Category Archives: DIVERSIONS

music, movies, books, art, and culture

Whistle While You Get Back to Work

It’s Monday. You’re back at work, maybe gladly, maybe a little begrudgingly. Whatever your Monday mood may be, we’ve collected some songs to help you be a good dwarf and whistle while you work, to bring some solace to the world and a little patience for that deadline, to help you encourage someone to sit on the dock for a while and remember the golden years that were last weekend.

 

 

1. “Patience” by Guns n Roses
2. “Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay” by Otis Redding
3. “The Devil is in the Details” by Chemical Brothers
4. “Young Folks” by Peter Bjorn and John
5. “Needle” by Born Ruffians
6. “The Walker” by Fitz and the Tantrums
7. “Sissy Neck” by Beck
8. “Miracle Mile” by STRFKR
9. “Tighten up” by The Black Keys
10. “Golden Years” by David Bowie
11. “Rockin’ Robin” by Bobby Day

 

6 Actors You Didn’t Know Were Great Singers

It’s not news that some of our favorite actors are good at more than one thing; most successful people are. While you may expect that most actors would have at least some singing ability, you’d be surprised by how many have pretty phenomenal voices. Here are six TV and film stars who are also pretty great singers and musicians.

 

Jeff Bridges

In Crazy Heart, Bridges played a country music singer (and won an Academy Award for it). In real life, Bridges is actually a country music singer; proof below.

 

Kristen Bell

Whether you have kids or not, you’ve probably heard every song from Disney’s Frozen, and you might already know that Kristen Bell provided the voice of Anna. Hear Kristen Bell sing “Love is an Open Door” below.

 

Zooey Deschanel

Most of us know that Zooey has a voice from her cotton commercials, but did you know she’s also in an Indie band called She & Him?

A note for the holidays: if you liked her rendition of “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” in the movie Elf, you’ll love She & Him’s fun version of it from the album A Very She & Him Christmas, which has plenty of other Christmas favorites, too.

 

Anna Kendrick

That voice you’ve heard in Pitch Perfect and Pitch Perfect 2 is real. So are the crazy cup stacking skills.

 

Harry Connick Jr.

My favorite Harry Connick Jr. movie is Hope Floats with Sandra Bullock. My favorite Harry Connick Jr. song is: all of them.

 

Emily Kinney

Kinney played the beloved Beth Greene on AMC’s The Walking Dead. The show also featured some of her music, which can be found on the official soundtrack.

5 Social Feeds You Need to Follow for Kicks

Most of us follow favorite brands or celebrities on social media, but we’ve found some of the most interesting posts out there belong to designers, artists, and regular people with something to say, even if it’s not entirely clear what that is.

Here are five weird social feeds you should follow for daily inspiration. You’ll quickly develop an appreciation for the unique labors of love put forth by the creative and, sometimes, strange people out there in cyberspace.

1. chiliphilly 

chili

Melbourne-based textile artist Phil Ferguson treats his followers to a steady dose of crocheted hats. What’s so special about that? They’re all ingeniously based on food and he models them with a hilarious, sometimes deadpan candor that’ll have you sharing his work over and over.

 

 

 

 

 

2. My Daguerreotype Boyfriend

daguerreotype bf

As their homepage clearly states, this Tumblr is “where early photography meets extreme hotness.” A collection of old photographs of handsome men known from history, as well those whose names have been lost to history, but whose likenesses have survived to be appreciated by cyber- literary types decades later.

 

 

 

 

3. Texts from Your Ex 

vgyubh

We’ve come a long way from the Dear John letter politely breaking up a relationship when things ran their course. Follow this Instagram for hilarious screenshots of texts from exes. Angry, clueless, and sometimes creepy, this collection confirms again that we humans are a strange breed.

 

 

 

4. Jinushikeisuke 

jinu

Consider it a study in loneliness? Deconstruction of social media narrative? Citizen of the web Keisuke Jinushi paints his fingernails and takes pictures at the exact right angle so that it looks like he spends his life with a doting girlfriend when, in fact, it’s just him and a decent manicure.

 

 

 

5. Garfield Minus Garfield 

garfield

We round out our list with the most existentially preoccupied Tumblr of our countdown, Garfield Minus Garfield; and that’s basically all you need to know. Follow this stream of posts that depict actual Garfield comics, except with the lovable cat removed from the scenes. What’s left is the empty existence of Jon Arbuckle. Yeah.

 

9 Cool Music Remakes

Have you ever heard a song and known that you’ve heard it before, but just couldn’t place it? It could be that you’re hearing a different version of the song you know, maybe in a different music genre or by another artist. Often songs are remade or covered by different artists and we tend to either love or loathe the newer versions. Here are nine popular song remakes; you decide whether the old or new is better.

  1. “Smooth Criminal” by Alien Ant Farm (“Smooth Criminal” originally by Michael Jackson)
  2. “Landslide” by Dixie Chicks (“Landslide” originally by Fleetwood Mac)
  3. “XO” by John Mayer (“XO” originally by Beyonce)
  4. “Valerie” by Mark Ronson ft Amy Winehouse (“Valerie” originally by the Zutons)
  5. “Hallelujah” by Jeff Buckley (“Hallelujah” originally by Leonard Cohen, later by John Cale)
  6. “Pure Imagination” by Fiona Apple (“Pure Imagination” originally performed by Gene Wilder in 1971’s Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory)
  7. “Behind Blue Eyes” by Limp Bizkit (“Behind Blue Eyes” originally by The Who)
  8. “Once Upon A Dream” by Lana Del Rey (from Disney’s Sleeping Beauty, 1959)
  9. “The Scientist” by Willie Nelson (“The Scientist” originally by Coldplay, featured above in a short film for Chipotle)

The Hottest Period Drama Sex Scenes of All Time

Though the words “Merchant Ivory” may have some people thinking of stiff upper-lipped prudish classic novel adaptations, fans of the genre know better. The period-drama is ripe for sexual tension with massive, passionate payoff.

Here are five of the steamiest period-drama love scenes that we just keep coming back to, over and over again.

1. Ralph Fiennes and Kristen Scott Thomas in The English Patient

It swept the Oscars in 1996, winning Best Picture, Best Director and Best Supporting Actress with its story of star-crossed lovers Katharine Clifton and the mysterious Count Lazlo (played by Ralph Fiennes), who turns up years later as the mysterious burn victim—“the English patient”—at the end of WWII. Katharine and Lazlo meet on a mapping expedition of Egypt, but alas, Katharine (played by Kristin Scott Thomas) is married to Mr. Darcy. I mean, Colin Firth. Anyway, she’s married. But the sexual tension between Katharine and Lazlo is so immediate and so intense that neither can resist. Though many cite their first romp, in a bathtub, as “the” sex scene of the film, my personal favorite has always been the scene which takes place in a hallway outside a Christmas Party sing-a-long of “Silent Night.”

“Swoon,” Lazlo tells Katherine. “I’ll catch you.”

2. James McAvoy and Kiera Knightley in Atonement

Robbie is the son of the groundskeeper of Cecilia’s massive family estate. It is 1935, and the gulf between the two, in terms of class, is unlikely to be breached. But Cecilia loves Robbie with a passion that can only occur in impossible love. Finally, after a crude letter (of Robbie’s to Cecilia, never meant to be read) is delivered, the two find themselves finally alone in the family library. Keira Knightley, in a stunning, clinging emerald green dress, tells Robbie she loves him. In one of literature’s most explosive library sex scenes, the two finally consummate their relationship, only to unwittingly set Robbie’s devastating demise into motion.

3. Mads Mikkelsen and Alicia Vikander in A Royal Affair

In this true story of the 18th century royalty in Denmark, the gorgeous Alicia Vikander plays unhappy queen to an oafish king. When a dark and handsome doctor (ENTER: MADS MIKKELSEN) is enlisted to help the king control his impulsive behavior, it’s inevitable that the Queen finds a sympathetic companion . . . and more. The sexual tension comes to a head during a masked ball, where Vikander finally hands Mikkelsen the key to her room. The rest is (true) history.

4. Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Keira Knightley in Anna Karenina

Period-drama queen Keira Knightley breathed new life into Tolstoy’s classic heroine Anna Karenina in the 2012 film adaptation with the help of her costar, Aaron Taylor-Johnson. I suppose dancing at a ball was the period-drama equivalent of locking eyes at a crowded bar, because when Vronsky lays eyes on Anna we know it’s just a matter of time before the two get together, and boy, do they ever. Vronsky and Anna are both wild and desperate, and the way he looks at her (through Johnson’s piercingly gorgeous blue eyes) would make any woman want to jump into bed with him.

Side note: IRL, Taylor-Johnson is married to Sam Taylor-Johnson, who directed him in 2009’s Nowhere Boy. Despite the fact that she is 23 years older than him, they have two children together. He even took her last name. Do you need any other reasons to love him? Nope.

Mellow Music to Ease into the Week

Some Mondays are like a cannonball into the deep end, a rush of motivation transforming into productivity and industry. Others take off a little more gradually and, hey, we’ve all been there.

When you’re feeling more like wading into the shallow end on a Monday morning, an eclectic mix of chill music can help you coast into the week’s workload and take it easy at the same time.

 

  1. “Blue Blades” by Lily and Madeleine
  2. “Every Single Night” by Fiona Apple
  3. “1234” by Feist
  4. “Shades of Cool” by Lana Del Rey
  5. “Dr. Blind” by Emily Haines and The Soft Skeleton
  6. “Teardrop” by Massive Attack
  7. “Fall in Love” by Phantogram
  8. “Cherokee” by Cat Power
  9. “Leave it Alone” by Broken Bells
  10. “Open” by Rhye

Our Top 5 Favorite Bollywood Dance Numbers

Does it matter that you don’t really understand Hindi or Urdu? Not one bit. For the uninitiated, the term Bollywood connotes India’s mind-bogglingly prolific genre of film typified by increasingly big-budget, synchronized, colorful dance numbers, and, of course, style tableaus. Note the jewelry, check the fabrics, and watch those hips for a dizzying variety of visual storytelling.

Whether high energy or ballad, the talented stars of Bollywood shimmy hybrid moves that go from Michael Jackson to classic kathak in the same sashay. A typical 3-hour Bollywood film features a minimum of 4-5 musical sequences, ranging from lovelorn soliloquies, to boy meets and courts girl, to full on synchronized, blockbuster numbers with fleets of dancers. About 99% of Bollywood musicals are lip-synced to the voices of a key handful of singers whose voices have been featured in Bollywood films for literally decades.

Enjoy this sampling (teeny, tiny sampling) of some of Bollywood’s greatest hits.

 


 

1. Movie: Gumnaam/Anonymous (1966)

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XnBbjc5hmho

We start the list with a “lounge club number” which was part of the formula for almost every 60s Bollywood release at the time. It’s not going to make much sense, even with subtitles, but all really you need to know is that the retro crooner with a bizarre resemblance to John Malkovich just wants to get to know a girl.

Song: Jaan Pehchan Ho/Let’s Get Together – clip has English subtitles

 


 

2. Movie:  Amar Akbar Anthony/*names of leads characters (1975)

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=egtDpw5r3f8

In pretty much all of the subcontinent, there is one thing that no one really argues about: Amitabh Bachchan is the King of Bollywood. Colossal superstar of the 70s, he is still acting, with a recent cameo in Baz Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby, and still leads any and every A-list about Indian movies. Also fun to note, the 70s were the kitchiest of all decades in Bollywood, with surreal costuming and borderline avant-garde interpretations of Western styles. The results are out of this world.

Song: Hum Ko Ho Gaya Hai Tumse Pyar/I’ve Fallen in Love with You

 


 

3. Movie: Dil Se…/From the Heart (1998)

 

This track enjoyed some fame with English-speaking audiences because Spike Lee used it in the opening credits of his film, Inside Man. But that doesn’t mean people have seen this stupendous, amazing entry to annals of Bollywood, the “moving train number.” Yes. Watch not only some of the greatest belly dancing you’ve ever seen, but behold teams of dancers volley moves all aboard a meandering train.

Song: Chaiyya Chaiyya/Keep Walking in the Shade of Love

 


 

4. Movie: Hum Dil De Chuke Sanaam/My Heart Belongs to Another (1999)

 

Arguably the most beautiful woman in the world (she won Miss World in 1994), Aishwarya Rai is on the list for this beautifully choreographed “courting number.” Keep your eyes peeled for facial expressions and gestures straight out of Indian classical dance. The title of the song translates approximately into “Impertinent Gazes” and you’ll see why.

Song: Ankhon Ki Gustakhiayyan/Impertinent Gazes

 


 

5. Movie: Devdas/*name of lead character (2002)

 

There was a time when Indian actress Madhuri was the one-name wonder (like Cher, like Madonna) to dominate Bollywood. And here, she teamed up with a yet lesser-known Aishwarya Rai for a stunning example of the “synchronized number,” including classic Indian dance tropes, rich costumes, Mughal-era interiors, and jewels, so many jewels.

Song: Dola Re Dola/Sway, Sway

10 Latin Fitness Jams

It’s Hispanic Heritage month and what better way to kick off the celebration than with some heart-pulsing, booty-shaking music!? Get moving and pump up the endorphins with 10 of my favorite Latin fitness inspired hits.

  1. “Fireball” by Pitbull ft. John Ryan
  2. “Metela Saca” by El Chevo
  3. “La Mordidita” by Ricky Martin
  4. “6 AM” by J Balvin, Farruko
  5. “El Perdón” by Nicky Jam y Enrique Iglesias
  6. “Wepa” by Gloria Estefan
  7. “Vivir Mi Vida” by Marc Anthony
  8. “Bailando” by Enrique Iglesias ft. Descemer Bueno, Gente de Zona
  9. “Darte Un Beso” by Prince Royce
  10. “La Colegiala” by Calo ft. Margarita La Diosa de la Cumbia

10 Songs to Blast While Getting Ready for a Night Out

Yes, we know: getting ready can take us a while, and we’re OK with that. But it’s not just about choosing outfits, changing hairstyles a few times, and picking the perfect pair of shoes. Getting ready is a ritual about attitude, feeling fierce and confident, and putting yourself in the right mood for a carefree night out.

Pump up the volume, both on your stereo and on that hair, with our 10 songs to get you ready for a night on the town.

 

1. “Love Myself” by Hailee Steinfeld

2. “Hey Mama” by David Guetta (ft. Nicki Minaj, Bebe Rexha, Afrojack)

3. “Run the Word (Girls)” by Beyonce

4. “So What” by Pink

5. “Shake it Off” by Taylor Swift

6. “Firework” by Katy Perry

7. “Shewolf” by Shakira

8. “Classic” by MKTO

9. “Live for the Night” by Krewella

10. “Worth It” by Fifth Harmony

5 Bold Commercials that Made a Statement

If you’ve ever gotten a jingle stuck in your head or found yourself asking someone “where’s the beef?” you understand how influential TV commercials can be on culture. Commercials are created to sell products. There’s no getting around it. But if they’re a necessary evil, some companies are doing good at the same time. They’re using their marketing dollars to spread love, awareness and acceptance and showing a full spectrum of gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation and ability in their spots.

Here are five commercials that took risks for the sake of doing right.

 

“Like a Girl,” Always

https://youtu.be/XjJQBjWYDTs

 

It’s the iconic TV commercial for Always that changed the way millions of people think about a common phrase. Acclaimed documentary filmmaker, Lauren Greenfield, gathered girls and boys of various ages and prompted them to do things “like a girl” on a camera. Through their candid responses, we clearly see how this simple phrase has become an insult and we need to change how we use it. The positive message struck a chord. The extended commercial has 60 million views on YouTube and the followup spot has nearly 40 million.

 


 

“Not Sorry,” Pantene

https://youtu.be/rzL-vdQ3ObA

 

Here’s another commercial that challenges us to think about the power of language. Pantene illuminates the way that women are socialized to apologize even when they’re not at fault in situations at work, at home and even while waiting at the doctor’s office. Pantene wants women to be aware that they might unconsciously be putting themselves in subservient positions by saying “sorry” much more often than men do. Messages of women empowerment in advertising pay off big, too. In a survey conducted by SheKnows, 52% of women said they bought a product specifically because of the way women were portrayed in its advertising.

 


 

“Good For Your Heart,” Cheerios

 

When a cute little girl discovers that Cheerios is good for heart health, she shows her dad how much she loves him by pouring an entire box on his chest while he naps on the sofa. It’s a charming moment of innocence and caring that ended up causing a lot of controversy when it came out a couple years ago. Why? Because the little girl’s mom is white and her dad is African-American. But Cheerios refused to give in to the hateful comments that filled its YouTube page. Instead, they brought the family back for a sequel commercial that aired during the Super Bowl and sent a powerful message of support to millions of interracial families around the world.

 


 

“Made of More,” Guinness

https://youtu.be/hbA6U3OeRRs

 

Beer commercials don’t have to be filled with bros and bikinis. In this moving spot put out by Guinness, a group of friends in wheelchairs gets together to play a grueling game of basketball. But there’s a twist. The commercial’s message of acceptance, love and dignity for people living with disabilities is important. Outside of Artie Abrams on Glee, there are few images in mainstream media of people in wheelchairs, so it’s a big deal that Guinness decided to dedicate an entire commercial to celebrating them. It’s true that “the choices we make reveal the true nature of our character.” And sometimes a commercial can reveal the true nature of a company.

 


 

“This is Wholesome,” Honey Maid

 

Honey Maid could easily have cast traditional families in this commercial selling crackers, but instead, they chose to show families of all kinds, including a single parent, two dads, and an interracial family enjoying their products. Sadly, Honey Maid’s message of love being at the core of a family was hard for some people to accept. Commenters on YouTube left hateful messages. But Honey Maid fought back and created a beautiful rebuttal commercial called simply, “Love,” in which the nasty comments were turned into a work of art.