This guy is the least of your germ problems.

Despite the fact that I ran around for weeks downing Airbourne and bathing myself in hand sanitizer, I couldn’t outrun the flu and it currently has me severely down and out (don’t worry I’m not about to sprout a curly tail over here, it’s just our regular old seasonal pal).

As I spent the weekend lying in bed, underneath a pile of tissues and cough drop wrappers, I attempted to retrace my steps. Where did I go wrong? The first thing that popped into my head was a toilet. I mean, aren’t public restrooms pretty much the dirtiest places we visit? But I am positive that I had maintained sturdy squats never losing balance and always flushing with my shoe…

So where could I have picked up this infections, atrocious and nastalicious flu?

Apparently, the possibilities are endless. Well, not totally endless. It turns out the toilet is the least likely culprit. The porcelain god may be dirty, but it is cleaner than a lot of things we encounter every day. The worst part? We don’t even realize the things that are swimming in bacteria. Gross bacteria. The kind that definitely caused whatever has taken over my poor little body.

Here’s a list of some of the culprits to watch out for. Be careful out there, people, or you may be joining me in my germ infested death bed come next weekend. Read More »

This fall weather is quickly beginning to feel a lot like winter. Sweaters and tights are being traded in for winter fleeces and long-johns. You may think you’re good to go with your new crochet Uggs and long, puffy North Face jacket, but there’s a lot more out there this winter when it comes to accessories. Things that will not only make that walk to class a little more cozy and a little less frozen-snotsicles-dangling-over-your-upper-lip, but accessories that will make your life a whole lot easier.

And more fun.
And festive.
Basically, winter might be somewhat bearable this time around. Read More »

While everyone is fabulous in their own right, we thought we should celebrate the campus fashionistas of the world for their continued excellence in not looking like a hot mess for class. So, we started stalking those girls on campus to get a few pics and get some tips on their personal style.

And maybe a restraining order or two.

But it’s worth it to highlight fresh, unique wardrobe choices that show personality and the courage to wear what you believe in.

I’ve known Meagan since elementary school, and she’s always been one of the happiest people I know (she’s a cheerleader so she has to be, I guess). Her clothing choices are always full of color and spunk, and she is the definition of cute: a tiny body with a big personality that shines through her outfits. She doesn’t sacrifice comfort for fashion, however, because she believes that fashion is not necessarily about looking good, but feeling good. And that is the most inspiring thing I’ve heard about fashion in a long, long time.

Name: Meagan
Year: 2012
Major: mechanical engineering
Meagan in 3 words: levelheaded, nerdy, friendly

1) Describe your personal style.
Casual and comfortable, but definitely cute. Most days you’ll see me in a nice top with jeans and flats. I’m very down to earth, not overly girly with lots of make-up or anything dramatic. Just comfy and cute.

2) You can’t leave your house without your ________.
Cell phone.

3) What is your favorite store to shop at?
Nordstrom – they have everything you need from outerwear to underwear. Read More »

Dear Obnoxious Phone Users of the World:

While I will never deny that my cell phone has allowed me the opportunity to amuse myself during a boring class, I understand that there is a time and a place for texting.  Please learn when it is appropriate to have a relationship solely with your keyboard.  In case you need some help, I have given some strict guidelines below.  Adhere to them or you will end up friendless. For real.

During a Broadway show: Whoever says that the little light from a cell phone in a darkened theater is not distracting to other people around them is LYING. Broadway tickets cost over $100, and it is never okay to distract an audience from someone’s beautiful voice with your clicky texting sounds. Furthermore, in small theaters the actors can see you texting. You can’t get much ruder than that.

During a movie: While significantly less expensive than most live theater, the continuous “click click click” sound and the cell phone light make me want to take my $12 Diet Coke and dump it all over you.

As an excuse not to call: While a couple of text messages are always appreciated, they do not replace a conversation. If you have a story to tell, don’t text it; pick up the phone and call.  It’s not that loving texts and cute stories are not appreciated, but it shows a lot more effort and care to have a ten minute phone conversation than to exchange 30 texts and have everyone around cringe at the endless vibrations. Read More »

The iPhone is awesome, hands down.  If you have it, you’re addicted and constantly using it for either an amusing application, Google maps, texting, or, you know, just a phone call.  If you don’t have one, you want one (like me!). Badly.

Even with all the apps already available, most notably the ones that make you fat, there are still things that we wish the iPhone could do for us.  Like laundry.  Or take the garbage out.  Too bad Apple hasn’t come out with some sort of external thumb feature…

But we don’t need an iThumb for some of the apps we have in mind. Things that every college student needs and aren’t currently available in the App Store. You know, like:

Text Breathalyzer – Everyone knows that texting while drunk leads to an extremely awkward morning after.  When you’re hung over, getting hit with the realization that you sent something along the lines of  “i kjus tluv u n i wan t be foreverrrrr” to your douchy ex-boyfriend (that may or may not be an exact copy of an actual text…don’t judge me) just makes things worse.  Well, worry no more with the Text Breathalyzer!  You just blow into the breathalyzer attachment and if you’re over the limit, the iPhone will lock down the text feature (or, if you choose, only let you text certain people).  Problem solved! Read More »

Every week, CC and John bring you some of the weirdest, funniest, saddest things he hears on his college campus. Join the Overheard revolution!Leave your own overheard convos in the comments or send ‘em over!

(Girl, pointing at a grocery store bike rack.)

Girl: That bike doesn’t like me. I tried to get away, but it gave me a serious coochie bruise.

(Best Buy employees, talking to each other at the end of an aisle.)

Employee 1: So I got home, and I was hungry, so I ate some chicken and a pear. I was still hungry, so I ate a plum. And then I was still hungry after that, so I had another bowl of cereal and an apple! And a sandwich! I mean, what? What?

Employee 2: Life’s like that.

(Girl, talking to a crowd of friends.)

Girl: Does anyone else want to go see Harry Potter alone tonight? Read More »

I’m sure every sexy CC reader has gotten the awkward “Can I have yo numba?” from a not so appealing guy. While some of you are fine with flat out saying “No,” I’m looking to all the other ladies who  decide to give up their numbers (or more…) “just to be polite.” Now as Miss Manners, I am a huge advocate of good etiquette, but is humoring a guy you’re not really interested in really being polite?

Miss Manners says: Nope. It’s better and more respectable if you’re upfront with the guy rather than lead him on out of pity/kindness.  And, let’s be honest, you don’t want to have to screen your calls for the next 6 months out of fear that he’s not moving on….

Try one of these tactics to deliver the news instead:

Lie. Ahhh… The cornerstone of all etiquette: the white lie. Apologize and tell him that you have a boyfriend or tell him you dropped your brand new Blackberry down the toilet (true story). Yes, of course lying is bad and oft looked down on, but sometimes a white lie is more forgiving than the truth – as long as you don’t get too crazy with your story (“I have a penis”) and nobody gets harmed in the process.
Be wary of: Betting caught in your lie. Trust me, it’s pretty humiliating and you could end up with the “bitch” label. And news of a bitch spreads fast.

Politely excuse yourself… and run to the nearest restroom/exit. Say, “I’m sorry but I have to go,” with an air of finality so he gets the hint.
Be wary of: Him NOT getting the hint and waiting outside the bathroom door for you. Creepy? Yes. Possible? Definitely. Read More »

I’m addicted to technology. If I’m not at my computer something is very, very wrong with me then I’m checking my Facebook/email/Twitter/stock updates on my iPhone. I text when I drive, when I work, and even when I’m in the same house as my roommates. I can’t even fight with a friend face to face anymore.

Yes, I have a problem.

But there are some things about technology that drive me crazy. Mostly, the things other people do (because I’m perfect). Things that make me truly hate the person enough to un-friend them. And not just on Facebook. And I’m not just talking about sending me invites to awful Facebook applications (“Send me a drink!”) or people who confuse “your” and “you’re” in a status update; I’m talking about real technology offenders.

So here is my personal list of 5 technological straws that break this tech camel’s back: Read More »

We all know that texting while drunk is a horrible idea (can we say misspelled embarrassment, much?), just as much as drunk dialing.  However, texting while doing other things can prove to be even more dangerous.

Recently there have been incidents throughout the country involving transit workers texting while on the job and then, from lack of attention, having accidents.  The most current example of this happened in Boston, where a trolley operator had been texting his girlfriend and subsequently rear-ended another trolley at a red light.  This event has triggered one of the strictest bans seen on mobile phones since my mom wouldn’t let me have mine at the dinner table.  If it goes through, transit operators in Massachusetts will no longer be able to even have a cell phone on them at work.

This policy of zero-tolerance on texting and calling for transit workers is a great idea.  Who wants to be responsible and call a cab home from the bar if your cab driver is just going to text the entire time and probably cause an accident anyway?  Nobody!  That’s why I think there are a fair few other occupations where this ban would also be helpful: Read More »

I think I’d die without technology. I’m constantly texting, I check my email six times a day and I use Google for everything. When I’m bored, my DSi is there to entertain me. Everything I do is coupled with some sort of technology, which is probably pretty obvious since I write about it every week.

But, and here’s the catch, everything I find so essential now will be completely outdated in like three years. Think about it – that new phone/game system/computer that you JUST got and are totally obsessed with will be old news very soon. And you will long for the day that you can get an upgrade.

That’s really kind of depressing. And a total waste of money, no?

Being that electronics go bad faster than those rotting apples in your fridge, it doesn’t always make sense to get the hottest, newest thing. There are just some pieces of technology you do not need. So, before you head off to Best Buy to ogle the latest and thinnest TVs for next year’s apartment, let’s discuss the things worth investing in vs. the things you can just play with at your guy friends’ frat house.

The Cell Phone:
Some things are pretty much a no brainier. Sure you probably CAN live without it, but why would you want to? With society’s on-the-go attitude (and our overflowing social calendars) trying to track us down on a land line is nigh impossible. And trying to find a friend at a party? Good luck. What you don’t need, though, is the latest and greatest phone the moment it comes out. Wait just a few short months and the price on that sick new touchscreen phone will drop. Read More »