some thoughts on names

via Hype Girls


January was a huge month for baby name mania, what with Beyoncé and Jay-Z making history with their little lady, Blue Ivy Carter (professionally known as "B.I.C."). I love the meaning behind the name, particularly the "Ivy," which I don't really care for in itself, but the pun on "IV" is really clever. (Beyoncé's pregnancy announcement was so uplifting. Give it another view here.)

I just love talking about names, which is of course why I visit Nameberry.com almost daily. They always have stats on which names are most popular every day and great blogging on name trends and history. Its cultural commentary and a good sense of humor make it entertaining even to people who aren't parents or expecting.

In that spirit, here's some name info I've picked up recently and enjoyed.

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Did you ever read The Indian in the Cupboard? Remember the name Omri? This commentary on his name made me giggle!

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Am I the only one who confuses Mira Sorvino with Mena Suvari?
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Did you know that Shirley was originally a male name?

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a famous and fitting stage name born of a birth name

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Ellen reveals the secrets of celebrity baby-naming

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white-hot ultra-modern super-slick names
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what comedians name their kids
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Aaand... top names in pop culture in 2011.

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image source unknown

that's why her hair is so big. it's full of secrets.

It's awesome to me how immediately most of my generation will get this joke. Pop culture, you are a minx.

found on Facebook

Also, I found out recently that Janis Ian is a real live person, not just a mean girl. AND the actress who plays Janis Ian, Lizzy Caplan (she's so pretty!), is apparently dating Matthew Perry, a.k.a. Chandler from Friends. Dude. What a small world. (I love how every Google result on the search "lizzy caplan matthew perry" right now is about what an odd pairing it is, and I do like how this article shows what a fantastic pairing they are.)

the rachel

image via Mama Pop

Did you know The Rachel Haircut has its own Wikipedia page? So much drama for one haircut. Apparently, Jennifer Aniston has called it "the ugliest haircut I've ever seen." And I'm surprised to hear that just last year, a study found it still as the most popular haircut among British women. I have to say that I've never quite figured out the draw, but apparently it's still a hit.

happy friday!

Photo of Bob Dylan by Ken Regan via Tea and Strumpets


a super sweet story
giggle fest
trout do it, too!
art made from everyday objects!
I love England, and these gifts for England-lovers do sound fun :)
do you know your sitcom Rachels?
really, Lohans?
total well-being
a happy accident in Paris
wow. sexy.
what news anchors do during commercial breaks


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celebrating Steve
Papa and I watched this video last weekend when he and Mom were visiting me in NYC. It's really, really lovely.

big a$$ sham

I don't want to dwell. I only want to say that the New York Post put it precisely as I see it...

via I Own the World

royal wedding tomorrow!

I think the entire watching world combined has just as much pre-wedding jitters as the couple themselves today...

How about this fun Vanity Fair story comparing this to the previous wedding of our lifetimes?

puppy cam

In my freshman year of college, I lived in the dorms, which was great for gossip but less convenient for studying. I had a floor full of super fun girls who were always discovering crazy fun things on the inter-webs. One of these was the puppy cam, which we visited several times a day for about a week. Guess what? It's back.

P.S. more puppies here.

a timely reminder

giggle.

via The Paris Apartment

celebrities on the subway

When I'm in New York, I take the Subway a lot. In my experience, celebrities don't really do this. Thanks to People, we now know that they do. Cool.

Anne Hathaway

Hugh Jackman

Liev Schreiber

william & kate

This morning I walked into the kitchen and Augusta told me the big news: Prince William and Kate Middleton are engaged! I'm over the moon. Because they are so cute, and it's one of those things where it's an interesting time to be alive— watching how the royal court works with Kate Middleton's commoner status.

Look at this ever-so-English announcement from the palace:

“The Prince of Wales is delighted to announce the engagement of Prince William to Miss Catherine Middleton. The wedding will take place in the Spring or Summer of 2011, in London. Further details about the wedding day will be announced in due course. Prince William and Miss Middleton became engaged in October during a private holiday in Kenya. 

Prince William has informed The Queen and other close members of his family. Prince William has also sought the permission of Miss Middleton’s father. Following the marriage, the couple will live in north Wales, where Prince William will continue to serve with the Royal Air Force.”

Also, read more here, here, here and here. And for Auntie, here.

Photo courtesy of Bowilkingham Palace

Update: This just in— William gave Kate Princess Diana's sapphire engagement ring!

Photo courtesy of People.com

Oh yes, and this.