Profile for Jessica Bartlett

Q&A: Comedian And Author Aaron Karo Takes Us Inside The Eternal Bachelor’s Mind

Jessica BartlettSeptember 15, 2009 //

Stand-up comedian and author Aaron Karo rose to fame as a college freshman at the University of Pennsylvania, where he began writing down what he called “Ruminations,” small observations about the universal truths of college: the dorm rooms, the friends, the food, the classes, the beer pong … and the women. (A sample “rumination” from September 2000: “You know what a great moment in college life is? Those two seconds. The two seconds when you first wake up at 3 p.m. after a hard night of partying. Because in those first two seconds you haven’t yet remembered that last night you threw up on your floor, punched a cop, and hooked up with an ugly chick. Savor those two seconds as best you can.”) One email to his close friends was forwarded to their friends, and to their friends. What started as a funny late-night email grew to an email newsletter, which grew to a stand-up comedy career, which grew to three published books. Keep reading »

30-Day Breakup Guide: Day 22

Jessica BartlettJuly 22, 2009 //

Get Your Hair Did
You’ve had an appropriate post-breakup mourning period, so chances are you’re not going to do something outrageous, like try the Natalie Portman pixie cut that only Natalie Portman can pull off. That said, dip your toe into the crazy. Page through some mags to get ideas for what you want to do to your hair. Always wanted a red tint? Do it. Thought about bangs and a bob? The time is now. (If you’re short on cash, get a good blowout.) Another idea: Check out the weekly tabloid magazines and find a picture of an actress who seems to have it together (Cate Blanchett and Kate Winslet are good choices). Borrow from her look as an homage to coming out better at the end of this.
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Dealbreaker: The Lightweight

Jessica BartlettOctober 20, 2008 //

The Brit was someone I can describe only as Lord Marcus on “Gossip Girl.” Well, except for the title and the vast family riches. Nine years older than me, the Brit was a U.K. transplant in the banking industry and a sweet, sweet man. Not only did he own a house across the pond, but he would sometimes bring small index cards on which he’d previously jotted down the names of nice restaurants we could go to after quick drinks or karaoke, depending on where we had agreed to meet. He was thoughtful, attentive, and thoroughly romantic, especially with that hot British accent.

One night, after an insanely fun night of boozy karaoke and a seafood dinner with entree-appropriate wine, he dropped me off at the door of my apartment. He then swept me up in his arms and spun me around, right in next to a busy street, for God and everyone else to see. I was floored. This was the stuff of Seventeen magazine fairytale dates – the ones I had looked forward to in high school that never materialized…until now. Giggling and semi-swooning, I kissed him goodnight and walked up the stairs to my apartment happy.

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The Frisky Girl’s Guide to Wearing Lingerie

Jessica BartlettApril 11, 2008 //

The night before Valentine’s Day this year, I received a frantic text message from my friend Sara, who I knew was on a mission to pick up something frilly to wear for her new boyfriend. “OMG, I’m in the store and I don’t even know what the eff a garter belt is. Help…” I flipped open my cell phone and left her a message that was one for the books: “Sara,” I said sternly, “if you don’t know what a garter belt is, he sure as hell won’t know how to take one off. Look for a babydoll top and cute underwear. Step AWAY from the garter belts.” Keep reading »