Friday 25 October 2013

35 Awesome Workout Songs To Help You Go That Extra Mile

Need some new tunes to spice up your Spotify playlist at the gym or for when you’re going on that long run? Here are 35 tracks to refresh your workout, designed to put you in the zone and get you pumped up.
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1. “All Night” by Icona Pop

An infectiously catchy song that deserves to be just as big as their ubiquitous lead single.

2. “January” by Disclosure

Your hipster friend’s new favorite band, Disclosure has an incredible range and this is their best, a electronic dance anthem harkening back to Earth, Wind and Fire.

3. “The ‘59 Sound” by The Gaslight Anthem

The Gaslight Anthem has yet to top this, their signature track about heartache, longing and nostalgia that does The Replacements and Bruce Springsteen proud.

4. “Roar” by Katy Perry

This song, while trite, is designed to pump you up — and dammit if it doesn’t work like gangbusters.

5. “Black Skinhead” by Kanye West

West’s lead single off “Yeezus” is the best of the year, a song that’s off-putting, mesmerizing and genuinely blood-pumping, a track that makes you feel like a total badass.

6. “Senses Working Overtime” by XTC

XTC is an instant burst of energy in your day, and this song is one of their most ebullient, an 80s classic about the consolations of humanity.

7. “Royals” by Lorde

Lorde’s number-one hit shows her in full “Rumour Has It” swagger with a tune about grooving to your own beat, no Cadillacs necessary.

8. “Mannequin” by Wire

Wire were known for their harder tracks, but their most infectious and electrifying tune is this post-punk put-down song that you can’t help but sing along to.
  
9. “Pyramids” by Frank Ocean
On top of being the best song of last year, this swirling, operatic masterpiece is nine-minutes long, meaning you won’t have to worry about changing the song.

10. “Sweater Weather” by The Neighbourhood

“Sweater Weather” works so well because of how sinuously sexy it is, a sleeper hit that works its way into your brain and stays there.

11. “Running” by Jessie Ware

Every Jessie Ware song can get it, and “Running” is perfect for just about any occasion, whether you’re hitting the treadmill or having an unexpectedly sexy bath.

12. “Everything’s Blue” by Architecture in Helsinki

Architecture in Helsinki generally sounds like Muppets on coke, but this song gives them a new rock swagger that’s a welcome surprise.

13. “Plastic Jungle” by Miike Snow

Miike Snow hit it big with “Animal,” and “Plastic Jungle” is in the same vein but a little darker, not as happy but just as catchy.

14. “I Wanna Destroy You” by The Soft Boys

Robyn Hitchcock has been an indie music mainstay for the past three decades, and this is one of his absolute best tracks, some of the nastiest fun you can have listening to music.

15. “Shot at the Night” by The Killers

By all accounts, The Killers shouldn’t still be making good music, but this is one of the best songs the 80s forgot to release, proof the aughties band still has a few tricks up their sleeve.

16. “Moonson” by Delorean

Delorean just released a great album this year, but for your gym needs, look back to this run-ready tune off their acclaimed 2009 EP, “Ayrton Senna.”

17. “The Mother We Share” by CHVRCHES

CHVRCHES’ “The Bones of What You Believe” is one of the year’s great indie electronic pleasures and this is the standout, sure to rank high on your year-end list.

18. “If You Didn’t See Me (Then You Weren’t on the Dance Floor)” by Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr.

A joyous number about the pleasure of losing yourself in music, Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr.’s track doesn’t really kick until after the minute-mark but patient listeners will be rewarded with one of this year’s sweetest dance tracks.

19. “Running Up That Hill” by Kate Bush

One of the British chanteuse’s best-loved tunes has been covered by Placebo and everyone under the sun, but the original still stands as its finest rendition — because you can’t top Kate Bush.

20. “Millions” by Pusha T and Rick Ross

The former Clipse member’s first solo album, “My Name is My Name,” announced the artist as a force to be reckoned with — giving us a record that’s ambitious, accomplished and fucking awesome.

21. “Paradise” by Coldplay

Coldplay is becoming the Thomas Kinkcaid of music, but this Xylo Myloto sleeper hit puts the band’s sentimentality to its best possible use, with a gorgeous stadium anthem reminiscent of “Viva La Vida.”

22. “I Wanna Be Adored” by The Stone Roses

The Stone Roses released exactly one great album they could never top, and with this tune, it’s easy to see why, a song that’s just about as good as music gets.

23. “My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark (Light Em Up)” by Fall Out Boy

There’s a reason this song is now played at every sports game — because it fucking pumps you up, no matter how much you resist.

24. “Sugar Water” by Cibo Matto

This mid-90s trip-hop track was way ahead of its time, a song that remains as strange, hypnotic and wonderful today as when it made us scratch our heads two decades ago.

25. “Tom Ford” by Jay-Z

Most of Jay-Z’s new album is bullshit, but “Tom Ford” shows the rapper blazing new trails with this bouncy, trap-inspired track that doesn’t let its product placement get in the way of its success.

26. “Since U Been Gone” by Kelly Clarkson

Clarkson’s been trying to replicate the success of this song her entire career, but this empowerment jam needs no imitations, a windows-rolled-down anthem that reminds you how good radio music can be.

27. “Teenage Riot” by Sonic Youth

As much as I adore this song, is it terrible to suggest that I wish there were a version that skipped over the Kim Gordon intro so I wouldn’t have to do it myself? Her “spirit desire” gets in the way of my groove.

28. “Alive” by Goldfrapp

From “Ooh La La” to “Rocket,” Alison Goldfrapp is skilled in the art of making you feel good and the title of this 2013 track tells you should expect the same here.

29. “Lose Yourself to Dance” by Daft Punk

Daft Punk’s newest album is a big love letter to disco, and this stand-out tune from “Random Access Memories” is the record’s best, reminding you just what a nimble performer Pharrell Williams can be.

30. “Electric Lady” by Janelle Monae

Monae only continues to mature as an artist, and this Cindi Mayweather tune finds the pop diva channeling Motown in one of the year’s biggest pleasures.

31. “Master of My Craft” by Parquet Courts

Parquet Courts’ new album is this year’s answer to Tame Impala, at times psychedelic but others oddly sinister, with a Lou Reed undertone that gives the pop an unexpected dark side.

32. “We Found Love” by Rihanna

If I were honest, I could put this song 35 times, the perfect track when you’re trying to hit your zone on the treadmill, finding that space to let your mind coast.

33. “Reflektor” by Arcade Fire

The first track off Arcade Fire’s new album shows them blazing unexpected trails with LCD Soundsystem’s James Murphy as their producer, a great mashup of their respective styles that just so happens to feature David Bowie.

34. “Entertainment” by Phoenix

“Entertainment” sounds exactly like a Phoenix song, the best possible praise from a band who knows what they excel at and delivers the poppy goods.

35. “Set Adrift on a Memory Bliss” by PM Dawn

PM Dawn’s 1991 track is the ideal come-down song at the gym, when you’re just winding your run, a song just as catchy as it is ungodly sexy. This is baby-making music to put you at ease.

Bonus Tracks: “Sacrilege” by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and “Summertime Sadness” by Lana Del Rey

Most of the seminal band’s new album was a rare misfire, but this “Gimme Shelter”-esque jam stands as one of their finest, great company for your walk home. It’s a long walk home, Lana will help keep you warm.

The 6 most perfect Halloween costume ideas for gay couples



Grab your bestie or your boyfriend and slip into our suggestions for the sexiest and scariest Halloween costumes


It's that time of the year again, to dust off the skeleton costumes in your closet and come as you aren't!
Halloween is not the only time of the year you can dress up, but it is a fun chance to join the world in reliving your childhood, remembering the pop culture moments of the year or stripping down for a fun, sexy costume.
Gay Star News has done your thinking for you and come up with some classic and modern ideas perfect for male same-sex couples. 
We didn't miss you out girls. If you and your lady love would like some costume ideas, just click here.
Mario and Luigi
These two famous Nintendo video characters are a classic costume idea for a gay couple looking to match this Halloween. All you and your partner need is a pair of denim dungarees, a green and red jumper, matching hats, and of course a comedy mustache.







Vampires and Werewolves
If you're feeling like a sexy get-up without too much effort or work, then why not consider a vampire or werewolf? Buy some fangs, or maybe some furry gloves and you're all set! The best thing about this costume is if you’re not big on dressing up, you can usually get away with a white T-shirt, leather jacket and jeans, or update the look by ditching the fur or Dracula cape and go shirtless. 

Peter Pan and Captain Hook
Neil Patrick Harris and his family bought this fairy tale costume to life back in 2011.
Captain Hook: In order to get the infamous Disney character’s look, you will need a long red jacket, white tights, three-quarter length trousers, an oversized pirate hat, a sword and lastly, a hook!
Peter Pan: Think green! Light green top accompanied by dark green tights, a green hat with a red feather, brown boots and a sword. 

Aladdin and Jafar
Disney’s rival characters Aladdin and Jafar could make for a fun and adult Arabian-themed Halloween night.
For Jafar: You will need a long black cape with padded shoulders and a red lining, a large, black turban with a red feather and jewel, a snakes-head cane and to really top it off, a parrot for your shoulder.
For Aladdin: You will need white harem trousers, a little purple waistcoat complete with a purple hat. For added effect, a mini genie lamp at hand!

Cops and Robbers
These timeless outfits are worn every year by couples on Halloween. The great thing about this one is - male or female; you can comfortably be either cop or robber. 
Asit is such a simple concept, you can pretty much do anything with it.
For a robber, you could cover yourself in blood, sweat and gore or even just go for the classic matching striped t-shirt and trousers.
For the Cop however, you can sex it up, show a lot of flesh and team it with aviators and handcuffs!

Batman and Robin

Of course, we could not leave out this crime-fighting duo! A favored choice for gay couples on Halloween every year. Because of their popularity, these costumes are sold in most costume stores at this time of year but feel free to get creative and make your own. 

Wednesday 23 October 2013

Joburg Pride 2013

johannesburg_pride_2013_sandton_final_details 
More details about this Saturday’s Johannesburg Pride in Sandton, which will include a march, have been released by the organisers.
The event, which was set to take place on September 28, was controversially postponed at the last minute after the Johannesburg Pride Planning Committee said that the original Newtown inner city location was unsafe.
Johannesburg Pride will now take place at the George Lea Sandton Sports Club in Sandton on Saturday 26 October.
“This year’s theme ‘Going back to our Roots’ is both celebratory in nature but equally an avenue to raise the challenges still faced within the LGBTIAQ community. Challenges firmly supported through the diamond sponsorship of Lovers+,” commented Johannesburg Pride’s Kaye Alley.

THE MARCH
Participants are requested to gather at 9.30 am in Sutherland Road, off William Nichol Drive in Sandton, which is the main parking area and also where the march will kick off at 10.00am.
Parade Route
Parade Route
The procession will then move along William Nichol Drive, into Sandton Drive until it concludes at the Sports Club at around 11am, after which the day’s festivities will commence.
The committee has urged participants to use placards, t-shirts and banners to draw attention to issues affecting the LGBT community, including the “scourges of homophobia and transphobia, hate crimes and ‘corrective’ rape”.

THE POST-MARCH EVENT
The day’s line-up at the park includes a host of artists; from DJs, singers and dancers to female impersonators strutting their stuff. Due to the date change, Lira, the previously announced headline act will not perform on the day.
Performers will include Catherine Grenfell, Jamalie, Solly P, Lizz, Miss Le Coq and Stuart Hillary, among many others.
Food and beverages will be on sale throughout the day. No alcohol will be permitted to be brought in or out the gate.
While general entry the event is free, VIP tickets are available at webtickets.co.za for between R150 and R250. These include benefits such as access the Pride Garden and food hall, spirit bar, shooter bar, media and celebrity hangout – as well as secure VIP parking.
The committee explained that participants can walk back to the march starting point/main parking area (about a 5 minute walk) or take Tuk Tuks which will be available at a fee. (Disabled parking can be arranged with the organisers on request).

PRIDE AND PREJUDICES PRE-PRIDE EVENT – Wed 23 October
This pre-Pride event will celebrate 25 years of LGBTIAQ history. It’s described as a pop and cultural experience.
johannesburg_pride_2013_sandton_party
Hosted by CafĂ© Culture in Fourways, the evening will include speakers showcasing the LGBTIAQ community’s ability to change legislation and perceptions and to address pertinent issues through parades and parading.
Legislative changes that will be celebrated include the Civil Union Act (2006). Sebastian Matroos, one of the activists who made submissions to Parliament will recount his experiences.
Another legislated milestone is the Alteration of Sex and Sex Description Act (2003). Pride Board member Simone Heradien formed part of an alliance of only three activists who petitioned Parliament and assisted the Home Affairs Portfolio Committee in the final drafting of the bill.

The event will also include a photo exhibition by David Penney and GALA of the first Johannesburg Pride parade in 1990.

At 8.30pm, DJ Stuart Hillary takes over as the guest DJ for the official Johannesburg Pride Pre-Pride Party, which will rock on until 2am.

Buy VIP tickets via Webtickets for R120, which includes Stoli cocktails and snacks, or a basic ticket (entry only) for R50 at the door.

Alternatively, purchase a full access VIP-ticket for R250 per person from Webtickets and get access to this Pre-Pride event and the VIP area on Pride day in Sandton.
Cafe Culture is situated at Pineslopes Shopping Centre, The Straight Avenue, off Witkoppen Road, north of Montecasino.

For more info visit Joburg Mardi Gras

Via http://www.mambaonline.com/

The 7 big problems gay men have with gay men

In new film 20MALEGAYNYC, gay New Yorkers explain why they don’t identify with other gay men – here the director examines the top seven reasons

22 October 2013 | By Blake Pruitt
My new short film 20MALEGAYNYC examines why many gay men are no longer identifying with gay culture in New York. So here’s my take on their top seven complaints.

‘Lady Gaga is a straight woman who has co-opted gay culture because it works for her.’
A lot of gay men look to strong women as role models. This is great. Women are great role models. I’d be nothing without BeyoncĂ© (except $220 richer come this December’s concert). But we also need more strong gay male role models – and not necessarily famous ones.
A lot of young gay men are dismissive of older gays, and vice versa, but we all have a lot to learn from one another. Younger gays can learn a lot about self-acceptance and, consequently, acceptance of others from men who’ve been doing so since before we were born.

‘If you were to just say gay guys, an image pops into my head that I’m not so fond of.’
When we talk about ‘annoying gay men’ or hating a stereotype, we’re really talking about the way a gay man is expressing his gender, not his sexuality.
Most homophobes, gay or not, don’t care as much about a man having sex with another man as the typically feminine characteristics he displays.
Yes, there are obviously still too many people who take issue with homosexuality at its core, but the more pervasive homophobia (which has seeped into the gay community) is one associated with a man acting in any way that is traditionally/ stereotypically not masculine. Which brings us to:

‘Masculine men tend to be attracted to masculine men, and feminine men seem to be attracted to masculine men as well.’
Gay men (and women across the spectrum) typically have a healthier balance of masculine and feminine traits than many heterosexual men.
Why don’t we celebrate this? Because a lot of people are put off by a man walking or talking like a woman. Why? Because many men have been taught to internalize a discomfort with feminine behavior.
Being feminine means being weak. Acting like a ‘pussy’ is treated like an inherently negative thing (so is acting like a ‘dick,’ but in a different way). So many of us openly prefer and seek out more ‘masculine’ guys.
Sexual attraction cannot be totally controlled, but this belittling of femininity needs to go.

‘Then you move to New York and you go to the Boiler Room and everyone’s getting that attention.’
Gay men in big cities have it easy in a lot of ways that we take for granted, but it can often be overwhelming to feel like such a small rainbow fish in a big queer pond.
We want to feel different in some way, so we take these ideas of a stereotypical gay man that have been imposed on us by straight culture and try to distance ourselves from said stereotypes by putting others down.
It can often feel like there’s no community at all – just the same strange, photogenic faces at the same clubs every weekend. That is a community, though, and we should embrace it.

‘I just thought I hated gay people, but I think that I really just don’t like people in general.’
The gay man’s equivalent of a post-breakup ‘I hate men’ is often ‘I hate gay guys’.
I’ve said it, my friends have said it, most of us have thought it. We blame relationship troubles on the fact that ALL GAY MEN ARE SLUTS AND NO ONE WANTS TO BE IN A RELATIONSHIP WITH ME.
Is this really true, though? Probably not. It’s simpler to take out one’s frustrations on everyone else than to accept that maybe the right guy just hasn’t come along yet.
Not all gay men only want to sleep around (and those who do are certainly allowed/ encouraged to). Not all gay men are scared of long term commitment. And not all gay man are like your – or my – ex boyfriends/ hookups/ sort-of-boyfriends/ never-called-it-anything-which-is-why-it-fizzled-outs.

‘It means more than just your sexuality.’
We still let decades-old stereotypes define our culture and sense of selves. When so many men in the gay community still assume that a well-dressed man with an interest in musical theater must be gay, we’re holding ourselves back.
It’s hard enough so much of the world still perpetuates stereotypes that kept so many of us in the closet for so long; we as gay men don’t need to perpetuate them ourselves.

‘It’s a way of seeming more masculine, of like, “Oh I don’t identify with those boa wearing gay guys.”’
We all know bullies are just insecure and put others down for displaying qualities the bullies fear in themselves, so why is bullying a problem within the gay community?
Because gay men, like all people, will always be insecure.
Because some of us want to be the cool gay guy who can hang out with his straight bros and laugh at the flamboyant ninety-pound boy in a tank top and heels. Because when you’re insecure it’s easier to distance yourself from the usual targets, to say, ‘Well at least I’m not that gay,’ then to actually address what’s making you feel less than great about yourself.

In new film 20MALEGAYNYC, gay New Yorkers explain why they don’t identify with other gay men – here the director examines the top seven reasons
Cole, one of the contributors to the short film where gay men talk about gay men: 20MALEGAYNYC.
My new short film 20MALEGAYNYC examines why many gay men are no longer identifying with gay culture in New York. So here’s my take on their top seven complaints.
‘Lady Gaga is a straight woman who has co-opted gay culture because it works for her.’
A lot of gay men look to strong women as role models. This is great. Women are great role models. I’d be nothing without BeyoncĂ© (except $220 richer come this December’s concert). But we also need more strong gay male role models – and not necessarily famous ones.
A lot of young gay men are dismissive of older gays, and vice versa, but we all have a lot to learn from one another. Younger gays can learn a lot about self-acceptance and, consequently, acceptance of others from men who’ve been doing so since before we were born.
‘If you were to just say gay guys, an image pops into my head that I’m not so fond of.’
When we talk about ‘annoying gay men’ or hating a stereotype, we’re really talking about the way a gay man is expressing his gender, not his sexuality.
Most homophobes, gay or not, don’t care as much about a man having sex with another man as the typically feminine characteristics he displays.
Yes, there are obviously still too many people who take issue with homosexuality at its core, but the more pervasive homophobia (which has seeped into the gay community) is one associated with a man acting in any way that is traditionally/ stereotypically not masculine. Which brings us to:
‘Masculine men tend to be attracted to masculine men, and feminine men seem to be attracted to masculine men as well.’
Gay men (and women across the spectrum) typically have a healthier balance of masculine and feminine traits than many heterosexual men.
Why don’t we celebrate this? Because a lot of people are put off by a man walking or talking like a woman. Why? Because many men have been taught to internalize a discomfort with feminine behavior.
Being feminine means being weak. Acting like a ‘pussy’ is treated like an inherently negative thing (so is acting like a ‘dick,’ but in a different way). So many of us openly prefer and seek out more ‘masculine’ guys.
Sexual attraction cannot be totally controlled, but this belittling of femininity needs to go.
‘Then you move to New York and you go to the Boiler Room and everyone’s getting that attention.’
Gay men in big cities have it easy in a lot of ways that we take for granted, but it can often be overwhelming to feel like such a small rainbow fish in a big queer pond.
We want to feel different in some way, so we take these ideas of a stereotypical gay man that have been imposed on us by straight culture and try to distance ourselves from said stereotypes by putting others down.
It can often feel like there’s no community at all – just the same strange, photogenic faces at the same clubs every weekend. That is a community, though, and we should embrace it.
‘I just thought I hated gay people, but I think that I really just don’t like people in general.’
The gay man’s equivalent of a post-breakup ‘I hate men’ is often ‘I hate gay guys’.
I’ve said it, my friends have said it, most of us have thought it. We blame relationship troubles on the fact that ALL GAY MEN ARE SLUTS AND NO ONE WANTS TO BE IN A RELATIONSHIP WITH ME.
Is this really true, though? Probably not. It’s simpler to take out one’s frustrations on everyone else than to accept that maybe the right guy just hasn’t come along yet.
Not all gay men only want to sleep around (and those who do are certainly allowed/ encouraged to). Not all gay men are scared of long term commitment. And not all gay man are like your – or my – ex boyfriends/ hookups/ sort-of-boyfriends/ never-called-it-anything-which-is-why-it-fizzled-outs.
‘It means more than just your sexuality.’
We still let decades-old stereotypes define our culture and sense of selves. When so many men in the gay community still assume that a well-dressed man with an interest in musical theater must be gay, we’re holding ourselves back.
It’s hard enough so much of the world still perpetuates stereotypes that kept so many of us in the closet for so long; we as gay men don’t need to perpetuate them ourselves.
‘It’s a way of seeming more masculine, of like, “Oh I don’t identify with those boa wearing gay guys.”’
We all know bullies are just insecure and put others down for displaying qualities the bullies fear in themselves, so why is bullying a problem within the gay community?
Because gay men, like all people, will always be insecure.
Because some of us want to be the cool gay guy who can hang out with his straight bros and laugh at the flamboyant ninety-pound boy in a tank top and heels. Because when you’re insecure it’s easier to distance yourself from the usual targets, to say, ‘Well at least I’m not that gay,’ then to actually address what’s making you feel less than great about yourself.
- See more at: http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/7-big-problems-gay-men-have-gay-men221013#sthash.lVp8M2VD.NhMK6lj7.dpuf