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.

Sexy Little Things: Underwear Changes Attitude

Underwear, an essential part of one's daily wardrobe. Although usually not seen by others very often, what we decide to wear underneath our clothes is just as representative as the clothes we show to the rest of the world.

Underwear may seem like just another routine garment but actually has the power to change your attitude and appearance. Nothing makes a woman feel sexier than a well fitted bra and comfortable panties. It can be something as simple as a plain white pair of boy shorts or as racy as a lace trimmed, cheetah print see-through chemise.

Like all women, the best part about underwear is that it comes in all sizes, shapes, and colors and will fit all body types. It may take some trial and error and long hours in the fitting rooms, but you are bound to find a style that suits your body type perfectly and make you feel good about yourself.

Victoria's Secret hosted its annual fashion show on December 1. The models showcased a variety of the latest under garments in the Victoria's Secret line for the upcoming year. Each model wore a different piece of underwear, ranging from corsets, thongs, bikini briefs, sheer bras, and bathing suit tops. Although these women all represented a different style, they all rocked the same sense of confidence and the feminine playful, sexy attitude that is characteristic of Victoria's Secret Underwear.

Sometimes you just need to throw on your most ragged pair of granny panties to lounge around in on lazy days, but on days where you need that extra boost of confidence, slip into something sexy or that makes you feel good about yourself. Other people may not see what you have on underneath, but they will definitely notice your attitude and mental, emotional appearance.

Check out January's edition of Cosmopolitan magazine for advice from Victoria's Secrets' Angels themselves about which underwear they like best and what style is most appropriate for each body type.

It Looks like School Spirit: Towson Students Sport Black and Gold

You see it on chests, backs, legs, butts, even foreheads. The Towson University logo is slapped across any type of clothing article imaginable. A walk across campus reveals a sea of black and gold with students representing pride for their school.

If you ever have trouble deciding what to wear to class, the best resort is to reach for that TU hoodie, t-shirt, or sweatpants. Having a bad hair day? Just slip on a TU baseball cap.

All types of Towson University gear can be purchased at the University Union store for reasonable prices. If you don't have that extra cash to spend but want to show your school spirit and fit in with fellow students, just attend any TU event. It is almost guaranteed that they will be handing out free t-shirts to students in order to encourage them to participate. Free gear is part of the appeal for students to get involved at TU anyway. Well, free stuff and free food. We are poor college kids, you know.

Its almost impossible to not feel left out at any Towson University sporting event if you don't represent by wearing black and gold or have the tiger logo displayed somewhere upon your person. Showing that you have school spirit is something to be proud of so do it up with the black and gold.

Personally, I own all sorts of TU apparel. Both purchased from the University Union store or obtained from TU events. So don't be surprised on a cold,rainy day if you catch me walking across campus to my 8 a.m. in my black and gold t-shirt, sweatpants with the TU logo across the butt, my north face, and rain boots. This may not be the most fashionable outfit but who cares, I am representing my school and showing my pride for TU.