Top 10 Lady Gaga Outfits

I know there are a lot of Lady Gaga lists out there of her most bizarre outfits (google "meat dress" for an ugly mess). But this is my own Top 10 list of the clothes I think look best on her. I'll be the first to admit that Lady Gaga is sort of hit-and-miss; sometimes she looks amazing and other times horrendous. But she has her own style, her own character, and it shines through. Disclaimer: I do NOT own these pictures. If any of these have violated a copyright, just let me know and I will take them down.

10) Gold Crystals

She seems to really like this pattern; I've seen a white and an emerald one just like it. But gold, I think, is far more striking, especially against the black. The gloves help make it elegant.

9) Bright and Sunny

The reason I love this outfit is that it looks like something I might actually wear in public. It's bright, it's colorful, and yes, her eyeshadow does not match, but I still think it works overall.

8) Masquerade

It is interesting that a person so proud of being "born this way" would wear so many masks to cover her face, which really is pretty if you ever get a chance to see it. Oh well, the mask is amazing and goes well with the biker jacket. 10 out of 10!

7) White Lace

She looks so fresh and young in white, like a bride. I am loving the hairpiece too. I am seriously considering making my own; it doesn't look that difficult - maybe just cut up some lace and glue it to a headband or barrette.

6) Butterfly Face

I love getting my face painted at carnivals (even though I'm in my 20's, you're never too old). I usually just get a little picture on my right cheek, but next time, I'll ask to have such a gorgeous, colorful butterfly all over my face. I like the bracelets too. Japan needs our prayers. As does Haiti. And all the people who have lost their homes in tornados in North Carolina, et al. So many people to pray for.

5) Lady in White

The headscarf? Not so great. But the jacket? I love it! I've wanted a studded white jacket like this for a long time now, and someday....someday....I will own one.

4) Overwhelming Color

Ok, on anyone else (me included) this outfit would look incredibly stupid. But Lady Gaga not only pulls it off, she makes it look fabulous to boot!!

3) Flashy Pants

What is there not to like about this outfit? It's got the bright flashy pants, bright pink gloves, a little hat, and the quintessential Gaga sunglasses. Classic.

2) Statue of Liberty

No, I don't think this is supposed to be a Statue of Liberty costume, but that's what I immediately think of when I see it. The headpiece is delicate and the dress is flowing. And she looks the most "normal" here of all her pictures.

1) Tiger Hoodie

What works about this piece is the eye makeup. The long stripes under the hot pink eyeshadow are a lot of fun. I love bright and colorful eyeshadow, and am actually wearing pink today!

Top 10 Original Star Trek Episodes

There is not much I can tell you about Star Trek that legions of fans do not already know. The television show lasted only 3 seasons, yet contributed countless benefits to the science-fiction community (including 4 spin-off shows...5 if you count the excellent cartoon series). If you have not watched the original, you are seriously missing out on some excellent plots, highly developed characters, and moral musings that were ahead of their time. So without further adieu, here are the Top 10 Original Star Trek episodes.

Oh, but first, the Honorable Mentions:
"The Man Trap", "The Enemy Within", "The Corbomite Maneuver", "Arena", "Journey to Babel", and "Bread and Circuses".

10) Errand of Mercy

The Federation vs. The Klingons. A classic scenario, but this time with a twist - the peace-loving Organians, who refuse to defend themselves. They are so incredibly annoying with their pacifism that I found myself rooting for their just comeuppance. But when the twist ending came, I saw myself for what I really was - a militant, lowly, human being.

9) Who Mourns for Adonais?

The Enterprise crew is captured by the Greek god Apollo, raising the questions: What role does God (or gods) play in our modern, complex life? Has mankind surpassed the need for a deity? (my answer: no)

8) The Devil in the Dark

A creature called the Horta is killing miners, and Kirk and Spock are sent to investigate. Yet another episode where we learn that what seems like the enemy is simply a misunderstood creature. That is one reason I love the Star Trek universe - many well-written episodes force you to confront your own natural prejudices and misconceptions.

7) A Taste of Armageddon

Two planets have existed in a constant state of war with each other, only now the battles are fought with computers instead of actual bombs. The death toll, however, remains high. This episode is perfect for anyone pondering the question: Is war better clean and sanitized, or should it remain brutal and bloody?

6) Plato's Stepchildren

A fun episode for many reasons (as you might tell, I enjoy Greek/Roman culture). Often claimed to have the "first interracial kiss on television", this is simply not true. I Love Lucy had already broken that barrier years before. Perhaps the people claiming this mean "the first white/black romantic kiss on television", since Sammy Davis Jr. had kissed Nancy Sinatra a year or so before this episode premiered.

5) The Naked Time

Our Enterprise friends lose their inhibitions, with varying degrees of hilarity. My favorite character in this episode is Kevin Riley (who sadly only appears twice in the series) and his Irish brogue.

4) The Deadly Years

The Enterprise crew begin aging at an accelerated rate. The performances in this episode are quite moving, especially by William Shatner (our beloved captain).

3) The Changeling

I know this doesn't appear on many people's "favorites" list, but I really like this episode. It is fun, exciting, and doesn't drag on the pace. Basically, Kirk faces off against a robot in a battle of logic/wits/whatever. The only annoying part is when Nomad wipes Uhura's memory clean; the episode never answers if she ever gained it back again, or does she have to relearn everything? Does she even remember her parents??? ANSWER THE QUESTIONS, Star Trek!!!

2) The Squire of Gothos

This episode features a sorta of "pre-Q", a being with nearly omnipotent powers (or so it seems at first). Trelane plays with our heroes much like a young child plays with their toys (or pets). This episode has us watch how we treat others, especially non-humans who we think are inherently inferior to us.

1) The Trouble With Tribbles

Ok, no real lessons or philosophical questions in this one - just a lot of fun! Tribbles multiply at alarming rates, and soon the entire ship is filled with the furry things. This should be the first Star Trek episode you ever view, and one every Trekkie should own.

Oh, and did you know you can BUY Tribbles? No, for real!! *cannot guarantee link or products*

Top 10 Original Twilight Zone Episodes (spoiler free!)

The Twilight Zone ran from 1959 - 1964. Created by Rod Serling, one of the most ingenious minds of the 20th century, each episode had either a twist ending or a realization about ourselves and our world. Many of the episodes were scary, but a few were sad or merely thought-provoking. As much as I enjoy the series, I confess that I have not seen all 156 episodes. But from what I have seen, I am able to pick out 10 of the best, eeriest, and all-around jolting Twilight Zone episodes, here for your pleasure.
And of course, it's spoiler-free.

First, a list of Honorable Mentions:
"Judgement Night", "The Invaders", "Will the Real Martian Please Stand Up?", "The Midnight Sun", and "The After Hours".

10) It's a Good Life

The brat of all brats, Anthony Fremont is a kid with almost ultimate power. He imposes a reign of terror on the neighbors and his parents, forcing them to do whatever he pleases. While not exactly scary, the episode makes us reflect on the fragile human state and how complete power corrupts.

9) To Serve Man

One that makes almost everyone's list, "To Serve Man" is about a race of aliens that visit Earth under friendly pretenses. They help to end war and eradicate hunger, and quickly become heroes to the humans. Their guidebook is even called "To Serve Man". Really! How much nicer could they possibly be?! While the twist is a little too easy to guess, the whole episode has a very creepy vibe to it, and is an excellent warning to not be too trusting until one has all the facts!!

8) Kick the Can

No, it's not scary. Not at all. In fact, it's kind of sweet and sad. Old people try to regain their youth by playing "Kick the Can" (an old game I have no clue how to play). Watching this episode will make you feel both nostalgic and even slightly depressed.

7) The Masks

An old man is dying, and he invites his closest relatives to witness the event. They are all nasty, greedy vultures who are just waiting for their chance at his money. But there's a catch. If they want to inherit anything, they must wear these hideous masks until the stroke of midnight.

6) Five Characters in Search of an Exit

Ok, let me get this straight. A clown, a ballerina, a cop, a hobo, and a bagpiper are all trapped in a windowless room with no idea how they got there. No, it's not a bad joke; it's simply one of the most twisted Twilight Zone episodes ever made. What has happened to these people? Are they in heaven? Hell? A nuclear shelter? An insane asylum? Are they insane? Figments of some twisted imagination? My mind went through all of these possibilities as I watched this episode, yet the twist ending completely surprised me (yet afterwards, I was all "Of course! How did I not guess?!")

5) Living Doll

I will sum up this episode in 4 chilling words: Talking Doll Kills People. Seriously. That's all you need to know. Now go watch it and prepare to be horrified (and possibly burning your daughter's doll collection afterwards).

4) Night Call

An elderly woman begins getting strange phone calls during the night. Telling any more will give too much away, as there are not one, but two major twists in this terrifying episode.

3) The Eye of the Beholder

A disfigured woman is recovering from another surgery, trying to fix her face. She is told that if she is not better-looking this time, she will be exiled. Her face wrapped in bandages for more than the first half of the episode, the twist is easy to see coming. But it is still jolting nonetheless. The entire message of "The Eye of the Beholder" is about society's standards of beauty and the lengths people will go to achieve it.

2) Nightmare at 20,000 Feet

For everyone who hates flying (including me), this episode is a chiller. Captain Kirk...I mean, William Shatner....I mean *ahem* "Bob Wilson" is a man afraid of flying who gets a window seat next to the wing. He keeps seeing a gremlin outside trying to tear apart the plane, but nobody believes him. On my last flight, I was "lucky" enough to get the same "wing seat" that Wilson was in, and I couldn't help but play this episode over in my mind, especially when we hit turbulence.

1) The Thirty-Fathom Grave

Yes, my #1 Twilight Zone episode is not one that makes most Top 10 lists, but to me, it personifies the entire essence of the whole series. This was the first episode I ever watched, when I was 9 or 10, and it scared me to death! While investigating a sunken submarine, Chief Bell realizes that it is the same one that he served on 20 years ago. He escaped, while his fellow crewman died. He then begins to see visions of them beckoning to him to join them. There is also a mysterious clanging noise...