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Buzz In: Which Comedian Would You Have Wanted at Your Graduation?

BuzzSugar — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 13:30:28 -0700

Sad. The students at UCLA were trying to get new Los Angeles resident Conan O'Brien to give the commencement speech at their upcoming graduation, but he said "no." I think they were on the right track with a comedian (especially one who has done well with this in the past) instead of an actor, like their earlier choice of James Franco.

This got me thinking of my fantasy graduation ceremony, which would feature a Jon Stewart speech. Do you remember his amazingly hilarious speech to the class of 2004 at the College of William and Mary? Here's a snippet:

Today is the day you enter into the real world, and I should give you a few pointers on what it is. It’s actually not that different from the environment here. The biggest difference is you will now be paying for things, and the real world is not surrounded by three-foot brick wall. And the real world is not a restoration. If you see people in the real world making bricks out of straw and water, those people are not colonial re-enactors - they are poor. Help them. And in the real world, there is not as much candle lighting. I don't really know what it is about this campus and candle lighting, but I wish it would stop. We only have so much wax, people.

See? Comedians make good graduation speakers. Who would you have wanted at yours?

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Come Party With Me: High School Graduation - The Look

partysugar — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 09:15:08 -0700

Use the guest of honor's high school colors to decorate the location of your graduation party. Cover the tables with nice tablecloths and fill scalloped white serving trays with the food. Stack paper napkins near the buffet.

Set out pitchers of water and pomegranate soda. Sprinkle graduation hat confetti on the tables and tie several metallic balloons to the mailbox or front door. Place vases filled with fresh flowers in between the serving platters.

If you have any sporty games, like ping pong or shuffleboard, bring out the supplies and get everyone involved in a tournament.

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Come Party With Me: High School Graduation - Drinks

partysugar — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 12:50:52 -0700

At a party like a high school graduation that celebrates someone underage, be sure to have a plethora of nonalcoholic drinks on ice. Fill large buckets with canned or bottled sodas, and place pitchers of water - flavored with citrus, cucumber, or mint - on the tables.

Instead of juice, make pomegranate sodas. Their rosy hue and bubbly texture is festive and fun. The recipe calls for a maraschino cherry garnish, but since cherries are in season, set out a bowl of fresh cherries and let guests embellish the sodas themselves. For the recipe, read more.

Pomegranate Soda
From Everyday Food

Ingredients

1 cup sugar
1/2 cup pomegranate juice
Club soda, for serving
Maraschino cherries, for garnish (optional)

Directions

In a small saucepan, combine sugar and juice; bring to a boil over high, stirring until sugar has dissolved. Reduce to a simmer; cook, without stirring, until mixture is syrupy, about 2 minutes. (To store, refrigerate syrup up to 1 week; adjust consistency with water, if necessary.)
To serve: Fill 8 glasses with ice. Pour 2 tablespoons syrup in each glass, and top with club soda. Garnish with cherries, if desired.

Serves 8.

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Come Party With Me: High School Graduation - Dessert

partysugar — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 11:30:27 -0700

Nothing says high school graduation like a classic sheet cake with "Congratulations Class of 2009" scrolled across the top in loopy, frosted letters. While you could order an insanely sugary cake with too-sweet frosting from Costco or Safeway, why not take the time to make your grad a homemade confection? This recipe for a rich, dense chocolate cake is simple, straightforward, and sure to be a crowd-pleaser. It calls for a fudge-like frosting, but if you have another icing you prefer, use that instead. Get the luscious recipe when you read more.

Black Chocolate Cake With Fudge Icing
From Saveur

Ingredients

For the cake:
2 oz. unsweetened chocolate, chopped
5 tbsp. plus 1 tsp. unsalted butter, softened
1 1/4 cups sifted flour
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup sugar
2 egg yolks
For the frosting:
2 1/4 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted
5 tbsp. cocoa
6 tbsp. unsalted butter, melted
5 tbsp. hot freshly brewed coffee
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Melt chocolate in a small heatproof bowl set over a small pot of gently simmering water over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon. Remove bowl from heat and set aside until chocolate is cool.
Meanwhile, grease an 8" square cake pan with 1 tsp. of the butter and set aside.
Sift flour and salt together in a small bowl and set aside. Stir baking soda into buttermilk in another small bowl and set aside.
Beat sugar and the remaining 5 tbsp. butter together in a large mixing bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Beat in egg yolks, then add melted chocolate and beat until thoroughly combined.
Add one third of the flour mixture, then one third of the buttermilk mixture, beating well after each addition. Repeat process to use all of both mixtures, then pour batter into prepared pan and bake until a toothpick inserted in center of cake comes out clean, 40–50 minutes. Transfer cake to a rack to cool in pan, then invert onto a cake plate.
For the frosting: Sift confectioners' sugar and cocoa together in a medium bowl. Stir in butter, then coffee, then vanilla, mixing well with a wooden spoon after each addition, until frosting is smooth.
Ice top and sides of cake with frosting.

Makes one 8-inch cake.

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Come Party With Me: High School Graduation - Menu

partysugar — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 10:15:13 -0700

This week I'm planning the ultimate high school graduation party. Most high schools host a grad night after the ceremony where students get to celebrate together one last time. To ensure that they won't miss the festivities at either the grad night or their family's gathering, throw the personal party in the days following the graduation. The majority of graduates will have some sort of get together, and guests may be party-hopping, so take that into consideration when selecting a menu. Instead of offering a formal, sit-down dinner, opt for heavy appetizers or a casual, make-ahead buffet. This menu consists of comforting, simple, kid-friendly party food.

You can't go wrong with classics like seven-layer dip with tortilla chips and ranch dip with crudites. Pressed mozzarella and tomato sandwiches get more flavorful over time, and beef sliders with cheese and spicy mayonnaise are hearty enough to satiate the football players. For these crowd-pleasing recipes, read more.

Seven-Layer Bean Dip
From Better Crocker

Ingredients

1 can (16 oz) refried beans
1 package (1 oz) taco seasoning mix
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1 can (4.5 oz) chopped green chiles
1 cup chunky salsa
2 cups shredded lettuce
2 cups shredded Cheddar or Mexican cheese blend
1 can (2.25 oz) sliced ripe olives, drained
1 medium tomato, diced (3/4 cup)
Tortilla chips, if desired

Directions

In medium bowl, mix refried beans and taco seasoning mix. Spread mixture on large platter.
In another medium bowl, mix cream cheese and chiles. Carefully spread over bean mixture.
Top with salsa, lettuce, cheese, olives and tomato. Refrigerate until serving time. Serve with tortilla chips.

Serves 16.

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Ranch Dip with Vegetables
From Sara Moulton

Ingredients

3/4 cup sour cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/3 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
1/4 teaspoon minced garlic
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
4 carrots, cut into sticks
6 celery ribs, cut into sticks
1 seedless cucumber (usually plastic-wrapped), cut into sticks
1 small jicama, peeled, halved lengthwise, and cut into sticks
1 1/2 cups grape or cherry tomatoes (9 ounces)
thick cut, crinkle potato chips (optional for serving)

Directions

Stir together sour cream, mayonnaise, parsley, chives, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl until combined well. Chill dip, covered, until slightly thickened, at least 1 hour (for flavors to develop).
Serve dip with vegetables and potato chips.

Serves 12.

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Sliders with Chipotle Mayonnaise
From Bobby Flay

Ingredients

Chipotle Mayonnaise:
1 cup mayonnaise
2 chipotles in adobo sauce
1 tablespoon adobo sauce
1/2 lime, juice
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Sliders:
1 to 1 1/2 pounds ground chuck, 80/20
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Cheese slices, your choice
Mini burger buns
Pickles, Red onion slices, tomatoes, lettuce, optional for topping

Directions

Make the Chipotle Mayonnaise: Add all the ingredients to a food processor and puree. Season, to taste, with salt and pepper.
Make the Sliders: Preheat grill over medium-high heat.
Form the meat into 2 to 3-ounce portions, packed tightly. Season with salt and pepper.
Place the sliders on the grill. Wait until they are nice and crusty on the first side, about 4 to 5 minutes and then flip and cook another 4 minutes. When the sliders are about done, top with desired cheese and close the grill, allowing the cheese to melt.
Place the slider on mini burger buns and top with chipotle mayonnaise and any other desired toppings.

Serves 6-8.

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Pressed Mozzarella and Tomato Sandwich
From Everyday Food

Ingredients

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1/2 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained, reserving 1 tablespoon oil
1/2 loaf ciabatta bread (about 5 ounces), split horizontally and hollowed out
Romaine lettuce leaves
6 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced
1/2 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves
Coarse salt and ground pepper

Directions

In a small bowl, whisk together mustard and oil until thick; spread on bread.
Layer bottom half of bread with some of the lettuce, then cheese, tomatoes, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper. Top with remaining lettuce and bread.
Wrap sandwich tightly in plastic; place on a baking sheet. Top with another sheet, and weight down with canned goods or a heavy skillet.
Refrigerate at least 1 hour and up to overnight to meld flavors. Cut in half, and serve.

Serves 2.

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You Asked: My Boyfriend Doesn't Believe in Himself

DearSugar — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 12:00:00 -0700

Dear Sugar,

My boyfriend just graduated from college last Spring and is taking some time off. Right now he's taking community college classes and deciding what direction he wants to go with his life (grad school, career, etc). His parents are more than fine with supporting him - he's worked really hard, and deserves a break - so he can avoid jumping into something he hates. Unfortunately, he doesn't see it that way. He feels lazy and wants to get a job to occupy his time, but all of the jobs that seem interesting don't respond to him (it's a tough job market right now).

I try to tell him that he should take this time to pursue stuff he loves and that something amazing will come eventually, but there's only so much I can say without sounding like a broken record. I've also tried to help him find jobs (he does freelance website design, so I've gotten him a few clients) but once again, there's only so much that I can do. He's down a lot and I feel down when I can't cheer him up. What can I do?

- Cheering Him Up Chelsea

To see DearSugar's answer, read more.

Dear Cheering Him Up Chelsea,

The time between graduation and before you jump into the professional world is extremely confusing and scary. In school there's a very clear path to follow, but once you reach the end, the sudden lack of direction can leave a person feeling inadequate and lost. But eventually most people find their way, especially if they're capable and hardworking.

For now, it certainly sounds like you're doing everything you can to support him even though I'm sure this is hard on you too. If I were you, I'd recommend that he start applying for internships in any of the fields he might be interested in. Not only are they a great way to discover if a particular job might be for him without the commitment of an actual paying job, but they'll keep him busy and help him build a resume, which could perk up his mood quite a bit. For someone with parents willing and able to support them, internships are a great way to make the jump from student to employee.

As far as grappling with his bleak mood in the meantime, keep doing what you're doing. Though the practical stuff is important, don't be afraid to remind him of how much he matters to you as a boyfriend, career aspirations aside. With that said, a jolt of tough love never hurt anyone. Sometimes people need a reminder that things could be worse, and trust me, in his case, they certainly can. And for sanity's sake, you both need to remember this situation is only temporary. Remind yourself of that every day if you have to and help him do the same.

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You Asked: Should I Move?

DearSugar — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 06:00:00 -0700

Dear Sugar,

A friend and I have been talking about moving to New York together after we finish college next May. We haven't discussed anything solid, but we both think it's a good idea to live there because of the areas we're specializing in, plus, it's my absolute dream city!

My problem is that I'm currently in a relationship with a great guy, and have been for about a year and a half. I'm almost 99 percent sure he doesn't want to go to New York when he graduates - I've brought it up with him before - so I feel incredibly guilty about considering doing it on my own. On one hand, I feel like I'm making plans behind his back, but on the other, there aren't any real plans yet; it's all very, very tentative, and we may not even go through with it - a lot can happen in a year. If I feel something is right for me, should I go through with it regardless? This decision is consuming my every thought! - Apprehensive Annabelle

To see DearSugar's answer, read more.

Dear Apprehensive Annabelle,

Making plans after graduating from college can be incredibly exciting, but also very stressful. Since the world is your oyster, making the decision as to what to do and where to go can get overwhelming, so start with writing a pro and con list so you can weigh all your options. While I'm sure you love your boyfriend and he loves you, you have no idea what your future holds or how your relationship will manifest itself out in the real world. With that said, if New York has always been your dream, I say go for it!

To avoid making this a secret decision, open up the lines of communication. Tell him this has always been something you've wanted to do and if he's not on board, this is a perfect time to discuss your options - you never know, he could have something up his own sleeve or he could have changed his mind about NYC.

If you decide to go your separate ways, try out a long distance relationship for a while. If you can't live without each other, one of you can make a move, but at least you will have tried to live out your dream. If you don't, you could end up wondering what it would have/could have been like, and worse yet, you could end up resenting your boyfriend. I wish you luck on whatever path you choose!

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Headline of the Day

GiggleSugar — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 04:00:00 -0700

Man in Penis Costume 'Streaks' Graduation With Silly String

Streaking your high school graduation in an oversized penis costume? Funny. Streaking a high school graduation when you're not graduating and have no business being there in the first place in a penis costume? Creepy. Calvin Morette, age 19, crashed this year's Saratoga Springs High School graduation dressed in his Sunday best - an inflatable six-foot penis costume - even though he already graduated last year. To make matters worse, Calvin had silly string. Lots and lots of silly string. I'd say someone's darn ballsy - and in need of a girlfriend, maybe? To read more on the story, click here.

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Come Party With Me: Graduation - The Look

partysugar — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 09:15:26 -0700

When creating the look for your graduation party, start by choosing a color scheme. The graduate's favorite colors or the school's colors make perfect selections. Cover the tables in pretty, printed tablecloths.

Make a "Congratulations" banner and hang in a visible location. Tie balloons to your mailbox, so guests know where the party is. Serve the pasta in modern serving bowls. Stack plain white plates nearby. Write the name of each dish on a small card, place in a place card holder, and set near the serving bowls. On the bar, line the glasses up next to the ice bucket and lemonade and iced tea pitchers.

Finally, don't forget fabulous flowers. A green and white bouquet is fresh and elegant.

Come Party With Me: Graduation - Drinks

partysugar — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 13:15:54 -0700

At a graduation party make things feel festive and celebratory by setting up a small bar buffet that allows guests to mix their own drinks. Since the graduate is underage, the bar will have no alcohol. Instead stock the buffet with the fixings for jazzed-up Arnold Palmers! Pitchers of lemonade and iced tea, lemon wedges, sparkling water, grenadine, and fresh berries will sit next to an ice bucket and rows of glasses.

For the adults fill coolers with beer, white wine, and water. To check out the lemonade and iced tea recipes, read more.

Lemonade
From Martha Stewart

Ingredients

3 cups lemon or lime juice, about 20 lemons or 25 limes freshly squeezed
2 cups superfine sugar
4 cups cold water
4 cups ice
2 lemons or limes, thinly sliced for garnish

Directions

Into a large serving container, strain the citrus juice, mix it with sugar, and stir until the sugar is dissolved.
Add 4 cups cold water and stir again until well combined. Add ice to fill and a few lemon or lime slices.

Makes 10 cups.

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Iced Tea
Modified from Tassimo

Ingredients

4-5 bags your favorite tea
Lemon juice (optional)
Sugar (optional)
Ice cubes

Directions

Prepare tea by brewing the bags in boiling water. Add lemon juice and sugar to taste; cool completely. Or, refrigerate until ready to serve.
Pour over ice cubes in two tall glasses. Sit back and relax on a hot day.

Makes half a pitcher.

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