Top Stories
New stories you’ll love, handpicked for you by our team and updated daily.
The Royal Ballet's 'The Sleeping Beauty' Review
A heritage work and a celebration of classical dance, The Sleeping Beauty remains close to the heart of the Royal Ballet. Tchaikovsky’s score, expertly conducted by Simon Hewett, tugs at the child within. Many recognise this music from Disney’s acclaimed 1959 animated film of the same name.
By Kadeem Hosein6 years ago in Geeks
Shakira: Once Only a Latino Act, She Is Now a True Staple of Globalization
I first heard Shakira in 1995 while accompanying my mother as she ran some errands. Sitting in the backseat of the car, I took interest in a song which began to play on the radio. The musical style of the song was familiar; similar to the songstress aesthetic of the 90's crafted by artists such as Joan Osborne, Alanis Morissette, and Jewel. However, the voice was not familiar whatsoever. What was more surprising is that she was singing in Spanish.
By Jose Antonio Soto6 years ago in Beat
5 True Facts About James Earl Jones
James Earl Jones is perhaps one of America's best-known, and most talented, actors. He's starred in iconic roles, set the bar with his performances, and he is immediately recognizable no matter what he's appearing in. However, while his face and voice are unmistakable to the movie-going public, there are a lot of things that Jones has done which his fans might not know about.
By Neal Litherland6 years ago in Geeks
Five of the Best Disney Fan Recreations
Disney fans are some of the most dedicated fans in all of Hollywood. Maybe it’s because we start watching Disney movies at such a young age, whether it was princesses or animated cars, which builds our relationship with the brand essentially from birth. Regardless, people are extremely loyal to the franchise that started with a mouse.
By Pam Jannes6 years ago in Geeks
Solo Travel for Women Is Not 'Brave'
Since being back in home, I have been working with temp agencies. I don't want the commitment of a full-time job because I've been hooked on travel. I take any job that comes up; bar work, waitressing at weddings, teaching, activity camps. Anything to help me purchase that next flight out of here...
By Daisy Louise Carter6 years ago in Wander
Broken Windows Theory
In the 1980s crime in New York City had reached almost epidemic proportions. Apparently, New York was suffering by increased immigration and as a result a much younger population and, added to that, New Yorkers were hit hard by welfare cuts. It wasn’t safe to travel the subway and you would be advised not to go to certain areas, particularly after dark. Yet, by the end of the 1990s the city had cleaned up its act and saw a dramatic fall in the rate of crime.
By Charles Leon6 years ago in Criminal
They Will Not Be Home for Supper
My torn coat flaps in the vicious breeze as I walk slowly back home, my four year old brother running and skipping ahead, oblivious to our suffering. Pain shoots through my empty belly as I jolt and shake with each jagged step. My skin feels burnt, despite the cold, as I stride to what I humbly call my home. Disappointment reddens my face every time I walk the broken garden path to my front door. The door is dull and weathered, the lock all but broken. My sunken eyes blur as I notice the torn curtains and empty closets. I check for letters then hurry inside to start dinner for my little brother. My father is in the army. He will not be back for supper. I pour water into an iron pot and open the pantry door. I stare at the same thing I stare at every day. Nothing. I stifle a sob, not wanting the carefree nature of my brother to be corrupted by my hopelessness. My mother is dead. She was shot protecting the daughter of two complete strangers. The fruits of a country too long at war. She will not be home for supper.
By Chantell Fourie6 years ago in Serve
Why I Switched to a Sustainable Period Product. Created with: INTIMINA.
I’m going to be straight for a second: I get a really heavy flow. Ever since the miracle of womanhood first hit—imagine me, a pimpled, chubby twelve year old, cursing the universe for endowing her gift during gymnastics class—I’ve dealt with the difficulties of a heavy period.
By Talia Green6 years ago in Viva
Top Albums of 2019
2019 was another year for music. There is been so much good and bad projects overall. Even though the year isn’t technically over, 2019 has had some great albums. Different artists this year I think tried to expand more than fans what were used to hearing and tried experimenting. It worked for some artists and didn’t work for others as well. On the other hand, many artists created projects that I personally enjoyed. Some can agree that these were albums to highlight the year.
By Bralen Williams6 years ago in Beat
#AsSheIs, Britney Spears and Beauty Queens
The #AsSheIs Challenge has swept Instagram by storm through the Miss Universe/Miss USA Organization, sharing the Live Life Unfiltered initiative. The “challenge” is to empower women to be as they are. As many of us have read, social media is linked to a significant increase in depression, suicide, anxiety, and body image issues. The mission of #AsSheIs is to remind women that we all have insecurities and bad days, despite what Instagram may portray.
By Erin Jones-Wesley6 years ago in Viva
My Spoonie Essentials
Living with chronic pain/illness makes daily life much more challenging. I have fibromyalgia (which means I hurt all over, and I’m tired all the time, and this really sucks), and have acquired—both before, and even more so after my diagnosis—things that help me function more like a human, and less like a bundle of burning nerves! Here are some of those things I have acquired, and some helpful tips to also help you become more human-like too.
By Chronically Meg6 years ago in Longevity
Introducing Likes on Vocal
We’re always working to create tools that help reward and encourage you. That’s why we’re excited to introduce our newest update: Likes. Now, you can more easily support your fellow creators, and receive support yourself, through liking Vocal stories.
By Justin @ Vocal6 years ago in Resources
The Staying Power of Casablanca
My dad and I are both classic movie fans, it's one of the few things we bond over. We have a ritual of meticulously combing TCM’s weekly schedule and recording anything that sounds interesting. It started last summer; I was too depressed to go outside, and instead sat for hours, near-vegetative in front of the TV as Ben Mankiewicz talked about movies I’d only heard referenced in passing. I like a little bit of everything; my dad, as of late, watches anything related to WWII—typical middle-aged white dad fare—and that’s really where it starts.
By kit vaillancourt6 years ago in Geeks
The Exposure Triangle—A Guide to Getting off Auto
Welcome back everyone! For the past few weeks we've gone over the components of the exposure triangle; shutter speed, aperture, and ISO. This week we will be discussing the tips, techniques, and mindset to combine these elements to give you greater control over your photography and to help bridge the gap between the shot we've got, and the shot we want.
By Justin Clark6 years ago in Photography
I Tried the LELO F1s and I’ll Never See Sex the Same Way. Created with: LELO.
Throughout my adulthood, I’ve experimented with toys. I’ve seen them evolve from cheap plastic chunks to high tech sex treats that give you complete control over the sensations you feel. That being said, I’ve always been a bit leery of “programmable” sex toys.
By Caesar Finkle6 years ago in Filthy
Natural Gems
From my earliest days, I have enjoyed spending time outdoors. Growing up in the Poconos allowed me to easily expose myself to the sunshine and greenery. In my youth, I played with the neighborhood kids, running through the woods and concocting interesting scenarios to act out. As a family we explored the various state and national parks in the area. I was lucky to grow up in an area full of gorgeous vistas and abundant wildlife and that love of nature transferred into adulthood.
By Nicole "ChaseThePen" Sanchez6 years ago in Wander
