a usable gadget. The card-camera comes with its own USB cord and driver disk and a coupon for 40 free prints at Target. It’s available for purchase in gift card amounts ranging from $50-$1000.

Price: $50-$1000 (your choice)

From: Target stores nationwide