Honestly it was hard to pick just 15 but if I kept going we’d be here all day. Feel free to comment who you think should’ve be on this list. Now, shall we begin? (Disclaimer: This is in no particular order.)
Musical Accompaniment:
1. Idris Elba
Although this list isn’t in any special order Idris had to be number one. Let’s be real about this.
2. Shemar Moore
It should be criminal for him to look this fine.
3. Usher
Throwback:
Let us hope Usher continues to look this good forever more.
4. Morris Chestnut
Yes. A 1000 times yes.
5. Taye Diggs
He’s going to be back on the market soon ladies. Get ready!
6. Drake
This boy is all swirled up and ready to go.
7. Columbus Short
In summary, it’s handled!
8. LL Cool J
His nickname literally means, “Ladies Love Cool James”. It might be cocky but it’s true.
9. Laz Alonso
His role as the horrible husband in This Christmas gave me a negative impression about him but his good looks fixes all of that.
10. Lance Gross
LOOK AT THOSE ABS!!! LOOK AT THEM!
11. Blair Underwood
Another actor who played a horrible character but has the smile of an angel. *sigh*
12. Will Smith
Keeping it fresh since the 90s.
13. Djimon Hounsou
The darker the berry the sweeter the fruit, y’all. 😉
14. Trey Songz
His smile + the dimples + the abs = everything I’ve ever wanted.
15. Michael Ealy
His eyes just draw me in. Every time.
Bonus:
Sorry I had to do it. He’s too attractive. I just can’t.
There’s no better time to catch up on your Black Pop Culture than during Black History Month. Whether it’s a historically based film or a comedy, “black” films tend to be underrated. If you haven’t seen these films before now’s as good a time as any to see what you’ve been missing.
1. The Best Man
The 90s were a great time for Black films. This film is a hilarious dramedy focusing on Harper, a novelist, who’s recently written a book based on his college days. However, the books contains a secret that Harper has been hiding from his best friend, Lance, who is about to get married. Filled with a very attractive cast this movie will have you laughing, crying, and gasping all the way through.
2. The Wood
1999 was clearly a good year for films that revolved around a wedding and a group of guys. Friends, Mike, Slim, and Roland, reminiscence on their high school days (shown in flashbacks) as Roland prepares to get married (or maybe not). Showing the hilarity of a man (or boy’s) mind this one is definitely a goodie.
3. Love & Basketball
Seriously, if you haven’t seen this film before I just can’t. I love this movie. Following two kids from the first day they meet on the basketball court all the way through their college years we get to see all the drama, laughs, and fights that define their relationship. As they say in the film, “Nothing’s fair in love and basketball.”
4. Remember the Titans
Again, another movie everyone should watch. Classic film. What I love about this movie is it deals with the issues of segregation in a way that keeps people interested but also makes it clear that this isn’t just for entertainment. This film tells the story of integration and how a football team was able to bring together two different groups of people in a way that hadn’t been done in that town before. Amazing.
5. The Great Debaters
Another amazingly moving film. This film not only has a great cast (Denzel Washington and Forest Whittaker amongst so many others) but was also directed by Washington and produced by Oprah Winfrey. The movie itself is great because it deals with a time that many don’t talk about. The time between the Reconstruction Period and the start of the Civil Rights movement. It has been argued that the civil rights movement started long before Martin Luther King, Jr. was around and I think this movie kind of shows that. Many stories of African-Americans doing great things has been lost to an American history that lacks color. The thing that I love most about this movie is it shows people there’s more to Black History than just the big names. There’s so many others that have been forgotten and people need to be reminded of that.
6. The Butler
If you’re looking for something a little more recent this movie was fantastic. Forest Whittaker and Oprah Winfrey did a great job in this movie. What makes it so inspiring is it shows two different generations of African-Americans: one who grew up being taught to be silent and respect the white man and one who challenged those ideas. I still can’t believe it didn’t get nominated for any Oscar. A shame.
7. The Color Purple
Based on the novel written by Alice Walker, this film tells the story of Celie, along with many other African-American women during the 1930s. The story demonstrates the trials these women faced, how they overcame them, and how some didn’t. I think this movie gets a bad rap sometimes because it’s not the easiest movie to watch but that’s because it deals with tough issues that can make people feel uncomfortable. However, I think it’s a great film and the musical was awesome as well, though it’s sadly no longer running.
8. Coming to America
I love Eddie Murphy. I think he is absolutely hilarious and talented. Playing multiple roles in this movie, he shows the story of a African prince traveling to America to find his Queen which of course leads him to Queens, NY. Naturally hilarity ensues as Prince Akeem (Murphy) pretends to be a normal American and falls in love.
9. Friday
Out of the whole trilogy (though supposedly they’re making a fourth one) this is the funniest one. Ice Cube and Chris Tucker make a hilarious pair. These two friends go through their Friday running from gangsters trying to kill them, trying to get money, and just plain trying to survive. These two are hilarious as is the whole cast. Definitely a movie to watch.
10. Set It Off
Last but certainly not least is Set It Off. This cast is filled with four amazing black actresses. The premise is four women getting even with a system that they feel is against them and in a way most certainly is. Obviously I’m not saying robbing banks was the best solution but it definitely makes for a good movie. A must see!
There are way more films that could be added to this list but for now I’ll leave you with these. Definitely try to expand your horizons this Black History Month by not only watching movies but actually learning about black history. Enjoy!
If you’re anything like me, you don’t know anything about football and that’s okay. Just yesterday I learned the two teams playing in the Superbowl this year are the Seahawks and the Broncos. Interesting.
As someone who has no knowledge on the sport and the Superbowl is the one football game I watch all year here’s how I figure out who I’m rooting for. It’s not the best system but I’ve found that it tends to work.
1. Are either of the teams from your hometown?
This is the easiest way to pick a team. If the team is coming from your native land you’ve gotta root for them. It’s only right. This only gets tricky if you find yourself in a Jets vs. Giants situation but I don’t think this happens often. Then again what do I know.
2. Which team is closer to you?
Of course since there’s so many teams in the NFL there’s a good chance that your home team won’t make it. Such a shame. If this is the case, you can then choose your team based on which one is closer to you: either the place you live now or your hometown. For example, last year I rooted for the Baltimore Ravens ’cause I figured that was close enough. Clearly, that was a good betting system.
4. Whatever team your significant other is rooting for
If you’re currently in relationship or even casual dating someone, it would be in your best interest to cheer for their team. Do not get yourself into a fight you can’t get yourself out of. People take their sports very seriously. Unless you have a crazy good reason for not supporting their team you better come with a jersey and sign saying, “Go Broncos!”
4. Who has the cutest player(s)?
Now if a significant other isn’t a factor then this should definitely be a good determinate. Who wouldn’t want to root for a team with attractive players? Yes it’s hard to see what they look like with all their gear on but they do take off their gear at some point. Plus, their attractiveness helps them play better. Right?
5. Whichever team your family/friends/host is supporting
Similar to the boyfriend/girlfriend scenario, if you’re surrounded by a whole bunch of people supporting one team don’t be THAT person, especially if you don’t know anything about football. Just sit down and cheer with everyone else. Make the party’s team your team. It’s just easier that way. You don’t even have to watch the game; just follow everyone else. That way instead of focusing on the game you can spend more time focusing on the commercials and waiting for the halftime show (we all know you’re just waiting for Bruno; it’s okay).
6. Don’t choose a side
Here’s a crazy thought: you don’t have to choose a side! If you are really only watching the game to be social and waiting for the commercials and halftime show that’s fine. Just play with your phone or talk to people during the boring parts game. However, if you actually want to at least pretend you know something about what’s going on it’s better to have a team. You’d be surprised how quickly you can get competitive over a team you just committed to an hour ago.
Whether you choose to pick a side or not, or if you actually are really excited to watch the game tomorrow I hope you have a Happy Superbowl!
I am a firm believer in rereading books. I most recently just reread the whole Mediator series by Meg Cabot and I loved every second of it. Something about reading a good book for the second time just feels awesome. If you need any more reasons to reread your favorite book (although you really shouldn’t) here’s a few.
1. You know how it ends
Although we hate it when other people ruin an ending for us it’s different it we’ve read it ourselves. There’s this crazy anticipation that comes when you know something good or bad is about to happen and you feel so much anxiety because you want to yell at the character but you can’t. Also, it’s great watching your OTP fall in love knowing they’re going to end up together. It’s like hitting rewind on your favorite movie.
2. You pick up on things you missed
Remember how there was that crazy twist at the end and you couldn’t believe THAT person was the killer. Well now you’ll be looking at all the clues and seeing what was staring in the face the whole time. I still don’t understand how Kate Brian (akaKieran Scott) pulled the wool over our eyes with Private. HOW DID THE AUTHOR DO THAT???
3. Falling in love with your favorite character all over again.
Yes Pooh Bear. Yes we can.
The worse thing to ever happen is when you forget, specifically, why your character is the best. You know in your heart this character is the greatest thing that’s ever blessed a novel but you can’t remember exactly why. That’s why when you reread and see Dimitri and Rose (spoilers!!!) finally give into their feelings for each other in Shadow Kiss you melt all over again. You forgot how good that scene was! Yeah, it’s the best.
4. You know so much more now then when you first read the book.
Being older and wiser (even if it’s just a little bit) you will see this book differently than when you first read it. That quote about all the “little infinities” (TFIOS has the best quotes by the way) suddenly means something different when you lose someone close to you. Or how falling in love is just like falling asleep (last TFIOS quote I swear) means more to you when you’ve actually fallen in love. As you grow and become a different person, reading the same book for the second (or third time) will take on a whole different meaning for you.
5. Going through all the laughs, tears, and pain all over again
I guarantee that if a book is truly well written it doesn’t matter how many times you’ve read it you will still laugh at the jokes, cry when your favorite character cries, and feel pain when someone is hurt or dies. Though it may sound crazy you know you fell in love with that book because of the emotional roller coaster it put you on.
Your emotions:
Yeah, you know you enjoy the stress. Wouldn’t it be great to go on that ride again?
I challenge you to take a look at your bookshelf and try rereading that book you used to be totally obsessed with. Trust me, it’ll be even better the second time around. I mean really, who doesn’t love seconds? Enjoy!
Finally after hearing about the movie, seeing John Green vlog about, seeing pics from the set, and the teaser video yesterday, the trailer is here and I couldn’t be any more excited. If you haven’t seen it yet here it is:
I’m am so excited to see this film. First of all, we know Green was pretty involved in it so I feel like they won’t stray too far from the book. From the trailer it looks like they stay pretty faithful which is awesome.
Second, I have to give credit where it’s due and Shailene Woodley is a boss. I’ll be the first to admit that I had my doubts because of her involvement in The Secret of the American Teenager but she truly is a great actress and this is just another indication that we need to stop judging actors based solely on one of their roles. I’ve heard good things about Woodley before but I didn’t really believe it until I saw her in the trailer for this and Divergent (she must like books). Either way I think this was great casting. Not only with Woodley but also with Ansel Elgort as a Augustus and Nat Wolff as Isaac. Good job everyone.
Lastly, this movie is definitely going to be a killer. I almost grabbed my tissue box just watching the trailer. It just reminded me why I loved the book in the first place (time to reread it again?). I truly think this film will do well especially among the fans of the novel. I’m so excited and sad that we have to wait so long for it to come out. Oh the agony!
The Fault in Our Stars expected release date is June 6. Until then I’ll be watching the trailer 100 times and crying my eyes out.
Although Maria V. Synder is a NY Times Bestselling Author I don’t think she’s that well know. Amongst my friends that actually read for pleasure many of them are not familiar with Snyder or her works. I, however, am absolutely obsessed.
From the day I received her book, Poison Study, as a gift I was hooked. Synder has this uncanny ability to create these magical worlds filled with war, betrayal, love, lust, death, and life. It’s amazing and this latest and last book in her most recent trilogy, Healers, did not disappoint.
Similar to the second novel in this trilogy the book alternates between telling the story from Avry’s point of view in the first person and Kerrick, Avry’s love interest, point of view shown in the third person. This structuring of the novel worked perfectly since from the start of the novel the two main characters are separated and they often remain that way throughout the novel.
What’s also great about this is unlike the first book we get a view of that very mind that frustrated Avry to no end in the first novel. Now that they are in love it was interesting and amusing to see how both their minds work as they are both stubborn characters who have different views. Even so, it’s evident that they both love each other and will do anything for each other, even trusting that the other will survive when everyone else believes otherwise.
Synder’s talent, however, comes from the fact that although she has created this beautiful love story she doesn’t shy away from the real difficulties that will appear in any relationship. Of course, not every couple is going to be separated because of a war that seems to be never ending but they will experience fights, disappointment, and frustration with each other. Here, Synder creates a couple that is real.
Even so, because these two spend so much time apart Synder doesn’t allow us to get sick of them. Instead, she focuses in on so many other things that I almost created a flow chart to keep track of what was happening. There were so many times in the novel when someone either did die and I was shocked or I thought someone was dead and they somehow survived. Well, not somehow. It was usually magic that saved them.
Though Synder is writing a novel about war and love what makes it even more interesting is that it all exists in this magical world where people have all different kinds of power. We have healers, life magicians, death magicians, air magicians, and a forest mage. Not mention some other surprising powers like one that will just hit you with the cold. These abilities play an interesting role in the novel creating bonds between multiple characters, saving lives, and also making the war that much more complicated.
And Avry’s right in the middle of all it. As a healer, one of the few left, she’s very necessary for battle. Plus, as Avry learns more about her abilities and what she can do she becomes a much wanted resource to many and some go to extraordinary lengths to use her and her information. Lucky for her she’s smart, witty, stubborn, and has her team of boys to back her up.
Synder ended this trilogy with a bang. This novel was amazing with many twists and turns that left me screaming, stressed, and outright concerned for my own well being. Just the kind of feelings I want from a book. Also, I truly enjoy that Synder portrays these headstrong, heroines in all of her novels. Girl power for the win!
If you haven’t tried one of Synder’s books yet definitely give her a try. Trust me once you try one you’ll be hooked. I would suggest starting with the first book in this trilogy however. The first two books are just as good as the last.
Stars: 5 out of 5
Borrow or Buy: Buy! Buy! Buy! Like I said this is definitely one for the bookshelf. I own all the books in this trilogy and it’s definitely worth every penny. I’m probably going to reread the whole trilogy over spring break. Amazing!
Back at it again. Here’s my opinion on the top 10 singles on iTunes right now. From now on I’ll only be doing this post every other week due to the fact that there tends to be a lot of repeats every week (for example no new songs this week). Here we go!
1. Dark Horse by Katy Perry ft. Juicy J
My feelings for this song are very up and down. If I’m about to head out to the party I can dig it. If it comes up on my iTunes I tend to hit next. All in all I still like the song but I’m ready to hear something new from Katy.
2. Happy by Pharrell Williams
Still like it. It’s a cute song to dance and do the “Carlton” to.
3. Timber by Pitbull ft. Ke$ha
Nope, nope, nope. A thousand times no. Just no. Hate it.
4. Talk Dirty by Jason Derulo ft. 2 Chainz
I just can’t get behind this song. Something about Jason Derulo just irks me to my core. Do not like. At all. Except for the beat. The beat is good.
5. The Man by Aloe Blacc
I still can’t believe I’ve never heard of this guy before. So good. Love him and this song. Awesome!
6. Say Something by A Great Big World & Christina Aguilera
As much as I hate to say this because I still really love this song it’s starting to be a little overplayed. I still love it but I need a break from hearing it. I can’t wait to hear A Great Big World’s next single though.
7. Pompeii by Bastille
I don’t hate this song but it’s not a really memorable one. I think it’s good but I’m actually surprised it’s still in the top 10. Good for them though.
8. Team by Lorde
Love it. Absolutely still love. I just love the lyrics and I must say I truly like Lorde’s vocals. I think she’s great and I love this song. You go girl!
9. Counting Stars by OneRepublic
Still love this song. I think One Republic killed it with the one. Not my all time favorite by them but definitely in my top five.
10. Let Her Go by Passenger
Love it! I think this is a great song and I’m glad it’s still on the top 10. I can’t wait to here what he does next.
Below is all the singles for this week and don’t forget to vote for your favorite.
I guarantee while you were in high school there was at least one girl in your school that everyone knew was the “slut”. She hooked up with a lot of guys, had a pregnancy scare, actually got pregnant, or there was just a rumor about her that spread like wildfire until it couldn’t be stopped. Either way you know exactly who I’m talking about because people just couldn’t stop talking about her.
But what about all the guys she was hooking up with? Or the boyfriend that may have gotten her pregnant? What about them? Yeah it’s probably a little bit more difficult to pinpoint exactly who that was because they weren’t talked about as much. But why not? Guaranteed there was a guy that hooked up with just as many girls as that girl did with guys. So why is his name a little harder to remember?
That’s because of the old age truth that there’s a lot of stuff guys can do that girls just can’t get away with. For example, if a girl has multiple sexual partners she is classified as a “slut”, “hoe”, “whore”, or something else equally degrading. Whereas if a guy has multiple sexual partners he’s seen as “the man” or a “player” but nothing that’s really hurtful. The worst is the line, “Boys will be boys.” So a boy sleeping around is just considered normal but if a girl does it it’s a bad thing?
Well this idea hasn’t staying in high school; it’s travelled with us here to college where the hook-up culture is more widespread and it’s easy for people to know your business.
This mentality that boys are allowed to do what they want whereas girl get shamed for doing the same thing is a little ridiculous. Let me be clear, I’m not promoting hook-up culture. I personally think you should wait until marriage to get the deed done. However, it’s none of business what you do and who you do it with just like it shouldn’t be anyone else’s.
But back to my point, one of the crazy things I’ve heard is a guy saying that a girl was “damaged goods” because of the number of guys she’s slept with. I’m sorry but I don’t get that because I’ve never heard a guy referred to as “damaged goods” because he slept with multiple girls.
It’s a clear case of the double standard. This doesn’t just come from guys, however. Women do this to women as well. I remember being told once that you have to keep your legs closed and you can’t just sleep with any guy because that’s how you’ll get a “reputation”. Though I know this person was trying to be helpful, all I could think was, “Why did I need that warning?” Did she think I was just going to go around “slutting it up” and even if I did why was it anyone’s business if I did?
The thing about girls is that we can be so catty sometimes. We hear about a girl hooking up with someone she just met or one of our friend’s exes or something of that variety and we immediately get a bad impression of her. However, when a guy does the same thing he “scored” and it’s cause for a celebration. Guys will pat their friends on the back for hitting and quitting it but if a girl did the same thing she’d get dirty looks and get told she shouldn’t act that why.
Again, this isn’t to say that a one night stand is a good thing to do but what’s also not good is judging someone for doing so and the fact that the judgment is most often only geared towards women makes it even worse.
Ladies, it’s bad enough that men will look down on us for having sex but it’s even worse to do it amongst ourselves. It’s time we grow up and stop talking bad each other just because someone is getting some. It’s none of your business anyway so bud out.
As for you guys, stop thinking of girls as conquests or something you need to get. We are people not something you win. If we hook up with you it’s not something you have to brag about. Just keep it to yourself. That is all.
Whether you’re getting over the fact that your crush doesn’t like you back, your boyfriend has now become your ex, or you didn’t get that internship you’ve been waiting forever for, not getting what you want sucks and the sad truth is there’s no easy way to get over it. You might try to tell yourself, “It’s fine, I’m fine” and you might even believe that but when you’ve put you’re heart and soul into something and it comes crashing down . . . well it’s not a pretty sight.
So what do you do? You’ve spent weeks planning how your first date with your perfect guy will go. You were just about to introduce your boyfriend/girlfriend to your parents. You’ve made no other plans for the summer because you were sure you would get the job. Now what? Well, lucky for you I’ve been there and here’s a few tips of mine that should help you get through it.
1. Let It Go
In the words of Elsa, “Let it Go.” So things didn’t go as you expected and yes it sucks but just take a breath and think about it. In the grand scheme of things will this really matter in five years? Or 10? Although it might feel like the worst thing that has ever happened to you right now, it does get better. Just take some time, cry if you have to, let it all out, and then move on. If you only dwell on the past you’ll never get to your future.
2. Shift Your Focus
Whether its a boy, a girl, a job, or something else it most likely hurt so much to lose it because it was something/someone that was very important to you. More likely or not it was something you thought a lot about or spent a lot of time on. Now that it’s over what do you do with your time? Work on something else. If it’s a person you’re getting over this is not permission for you to “get under someone else”. No, this is permission to try something new. Put your mind to something else. You always wanted to try sky diving, do it! Want to get in better shape? Start looking at cool new exercises and how to eat better. If it’s an internship or job you’re after apply for another one (maybe more than one this time). Whatever you do make sure it’s something you’re passionate about doing. Otherwise, what’s the point?
3. Moving On
This is definitely easier said than done especially when it’s a person you’re getting over. You can’t just shut your feelings off (no matter how hard you may try). The best advice I can give is don’t dwell on the person. Stop stalking them on every social media website you can find. Quit “accidentally” bumping into them. Don’t go through your old text conversations or look at your friendship on Facebook. Stop looking at those photos and remembering “the good times”. One day you will be able to look back and think about all those good times but that day isn’t today. You’re not over it yet and all that’ll do is make you sad and want to get a carton of ice cream to eat by yourself. Stop it. Instead, get out of your room and out of your pjs. See people, real people, not the one’s on Netflix. Get your friends and do something fun and open yourself up to finding something/someone new. You deserve it.
4. Starting Anew
In summary stop thinking about your current situation as a loss but instead as a reason to start afresh. If it’s a job or something you applied for don’t ask yourself what you did wrong but instead what you could do differently next time. If it’s a crush or now ex-boyfriend/girlfriend don’t stress about why they didn’t feel the same way or why they didn’t want to be with you. It’s their loss. Instead think of this as a new opportunity. You’re single to mingle so go mingle! Have fun! Let loose and don’t stress over someone who couldn’t see you for what you really are: awesome. There’s someone out there for you and in the words of Michael Bublé, “they just haven’t met you yet.”
In honor of the first snow day of the semester here’s my top 10 favorite ways to enjoy the unexpected day off.
1. Drink hot chocolate
Source: Starbucks
Nothing feels better than sitting indoors, wrapped in a warm blanket, drinking some hot chocolate while watching the snow fall. Delicious!
2. Binge watch your favorite TV show
Another wonderful activity you can do in the safety of your own home (and bed) is catch up on your favorite shows. What’s better than comfortably watching Fitz “earn” Olivia while wrapped in some blankets (and drinking that hot chocolate).
3. Read a book
Source: Tumblr
I know this one isn’t for everyone but really if you haven’t tried reading a book by the fire place (even if it’s a fake one) you don’t know what you’re missing. Nothing is better than getting lost in a good book on a snowy, wintery day.
4. Cuddling
Source: Tumblr
There’s no better time to invest in a cuddle buddy then on a snowy, winter day. If you don’t have an actual cuddle buddy (it’s okay don’t be ashamed) there is now an easy solution for your problem: a cuddle pillow! However, if this sounds as weird to you as it did to me you could always just keep it old school and cuddle with your teddy bear. No shame in my game.
5. Movie Night (or day really)
Source: Tumblr
Missed Frozen last weekend? Still haven’t seen all The Fast and Furious movies (RIP Paul Walker)? Or just want to see some Disney classics for the fifth time? Well lucky for you we live in the 21st century where almost every movie you could think of is available at your disposable via the Internet. Enjoy!
6. Build a snowman
Source: Tumblr
If you’re more daring than I and actually want to go outside in this whether there’s many things you can do, the first of which is building a snowman. So grab anyone that’s crazy enough to join you, get a carrot, some sticks, and maybe some accessories you don’t plan on using anytime soon and get to work.
7. Snowball Fight
Source: The Georgetown Voice
This is the best way anyone could voluntarily get me to go outside in the snow. Nothing is better than getting your team together and facing off with another team for a snowball fight. Definitely a fun time in the snow.
8. Snow Angels
Source: Wikipedia
I’m never one to voluntarily lay down in the snow and get all wet. However, something about making a snow angel just makes you feel like you five years old again. Plus, you can always change into some dry, warm clothes after you’re done.
9. Igloo
I have never successfully made one of these but I would love to be able to. I think this would be so cool (literally). It’d be a little house made of snow to play in. Maybe one day. *sighs*
10. Sledding
I’ve never actually gone sledding but I have gone snow tubbing and I think it’s kind of the same thing. Either way I love it. It’s really fun and doesn’t take much skill unlike skiing or snowboarding. Definitely one of my favorite winter activities.
Zakiya N. Jamal 