30 Comedians That Make Twitter Worthwhile
Twitter touts itself as a revolutionary communication tool, but it’s mostly a timesuck that allows you to explore interesting or diverting videos and stories when you could (or should) be doing other, real work. Yet with more and more users, it can be tough to separate the wheat from the chaff and know what’s worth reading and what’s worth deleting. Thankfully, there are more than enough comedians out there tweeting through their days to make sure you never have to worry about missing a joke. Bookmark these accounts or put them in a list, and you’ll actually have a legitimate reason to log in. Tweet on:
- Stephen Colbert: The official Twitter feed of Stephen Colbert is perfectly in tune with his character from “The Colbert Report”: pompous, uninformed, and determined to rock out like a true American. It’s like getting bonus scenes from the show.
- Jim Gaffigan: Jim Gaffigan has been touring and performing for years, and he recently acted for a few seasons on TBS’ “My Boys.” His feed is a great resource for tour info, as well as the latest dry one-liners from the man who once rhapsodized about Hot Pockets.
- Conan O’Brien: Coco got his Twitter account shortly after leaving “The Tonight Show,” and it quickly earned him more than 1 million followers. Reading it is like hearing a monologue one joke at a time, but in a good way.
- Michael Ian Black: Michael Ian Black’s often surreal humor has set him apart in everything from “The State” and “Stella” to Wet Hot American Summer. Like many comics on Twitter, he’s also great about promoting his friends’ projects.
- Eugene Mirman: Smart political humor mixed with rampant silliness. One of the best out there.
- John Hodgman: John Hodgman is known for his appearances on “The Daily Show With Jon Stewart” and hilarious books like The Areas of My Expertise, full of fake information organized like an almanac. He tweets mostly conversationally with other comedians and friends, but he’s always an entertaining read.
- Patton Oswalt: One of the biggest names in alternative comedy (as well as the voice of the lead character in Ratatouille), Patton Oswalt’s tweets revel in the absurdity and trash of modern America.
- Paul F. Tompkins: Paul F. Tompkins is one of the best in the business at harnessing social media for his act. He uses his Twitter feed to encourage fans to round up 300 dedicated ticket buyers in a given city, at which point Tompkins books a show there.
- Rob Delaney: A younger comedian based in Los Angeles, Rob Delaney’s Twitter feed is a great place to see his act in its larval stages. Funny, occasionally over the line, often NSFW, and always worth checking out.
- Kyle Kinane: Kyle Kinane’s gotten a recent boost by touring with Patton Oswalt. His tweets are great for getting a feel for life on the road.
- Rob Huebel: Probably best known as a talking head on VH1’s “Best Week Ever,” Rob Huebel is one of the go-to guys for modern sketch comedy or web-inspired series, including “Human Giant” and “Children’s Hospital.”
- Aziz Ansari: Another “Human Giant” alum, stand-up Aziz Ansari currently stars on NBC’s “Parks and Recreation.” He’s been an active tweeter for a while now, and has even used to service to rally fans around random causes, like his war against Imax.
- Aubrey Plaza: Aubrey Plaza has been performing comedy for a while at venues like the Upright Citizens Brigade Theater, but it’s her role on “Parks and Recreation” that’s brought her a new level of exposure. Her Twitter feed is a repository of jokes, interesting links, and news about her appearances.
- Seth Meyers: Seth Meyers has been with “Saturday Night Live” since 2001, and is currently the head writer and anchor of “Weekend Update.” His feed is simple but witty, and a welcome source of his humor when the show is in reruns.
- Jimmy Fallon: Former “SNL” star and current host of “Late Night,” Jimmy Fallon has always been a proponent of Twitter, even going so far as to use it to get questions for interviews and jokes for the monologue. Following his feed is like getting to interact with the show.
- Dave Holmes: Actor and comedian Dave Holmes has appeared in practically everything, and his tweets offer a hilarious look at the occasionally surreal L.A. life of a comic.
- Paul Scheer: A regular face on “Funny or Die Presents,” Paul Scheer of “Human Giant” performs regularly when he’s not appearing in films and TV series.
- Rob Corddry: Former “Daily Show” correspondent and current “Children’s Hospital” star Rob Corddry is a prolific tweeter, and he tweets jokes as much as he replies or retweets.
- Todd Barry: Todd Barry is soft-spoken but packs a razor-sharp wit. He’s also one of the comedians who will actually reply to you if you tag him in a tweet, which has to be worth something.
- Mike Birbiglia: Mike Birbiglia’s comedy is all about his personal life, from his random childhood to his bouts of sleepwalking. He’s another frequent tweeter who interacts with his fans, which makes his Twitter feed a great resource for those who can’t see him live.
- Louis C.K.: Often — well, almost always — rough around the edges, Louis C.K.’s Twitter feed is a must for fans of the brash comedian, currently starring in his own series on FX.
- Stephen Fry: British comic presence Stephen Fry tweets about a variety of things, from pics he’s taken to things he’s reading at the time. Though he uses the feed (like all comics) to promote his material, it never feels overly commercialized.
- Chris Hardwick: G4 personality Chris Hardwick tours a lot, performing solo stand-up and as part of the comedy duo Hard ‘n’ Phirm. He’s one of the more popular comedians on Twitter, with more than 1.3 million followers as of August 2010.
- Eddie Izzard: Of course, Eddie Izzard is even more popular than Hardwick: More than 1.6 million people follow the British comedian, who tweets news headlines, smart opinion, and everything else going on in his world.
- Miles Kahn: Miles Kahn is a writer and producer for “The Daily Show,” and his posts are consistently entertaining.
- Brian Posehn: One of the participants in the Comedians of Comedy, Brian Posehn tweets about life as a touring comic as well as series and movies he’s enjoying. An avowed metalhead and down-to-earth guy, Posehn’s one of the better comedians when it comes to chatting with fans.
- Dave Hill: Dave Hill has appeared on multiple networks and contributes to a variety of online outlets, including Salon and the Huffington Post. He’s based in New York City and is one of the more frequent tweeting comedians.
- Michael Showalter: Michael Showalter’s tweets are examples of the wry humor he’s been perfecting on stage and screen for decades now. He regularly tweets at other comics and friends, so it’s like being in on weirdly specific conversation.
- David Wain: Another comedian who got his start with the State, the troupe that featured Showalter, Black, and others on this list, David Wain is always busy with a project or concert of some kind, all of which are helpfully rounded up in his feed.
- Thomas Lennon: Thomas Lennon, star of “Reno 911!,” mostly tweets about his social life and upcoming gigs, as well as links to video projects and more. Always funny.
Should news organizations make campaign contributions? Isn’t it enough that they refuse to ask follow-up questions?
Stephen Colbert
StephenAtHome
“North Korea threatens South Korea.” Gee, that doesn’t sound like the North Korea I know.
Jim Gaffigan
JimGaffigan
The FDA egg recall has hit a total of 380 million eggs. I can’t wait till they find the tired, evil hen that did this.
Conan O’Brien
ConanOBrien
Just learned that Tallahassee is an old Seminole word meaning, “Trailer park.”
Michael Ian Black
michaelianblack
I hope the House Committee on Un-American Activities looks into Obama being Muslim & if he’s guilty, sends him back to Russia!
Eugene Mirman
EugeneMirman
“pokemon” on NPR’s to do list must have come before “friendster” and just after “confirm every cliche about NPR”
hodgman
hodgman
Just a matter of time before the U.S. is liquidated by international margin calls. And there’s a PIRHANA sequel in the works!
Patton Oswalt
pattonoswalt
Hey, stupid spinning class, is blasting Fleetwood Mac’s “Hold Me” pumping ANYONE up? You’re just cranking your “Totally Random” playlist.
Paul F. Tompkins
PFTompkins
“Carrion” is probably my favorite word that sounds like a posh man’s name but actually means “dead animal meat bits.”
rob delaney
robdelaney
At a roadside diner outside Tulsa with two separate couples both looking like they’re about to recreate the opening of Pulp Fiction.
Kyle Kinane
kylekinane
I wanted my haircut to say “supersmooth karatebadass” but I think it says “rollerblader”
Rob Huebel
robhuebel
Damn I wish Hermes made edible snacks, Cheezits just ain’t dope enough for my mouth. #PredictingKanyeTweets @kanyewest
Aziz Ansari
azizansari
realemailfrommylandlord:”I found a necklace. It looks like it belongs to someone in a satanic cult so I left it on your screen door handle.”
Aubrey Plaza
evilhag
Saying leaked docs may hurt war effort is like saying straight D’s may hurt effort to attend Harvard.
Seth Meyers
sethmeyers21
MTV launched an online “Jersey Shore” video game. It’s the only online game that’s GUARANTEED to give your computer a virus. #FallonMono
jimmy fallon
jimmyfallon
.
Some 9-year-old girls made costumes out of oily rags they found in the garage and they’ve choreographed a…wait, no, it’s Ke$ha on Today.
dave holmes
DaveHolmes
Whenever I’m at a crossroads, I ask myself, “What Would Wesley Snipes do?” Then I buy a gun and don’t pay my taxes.
Paul Scheer
paulscheer
It’s finally over for Frankie Muniz, right? We can put that behind us?
rob corddry
robcorddry
Not sure if there’s an award for “hottest woman seen eating Chicken McNuggets on a train,” but I think I have a nominee.
Todd Barry
toddbarry
guilty pleasure: my favorite rock and roll bassist is mike huckabee.
Mike Birbiglia
birbigs
i have kissed exactly one man on the lips
Louis C.K.
louisck
That was a long day. Rather hoarse. I believe vodka and soda is a cure for that. Let’s find out.
Stephen Fry
stephenfry
I’m going to start wearing more low cut shirts. I think it would really help my career if I had more “accidental” nip-slips.
Chris Hardwick
nerdist
A friend of mine sent me this about human behavior in the work place http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6XAPnuFjJc&feature=player_embedded
Eddie Izzard
eddieizzard
I’m doing Atkins and Weight Watchers simultaneously. I want to see how long it will take until my liver explodes.
mileskahn
mileskahn
Dear guy that screamed “awesome” during the climax of the Expendables, thanks for speaking for the entire theater.
Brian Posehn
thebrianposehn
Just woke up from a nap. In a closet of some sort. Smells like damp cardboard and cleanser mostly. Hear footsteps!
Dave Hill
mrdavehill
Why does Dr Oz wear scrubs on his show? Is he squeezing in an episode between surgeries?
Michael Showalter
mshowalter
Yet another glamourous Hollywood night eating a burrito from a truck alone in hotel room on toilet. Gotta clean the beans off my keyboard.
David Wain
davidwain
If you run into me today, and we make eye contact: I consider that grounds for a dance-fight. You have been dance-warned.
Thomas Lennon
thomaslennon
Top 10 Interview Etiquette Tips
Interviews are similar to first dates – intimate, intimidating and generally uncomfortable. Even some of the most confident, smooth-talking people get sweaty palms and tongue-tied during interviews. Nerves are one thing, but tardiness, bad manners and distracting behavior are completely avoidable. Just like it’s rude to put your elbows on the dinner table and swear in front of a lady, the same kind of etiquette should be followed during an interview. In order to make the best possible impression and let your qualities shine through, you’ll want to follow these top 10 interview etiquette tips to seal the deal:
- Be early
Arriving 10-15 minutes before your interview demonstrates punctuality and responsibility. It also shows that you take the interview seriously and value the interviewer’s time. Being early is always better than being late, but be sure to give the interviewer enough time to prepare and don’t catch them off guard with your presence.
- Use a firm handshake
A handshake is commonplace before and after an interview. Shaking the hand of you interviewer is both polite and respectful, but it also shows confidence and openness to the interviewer. With that being said, a flimsy, weak handshake can send the wrong message and make you seem nervous or unprepared. If you’re worried about the grip, strength and overall feel of your handshake, practice beforehand with a friend or family member who can adjust your shake.
- Dress accordingly
Dressing for an interview can be tricky if you don’t know what the normal dress is for employees and really depends on the company, occupation and formality of the interview. To be on the safe side, it’s advised that you wear semi-formal business attire because it’s better to be a little overdressed than underdressed in an interview. As a rule of thumb, you shouldn’t wear jeans, flip flops or any other casual wear to an interview, unless noted. In addition, avoid distracting clothes, jewelry, hairstyles or makeup that will detract from you and your job qualities.
- Turn off your cell phone
If your cell phone goes off in the middle of an interview, you can pretty much kiss the job goodbye. Not only is this incredibly rude, but it may ruin what could have been a good interview. Even if you say you’re waiting on an emergency call and try to sugarcoat it, the interviewer may not approve and you could lose a potential job offer. When in doubt, always silence or turn off your cell phone – you can survive without it for 30 minutes.
- Make good eye contact
Eye contact is one of the most basic and telling nonverbal communication signals that take place in an interview. Making good eye contact with the interviewer shows your attentiveness and interest in the conversation taking place. Whereas, wandering eyes or poor eye contact make you seem disinterested or uncomfortable in what is being talked about.
- Tone down your nervous habits
You may pop your knuckles, twirl your hair and bite your nails when you’re nervous, but these fidgety gestures can be overly distracting in an interview. You don’t want the focus to be taken off of you and directed towards your bitten pen or shaking leg. To ease your nerves, take deep breaths and relax your body so you won’t feel anxious and revert back to your bad habits.
- Don’t chew gum
Bottom line – chewing gum during an interview is unprofessional and shouldn’t be done. If you’re chewing loudly, smacking your gum and blowing bubbles, that’s all the interviewer will be able to focus on because it’s incredibly distracting and bothersome in a serious scenario. If you need to freshen your breath, have a mint or use mouthwash before the interview.
- Say your please and thank yous
Good manners are always a plus in an interview. If the secretary or interviewer asks if you want a drink, always respond with a please and thank you. When the interview is over, be sure to thank the interviewer for his or her time and giving you the opportunity to interview. You can never say thank you enough.
- Think before you speak
Even if the interview is relaxed and takes a humorous turn, don’t slip up by telling jokes, talking about religion or politics or using profanity during an interview. You may be tempted to impress or say something memorable, but it’s best to act professionally the entire time and think before you speak. You don’t want an offensive joke to be the only thing they remember from your interview and risk losing a great job opportunity.
- Send a thank-you card
Immediately following the interview, you should send a handwritten thank-you card or e-mail to show your gratitude. Not only is this a polite thing to do, but it also gives you an opportunity to remind the interviewer of who you, what position you’re interested in and what you talked about during the interview. This will help you stand out in their memory and possibly give you a leg up in the job standing.
10 Ways to Earn Fast Money
Whether you’re broke as a joke or just want some extra spending money, there are several ways to get paid without putting your internal organs on the black market. Here are 10 tried-and-true ways to earn fast money:
- Sell Clothes
A quick way to earn money is to sell your gently-used clothes, shoes and accessories to resale shops that will give you money for the items they want. Depending on the brand, condition and style of your items, you may only get 50 cents for one shirt and $5 for another. Either way, you’ll make enough to buy dinner and free up some space in your closet. - Donate Plasma
Donating plasma is an easy way to make some great money every month. For every donation, you can expect to receive $20 on average. Some places will let you donate twice a week and give more money each time you donate. If you’re healthy, have two hours of your day to spare and not afraid of needles, donating plasma may be your best bet. - Freelance
If you’ve got the time and determination to find work opportunities, freelancing can be a very lucrative endeavor. Freelancing isn’t limited to writing, editing or publishing either, there’s also computer programming, web design, consulting and graphic design opportunities on the web. If you’re talented in the field and able to meet strict deadlines, freelancing is a option worth exploring. - Sell Stuff Online
Craigslist, Ebay and other online marketplaces allow you to sell your belongings at your asking price. You are responsible for setting up an ad, describing the items and providing contact information. From furniture, books to workout equipment, your stuff can sell very quickly and you’ll be surprised how much some people are willing to spend on your junk. - Pet Sit
Pet sitting your neighbor’s cat, dog, bird or hamster is not only easy to do, but you’ll also earn some serious dough in the process. If not already instructed to do so, offer to pick up the newspapers, take out the trash and get the mail as an added incentive to pay you more. Once you get in good with one neighbor, they’ll pass on your name to other pet owners. - Clean Houses
Starting a cleaning service is a guaranteed way to make fast money because everyone has to clean their house, but most people would rather someone else do it for them. In order to keep people from hiring a professional maid service, you may have to drop the price or throw in some bonus services, such as doing laundry, organizing closets or polishing hardwood floors. - Babysit
If you have childcare experience and like kids, babysitting is a great way to make some fast cash. Today’s babysitters can make upwards of $10 an hour or more to watch kids on a weekend night. Babysitting can be tiring, but at least you’ll be leaving the house with immediate pay-off. - Cash in Your Change
Take your dusty piggy bank to the bank or a coin counting machine to turn your loose change into dollar bills. Turning your coins into cash may cost a small processing fee, but either way you’ll be happy to have cash and not just 800 pennies sitting around. - Rent Out Your Space
Is your roommate moving out for the summer or do you have an empty room in your new house? If you’ve got a vacant bedroom, study or basement, rent out the space to a college kid or someone who needs a place to stay immediately. You can determine if you want to charge a flat fee or calculate bills into the rent, but first make sure they have a job and can afford to stay at your house before renting out a space. - Return Past Purchases
If you’ve been having buyer’s remorse for getting that designer purse or splurging on a flat-screen TV, now is your chance to return those items and get your money back. Depending on the store return policy, as long as you have the receipt, the price tags are still attached and it doesn’t show any wear, you should receive a full refund that will go back into your pocket.
10 Ways to Alleviate Road Rage
Even the most docile of people seem to experience fits of rage on the roadway. And who can blame them? As a commuter, you know that other drivers are what come between you and arriving to your destination in a timely matter – at least to an extent. Even when you’re not in a hurry, they seem to exist only to make your commute miserable. But allowing road rage to get the best of you won’t solve your problems. A few changes in your behavior will do wonders toward improving your mood. If you dread embarking on your daily journey because of the unpleasantness you experience on the road, read through the 10 ways to alleviate road rage and turn a new leaf.
- Watch the traffic report
In your haste to get out of bed and into your car, you may neglect the preparation that would make your commute less stressful. Watch your local traffic report or check it online, and if your route is occupied by traffic, find an alternate route on which you won’t get stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic. It’s better to spend 30 seconds researching each morning or afternoon than 30 extra minutes in traffic.
- Explore alternate routes
If your normal route is too congested, consider taking an alternate route. Even if it doesn’t shorten your commute, you may benefit from the change in your routine. By taking side streets, you’ll stay busy driving while experiencing new scenery. You’ll remain focused on what you’re doing and not the little inconveniences that make your day more difficult.
- Adjust your work hours
If your workplace is lenient about your work hours, avoid the 9-to-5 schedule in which everybody else in your town works and try a 10-to-6 routine. Or if you’re a morning person, arrive before eight. According to a survey from INRIX in 2008, the worst traffic day is Friday, the worst weekday commute is Friday evening, the worst commuting hour is Friday at 5 to 6 p.m. and the worst morning commute is on Wednesday. Daily adjustments can be made to accommodate the particularly bad times.
- Manage your time
Waking up an hour before work when you have an hour commute? Perhaps the snooze button is equally responsible for your morning rush as rush hour traffic. Don’t work yourself into a tizzy by allotting too few minutes for your daily routine. When driving to work, always allow yourself the average time of your commute plus several extra minutes just in case. A more relaxed and road rage-free commute will enhance your day immeasurably.
- Value your sleep
Bad driving and crankiness can be direct results of sleepiness. Numerous surveys undertaken in the past have indicated that sleep deprivation has caused tens of thousands of accidents each year. So when someone carelessly veers into your lane, keep in mind they’re also tired. There’s no need to overreact because of one mistake – crankiness can be conquered with rest and a little bit of empathy.
- Do unto others
Allow the car ahead of you to merge. Don’t tailgate. Don’t cut people off or weave in and out of traffic. If other drivers abided by those rules, your commute would be more pleasant. So why not do your part to reduce the problem? Behave as if you’re dealing with people in a grocery store, shopping mall or restaurant, and treat them with respect. When you make a mistake, acknowledge it and eat your slice of humble pie (not literally).
- Focus
Multitasking is a big no-no when driving not only because it’s a safety risk, but also because it’s a source of frustration. Annoyances like rambunctious and fussy children, spilled food, and incessant incoming calls negatively affect your mood. Find something to occupy the time of your children and eat at home. And don’t text or talk on the phone until you’ve arrived at your destination.
- Expect the unexpected
In other words, drive defensively. Don’t be caught off-guard by other people’s erratic driving – it’s a given. According to the National Safety Council, almost 70 percent of car accidents are a result of driver error. In order to avoid a collision or the anger that comes with being put in danger by other drivers, remain alert to your surroundings on the road, and react to the car and not the driver.
- Establish a comfortable environment
Make sure your seat is in the most comfortable position. Adjust your mirrors so that you don’t have to strain to see what’s behind or to the side of your car. Listen to your favorite tunes. Adjust the air conditioner or heater to a pleasant temperature. Sip on your favorite non-alcoholic beverage. If you’re on a long trip, open the windows, breathe in the fresh air and allow for the wind to comb through your hair. Practice healthy breathing techniques. When you’re in a good mood, you’ll be less likely to fly off the handle.
- Maintain your vehicle
The poor performance of your vehicle may also be feeding your frustration. For example, if you can’t accelerate to the speed of traffic when merging onto the freeway, your car’s transmission may be deteriorating. It’s never fun to be the car that everyone else is dodging. Problems inside your car, like a weak air conditioner, may also be causing you to be more irritable. Keep your car in tip-top shape and your commute will be easier.
10 Dangerous Photography Jobs
Photography can be a case of life or death. It may sound absurd, but professional photographers often go to great lengths and compromise their safety in order to get the perfect picture. Whether it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to photograph Mount Everest or a mission to cover the Iraq war, many photographers risk their lives just to do their job. Here are 10 dangerous photography jobs:
- Extreme Weather Photography
Extreme weather photographers aren’t storm chasers, but they do have an eye for photographing hurricanes, tornados, thunderstorms and other severe weather in their most vulnerable state. As you can imagine, this job is nothing short of extreme. Extreme weather photographers have to get close to the storm when everyone else is running from it, which puts them at risk for injuries and often death. - BASE Jumping & Skydiving Photography
Seeing the world from a bird’s eye view is the daily job of a BASE jumping and skydiving photographer.
Although BASE jumping and skydiving have been perfected in many ways, there is still a considerable amount of danger involved in the process. For each jump, these photographers are responsible for taking pictures and sometimes shooting video of the person jumping, while making sure their parachute opens and they land safely as well. This type of aerial photography takes serious skills and a great deal of experience parachuting. - War Photography
War photographers are literally at the forefront of conflict and life in war-torn areas, and have the most dangerous mission of all photographers by far. In order to capture quality photos that accurately report what’s happening, war photographers have to get close to the action and risk their lives for the sake of their job. They are frequently in danger of being captured, injured or killed while taking pictures of battle and events that need to be reported. - Travel Photography
Travel photographers are sent all over the world to photograph breathtaking beaches, gorgeous mountain ranges and ancient lands that are destination hotspots. While the majority of travel photographers’ destinations are beautiful and safe, some are dangerous. International travel can be dangerous for photographers visiting war-torn and conflict areas, as well as places with limited civilization and few visitors. - Wildlife Photography
Wildlife photographers not only get to travel to amazing places, but they also get to photograph nature’s most fascinating creatures. But, getting up close and personal with wild animals does have its dangers. Wildlife photographers risk being chased, attacked and killed by animals, in addition to getting infections and contracting diseases while in the wilderness. - Photojournalist
Photojournalists are reporters who tell a story through photographs. They are often sent to cover car accidents, fires, natural disasters and other catastrophes, such as 9/11 and the Oklahoma City bombing. In order to get the best and most compelling photographs possible, photojournalists have to get close to the action taking place. In doing so, they run the risk of getting injured or killed while trying to get their pictures, and are often psychologically damaged by the horrific things they witness. - Underwater Photography
Underwater photographers go to great depths to capture animals, plants and other marine life in their rarest form. Considered one of the most difficult yet exciting fields of photography, underwater photographers have to overcome a number of challenges and dangers while scuba diving, snorkeling and swimming. They may encounter heavy currents, tidal flow and poor visibility, which could cause photographers to get hurt or damage their scuba equipment. In rare instances, underwater photographers may get stung, bitten or hurt by animals while taking pictures. - Sports Photography
Just like athletics, sports photography involves speed, accuracy and thinking ahead. Although most sports photographers are positioned on the sidelines, they aren’t always out of harm’s way. With their attention focused on the action, photographers may not have enough time to react to a 250-pound receiver running straight toward them or a line drive to the head. Unexpected injuries or deaths can happen in any sports game, and sports photographers are no exception. - Paparazzi
The paparazzi is known for hounding their subjects and sometimes putting them in danger, but they also risk their own safety by going to great lengths to get photographs of celebrities, athletes, politicians and other high-profile figures. Paparazzi have gotten killed or injured in car accidents from racing to take pictures, as well as assaulted by the people in their photographs. - Adventure Photography
From whitewater rafting, sailing, rock climbing and surfing, action/adventure photography is both exciting and dangerous. In order to get top-notch pictures, action/adventure photographers have to be a part of the action just as much as their subjects. Depending on the activity and level of difficulty, action/adventure photographers have to prepare, train and know what to do in the event that they fall, injure themselves, get lost and other potential dangers.
10 Signs the Internet Rules Your Life
It’s impossible to imagine life without the internet. We’re not only dependent on it for utilitarian uses like research, bill-paying and shopping, but we also rely on it as a mode of entertainment. The internet brings us consistent pleasure like no other previous invention, excluding television. As a result, many people spend much of their days online, with their laptops firmly planted in their laps and eyes permanently fixed on the screens. According to a Harris Interactive poll that was released in December of 2009, the average internet user spends 13 hours online per week. And, of course, internet addicts spend many more hours online than the average person. If you think the internet may be ruling your life, read through the indicators listed below and diagnose yourself.
- You check Facebook, Twitter, and/or your email more than a dozen times per day
Sure, this pretty much applies to everyone nowadays, but then again, almost everyone is addicted to the internet. What are you really missing by not checking one of the aforementioned accounts after an hour? The messages will still be there two hours later, tomorrow and the next day. It’s a compulsive and pointless habit. - You’ve unsuccessfully attempted to limit your time on the internet
In an effort to broaden your horizons, spice up your life and try something new, you attempted to limit your time online per day. But you failed miserably after the first few days, and now spend more time on the internet than ever before. Your failure wasn’t because you didn’t have better things to do – it was because you endured physical discomfort without having the internet at your fingertips. - You experience withdrawals without the internet
Just like with commonly abused addictive substances like alcohol, drugs and tobacco, it’s possible to experience symptoms of withdrawal without the internet. In April of 2010, researchers from the University of Maryland released a study showing that students experienced craving, anxiety and the inability to function normally after 24 hours without all media. Of course, their lack of access to the internet through their laptops and phones was a major cause of frustration. - You’ve lied about the amount of time you spend on the internet
Have you minimized your browser before your boss loomed over your shoulder? Have you quickly shut your laptop before your significant other walked through the door? You normally shouldn’t be ashamed of the amount of time you spend online – unless, of course, you surf the web almost every moment of every day and it cuts into the rest of your life. - You can definitively say you’d be more successful by spending less time online
Without your dependency on the internet, you could’ve made the dean’s list several more times and graduated in four years instead of making the list just once and graduating in five years. You attribute your denied promotion or the lack of a raise to spending too much time online while at work. The internet has been the equalizer in your life – instead of fulfilling your above average potential, you’ve remained just average. - You neglect face-to-face social interaction
Skype is all the face-to-face social interaction you need. Perhaps your only consistent relationships are internet relationships – or in other words, with people who you’ve met online and rarely or never meet in person. Your previously existing real-life relationships have suffered because you’ve chosen to hang out online instead of hanging out with them. - You always bring your laptop
You bring your laptop to places that you don’t really need it so when the urge hits you, you can whip it out and connect to the nearest wireless hotspot. You go to social locations, like coffee shops, and communicate with people online when you could be communicating with them in person. Even during vacations, you spend time on the internet, when all of your time should be spent taking full advantage of the fun place you’re visiting. - You have thousands of posts on a message board
You have a lot to say and your favorite message board is where you say it. You’ve accumulated thousands of posts – the more you accumulate, the more respect you earn on the site – and made e-friends and e-enemies with fellow posters. You’ve even cultivated an e-personality that you convey with each post. While at work or hanging out with friends, you can’t stop thinking about the message board and even reference it on occasion. - You update your blog daily
Lots of people have blogs, but very few of them are actually active bloggers. If you’re one of the people who updates their blog daily during your free time – and not for work purposes – then you might be addicted to the internet. And the worst part is not that you’re wasting time that could be spent doing something more worthwhile, but you’re further polluting the internet with your insignificant opinions and mundane experiences – unless, of course, you actually add new information that people would find valuable. - You know all of the current memes and viral videos
You’re not familiar with just a few of the current memes and viral videos – because that would be pretty normal – but you know all of them. In late July of 2010, you were already tired of the inarticulateness of Basil Marceaux. You kept track of the appearances of Paul Yarrow and his beige sweater on BBC and Sky News. Perhaps you’ve even created your own marginally successful meme.
Top 10 Signs You’re a Perfectionist
In a society that values success over sanity, being a perfectionist is somewhat desirable. Yes, perfectionism may help you ace tests, get your dream job and receive praise, but whenever mistakes, rejection and criticisms start to happen, perfectionists take it much harder than the average person because failure is not acceptable in their eyes. Perfectionism also causes a never-ending cycle of disappointment, self-defeat and a fear of messing up. Perfectionism is a learned behavior that can start as a young, straight A student, who never colors outside of the lines, or as an accomplished adult, who goes out of their way to never make mistakes. Check out these top 10 signs to see if you’re a perfectionist:
- You are never totally satisfied with your efforts or accomplishments
No matter how hard you try and how many goals you achieve, your accomplishments are never quite good enough. You believe that success and personal worth is measured by achieving your goals, avoiding mistakes and receiving approval from others. This all-or-nothing thinking and overemphasis on what you could have done better is a vicious cycle of self-defeating thoughts and behaviors. - You cannot accept making mistakes
You do not see mistakes as a learning process, but instead a sign of failure and disappointment. Unlike most people who learn from their mistakes and move on, perfectionists will beat themselves over each slipup and try so hard to avoid making mistakes, without learning or growing from the experience. - You think your way is the only right way
When it comes to doing something, there’s only way to do it — your way. Whether it’s about mastering a recipe or believing in a certain theory, you have trouble accepting other ways of doing things or different thought processes because you think yours is the best. This my-way-or-the-highway mentality does not bode well among friends, family and coworkers and often causes disagreements, arguments and broken relationships. As a perfectionist, you’ve worked hard to master certain tasks and processes that you consider perfect, and when people don’t do things your way it kills you. - Being average is not an option for you
Your never-ending efforts to be the perfect employee, student or athlete sometimes fall short of just average. Being average is not only unacceptable to you, but it also indicates that you did not give enough effort and failed to be the best. - You have to be in control
You’d rather do things yourself then rely on others, who will undoubtedly mess up in your eyes. Being in control gives you a sense of security and peace of mind, knowing that you the hold the reins and control the outcome. - You fear failure or disapproval from others
As if you weren’t hard enough on yourself, you go to great lengths to prevent failure and avoid criticism. Allowing people to see your flaws or mistakes is terrifying because you think they will no longer accept you and consider you a failure. In order to prevent criticism or rejection, you strive to be perfect and not slip up. - You tell others what they are doing wrong
Perfectionism does not end with you. You want others to give more effort and correct their shortcomings, as well. Whether it’s a mate, friend, parent or store clerk, you have high, often unrealistic expectations for these individuals, and don’t hold back telling them when they are doing something wrong. While your intentions may be good and you’re genuinely trying to help, people generally don’t like to be told what they do wrong or hear criticism on a regular basis. - You procrastinate on assignments and tasks until they’re perfect
In your unwavering attempts to make sure all work, school and household tasks are done just right, you may end up procrastinating, missing deadlines and performing poorly in the process. You may rewrite an essay, start over on an assignment that’s almost done or throw away a meal you didn’t find good enough. Because of this obsession with perfection, important assignments and responsibilities either don’t get done or are pushed back because of your dissatisfaction with the outcome. - You are extremely competitive
You find yourself participating in games, contests, races and any activity that involves competition because you want to show off your skills and prove that you are the best. Unfortunately, you don’t understand or accept the concept of losing because you only win. Competitions usually just exacerbate the self-defeating behavior and thoughts when the outcome doesn’t go your way. - You are overly conscientious
Your need to be in control and feel secure in all areas of your life so that you don’t make mistakes and fall short of perfect. You do so by being overly conscientious of your productivity, grades and social acceptance and always preparing for the next step. You also go to great lengths to protect yourself from unexpected events, by monitoring news, weather and statistics. This false sense of security keeps you on your toes and evaluating your own efforts.
10 Themed Party Ideas for Good Times
There’s no shortage of parties during college. So every once in a while it’s fun to shake things up by adding a theme that’ll inspire a particular mood from the attendees. Themed parties give us opportunities to become caricatures, spending the night and wee hours of the morning pretending to be people we’re not, while having a blast in uniquely created and fun-filled environments. When else in your life will you be able to act a fool with minimal worry about the repercussions? Live it up and consider throwing one of the themed parties below. Whether you go the traditional route – toga party – or the modern route – Jersey Shore Party – you’ll be sure to have good times that’ll become interesting “remember when” discussions in the future.
- College Movie-Themed Party
Imitate a stereotypical college student from your favorite college-related movie. Elle Woods, Van Wilder, or even Michelle Flaherty – any of these characters would suffice. Now gather your friends and acquaintances, add some booze and watch the epicness ensue. What are the chances that Elle Woods and Van Wilder would hit it off?
- Jersey Shore Party
Guys – load up on hair gel and hair removal wax, pump some iron, lay in the tanning booth for several hours, find some tight jeans and a wife-beater, shine your gaudiest jewelry, and prepare to wear your designer sunglasses at all hours of the night. Gals – practice your fish-face smile (guidos should do this too), get as unnaturally tan as possible, stock up on fake nails, be liberal with your makeup, poof out your hair, sport only designer clothes and accessories, and get used to saying “hun” and “babe.” The end result will be a fist-pumping good time – just like summer on the Jersey Shore.
- Trashy Prom
Relive the worst aspects of your prom experience, add a hint of trashiness, and you’ll have the time of your life. Girls can wear loud-colored, weird-shaped and awkwardly revealing dresses. Guys can sport cut-off jeans, tacky bowties and MacGyver-esque mullets. Of course, you should bring a date and prom photos should be taken to forever capture the moment.
- ABC (Anything But Clothes) Party
Clothes are lame anyway, right? Tap into your creative side and shed your inhibitions by designing and wearing an outfit from odd materials. ABC partygoers have been known to fashion apparel out of duct tape, caution tape, magazines, saran wrap, beer boxes, foil and Band-Aids. Or you could just wear your birthday suit – that’ll make things interesting.
- Foam Party
A foam party requires renting a foam machine and finding a suitable location to handle its output. Once you’ve accomplished that, put on a bathing suit and enjoy the suds. The best part of this shindig is the element of mystery that’s involved. You just never know what’s going on beneath the foamy surface.
- Beach Party
If you don’t live near a beach, bring the beach to your dorm or apartment complex, preferably in the vicinity of a pool, sand volleyball court and barbecue grill. If you live in a house, purchase some sand and kiddie pools with the money you and your friends have budgeted for the party. Additionally, consider tossing in some beach balls, water guns and water balloons. You can make the party more unique by implementing subthemes: turn it into Margaritaville or a Luau.
- Vegas Party
Spare no expense when it comes to décor. Hang flashing lights, signs and anything else that would give your dorm or apartment an authentically gaudy Vegas feel. Dress as Elvis or a showgirl, gamble away some cash while playing poker, blackjack or dice, and partake in whatever debauchery that may occur. Remember, what happens at a Vegas party, stays at a Vegas party.
- Internationally-Themed Party
An internationally-themed party can be a fun change of pace. Arabian Nights parties, for example, have long been a favorite. Set up a tent, remove your furniture, toss in some rugs and pillows, burn incense and set up some oil lamps (away from the tent, obviously). Then give belly dancing a shot. Cinco de Mayo parties also qualify as internationally-themed parties.
- Decades-Themed Party
Most common among the decades-themed parties are ’80s parties, which entail big hair, mullets, short shorts, neon colors and acid-washed jeans. Also fun are ’70s parties, ’60s parties, ’50s parties and 20’s parties. Basically, if it was an eventful decade with lots of crazy fashions, then it’s worth being mocked in a party.
- Toga Party
“Animal House” set the standard for college fun and toga parties in particular. Although it may have become a bit cliché, don’t let that stop you from donning a laurel-wreath and plain white bed sheets. Plus you can always add your own spin to it. For example, throw a toga party from the future and incorporate styles and accessories from 3000 A.D.
10 Quiet Places to Study and Why
Trying to find a quiet, productive place to study can be a pain for students. Whether you live in a bustling city or have noisy roommates, studying is that much harder when you can’t fully concentrate. Sure you can put in your noise-canceling headphones and try your best to block out voices, but why suffer when there are several student-friendly atmospheres all around you, where the coffee flows and quiet is preferred. Here are 10 quiet places to study and why:
- Library
Libraries are by far the quietest places to study because they enforce rules that keep it a quiet, manageable setting. Many public and university libraries are geared with study carrels, study rooms and stacks with reference books and texts for all of your academic needs. - Bookstore
With all the reading going on, bookstores typically stay as quiet as libraries, minus the coffee grinders, chatty cashiers or faint music in the background. Bookstores have serious studying potential with various books and resources at your fingertips, as well as comfy chairs, cafes, late hours and the occasional free Wi-Fi connection. - Cafe
Cafes are another solid place to study, while getting your caffeine fix during the wee hours of the night. Of course some cafes are louder than others and you may get distracted as people come in and out of the shop, but if you can study with a little background noise you’ll be just fine. Also, many cafes now offer free Wi-Fi, which makes it an even more convenient and student-centered atmosphere. - Park
Not only are parks inspirational and reflective places to be, but they are also quiet and peaceful places to study. Bring a blanket and set up shop under a shaded tree, or on a comfortable park bench. - Beach
If you’re lucky enough to live by a beach, you should take advantage of the quiet, soothing sound of waves crashing and seagulls chirping in the distance. This relaxing setting is ideal for students who want to be outside, but have plenty of stimulating noises and sights to keep them going. - Backyard/Balcony
Find some shade, pull up a chair and table, and you’ve got an outdoor study center in your backyard. As long as there are no loud neighbors or construction going on, you should be able to find peace and quiet and get some fresh air while studying in your backyard. - Bedroom
The bedroom can be a suitable place to study, if you’re able to resist the distractions all around you. If so, try sitting at a desk or chair, and avoid laying down in your bed because being too comfortable could cause you to fall asleep. - Car/Bus/Train
Studying in your mode of transportation is a good way to make the most of your time. If you’re cramming before an exam, your car can serve as a barrier to outside noises. The same thing can be said for studying during a quiet train or bus ride, when passengers are typically reading, sleeping or talking quietly. - Late Night Diner
Late night diners are another quiet place to study till the sun comes up. You also have an unlimited supply of coffee and food if you need a boost of energy. Keep in mind, diners will be more study-friendly on the weekdays than on Saturday nights. - Museum
Take a seat and study among beautiful artwork in a well-lit and quiet museum. Whenever you need a break or dose of inspiration, take a stroll through the museum and enjoy the masterpieces that surround you. The key is to find museums with free admission or student discounts, so you don’t have to plunk down a lot of money to enter.
10 iPhone Applications for Homework Assignments
With the rise of technology and the almighty iPhone, today’s students have an abundance of tutorials, study guides and resources on their phone to help with virtually every homework assignment. With so many handy applications at their fingertips, students can research, define and compute in half the time it takes to look up the answer in a textbook. Technology may keep changing the face of education, but one thing’s for sure � wherever there’s a shortcut to homework, students will use it. Here are 10 iPhone applications for homework assignments:
- Math Pro
Math Pro is the ultimate application for students studying upper-level math subjects, such as algebra I and II, geometry, statistics, trigonometry and calculus. Math Pro has calculators, charts and formulas for quick and convenient computing, as well as easy-to-follow steps and explanations to guide you through each problem. - Dictionary.com
Don’t let writer’s block or an unfamiliar word throw off your concentration. Let Dictionary.com find the definitions to at least 1 million words and 90,000 synonyms and antonyms, so you can enhance your vocabulary, understand your readings and find the perfect word for your essay and homework assignments. Dictionary.com also has audio pronunciations, commonly used phrases and featured word of the day. - Convert
Give your brain a break with Convert, a handy unit converter and calculator application that lets you convert, compute and copy and paste in one swoop. This convenient tool is perfect for students studying math, chemistry, physics and any subject that requires conversions. - National Geographic World Atlas
With the National Geographic World Atlas application, you’ve really got the whole world in your hands. This convenient app is packed with high-resolution images and fine details that can be zoomed in and out to see, as well as facts and geographic data for various locations. Students of all ages and education levels can benefit from using this reference tool for understanding geography, cartography and having a frame of reference. - CliffsNotes
CliffsNotes has long been a student’s go-to guide for understanding novels and writing essays, and the CliffNotes iPhone application provides its signature literary guides for more than 30 novels in a convenient, comprehensive format. English and reading students can find analyses and summaries for character, theme and plot, as well as interactive study guides and quizzes to test your knowledge of the readings. - iFlipr
Save the note cards and use iFlipr to create and share digital flashcards. iFlipr allows you to design and personalize your flashcards, as well as embed html like Quicktime sounds, Flickr images and Youtube videos straight from your personal computer. You can study any and all subjects on this versatile application that makes studying a breeze. - AllTheCountries Pro
Whether you want to know the current ruler Kuwait, the literacy rate of Chile or the history of the China, AllTheCountries Pro gives you a wide array of information for nearly 200 countries. This application is a comprehensive reference tool for students studying world history and geography, and is incredibly useful for obtaining statistics to be used in school projects and essays. - iTranslate Plus
Enhance your foreign language skills and learn words and phrases from more than 52 languages with iTranslate Plus. This free app has several cool features like text-to-speech, which translates words by voice, and the ability to share translations by e-mail or Twitter. - AWC-Essential Essays
Achievers Writing Center is a comprehensive application for students who need help writing a variety of essays. This full-service writing center app includes a live personal writing assistant to answer questions, proofread and edit your essay, as well as a free online subscription to The Learning Accelerator, an online writing platform that assists in writing 50 different types of papers. - Periodic
The periodic table of elements has never been handier or looked cooler, than having it on your iPhone. Periodic is an easy-to-use, comprehensive application with full access to each elements and its atomic weight, group, boiling and melting points, atomic radius and other interesting data. Students of all ages and majors can use this oh-so portable reference tool for homework assignments and studying.
