The World Series

Although we lost in the world series, I still had the fortune of going to game 4 and taking photos! Here are a few shots that I got from the game!

Sustainability Day

Here is a shot from the sustainability day fair at the bell tower!

A piece on the film, Booted

Here is a piece from the news about the film that I am in! Check it out and help spread the word about, Booted!

Where’s OwlAaron?

Hello everyone, sorry it has been such a long time since I have updated. This was brought to my attention when there was an article in the Temple News asking where the updates have been. Well, here I am!

Here are a few things that I have been doing with my time. (pictures to follow in a post soon)

1. I am playing the role of a homeless person in a film called “Booted” that is being filmed in Philadelphia. The film was written by Derek Lindeman and is being directed by Shaun Paul Costello. It stars Greg Bell, Alan Ruck, and Marc Summers (to name a few).

2. I have been shooting and editing photography for the Philadelphia Eagles. I nearly got trampled by Donovan McNabb on his way back to the locker room last game! (cool!)

3. I have been leading the comedy club that Nicole Eckenroad and I started on campus last year. We have lots of new members and are looking forward to bringing back the NCCC for 2010!

4. I will be performing stand-up this friday at the Cherry and White Ball for Temple’s Homecoming!

Keep tuned in for more updates (soon)

-Owl Aaron

My awesome new job!

I now have a weekend job. I am working for the Philadelphia Eagles editing photos to go on their website. It’s really fun and I get to stand on the sideline and take photos when I am not in the photo-room editing the photographer’s shots! Here is a photo that I took of Michael Vick.

Late Night!

Check me out on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon!

 

http://www.latenightwithjimmyfallon.com/video/clips/submitted-by-aaronm314/1147248/

Los Angeles for Vacation

Hey everyone! 

This week I am in Los Angeles for vacation. I am visiting my cousins. They are awesome! My cousin Maya is a novelist and her husband Nate is a screen writer. They are showing me around and it is a lot of fun! Pictures when I return.

For now, check out my cousin’s awesome website! She is going to be famous this time next year, so you can say you heard about her before she was famous! www.mayasloan.com 

Take care!

College Shopping

Getting ready for freshman year can be very exciting, but it can also be quite expensive. I recently checked out the Bed Bath & Beyond college shopping list. Here are my thoughts on what you actually need from the list and what is a waste of your money.  I may not be the most knowledgeable home-goods consultant, but I am a college student and I survived my freshman year back in 2007-2008.

Out of curiosity, I started adding all of the recommended items to the online shopping cart to see how much one would spend if they were to actually buy everything on the list.  When searching for the items, I used the “best match” option and usually added the first item in the result list unless it was too expensive or it was not the item that I was searching for. (example: when I typed in “sheet set” the first result was a 1200 thread count sheet for over $300.00, I selected a more modest result for $30). The only rule was that I had to buy everything and if it was listed as a plural, I had to buy at least two of that item (except for something like “hangers” which are sold in multiples). The grand total: $4,847.21! 

KEY

GREEN: Get it!

RED: Don’t get it!

YELLOW: Depends

BLUE: Repeated item in list

 

Cookware: Unless you plan on using the communal kitchen everyday, you are probably fine without cookware for your freshman year dorm.

Dinnerware: I think one bowl, one plate, a mug, and a glass should do you just fine. You might want to invest in some dish soap and a sponge too!

Flatware and Utensils: I am not entirely sure why BBB has both listed, I think one set of (what I call) utensils will do you just fine (fork, knive, spoon). In terms of spatulas and wooden spoons (if that is what is meant by utensils), don’t get them!

Glassware: A glass should suffice.

Coffee Maker: To each there own I guess, but I would have to say no.

Toaster Oven: Really BBB?

Water Pitcher: Absolutely yes!

Storage Containers: Yes, but leftovers can be a dangerous thing. 

Can/Bottle Opener: Unless you eat canned foods, not necessary. Bottles can be opened with anything, Youtube bottle opening tricks!

Bag Clips: Man up and finish the bag of chips.

Water Bottle: If you are using less plastic water bottles, sure!

Travel Mug: You won’t have money to travel. Seriously though, this really isn’t necessary, just drink your coffee in a regular mug or pick it up on the way to class (unless you bought the coffee maker they recommend)

Lounge Chairs: Maybe lounge chair, but chairs? Even still, I say no. You won’t have nearly as much room as the BBB ads depict.

Ottoman: It’s called a dorm, not a resort. Put your feet up on the desk.

Floor Cushions: They are called pillows from your bed!

Toss Pillows: We’re in a recession! Once again, use your regular pillows…they toss just as nicely!=

Area Rug: Yes! This is something that really turns your cold dorm room into a nice space. Just talk to your roommate and make sure that only one person brings a rug.

Throw: Ummm…Use a blanket!

Window/Door Panels: I am not quite sure what they mean by this, but I am pretty sure that you should have door panels in place prior to arriving.

Tension Rod: Most dorms have curtains already.

Futon Cover: Haha! NO! (Interesting that BBB does not recommend a futon, but they do recommend a cover for one)

Furniture Cover: That is pretty generic, BBB! What kind of furniture? Regardless, I say it can go uncovered.

Frames: A picture frame or two can definitely be nice.

Posters/Wall Art: Don’t buy this stuff at BBB, get these at local poster shops. Build your collection over the year. You don’t want your dorm room to look like it is part of their catalogue.

Door Mirror: I find these difficult to hang on most doors, but a mirror is definitely something worth having.

Floor Lamp: This definitely helps transform the room from feeling like a fluorescent prison cell to more home-like.

MP3 Speakers: In general, your computer can serve as your media center.  A set of computer speakers could be good if your laptop speakers are weak.

MP3 Accessories: If you don’t have it already, you probably won’t need it.

Odor Eliminators: Febreze works as a room freshener, fabric freshener, and last second shower.

Room Fragrancers: Febreze works for this too!

Hand Vacuum and Sweeper Vacuum: One should be fine, you don’t need both. Usually there is someone in your hall who has one that you can borrow when you need it anyways.

Air Purifier: Open the window.

Humidifier: Unless you need it for medical reasons, absolutely unnecessary.

Fan: Depends. This is something that you can get once you are at school if you really need it.

Sheet Set: Yes! Check with the housing office to see if you need extra long sheets or regular. Usually you only need regular twin.

Bed Pillows: Bring the ones you already have at home, they are more comfortable anyways!

Pillow Protectors: Not a bad idea, but you can do without them if you don’t care about the pillow that much.

Comforter: Like most things, you probably already have it, but yes, this is necessary.

Fiberbed: If you need to look up the definition, you probably don’t need it.

Featherbed: See “Fiberbed”.

Mattress Pad: YES!!! Get a comfy one too! One of those egg crate toppers or if you have the extra money, a memory foam topper is great!

Mattress Protector: Trust me when I say this: you should not care about protecting the mattresses that you are provided with.

Blanket: I thought that was covered in comforter.

Down Comforter: What? How many blankets do you want me to buy, BBB?

Duvet Cover: I don’t think my parents even have one of these.

Backrest: Pillows work just fine for this.

Alarm Clock: Oh. God. Yes. (and don’t keep it next to your bed or you will sleep in by pressing snooze all the time)

Clock Radio: I think the alarm clock will do just fine. One or the other, don’t get both. But if you love NPR like I do and can’t live without Fresh Air with Terry Gross, make sure you get the clock radio.

Nightstand: Nope! Use the top of your dresser.

Aerobed Extra Bed: While this is not necessary, it does come in handy when you have guests over. Be advised, everyone on your floor will borrow this item from you.

Bed lifts: You can do without being 4 inches higher off the ground.

Desk: Usually provided

Computer Chair: A chair is usually provided

Desk Accessories: I say get a stapler, a tape dispenser, a 3-hole punch, some pencils, and some pens. Forget about those stylish sets that come with the blotters and the paper organizers, they are a waste of money.

Desk Lamp: This is definitely good for when you are trying to study and your roommate is trying to sleep.

Wastebasket: Yes. Just empty it at least once a month.

Paper Shredder: Hahahah! No!

Message Board: This is the stereotypical college item. Go for it! It’s like a right of passage.

Bookcase/Shelving: Neither, I say. You probably won’t have room for it anyways.

Light Bulbs: Yep! Get those compact fluorescent ones, they will last all year.

Surge Protector: This is good because you may have a ton of things to plug in. An electrical strip works too. I used a regular strip and my computer never “surged”.

Extension Cord: A good thing to have.

Laptop Accessories: Far to general of a suggestion, but again, if you don’t already have it, you probably won’t need it.

Laptop Lap Desk: It’s called a lap!

Laptop Sleeve: Worth having.

Charging Station: While these are cool, they are unnecessary.

Booklight: I used a headlamp! But a booklight may be good if you don’t go spelunking on the weekends.

Puck Lights: These are under cabinet lights. Not necessary.

Towels/Wash Cloths: Of course!

Shower Tote/Caddy: A must have for college, but don’t get one with all the compartments, just get a basic shower bucket.

Lotion Pump: ? No!

Soap Holder: Hands?

Toothbrush Holder: Yes, or just keep it in the shower caddy, but it may get a little shampooed up.

Over-The-Door Towel Rack: There will be towel racks in the bathroom.

Hair Dryer: If you must.

Electric Toothbrush: Use what you already use.

Tub Mat/ Bath Rug: If you have your own bathroom, these are good considerations, but if you have a floor bathroom, don’t get it.

Back Brush: I guess some people like this, I find it unnecessary.

Mesh Sponge: Yes, but only because I love the word “loofa” say it out loud, it will may you smile.

Shower Radio: No!

Robe and Slippers: This is good if you have a floor bathroom. I would pass on the slippers though, flip flops work just as well.

Vanity Mirror: I think most bathrooms have mirrors.

Curling Iron: My curls are natural!

Straightener: I really don’t know for this department. Most girls I know have straighteners and curling irons before going to college.

Shower Curtain/Liner:  Only if you have your own bathroom.

Bath Storage Tower: The floor works fine for storing things.

Underbed Boxes: Yes, this is good for old papers and miscellaneous items.

Storage Cart/Chest: This is good for random items.

Drawer Organizers: Save your money, this is one more completely unnecessary item.

Jewelry Organizers: Bring what you already have. Also girls, I wouldn’t bring your finest jewelry to college.

Over-The-Door Organizers: This unnecessary item may conflict with the unnecessary over-the-door mirror or the unnecessar over-the-door towel rack that BBB suggests you get.

Space Bags: Not needed if you have under the bed storage boxes. Not going to lie, at first when I read this, I thought this was some NASA type bag.

Storage cubes: What? No!

Storage Bins: How is this different from the under the bed stuff?

Storage Containers: Again, how is this different? Just get some stuff for storage, but it under your bed and don’t worry about what it is called.

Cap Organizer: For most people with two, three, or four hats, this is not needed.

Shoe/Garment Storage: The floor does a good job of holding my 2 pairs of sneakers and one pair of dress shoes. This may be different for people with tons of shoes.

Hangers: Absolutely yes!

Hooks: Nope!

Pop-Up Hamper: This or a laundry basket.

Laundry Basket: Not needed if you have the pop-up hamper.

Drying Rack: Not needed.

Iron and Ironing Board: I guess this goes without saying: This could be of use if you have lots of clothes that need to be ironed. But if it is just occasionally, there will be someone you can borrow this from! College is all about sharing!

Garment Steamer: It’s a dorm, not a hotel.

Step Stool: I guess if you got those unnecessary bed risers.

Storage Trunk: Stop with the different names for storage boxes!

Flashlight: Yes!

Batteries: Yes!

First-Aid Kit: But! Make your own! A few band-aids, some Motrin, and some Neosporin should do the trick. There’s no need to buy an entire kit. There is nothing in any first aid kit, short of a prescribed drug like epinephrine or nitroglycerin, that is going to mean the difference between life and death (and this is coming from someone who has worked on an ambulance since the age of 16)

 

Final thoughts: Don’t forget any prescribed drugs you may take, toilet paper, laundry detergent and quarters, and a pair of headphones (okay, I guess that is an MP3 accessory)

My Car!

So after a few years of driving my parent’s vehicles, I finally have a car of my own! I am so excited. It’s a 2006 Honda Civic! My friends named it “Civic” which is not very creative, but I can’t come up with anything better. I met someone who named their Honda, “wanda”, which is awesome, but I feel like that would be stealing if I were to take that name. I was thinking of “Jane Fonda the Honda” or  ”Yolanda”. What do you think? Name my car!

My New Place!

Hey everyone! I hope your summers are going well and if you are coming to Temple next year, I can’t wait to meet you. While I absolutely love Temple’s campus, I am going to be living off campus this year. In the past I lived in 1300 Cecil B. Moore (The best rez hall ever!!!!), but this year I will be living in Northern Liberties (about 1.5 miles from campus). And oh yeah! I got a car too! (Pics to follow)

Anyways, here is my new place!

My Bedroom

Kitchen/Living Room

Dining (We are gonna get placemats that fit eventually)

From living room to the bedroom

Thats all for now, check back soon for my annual awesome “Essentials for College! Your Ultimate Packing List”

 

GO OWLS