Vlog Challenge #9: States in the USA

In what could be one of the shortest vlog challenges to date, check out the heated competition between Pat, Carolyn, Morgann and Billy as they eliminate each other naming states in the USA.


Maybe we should take a geography refresher course? You can view all of our Vlog Challenges here.

Filmmaker Reveals Rarely-Seen Views of NYC

There is a seemingly endless string of films made citing the inspirational power New York City. The lights, the buildings, the people. But what about all of the things that go on below us, without being seen?

Check out this amazing film called Undercity shot by Andrew Wonder of him and Steve Duncan exploring the insides of the abandoned New York City subway system and long-lost underground canals of China Town.

The Ru-Mix: Stilettos & Broken Bottles (Best of 2010)

It may already be a few days into the new year, but if you're still yearning for your favorite songs of 2010, check out The Ru-Mix's "best of" compilation for the year that was.

Here's a collection of the best dance songs of 2010. These aren't necessarily my favorite mixes of these songs nor are they in any particular order--instead it's my attempt to make a mix that still sounds fresh despite hearing most of these songs all year long. All of your favorites are here. Trust me. Download Ru-Mix 2010: Stilettos & Broken Bottles here

Want a preview of the new mix? Listen to it here:

Ru-Mix 2010: Stilettos & Broken Bottles by DJ RuBot

If you're digging all of The Ru-Mixes so far keep checking the blog or join the Facebook group!

Spend Your Gift Cards on These Winter Reads

By Sherri Breitigan, Contributing Writer

Thanks to the gift-giving season, many people now have gift cards for bookstores, or are looking to return The Purpose-Driven Life because they already have three copies.

To ease your literary angst, take a look at this short list of various reads; some old, some newer, that fit a spectrum of tastes and purposes. Break out the hot cocoa, fleece blankets, and the adult footy pajamas you ordered secretly from the SkyMall catalog, and happy reading.

Meditations in an Emergency by Frank O'Hara This short collection of poems is poignant and arresting, with O'Hara writing in the same time period of other poetic greats like Ginsberg and Kerouac. However, he manages to stand out against such a powerful crowd, and his words have stayed with me since. For a contemporary reference, Don Draper on Mad Men read from this collection during the second season of the show. Recommended for: Those tiptoeing on the side of literary and looking for a good commute read. Not recommended for: People avoiding self-reflection.

Quick Things 1.1.11

Happy New Year! Some quick links to cure your hangover...

• Real Tips for Curbing Your NYE Hangover
• Men's Style Trends that Should Go Away in 2011
• 7 Sites You Need to Waste Your Time on Immediately
• The Best in Reused, Recycled and Handmade Tech
• New Year's Resolutions Celebs Should Make
• Former ANTM Contestants: Where Are They Now?
• The Best Late Night Sketches of 2010