Writer’s Strike Got You Down?

The writer’s strike: it has sucked all of the joy out of winter entertainment. Grey’s is sporadic – as I sit on the couch like a strung-out addict waiting for my next McDreamy fix. Jack isn’t back for Day 7 (and facing “Monday” in the bleak snowy months without this adrenaline rush will most likely reactivate my seasonal depression *sigh*). Thankfully the Stewart/Colbert duo are still hysterical – embedding hope that I won’t have to completely succumb to an all-rerun-and-reality-t.v. diet. So what’s a Wisconsin girl to do when the weather outside is frightful and so is the Thursday night line-up (save your farm jokes, please)? Get creative, of course!

1. It is time to take your Darling Hubby out of his comfort zone. Have him trade in his “Sunday Best” (or T-Shirt and Sweatpants as it is in our house) for a pair of scrubs. Okay, maybe he’s more of a McNugget than McSteamy…but I am sure you’ll agree that having him channel his inner-Dr.Derek Shepherd is far more appealing than spending one more night listening to a lackluster “Top Ten List” on the late night talk show circuit. You pick which sappy soundtrack will be playing in the background. You choose which silly dialogue to say. This little interlude is guaranteed to produce more action than the On-Call Room at Seattle Grace!
2. The following takes between Month One and Month Eight of the Writer’s Strike. The experts say that we could continue to experience this prime-time tragedy for several months. As a result, Jack Bauer is taking a year off from kicking “you know what” and taking names. No “24”? It’s like having NO AIR. Jack Bauer makes a flak jacket look like an Armani suit, and now you can too! I’m not suggesting that you break out your copy of Season Two and watch it while in full CTU uniform...but I am not discouraging it either.
3. Alright fine. I am a simple girl with simple wishes. I really don’t care who wins the next presidential election – so long as it isn’t the same guy that currently has his feet up on that executive desk in the oval office. My suggestion is to taunt your friends and family by wearing a 2008 Official Presidential Mask Poll. Perhaps you are going through Clinton-withdrawals and Hillary is your gal? Maybe Mitt is the man for you with his Salt Lake City style? Barack Obama, you know you wanna! Watch the race to the Whitehouse unfold through the eyes of your favorite candidate! Even if dear old dad doesn’t agree with McCain’s political platform, he’ll have a tough time saying so to his face.

If all else fails, might I suggest putting pen to paper and taking a crack at script writing, yourself? 2009 is looking pretty scary, my friend. One more game show like: WHO WANTS TO MAKE BAIL MONEY (honestly, how many more shows can Ryan Seacrest host?) or GUESS THAT ANIMAL SOUND WITH CARRIE FISHER – well, I may have to debate poking my eyes out with a spork (I told you the depression would creep back). Join me next time as we explore the fascinating world of ‘Screenplays Gone Wild’. Respond with some of your ideas and they just may make the list! Until then, this is Shelby saying: Good night and good grief.

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BuyCostumes.com celebrates the primaries!

Check out our employees taking part in the launch of the Official 2008 Presidential Mask Poll!
Get in on the action too : 2008 Presidential Mask Poll



John McCain boxes up products to be shipped



Hillary Clinton picks costumes in the BuyCostumes.com warehouse


Barack Obama highlights spreadsheets




Mike Huckabee answers calls in customer service

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Official BuyCostumes.com Presidential Mask Poll

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information, please contact:
Rachel Kuebbing, (262) 901-2000, ext. 156
Rachelk@buycostumes.com





BUYCOSTUMES.COM UP TO ITS OLD TRICKS WITH A FEW NEW TREATS.
Outcome of 2008 Presidential Race to Be Foretold by Candidate Mask Sales

--After successfully predicting election results in 2000 and 2004, BuyCostumes.com launches The Official 2008 Presidential Mask PollSM to unmask our next president.—

MILWAUKEE, WIS. — January 30, 2008 — This week, BuyCostumes.com, the world’s largest e-tailer of costumes and accessories, unveils The Official 2008 Presidential Mask PollSM, an online straw poll that tallies votes for each presidential candidate based on sales of the candidates’ masks.

In 2000, BuyCostumes.com uncovered a very unusual trend: their sales of presidential candidates’ masks foretold the outcome of the election. Monitoring and tracking each sale of a candidate’s mask in the 2000 and 2004 elections, BuyCostumes.com 100% accurately predicted the outcome of both elections. In 2004, George Bush masks took 53% of the “votes” to John Kerry’s 47%, and in 2000, George Bush led by 57% compared with Al Gore’s 43%.

This year, the more official polls have had trouble tracking candidates’ progress in the race for the White House so BuyCostumes.com has jumped to the sidelines six months earlier than usual to help predict the outcome.

Eight custom paper masks have been created by the company to track the following candidates: Republicans Rudy Giuliani, Mike Huckabee, John McCain, Ron Paul and Mitt Romney; Democrats Hillary Clinton, John Edwards and Barack Obama. These masks will be available exclusively at www.BuyCostumes.com/PresidentialMaskPoll for $0.99. As we near the conventions and campaign frontrunners emerge, BuyCostumes.com will also offer the very popular custom latex masks of those candidates. One mask purchase equals one vote.

“These masks are a lot of fun and an inexpensive way for people to show their support. I feel strongly that once again our poll will ultimately be the most reliable. After all, we’re the only poll that has so far been 100% accurate,” commented Jalem Getz, CEO of BuyCostumes.com. He adds, with a smile, “We’ve joked that this be the only way an election can be bought! The more masks you buy the more votes your candidate gets.”

Starting today, paper masks of eight presidential candidates will be available for purchase at www.BuyCostumes.com/PresidentialMaskPoll. Once again we will also provide sales data and statistics that show votes (mask sales) on a daily basis. Results can be viewed collectively for all candidates and also by an individual state.

New this year: BuyCostumes.com has created a custom website “widget” that will tally “voting” totals daily. The general public (or media outlets) can upload this widget to their websites, blogs or social networking sites in order to track the results of the Mask Poll in real-time. The widget along with other data will be available approximately 10 days after the masks go on sale and will be updated daily thereafter.



About BuyCostumes.com

Founded in 1999 BuyCostumes.com is the leading online‐only retailer of costumes, and accessories. BuyCostumes.com offers one of the largest assortments of costumes and party supplies for adults and children at any single location ‐‐ online or offline. BuyCostumes.com is operated by BUYSEASONS, Inc. a wholly owned subsidiary of Liberty Media Corporation (LINTA).

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Celebrating the Big Game in style!

Whether your favorite team made it to the Big Game or not, most people are sure to watch the four hour plus marathon of entertainment on Super Bowl Sunday. After all, it is the most highly watched television event of the year and missing out on all of the funny commercials during the game would make most people feel left out on the following day's water cooler talks.

With million dollar 30 second commercial spots every 5 minutes and highly promoted halftime shows with big name performers, the Big Game becomes more about commercials and event sponsorships than the actual game each year!

Whatever reason you have for watching the Big Game, make sure you have the right party supplies for watching the game! Some must have items to keep your gathering from growing stale are below:

Inflatable Goal Post Cooler with Football - This is a must have for so many reasons. Not only will it keep your drinks cold, but it can provide entertainment during the often sub-par halftime show!

Yellow Penalty Flag and Red Challenge Flag - Now you can be the ref or coach! Think the ref made a bad call? Throw a penalty on them! Think a play needs further review? Throw the challenge flag!

Football Hat - Sure it may look ridiculous, but it is sure to grab a ton of laughs.

Mini Soft Footballs - These are great to play catch with! They are also soft, so the not-so-good catchers won't get hurt.

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Valentine's Day Ideas

Consult our list below for the newest ideas for Valentine's Day. (Okay, so we've brought back some oldies...but goodies!) These are sure to enhance the evening you have planned. Just remember to make Valentine's Day all about that special person. Nothing means more than a little preparation beforehand. And these are easy ideas...the littlest amount of effort counts!


Ideas for Valentine's Day:

• Wash the car together. (if not living in cold weather)
• Flirt - see tips here
• Wear the other's favorite shirt, dress or cologne for the other to enjoy.
• Tickle each other.
• Take a joy ride and listen to your favorite songs together. Singing loudly is recommended.
• Have a dance party, play dance music and move together.
• Dine out at a ridiculously expensive restaraunt - you only do it once a year!
• Put rose petals on her pillow.
• Make breakfast in bed - even if it's on the Saturday after Valentine's Day.
• Make dinner at home. Split up the duties and set the table.
• Get a baby sitter without telling her and have an evening planned.
• Schedule a Couples massage.
• Get a baby sitter without telling her and have an evening planned.
• Schedule a Couples massage.
• Indoor or Outdoor Ice Skating.
• Indulge her with a new terri cloth robe and slippers.
• Go see a romantic movie, or any movie for that matter.
• Buy new satin sheets and make the bed before he/she sees.
• Take her out for chocolate fondue.
• Send chocolate covered strawberries to her workplace.
• Make a cd of your favorite songs together.
• Knit him a new scarf.
• Plan a night out with friends and bar hop.
• Pick a color and center the day around that theme -- Example: Red wine, red strawberries, give red roses, etc...
• Get tickets to a sporting event that night/weekend.
• Create your own spa at home with candles, low lighting and relaxing music.
• Do yoga together on DVD.

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American Idol Season is Back!

Hello again Paula, Simon and Randy!! Guess what everyone? America’s number 1 show is BACK and its going to be better than ever, I can FEEL IT! So, I don’t know about you, but I absolutely Love American Idol. My love for the show is almost overwhelming, but hey we all have our passions right? It makes me feel good that someone can turn into a star pretty much over night with votes from us! And, isn’t it also neat how we all keep tabs and stay interested in these stars in seeing what they really become? I’m a die hard fan of Carrie Underwood now and where would SHE be without American Idol? Who knows, but I know one things for sure, I probably wouldn’t have her cd, which I adore by the way!

Let me tell you the one reason of MANY that you too should love American idol and will actually benefit from it! Well, unless you don’t like to have fun that is. And that reason is to PARTY, PARTY, PARTY!!! I love excuses for Parties. Now a days it seems so freaking hard to get people together and this is just another great idea to get my lazy friends off their butts and to my house!!! AND do you want to know what’s even better? All you need is a T.V. (not even cable) and round up some friends, even if it’s just one or two! I like to make it a celebration so if you are anything like me here’s what you need to do!

1) Make a calendar for all of your friends listing the times and dates of the entire American idol series and make sure they post it on their refrigerator.

2) Have everyone bring a snack, what’s a party without them right?

3) Have an assortment of drinks.

4) Make sure to get American Idol Party Supplies and Decorations. This just makes the environment much more perfect!

In case anyone is wondering, yes, I watched the first two nights and YES, my first two American Idol nights were great. We had so much fun AND I know everyone will be back for more, FOR SURE!

However, I would have to say I’m just a little disappointed they didn’t keep some of the contestants. How’d everyone like the Star Wars Chick? Some character she was! I’m so excited to see what’s next and I’m even more excited for my friends to come over and share a ton of laughs together all over again! How can you not laugh during this show? If you’ve missed the first two days of American Idol, please don’t miss anymore because you are SO missing out!

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Halloween Costumes Make Great Year Round Gifts!

How many of you have seen photos of yourself or an older sibling dressed in dad gear, wearing huge Allen Edmonds, dragging a briefcase down the hallway? I was famous for digging out my mother’s wedding gown, veil, pillbox hat, and stiletto heels and tripping around the house – and even the muddy back yard! My family has hundreds of such memories captured on film.

These days, thanks to the prevalence of well made, high quality Halloween costumes, there’s no longer a need to dress up in mom’s old cruise wear and saunter around the house in heels way too big. If that’s the style your little girl is looking for, I’m sure there’s a kids costume that’ll be a perfect substitute.

If you have kids of your own or if you just want to earn favorite uncle or aunt status, start a dress up collection for the kids in your family.

If you don’t know where to start, you can’t go wrong with any High School Musical costume. And it’s not just girls who go gaga for these…. Boys idolize Troy too. So this is a perfect family pick. The kids will be entertained for hours! And, if you play a CD of the music, so will anyone else in the room. It’s amazing how well young, carefree kids can perform!

Another great gift idea for any young girl is the Deluxe Hannah Montana costume, complete with wig. If you can’t get Hannah Montana concert tickets for your kids, have them perform their own show at home. It’ll be much less expensive and will promote singing and dancing in your house.

Superheroes always go over well! Who doesn’t want to save the world from evil and look cute doing it! A few classics to pick from are Batman, Robin, Wonder Woman and SuperGirl. If you want to be timely, just find out which movies are popular and buy the corresponding costume. Spiderman and Transformer’s Optimum Prime are two real popular costumes for kids right now.

Princess costumes, Disney in particular, are also must haves for any young girl and one can never have too many… Boring old slumber parties can turn into fantasy princess parties if there are enough costumes to go around.

If you have an extended family that gets together for celebrations, pick up some costumes to accompany the theme. For example, with Easter right around the corner, think of how much fun it would be to have the kids hunting for eggs dressed up as bunnies or chicks? Easter costumes, Thanksgiving costumes, Christmas costumes, if you celebrate it, you can find kid costumes for it.

So make it easy on yourself and add Halloween costumes to the list of potential gifts for the little ones in your family. They make the perfect stocking stuffer, Easter Basket filler, birthday present, or surprise gift.

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Flirting Tips this Valentine's Day and Beyond

Brush up on these age old ways and flirting will have you arm in arm with a Valentine

Sure you can send someone flowers, candies or a gift to let them know you exist. But there are more ways than typical to drop hints to a potential mate. In fact, the fine art of playfully displaying one's interest in someone is alive and well contrary to most beliefs. A whole industry has developed and online dating especially has picked up the pace in the last decade. Tons of people are giving advice and coaching (in print, in person, and online) on the art of flirting, especially for Valentine's Day.

The following is some real, live flirting advice:

1.) Have confidence

"Sometimes, when you do what looks like all the right romantic things, you could look too eager to please, which gets interpreted as if you don't have that essential ingredient for Earth Men: masculine confidence. Keep building your self-confidence in other ways such as improving your physique, gaining skills in things that interest you, and making friends both male and female. This will make you all around more attractive."

2.) Speak up!

"If you see someone in the local store, say Hi! Make eye contact and smile with whomever you can. You'll find the more you do this, the easier it will become." This is great advice. Ask yourself this question - Have you ever gone out of your way to be friendly to people? Simply by grinning or saying "Hi" to another person while passing them by is just something more people need to do. And by the way, return the favor. You are not too cool.

3.) Practice being friendly - but don't over do it

The key is to practice. You don't have to decide to be super friendly to everybody, but if you recognize that maybe others feel like they're getting the cold shoulder...chances are so is the cute guy at the end of the bar.

4.) Find support

There are also support groups available for you to join either in person or online. For example, if you're dating someone in the military and they can't be by your side this Valentine's Day...find a friend and make dinner together and gush about him all night long!

5.) Just be yourself

"Develop your own individual style, because by doing that, you're saying, 'I like who I am,' and that's very sexy.

6.) Focus on how you make someone feel

Writer-lecturer Linda Stambaugh defines flirting as "letting someone know that you like them, and would like to know them better. Flirting has less to do with how you look... and a lot more to do with how you make people feel."

Other helpful tips and flirting advice I found interesting in my flirt research:

"If you want someone to approach you, be sure to carry or wear something that is eye-catching and noticeable." You will be surprised how much easier it is to go up to someone and ask a question about what they're wearing or comment on how cool their shoes look.

"Flirting is not about winking and slinking--it's the art of making people feel special."

"Eye contact, good listening skills, humor, expressing self-confidence and respecting others are vital not just for attracting a mate but for reaching "your professional and personal goals.... When you flirt with someone you find a magical connection."
--Jill Spiegel, author of Flirting for Success


Source: Kristen (Machut) Grace, EverythingValentine.com

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Fantasy Costumes for Valentine's Day

Even if you don't want to admit it, every boyfriend or husband has a fantasy. It doesn't necessarily have to be a "sexy" costume, it can be as simple as wearing a blonde wig. The point is, if you know what the fantasy is, don't be embarrassed to fulfill it. Remember, it isn't always about what happens behind closed doors either! Valentine's Day is about love and what shows love better than dreams come true. Read below for our female fantasies too!


Here are some of our more common "fantasies" at BuyCostumes.

1. Deluxe Blonde Wig
This is a common and fairly tame fantasy. It is something that you can wear out to dinner or wherever you choose to go.
2.Fishnets
This can bring a little spice to your outfit this Valentine's Day. I like to think of this as naughty, but stylish.
3. Sports Fantasy
A lot of boys like sports, but a lot of girls don't. Surprise him next Football Sunday with some extra spirit.
4. Play Cupid
For all you singles out there, dress up like cupid for bar hopping. I am sure that more than one male will be struck with love.
5. Girls can have there fantasies too!
Men in Uniforms. Enough said.

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