To Shave or Not to Shave: That is the Question

For men, facial hair can be a funny thing. Some can grow full rugged mountain man beards while others are limited to the peach fuzz that sprouts on chins and cheeks.

Like all fashion trends, facial hair styles are ever changing. Based on appearances during New York's Fashion Week, the 2010 men's in look has been determined: be clean cut or go bare.

No matter what style you choose to wear or how you decide to shave, thanks to AskMen.com, there are a few tips to keep in mind while creating and maintaining your signature facial hair statement.

Do
1.Keep it clean: whether you decide to shave it all off or let it grow, make sure to trim and keep those few scraggly hairs reined in. The look of a close shave appeals to women and all men look good without facial hair.

2.Natural vs dyed: leave the hair coloring to the hormonal and temperamental women. Men look better and more mature as they age so don't stress about those greys popping through.

3. Go retro: side burns and goatees were popular decades past but are making a comeback. Modernize the look by tightening up the goatee and keeping sideburns short.

Don't
1.Make it a joke: unless you are Yosemite Sam, facial hair like handlebar mustaches should be left to characters with the personality to pull them off.

2.Force the issue: you can either grow it or you can't. Its a natural thing. If all you get is peach fuzz or a dark patch here and there, shave it all off. It looks more refined and less like puberty that way.

3. Mismatch tops and bottoms: Long hair should have stopped with the end of the hippie era but many men still adorn long locks. If you insist on keeping your hair lengthy, wear a short beard or no facial hair at all and keep it washed. Try not to resemble Grizzly Adams.

So before you forgo picking up that razor and skip your morning shave, just remember that less is more when it comes to facial hair and just a little done right will go a long way.

A Rainbow of Colors Raises Awareness

They first became popular with the Lance Armstrong 'Livestrong' bracelet.It seemed like everyone was wearing them. A golden yellow rubber bracelet with the motto 'Livestrong' engraved into it. Armatrong wore his wristband as a sign that he was a cancer survivor, others wore theirs to support cancer survivors and contribute to finding a cure.

Soon thereafter a whole myriad of rainbow support bracelets were produced. You can find any color for any cause. Light pink for breast cancer, red for AIDS, yellow to support our troops are some examples of the more well known causes. Then there are some of the more unknown causes like dark green for tissue donation, light purple for animal abuse, and blue for free speech.

I think that that the sale of these bracelets are a great fundraising mechanism for social causes and the actual wearing of these bracelets is a great way to show your support. My question is, where is the bracelet that is supportive of ending violence agains women?

It seems like every other issue is represented but this one, and violence against women is a prominent issue that happens in public and behind closed doors. Every person can relate or had heard of or knows some woman who is mentally, verbally, even physically abused.

Several websites provide custom made bracelets that you can fit specifically to your cause. They are inexspensive to make but the revenue generated from sales contribute to great causes. Maybe I will have bracelets that support the end of violence against women made and donate the proceeds to local women's support organizations.

Post your opinions about which color best represents this issue and stay posted for future information regarding the fight in ending violence against women.

Badges of Honor and Reminders that Cannot be Removed

Scars are human imperfections that cannot be removed unless done professionally and painfully. Many even try to cover these natural pieces of art with tattoos. Some people are embarrassed or ashamed of their scars while others wear them with pride. Sadly, some people seem to forget that scars do not define who we are as a person, but characterize what we have experienced.

The best part about a scar is that it is a physical reminder of an event that happened in ones life. Thanks to that bit of flawed or marred skin, you will never forget a story.

I cannot say that all scar stories are great but they definitely serve a purpose. Scars are a conversation starter and sometimes a physical anecdote from a not so wonderful time in ones life or an act of stupidity.

Scars are unique and come in all shapes and sizes. Scars can result from any injury or incident and can sometimes surprise you. Personally, my body is covered in scars. Some are of sustenance and others are just from various accidents in my day to day life.

My favorite scar story that I have heard so far is that of Ron Minor. After a kidney transplant, the faint little incision line where one kidney was removed and one from his wife was inserted, serves as a reminder for him to value life as it is, one day at a time, and appreciate what he has. The scar will not completely disappear over time, but his advocacy for African Americans to check for Kidney disease will continue as long as the scar exists.

My scar stories are not exciting. The biggest one I have is on my forearm and happened while removing a hot bread pan from an oven. The scar that I am most proud of is the minute dash on my hand from slicing bagels. The freakiest scars I have are the identical vertical lines on the back of both my knees from careless shaving habits.

I want to hear the stories behind your scars. Scars are the aftermath of some event that happened in your life. Some may be important or life changing and others might be menial, but none the less valued. Post comments about your scars and pictures if you can.

Models of the Runway Should Wear Clothes not Critique Them

My guilty pleasure, Project Runway on Thursday nights, is in its seventh season on Lifetime and unfortunately, has so far disappointed me. Usually hosting an assortment of innovative and interesting designers, this season seems to be full of cry babies, gay guy stereotypes, and cocky women. The focus no longer seems to be on fabulous clothes but on the drama in the sewing room.

Part of the intrigue of Project Runway is the challenges in which the designers must compete. Between heart inspired charity gowns to grocery store product outfits to burlap sacks, the challenges always leave you wondering what will these designers create next.

The designers and judges themselves generate enough drama amongst themselves but Lifetime just couldn't get enough. The network launched Models of the Runway, a show that airs right after each show and documents what the models think about working with each designer, the designs they wear themselves, and the criticism of the judges.

I am a self admitted feminist but I think that in this case, the models just need to keep their mouths shut. Not to objectify women but models are merely walking clothes hangers when on the runway. They are paid to wear and sell clothes, not critique them.

I hope that the season gets more crafty and impressive as the designers advance to Fashion week in Bryant Park but I would appreciate it the criticism of the designers was left to the audience, the other designers, and Tim Gunn, Heidi Klum, Michael Kors, Nina Garcia, and guest judges.

Freezing Tempertures and Mass Snowfall Prompts Sales of Winter Survival Gear in Maryland

Mid winter weather is finally taking its toll and many Marylanders are unprepared for the snow and freezing elements. President Obama labeled the recent blizzard of 2010, "Snowmageddon." Although an extreme inconvenience, mass amounts of snow are prime for outdoor sports and events like snowboarding, skiing, sledding, building snow men, and over a hundred people snowball fights, similar to the mass snowball fight at Towson University organized by a student on Facebook.

Playing in the snow can be fun but all of this snow can also be a chore. Sidewalks and driveways need to be shoveled and cars need to be dug out. All of this winter activity is a great way to shed those extra holiday calories but precautions need to be taken. Wearing proper winter attire is a necessity in below freezing temperatures.

Winter essentials include the basics: heavy coat, hat, gloves, scarves, snow pants, boots, and thick socks. The key element to surviving winter weather; layers. Despite how unflattering chunky sweaters and long johns may be, there is no doubt that you will be warm while wading through the snow to defrost your car.

Name brands like the North Face, Columbia, and any snowboard or ski company will have heavy duty winter weather wear and can be purchased at any outdoor sports store but in reality, any jacket will suffice. Staying warm and preparing for anything is one of the major aspects of surviving winter, even in temperate Maryland.

Jersey Shore and Other Teen Phenomenon Sadly Shaping Young Culture

Since the premier of the new reality television phenomenon, Jersey Shore, on January 28, the guido hair style has unfortunately made a comeback among many college students. Even worse, many girls are trying to replicate the infamous poof worn by Jersey Shore star Nicole "Snookie" Polizzi.

The poof has been around since the early 1950's and has experienced many changes throughout the decades. The big hair obsession and the poof peeked in the 80's but was finally reined in to a more sleek and sophisticated style by the mid 2000's known as the bump or the yorkie.

Snookie, along with the rest of the cast of the Jersey Shore, seems to of somehow managed to convince several college students that gelled and product laden hair is still sexy and that the bigger, and more ridiculously shaped, the better.

The Towson University student body is largely populated by people from New York and New Jersey. Although not all students from these areas fit the stereotype, popped collars, nasally voices, bleach blonde hair, and blinged out accessories are a commonality seen throughout campus.

Like Twilight, The Hills, and True Blood, Jersey Shore seems to be one of those teen sensations that are so bad that people become obsessed and cannot get enough of it. Television is shaping most of our generation into walking advertisements and guido looking vampire fashionista wannabes.

I admit that I wear my hair in a bump sometimes when going out and drool over designer labels, but when hair more resembles a beehive, tanned skin has an orange glow to it, and sucking blood is the new diet trend, I draw the line.

Students Greeted with Signature Starbucks Apron and a Smile

Part of the college experience is dining on campus. Towson University and Black and Gold Catering company host a variety of different dining atmospheres and cuisine that appeal to any palate. However, some of these dining experiences may taste better than others. Ptux is like dining at a Michelin star restaurant in comparison to the fare offered at Glen dining hall.

The best place on campus by far to stifle those minor hunger pains and grab a cup of coffee on the go is the Starbucks located on the first floor of Cook Library. Despite the budget breaking prices and usually long lines, students who stop here are always welcomed by an assortment of friendly baristas.

Also donned in the signature green apron, Starbucks logo, and name tag, it seems that part of this particular Starbucks employee uniform is a smile. Unlike many of the members of the Black and Gold Catering company, the women who work at Starbucks are always cheerful and eager to help you.

Whether it is 8 a.m. and you are trudging to class half awake and in desperate need for that jolt of java or it is 8 p.m. and you need a study break and a shock of sugar to your system for that all night study session, these women will provide you with a hot cup of coffee and an encouraging word to help you along.

Everyone could learn a lesson from these women at the Starbucks on campus. A good attitude and a smile makes your day easier and everyone else's day better. Even on the worst of exam days, that splash of green and flash of smile combined with empty calories and caffeine lightens my mood.

The Rise and Fall of College Fashion

The 2010 spring semester at Towson University started Monday, January 27. Rather than the usual assortment of Towson apparel, many students were decked out in casual dress clothes. Several girls could be seen in cute sweaters and tops, Uggs and high heels, and pea coats and North Face jackets. Several guys were seen wearing oversize hoodies with fresh kicks, name-brand tees and hats, and ski coats.

The excitement of the first day of school doesn't end once you graduate high school. Many people still see this day as a chance to make a good impression amongst their peers. A lot of college students still hit the mall and go school shopping in order to find that perfect first day of school outfit. Who knows, that cute guy or girl in your finance class at 8 a.m. might notice your brand new sneakers and strike up a conversation.

The concept of looking so fresh and so clean for classes in college however quickly changes as the semester passes. Once the work load finally sets in, social lives are renewed, and exams are around the corner, the way you look no longer matters for that 8 a.m. class. Many students resort to the comfort and classic appeal of old favorites: sweatpants and hoodies.

It is considered the just crawled out of bed look. Students barely have time to brush their hair or teeth before they hurry on to class after a long night of cramming over text books. I know that I am guilty of it on an almost weekly basis. My usual attire is sweatpants, a tee shirt and jacket, and my good ol' Red Sox baseball cap covering my unruly and tangled hair.

This look isn't for everyone and some days are better than others. After some rest and recovery, some students have the energy or resolve to improve their look and wear real clothes to class. Once the semester is in full swing however, those days are few and far between.

I think that looking a mess is just a part of the whole college experience. No one should be embarrassed about what they come to class in because I can guarantee you, the people around you probably look just as tired and under dressed as you do.

"Tipping makes you look sexy": How Public Behavior Reflects Personal Appearance

"Tipping makes you look sexy." This comment can be found on the tip jar of the counter at a local ice cream shop in Annapolis, Maryland. As a server in a restaurant, I found this joke not only to be funny but also true.

The percent that a patron tips a server or any other attendant reflects on that persons character. Although leaving a good tip might not actually make you look sexy physically, it does however affect how others consider you. A good tipper can be seen as generous and appreciative while a bad tipper can be seen as cheap and rude.

Current economic times are tough for everyone and I understand the need to save money but many people do not seem to realize that if they are suffering from financial turmoil due to the economy, so is everyone else.

The custom percent to tip has been debatable for centuries but today many agree that 18 to 20 percent is acceptable. However, many people are still only tipping 15 percent for services rendered. An article from The Temple News Online accurately expresses my feelings about the lack of awareness many people have about the wages of servers and what is considered appropriate tipping behavior.

As a server, I only make $3.85 an hour. Taxes and other fees are removed from my paycheck each pay period, usually resulting in a paycheck of negative numbers. Like many others in the service industry, I rely upon the tips I make to pay bills and my college tuition. It is not just frivolous spending money but my life blood. I do not think that many people are aware of that.

I cannot say that all servers or attendants deserve 20 percent if their service is not quality and up to par. But remember, the next time you go out to dinner and enjoy a nice meal with great service, that your server works just as hard as you do and deserves that 20 percent tip. It will certainly make his or her day and will reflect positively on you.