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.
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.
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!
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.
Purchasing a Star Membership makes it easier to connect with people (hot single ladies, sexy unattached guys) on HOT or NOT, but it doesn’t guarantee that you’ll instantly amass Double-Matches and find your dream date. A Star Membership is like a toolbox: it offers you useful gadgets that will help you accomplish your goal (meeting a hottie), but it can’t do all the work for you. You need to exert a little effort and creative elbow grease in order to make the most of the perks included in your subscription. You’ve already purchased it, so you might as well use it!
Just Say “Yes”:You’ll increase your chances of getting more Double-Matches if you click “Yes” to lots of profiles in the Meet People section. Obviously, not everyone can be your soul mate, but you can still use HOT or NOT to make new friendships and connections. And remember, just because you said “Yes” to someone, it doesn’t necessarily mean that s/he will accept your request; so, clicking “Yes” to lots of people increases your odds, since you may only have success with a couple of them.
HoN Tip: Our new search feature makes it easier for people to meet local singles and find love. Just enter your city or zip code in the location field and select a distance (50 miles, 500 miles, etc.) from the drop-down menu. You can also mix things up and browse profiles from all around the world by entering “Everywhere” instead of a location. This way, you might see a profile from Sydney, one from Johannesburg, and one from San Francisco, all in the same search results.
Send messages to your Half-Matches: So, you’ve clicked “Yes” to a stellar hottie and your profile will now end up in his/her Half-Matches page (where it will anxiously await reciprocity). Why not stand out and send the person a Half-Match message? These are short (250 characters, max) messages that give you an opportunity to let a girl know that she’s caught your attention. But don’t cop out and send the same message to everyone: send personalized messages that let the recipient know who you are and why you are interested in his/her profile. Sure, you’ve got the looks, but people want to get a sense of someone’s personality as well, and this is your chance to let your individuality shine. Make note of her style, or his stunning eyes, or the keywords you both have in common – let that user know that you’ve noticed something unique about him/her and avoid simply pointing out the fact that she’s super-hot, or he’s got tight abs. Be genuine, not generic.
Send a virtual gift: All Star Memberships include a Star Gift Pack, rammed with a variety of e-flowers that you can send to your sweetie. The web version of a tulip might not smell as sweet as the real thing, but it’s still a nice gesture that lets someone know you think s/he’s pretty special.
Stay in touch with your Double-Matches:Once someone has accepted your meet request, you’ll become Double-Matches. Yay! From here, you can start getting to know each other by sending longer messages through our messaging feature. Unlimited messaging is included in all Star Memberships, but, again, be sure to make each message unique and point out some specifics that you liked about his or her profile or pictures. Remember that if you’re a Basic (FREE) member, you can still email your Double-Matches, as long as the other person is a Star Member.
HoN Tip:Don’t include your personal email address in the first message. This is typical spam behavior (you don’t want someone to think you’re a fake!) and people usually like to get to know their Double-Matches on our site before corresponding through their personal email accounts.
Ah, fall – the season of television. With series premieres, season openers, and award shows, it’s no wonder we become channel-surfing couch-potatoes once September hits. To celebrate the fresh crop of small screen entertainment, here’s a look at 10 of our favorite TV couples.
10. Elaine Benes and David Puddy – Seinfeld – These two bickerers are classic comedy fodder. Favorite moments include: their failed attempt to call it quits on a transatlantic flight; their break-up due to Puddy’s overuse of high-fives; and their hilarious meeting with a priest who insists they’ll both burn in Hell, despite Puddy’s affinity for Christian radio.
9. Pam Beesly and Jim Halpert – The Office – Intra-office hook-ups gone wrong can seriously damage your career, but lucky for these two (and for the show’s fans), Jim and Pam were victorious and proved that love can prevail, even in the face of toxic workplace gossip and a meandering, man-child boss.
8. Brian Griffin and Jillian – Family Guy – He’s a talking dog; she’s his dumb, semi-hot, human girlfriend. Need we say more?
7. Ross Gellar and Rachel Green – Friends – If we learned one thing from the reigning on-again/off-again couple of the ‘90s, it’s that persistence pays off: they end up raising a child and living together as if they were spouses, but they get to date other people!
6. Seth Cohen and Summer Roberts – The O.C. – Every teenage, half-Jewish, comic book nerd’s stock skyrocketed after the coupling of babelicious Summer and the garrulous Seth. What girl wouldn’t want her man to create a superhero version of her?
5. Lily Aldrin and Marshall Eriksen – How I Met Your Mother – This quirky duo strikes the perfect balance between mushy teenagers and an old married couple. From college sweethearts to “Mr. and Mrs.,” Lily and Marshall are BFFs who are still down for some spontaneous nookie (on a highway, a pool table, or a bathroom floor) and pounding back pints like freshmen.
4. Serena van der Woodsen and Dan Humphrey – Gossip Girl – She’s got the coolest preppy-chic wardrobe on the Upper East Side, and he’s got perfect hair and heartthrob eyes – clearly, this is a match made in TV heaven. Plus, these two lovebirds get extra points for getting it on off-set, too.
3. Carrie Bradshaw and Mr. Big– Sex and the City – Sure, Mr. Big is as hot as the latest pair of Manolo mules, but it took some of us a while to consider him gush-worthy, what with his commitment issues and his playboy ways. But charm has a potent effect and he eventually won over viewers and – most importantly – the heart of our girl Carrie.
2. Liz Lemon and Jack Donaghy–30 Rock – Ok, so they’re not technically a couple, but they nag each other as if they were, and the sexual tension bubbling beneath the surface of their verbal warring is obvious to everyone, except maybe Kenneth, the wide-eyed NBC page.
1. Bill Compton and Sookie Stackhouse – True Blood – He might be tall and handsome, but the only thing “dark” about Vampire Bill is the inside of his coffin. The pallid bloodsucker and his gal add some heat to the already-scorching town of Bon Temps with their fang-tastic romance. Couple-in-real-life bonus: they don’t have to wait until sundown for a steamy tryst.
Yes, it’s true – women love to be wined and dined , but these are tough times we live in and just because you have an active dating life doesn’t mean you should be emptying your bank account to keep up with it. So, don’t knock freebie dates. Here are a few ideas for dates sure to impress that girl (or guy!) at absolutely zero cost and make recession dating a breeze.
Picnic. It’s classic, simple, and can work in a variety of settings, from a park, to the beach, to a rooftop. If you can get creative with the food that’s already in your fridge and pick your lady some wild flowers instead of splurging on a bouquet from the store, you’ll have a romantic date and your wallet will be untouched.
Check local listings for things like free movie screenings or festivals and events that may be taking place in the city. There’s nothing like walking the streets in good weather and people-watching to talk and enjoy each others’ company.
Weather-permitting, head to the beach or pool for a swim. Ok, let’s not beat around the bush. The real motive for this one is that you’ll get to see your date in her bikini. Enough said. Bring along a kite, if you’re feeling extra whimsical.
Many museums have designated times when admission is free. Check the websites of your local museums to see if there are admission-free days and surprise your date with a visit to the new Postmodernism exhibit (plus, you’ll totally score points by showing off how cultured you are).
Cook dinner together. Aside from being a great activity for getting to know each other, if you can cook dinner with staples that are already sure to be in your kitchen (pasta and vegetables that will inevitably go bad in a few days if you don’t use them). You get to whip up a free meal, impress your date with your improvisational cooking skills, and rescue those veggies from a fate of rotting away at the bottom of your fridge.
Go for a hike – nothing too hardcore that requires anything more than a good pair of sneakers (maybe we should call it a “stroll in the woods” instead). Enjoy nature, and get some fresh air and exercise.
If it’s already dark out and you’re looking for something to do, grab a blanket and head to the nearest field for some stargazing. Apart from being completely romantic, it’s also completely free, and some intimate conversations are bound to arise.
Have a quiet night in. There’s no shortage of activities you can do at home for absolutely zero dollars. Watch a DVD, play video games, play board games, or channel your inner kid and build a fort out of pillows (great for making out in). Just because you’re chilling out doesn’t mean you can’t make a great, free date of it.
Can you add any other favorite freebie date ideas?
Yes, it’s true – women love to be wined and dined , but these are tough times we live in and just because you have an active dating life doesn’t mean you should be emptying your bank account to keep up with it. So, don’t knock freebie dates. Here are a few ideas for dates sure to impress that girl (or guy!) at absolutely zero cost and make recession dating a breeze.
Picnic. It’s classic, simple, and can work in a variety of settings, from a park, to the beach, to a rooftop. If you can get creative with the food that’s already in your fridge and pick your lady some wild flowers instead of splurging on a bouquet from the store, you’ll have a romantic date and your wallet will be untouched.
Check local listings for things like free movie screenings or festivals and events that may be taking place in the city. There’s nothing like walking the streets in good weather and people-watching to talk and enjoy each others’ company.
Weather-permitting, head to the beach or pool for a swim. Ok, let’s not beat around the bush. The real motive for this one is that you’ll get to see your date in her bikini. Enough said. Bring along a kite, if you’re feeling extra whimsical.
Many museums have designated times when admission is free. Check the websites of your local museums to see if there are admission-free days and surprise your date with a visit to the new Postmodernism exhibit (plus, you’ll totally score points by showing off how cultured you are).
Cook dinner together. Aside from being a great activity for getting to know each other, if you can cook dinner with staples that are already sure to be in your kitchen (pasta and vegetables that will inevitably go bad in a few days if you don’t use them). You get to whip up a free meal, impress your date with your improvisational cooking skills, and rescue those veggies from a fate of rotting away at the bottom of your fridge.
Go for a hike – nothing too hardcore that requires anything more than a good pair of sneakers (maybe we should call it a “stroll in the woods” instead). Enjoy nature, and get some fresh air and exercise.
If it’s already dark out and you’re looking for something to do, grab a blanket and head to the nearest field for some stargazing. Apart from being completely romantic, it’s also completely free, and some intimate conversations are bound to arise.
Have a quiet night in. There’s no shortage of activities you can do at home for absolutely zero dollars. Watch a DVD, play video games, play board games, or channel your inner kid and build a fort out of pillows (great for making out in). Just because you’re chilling out doesn’t mean you can’t make a great, free date of it.
Can you add any other favorite freebie date ideas?
We know how stressful a first date can be. The nerve-wracking, anxiety-inducing few of hours leading up to the big meeting can be a lot to handle. Whether it’s a blind date or someone with whom you’ve had building chemistry for weeks or even months, we all want to make a positive first impression. Here’s a list of things that you should avoid on a first date to make sure you impress that man.
This should go without saying, but don’t scrimp on dolling yourself up. Looking good will help you feel good about yourself, and that confidence boost is sure to translate into a more enjoyable and relaxed first date. Of course, if this guy already knows that you’re a HOT or NOT 10, then you’ve got nothing to worry about.
Ladies, you may be nervous, but you need to cool it with the 3rd degree. This is a casual date, not a job interview. Put aside your list of questions (because does it really matter yet where he sees himself ten years from now?), relax, and he’ll get a much more accurate idea of what you’re about.
Whether or not you’re the most die-hard believer in astrology, forget the fact that you’re a Taurus and he’s an Aquarius and that you two are meant to be. To be safe, you’re best off not talking signs. Guys tend to think it’s a bit nutty.
Never tell your date how much you like him. There’s no better way to scare them off (except maybe talking about your exes and delving into past relationships).
Monitor your alcohol intake. There’s nothing like a little social lubricant to ease things along on the first date, but if you know you’re a light-weight, things could take a disastrous turn if you overdo it with the vodka tonics. Just keep your eye on it, that’s all we’re sayin’.
At the end of the night, no matter how well the date goes and how much tension there is, don’t invite him over, and don’t accept any invitations to his place, because we know how things will end. Kiss him on the cheek and book it for home! You’re looking to building a lasting relationship (unless, you know, you’re not – then you have our blessing to tap that).
Now that you’ve read this refresher, you’re going to knock that man out and leave him wanting more after date one. Hopefully he’s brushed up on his first date don’ts. Do you ladies have any other first date tips to share? Leave a comment!
We know how stressful a first date can be. The nerve-wracking, anxiety-inducing few of hours leading up to the big meeting can be a lot to handle. Whether it’s a blind date or someone with whom you’ve had building chemistry for weeks or even months, we all want to make a positive first impression. Here’s a list of things that you should avoid on a first date to make sure you impress that man.
This should go without saying, but don’t scrimp on dolling yourself up. Looking good will help you feel good about yourself, and that confidence boost is sure to translate into a more enjoyable and relaxed first date. Of course, if this guy already knows that you’re a HOT or NOT 10, then you’ve got nothing to worry about.
Ladies, you may be nervous, but you need to cool it with the 3rd degree. This is a casual date, not a job interview. Put aside your list of questions (because does it really matter yet where he sees himself ten years from now?), relax, and he’ll get a much more accurate idea of what you’re about.
Whether or not you’re the most die-hard believer in astrology, forget the fact that you’re a Taurus and he’s an Aquarius and that you two are meant to be. To be safe, you’re best off not talking signs. Guys tend to think it’s a bit nutty.
Never tell your date how much you like him. There’s no better way to scare them off (except maybe talking about your exes and delving into past relationships).
Monitor your alcohol intake. There’s nothing like a little social lubricant to ease things along on the first date, but if you know you’re a light-weight, things could take a disastrous turn if you overdo it with the vodka tonics. Just keep your eye on it, that’s all we’re sayin’.
At the end of the night, no matter how well the date goes and how much tension there is, don’t invite him over, and don’t accept any invitations to his place, because we know how things will end. Kiss him on the cheek and book it for home! You’re looking to building a lasting relationship (unless, you know, you’re not – then you have our blessing to tap that).
Now that you’ve read this refresher, you’re going to knock that man out and leave him wanting more after date one. Hopefully he’s brushed up on his first date don’ts. Do you ladies have any other first date tips to share? Leave a comment!
Purchasing a Star Membership makes it easier to connect with people (hot single ladies, sexy unattached guys) on 
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It’s classic, simple, and can work in a variety of settings, from a park, to the beach, to a rooftop. If you can get creative with the food that’s already in your fridge and pick your lady some wild flowers instead of splurging on a bouquet from the store, you’ll have a romantic date and your wallet will be untouched.
