andPOP - Pop Culture With Substance

5. George Clooney

This actor, was dubbed the sexiest man alive, is slowly shedding that reputation in place for one as one of Hollywood´s leading activists. Clooney is known for his passionate beliefs about ending the violence in Darfur and has said he will build support for the work the UN carry out,”critically important work in some of the most difficult, dangerous and dire places in the world”.

4. Sir Bob Gedolf

Best known for organising the 2005 Live 8 and 1985 Live Aids benefit concerts, this scruffy singer/journalist is tremendously well-informed on a broad range of global and national issues. Currently, he is heavily involved in the Make Poverty History Campaign, a campaign against third world poverty.  Bob was recognized by Time Magazine as one of the 2005 European Hero’s and made the front cover of their European Edition in 2005. With such an impressive portfolio, it´s a wonder this philanthropist has any time for making music.

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If record-store people were smart, they would file breakup music in a separate section. Because even though breakup songs cross almost every genre, it’s a very distinct kind of music. We’ve chosen five Breakup Music Hall of Fame first-ballot inductees to accompany this article, and none of them is simply a love song. They’re all about getting dumped and getting even. In the best breakup music, the song is actually an instrument of vengeance.

5. ¨Cry Me A River¨ – Justin Timberlake (2002)

Classic breakup line: “Girl I refuse, you must have me confused/ with some other guy/ Your bridges were burned, and now it’s your turn to cry.”

The fact that Justin Timberlake wrote this for Britney Spears makes it legendary in its own right. This bittersweet song captured the heart of thousands of fans, and was a staple item in the beginning of Timberlake´s career. Bet he´s glad everything worked out the way it did.

4. ¨Piece Of My Heart¨ – Erma Franklin (1967)

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5. 186,000,000 views: Susan Boyle of Britain’s Got Talent

This never-been-kissed sweetheart of Britain has supposedly got talent. In fact, I won’t ruin it for you. Go watch this clip, and you can be the judge of Boyle and her presentation.

4. 196,500,000 views: Jeff Dunham – Achmed the Terrorist

Who doesn’t appreciate a touchy subject ripped to shreds? If you are offended by terroist humor, this isn’t the youtube video for you. Between the “I KILL YOU” dialogue and puppet mastery, it is safe to assume that this idiocy is popular due to its context.

3. 230,200,000 views: Touch My Body music video by Mariah Carey

Yet another suggestive music video from Mariah Carey, and yet another hit on youtube. If you enjoy watching Carey frolicking around touching herself, this is the youtube video for you. In fact, just type in Mariah Carey, every result won’t let you down.

2. 266,500,000 views: Twilight, the movie trailer

The first time I heard about Twilight, it was through the movie trailer on youtube. A friend, terminally in love with Edward, proudly showed me the preview, and I’ll admit to being excited. Yes, it’s about vampires and werewolves, but don’t be too quick to judge, at least the movie trailer was great.

1. 356,300,000 views: Crank Dat music video by Soulja Boy

Without youtube, the world would be deprived of this oh-so-original rap artist. Soulja Boy demonstrated the power of online networking through this youtube phenomenon, and had people on their feet within minutes. For those of you who don’t know the steps to Crank Dat, it’s time to crawl out of that dark hole you have been living in, and ” Superman that Hoe”.

We are all familiar with this pandemic. We complain, gripe and moan about these starlets every move, but never admit that we revel in watching them struggle. We love them for their inability to maintain a clean slate, and in contrast, their remarkable ability to infiltrate our daily conversations.

5) Angelina Jolie

Why do females hate Angelina Jolie? There is one reason: jealousy. Not only did she steal Brad Pitt from his “golden marriage,” she also happens to be one of the most beautiful women in the world and has the nerve to be  happy with her ever-increasing family. Why do males hate Angelina Jolie? Because they can’t have her.

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5. Summer Lovin’  – Grease

Call me nostalgic, but admit that this upbeat shoe-tapper from the epic movie is irreplaceable. I’ve yet to meet a person that doesn’t know the chorus from this song, let along the funky dance actions to accompany the lyrics. This throw-back is guaranteed to get some hips twisting and some put you in the mood to throw on those tight leather pants that used to fit so perfectly.

4. Summer Breeze – Jason Mraz

This representation of Mraz’s remarkable voice is better than Xanax on a particularly tough day.  It’s laid back lyrics and acoustic guitar combine to weave a relaxing melody that anyone can enjoy. When it’s time to lay out in the sun with accompanying music, “Summer Breeze” is a quintessential fit.   

3. Don’t Trust Me – 3OH!3

Okay, I’ll admit that this seems completely irrelevant to the whole summer thing. Yet, the first time I heard this catchy alternative tune, I happened to be driving down a teeming street in the throes of road rage. As song as I heard “Don’t Trust Me” come on the radio, all anger dissipated, the window rolled down, and the head started bobbing to maximum volume. What better way to introduce summer? 

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