BuzzSugar

How Do You Feel About a Mass-Market Indie CD?

BuzzSugar — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 17:00:13 PDT

Here's a little something to chew on as you roll into the weekend: A Now-style compilation CD of indie tunes is hitting stores this month. The track list includes songs from Sonic Youth, Neko Case, Deerhoof, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, The Hold Steady and others.

A couple things about this strike me as funny. For one, a whole bunch of the songs are from 2006, which I'm pretty sure means they're not "next." And second, who exactly is supposed to be buying this? I can't imagine any self-respecting fan of the included artists deigning to buy the compilation, and I'm not sure your average Target shopper would pick this up, think, "Hmm, I've always wondered what this 'indie music' is all about!" and toss it into the cart. What's your take?

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How to Solve 3 Common Beach Photography Problems

Anna Monette Roberts — Sun, 27 May 2012 07:12:12 PDT

A day at the beach is the perfect chance to capture carefree memories, but the brightness of the sun reflecting off the sand and water doesn't often yield the best photographic results. Before you start snapping away, take a look at three common beach photography problems and simple ways you can avoid them.

The photos are overexposed: Auto mode can overexpose photos, making them appear washed out. Experiment with the camera's manual setting. First set the camera's ISO (the setting that controls the camera's sensitivity to light) to a low number, like 100. A low ISO setting is best for bright lighting. Set it to a higher number, like 400, when shooting moving objects. Next, change the white balance, and set it to daylight, shade, or cloudy-twilight-sunset, depending on the weather.

The pics are boring: Transform a shot of the sea by finding a point of interest to focus on, whether it's a rock, crashing wave, setting sun, or flying bird. The object breaks up an otherwise basic-looking landscape. Frame the pic using the rule of thirds, and include the horizon of the beach in the background to give the photo depth.

The pics have a weird bluish lighting: Try attaching a few filters to the camera. A UV filter will remove the fog effect that is caused from UV rays, and it helps protect the lens from sun damage. Experiment with a polarizing filter to reduce the glare from water and to darken the bright blue hues of the sky. It can be used occasionally, depending on the effect you are hoping to achieve.

Buzz Blabber: The Great Gatsby Is Already Capturing Hearts

Maggie Pehanick — Sun, 27 May 2012 03:05:00 PDT

Between the glittery pictures and the trailer for The Great Gatsby, moviegoers are already looking forward to Baz Luhrmann's film adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's famous novel. However, it was a big week for TV, too, and with finales popping off like champagne corks at one of Gatsby's soirees, everyone had something to say about the dramatic season enders of Glee and Revenge.

The Great Gatsby might be Baz's next hit

"Love Leo, I always envisioned him as Gatsby! The trailer looks great. The scenes, clothes - gosh, I love the roaring '20s! Can't wait until the movie comes out." - BlackKitty
"Amazing. Baz has done it again! Buzz, it might be said that the modern music may be used in the same way as done in Moulin Rouge - perhaps as an example of how revolutionary the music was of the time period, like architecture and entertainment?" - QueenB75
"This looks superb! Looks so much better than the old one. Looking forward to it." - chocolate79

To check out the reactions to this week's TV finales, just

Revenge's twisty finale had fans on the edge of their seats

"I loved it! Always suspected that the mom might be alive and I doubt that Victoria Grayson is dead. I really hope that the baby is not Jack's. Cant wait for next season." - nessa17
"It was amazing! I was tearing up when Fauxmanda showed up pregnant with Jack. Devastating on so many levels. Hope Victoria is still alive, I love her!" - pargie
"Excellent finish, I especially loved the final scenes with 'Seven Devils' playing on them. I have to admit I'm not too taken with the 'mother is alive' revelation, but I am curious as to what went on between Fauxmanda and Tanaka when he drove off with her. Agree that Victoria is probably still alive; I'm not sure that Revenge would be the same without her. And last but not least, brilliant acting from Emily VanCamp this episode!" - brushra

Everyone was tearing up at Glee's heartbreaking ending

"I cried my eyes out, really going to miss the original cast!" - dverrecchioxo
"I'm terrible with goodbyes in any form and I was a mess when Kurt started singing. I knew I had a long hour in front of me." - lekatvt
"I already miss Finchel!" - campbrad

Photo courtesy of Warner Bros.

Kristen Stewart Rocks Short Shorts to Party With Robert Pattinson

Katie Henry — Sat, 26 May 2012 11:33:00 PDT

Kristen Stewart slipped out of her Reem Acra gown and into a Dolce & Gabbana t-shirt and sexy black shorts for Robert Pattinson's Cosmopolis Cannes Film Festival afterparty. Earlier in the evening, Rob hit the red carpet solo at the film's formal premiere, while Kristen stuck close to his best friend, and her On the Road costar, Tom Sturridge. The trip to France came right in the middle of Kristen's international Snow White and the Huntsman press tour. The film opens in theaters June 1, and Kristen's headed back to the states next week for a few more promotional stops. As for Rob, he's in the running for two of the hottest roles in Hollywood. New reports say Rob's considering the part of Finnick Odair in Catching Fire, the follow-up to The Hunger Games, and he's among the sexy guys competing to play Christian in Fifty Shades of Grey.

What Was Hot the Year You Graduated From High School

Tara Block — Sat, 26 May 2012 10:35:28 PDT

For today's generation of teenagers, high school's almost out for Summer. And for seniors graduating this month and the next, this is a big time of transition as they enter the collegiate world and beyond. We've long said our goodbyes to our high school days, but during this graduation season we can't help but reminisce about our past. So if you graduated from high school any year from 1990 to 2005, we've got a blast from the past for you! Here are some of the hottest pop-culture moments by year that will take you back to the days of backpacks, lockers, and homework!

Men in Black 3: A Return to (Alien Life) Form

Becky Kirsch — Sat, 26 May 2012 10:29:01 PDT

I saw the original Men in Black movie so long ago that my memories of the film might as well have been zapped with a neuralyzer (that's the memory-erasing device the guys use in the movie, for those of you who are also having trouble recalling the original). What I did retain is that the film was funny, fresh, and silly and that it didn't hold up very well for the 2002 sequel. With that in mind, I had low expectations for Men in Black 3, but the newest installment is just as much fun as the original, and it actually benefits from the 15-year time lapse.

The script for the film is one of its biggest assets and truly sets Men in Black 3 apart from its predecessors. The aliens are still alive and ickier than ever now that they're in 3D, but the story is more focused on the friendship between J (Will Smith) and K (Tommy Lee Jones) and how it has evolved over the years. We learn early on that K has been keeping a secret from J all these years, and the mystery drives a wedge between the partners. Meanwhile, a treacherous alien named Boris the Animal (played to hilarious perfection by Flight of the Conchords's Jemaine Clement) breaks out of maximum-security prison and goes back in time to get revenge on K, who arrested him back in the '60s. The day that K had Boris locked up is the key to K's secret, so J heads on a mission back in time to save K and learn the truth.

To see why Men in Black 3 is so much fun, just

Will Smith hasn't been in a movie since 2008's Seven Pounds, and I didn't realize I missed him until I found myself giggling all the way through Men in Black 3. His shtick is still the same (he's one-liners still consistent of dialogue like "Where did you come from? Planet damn?"), but you can't help but love Agent J as he bumbles through the '60s, desperately trying to sell his story to people who don't recognize him - or believe him. You can tell that Smith feels completely comfortable in the role, and in the signature suit, which still looks perfect on him, as he hasn't aged a day.

Tommy Lee Jones is ever the reliable curmudgeon, but the film mines extra laughs when J travels to the '60s and meets a much younger version of his partner, played by Josh Brolin. Brolin looks enough like Jones to pass for him, but it's really his studied delivery and mannerisms that sell the performance. We also get some insight into how K has evolved over the years (he's always had a penchant for cowboy music, but he also used to be a bit of a dreamer), giving the film an extra layer to the enjoyable banter between J and K.

I'm not usually one to gush about 3D, but the special effects really come to life in Men in Black 3 in a way they never did in the first two movies. Not only do the aliens look creepier than ever, but the cartoonish feel of the film is taken to the next level with the 3D aspect, especially with the time-travel thrill-ride element. Much like with the 3D movies from my youth, I found myself shrinking in my seat just to avoid being too close to the alien goo, blood, breath, and beyond. Combined with the welcome return of Will Smith, you've got yourself a fun, mindless blockbuster.

Photos courtesy of Sony

What Would You Rather Spend Money on?

Emily Co — Sat, 26 May 2012 00:24:52 PDT

Spending money is very subjective; what some of us see as a necessity, others might view as a frivolous waste. Play our faceoff game and tell us which expense you're willing to spend money on.

The choices are endless, from gym memberships to having a kid to premium cable channels; you never know what crazy matchup will come next. Pick which one you'd rather spend money on and see if your peers agree. The pairs won't always be apples-to-apples comparisons - say, taking a honeymoon vs. eyebrow shaping! - but they are designed to inspire tough choices, which is what personal saving is all about.

10 Tips to Save on Memorial Day Grocery Shopping

Emily Co — Sat, 26 May 2012 00:15:10 PDT

It's fun to host people for a barbecue, but it can also get quite pricey when everyone isn't chipping in. Consumer expert Andrea Woroch provides suggestions to cut your grocery bill when shopping for your Memorial Day meal:

Prepare most of your meal. Woroch says, "The general rule for prepared foods is that they are more expensive, and it's cheaper to buy the ingredients to prepare yourself." For example, prepared veggie platters and fruit salads "are never a good deal" and aren't exactly the freshest produce. However, prepared potato salad at a regular supermarket is less expensive and will save you time in the kitchen.

Get chicken from the butcher. Buy chicken breasts from the butcher counter instead of the prepared packets. They tend to be cheaper and are generally more fresh.

Consider boxed wine. Save money by skipping the bottled wine and going for the box. "Boxed wine is an affordable option for large parties, and the quality has greatly improved in recent years," she says.

Buy liquor at a superstore. If you're insistent on a specific bottle, then check out warehouse clubs like Costco. There are better deals on wine, liquor, and beer at a superstore, according to Woroch. While you're there, pick the store's generic version of vodka for an even cheaper deal.

Make your own salad dressing and marinade. Check out recipes online - here's a list of over 60 different marinades to make. "Most people will already have the basic ingredients like olive oil, some type of vinegar, and herbs at home," she says. "Other ingredients like lemon or lime, soy sauce, or honey won't cost much extra."

Read on for more.

Celebrate Moonrise Kingdom With Gorgeous Glamping Gear

Lizzie Fuhr — Fri, 25 May 2012 15:21:04 PDT

We have been counting the days until Wes Anderson's film Moonrise Kingdom hits theaters, and we are so happy we don't have to wait any longer. The dreamy 1960s aesthetic caught our eye from the first glimpses of the trailer, and all of their sweet camping gear got us thinking. In honor of the film's release, we've pulled some beautiful products that can make your next camping trip a little more glam. Click through to check out all of our inspired picks.

Photo courtesy of Focus Features

Ink Up With Photojojo's Camera Tattoos

Kelly Schwarze — Fri, 25 May 2012 07:37:06 PDT

What do you give a photography pal who already has every camera, lens, and accessory under the sun? Gift skin ink of the nonpermanent variety in the form of the Tattly Camera Tattoo Set ($25). Since the photographers we know are rarely without a camera, a tattoo of any duration seems like a natural next step.

The illustrations by three Brooklyn designers are not your average grocery-store toy-machine temporary tattoo. The set of 12 tattoos in six different designs - including an old-school Polaroid, Rangefinder, TLR, SX-70 Polaroid, and black-and-white aperture shutters - are so beautifully crafted that we almost hated having to use them during our real-world testing. A breeze to put on, each tattoo is about three inches in size and surprisingly long-lasting! Many of our testers weren't able to clear the ink for several days, scrub as they might (I'm going five days strong with my tat).

Sure, temporary tattoos may not seem like the most practical use of $25, but as a just-for-fun gift or party activity to show off your photography cred, this new scene of high-end washable tattoos is something we're ready to stick to.