It’s been a little over a month since the 8.9 earthquake and tsunami struck Japan. With resources finally being restocked and less scheduled black outs occurring it seems people in Japan are starting a slow recovery back to their lives prior to the natural disaster.

Residents are still dealing with aftershocks, which sometimes happen up to 10 times a day, along with having to say goodbye to friends who have left Japan.  Most are not able to drink from tap water because of the threat of radiation levels. Not to mention that the situation with the nuclear plants is still unstable and uncertain.

Although everyone is trying to move on with their lives, they are still faced with everyday obstacles that are making returning back to their everyday lives increasingly difficult. As with most natural disaster relief, many aides have left after the initial clean up, leaving residents to face the mess alone. However there are some companies that are still offering relief.

Here are some ways you can still help out:

Lush Cosmetics is creating a few limited edition products, where all proceeds will benefit relief for Japan. Choose from the Rising Sun Soap, which resembles the Japanese flag, or Charity Pots, which are filled with body lotions.

The Federico Beauty Institute is giving 50% of the proceeds from manicures, facials,  pedicures, messages and other beauty treatments, to the Red Cross Japanese Earthquake and Tsunami Fund.

The Beach Boys are releasing two singles: “Don’t Fight The Sea” and a previously unreleased a capella recording of “Friends.” Both will be on a limited edition black vinyl, with all proceeds going towards the American Red Cross fund.

The Council of Fashion Designers of America is holding auctions, which started April 5th, where all proceeds will be benefiting the Japan Society’s Japan Earthquake Relief Fun. Some of the auction items include a meet and greet with Vogue Editor Anna Wintour  as well as two tickets to Elton John’s Oscar party. Click here for a complete list.

Interested in donating? Here are some of the best funds to donate to:

The American Red Cross allows you to pick where you would like your donation to go to so you can make sure you are helping the people who need it the most.

Mercy Corps is using your donations to provide supplies such as large shelters, tents, kerosene space heaters, blankets, instant rice and fresh produce to families evacuated from homes in four tsunami-devastated cities.

Habitat for Humanity is looking for volunteers to help clean up the destruction that the earthquake and tsunami left. There is also a link to donate money to do that. With your donations Habitat for Humanity is able to afford supplies in order to clean up, and eventually rebuild.

As if the devastation from the 9.0-magnitude earthquake and ensuing tsunami weren’t enough, Japan continues to deal with threats from a damaged nuclear power plant. Ready for some numbers that will stop you in your tracks? The current death toll stands at 8,100, 12,000 people remain missing and 452,000 have been displaced. These figures, unfortunately, are on the rise. There are a few heart-warming reports coming out, such as the 80-year-old woman and her grandson found yesterday who survived for 9 DAYS (eek!) beneath the rubble of their house, but for the most part headlines remain focused on the nuclear catastrophe.  The Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear plant lost power following the earthquake, and since then has been releasing radiation into the surrounding area. The government has been working frantically to restore power, but traces of radiation have already been found in Tokyo’s tap water and produce at grocery stores.

The Libyan civil war intensified as pro-government forces clash against the now U.S. military-supported rebels attempting to oust the current leader, Muammar Gadhafi. The revolt started almost exactly a month ago when protesters, inspired by the successful pro-democracy rallies in Egypt, gathered to peacefully rally. In the past week, Gadhafi’s supporters seemed to be gaining strength. On Saturday, however, after what was talked about as a too-long deliberation, the U.S., other members of N.A.T.O and the Arab League took military action. This action came in the form of attacks against Libya’s air defense systems to help enforce a UN-mandated no-fly zone.

Cocaine’s been in the news this week, reportedly found in two places it definitely should not be- a fourth grade classroom and the Kennedy Space Center. On Thursday, a fourth-grade boy brought the illegal substance to school and shared it with four of his classmates. When the kids started to feel sick, their teacher realized what was up and alerted the main office (remember the “main office,” btw?) All the kids are OK and won’t be getting in trouble, but the boy’s parents? Ohhhhh yes. As for the Kennedy Space Center? NASA reports that 4.2 grams of the stuff was found earlier in the month. It’s not the first time either; the drug was also found in a restricted area in early 2010. Guess it’s tough being an astronaut.

A study released this week revealed that for the first time, more Americans get their news online than from newspapers. 46% of people reported sticking to online sources (like this column, maybe?) compared to 40% who still read the newspaper. This week, The New York Times website, which formerly provided its content for free, switched over to a pay model. What does this mean for journalism (and my future career)? Who knows, but it’s interesting, at least.

And in another notable study released this week, more than half of Americans reported supporting same-sex marriage. For the first time in years and years of polls, proponents of same-sex marriage surpassed the halfway mark and reached 53%.  In 2003, that number was all the way down at 36%. I wonder if Lady Gaga had anything to do with this.

Photo of the Week:

JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images

If you had sight of the sky Saturday night, you probably saw the HUMONGOUS looking moon. That was what’s called a “Supermoon,” which is when a full moon is super-close to the Earth. We haven’t had one come so near for 18 years.

After the being struck by the biggest earthquake in recorded history, Japan attempts to clean up. The biggest hurdle right now? The Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant. The plant was hit hard by the earthquake and has since experienced two explosions, leaving many people worried about a nuclear meltdown that could kill over 10,000 people. People are being evacuated from the power plants, as well as coastlines. And this is only one of the many problems Japan is facing. Not only are thousands stranded without power or water, but with the state of emergency many survivors have over-stocked on food, leaving thousands of others without anything and still waiting for relief.

Apple had a successful weekend with the launch of the new iPad. The iPad2 sold out within hours of being released to the public. Analysts are estimating 400,000 to 600,000 were sold over the past three days, many of which were bought by new users. The iPad 2 is said to be thinner, lighter and much more powerful than it’s predecessor. It also features a camera that is located on the front and back, which is designed to take pictures as well as video conference. Many experts are saying that the iPad2 will continue to fly off the shelves with the price and technology it offers. Once again, Apple products dominate the market.

On Sunday pro-Gadaffi forces took control of more rebel territory. Within a week the government was able to take over two oil ports once controlled by rebels. They plan to continue moving eastward in hopes of claiming more rebel territory, and pledging to retake the rebel capital of Benghazi. Reports of the takeover followed France’s announcement of calling for a no-fly zone over Libya to prevent air strikes by Gadaffi forces. Many are sure that is the right tactic and could spare the lives of many Libyan citizens, but others question if it’s too late. Where does America stand on this? Fearful of more backlash from the Middle East, America hasn’t said much. But Secretary of State Clinton is heading to Paris to meet with opposition leaders today to discuss their options.

It’s that time of year again, college basketball fans! March Madness, the 3-week productivity sucker, is finally here. And there’s a reason this month accounts for $1.8 billion in unproductive wages, what with the hype of this years picks and snubs. Some of the top contenders are: North Carolina, Duke, Kansas and BYU. And some surprising snubs: Colorado, Virgina Tech, Boston College and Alabama. I don’t know about you, but I just can’t wait for all the Cinderella stories. Watch your back, UNC! Make sure to stay up to date with the scores to find out who is in and who is out.

Photo of the week:

The tsunami wave, caused by the 8.6 earthquake off the coast of Japan, hurdles its way through the Japanese coastline. According to experts, the massive earthquake not only completely devastated large parts of Japan but also tilted the earth’s axis, pushed Japan 13 feet closer to the U.S., and shortened the day by a couple millionths of a second.

If you want to help the earthquake/tsunami victims in Japan, it’s never been easier. Click here for a full guide of organizations that need our support. For many, it takes nothing more than a quick text message.

“Memoirs of a Geisha” is set in Japan in the 1930s and ’40s. It tells the story of Chiyo Sakumoto who becomes Sayuri Nitta, one of the most famous geisha of her day. Chiyo is sold by her ailing parents to an okiya (essentially a geisha house) in the Gion area of Japan. She works for the Nitta “family” – Granny, Mother, Auntie and the house’s sole geisha, Hatsumomo. In an okiya, the “family” isn’t a real family at all; Granny, Mother and Auntie are all former geisha who now live and work together in the okiya. Chiyo is chosen by Granny because of her unusual eyes, which are a strange mix of blue-grey.

Hatsumomo immediately realizes that Chiyo will grow up to be a very famous and successful geisha because of these unique eyes and her natural beauty and sets out to ruin Chiyo’s chances of becoming a geisha. For years Hatusumomo tortures Chiyo while she works as a maid in the okiya and even convinces the Nitta’s to pull Chiyo out of geisha school, cementing her future as a maid. Chiyo hates living in the okiya and feels trapped in her life as a maid until she meets the Chairman. She meets him when she is only a girl, but she is completely infatuated with the Chairman and this infatuation drives her to become a great geisha. Perhaps if she becomes well-known enough, the Chairman will one day take her as a his mistress, which is the most a geisha can ever hope for.

“Memoirs of a Geisha” completely rocked my world. Not only is a heart-breaking love story, but Chiyo’s determination is inspiring. Golden creates a beautiful creature with Chiyo and really utilizes the geisha’s transformation from apprentice to full-fledged geisha to show Chiyo’s development into a mature woman. Reading Golden’s style was also a treat. His writing is amazingly poetic, but not pretentious. I imagine that “Memoirs” took him years and years to write because all of his metaphors are so clever and well thought out. I’m usually not one for description, but Golden’s was wonderful and only added to the elegance of the story.

But this book is about more than the story. The reader also passively learns so much about Japanese culture! I love to travel, but have never really been into Japan. All I used to associate with Japan was big buildings and technology, but now that I have learned about its history, it has definitely made my shortlist of must-see destinations.

If you appreciate a good, intelligent love story, then “Memoirs of a Geisha” is a good choice. It’s a beautiful book and story that will totally capture you.

But that being said, I’ve recently realized how many new things I’ve tried since calling Matt my boyfriend.

Most people think that once you’re in a serious relationship, your fun and adventurous days are over. Well that, like most other generalizations, isn’t true!

When you love someone, you trust someone. And when you trust someone, you tend to be a little more willing to try weird things that used to make you want to barf. Those could be things that you never once considered (snowboarding), or things that you considered at one point, tried and vowed never to try again (Taquitos from 7-11). It just comes with the relationship territory; not only do you want to love the things your significant other loves, but you also know that if he or she enjoys them, maybe they’re not so bad after all.

Take food for example. About a year ago my boyfriend got me to try sushi for the first time. Being from West Texas there wasn’t a single sushi place in my hometown. Matt, however, has 3 relatives that have all lived in Japan at one time or another, so he kinda looked at me funny when I said I’d never had sushi. So I agreed to try it. I mean, if he loved it so much, it had to be OK, right?  The first few bites were a bit difficult to swallow (literally), but the more I ate the more I loved it. And I have the BF to thank for my new favorite cuisine.

And I’ve been getting Matt try new things as well. Why, just sitting here with him while I’m writing this I found out that he’s never seen any of the Back to The Future movies, aka my FAVORITE movies from when I was a kid. Guess what we’ll be doing this Christmas break?

Now, I’m sure to some of you these don’t sound all that exciting, but that’s not really the point. The point is that good relationships expose you to new things (whether it’s a new movie or jumping out of an airplane…) and push you out of your comfort zone a little bit. You can’t just do everything that YOU want to do in a relationship; you have to share experiences and hobbies, even if your boyfriend or girlfriend is a little hesitant about trying them. If things turn out well, you have something that the both of you can enjoy doing together. If they turn out not-so-well, you two have something to laugh about. (Unless not-so-well means broken bones or a bad case of food poisoning; those things are a bit harder to laugh about.) Either way, you are a closer couple in the end.

If you can break out of your comfort zone for someone it’s a huge sign that you love them. And at the end of the day, if you enjoyed that California Roll or not, isn’t showing some love the most important thing?

I’ve always known that eating cookies could make my ass a little bigger (just ask my favorite pair of Joe’s), but now it looks like they can do the same thing for my tatas.

There is a new cookie on the market in Japan that promises to increase your breast size. Aptly called F-Cups, the cookies contain Pueraria Mirifica, a natural breast enhancer. Just eat two cookies a day and (allegedly) you’re on your way to a bigger bra size.

I’m not really sure these would taste all that good, but a midnight snack that can increase my cleavage? Looks like it’s time to get rid of my Double Stuffed and get me some Double Ds.

There’s a great many things to do and places to see in this world of ours.  As humans, our lives are pretty short (and if you party like I do, it’s probably going to be even shorter).  So we have to prioritize!  We have brains for a reason and that reason is…reasoning (well, at least some of us use them for that purpose: see comment about partying above).  Let me be your voice of reason as I show you all the things you should be doing right here, right now.

Let’s look at the facts – our economy is bad, everyone is cutting back, no one has money (maybe that’s just me), and even the weather is bad.   If there was ever a time that vacations were needed, it’s now.  Whatever happened to the glory days of the traditional random college backpacking trip or the “I need to find myself” adventure to who-knows-where?  Well, go find yourself!  Actually, I already found you – you’re in Japan. And you’re having the time of your life.

Here’s just a few of the reasons why you should go to Japan:

Hot Guys – Scoff if you must, but Japanese guys are very good looking.  High cheekbones, sweet lips, fabulous hair, impeccable style, etc.  They also tend to be edgy (underground music scene and such) and they know how to party (think long nights stomping around the different bars, clubs, and karaoke rooms of Tokyo).  But they’re not all play – these guys know how to put their pretty noses to the grindstone and they come out all sexy and intelligent on the other end (having a job doesn’t hurt, either).

Fashion – If you want new fashion and edgy style, then Tokyo is your city.  They are unafraid to try new things and you’ll see some things walking around that you’d never have thought of…until you saw it next year on a runway in Milan.  Luckily, most of the cool stuff is pretty cheap because they love a good deal in Japan.  Find your way to Harajuku or Shibuya (both parts of Tokyo) and you’ll come out with bags upon bags of happy.  Just expect some serious stares when you get back to the US.

Food – The immediate thought is, of course, “sushi.”  Sushi is amazing in Japan, but much the same as the good-quality sushi restaurants that we have here in the US.  If you really want good food, get yourself to the countryside or some city street vendors.  Can you say “yakitori”??  Well, you will after a couple glasses of plum wine.  Don’t forget – Japan is the place that Kobe beef come from, so you can never go wrong with a beef dish.

History -  If you’re a history buff (or you’re just looking to give some validation to your random trip to Japan by visiting castle and whatnot), then you probably are already aware of all the amazing things that are packed into that tiny little island.  Monuments are a favorite of Japanese people and you will probably notice the massive amounts of schoolchildren in cute little uniforms blocking your view of the giant wooden Buddha or whichever monument you choose to see.

Scenery – To start, the architecture is amazing.  Tokyo is arguably the most beautiful modern city in the world, filled with lights and shiny objects (yayyy shiny objects!).  Kyoto is another amazing city, filled with equal parts old-school temples and buildings as well as the technological wonders you find in Tokyo.  Venturing beyond cities, you’ll find mountains and rolling fields of awesomeness, not to mention the seaside and even a big inland freshwater lake!

Culture – From tea ceremonies to karaoke, you’ll never want for an interesting cultural experience.  More often than not, you’ll feel like a fish out of water, hopelessly opening and closing your mouth while you gape at whatever is happening in front of you.  But don’t worry!  Japanese people are, for the most part, very friendly and warm and they will do all they can to include you in their culture…even if that means pushing a prayer stick  in your hand and then making you walk across a pile of burning logs.  But I digress…

When you come back from Japan, you’ll be stylish, experienced, well-traveled, and sporting a couple of hot Japanese boy toys.  And, if you were a good little traveler, you’ll be able to impress your friends with some sweet Japanese phrases (“Watashi no nihongo wa heta desu!”) while you make them look at all your photos.

[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!]

(Heard from physics students walking behind me.)
Guy 1: So the senior design engineer says, hey, that’s a mismatched transistor! The deficient fusion constants differed from the manufacturing!
(General laughter.)
Guy 2: Oh, naw, man, you told it wrong. You messed it up.

(From a reader: Two girls, talking earnestly in a shopping center.)
Girl 1: Yeah, I know, that’s like… the worst fish to be, if you were a fish.
Girl 2: Yeah, like I would never want to be that fish. Literally.

(Two guys on a bench.)
Guy 1: You can’t just push people over because they’re poor!
Guy 2: Why not? I think that’s a great reason!

(Guy, enthusiastically dancing.)
Guy: Wow! We save so much time by droppin’ G’s!

(Students arguing before a class.)
Girl: I mean… you can’t ignore it, Mark Hamill was the most important culture figure of the 1970s. He was like the president of culture.
Guy: He was more important than Mozart.

(Girl, lecturing guy.)
Girl: No, your parents can’t move to Japan. Your parents are both over six feet tall.

(Sociology class.)
Professor: Where does object value come from? Nowhere. We fetishize commodities. We lick telephones.
(The telephone rings.)
Professor: Hello? Hello. No, this is a class at UConn. Okay. Okay, Bye.
(Hangs up.)
Professor: Someone was looking for their dog named Mike.

(Two guys in the hallway.)
Guy: I’ve got my really boring friend coming over in ten minutes. Can I drink a bunch of your beer?

(Guy and girl talking.)
Girl: I feel fat.
Guy: Yeah, you’re fat. You’re so fat. You sleep with giants.

(Folks in the dining hall.)
Girl: Why do you keep socks in your pocket?
Guy: My mom always yelled at me whenever my socks fell out of my pocket.

(Girl and a guy arguing.)
Guy: C’mon. Been carrying the tension in my shoulders for weeks now.
Girl: No! I’m not giving you a back rub! Your shoulders aren’t hairy enough!

(Girl, holding out a fistful of dollars.)
Girl: I want some kind of spiced, roasted nut. I want some nuts. I want some hot, hot nuts.

Because nothing is more refreshing than a condom filled with chocolate ice cream.

Mmmm, creamy!

In case you’ve ever wondered what to do if two dudes in a giant fake rhino come after you, this video should help.