4 RomComs That Are Sweet On-Screen But Would Be Effing Creepy in Real Life
By anna on 15 Oct 2009 | 1 Comment
Oh, romantic comedies. Chicks love them, guys claim that they can’t stand them (but that might be a lie), and at the rate they get churned out, they remain a force to be reckoned with in the Hollywood money-making machine. But have we ever really considered the scenarios that these cheese-filled guilty pleasures present? Though sweet and romantic, we’re willing to bet that if these situations were carried out in real life, most would lead to one thing: a restraining order.
So let’s break down the scenes from some well-known and classic romantic comedies that your girlfriend and little sister hold as the pinnacle of romanticism but are actually creepy and stalkerish.
1. While You Were Sleeping – There’s a stranger that you’re obsessed with from afar. You (meaning Sandra Bullock) pose as his fiancée after saving his life and dupe his whole family into believing that you’re the real deal while he lies comatose in the hospital. Finally, you come clean about the whole hoax because you realize that you’re actually in love with his brother. Either that, or the guilt is just eating away at you.
So, someone remind us again – how is being an imposter to get closer to the man you’re creepily obsessed with from afar romantic (or normal)? Oh right. It’s not.
2. Say Anything – The down-trodden, futureless Lloyd (John Cusack – a classic romcom staple) falls head-over-heels for prissy class valedictorian Diane (Ione Skye). The two start seeing each other, but Diane is going off to college in the fall and wants to break things off with Lloyd. Lloyd is persistent, however, and in his efforts to keep Diane’s heart, he finds himself standing outside her house with a boombox raised over his head, blasting Peter Gabriel’s “In Your Eyes.”
Every girl who has seen this movie is ga-ga for Lloyd, but let’s get real. If a guy stood outside your house, blasting the sappiest song ever written, and waiting for you to give him the time of day, we’d be seriously concerned. File that behavior under “stalker.”
3. Sleepless in Seattle – Though this movie is the epitome of romance for some, we don’t know what’s crazier: believing you’ve found your soulmate when you hear someone on the radio or read someone’s letter, or flying across the country and stalking out their address because you want to meet them so badly – which is precisely what happens between Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks in this romance-fest!
Pursuing total strangers whom you know nothing about is not a good idea under any circumstances!
4. Maid in Manhattan – Another classic case of falling into a mistaken identity and not saying anything about it (we’re pretty sure that’s called lying)! Marisa (JLo) works as a maid at one of NYC’s most posh hotels. One afternoon, her fellow maid dares her to try on a beautiful dress they find in a rich lady’s hotel room while they’re cleaning. Wearing this designer gown, Marisa bumps into Chris (Ralph Fiennes), a well-off man who is running for Senate. Assuming Marisa is the rich socialite, Chris spends the afternoon with her and is smitten. Chris later calls her to set up a date and finds the woman in that hotel room is not the woman he met. Marisa then has to live down her lie to try to pursue a relationship with someone leagues out of her social class.
The fact that romance can happen between two extremely different people is great, but a situation where someone leads another person on…kind of disturbing and not romantic!
Any other romcoms to add to this list? Leave a comment!
What’s Hot: Women’s Fall Fashion 2009
By vanessa on 14 Oct 2009 | No Comments
Yes ladies, it’s that time again! The temperature is dropping, the store windows are changing and we need to prepare our closets for fall! Magazine racks are filled with a million ‘Trends to Follow this Season’ and you’re left bewildered and confused. Don’t sweat it! We at HOT or NOT have compiled a super list of What’s Hot this fall. 
Hello 80’s! : There’s no question; fall 2009 fashion reeks of the 80’s. However, before you dig out those precious pieces from your time capsule, keep a few things in mind. The modern day woman can add a little 80’s to her wardrobe with metallic colors, peplum, sequins or a top with strong shoulders. As for you vintage lovers out there, balance your outfit with old and new; sporting too many 80’s looks may be a little over powering.
Over the Knee Boots: Over the knee boots deserve a section of their own, why? Simply because I love them! I purchased my first pair 2 years ago, and naturally, fell in love. The OTK boot is to fall as the gladiator sandal was to summer, flat, high, whatever material- get them.
Ankle Booties: This is a purchase we guarantee you will not regret. Trade in your sky-high pumps for some sassy booties and you’re feet will be thanking you once temperatures drop.
The Boyfriend Trend: The boyfriend blazer still reigns this fall but don’t you forget about those loose fit button ups, tees and denim- oh my! Oxfords are a fabulous alternative for flats and add spunk to any outfit. As for those wondering how boyfriend jeans will fit into their fall wardrobe, the answer is simple. Pair them with a pair of boots (e.g. lace-up or motorcycle-esque) which begin where the jeans end.
Comfy Knits: Knitted goods are the peak of fashion meet function. Fair Isle sweaters are making a strong comeback alongside saggy hats (as seen in fall 2008) and circular scarves.
Military: Whether you’re a combat boot chick or a military jacket matron, add a little kick to your fall wardrobe with something military inspired!
Leather Legs: Update your legging collection with a pair of Leather/look leggings. They add texture and shine to your outfit without skimping on comfort!
Heavy hardware: This season’s leather and accessories are beefed up with plenty of heavy hardware! Think studs, chains and buckles meet big, bold and beautiful. To achieve this look layer bangles, rings and necklaces, and don’t forget the bigger, the better!
Sheer: As the end of summer approached *sigh*, we were introduced to sheer. If you’re feeling a little insecure about wearing this trend, opt for a garment with sheer accents for equal sex appeal.
Now that we’ve got that settled, one last word of advice; being trendy, age appropriate and accentuating your assets is totally possible! Get out there and shop!
Tips for Basic Members
By katie on 13 Oct 2009 | No Comments
A Star Membership makes it easier to meet people on our site, but there are lots of FREE ways that Basic members can improve their HOT or NOT profile and their overall experience on the site. 
Add more photos: It’s totally FREE to add more photos to your HOT or NOT profile! You might look entirely different from one shot to the next and adding more pictures lets people see more aspects of your personality, style, and lifestyle. For example, are you outdoors a lot, or always hanging out at a pub, or constantly snapping shots of yourself while pumping iron?
Beef up your intro: There’s nothing lamer than a profile intro that says “I’ll fill this in later,” or “I have nothing to say.” These intros send a strong message that the user is not serious about meeting people on the site, or sharing things about his/her life, interests, or personality. It might also be interpreted as complacency, or laziness – probably not the message you want to broadcast if you’re actually on the site to meet people.
By popular request, we have recently extended the length of the intros. So, those users who wish to keep things short and sweet (but still captivating!), can certainly do so, while long-winded users now have the freedom to express themselves, without feeling constrained by a 500-word limit.
Poke someone you think is hot: Poking someone is fun, simple, and – best of all – FREE! Poking one of your Double-Matches is a good way to let someone know that you like their profile. If you’re a bit shy, this is a great way to get someone’s attention – even better if you can follow it up with a message.
Send a FREE note to someone: It’s totally FREE for a Basic member to contact a Star Member, since only one person needs to have a paid account to correspond through our messaging feature. But, if you’ve seen a profile of someone you just can’t resist and you’re both Basic members, you can still let them know you think they’re groovy by clicking on the “Send Note” link below their profile picture on your Double-Matches page. One of you will need to purchase a Star Membership if you want the correspondence to continue beyond the initial note (and hopefully you do!), but it’s still a great way to say something nice to someone without spending a dime.
Friday Night Date: Couples Retreat
By katie on 9 Oct 2009 | No Comments
This movie is like a stunning, charismatic brainiac whom everyone expects will excel as an environmental lawyer, or a Nobel Prize winner, or the next Bill Gates (in sky-high Louboutins instead of loafers), but who ends up working in a seedy L.A. agency booking gigs for Elvis impersonators. In other words, we expect that with its fame-packed cast, Couples Retreat will be an entertaining, gut-busting thrill of a show. From what we hear, though, the film fails to live up to its awesomeness potential.
The hook: Jason (Jason Bateman) and his perky, (much) younger wife Cynthia (Kristen Bell) are experiencing some marital bumps. So, they decide that only the idyllic Bora Bora can save their marriage and when they find a resort that specializes in couples counseling, they invite three other couples to join them to get a discounted group rate. The other couples think they’ve scored a cheap ticket to Paradise, but they soon realize they’ve been duped and that participating in the resort’s intensive couples therapy program is mandatory: talk about your emotions, or get voted off the island. What comes to light is that the broken couple who spearheaded the venture isn’t the only duo experiencing previously-unaddressed relationship woes.
Vince Vaughn and Malin Akerman, Jon Favreau and Kristen Davis, and Faizon Love and Kali Hawk make up the other three couples. There’s an awkward erotic yoga session with a greasy, Speedo-clad instructor who enthusiastically ensures that his clients get the deepest stretch possible. But didn’t we get over inappropriate beachside hip-thrusting after watching Russell Brand’s raunchy performance in Forgetting Sarah Marshall? While we haven’t actually seen Couples Retreat, we’d bet you a Large popcorn and a bag of M&Ms that the original scene outshines this film’s overly erotic (and cliché) yoga teacher.
The scenery is also very familiar and we’ve seen some of these stars in similar settings in recent years: Kristen Bell in Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Malin Akerman in The Heartbreak Kid, and Kristen Davis in the movie version of Sex and the City. It feels like we’ve already seen these marriages fall to pieces and we’ve already laughed at these jokes.
It’s a cruel, cruel world we live in if a cast of quality stars doesn’t guarantee that the movie in which they’re starring is of a certain caliber. All of these actors have flexed their mighty comedy muscles in the past, but it seems they’ve failed to work their magic to create an Old School-quality film. Instead, it looks like this movie is as authentic and creative as a can of Spam.
Go and see it for yourself, though, and then report back with a review on Monday! For your enjoyment, here’s the trailer.
Halloween Flick: Paranormal Activity
By anna on 8 Oct 2009 | No Comments
Whether you’re a thrill junkie or not, scary movies are perfect for a date. What better way to get that gal burying her head in your chest with her arms around your neck than a gore-filled spook-fest? Or maybe your man is a scaredy-cat who leaps three feet out of his seat every time Jason jumps out with his axe. With Halloween just around the corner, we wanted to talk about a slightly different kind of scare-filled flick that’s been garnering a great deal of attention and critical praise – Paranormal Activity.
Filmed mockumentary-style (think Blair Witch Project) and on a minimal budget, this indie horror focuses on a young couple who have moved into a new home and the disturbing presence that comes with it. On a nightly basis, they experience something out of the ordinary, and they decide to get to the bottom of it by filming themselves while they sleep. Apparently it’s totally hair-raising!
Thing is, Paranormal Activity has seen only very limited theatrical release in a few select cities. So, they’re rounding up the masses online via various social media outlets and asking them to demand that Paranormal Activity be screened in their city…and the response has been overwhelming. Over 600,000 people have demanded to see Paranormal Activity, and that’s certainly enough to justify a major theatrical release for this little indie that could.
So does Paranormal Activity sound like its right up your alley? Would you take a date to this movie to celebrate some Halloween spirit?
Click here to visit Paranormal Activity’s site and demand the movie in your city!
HOT Halloween Costumes for Girls
By anna on 7 Oct 2009 | 3 Comments
Who said that Halloween is just an excuse for girls to dress like they just walked out of a porno mag? You don’t have to show up to that party as a Playboy bunny (soo unoriginal) just to get attention. You can flaunt what you’ve got with something that’s both original, sexy, and leaves a little bit to the imagination – boys want what they can’t have, right?
1. Firefighter – we know men love a woman in uniform, but this is one that will catch them off-guard. Mess with gender stereotypes and look red-hot in something tight and rubbery. Essential accessory: firefighter helmet, ‘cause you can never be too careful with your locks. 
2. Little Red Riding Hood – this classic children’s fairy tale character exudes innocence, but wait until you show the big bad wolf who’s boss. Essential accessory: picnic basket – someone’s gotta bring the goodies for Granny.
3. Warrior/Gladiator – show off your muscles as warrior princess because you’re more badass than all the guys put together. Dirty up the costume and add a few conveniently-placed tears because you’ve just been battling it out (plus, it shows off more skin). Essential accessory: weapons – carry around a spear or knife to show you mean business.
4. Insect – Let’s get over the harmless little bumble bee. Intensify the creepy factor and dress up as a spider or up the whimsy as a dragonfly. Essential accessory: if you’re a spider, bring a web to catch your prey.
5. Decade – Pick a decade and make it come to life (anything but the 80’s, it’s so overdone!). Be a sassy flapper from the 20’s or a perky housewife from the 50’s. Essential accessory: depends on your decade!
6. Alice in Wonderland – Take the cute out of this costume and make it a little stranger if you can find a creative way to reflect the trippy nature of Alice’s story. Essential accessory: rope your posse into dressing up as the Cheshire Cat, Queen of Hearts, Mad Hatter, and White Rabbit.
Tip: for an extra twist to your costume, you can zombie-fy any of these. A zombie housewife in torn, bloody clothes and wielding a kitchen knife should do the trick. And of course, anything can become raunchier if you shorten the skirt a few inches or expose more cleavage (as long as this isn’t your office Halloween party). Time to get creative!
Beer Pong Athletes
By katie on 6 Oct 2009 | No Comments
You know something is culturally significant when someone (in this case, two dudes) dedicates an entire book to the subject.
And we think it’s about darn time that Beer Pong – the collegiate house-party staple – gets its moment in the spotlight outside of grimy student kitchens or beer-stained living rooms. Adapted from The Book of Beer Pong, this article demystifies the perfect Beer Pong shot with tips (and handy illustrations!) about the grip, aim, and toss.
The most unforgivable form of social suicide for undergraduates is a Beer Pong toss that constantly misses its bulls-eye, so stop being a chump and embarrassing yourself in front of your buddies and female partiers with your shameful shot. (Please note: Beer Pong might not be an Olympic sport – yet – but the girls will still size up your skills, and then they will automatically assume that this is a reflection of your athletic agility in all other sports, as well.)
Like learning how to knot your own tie without looking like a dufus, or experiencing your first encounter with the fairer sex (“she touched me!”), mastering the Beer-Pong shot is a male rite-of-passage. Don’t screw this up.
Click here for tips from the pros: http://howto.wired.com/wiki/Throw_a_Proper_Beer_Pong_Shot
What’s Hot: Men’s Fall Fashion for 2009
By vanessa on 5 Oct 2009 | No Comments
To all you men out there, here’s the deal. When it comes to updating your look this season, you’ve got the upper hand. Why might you ask? The answer is simple; you’re not a woman! You don’t have a million trends to follow so looking stylish shouldn’t be a problem. Still concerned? Don’t sweat it, HOT or NOT’s got you covered. Grab a pen and paper and take notes because here are this season’s must-haves.
1.) The Power Suit: Does the old saying “the suit makes a man” ring a bell? It should, being as this statement is completely true. A good suit is undeniably a closet staple for every man and as it’s probably been some time since you’ve last purchased a new one, we encourage you to get out there and do so. Exchange that baggy thing you call a suit for something a little more sleek and sophisticated. For fall 2009, go with a double breasted jacket and sleek pants and presto, you’re in!
2.) Knitted Sweater: Fashion meets function? Hard to believe, right? Well in this case, not quite. Celebrate “sweater weather” with a comfy knit sweater. Enough said!
3.) Leather Jacket: Have you got one of those leather numbers that fits sort of loose and tapers around the waist? Burn it! Times have changed and so should your leather jacket. Reach for something a little more form fitting, you’ll explode with joy- no not literally!
4.) Combat /Motorcycle boots: If you don’t already know, the first thing a woman looks at is your shoes and if she says she doesn’t care, she’s lying. Grab yourself a great pair of motorcycle/combat-esque boots, pair them with some great jeans, and the women will flock. Don’t believe us? Try it out!
5.) Plaid: In case you didn’t get the memo, plaid is in! Plaid shirts are a great casual alternative and most of all they’re comfortable. No excuses, this one should be easy.
6.) Long scarves: They’re all over the runway and they serve a purpose- a great thing called warmth! This one is by far the most pocket friendly way to update your look. (*don’t tie it, wrap it!*)
7.) Cardigan: A cardigan can bring your outfit from work to play instantly. If you’re low on cash stick to a neutral colour/pattern that will work with your whole wardrobe.
8.) Military Jackets: Honour the King of Pop with a military inspired jacket this fall.
So we’ve made this pretty easy for all you fellas out there but we want you to keep in mind a few extra things. Grey is not only a popular colour for this season but it’s also a great neutral that will match everything in your wardrobe and please steer away from baggy items!
5 Best Bromance Movies
By anna on 1 Oct 2009 | No Comments
Let’s take a moment to examine some of pop culture’s best examples of the intricate and fragile bonds that comprise the closest of all possible male friendships – the bromance. The bromance is often characterized by an unfaltering love for the other man, but also the ability to be brutally honest about when he is making a mistake. Through the best of times and the worst of times, these men have each others backs no matter what comes their way.
5. Old School – When Mitch (Luke Wilson) discovers his girlfriend cheating on him, he moves out and rents a house on the nearby college campus. His two best friends, Beanie (Vince Vaughn) and Frank (Will Ferrell), start spending a lot of time at his place and they decide to relive their college days and escape their mundane lives by founding a fraternity that welcomes all the misfits and outcasts of the school and town. The school’s dean wants to get them off the property, but they fight back, all the while proving that their friendship is the strongest bond they’ve got to fall back on.
4. Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle – Harold and Kumar brings more to the table than stoner comedy gold; it’s also a prime example of a situation in which two friends stick with each other through thick and thin – a rabid racoon, a crazed Neil Patrick Harris, a stint in prison, and more – until they reach the most seemingly unattainable dream (in this case – those sumptuous, square White Castle burgers). If that’s not an example of devoted bromance, then we don’t know what is.
3. Ferris Beuller’s Day Off – This 80’s John Hughes classic remains a beloved teen comedy today and showcases one of the more intriguing bromances on this list; the coolest, most popular guy at school, and his neurotic, socially awkward best friend. Ferris (Matthew Broderick) and Cameron (Alan Ruck) blow off school and spend a day in the city, after which Cameron has a blow-out because he feels like Ferris has taken advantage of him one too many times. Yet Ferris is the only one who can calm him down and reassure him that everything is going to be okay. In this timeless bromance, Ferris makes Cameron live a little, while Cameron is the rational voice that keeps Ferris grounded and from going too far.
2. Superbad – This gem in the teen comedy genre centers around two best friends who come to realize that all they really need is each other. Almost-grads Evan (Michael Cera) and Seth (Jonah Hill) are feeling the onset of separation anxiety before they part ways to go to college, but a regular evening out turns into an adventure when they attempt to score some booze for a party and everything goes awry. Only after this crazy night do they realize that their friendship can withstand no matter what curveballs life throws at them. It brings a tear to the eye.
1. I Love You, Man – Not only does this movie focus on the phenomenon of the bromance, but it is also one of the funniest comedies to come out in recent memory. Peter (Paul Rudd) realizes that his wedding is around the corner, and he has no guy friends for his wedding party. He sets out on a search to find a best man and stumbles upon the crazy but lovable Sydney (Jason Segal, doing his best Jason Segal). Hilarity ensues as Peter embarks upon the close male friendship he never had, and the chemistry between Rudd and Segal is palpable. This bromance is truly a match made in heaven.
If you’ve been living under a rock and haven’t seen this comedy gold yet, check out the trailer for I Love You, Man!
Breakfast of Champions
By katie on 30 Sep 2009 | No Comments
A nutritious, well-balanced meal (and a strong cup of coffee) is a surefire way to start your day. Sometimes, though, it seems worthwhile to skip a homemade breakfast (even if it’s just a bowl of cereal) and grab something en route in order to squeeze in an extra 10 minutes of sleep. But what if the foods you’re choosing on the go are actually making you more sluggish – and adding hundreds of extra calories to your daily intake before you even reach your cubicle?
Here are the top 20 contenders for the worst breakfasts in America. Consider this your blacklist of breakfasts. Memorize these items. Write them down, if you must. And do not, under any circumstances, give in to the temptation to order them when they stare up at you, oh-so-tauntingly, from a fast-food menu.
Making healthy choices is tough, especially when you’re groggy and battling rush hour traffic. These breakfasts might seem harmless (some of them look so sweet!), but revealing the evil behind these tantalizing options will help you realize how dangerous they can be. Stick to the recommended alternatives and you’ll have a light, heart-friendly start to the day. And remember, being healthy is hot!
