By Danielle Messler

Perhaps the most iconic word of the past year has been “protest.” The flurry of social movements began with the Arab Spring, which culminated in the liberation of several countries from repressive regimes. Time magazine recognized this year of rebellion by naming the unnamed protester as its person of the year.

America’s own uprising, christened “Occupy Wall Street,” began in September in Manhattan’s Zuccotti Park, and the movement quickly spread to hundreds of locations throughout the world, from the landmark St. Paul’s Cathedral in London to multiple cities in Australia. Occupy reached Boston in late September, when protesters declared Dewey Square their headquarters and new home. As with most Occupy camps, the Boston encampment did not come without controversies and eviction notices, and police eventually shut it down in December.

The Occupiers, premiering tomorrow morning at Emerson College’s Bill Bordy Theatre, captures the Occupy Boston movement from its impassioned beginning to its controversial eviction. Co-directors John Forrester and Joseph Leahy spent months filming -- and even occasionally sleeping -- in Dewey Square.

So much to do, so little time -- and so many event listings and Facebook invites to comb through! Lucky for you, we here at TNGG Boston can also fill in as your social planners. Each week, we’ll feature a few weekend events we think you should check out.* If you know of an upcoming event that might appeal to our audience, email boston@tngg.co with the details.

*Note: TNGG is not receiving compensation of any kind to promote these events. We just think they sound like fun!

By Jeff Fish

Sen. Scott Brown is showing his hypocritical side this week, so I've had to give him both a high-five and a dope slap -- the former for his commitment to equality, the latter for his commitment to appeasing the religious right during an election year.

Also, big banks: I don’t like them. They’ve only gotten richer and more bloated since the 2008 recession, and now they’re threatening Boston-area businesses. But, in the good news department, the lovely weather we’ve been having could benefit the ailing MBTA.

By Lina Roque

Bostonians are known for being fast-paced, intense people -- but yelling your blood pressure through the roof in a case of road rage or during a sporting event is no way to go through life. Everyone deserves a little time to relax!

If you’re looking for a break from your busy urban lifestyle, turn any day into a holiday at one of these Boston spas.

By Anthony Howard

Fresh herbs are a great way to add flavor and color to your meals. A simple bundle of herbs can jazz up even the most boring meal of chicken and rice. The problem is keeping those herbs fresh.

Most people buy a bunch of different herbs from the grocery store and stick them in the bottom drawer of the refrigerator until they need them -- except that when they're finally ready to use them, they discover a bag filled with brown, wilted mush.

A few simple solutions will keep your herbs fresher longer (and give you some decorative greenery for your kitchen).

By Mike Flanagan

When you consider the cultural significance and historically accurate definition of bluegrass, it’s hard to let a group of 30-somethings get away with cashing in on it. The genre, like any other, developed around the concerns and logistical limitations of the culture that created it. It was a folk music, in other words, and its sole purpose was to communicate a multitude of ideas that pervaded the culture.

Somewhere along the way, bluegrass musicians became incredibly proficient and developed techniques that have been passed between dozens of generations. Today, bluegrass is more of an exercise for modern-day musicians to become well-rounded than a genuine art. Few, if any, of the original concerns, limitations, and ideas are relevant in 2012. But Chris Thile and his Punch Brothers have made themselves the exception by staying true to the central purpose, as they proved Friday night in Somerville’s intimate and eponymous theater.

By Rachel Pennellatore

If you’ve been disappointed by the lack of winter this year, perhaps Boston’s very own Iditarod will make you feel a little better. Slightly different than the traditional Alaskan event, this Saturday’s second annual Boston Urban Iditarod will send teams on a dogsled race around the city -- except replace “dog” with “your friends” and “sled” with “shopping cart.” It’s a bar crawl (read: 21+ event), race, talent show, costume party, and food drive for the Boston Medical Center Food Pantry -- the main goal -- all rolled into one.

By Janssen McCormick

If you missed part I of this story yesterday, you can find it here.

So if you're interested in fat sexuality, what's the best place to look? Online, of course. The web has been tremendously helpful in democratizing sexuality, “[enabling anyone] to say, 'Actually, this is what my truth looks like. This is what my sexual reality looks like,'” said author Hanne Blank.

By Vanessa Formato

“We had a puberty class in middle school -- I want to say eighth grade -- and I remember thinking, 'Oh my god, this is so awesome! We get to see people have sex!'” said Megan Andelloux, sitting in her Rhode Island office, cat in lap. “I was wondering to myself what teachers were going to do it on the desk, thinking we were going to analyze it. I remember it wasn't a titillation thing when I was thinking of them having sex, but more of a feeling of 'How can I figure this out?'”

As you might guess, puberty class wasn't quite as graphic as Andelloux had anticipated, but her wonder and enthusiasm for sex education endured. Today, Andelloux is a board-certified sexologist and educator, as well as a founder of the Pawtucket, R.I.-based Center for Sexual Pleasure and Health, and just one of her many missions is to bring honest, fun sex education to college campuses with the Study Sex College Tour.

By Janssen McCormick

“Nothing will give you a soft-on faster than body shame,” said Substantia Jones, a photographer and the mind behind The Adipositivity Project, her voice flowing out of my phone's speaker as we discuss fat sexuality. “Over 60 billion is spent in the U.S. every year creating and re-enforcing body shame. In effect, a big hunk of Corporate America is trying to keep you from getting laid.”

Think she's not on point? Try to remember the last time you saw a fat person presented as the object of desire in any media (Lulu Diamonds doesn't count). And if you are fat, like the majority of Americans, or have a preference for a fat partner (spoiler alert: I'm one of those people), it sucks to not see bodies like yours or your type in media unless they're being denigrated.

By Kacy Emmett

The dawn of the Internet gave us many great things: instant connection with loved ones, fast access to information, and dlisted. Thanks to the world-wide web, you can meet a person online and be telling the world about the ferret you two adopted in a T.V. spot for eHarmony six months later.

But no one arrives at the glory of a relationship without putting in the time. And because I know that blind dates can feel like a sexually strained shark tank of encounters -- I took a blind date to prom, and he tried to put the corsage on my boob -- I feel compelled to help you find a sweet spot to go on your nerve-wracking, forced date.

Before suggesting a place to dine with your potential partner, think about what you’re looking for. It is romance you want? A casual hookup? A chance to look well-traveled and rich?  All of these bars and restaurants offer different vibes, from casual burgers to Lady & The Tramp-style pasta sharing, so choose wisely. (They also all have flattering lighting, so no one will notice when you get the nervous sweats.)

By Kevin Clang

Hundreds of young people stormed downtown Boston yesterday afternoon, rallying for the allocation of more funds to youth employment programs that create jobs for students. Armed with signs reading “Save Youth Jobs and Save our Future” and “Proud GSA Member for Youth Jobs,” the crowd -- as many as 2,000 people, mostly students in their late teens -- marched to several high-profile locations throughout the city, including the State House.

Boston is one big college town. What students are talking about and what's happening on the city's campuses matters. Every Friday, TNGG Boston will round up a few of the most interesting and well-written stories from student journalists across the area.

It’s an age-old truth that sex sells -- or, in this case, gets students reading their school newspapers. And since there are still a couple more days left in Sex Week here on TNGG Boston, it’s the perfect time to highlight some stories that fit this week's theme.

By Tamar Zmora

The publishing industry has been hit hard by the advent of e-readers, the constant progress of social media, and the transition from books and magazines to online, virtual products. However, these developments are not in and of themselves bad, since they've spurred a greater dispensation of literature and offer unique creative outlets.

Beyond reading, one of my favorite pastimes is finding funny viral videos and bizarre or fascinating blogs; when those two passions collide, even better. Since it’s Sex Week, instead of recommending that you purchase the Kama Sutra or order a subscription to Playboy, I thought it would be worthwhile to recommend some of those videos and websites for your viewing pleasure -- a bit of "book porn," if you will.

By Bethany O'Meara

Have you ever played the game Telephone, where you pass along a message to friends in a circle? The last person usually utters a phrase completely different from the original, much to the players’ great amusement. Exquisite Corpse is the Surrealist version of Telephone: Artists and writers pass around a picture or story, and each contributor blindly adds something to it.

When a group of Boston-based performers banded together in 2009 to form a theater company, they chose the name Exquisite Corps as a nod to the game and to describe their “motion-based quality of theatre,” said Adrienne Boris, the company’s managing director. “We think what we’re doing is a very dynamic and fluid art form.”

Whether it’s that first gig out of college, a dream job, or a career change, Millennials are looking for jobs. And let’s face it -- the market is tough, so you can use all the help you can get…which is where we come in.

Each week, TNGG Boston will feature a few postings we think you might enjoy.* If you’re a company looking for great young talent, or if you just have a tip about a cool job, email boston@tngg.co with the details.

*Note: TNGG has not received compensation of any kind from these companies. We just think they’re cool opportunities!

By Kenny Soto

It seems hard to believe that there was a time when internet pornography didn't exist. Just like water flows freely into our homes at our beck and call, so does free porn. Jenna Jameson, James Deen, and Sasha Grey have become household names (and, in some cases, best-selling authors). At any given moment, your deepest fantasies -- and those acts you couldn't even think up in your wildest dreams -- are available at your fingertips.

We are the first generation to have grown up with access to instant, free, and uncensored pornography. Back when our parents and grandparents were growing up, a man’s (or woman’s) porn collection was a dirty little secret kept out in the shed or hidden in a footlocker. The teenager lucky enough to get his hands on a copy of Playboy or Penthouse kept it under lock and key (i.e., under his mattress) until it was literally worn out.

But how has this instant access affected us personally, sexually, and in our relationships? How has this rush of material that was once considered shameful and outlawed in many communities changed the way we look at the world, our loved ones, and ourselves? How has internet porn affected our daily lives?

By Max Chalkin

Last night, I attended the city’s biggest startup networking party, along with 800 or so other Boston entrepreneurs, CEOs, techies, investors, and businesspeople. For the second straight year, Ruby Riot drew both attendees and attention. The venue was The Estate, and, as might be expected with an event held at a club, Ruby Riot was more party than startup scene networking.

The event played out as it was billed -- a meet-and-greet, sure, but it was also a showcase of young talent and limitless energy. People had fun and networked, but for this observer, Ruby Riot mostly just reinforced a few hard realities of networking: First, a little booze means easy conversation and social lubrication, but a lot of booze becomes sloppy. Second, to meet people, you need to be able to hear them, and unfortunately, DJ David Gallant’s mix made it nearly impossible to participate in the obligatory business card exchange without screaming. Finally, there is no silver bullet when it comes to networking; you need to put yourself out there, offer to help people, and exchange ideas. There’s a reason you can’t spell “networking” without “work,” and Ruby Riot, while a fun party, made meeting people more work than it needed to be.

Here’s a play-by-play, in case you missed it.

So much to do, so little time -- and so many event listings and Facebook invites to comb through! Lucky for you, we here at TNGG Boston can also fill in as your social planners. Each week, we’ll feature a few weekend events we think you should check out.* If you know of an upcoming event that might appeal to our audience, email boston@tngg.co with the details.

*Note: TNGG is not receiving compensation of any kind to promote these events. We just think they sound like fun!

By Dara Sussman

As one of the world’s best college towns, Boston is a great place to meet young, motivated singles. But since the city is basically crawling with students, it can be a little tougher to find someone if you’re done with dating the quality of men and women you meet at  Wonder Bar or next to the frat party booze ice luge. To find your ideal man or woman -- a little more mature but still young enough to be $100,000 deep in student loan debt -- you have to go hunting in his or her habitat.

Since certain types of people tend to frequent certain types of places, this process will be a whole lot easier if you narrow down the kind of guy or girl you’re in the market for and head where their kind hangs out. The following are some of your best bets, broken down by occupation and personality type.

By Jeff Fish

The MBTA is $161 million dollars in debt, and the state's utility companies paid nearly as much for cleanup after some major storms last year. Customers of both services may end up footing the respective bills, but there is some good news with the T: Those rumored service cuts likely won’t take effect.

In the world of Washington politics, both the presidential and senate candidates from Massachusetts get a dope slap for their shared view on contraception -- and the former also for his sheer hypocrisy.

By Bethany O'Meara

If you’re in a well-established relationship and looking to switch things up in the bedroom, buying some new lingerie for your ladyfriend may be a great way to add a little spice to your life.

“It would be easier to buy her a pair of earrings,” you might be thinking. “At least one size fits all!” I get it: You’re concerned you’ll buy something wildly inappropriate (or not inappropriate enough) or in the wrong size and offend her.

Stop freaking out! This basic lingerie-buying guide, compiled with help from Meredith Donaldson and Rachel Wentworth, owners of the Harvard Square boutique Forty Winks, will help make the task a little easier and more partner-friendly.

By Anthony Howard

Ah, Sunday brunch. After a long night of drinking, there’s nothing better than some greasy grub to soak up the residual alcohol in your system. Those of us in the restaurant industry detest brunch service -- probably because we’re equally as hungover as our guests -- but if you’re sitting at the table rather than waiting on it, brunch is awesome.

Boston’s South End is full of awesome restaurants that do brunch right. If you’re looking for a new place to go next weekend, I recommend one of these spots.

There comes a time in every young man or woman’s life when he or she must sit through what is probably one of the most uncomfortable conversations he or she will ever have: the sex talk. Whether it’s a parent explaining about “the birds and the bees” or a teacher giving a Sex Ed lesson, these moments of enlightenment about the adult world of S-E-X often become nightmare-ish but hilarious tales to share years after the awkward pain of puberty has subsided.

And what better way to kick off TNGG’s third annual Sex Week than with some of those stories? From TNGG writers and friends, here are some truly terrible (and yet terrific) Sex Ed memories.

By Katie Lannan

Web designer and developer Mike Kivikoski will tell you that one of the perks of self-employment is the ability to work in your pajamas, but on Friday, Feb. 10, he donned a vest and tie to give an early-morning lecture, offering a road map for aspiring entrepreneurs over coffee and bagels.

“You’re here because you want to take the leap, you want to work for yourself,” he said. “Maybe you’re sick of the man, you’re sick of the boss -- whatever reason, congrats on taking that initiative.”

Kivikoski’s presentation on how to quit your job and become self-employed was the February event for CreativeMornings Boston, the local chapter of an international lecture series targeted at creative types, featuring monthly inspirational talks over breakfast.

By Vanessa Formato

Remember middle school? Remember going to a dance where all the boys stood on one side of the gym and all the girls stood on the other, and then when you did finally dance with someone, there was...um, some "awkwardness", and both of you sort of prayed for that song to end so you could part ways and never speak of that moment again?

Yeah, some video game characters are a little bit like that.

By Lacey Nemergut

The benefits of a semester abroad don’t stop at the foreign experiences and cultural experimentation. Besides the countless Facebook pictures in front of the Eiffel Tower and Big Ben, students who study abroad also acquire marketable skills that are becoming more sought-out by corporate recruiters as we continue to move toward a more global economy that requires business travel and a broad spectrum of knowledge.

“Global corporations highly value study abroad programs, both due to the characteristics and personality types the programs foster in candidates, such as independence and self-awareness, but also the experience living abroad,” said David Lucey, recruiting manager for marketing company Epsilon. “Exposure to different cultures, thought processes, and ways of doing business will add to a student’s knowledge base and experience.”

In response, career services departments at colleges across the Boston area are leveraging the study abroad advantage during this difficult job market, preparing presentations and pamphlets advertising these distinguishable qualities. “The hope is that the behaviors and skills gained abroad will be translated into those that the students will apply to their careers and, specifically, the position for which they are interviewing,” said Janet Ehl, associate director of Bentley University’s Undergraduate Career Services.

By Christi Kim

It’s nice to go out for Asian cuisine once in a while, but sometimes you want more than just a meal at a restaurant or leftover takeout. On those days when you’re craving some strawberry Mochi ice cream, kimchi, sushi, or just some good old Pocky, Boston’s many Asian supermarkets can fill the void (and your stomach). Here are seven of the city’s best.

By Tamar Zmora

Since Gutenberg created the printing press, society has benefitted from the mass production and dispensation of the written word -- though occasionally it’s done more bad than good. Harmful publications occasionally slip through the cracks, serving primarily as hateful propaganda.

Because February is Black History Month, rather than stewing over the sinister, we should exalt the groundbreaking works published in spite of or because of racial tension. These authors rose up against adversity and wrote seminal works that shaped the present day.

Boston is one big college town. What students are talking about and what's happening on the city's campuses matters. Every Friday, TNGG Boston will round up a few of the most interesting and well-written stories from student journalists across the area.

As much as we all love to hate on the T, we'd have a real problem getting where we needed to go if it didn’t exist. Unfortunately, the MBTA is in debt, and the proposed solution is somewhat akin to that dreaded world where the T doesn’t exist, at least at certain times.

Since the majority of the Boston area’s student population relies heavily on the MBTA system, campus papers were abuzz on the issue this week. The following are some of the stories.

By Courtney Sacco

Alex Sewell, 22 and a Lynn native, is in his final semester as a painting major at the Massachusetts College of Art and Design. Sewell originally enrolled as a marketing major at UMass Lowell, but he transferred to MassArt after a year to pursue his passion for painting.

Whether it’s that first gig out of college, a dream job, or a career change, Millennials are looking for jobs. And, let’s face it -- the market is tough, and you can use all the help you can get…which is where we come in.

Each week, TNGG Boston will feature a few postings we think you might enjoy.* If you’re a company looking for great young talent, or if you just have a tip about a cool job, email boston@tngg.co with the details.

*Note: TNGG has not received compensation of any kind from these companies. We just think they’re cool opportunities!

By Alison Amorello

Whether you’re new to Boston or just looking for a change, you have plenty of options (perhaps too many) when it comes to getting a haircut. If you’re a “glass half empty” kind of person, you probably see the city’s hundreds of salons as hundreds of opportunities for cosmetic disaster. You can take a chance, but how can you be sure where to go and whom to trust?

You shouldn’t let the fear of a layering experiment gone wrong keep you from a healthy head of hair. In such times of need, it’s best to ask the opinion of a brave and experienced pioneer of the finest Boston salons -- or, in this case, an overly trusting former college student who, in the course of four years, plowed through a dozen collegiate discount book coupons to various salons. Not all of my hair adventures were without incident (some even ended in tears), but fortunately, hair is a resilient warrior and has a tendency to keep growing. These are my recommendations for all your coif-related crises.

So much to do, so little time -- and so many event listings and Facebook invites to comb through! Lucky for you, we here at TNGG Boston can also fill in as your social planners. Each week, we’ll feature a few weekend events we think you should check out.* If you know of an upcoming event that might appeal to our audience, email boston@tngg.co with the details.

*Note: TNGG is not receiving compensation of any kind to promote these events. We just think they sound like fun!

By Jeff Fish

Mitt Romney must have a splitting headache from all the dope slaps he’s received, but he’s at it again with his stance on contraception. Meanwhile, my two favorite Senate candidates are inspiring civility in Montana.

Also, Whitey Bulger’s trial has been set, the T's fare hike proposals aren’t going over too well, and carrying weed on you isn’t as decriminalized as you might think.

There’s a reason why Tom Wilson and the other members of the Berklee Global Jazz Institute are thrilled to be partnering with The Charles Hotel’s Regattabar for their new Jazz Masters Series. Along with the chance to play in what is easily Boston’s best jazz club, each show gives BGJI’s talented students the chance to take the stage with a jazz legend and showcase their talent.

“I'm so fortunate and humbled to [perform] next to people who have influenced my perspective about music in life,” said Wilson, a saxophonist with the group. “They help you to see how to cultivate that which you may not have yet realized in yourself.”

Tonight, the Jazz Masters Series hosts its second show, featuring drummer Terri Lyne Carrington, a Berklee alum and professor; the series’ inaugural show, featuring acoustic bassist John Patitucci, took place on Jan. 31. Each show concludes a day of master classes for BGJI students, taught by that night’s guest.

By Janssen McCormick

What's the difference between no. 2 and  no. 3 in the college hockey polls? 6.4 seconds.

That's how much time Boston College's Bill Arnold had left in OT when he slotted Steven Whitney's perfect pass past the nearly unbeatable Boston University goaltender Kieran Millan, giving the Eagles a 3-2 win and their third straight Beanpot championship in the best game on Causeway Street since Game 7 of last year's Eastern Conference Finals.

By Anthony Howard

Whether as late-night study fuel or a quick lunch at work, chances are that you've eaten your fair share of packaged ramen noodle soup; it's a convenient and cheap way to get a meal in. When I was younger, I ate it as an after-school snack and thought it was delicious. As I got older and became a food snob, my go-to cup of warm, starchy goodness started to seem banal, bland, and boring. Now, a few years later and, for the most part, financially independent, I see the value in that ubiquitous block of pasta.

But just because your taste buds (or, let’s be honest, your budget) are crying out for this easy and inexpensive dining option doesn’t mean you have to stick with the basic “heat and eat” recipe. Ramen is like a blank canvas, only better because you can eat it: Just as a little paint and creativity turn that white square into a work of art, some vegetables, protein, and additions of your own will turn those dull, dried noodles into a bistro-style meal without breaking the bank. The following recipe is my favorite way to jazz up my ramen.

Happy Valentine’s Day! Whether you’ll be celebrating with a dozen roses and giant chocolate heart (all the better if they’re from yourself, to yourself), heading out for a candlelit dinner or on another romantic outing, or getting all anti-Hallmark holiday with some good friends, you can’t deny that today, love is in the air.

While any date can be great as long as it includes a good companion, TNGG Boston’s writers and friends couldn’t resist dishing about their ideal Boston-area dates. If you really like to leave things until the last minute, consider these responses your potential plans for tonight (and you’re welcome). If not, we hope you’ll try some of our ideas out later on.

By Mike Flanagan

The unfinished stone walls trapped the 15-degree cold from outside and filtered it into the basement as Something Sneaky did its best to keep the airtight crowd warm. Frontman Justin Iacovino’s microphone was too low in the mix and shocked him every time he grazed it with his freeze-dried lips. The drums crept out from under his brother Jeremy on the inadequate concrete slab of a stage. Bottles rained down from the shaking stairs as upended couches absorbed only a small slice of the harsh noise; the rest bounced around the dozens of solid planes in the basement like Jezzballs.

Once again, 20 Highgate in Allston -- affectionately dubbed “Allston City Limits” -- provided a perfectly imperfect setting for another rowdy Sneaky set this past Saturday night.

By Bethany O'Meara

In celebration of Valentine’s Day, many couples proclaim their undying love and passion for each other over a special meal. But on Saturday afternoon, Drink Craft Beer, Taza Chocolate, and 550 of their closest friends shared their undying love and passion for beer and chocolate at “Can’t Keep ‘Em Apart -- A Beer & Chocolate Love Story.” Lovers and groups of friends eagerly waited in line outside of Taza’s Somerville factory for their chance to sample four pairings of Northeast-brewed beers and Taza chocolate.

By Samantha Curtin

Since the beginning of her stardom, Lady Gaga has been an adamant anti-bullying advocate, especially for the GLBTQ community. A bullying victim herself -- “[I was] being teased for being ugly, having a big nose, being annoying,” she said in a Rolling Stone story last May. “[They would say] your laugh is funny, you’re weird, why do you always sing, why are you so into theater, why do you do your makeup like that?” -- Gaga knows how bullies make their victims feel, and she’s using the power of her fame to help others overcome it and prevent bullying in the future.

In the past year alone, Lady Gaga has advocated for anti-bullying laws, created her own anti-bullying videos, and met with Obama administration staffers to discuss bullying prevention. And at the end of this month, she’ll be launching her own foundation, in conjunction with the Berkman Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University and other social institutions, to support established youth empowerment organizations.

By Alison Amorello

My appreciation for Valentine’s Day started in Kindergarten with a box of The Lion King-themed cards and just enough glitter, pink things, and baked goods to make me so happy that I was practically sick.

I know what you’re thinking, but you’ve got it all wrong. I was single then -- a 5-year-old independent woman who didn’t need a man sitting beside her during story time just to feel special. Did I set aside a sophisticated but romantic Simba and Nala card for a dashing classmate in hopes of inspiring a romance? I absolutely did, but when he failed to identify its significance, I wasn't defeated. All that mattered was that there was sharing, celebrating, and all the excitement of a special occasion. I felt the love.

You might recall half a dozen similar happy Valentine’s Days, all leading up to junior high, when everything changed. There were no Disney-themed cards in your locker, and your acne flared up just in time for the Saturday night dance, morphing you into a heartbroken wallflower during  all those KC & JoJo songs. It was then that you grew cynical, defensive, and full of hate for that one day a year when the whole world works to make sure that if you’re alone, you’re also lonely.

The truth is, you don’t hate Valentine’s Day. You hate not having a plus-one to take to your cousin's wedding. You hate loveseats, awkward meetings via dating websites, Ryan Gosling movies, and that reoccurring nightmare about your ex-boyfriend meeting some super-hot yoga instructor and proposing to her on your birthday.

Don’t let that hate take over. The first step to recovery is acceptance, so this year, let go of the past, and consider the following suggestions for spending your Valentine's Day solo. You might be surprised by the power of love, if you only give it a chance.

By Katie Lannan

Boston University professor Larry Kotlikoff says he doesn’t want to be president, but come November, his name could be on the ballot.

“The country is sick and tired of politicians screwing things up,” he said. “How about [we elect] somebody that doesn’t want to be a politician, who just wants to get things fixed and then go back to their day job? That’s my goal.”

Without the backing of a major party, the economics professor and Bloomberg columnist is seeking a presidential nomination through Americans Elect, a non-partisan, non-profit organization hosting an online convention to put up an independent candidate against President Barack Obama and his Republican challenger, whomever it may be, this November. Running on a platform he designed to appeal to members of both parties, Kotlikoff is proposing six "Purple Plans" (the name comes from his desire to unite the red Republicans and blue Democrats) for financial, energy, and health care reform.

By Kristen McManus

If you’re like me, you hate the thought of repeating the same workout consistently. And, again if you’re like me, you don’t feel like shelling out crazy cash on the regular to add some versatility to your routine. But fear not, my little yuppie peers -- there are plenty of fitness deals out there that you can take advantage of.

One of my fitness goals for 2012 is to never truly join a gym or a studio. Instead, I’ll get the same benefits courtesy of daily deal sites. Between offers from Groupon, Living Social, Gilt City, Rue Boston, Google Offers, and plenty of other more under-the-radar sites, you can pretty much try out every fitness category, from rock climbing to capoeira to yoga. (If you’re feeling a little lazy, Yipit collects all the offers so you don’t have to search.)

By Courtney Sacco

'A Year ‘Til Life Starts' is an ongoing series of photo essays following Boston-area college seniors as they prepare to graduate this spring.

Kelsey Jarboe, 22, is in her final semester of a double major at the Massachusetts College of Art and Design. The Acton, Mass., native and youngest of three kids will earn a degree in art history and Studio for Interrelated Media (SIM).

Boston is one big college town. What students are talking about and what's happening on the city's campuses matters. Every Friday, TNGG Boston will round up a few of the most interesting and well-written stories from student journalists across the area.

Boston’s music scene is pretty awesome. No matter your tastes, you should be able to find at least one music-related event that interests you each week. We get tons of club shows from up-and-comers, and nearly every big-artist arena or amphitheatre tour stops nearby. The city even has its own music awards. Maybe “pretty awesome” is an understatement.

And since “music’s biggest night” is Sunday and all, what better time than now to highlight some of the music-related stories in this week’s campus papers?

By Tamar Zmora

Romance novels are not my forte; Sandra Brown, Nora Roberts, Danielle Steel, and the rest of those popular romance literature authors aren’t my go-tos to contemplate amorous love, passion, or the ideal relationship -- if such a thing even exists. Instead of advocating a bunch of books about amorous love, “Dear John” letters, and Romeo and Juliet-esque confessions, I say you profess your love to whomever you need to profess it to through some poetry.

I’m not talking the “roses are red, violets are blue” stuff of Hallmark splendor (i.e., incredibly tacky cards). As soft as the lull from a sweet serenade, the wilt of a rose petal on a cold winter day, or the candlelight illuminating a home-cooked meal, these poems will elevate your spirits and make you recall the pitter-patter of your heart when you first saw your love -- or the longing and waiting to find said love. Light some candles, grab a glass of red wine and some chocolate fondue (or just a bowl of chocolates), and let the euphoria of these love poems wash over you.

By Melissa Werthmann

Founded by the Jesuits in 1864 to serve the South End’s working class, Boston College moved to its Chestnut Hill campus in the early 1900s and became a university in the 1920s. So maybe their school’s name isn’t so accurate anymore, but BC students don’t seem to mind; they’re too busy crawling through secret tunnels.

“I have had friends that claim they found doors,” to underground crawl spaces connecting the campus’s oldest buildings, said sophomore biology major Jeff Savarino. “We found blueprints that have doors that look like they belong to tunnels.”

Although Savarino has yet to crawl through the mysterious tunnels, he (and the rest of the Eagles) have found plenty of other awesome things to do at BC.

Whether it’s that first gig out of college, a dream job, or a career change, Millennials are looking for jobs. And, let’s face it -- the market is tough, and you can use all the help you can get…which is where we come in.

Each week, TNGG Boston will feature a few postings we think you might enjoy.* If you’re a company looking for great young talent, or if you just have a tip about a cool job, email boston@tngg.co with the details.

*Note: TNGG has not received compensation of any kind from these companies. We just think they’re cool opportunities with interesting companies!

By Angela Stefano

Maintaining your social calendar can sometimes seem like more trouble and take more energy than it's worth -- but maybe that's just because no one's found the best way to do it yet.

“I don’t think anyone is doing this space right,” said Michelle McCormack, vice president of marketing for SCHEDit, a new social tool that's essentially an event calendar formatted into a Twitter-esque stream and with Facebook-like profiles for people and places -- and a touch of a dating website thrown in for good measure. SCHEDit launched a partnership with Boston.com late last week and is hoping to become that "right way" for people to manage their social lives.

By Samantha Curtin

Over the past few years, locally owned cupcake shops have been popping up all over the place. While some have argued that this trend won’t last, the plethora and popularity of shops popping up all over Boston seem to say otherwise.

Of course, everyone has her own favorite cupcake shop. Boston A-List, Boston Magazine, and Boston.com (among others) have compiled “best of” lists, but opinions always differ. As a cupcake fanatic and an aspiring Cupcake Wars competitor myself, here is my take -- based on personal experience, word on the street, and, yes, these numerous lists -- on Boston’s best  cupcake.

So much to do, so little time -- and so many event listings and Facebook invites to comb through! Lucky for you, we here at TNGG Boston can also fill in as your social planners. Each week, we'll feature a few weekend events we think you should check out.* If you know of an upcoming event that might appeal to our audience, email boston@tngg.co with the details.

*Note: TNGG is not receiving compensation of any kind to promote these events. We just think they sound like fun!

By Janssen McCormick

Before the puck dropped on the 60th annual Beanpot at TD Garden this past Monday night, you could almost sense that no. 5-ranked Boston College playing no. 1-ranked Boston University for the championship -- and Harvard and Northeastern taking part in yet another early consolation game -- was an inevitability. The semifinal games were just there to set up the 21st Beanpot finals clash between the two rivals.

By Jeff Fish

It’s a sad, sad week in Boston. Like many (all) Patriots fans, I’m crushed about Sunday’s defeat, once again, at the hands of the New York Giants, but that doesn’t make me love the Patriots any less, including owner Bob Kraft, who has been an extremely influential figure not only in the NFL, but as a member of the Massachusetts community.

Also, believe it or not, some political stuff did happen this week, like Gov. Deval Patrick‘s plan to revitalize community colleges, Mitt Romney winning Nevada, and Scott Brown’s STOCK Act passing the Senate. So let’s talk about that, too.

By Rachel Pennellatore

Valentine’s Day is a week away; the time you've got to make plans for you and your special someone is winding down.

Don’t worry -- I’m not here to lecture you. You’ve probably been putting the task off simply because you’re tired of the same old same old, and I can commiserate. But maybe you haven’t found the perfect out-of-the-ordinary idea yet because you haven’t been looking hard enough.

If you’re aiming to get a little amorous this Valentine’s Day, add some spice to your date night with one of these suggestions that are guaranteed to help you break out of that (over-)prix-fixe dinner rut.

By Anthony Howard

Last week, on a spring-like Wednesday afternoon, I headed over to the Animal Rescue League of Boston with one mission: to adopt a dog in need of a home (and after seeing all those dogs in kennels just begging for someone to love them, it was hard to resist bringing them all home!). But there was this one dog who didn’t even come to the gate to greet me. She stayed at the far end of her kennel with her tail between her legs, barking at me and refusing my desire to pet her -- which all had the opposite effect on me, as I immediately walked over to the adoption desk and asked to bring her home.

Violet is her name, and she is a beautiful chihuahua mix. Now, she can’t get enough of my attention; she begs for me to play with her, and when I sit on the couch, she immediately gets on my lap for petting. It’s hard not to spoil a dog this cute by feeding her snacks and table scraps, but if you’re a dog owner, it’s important to know what foods pose a threat to your pooch. Many common food items and ingredients can send your favorite furry companion right to the vet.

By Janssen McCormick

The Beanpot has become a catchall for any intercollegiate competition in Boston, from soccer, softball, and baseball to trivia and a cappella. But the original hockey tourney is still king, and the puck drops on its 60^th iteration tonight at The Garden. Storylines for this year include Boston College gunning for its third straight title, Boston University looking to avoid their first 0-3 stretch since the early ‘80s in the tournament jokingly called the “BU Invitational,” and Northeastern and Harvard’s seemingly futile attempts to wrestle the trophy from the BC/BU deathgrip.

Sharing an Old Firm-esque dominance of the tourney, BU (29 titles) and BC (16) are prohibitive favorites; Harvard hasn't won since head coach Ted Donato was a rookie with the Bruins in ‘93, and no current Husky was alive the last time NU won in '88. The following are my predictions for tonight’s games.

By Vanessa Formato

Until recently, mainstream culture was unaware -- or at least not wildly enthused -- about Lana Del Rey’s existence, but now the maybe-hipster's name is on everyone's lips. Drawing on an old-school vocal aesthetic, Del Rey has delighted a lot of listeners tired of the same old pop, but she's also drawn harsh criticism for the heavy manufacturing behind her persona and an abysmal performance on SNL, during which she flatly mumbled and tinkle-danced through the two songs that catapulted her into America's collective consciousness. Love her or hate her, she seems to be the controversy of the moment.

In late 2011, Del Rey released a video for "Video Games," a track off her now-newly released album Born to Die. The most popular interpretation of the lyrics is quite literal: The singer is a neglected woman, all because her man loves video games. While the woman heaps praise and little favors, like donning his "favorite sundress," on her man, he seems to be more concerned with his virtual world. "I say you the bestest/lean in for a big kiss/put your favorite perfume on," Del Rey sings, and then, sadly, suggests that her boyfriend's response is to "go play a video game.”

By singing about video games as an all-consuming boyfriend-stealer, Del Rey is playing into a complaint that gamers hear all too often. The longing woman in "Video Games" seems to be a lot like the kind of girl that many of us have seen in viral videos breaking her boyfriend's Xbox or erasing his WoW characters because he ignores her in favor of games. This kind of girl is missing the point and being pathetic for all the wrong reasons.

By Meghan Gilligan

The Stratton family sits down for dinner at their mother’s favorite restaurant to celebrate her birthday. The two grown sons, respective significant others on their arms, begin the dinner eager to impress, but as the night progresses and the last drips of wine splash into each fingerprint-worn glass, the celebration evolves into a dreaded resurfacing of episodes from the family’s dark past.

Prolific English playwright Alan Ayckbourn penned Time of My Life, the troubling tale of the Stratton family’s past, present, and future, in 1992, and Zeitgeist Stage Company is reinvigorating it with their performances of the play, which begin this Friday, Feb. 10.

By Janssen McCormick

Craigslist is as bad at selling cars as it is at sex. If you’re searching for a cheap ride or parts, you probably won’t end up the victim of a Lifetime Original Movie -- but you’ll definitely come across some sketchy characters: Bro-dudes who totally want to trade their beater '92 Civic for some “wikked sik sport bikes, khed, or a STI straight up” (which seems incredibly fair). Scummy New Hampshire used car salesmen posting their lemons “on the MA/NH border” when they're an hour north of Manchester. Morons who ignore the auto parts section to spam “----------->@@@@@\\\\\\\\BMW HONDA JDM BUGGGATTI RIMS 18in $600///@@@@//////<-------------” or hideous body kits that went out of style around the time of 2 Fast 2 Furious.

And yet, there are some vehicles -- I can’t really call them “gems,” because that implies that these cars are great, OK verging on good, or at least interesting -- for sale on Craigslist Boston that might be worth your time. These are a few of the pieces of unblemished corn that rose to the top of the septic tank this week.

By Kenny Soto

There are few fictional characters as loved around the world as Harry Potter and his friends from Hogwarts. J.K. Rowling’s famous book series has spawned movies, theme parks, clothing lines, and even a Muggle adaptation of the wizard sport Quidditch, which a global community of collegiate athletes has embraced wholeheartedly.

Since its inception in 2007, the Quidditch World Cup has grown from a yearly match between two New England-based colleges into a competition that includes teams from 27 states and at least four countries. While the sport has its roots in a fantasy world, Quiyk, the official clothing company of the Quidditch World Cup, was started right here in Boston by two Emerson College students.

By Tamar Zmora

In search of a new book, many often seek guidance from friends and family -- but what if your friends are more or less illiterate and your family doesn’t share the same refined taste (or, let's be honest, guilty pleasure of teen angst novels) as you? What, you mean your friends aren’t nebbish bookworms like Belle and don’t have a magnificent library like the Beast?

Instead of consulting Mr. Nitwit and his cousin, Ms. Lit Comatose, for book advice, it may be in your best interest to take a bold leap of faith and browse the cyber world’s book recommendation websites. Using them is far easier than stepping foot in a bookstore as a salesperson hovers near to press a purchase and much less uncomfortable than browsing a professor's bookshelf during office hours. The following are a few of my favorites.

Boston is one big college town. What students are talking about and what's happening on the city's campuses matters. Every Friday, TNGG Boston will round up a few of the most interesting and well-written stories from student journalists across the area.

There is a set of issues that affect any organized group of people, and college campuses are not immune. Just as the City of Boston finds itself dealing with problems related to jobs, housing, and government, so, too, do Boston's colleges. Area residents can inform themselves of these matters by reading the city's many newspapers, blogs, and social media streams; college students, in turn, have their campus publications.

As we say at the beginning of every round-up, "what's happening on the city's campuses matters." The stories in this week's column reflect the spirit of that statement.

By Courtney Sacco

'A Year ‘Til Life Starts' is an ongoing series of photo essays following Boston-area college seniors as they prepare to graduate this spring.

Alex Sewell, 22 and a Lynn native, is in his final semester as a painting major at the Massachusetts College of Art and Design. Sewell originally enrolled as a marketing major at UMass Lowell, but he transferred to MassArt after a year to pursue his passion for painting.

By Kaily Nash

February is one of those months when Boston socialites come together to throw winter galas for their favorite charities. Starting at $1,000 a ticket, these caviar-filled nights at the Four Seasons or Park Plaza are not an easy thing to just walk into, especially for a broke 20-something. We want to give back to our community and show support for issues that we believe truly matter, but we cannot afford to spend that kind of money, and we do not want to listen to jazz and rub elbows in a stuffy environment with people three times our age.

That is where the Boston Winter Ball comes in. At $150 a ticket, this year's fourth-annual ball, which takes place this Saturday, Feb. 4, promises a night of dancing, drinking, and debauchery, all while supporting a great cause. The event has even been named one of the city's top 25 charitable events on Biz Bash's "Boston's Top 100 Events" list -- not too shabby for a fancy party started by three BC graduates in their mid-20s.

Whether it’s that first gig out of college, a dream job, or a career change, Millennials are looking for jobs. And, let’s face it -- the market is tough, and you can use all the help you can get…which is where we come in.

Each week, TNGG Boston will feature a few postings we think you might enjoy.* If you’re a company looking for great young talent, or if you just have a tip about a cool job, email boston@tngg.co with the details.

*Note: TNGG has not received compensation of any kind from these companies. We just think they’re cool opportunities with interesting companies!

By Elizabeth Bailey

In honor of Startup America’s one-year anniversary, Startup Massachusetts and Northeastern’s alumni association hosted an event on Tuesday afternoon to promote Boston’s booming entrepreneurship scene. An organization and “a movement by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs” that aims to provide resources and connections to young companies and support regional startup ecosystems, according to their website, Startup America has been rapidly expanding since its founding, said Cory Bolotsky, director of Startup Massachusetts and a Northeastern sophomore.

The event featured several speakers who talked about their experiences working with or running a startup -- including Northeastern President Joseph Aoun and Sen. Karen Spilka, who spoke of innovation within Boston, and at Northeastern specifically -- but the main attraction was a fireside chat with international celebrity designer Tory Burch.

By Matt McQuaid

To an outsider, the art world can seem to require a certain pedigree. Artistic culture is traditionally wrought with the pitfalls that characterize many a creative industry: It’s nearly impossible to gauge how audiences will respond to your work, access to mainstream venues is highly selective, and there are more failures than successes (at least financially).

But it’s a new era: The digital age has connected countless musicians with audiences they never would have found relying solely on radio. Comedians who would’ve previously had to spend years cutting their teeth in gritty clubs and countless auditions can propel their careers with a successful YouTube video. And for artists whose work doesn’t appeal to the conventional, Newbury Street-esque gallery clientele, there’s venues like Fourth Wall.

So much to do, so little time -- and so many event listings and Facebook invites to comb through! Lucky for you, we here at TNGG Boston can also fill in as your social planners. Each week, we'll feature a few weekend events we think you should check out.* If you know of an upcoming event that might appeal to our audience, email boston@tngg.co with the details.

*Note: TNGG is not receiving compensation of any kind to promote these events. We just think they sound like fun!

By Mike Flanagan

Let's be honest: It's a real pain to hold a bulky winter coat in a crowded concert hall. So maybe it's OK that the city's concert calendar is still relatively empty this month. Boston's music scene will be coming out of hibernation soon, but if you need your live music fix before springtime, try one of these shows.