February 12th, 2010 by scavengeinc
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If your Valentine’s Day is uneventful or just plain depressing – look forward to the day after. Not just because all of the cinnamon hearts and chocolates will be on sale, but because it’s Singles Awareness Day.
Buy yourself something nice – chocolate works, jewelry is okay, but a new motorcycle, car or boat is even better. Okay, maybe not. But get to the mall and pick up something better than what your attached friends got. Bragging rights will belong to you.
Go out for dinner on Singles Awareness Day. Call a bunch of friends and tell them your plans – everybody pays for their own dinner and drinks, there are no expectations and no rules. Gather single people as you travel to the restaurant, bar or club. Some people may even find themselves newly unattached after a less than stellar Valentine’s Day. They need some cheering up too!
Better yet, throw a party for all of your single friends. Not a meat market, but a true celebration of being single. Have everyone dress up as their favorite single character – Batman (he had a new woman every movie and let’s face it, nobody that secretive could stay in a relationship), Mother Theresa (any nun or priest for that matter) or Elmo (Bert has Ernie and the Cookie Monster has, well cookies of course – Elmo however, flies solo). The sky is the limit when you’re thinking about famous singles.
Or ask everyone to wear “Singles” clothes. That’s not to be confused with sexy, pick up outfits – we’re talking sweat pants, pajama tops and fresh, non-made up faces. Maybe then your friends will see how refreshing it actually is to be single. You can truly be yourself in every way.
Enjoy your relational status in a new way this year. Forgo the flowers and chocolates of Valentine’s and live up the single life on February 15th. Celebrate Singles Awareness Day. OK, don’t forgo the chocolates – that’s just too depressing.
February 11th, 2010 by scavengeinc
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Police in Australia have real bullets in their guns right? So why would other, obviously less intelligent police officers pull a prank on armed detectives? Doesn’t seem like the brightest idea – but then again this particular police force doesn’t have a stellar record.
In the Gold Coast region of Australia, a band a junior officers is being put through the ringer – from drug corruption to bribery. Also under investigation is the prank that took place in 2008, involving a pharmacy, a set of detectives on stake out and a few “robber” costumes.
It seems the costumed officers knew that the pharmacy was under surveillance. That knowledge prompted them to dress as bandits (masks and everything) and stage a fake robbery. It ended in a foot chase, a stand off at gun point and probably some lengthy, heartfelt apologies. Either that or these guys are off the station’s Halloween party invite list.
What did they think was going to happen? Were they hoping to get away with it and humiliate the detectives? And what if the real bandits had shown up (as they were expected to)? Somebody would have had some explaining to do. Maybe Australian police are not encouraged to actually fire at criminals (like Dirty Harry did), but what a risk to run. Note to self – don’t dress as a robber and attempt to play a trick on any cop wearing a gun. Especially ones who are bound to see you and give chase.
This whole police station is under investigation by the Ethical Standards Command and four officers 
are waiting for their disciplinary action. The findings are set to be released soon. In the meantime, did anyone catch the real bandits? And how safe do the people in this region feel?
Let’s hope these childish police officers get what’s coming to them. Detention after class and a good lesson in pulling a decent (and non-fatal) prank.
February 10th, 2010 by scavengeinc
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Oprah has done it again. She’s begun a revolution! This time the media queen is attacking the dangerous world of… America’s roads and highways.
So you’re on board with Oprah’s pledge. You’ve agreed to stop texting and using your cell phone while driving. Easy, right? Well, it’s smart in any case. But did you read the rest of the pledge on Oprah’s website?
“I will ask other drivers I know to do the same. I pledge to make a difference.”
Now here’s the thing – to really make a difference you will need to do more than just ask other drivers. You will need to take action, work hard at it and go above and beyond. You can turn yourself into a highway super hero! Or maybe an enforcer is more to your personality. Get some gear and get out there, making the roads safer for all.
Imagine yourself now. A flowing cape, maybe a mask to keep up your disguise (wouldn’t want anybody at the office asking you for an autograph or anything) and a creative source of intimidating power. Is there some type of zapper that you could use against those pesky cell phones that won’t leave their owner’s ears or thumbs? Evil machines, for sure. Well, except for when you’re talking on them outside of your vehicle. Look out drivers, here comes “Anti-Cellular!” – the hero of the roadways, eliminating wireless distractions one zap at a time.
Or if you are more of the enforcer type, you could gear up with a “No Phone Police” uniform. Take a traditional police officer’s costume and add a few gadgets. Instead of a radar gun, you could have a cell phone gun (that’s probably the only type of gun safe for you to carry). Get a bright orange vest to catch the attention of drivers as you step onto the roadway to pull them over. And above all, make sure to pick up some of those ultra cool mirrored sunglasses. Classic cop look.
With either of those two get ups you are truly ready to “make a difference.” Now get out there and recruit hundreds of your neighbors and coworkers to sign the No Phone Zone pledge. Oprah herself may thank you for it.
February 9th, 2010 by scavengeinc
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What if Moses had come down from the mountain wearing a feather boa? Maybe he was headed to a costume party, ready to deliver the ten commandments of costumes to all party goers. They could be a little something like this –
- Thou shalt never think that costumes only come out at Halloween. Live it up and wear one whenever the mood strikes.
- Thou shalt always use a mirror when applying make up – unless thou is dressed as an old woman. Then lipstick in odd places and sloppy eye makeup is entirely appropriate.
- Thou shalt wear undergarments at all times under a toga costume. The same law does not apply to men when wearing a kilt – always go authentically Scottish.
- Thou shalt not dress in a scary costume and terrify the guests as they arrive – unless thou is chaperoning at a pre-teen party and wants to see cocky boys wet their pants.
- Thou shalt always shave thy legs when dressing in anything with garters and lace – unless thou chose a French maid costume, then hairy legs can be considered European.
- Thou shalt never dress in a tux and introduce thyself as “Bond. James Bond” unless thou wants to
be shaken and not stirred.
- Thou shalt always expect to get rubbed when thou wears a genie outfit.
- Thou shalt not wear a pimp costume – ever.
- Thou shalt never wear a costume that is too small for you – especially if that costume is spandex and thou does not have Superman or Cat Woman’s body. Also never wear full body, painted-on costumes, even if you have the body of Superman or Cat Woman.
- Thou shalt not wear anything edible on your costume – especially if there is any chance there will be a dog at the party.
Follow these cardinal rules and have a heavenly time at every costume party. Or face certain judgement.
February 8th, 2010 by scavengeinc
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Dressing as a Sports Star can be easy and popular. But you need to know where to draw the line. Some jocks deserve to stay on their trading card and not grace the door of a costume party.
Still in the news today, you don’t want to arrive as Michael Phelps. Never mind the fact that wearing a Speedo is cold and could be embarrassing, you don’t want people to have expectations. Either you’ll crack out your bong or speed through the party in under 51 seconds. What happened to modesty and small talk?
Forget about Tiger Woods. Although some guys will want to disguise themselves as the newest Good Guy Turned Bad, it’s not going to be popular with the ladies. Who can blame the girl for going after Tiger with a golf club? Do you want to be the man that everyone is dropping like lead, from his wife to his sponsors? Nah, even dinosaur Jack Nicholas or Happy Gilmore would be a better choice.
Choose another football hopeful besides Maurice Clarett. This guy wasn’t just greedy and dishonest, 
pocketing more fringe benefits that a cheesy cowboy, but he didn’t make it onto the Broncos after all and then got himself arrested for robbery and assault. How hard the mighty fall.
Hockey is full of personalities. And the fighters are often the most popular, especially if they can score goals as well as punches. Todd Bertuzzi, on the other hand, went way too far when he attacked Steve Moore on ice. Although he’s finally come out of the wood work again, it’s better to leave Bertuzzi on the bench and pick another bruiser like Bob Probert.
Women should obviously stay away from Tonya Harding of knee-knocking fame. Try for a calmer, more pixie look with Mary Lou Retton or the sexy and sweaty power of Serena Williams. Otherwise all of the other women at the party will be watching their backs.
Unless you’re going for controversy and crave snarls and catcalls, leave these Sports Star costumes off of your list. A little scandal brings publicity and media attention. But these guys and gals are in a nasty class of their own.
February 5th, 2010 by scavengeinc
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Maybe your sweetheart wasn’t super creative last year. Or maybe that sweetheart isn’t around at all anymore. But good old Rover or your faithful Kitty is always there when you need them. Pass over Valentine’s this year and set aside February 20 to have a date with your pet. Celebrate the official “Love Your Pet Day.”
Plan a romantic (and possibly chilly) walk with your favorite pet. Did you know you can even get coats and leashes for rabbits now? Seriously. Even Thumper can get in on the cardio action with a stroll (or hop) in the park.
Prepare a special meal. If you normally stick to dry food, go exotic and buy the aromatic canned variety. Some animals will go nuts for the stuff. Feed your guinea pig a spinach salad and listen to him squeak in delight. Give your dog a bone wrapped in a pretty ribbon and capture his loyalty forever (you know you already had it, but it’s kind of like a wedding band – in sickness and in health and all of that…)
Have a party. Here’s where you can involve friends and family. Send out invites to anybody who has a pet that can behave themselves. (So you don’t want Auntie’s Persian coming over if your canary is hosting the show.) Go wild and make it a costume party. Then things can get really interesting.
Dress as a princess yourself and get a Frog Princess costume for your pup. Then you’ll know it will end happily ever after.
Or disguise yourself as an elf and dress your cat or dog as the famous Santa Claus himself. Hand out 
presents to all the pets at the party and they’re sure to come back next year.
Try transforming your home into an adventure with pirate and buccaneer costumes for both you and your pet. Swing from the rafters, make party poopers walk the plank and just generally get rowdy and have fun. Your pet will be the most popular in the neighborhood.
Have an exciting and even romantic February by celebrating with your most loyal companion on “Love Your Pet Day.” There’s a friend who’ll never let you down.
February 4th, 2010 by scavengeinc
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There are certain situations that are destined to cause even the toughest person regret. Stripping in front of your grandmother, for instance. When you throw a costume in the mix, there are many other potentially embarrassing conundrums to stay out of. Here’s the top ten.
- Don’t get caught by your pastor wearing a not-so-modest nun or clergy costume. Not only will the priest be embarrassed by your fall from grace, but you may be fueling temptation.
- Ditto for any conservative, elderly relatives or clergy of any sort. Sister Sarah or Auntie Fanny will likely never forgive you.
- There are plenty of costumes and situations that your children should never see you in. Won’t the little ones be afraid of the beach if they find daddy giving mommy mouth to mouth dressed in their matching beach beauty costumes?
- Or you can contribute to kiddy nightmares if your Dracula gets caught sucking blood from an unsuspecting victim. Lock the doors or get a babysitter – it’s just safer that way.
- Consider the reputation of others. It may be a bad plan to be dressed as a fireman when a blaze
breaks out. Imagine what kind of a name the local crew will get as you run screaming from the flames, knocking over any in your way.
- Same goes for a police costume if a robbery occurs. Make sure no one thinks it’s a real gun.
- You might want to meet up with an ex when you’re dressed to kill in any sort of sexy costume. But consider the burn if you choose to be a decrepit witch or aged, old woman and you run into that same ex. Even worse if he has a new fling on his arm.
- Same goes for the men – nice to see an old flame when you’re looking buff as a star athlete, not so nice when disguised as a hobo. Avoid eye contact or hide in the corner if necessary.
- Don’t meet your new girlfriend or boyfriend’s parents dressed as a jailbird. Bad plan. Especially if that parent owns a shot gun.
Costumes can allow us to become someone or something else for a time. But remember that reality beckons and don’t be caught dead in the wrong spot wearing the wrong costume.
Oh, and for number 10) Never strip while your grandmother is anywhere in the vicinity.
February 3rd, 2010 by scavengeinc
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You know how insects can get in through the tiniest little hole and just infest the place? That’s buzz. And in some cases it’s a good thing. When you’re generating interest and catching attention, buzz is a fabulous thing! At the next opportunity, try on these bug costumes to create an unforgettable buzz.
Who doesn’t like ladybugs? After all, they’re pretty and don’t bite. And with a lady bug costume you can go anywhere from subtle to sexy, all designed to create buzz. The more modest ladybug is decked out in red and black flash with fluttering wings – sure to catch the admiration of all present. Other ladybugs are more risqué, with lacy lingerie and leg-hugging accents. Those wings will fly you right into the mind and heart of any number of bug lovers out there. Be sure not to get squished.
What could be sweeter than honey? Whether you’re trying to attract the bears or just those with a sweet 
tooth, choosing a bee costume will do the trick. Bold in yellow and black stripes, a bee costume will stand out from the crowd. Express your dominance as the Queen Bee – but be prepared for a hive full of workers bees vying for your attention. Or make the rounds yourself as a Busy Bee. That way you can taste the array of flowers out there until you find something that keeps bringing you back.
Don’t be mistaken as a hornet and be sure not to sting. Bees can get pretty unpopular when they attack people around them.
Create a good kind of buzz at the next party with these bug costumes. Let your wings carry you around the room and settle yourself where your beauty is appreciated. That kind of infestation will be welcome for sure.
February 2nd, 2010 by scavengeinc
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Arguably the most outrageous holiday out there, Mardi Gras should not go by without a party. Take the reins and throw the bash yourself, following these tips and tricks to make it the best ever.
- Think purple, gold and green. Lots of them. You cannot decorate TOO much for a Mardi Gras party, so don’t hold back.
- You’re going to need beads – and lots of them. Meet your guests at the door with beads, drape them from every spot you can, wear them, toss them and create general mayhem with tons of beads.
- Award prizes for the wildest masks, hats and costumes. How about the tallest party goer (watch for stilts) or tangent costumes (more than one person in a costume together)? Be outrageous with your rewards and reward the outrageous. It makes for a real Mardi Gras feel.
- Don’t forget the food. Cajun food should abound – spicy, seafood and saucy. For the sweet finale, try a bananas foster and king cake. Have more food than you’ll need as Mardi Gras parties tend to swell beyond expectations.
- Be sure to plan a costume parade. Plenty of music, dancing and a long, circuitous route will need to be a part of the party. Don’t be afraid to go outside and gather people as you travel. The atmosphere is contagious.
- Keep the Carnival Season going with non-stop music. Horns should be blasting and toes should be tapping at all times.
- Find some jester dolls and hand them out or dress as a Court Jester yourself. Encourage the notion
of silliness and laughter with this classic Mardi Gras symbol.
- Plan for a blast! You won’t be disappointed with a well planned Mardi Gras party, so let you hair down and let loose New Orleans style. Feather masks, beads all around and Cajun food and drink will ensure a time to remember.
Ring in the Lenten season the right way by throwing your own Mardi Gras party. But don’t be surprised when all of your friends look forward to it again next year.
February 1st, 2010 by scavengeinc
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Forget the flowers and chocolate this year. Indulge your Valentine with a ticket for adventure by presenting them with an invitation to a costume party – for just the two of you.
Does your love have a passion for the wild west? Indulge his fantasies with a cowgirl outfit or add a little danger and turn native with a sexy Indian costume. Then light a fire for two or let him chase you across the plains.
How about an office romance? Turn up the heat in the boardroom or catch a private moment by the copier with an Office Tramp costume. Guys can play this game too and tease the stuffiness out of their working woman – be creative and coax her to let her hair down.
For a naughty surprise, clothe yourself as the raging red devil. Tell him that this year nothing is off limits, but be sure you can live up to your promises! You may be surprised what he comes up with.
Or lay down the law and come disguised as a tough cop. Your girl may relish the off-duty policeman routine, enjoying 
a dominant male figure in uniform. Be sure to let her know who is boss. Girls can get in the act as well either as a partner or as the officer herself. Handcuffs optional.
Make your man feel like a god by dressing as a Greek goddess. Set up a table of grapes and wine, lounge together and bask in the glory of Mount Olympus.
A ho-hum Valentine’s Day can be completely transformed and spiced up with a little creativity and a costume or two. Build anticipation and hint at the event a few days before. Play on your chosen theme and let your lover know that this holiday will be unforgettable. Enjoy a private party this year – no reservations!
