Zombies, Lady Gaga, and Harry Potter, Oh My!

What do these three things have in common?  Well...they are popular Halloween costumes that happen to grace college campuses across the nation.  The history of Halloween dates back as early as the Romans - it wasn't until the 16th century that the actual name "Halloween" was used to describe the day before all saints day.  It's interesting to think the tradition of Halloween has gone from a celebration of one night to a multi-day celebration.  Honestly, it's one of the few holidays that is celebrated beyond the day.  Or in the case this year, before the day.  

Working on a college campus, I get to witness Halloween, not just on October 31st, but have witnessed students adorned in costume Thursday, Friday, and now Saturday evening.  And let me tell you - these students are creative.  Different costumes every night.  Now that's what I call dedication.  I'm always impressed with those who have immense creativity when it comes to their costume - I would say the most creative I've been in recent times was when my college roommates decided we would be a flock of sheep.  Many glue gun sticks and pillow stuffing bags later, we had a flock of 6 sheep.  Clean up around our apartment was not easy - stuffing was found moths following the holiday.

Although Halloween may receive a reputation for the older crowd as being a time to go out and socialize with friends - I find it to be an opportunity to exercise one's creativity.  As a kid, I dressed up on the reg.  We wore old dresses belonging to our mothers and often times put on dance costumes from our most recent recital.  Halloween brings that excitement back for everyone and I for one, am all about expressing creativity.

Pumpkins, Apple Cider, and Crunchy Leaves

That's right, folks.  It's that time of year again, Fall is here and is in full swing.  The weather we've been having here in Milwaukee has been a bit odd - cold one day, sunny the next.  Yet, the signs that Fall has arrived are present - the trees have begun to loose their leaves, apple cider is in abundance on grocery store shelves, and farmer's markets are no longer stocked with berries, but with pumpkins and gourds. 

Just the other evening, I was walking with a friend to grab some coffee at a local establishment on the East Side.  As she and I were walking toward the shop - we took a moment to take it in - the crisp, fall air.  Nothing's better than this smell - it's the smell that reminds me of trick or treating and high school football games.  It's the best smell that is only heightened as you trample on crunchy leaves.

And this leads to the best part about Fall: the beginning of the holiday season.  The countdown has begun for some of the most entertaining bits of fall - Halloween and Thanksgiving.  And nothing screams, That's American, more than Halloween or Thanksgiving... unless you want to count NASCAR, or the Super Bowl.

7 Minutes in Heaven

I know what you're thinking... get your mind out of the gutter.  This post is not about the actual game "7 Minutes in Heaven."  And even if I have played the game before... I've never been one to kiss and tell...


The purpose of this post is to put blast on a great YouTube series titled "7 Minutes in Heaven with Mike O'Brien."  My guess is that this Mike O'Brien character works for SNL and that's how he gets the sweet hook up... But this show is essentially an interview show where he chats with celebrities in a closet.  Talk about an awkward space where the truth comes out.  And with it being titled "7 Minutes in Heaven" there is of course an awkward kiss at the end of the interview... 


This past weekend, I was fortunate enough to get to see my best friend in the great city of Columbus, OH.  Unfortunately, my best friend and I felt a little under the weather, so instead of going out on the town, we spent a good chunk of Saturday night watching these interviews.  So now that I've talked them up, I encourage you to see for yourself... Enjoy.

Wait, don't you have that on DVD?

This evening marked the first time in a long while that I've watched some TV after getting home from work. As I was flipping through the channels, I couldn't help but be excited to see a preview for Titanic to play on ABC Family this upcoming weekend.  Although I would never outright say that Titanic is my all time favorite movie, I will admit that I do consider it a guilty pleasure.  So, like any guilty pleasure, I just can't get enough of it, especially when it's on TV.  And even though I own Titanic, I rarely watch my copy.   Yet, when I'm flipping through the channels and stumble upon it, I can't help but watch.

Let me explain further - in my family I grew up on the Star Wars trilogy.  I mean, who doesn't love an action film set in space that combines a bit of romance?  So, likewise, whenever this was on TV, we had to watch the show.  This drove my mother crazy.  She always said, "don't you have that on DVD?" And although the answer was always yes, I can't help but watch when Spike decides not only to show the original trilogy, BUT also the prequels.  

Maybe I like to watch because I do actually enjoy the story line.  Partially, however, I feel as though, in typical American fashion, I'm too lazy to get off my behind and put the movie in... I mean, it's already playing for me... and my couch is just so comfy...

So, although I don't plan on watching Titanic soon, I will probably watch it when it's on TV.  Seems like an odd statement, I know, as the 3.5 hour movie suddenly becomes an entire afternoon.  But I can't help but to love the end of the movie when Rose goes back to the ship after she passes...you know the scene at the very end at the staircase... gets me every time.  I once was asked why I loved that final scene so much and I responded that I love the thought that for her entire life, getting married and even having a family, she still felt Jack to be the love of her life.  Then, the other responded, "sure she did, she knew him for two days, in her eyes, he's perfect."  Touche'.  That doesn't mean I won't watch it on the tube.  Once a guilty pleasure, always a guilty pleasure.