iim By Stephanie Trembath, Fashion Editor rainforest, but this week I am having trouble loving the moisture that hangs in the air thanks to muddy shoes, constantly damp clothing, and frizzy hair. Really, I could just grab an umbrella and all would be settled, but I am forever forgetting one and therefore wind up trudging outside sans hood with my bangs plastered to my forehead. Public transit is an extremely unpleasant adventure when it’s pouring outside, and SFU (seeing that it’s on a mountain) has been curtained in a heavy fog, while Douglas College is at least visible from the streets and a lot easier to get to. Given that it constantly rains until about March, and the Olympics are less than a month away which will make transiting around Vancouver all the more | ast week I was praising Vancouver for being a Cat in the hat frustrating, I have resigned myself to wearing runners to school every day and given up on fixing my hair; I see no point in wasting time on something that will be ruined within minutes when I could be getting more shut-eye. Many other university and college students think this way as well; Rana Steel of Douglas College says that she throws a toque on every morning before leaving for school; perfect for bad hair days and perfect for bad weather. Wearing a bright floral print shirt and comfy black sneakers, Rana wore her favorite black and white striped toque to Douglas College on Monday on her way to her Mandarin class. We should have paid more attention to Dr. Seuss when we were small: the Cat in the Hat always had a large chapeau on his head. Could it have been to prevent him from getting wet? Who knows? I’ll try the hat thing, but I’ll skip the green eggs and ham. ashion Relationships: keep them offline There’s enough drama in your life without Facebook helping out By Stephanie Trembath, Fashion Editor s I grow unfortunately older, I am realizing that I am lacking in many areas of knowledge; one of them being that of the male mind. I am completely clueless when it comes to discussions pertaining to baseball teams or Tiger Woods (well, I know plenty about Tiger’s personal life, but as far as golf goes, you got me). I don’t consider myself a girly girl, pink isn’t my favourite colour and I’ve never liked Valentine’s Day, but I regard the male psyche much the same way I regard Japanese; I have absolutely no idea how to speak the language nor do I care to learn. One of my best friends, whom I am going to refer to as Amber, is the complete opposite of me which is probably why I cling to her much like a Betty and Veronica duo. Amber can speak the language of boys quite fluently, joining in on hockey pools and impressing guys with her video gaming knowledge and skills. What’s more is that while she drinks beer and checks out other girls just like “one of the guys”, in the next instant she is able to turn into little miss Martha Stewart. A varied taste and ability to prepare delectable foods and host quaint little parties is among her talents, and her ability to whip up a tasty treat to cure a sour mood, or say just-the-right-thing in any given situation are two of her other favourable qualities that I myself have missed out on. Oh, and she is of course, good looking with a sporty and spirited personality that allows her to fit in at school, I have witnessed numerous people, including my confident friend Amber, fall to itty bitty pieces thanks to Facebook with all the gossip and pictures that pop up in the ever-so- helpful newsfeed. Just when you think that picture of you dancing with a sexy stranger at Caprice disappeared; someone will post it in an album and cause a rift in your relationship. It may be nothing more than innocent fun at the time, but once it’s posted on Facebook pictures like that are reminiscent of Lindsay Lohan and may ruin reputations. Oh, and that tiny little box with the tiny little red heart that pops up is also a hazard to the vulnerable eye. Checking off “in a relationship” and posting that red heart on your page “Facebook may be a brilliant networking tool, but it adds many means when you unnecessary troubles to current relationships.” work, or any other social situation. Wondering why I am telling you all this? Well, I myself am not able to cook worth a damn, nor can I charm a roomful of men with my intriguing stories and sports facts, so it is usually me who goes to Amber for advice and guidance in the relationship realm, with one very large exception— Facebook. I avoid adding, messaging and commenting on guys I am interested in, or guys I have dated in the past. Facebook may be a brilliant networking tool, but it adds many unnecessary troubles to current relationships. break up, you need to uncheck that box and post a heart with a slash across it. Showing that you are now currently single means you are opening your page to the dozens of posts inquiring about your break up, when really, discussing a break up is the last thing anyone wants to make public. Then there’s the friendly Facebook creep, everyone’s done it; stalking the ex of a person you are currently dating and comparing yourself to them and spending hours of quality studying time flicking through other peoples photo albums. Don’t even try to deny it—I have watched way too many of my friends, girls and guys alike, amuse and abuse themselves with a Facebook creeping session. While Facebook may be ideal to keep you connected to social networks and old friends, relationships should really be kept offline. With all the emotional drama that usually surrounds relationships at some point or another, there is no need to advertise your current status on the Internet, nor is there a need to compare yourself to an ex’s old or new flame. Isn’t that what magazines are for; comparing yourself to people you will never look like or be like anyways? And honestly, would you really want to see pictures of your partner at a bachelor party in a strip club? I wouldn’t, some things should really be left unsaid and unseen in a relationship; boys’ night should be kept strictly confidential as should a night out on the town with your girlfriend. Word to the wise: keep your relationships offline. There’s no need to update, post, and chat about your current partner on the Internet. If you’re bored and fancy a Facebook creeping session, read a book instead. I myself am currently reading a wide assortment of cookbooks and am considering learning Japanese. 11