Every week I count backwards from ten. I know, I’m kind of a big deal. Usually these countdowns have a theme like which phrases really grind my gears (“grind my gears” should be mentioned) or how I’m I heart not drinking (which is a hard list to replicate cuz I’m really loving beer right now), but this week I’m leaning to my geekier side.

This week, I’m counting down the ten craziest technologies. Whether they’re crazy in the “what the f&!# way” or crazy in the “I need that NOW” way, I’m listing them all, from social media to iPhone apps. Gen-Y has access to the wackiest and most innovative technology right now and here’s my “Weekly Ten” take on all of it:

10. Twitter Peek
How have we reached this point? A device solely for Tweeting? The end is near.

9. Last.Fm
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: if you’re a music junkie like me you MUST get last.fm. You can download an app for your computer that scrobbles (crazy jargon!) whatever you’re playing and can show the world what you’re listening to. I love seeing what my friends are jamming out to. Last.Fm also creates a personal radio station for you that kicks Pandora’s butt by a mile. Love it.

8. Skype
Phone calls, video chat and texting. All in one and it’s international. You can even place calls thru Skype via the wifi on your iPhone. It’s a little buggy, but still pretty cool to call your friends abroad. FOR FREE. Read More »

I always take the joke too far. If there’s a line, I soar right over it. So it was only natural that when people joked about me rushing a sorority as a senior, I went home, paid the fees, and signed up.

Even though I was rushing as joke, I still took the actual process very seriously. I showed up to all the pre-rush meetings, attempted to make friends with my group, and agonized over the perfect outfit for the first day (the decision between jeans and leggings kept me up). As the first day of rush approached my only problem was that no one in my rush group liked me. I had assumed that because I was a senior they would all gather around me for my insider tips and Greek wisdom.

Instead they stayed away like my awkwardness was contagious. Because they all insisted on ignoring me, I would just sporadically leap into conversations without even turning around to face them. I’m pretty sure that even though they refused to show it, they appreciated my Wizard-of-Oz-like- advice on sophomore housing, the grossest dorm food, and hazing. I’m hopeful that one day I’ll overhear one of the freshman saying “that awkward-senior in my rush group did always say to stay away from quesadilla night at the dining hall.” Read More »

I haven’t followed science much since I fulfilled my requirement in undergrad, but even I can’t avoid all the news swirling around the major scientific breakthrough that could be going down today.

I won’t attempt to explain what is going on – because that would be like dad attempting to describe the hullaballoo of Fashion Week – but some people are a bit nervous that whatever major experiment is happening could suck the earth into a black hole and end humanity as we know it.

Sweet! No more worrying about those 5 pounds I can’t seem to lose!

Ok, so most people argue that the whole black hole thing is an extreme exaggeration, but no one says it isn’t at least remotely possible. I am one who always expects the worst, so I am preparing for the end. And I fully plan on going out with a (Big) Bang.

What am I doing for my last day on earth? Well, let’s just say it is going to include ice cream, Cash Cab and a Wednesday afternoon at the bar. Who cares if I mix vodka with beer and wine? I won’t even be around tomorrow to feel the hangover.

Whether or not you believe that today is end of the world as we know it (and yes, I sung those words as I typed them), it is at least a valid excuse to live it up on this random Hump Day. Do something (or someone) extraordinary. Treat yourself to something you covet.

And, for the love of God, pray that nothing goes wrong over in Switzerland.

[Photo courtesy of sciencedaily.com] 

I have a headache, and believe me, I’m not one for headaches.

Fortunately this ailment is of the metaphorical sort, although admittedly it does make me want to bash my head against a brick wall. Repeatedly.

I’m talking about social networking: MySpace, Bebo, Facebook, Faceparty, Sitonmybook, Myfacebookspaceparty…all right, so the last couple I made up, but it wouldn’t surprise me if next week they’re reality.

The truth is that these websites are addictive. Experts on the subject (if such a person can really exist) claim that young people are spending more time multi-tasking online than they are reading, exercising and – in some cases – sleeping.

It doesn’t take an expert to uncover the reasoning behind this either: these are more than websites. They are interactive communities, virtual cities. A place to meet new people, rediscover old friends, nosey into other peoples lives and, most importantly, to sell yourself. Read More »