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.

3. Angelina Jolie

If Princess Diana created the template for a new breed of celebrity activism, it’s actress Angelina Jolie who is the current exemplar of the model. Like Diana, Jolie is a beautiful, privileged, formerly silly and wild girl with a messy romantic history who remade herself into a doting mom and world-class do-gooder. Also like Diana, she has devoted herself to her causes with a new convert’s rigour. As a goodwill ambassador for the UN high commissioner for refugees, she has put her safety and health at risk to visit some of the planet’s most troubled and forgotten places, donating millions of her own dollars and spending her spare time boning up on international law.

2. Oprah Winfrey

Would this list be worth its salt if Oprah Winfrey wasn´t present? Founded in 1998, Oprah´s Angel Network, makes “grants to organizations… in underserved communities that provide educational initiatives” and “assist people in fulfilling basic human needs and regaining dignity.”  OAN has raised over $50 million which is all given out, since Oprah pays for all administrative costs. Oprah personally donated $10 million to rebuild homes after Hurricane Katrina. Inspired by her 2004 South Africa trip when she distributed Christmas gifts to 50,000 children, and encouraged by Nelson Mandela, Oprah established a Leadership Academy for Girls ”to nurture, educate and turn gifted South African girls from impoverished backgrounds into the country’s future leaders.” The academy’s doors opened in January 2007 with 152 students. You go girl!

1. Bono

 Bono has been instrumental in raising awareness of global poverty and the AIDS epidemic with his ONE campaign, which has gotten stars such as George Clooney (there he is again!), Matt Damon and Brad Pitt on board. His charity work earned him a spot as one of Time‘s 2005 people of the year. According to World Vision Canada, an accurate description of Bono would be ¨a tireless crusader for issues affecting Africa. He is the type who prefers taking an activist role by making his views known to politicians, policymakers, and others who are in positions of influence.¨ This outspoken rock star has made a massive impact with his activist work, and demonstrated that helping others is the best way to celebrate your success.

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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)

Classic breakup line: “You’re out on the streets looking good/ And baby deep down in your heart I guess you know that it ain’t right/ Never, never, never, never, never, never hear me when I cry at night/ Babe, I cry all the time!”

This is an iconic breakup song. All breakup music must be judged by it (and most likely pale in comparison). The intensity of Franklin´s voice is intimidating, and time has not worn down this classic story of angst.

3. ¨Gives You Hell¨¨- All American Rejects (2008)

Classic breakup line: ¨If you find a man that’s worth the damn and treats you well/ Then he’s a fool/You’re just as well/ Hope it gives you hell.¨

Not only is it catchy, it gets the message across rather clearly. This song captures a token transistion after the breakup where you smugly prove that you are better off without your ex. Though a tad overplayed on the radio, bitter single citizens can appreciate what the Rejects are promoting.

2. ¨You Oughta Know¨ – Alanis Morissette (1995)

Classic breakup line: “Every time I scratch my nails down someone else’s back/ I hope you feel it/ Can you feel it?”

This is the most anger-packed breakup song ever. Even Amy Winehouse wouldn’t think to write a song this crazy. Let´s hope that the government put Morissette´s ex-flames into witness protection after this release.

1. ¨I Will Survive¨ – Gloria Gaynor (1978)

Classic breakup line:  “I should have changed my stupid lock/ I should have made you leave your key/ If I had known for just one second/ You’d be back to bother me.”

It starts off with one of the best openings in songwriting history (“First I was afraid, I was petrified”) and rapidly accelerates from there. What’s especially great about the song  is the way the narrator grows from a timid wallflower to a self-assured take-no-prisoners love Terminator. Modern medicine will never come up with a better breakup cure than “I Will Survive.”

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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”.

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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.

4) Lindsay Lohan

The thing that bothers me about Lindsay Lohan is the amount of paparazzi intently tracking the once-adorable ”Parent Trap” starlet. At least with the other celebrity women, their attempts at comebacks are remotely applaudable. With Lohan, it’s a constant string of oh-so-dramatic personal issues th…eyt barrage society at regular intervals. Hate almost wouldn’t be the proper adjective, perhaps simmering resentment, or merely a lack of interest.

3) Miley Cyrus / Hannah Montana

I don’t know which one people hate more. The nasal Miley Cyrus who inexplicably irks most people, or her alter-ego, the spunky, G-rated Hannah Montana. There is no fortified explanation for the vast hate directed towards this celebrity, but her general personality seems to do it for most people. Let’s put into consideration that she performed next to the flawless Taylor Swift at the Grammy’s, that can’t be helpful for anyone’s image.

2) Paris Hilton

Paris Hilton is the perfect example of an individual that made it big without truly demonstrating an aptitude for anything valuable. Her signature “that’s hot” catchphrase become a disturbing worldwide phenonenon, and even worse was the masses of tweens bearing this two-letter phrase on their department store t-shirts. Nobody will willingly admit to loving Paris /Hilton, but everyone knows this girl has got it figured out, and they just want to know the big secret.

1) Britney Spears

I feel as though an explanation isn’t necessary. Personally, I have never met an individual without their own input on the infallibly chaotic Spears. From overnight marriages in Vegas, to marriages with questionable back-up dancers and bald stint, Spears is certainly one to keep the public guessing. Essentially, you can draw your own conclusions,  but Spears was right when she choose “Circus” as the focal point of her 2008 comeback.

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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? 

2. All Summer Long – Kid Rock

I wasn’t sure whether to love or hate this song at first. It was disconcerting to witness my mom cranking up the radio and singing along to Kid Rock’s country approach. Apparently it’s one of those “good old glory days” tunes. Yet, in the end Kid Rock’s swampy riffs, distinctive guitar solo and gospel choirs won over my better judgement. 

1. Right Round – Flo Rida

Summer means a lot of different things for different people. You recognize that giddy feeling you get when you think about the warmest months of the year, and exactly how you’re going to spend them? Whether it’s going home, spending time at the lake, vacationing, or (heaven forbid) working, this song acts as that metaphorical pep talk before the big game. Summer requires preparation, and in order to be amped, head-bobbing, foot-tapping, and relentless dancing is in order. “Right Round” by Flo Rida is a catchy, upbeat tune that is becoming popular at a perfect time of the year.

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