Tuesday, 09 February 2010
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Best Break-Up Movies of All Times
The days leading up to Valentine’s Day inspire many people to cuddle up with their sweethearts and watch romantic films. But what about single people, or worse, people who have just had their heart broken by an unexpected or nasty breakup? Don’t despair. Buy yourself some chocolate and ice cream, have yourself a good cry and curl up in front of your TV to embrace your newfound freedom. Here are eight great break-up movies that will make you feel glad to be single.
1. Sleeping With the Enemy (1991)
Think twice about envying the woman who appears to have it all: a handsome husband, a nice house and basically anything that money can buy. So what would bring such a charmed housewife (Julia Roberts) to fake her own death, cut off her hair, move across the county and change her name? Why, her rich husband of course! See why this thriller will make you glad that you never got married or glad to be divorced.
2. The War of the Roses (1989)
In another (seemingly) perfect marriage, the Roses are a professional, middle-aged couple who live in a small mansion and have two kids in college. They grow tired of each other, and their bitterness turns into a contest to out-humiliate each other in front of each other’s clients and friends. Eventually, their quarrels escalate into a violent personal war inside their large house where they both end up dead under the chandelier. This version of War of the Roses makes the real battles between the Houses of York and Lancaster at the end of the Middle Ages seem like child’s play.
3. Thelma and Louise (1991)
Geena Davis and Susan Surandon star in this action-packed story of two best friends who decide to go on a girls’ weekend trip. They end up being the victims of circumstance and become outlaws on the run. The men in their lives are enough to make any woman happy to die alone. If those weren’t enough reasons to convince you, the movie is worth it just to see a young Brad Pitt make an appearance before he became famous.
4. Secretary (2002)
This is a good movie to watch if you have ever thought your own life was messed up. A socially awkward and dysfunctional young female who just checked out of the hospital for self-injury starts dating her boss, who introduces her to a relationship of BDSM. Since she already has a self-destructive streak, she falls in love. Her boss fires her, humiliates her and eventually marries her so that they can continue their dominant/submissive lifestyle happily ever after.
5. Closer (2004)
This mixed-up tangle of love stars Julia Roberts, Natalie Portman, Jude Law and Clive Owen. Basically, four people’s lives are intertwined by lust. No one is really happy with the person he or she is with. When their eyes wander, they switch partners and each end up more heartbroken than they were in the beginning. This is a good movie to watch if you feel that your quest for a satisfying relationship is thwarted by the very confusing and insatiable human condition.
6. Heavenly Creatures (1994)
Set in the 1950s, this is a story of two women who befriend each other and have a relationship that borders on lesbianism (considered a mental illness at the time). This tale of an obsessive relationship between two girls ends with murder by brick bludgeoning. If you think you have problems with your own love life, try living in the old days where you considered mentally ill if you did not conform to society’s standards.
7. Sid and Nancy (1986)
Nothing makes you happier to be single than a good, old fashioned dysfunctional rocker love story. This movie is based on the true story of Sid Vicious (Gary Oldman), bassist of the seminal punk rock band The Sex Pistols and his girlfriend, Nancy Spungen (Chloe Webb). Filled with an abundance of reckless drugs and sex, the love story ends up with a stabbing. On an interesting side note: Courtney Love auditioned for the role of Nancy Spungen but did not get it. Ironically, she was later compared to the rock star’s troubled girlfriend on account of her marriage to Kurt Cobain.
8. Revolutionary Road (2008)
Have you ever dreamed of getting married and starting a family? Maybe you’ll decide that traveling the world and pursuing your dreams should come first after you see this depressing movie. A young couple falls in love, moves to the suburbs, starts a family and becomes completely miserable as the bored housewife experiences a midlife crisis. She plots to move the family to France to pursue acting but a pregnancy with the couple’s third child puts the couple in disagreement and as a result, the desperate housewife gives herself an abortion and dies. Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet costar in this drama that makes their last film together, The Titanic, look like a love story with a happy ending.
Now you have plenty to keep you occupied, with eight Valentine’s Day movies for the jilted, single or heartbroken who are looking for movies to make them feel better. Single life does not seem so bad now, does it?
April Lentini writes for Greektown Chicago Apartment Guide
Image: ginnerobot (flickr) -
Celebrate Black History Month in Philadelphia
February is Black History Month. Philadelphia has a rich and interesting black American history. Boosted by a flood of Southern migrants in the early 1900s, Philadelphia’s black population took on a significant role as a cornerstone of America’s history.
The election of W. Wilson Goode as the city’s first black mayor in 1979, along with other prominent Philadelphia black heros such as Cecil B. Moore, who led NAACP marches through the streets, and Philadelphia’s Marian Anderson who performed to a crowd of 75,000 in front of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC, have shaped Philadelphia’s black heritage. If you are looking for ways to celebrate or recognize America’s black heritage in Philadelphia, take a look at some noteworthy black history events that are taking place in your area.
What: Cinema Sepia Afternoon Film Series: Walls and Doors: Inspiration from our Elders
Where: The African American Museum in Philadelphia
701 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
When: Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2010 – 3 p.m.
Cost: Museum admission (adults: $10 / students and seniors $8)What: Black Archetypes and Prototypes in Cinema with The Minority Reporter
Where: The African American Museum in Philadelphia
701 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
When: Saturday, Feb. 20, 2010 – 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Cost: Museum admission (adults: $10 / students and seniors $8)What: African Dance Workshop with Amma and Ishmael (noon)
Hip Hop Jazz Musicology and Drum Circle with Coda (2 p.m.)
Where: The African American Museum in Philadelphia
701 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
When: Saturday, Feb. 27, 2010 – 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: Museum admission (adults: $10 / students and seniors $8)What: The African American Experience Through Our Eyes and Yours, a series of monologues about issues that African Americans face in today’s society.
Where: The Kanbar Campus Center Performance Space
Philadelphia University
4201 Henry Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19144-5497
When: Tuesday, Feb. 23 – 6 p.m.
Cost: FreeWhat: Black History Showcase, the history of African Americans as an inspiring testimony to the strength of the human spirit in the face of overwhelming adversity.
Where: Pennsylvania Convention Center
12th & Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA
When: Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 13-14
Cost: FreeWhat: Black Journey, a high-spirited production celebrating heritage and tradition through the Black Musical experience.
Where: Kimmel Center for Performing Arts
260 South Broad Street on the Avenue of the Arts
Suite 901
Philadelphia, PA 19102
When: Tuesday, Feb. 16 – Thursday, Feb. 18
Cost: $14 per seatWhat: Blue Door, The Arden Theatre Company presents this funny and poignant drama of one man grappling at the intersection of his own identity and his cultural history.
Where: Arden Theatre Company
40 N. 2nd St.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
When: January 14 – March 21, 2010
Cost: Tickets are $29-$48April Lentini writes for Apartment Guide in Philadelphia.
Image: Srbyugs (Flickr)
Thursday, 04 February 2010
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What Does Your Ring Tone Say About You?
People are judging you by your cell phone ring tone. What does your ring tone say about you? Take this short quiz to find out.
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Turn Your Apartment into a Romantic Escape for Your Man
Let’s face it: Valentine’s Day was designed for women. Since most guys could care less about mushy cards, candles, chocolates and flowers, women need to think a little differently when romancing their men. This Valentine’s Day, keep a few candles burning for yourself if you’d like, but if you really want him to feel the love and know that you appreciate him, here are some ways to turn your home into a guy-friendly romantic escape.
Have a clean apartment and get a baby sitter
While most guys could care less about candles and soft music, they do appreciate a clean house. Pick up your things and make room for your guy to be a guy on Valentine’s Day. Doing his laundry for him would be taking it one step further –but only if you are already on that level of intimacy. If you have kids, get them out of your home. Better yet, arrange to have them spend the night at someone else’s house if possible. When transforming your apartment into a guy-friendly romantic escape, the focus should be entirely on your man.
Get dressed up (or down) and have dinner ready
Where do most men want to go on Valentine’s Day? Nowhere, that’s where. They’re tired. They worked all day and they probably had to stand in a long line at the grocery store buying you flowers and candy if they were not creative enough to get a custom valentine gift (but that’s another article). The last thing your man wants to do is wait an hour to be seated at a restaurant on Valentine’s Day. So, dine in. Surprise him with the smell of his favorite meal cooking as he walks in the door. If you lack the talent for cooking, order in his favorite meal. Even if he made reservations somewhere, he will probably prefer to eat alone with you in that smoking outfit you’ll be wearing. Bow chica wow wow.
Succumb to Guy Activities
What do guys want to do on Valentine’s Day? Well, if you’ve been partners for a while, probably nothing. A MythBusters Marathon may be a married man’s idea of a hot date, so why fight it? On this one night, it won’t kill you to sit on the couch with him and appreciate his passion for explosives. If he likes to play video games, just go with it. Maybe he will suggest some risqué movies or games that will keep you both entertained. The point is this: you are making this his night to be pampered, so if he wants to vegetate in front of the TV, so be it. If he wants to tinker around in the basement or garage, strap on a tool belt and offer him a helping hand. For him, making an effort to take interest in his stuff may be more endearing and romantic than you think.
Many women see Valentine’s Day as an excuse to be pampered like a queen. Fair enough. However, if you are lucky enough to have a man that treats you like a queen (on most days), turning your home into a man cave for one night is not going to hurt you.
April Lentini is married and likes jewelry, chocolates and flowers. But she appreciates those things the most when they are unexpected –not on the commercial Valentine’s Day. April writes for ApartmentGuide in Chicago’s Greektown. (Image: CarbonNYC)
In what ways would you let your man be a man for Valentine’s Day?
Tuesday, 02 February 2010
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New TV Shows Worth Recording For Spring 2010
Why does it seem like there is a lack of good television shows on when you come home from work? Maybe you just get busy and forget to watch them. Well, don’t let these new shows slip by you this spring. Fire up the DVR and start a series recording because this spring season has some DVR-worthy television shows that you may want on your recorded list.
Photo by: x-ray delta one (Flickr)
Human Target
Human Target is based on the popular DC comic book and graphic novel. This action-packed drama features the leading character, Christopher Chance, a contract security guard hired to protect. As a hired gun, Chance puts himself directly in the line of fire as he races against time to save his clients. Each episode unravels the mysterious Chance’s dark history and with it brings him eminent new danger.
Channel: Fox
Series Premier: Jan. 20, 2010
Time Slot: Wed., 9-10 p.m.Past Life
In this drama series, main character Dr. Kate McGinn (Kelli Giddish, “All My Children”) uses regression therapy along with her natural gift for reading people to solve the mysteries of her troubled clients. Each episode is a fast-paced emotional thrill ride as Kate and her colleagues unravel a new mystery involving the past lives of their clients who suffer from present-day problems caused by past-life traumas.
Channel: Fox
Series Premier: Feb 11, 2010 (two-hour series premier)
Time Slot: Thurs., 8 – 10 p.m.The Marriage Ref
Comedian Jerry Seinfeld produces this new comedy reality show that reveals the humorous side to marriage. Celebrities candidly comment, judge and decide who’s right and who’s wrong in real-life disputes between real-life spouses. If you liked the show “Seinfeld” and found hilarity in relatable situations surrounding single life in New York City, you may appreciate Jerry’s new primetime venture surrounding the bizarre institution of marriage.
Channel: NBC
Sneak Preview: Sun., February 28, 2010 (following the closing ceremony of the Winter Olympics)
Series Premier: March 4, 2010
Time Slot: Thurs., 10 – 11 p.m.Parenthood NBC
From executive producers Ron Howard and Brian Grazer, this one-hour drama introduces audiences to the extended Braverman family. Centered on the conflicts of four diverse households and generations, the focus of this show is on the four grown siblings that share the headaches, heartaches and joy of being parents in a modern family.
Channel: NBC
Series Premier: March 2, 2010
Time Slot: Tues., 10 – 11 p.m.April Lentini writes for apartmentguide.com in Chicago. When searching for an apartment, don’t skimp on the entertainment space. There are many apartments in Chicago that will accommodate your large, flat-screen T.V.
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