Have you seen that episode of How I Meet Your Mother where Barney explains the concept of graduation googles? Basically, it's the relief and nostalgic feeling one has about a time in their life when it's just about to end, even though the time was completely miserable.
Well, now that my semester at The Times is coming to an end that's exactly what I'm feeling. My boss was swamped with work, so she asked me I've I'd mind leaving work two hours early to go to Sephora's first-ever Beauty Fair. Representatives from some of the most coveted brands where there. Each table passed out this summer's recommended essentials and offered complimentary nail and facial services. Plus, it was in the Hudson Hotel's penthouse loft, so the Manhattan view was spectacular.
As to be expected, there were lots of self tanning products and quite a number of anti-againg creams. These women were pretty funny asking me to try wrinkle creams. At 21 I'm not quite their target audience, but they kept applying the goop to my "crows fee" and wondering why I wasn't amazed with the instant results. Caudalie's grape seed oil moisturizing sorbet smelled absolutely amazing. I grabbed a tube for my massive goody bag.
But the real gems of the event were from Sultra. Made from real human hair, they had non-commital color extensions. There's your typical hot pink and electric blue, but they also had lilac cheetah streaks too. Starting on June 1st, they'll also offer hair mascara! It's tube is similar to the one for your eyes, but the colors it comes in are way wilder. It's the perfect way to try red, blue, black, or purple highlights on for size. Plus, it's water proof, so you'll be able to wear it to the beach and not worry about the colors running. But there's no need to worry; it comes out with a shampoo rinse.
The only problem now is I have way too many products and oh so little time.
Just like with any newscast, NYU Tonight can have its off days. Today was definitely one of them! For starters, our minuscule staff shrunk from 10 to 8. Plus, the prompter wasn't working properly, so Chris and I didn't get to practice with the words on the screen before going live. Although our start time was scheduled for 5, it was more than a half after late. Also, there was a slight mix-up with the director and stage manager. A package didn't run, and we had no idea where to look or what to say. I may be famous for making situations awkward, but there's no getting past on-air dead time.
Nonetheless, the show still had to go on, and stories still had to be written. I ended up writing 9, but here's the one's that matter most..today's top sports stories:
One of the most unlikely players in Major League Baseball accomplished one of the greatest achievements possible---a perfect game. In Saturday's matchup against the Mariners, Chicago White Sox pitcher Phillip Humber faced 27 batters and sent them all packing. It was only his 30th start in the big leagues. Still, he had no walks, no errors by the defense, not even a hit-batsman. Humber joins a short list of 21 pitchers to have ever achieved this feat, all of whom are current or guaranteed Hall of Famers.
The Nets can no longer call New Jersey its home. But Governor Chris Christie says he's not shedding any tears. "It's one of the country's most vibrant cities, and they want to leave here and go to Brooklyn? Good riddance. See you later," Christie said. Monday's 105 to 87 loss against the Philadelphia 76ers was their last ever home game at the Prudential Center. The Nets ranked dead last in the NBA attendance this season but their farewell game had a sellout crowd. After another disappointing season in New Jersey, it's on to the brand new Barclay's Center in Brooklyn for the Nets.
The New York Rangers are in 7th Heaven. In last night's game against the Ottawa Senators, the Rangers re-established their lunch-pail identity, just in time to force a winner-takes-all Game 7. It's not necessarily what the top-seeded Rangers were hoping for when their first round Eastern Conference series against Ottawa started, but they're thrilled about it now On Thursday night, the teams will play in New York at 7pm. It's the first Game 7 in an sport at Madison Square Garden in 17 years.
Team schedules were released last week, but we still don't know who's on the NFL roster. The Indianapolis Colts are slated to make their first selection shortly after 8pm on Thursday For the 3rd straight ear, the draft will run over three days. Thursday will be dedicated to the 1st round only. Friday will host rounds 2 and 3, and the final four will take place on Saturday. Quarterbacks Andrew Luck from Stanford and RGIII from Baylor are projected to take the top two slots.
Six dishes. 90 minutes. And, a secret ingredient. Sounds like the recipe for success. For our last Sports Collateral event of the semester, Kaedyi and I coordinated an Iron Chef Challenge. Here's the video for our event. It'll air on Tuesday's NYU Tonight. Be sure to watch; I'll be the lead anchor too!
Nothing beats ruining an entire day of healthy eating like a delicious slice of cake, especially if it's homemade! Welcome to yesterday...after a long day of classes and work, I met up with Jamie and Joanna around 9:30 for a good ol' fashion baking party. We set out to make something a little exotic, Japanese Strawberry Shortcake. It's the desired dessert for Japanese Christmas parties (and apparently college girls too)!
We eat Big pieces of cake at 80 Lafayette!
Sponge Cake:
-3 eggs, separated
-1 whole egg
-50 g flour
-5 g oil
-pinch of salt
-1/2 tsp vanilla
-handful of strawberries
Directions: For starters, preheat your oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit and line an 8x8 pan, or a cake pan with Pam Spray. Whip the egg whites until really frothy. Add in the sugar, and continue to whip until stiff peaks form. Beat the egg yolks, whole egg, flour, oil, salt, & vanilla until totally combined. By this time, the batter should be yellow. Mix a few spoonfuls of the egg whites into that mixture,
just to make it lighter and easier to fold the rest of the whites into. Fold the rest of the egg whites into
it, making sure to fully incorporate them. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. Let the cake cool and get started on the whipped cream.
Stabilized Whipped Cream:
-1 1/2 cups of whipping cream
-1/2
cup of sugar
Directions: Whip the cream and sugar to stiff peaks.
Assembly: Level your cake, and split it into two layers--or originally bake the layers in two separate pans. Put
a very thin layer of whipped cream down, and place the cut, sliced, or
chopped strawberries down. Cover the strawberries completely with more cream. Put the top layer on then ice the top with cream. Eat immediately or let chill in the fridge until you're ready to serve.
Beware, this is no quick dessert, but it's pretty easy to make. Around
midnight (after the final strawberries had been added) we grabbed our
plates and sat down to sample. It started off at just a slice, but we
ended up devouring the whole thing right then and there!
Our Finished Product
Even though I had an 8am class this morning, I feel no regrets in staying up so late. I've known it all year, but last night it really hit me that Jamie and Joanna will be graduating in just a few short week. I'm so excited for their post-grad plans, but I'll certainly miss them! Who else can I bake cakes with, listen to K Pop, and discuss my future plans of marrying an Asian? They're seriously such great girls! I'm just glad we made a pact to meet in Boston-where Joanna's exciting dietician job will be taking her-and make another Japanese Strawberry Shortcake come the fall.
But there's still a little time left before this semester ends. As for next Thursday, it looks like we'll be making Lemon Cheesecake with Blueberry Sauce...can someone say YUM!
You know you're a straight girl at NYU when you spend your Friday night with Drag Queens.
For my friend's 21st birthday, she wanted to do something besides the typical go-to-a-bar-and-get-drunk-because-it's-my-birthday thing. So after a nice dinner, we went to Boots and Saddle on Christopher Street. All I can say is beautiful. It's the perfect adjective for their four ladies. Dawned in sky high heel with hair weaves and caked on makeup, they were certainly working it. Starting at midnight, Yuhua Hamasaki and the ladies performed pieces from artists like Nicki Minaj, Lady Gaga, Britney Spears, and Madonna. Can you ask for anything more than in a Friday night than a two hour dance party of gay men and straight girls jamming out to fun, pop songs? I think not!
Obviously, it's not the place to go if you're hoping to meet your future husband. But girls at NYU should know better. Their four years of college are less about finding boyfriends and more about having gay best friends. And the best part of spending an evening at a gay bar...you wont have to worry about skeezy guys asking for your number.
Step right up folks, and witness the wondrous world of Mister Adam Wallacavage...
During my latest day of interning for The Times, I came across this photographer/sculptor/interior designer and all around maker of weird and wonderful things. Adam Wallacavage is a self-taught Philadelphia based artist who makes insane chandeliers inspired by organic sea life. He's discovered the perfect balance between the beautiful and the grotesque. He's turned the design world upside down, ditching the stuffy candelabras you'd find in your grandma's dining room to lavish looks for the wild-at-heart seeking a life less ordinary. His colorful, iconic octopus pieces are so energetic; it's easy to imagine one squirming to life and wrappings its tentacle over your shoulder.
Adam's also received quite a bit of press for his home decor, which came about in much the same way as his famous fixtures of light. Filled with his crazy chandeliers, finds from thrift stores, and random pieces of art from friends, Adam's house has become sort of an artist commune for the residents of Philly. In a room inspired by Jules Verne's Twenty Thousand Leauges Under the Seas, portholes line the wall and a giant squid rests on the coach. Heck, Katy Perry's even posed in his kitchen for a fashion story in Living Proof Magazine. But don't take my word for it. Browse through these pictures, and tell me what you think!
If your like me and want to know what inspires Adam, click here or check out his blog, Monster Size Monsters. His book (named after his blog) contains crazy cool portraits and is also available on Amazon.com
As Soon As We Get Comfortable in Our Chairs, It's Time to Switch Jobs
Today, I was quite the news junkie. Not only was it my second week as anchor for NYU Tonight but also my first go-round as the noon news correspondent for WNYU, our radio station. So, here's today's top stories that I reported on:
Rick Santorum has officially suspended his campaign, saying he wants to devote more time to his daughter Bella who suffers from a rare genetic condition. "This presidential race is over for me, and we will suspend our campaign effective today. But we are not done fighting," Santorum said in today's news conference. Santorum was Governor Mitt Romney's top opponent. His exit clears the way for Romney to take the Republican Party's nomination, even though Romney's only secured 60% of the delegates needed to win. Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and Representative Ron Paul remain in the race, but neither has shown to be a viable alternative to Romney.
Today, Syria was set to start pulling troops out of towns and cities, paving the way for a ceasefire to start 48 hours later. But last night, a military bombardment of a town in central Syria killed 35 people, dashing the prospects of a UN-brokered truce to take hold. Troops and rebel forces also clashed near the country’s border with Turkey, and a cameraman for Al-Jadeed television was shot dead in northern Lebanon. According to the Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister, the April 10th deadline has become void.
North Korea has invited international journalists into the reclusive country to witness the launch of what they say is a weather observation satellite. But, South Korea and the United States counter, believing the satellite launch is more likely a thinly disguised test of long-range missile technology. The three-stage rocket is set for takeoff in mid-April. Its launch is timed to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the birth of North Korea’s founder Kim Il Sung.
The special prosecutor investigating the shooting death of unarmed Florida teen Trayvon Martin has ruled against using a a grand jury in the case. The motion means Prosecutor Angela Corey's office alone will decide whether to charge shooter George Zimmerman with the crime. The case has captured national attention because of race and Florida’s controversial self-defense laws. It's fueled public demonstrations across the country, including one on Monday that temporarily shut down the Sanford
Police Department in the town where the shooting occurred.
Wall Street continues to slump for the fifth straight day. Today, the Dow Jone's Industrial Average fell almost 220 points and was on pace for its third triple-digit decline in four trading sessions. Some analysts view the pullback as a buying opportunity, while others see it as the start of a long-awaited correction. A Reuters poll from Monday shows most major Wall Street banks expect anemic growth in the US job market. They believe the economic recovery will force the government to undertake another round of monetary stimulus.
Whew; know that the hard news has been presented, here's today's top sports stories:
The Miami Marlins will be without a manager for the next five games. The team's suspended Ozzie Guillen for comments he made in which he expressed admiration for Cuban leader Fidel Castro. This morning, Guillen apologized to the City and says he respects the Marlin's decision to suspend him. He's not concerned about the salary he will loose in the process, saying repairing his relationship with the Cuban-American community is more important.
Baseball season is officially underway, and our New York teams are doing better than expected. Don't look now, but the Mets are one win away from matching the best start in franchise history. Tonight they play the Washington Nationals in hopes of matching the 5-0 record set in 1985. And for the first time since 1973, the New York Yankees have averted a 0 to 4 start. The Yankees opened the season with three straight looses before defeating the Baltimore Orioles 6 to 2 last night.
Lamar Odom may be returning to the basketball court sooner than we think. On Monday, he was deactivated from the Dallas Mavericks, and it's too late in the season for the Lakers to sing their former Sixth Man of the Year in time for playoffs. But, these technicalities didn't stop Odom's former Lakers' teammate Metta World Peace from devising a plan to see him wear purple and gold. He suggests Odom be a ball boy for the Lakers this season and then next year return to the court.
We bring you their scores every week, but the NYU Athletics is attracting attention for their actions off the court in this latest video.
The video encourages LGBT athletics to know it's possible to not only come out to their team but thrive in their sport as well. The captain of the men's volleyball team, Jay Hayes started the initiative. He is openly gay and wanted to share his story. The video was released yesterday, in conjunction with NCAA Division III Week.
On this Easter Sunday, it was a fight to the finish as Bubba Watson and Louis Oosthuizen both ended the fourth day of the Masters at -10. For only the ninth time in its history, the Masters was going to sudden death. The pair again pared hole 18 and were sent to 10 for a double overtime matchup. Watson was first to hit of the tee. After his opponent sunk the ball 15 feet off the green into a bed of pine-straw, it looked like Oosthuizen really would something to smile about. But on his second shot, Watson had a wondrous miracle recovery shot. The ball beautifully landed within putting distance to the hole. Oosthuizen was up next, but he missed two attempts at a put leaving his final hole at bogey. To win his first major title and very own green jacket, all Watson had to do was par the hole. On his fourth shot, he tapped the white ball in and immediately the water works started. He quickly hugged his caddie before rushing off to his momma and close friends.
Today's game started off with quite a shocker. Oosthuizen grabbed control of the final round with a stunning albatross on the second hole. But as the saying goes, the Masters doesn't really start until the Sunday's back nine. A group of golfers got close, and Matt Kuchar even held a share of the lead for a hole after an eagle at 15. But in the end, it was only Watson who could catch up to Oosthuizen. With four consecutive birdies on holes 13-16, he made himself known as a contender.
Phil Mickelson had another noteworthy, game-changing play of the day; unfortunately, his was for all the wrong reasons. At the par 3 fourth hole, Mickelson rocketed the ball into the thick brush left on the green. With his swing badly obstructed by the shrubs, he tried to knock it out right-handed and barely moved the ball. On his third shot, he went right handed again and finally got the ball within range of the green. When it was all over, Mickelson ended with a triple bogey falling at just 5 under. He ended the day tied for third at -8. I bet he's wishing he would have taken the extra stroke and reset the shot. It could have cost him his fourth green jacket.
To find out where your favorite golfer finished, click here for the 2012 Masters Leaderboard.
It really has been a Good Friday. My load at The Times was pretty light this morning; I just called in a few hair products and transcribed an interview with Kati Nescher. So around 2pm, my boss told me to take the rest of the afternoon off. So I decided to use the time to explore places I've never been before.
I've been watching way to much Felicity. The 90s primetime TV drama is my latest Netflix obsession. Each episode keeps tempting me with Dean & Deluca treats. That was my first stop. Thankfully, there's one on the ground level of The Times building, so grabbing a piece of quiche wasn't too difficult. I also picked up a red velvet cupcake figuring what the heck it's Friday and I got my paycheck last night. Why not indulge in a $3 dessert? (Note to future self: Even though they're icing looks delicious, Dean & Deluca cupcakes aren't worth it.)
As much as I love books, in the three years that I've lived in the City, I've never visited the New York Public Library on 42nd and 5th. Located next to Bryant Park, I decided that had to be changed. But, the beautiful weather and smell of freshly cut grass delayed my visit. I found a green metal chair and read the latest book for my Japanese History Class in the park best known as the home for fashion week.
Yep; my toes are painted blue!
Around 3:30, the people making out to my right got the better of me, so I said hello to the lions and went inside. I'm sure I'll probably be sure by book lovers around the globe, but in my opinion the library wasn't really all that special. Don't get me wrong, there's plenty of titles (and they've even displayed lego lions), but I think NYU's Bobst has spoiled me too much. Sure, the New York Public Library was featured in the Sex and the City movie. But it only has 3 floors, and most of the rooms are reserved for staff only. I guess I just had such high expectations for the library. Oh well; that's my fault. At least I can check it off my least now.
I've cut the video, written stories, been the executive producer, and yelled commands as the director, but before tonights newscast I'd never actually been in the anchor's seat. Sure, there were a few technical glitches (and I got the giggles once or twice), but I'm just glad to report I still want to be a journalist post-graduation. Plus the fact that my all time favorite morning show host, Katie Couric, was on the air today too, made my experience all the better.
It's a Little Blurry But Still So Exciting!
Our team was a little short-handed today, so besides preparing for my big role I wrote the script and edited the video for 5 stories. As per usual, I made sure our viewers had all the latest in sports news:
Riots Following Big Game
And here's some March Madness--Madness. A day of celebration led to more than two dozen arrests. Following Kentucky's 69 to 61 win over Louisville in the NCAA Final Four game, rowdy fans lit couches on fire and destroyed private property. Kentucky players and their coach expressed shock and disappointment over their fans' actions but acknowledge that passion for the team can run high. Thankfully, there were no serious injuries.
March Madness Wrap-Up
Won and Done. All that really matters from the March Madness concluding games is Kentucky engineered a roster full of NBA talent into a 67 to 59 victory over Kansas. The Kansas Jayhawks fought to the finish, but Kentucky made five free throws down the stretch to seal the win. Monday night’s game brought the team its eighth NCAA basketball title. The last time the wildcats brought home the big trophy was 1998.
Jeremy Lin Surgery
New York’s favorite Knick Jeremy Lin is likely out for the season. Last week we told you Lin was unable to play against the Milwaukee Bucks, citing his knee has the troublesome spot. The swelling went down, but the pain did not. On Monday, Lin underwent surgery on a torn meniscus. He’s expected to be out for six weeks. So unless the Knick’s make it to the second round of playoffs, his storybook season has come to a close.
Citi Field's New Seating
Get ready Mets fans. Your favorite team’s hoping to make your trip to the ball field a whole lot better. According to today’s press release, Citi Field will have a new seating area ready just before the first pitch is thrown. Named the Party Citi Deck, it brings fans closer to the action. Tickets are available now and include complimentary food, beverages and beer. Prices range from 100 to 200 dollars.
Today is National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day, so you know what that mean...I've completely gorged myself on Jif Extra Crunchy! It may be the number choice for choosy mom, but it's also my number one choice when it comes to snacking.
This sounds a little silly. But the other night my friends and I were discussing, if you could decide, what would be your last meal? Of course, I quickly chimed in a PB+J on toasted whole wheat bread with homemade blackberry jelly and Jif extra crunchy. To you it may not seem to special, but for me there's just something so comforting about a good sandwich.
As a little girl, I was quite the picky eater. Literally, there was a sixth month period where I refused to eat anything for breakfast, noon, and night except PB+J. And when I worked at Carolina Creek two summers ago, one would routinely be found on my plate every lunch. Currently, peanut butter's become my dessert substitute. Let me explain; I'm attempting to cut down on unhealthy, sugar-ridden cookies (most notable Oreos). So for an alternative, I eat two cakes with peanut butter in the middle. I use the excuse I'm a vegetarian and need the peanut butter for protein, but honestly I just eat it because it taste so good. I'm actually starting to think I may have a peanut butter problem. I go through an 18oz. container every week!
I know this blog post comes off as a little silly, but sometimes it's fun to relish in your favorite food-especially when it receives its own holiday! And sorry; I just couldn't resist adding the song!
It's Sunday, so that means updates from my weekly WNYU segment.
The date may be April 1st, but here's the real news from the day.
Earlier today, thousands of protestors marched to the mainland Chinese government’s liaison office in Hong Kong. They protested against Beijing’s perceived interference in the territory’s recent chief executive election. The city’s seven million people have no say in who becomes their chief executive. Leung Chun-yin will take over for incumbent Donald Tsang on July 1st. He was chosen by an election committee of about twelve hundred Hong Kong notables on March 25th.
With less than 2 months until graduation, here’s some good news for seniors. Hiring is back in a big way. For the past four years many students graduated to find no job with only their loans to show for their studies. But now, many college campuses are teaming up with companies eager to hire. A survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers found hiring is expected to climb 10.2%. Even if some firms remain below the pre-recession level for new hires, companies such as General Electric, Amazon, Apple and Barclays Global are looking for new staff. Recent college graduates are also earning more. The NACE says the median wage for first-time job seekers is up 4.5% at $42, 569.
Sure, grabbing a burger from McDonald’s might keep you from having to make dinner, but did you know eating fast food may be linked to clinical depression? Researchers in Spain say depression is 51% more likely to occur in people who regularly consume large amounts of comfort food compared to those who don’t. Plus, high intakes of fast food causes poor health in general, so trade in that doughnut for a healthy alternative.
In Queens, more than a thousand people called for justice in the Trayvon Martin case. Saturday morning may have been soggy and chilly, but that didn’t put a damper on the march. Dressed in hoodies and holding bags of skittles, demonstrators repeatedly said “I am Travyon Martin.” These words have become the mantra for the national movement against racial profiling. The rallies purpose...well, according to State Senator Malcolm Smith, they’re hoping for George Zimmerman’s arrest.
As to be expected, there were lots of self tanning products and quite a number of anti-againg creams. These women were pretty funny asking me to try wrinkle creams. At 21 I'm not quite their target audience, but they kept applying the goop to my "crows fee" and wondering why I wasn't amazed with the instant results. Caudalie's grape seed oil moisturizing sorbet smelled absolutely amazing. I grabbed a tube for my massive goody bag. 
