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Earth Day Movie Night: Environmental Disaster Movies

BuzzSugar — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 15:30:50 PDT

As I was researching environmental disaster movies it was interesting to see how long this idea has been around that humans could destroy the earth simply by taking its resources for granted. Long before Al Gore's An Inconvenient Truth, filmmakers and fiction writers were clearly aware that manmade pollution has a chance of bringing about an apocalyptic scenario here on earth. So, in honor of Earth Day I present a few movies that, in their own over-the-top ways urge audiences to heed the warnings of the day lest we succumb to a future worse than what these films imagined.

The Day After Tomorrow
This is probably the first cautionary global warming tale that springs to most people's minds when you think "environmental disaster." In The Day After Tomorrow the rising temperature of the planet speeds up the disaster effects some real-life scientists predict will happen eventually. The film stars Daniel Quaid as a sexy - wait for it - paleoclimatologist who tries to save his son (Jake Gyllenhaal) and the other survivors stuck in New York after the city is flooded and then frozen over by the rising ocean. The movie is all CGI effects and silly one-liners but the action is heart-pounding and Quaid and Gyllenhaal are easy on the eyes.

For more movies that may scare you into recycling and using energy-efficient light bulbs,

Logan's Run
Before Star Wars wowed audiences with stellar effects, there was the campy and slightly corny Logan's Run. The film is based on the bestselling science fiction novel of the same name that was written in 1967. The movie takes place in the future (23rd century to be exact) where the earth has basically been destroyed by overpopulation and pollution. A few survivors live in a domed society which would be rather lovely if it weren't for the fact that everyone must die at age 30 (population control). The movie stars Michael York (a.k.a. Basil from Austin Powers) and actually won an Academy Award for visual effects at the time. It's a bit dated, but is still an interesting look at a scary dystopian future.

Soylent Green
Similar to Logan's Run, Soylent Green was released in the '70s, but this time takes us to the year 2022. Now that overpopulation and global warming have led to a world where food like fruits, vegetables, and meats are rare, most of the population lives off "soylent green" processed food. Charlton Heston stars in this classic thriller about the potential for corruption when resources are scarce and humankind is desperate.

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Britney Spears Rolls Into Austin For Her First Day of X Factor Auditions

Katie Henry — Thu, 24 May 2012 16:12:46 PDT

Austin rolled out a Texas-sized welcome for X Factor judges Britney Spears, Simon Cowell, Demi Lovato, and L.A. Reid today. The foursome were all smiles upon their arrival and looked ready to get down to business on their first day of taping. The group of judges is back together after meeting up last week for the official unveiling of the new X Factor judging panel.

When the cameras weren't rolling, Britney had fiancé Jason Trawick by her side, but in the studio she took her seat between Simon and Demi. It looks like Brit and Simon are getting off on a playful foot since she tweeted "Simon better watch out" and joked that they were "still waiting on Simon Cowell of course" when she arrived at the event. Taping continues in Texas tomorrow before production moves on to Kansas City, San Francisco, and Providence next month.

5 Reasons Being a Single Man is Kind of Overrated

The Good Men Project — Fri, 11 May 2012 04:00:47 PDT

We're happy to present this story from one of our favorite sites, The Good Men Project. Today, Damon Young names five reasons being a single man is overrated.

While most will probably remember 2012 as the "Year Of The YOLO" (and by "most" I mean "like seven people"), it holds special significance for me because it’ll likely be the first year since 2002 where I spent the entire year single. I haven’t completed a full calendar year yet - May will make it seven months since the former Lady Champ and I decided to go our separate ways - but because I seem to enjoy doing random anthropological experiments on myself for absolutely no reason (and because I’m an INTJ and INTJs apparently suck at relationships), I’m confident that I’ll make it to 2013 without having to change my Facebook relationship status again.

Three Little-Known Stressors That Are Killing Men

Anyway, if I could sum up my seven months of singledom in one word, it would most likely be "interesting." I’ve met some "interesting" people, done some "interesting" things, made some "interesting" decisions, and, most importantly, thought some "interesting" thoughts. The most "interesting" of these "interesting" thoughts? Being a single man is kind of overrated.

Now, as I stated on the day where I wrote about orgasms, "overrated" doesn’t mean "bad." In fact, as the careers of Tupac and Derrick Rose continue to prove, something can be very, very good - even great - and still be overrated. I’ve enjoyed being single, and will likely continue to enjoy it. But, while it seems like many assume that being a single man (a single Black man, at that) is nothing but an utopic stream of easy popsicles and cold pancakes, there are a few downsides.

It can be very lonely. As a person who wanted to be single, is a natural introvert, and generally enjoys doing things by himself, I’m surprised by how, for lack of a better term, "noticeable" the solitude and loneliness of singledom can be. Even when seeing multiple people and/or having tons of friends, being single means that you are . . . single, by yourself, and there may be times when you want to have someone around but there will be no one that you want to be around readily available to be around.

Then, to add insult to injury, if you’re an angsty motherf*cker like me, you’ll start thinking things like "Wait. I’m a single man. A single Black man. My dad named me after Dolemite. Shaka Zulu is my second cousin. People who’ve never even met me call me "Champ" for chrissakes. Why the f*ck do I feel lonely right now?" which’ll make it even worse.

You have to wear condoms. And, wearing condoms sucks. If you’re one of the 137 people left on Earth who always has protected sex - even if in a long-term, monogamous relationship - just skip this section and move on to #3. Also, I’ve left a plate of gotdamn sugar cookies at the end of this post as a reward for your duty. Please eat them with a gotdamn smile.

If you’re not one of these people, you should be able to relate to how frustrating it’s been to go from condom-less sex to having to worry about having gotdamn condoms all the damn time. And, even if you’re not actively having sex, "Do I have condoms?" and "Since I don’t have condoms, is there somewhere close where I can buy them?" always has to be on your mind.

Also, from a logistical perspective, they’re a hassle to put on, they smell like a pack of slutty balloons, and "sex with condoms" will always be the Mike Conley of coitus. There is always the alternative - just don’t wear condoms while single, either - but I think one Cromartie per generation is enough.

(Btw, is it just me, or has the price of condoms spiked dramatically in the past four years? I was last single in 2008, and I don’t remember a box of condoms costing as much as it does to fill a gas tank. Does this qualify as a "first world problem?" If a Black blogger bitches about condoms in the woods, would Kanye’s missing draws make a sound?) As much as condoms suck, they don’t suck as much as . . .

Having to participate in the dating game. In a paradox so annoying that I almost didn’t mention it today because I plan on spending an entire day on this sole topic soon, I love meeting new, interesting women but I hate the process that usually goes along with meeting new, interesting women. I understand (and appreciate) the purpose of the process, but knowing why it’s necessary doesn’t mean that you have to enjoy it.

The superficial romantic connections synonymous with singledom gets old. Ironically, the best thing about being a single man - possessing the ability to have myriad short, commitment-free relationships AT THE SAME DAMN TIME!!! - ends up being one of the worst after enough time has passed. This actually hasn’t happened to me yet. I guess I’m still in the single honeymoon phrase. But, I’m certain it will, and the thought of this happening is already depressing me. Actually, this entire list is getting depressing. ***Making note to self to make sure tomorrow’s post is about the playoffs or strippers or something***

You start to realize some, um, "unpositive" things about yourself. I’ve been in three long-term - "long term" = "monogamous relationship lasting at least a year" - relationships as an adult. Each of these relationships failed, and my wanting to be single was the main catalyst behind each of these failures. Now, because I’ve always been a guy who did all the "right on paper" relationship things - I’ve never cheated, never physically or verbally abused any girlfriends, always followed the chivalry handbooks, etc - I’ve always assumed that I’m good at being a partner. But, these last few months have made me realize that I have some real deficiencies in the relationship department - personality quirks that have subtly sabotaged each relationship I’ve been in.

I wouldn’t quite call myself a trojan horse - the sabotage isn’t intentional (at least it’s not consciously intentional) - but I’m just not very good at this relationship thing right now, and I intend to spend the rest of 2012 trying to figure out why.
That’s it for me today. Fellas - single or coupled up - how do you feel about the concept of singledom? Is it all the beer commercials make it out to be, or do you agree that it may be slightly overrated? Also, ladies, are the "single man problems" expressed today at all similar to any "single woman problems?"

Miley Cyrus Debuts Different Locks Ahead of Her Opening Weekend

Lauren Turner — Thu, 03 May 2012 09:33:45 PDT

Miley Cyrus threw on a Harley Davidson shirt as she left a Winsor Pilates class in LA yesterday. Miley showed off a new hairstyle after stopping by a salon with her dog Happy for a cut and color with stylist Glenn Nutley earlier in the day. Miley is gearing up for the release of LOL, which will be in limited US theaters tomorrow. Her boyfriend, Liam Hemsworth, is coming off his own movie success with The Hunger Games. The film is nominated for an MTV Movie Award and Liam is also up for breakthrough performance. The show airs in June, kicking off a busy few months for Liam, who also has The Expendables 2 coming out in August.

Jessica Alba's Fit Philosophy

Leta Shy — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 12:21:18 PDT

Happy birthday, Jessica Alba! The erstwhile action star and devoted mom of two turns 31 on Saturday, and to celebrate we are taking a look at how Jessica's stayed fit while enjoying life throughout the years.

Bootcamp style: It's all about high intensity for Jessica. She enlists the help of Barry's Bootcamp, a favorite with starlets in LA, to get fast results. Each workout contains high-intensity cardio intervals and strength training for an all-in-one session that saves time.

Reluctant workout: Even though she works hard in the gym (which isn't always a good thing: to get ready for a photo shoot soon after having her first child, she exercised so hard she said she cried!), she's no fitness fanatic. "I'm not a big workout person," she told Self. "Every single day, I tell my girlfriends we're starting a regimen. And then it's, like, 'Want to get dinner? Want a glass of wine?'" Jessica does, however, know how to keep workouts fun; she alternates between the gym, her treadmill at home, swimming, and yoga to keep from becoming bored.

Diet-free zone: Jessica doesn't like to diet, so instead she eats clean all the time. “Diets are for the birds. I think you have to eat in a way that makes you feel your best. I include a lot of vegetables and lean protein and fruit and grains in my diet," she told Self.

The importance of sleep: Running a company, being a mom, and starring in films can jam-pack anyone's schedule, so Jessica gets her workouts out of the way early in the morning. Sometimes, however, she knows it's healthier to catch up on sleep than continue to tire out her body. "Slacked off this am on the work out but the sleep was the best I've had in three weeks. Tomorrow its ON . . . " she once tweeted. Listening to your body is the best way to tell if you are skipping a workout because of a lame excuse or because you actually need to rest.

What Keeps The Five-Year Engagement's Emily Blunt Healthy and Fit

Michele Foley — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 09:33:16 PDT

If the movie trailer for The Five-Year Engagement is any indication, then we're in for a treat! The romantic comedy is set to hit theaters tomorrow, and to celebrate, we're taking a look at how its star Emily Blunt stays so healthy and fit.

She lets herself indulge: Emily has been vocal about avoiding strict diets (with the exception of shaping up for a few movie roles), instead choosing to enjoy things in moderation - whether that be pasta, cheese, or any other food commonly off limits. But, when it's time to let loose, she gives herself a free pass. Emily told Women's Health that while on a trip to Paris, she did nothing but "eat cheese and bread."

She keeps active in her relationship: Whether it's touring the Hamptons on bikes or surfing on a Hawaiian getaway, Emily and husband John Krasinski are never content to just sit at home. But perhaps the best motivation keeping the pair fit are the almost-daily walks they take together with Finn, their red Labrador.

Learn what Emily's fitness routine is after the break!

The Five-Year Engagement's Emily Blunt on Weddings: "It Should Be Very Personal to You"

Allie Merriam — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 01:12:00 PDT

Emily Blunt was in NYC last week to chat up her new movie The Five-Year Engagement, which hits theaters tomorrow. The movie was one of two Emily premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival. She also hit the red carpet to show off Your Sister's Sister. Five-Year pairs Emily with her pal Jason Segel, and the duo portrays Tom and Violet, a couple who has more than their fair share of difficulty getting down the aisle after a lengthy engagement. Emily spoke at a press event about relationship and wedding advice. She also touched on Five-Year's writer and star, Jason Segel, and how he "likes women" and wanted to write a comedy that flipped around gender stereotypes. Emily said:

On how to plan a wedding: "Don't have too many cooks in the kitchen. It has to be your wedding. It has to be whatever you want. It's essential. A lot of the time people get married for other people - for your parents, for your relatives, for your friends. Everyone wants the big do, and the dress, and the ring, and the whole thing. I really think if you want to get married in your backyard, then you should. It really should be very personal to you. That's my advice."
On the importance of communication: "Really, life is complicated and it's shape-shifting all the time and you have to be willing to roll with the punches. And the main thing is - something I found hard to learn as a British person - was communication. It's a word that we all are terrified of in England."

To read Emily's secret to relationship success, and how The Five-Year Engagement flips stereotypes, just keep reading.

What to TiVo: Saturday

BuzzSugar — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 23:59:50 PDT

8:00 Shark Tank (repeat)
9:00 A Special Edition of 20/20 (new)

8:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (repeat)
9:00 Hawaii Five-O (repeat)
10:00 48 Hours Mystery (new)
8:00 America's Most Wanted (new)

8:00 Escape Routes (new)
9:00 The Firm (new)
10:00 Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (new)
11:30 Saturday Night Live (repeat, with host Daniel Radcliffe and musical guest Lana Del Rey)

Danny Seo Celebrates Earth Day With a One Kings Lane Tastemaker Sale to Benefit Charity

Guest Writer — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 04:00:00 PDT

We're excited to present a post from guest writer, eco lifestyle expert, and all-around awesome guy Danny Seo.

Late last year, I had the privilege to sit down with one of the co-founders of One Kings Lane, Ali Pincus, and talk about our favorite places to shop, how I'm addicted to the home shopping site, and to talk about ways I could get involved with One Kings Lane. We came up with the idea for me to do a TasteMaker tag sale where I could collect some of my favorite vintage and antique items from my home and put them up for sale on the site. I agreed under one condition: if we could donate the proceeds to my favorite charity, Baby Buggy.

Baby Buggy, in case you aren't familiar, is the wonderful nonprofit founded by Jessica Seinfeld that has the motto "Love, Recycled." It's so appropriate because they accept lightly used baby gear, clothes, and new baby and children essentials to help families in the greatest need. They are a clearinghouse of sorts that works with a network of nonprofits who call Baby Buggy with a wish list of goods they desperately need. And like a fairy godmother, Baby Buggy always comes to the rescue. With the proceeds from this sale, Baby Buggy will be able to buy the most needed essentials to help families in need. In the spirit of Earth Day, selling vintage and antique items is green for Mother Earth since it's reusing what already exists; the sale proceeds will coincidentally help many mothers here on Earth.

In this special CasaSugar post, I'm excited to give you a sneak peek at three items for sale and the unique story behind them. I've traveled the world for work and always found time to visit out-of-the-way antique stores, flea markets, and galleries to search for beautiful things. I hope whoever buys these goodies will cherish them as much as I have over the years.

Indian ArrowHead Collection When I was filming my TV show "Simply Green with Danny Seo" (all episodes on Hulu now), I made a point to visit a small antique store in the sleepy town of Point Pleasent, PN. Down an alley and past a blacksmith shop (of all things!), I found a little antiques store that was going out of business. Rummaging through box after box, I came across a collection of mounted arrowheads, all hand mounted on colorful felt with a hand pounded metal backing in glossy black frames. What I loved about these pieces is that clearly someone had scavenged the woods of Pennsylvania for each arrowhead, cleaned them, and displayed them in a very beautiful and interesting pattern. I also love the pop of color in the background.

Keep reading to learn about two more special items from the sale

Naomi Watts and Liev Schreiber Get Glamorous For the Tribeca Ball

Lauren Turner — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 10:58:49 PDT

Stars came out for the annual Tribeca Ball, honoring Robert De Niro's support of the arts and benefiting the Academy of Art, in NYC last night. Julianna Margulies wore a simple black gown while Kim Catrall went with a bright blue blazer and Solange Knowles mixed things up in a printed look. Naomi Watts wore a sexy strapless Stella McCartney dress to pose on the arm of Liev Schreiber. They recently returned to the Big Apple after a trip to Barbados with their sons Sasha and Kai. Naomi wore a swimsuit and Liev went shirtless to show PDA in the ocean when they weren't hanging out with their boys during the getaway.

The glamorous affair comes just ahead of the kickoff to the Tribeca Film Festival, which Robert founded in 2001. We're gearing up for tomorrow's opening day with a look back at the most star-studded Tribeca Film Festival moments including Angelina Jolie and Kristen Stewart.