Articles Worth Checking Out

Since joining Twitter, I have become exposed to a whole lot of information. Most of it is worthless, if not entertaining, but there is also a fair amount of decent content out there. With the knowledge that there are probably many people out there who either do not have a Twitter account or just have not seen these links, I thought I would share a few of the more interesting ones with you.

Tips On What Men Find Romantic
This particular article is an interview with Brooke Miller, author of the column Soapbox Therapy. Unlike many articles boasting similar information, Miller actually delivers with advice that is helpful and spot-on. For Miller's own writings, which are as entertaining as they are informative, check out her author page at Primer Magazine.

How to Decorate a Room So It Doesn't Scare Away Women

My apartment 4 years ago. Not how it would look today.

Gentlemen, you need to read this. Too often the homes or apartments of the mid-twenties to early thirties crowd are just plain disasters. How you decorate and keep the place you call home says a great deal about you as a person, and this article is a fantastic resource in helping you get on the right track. If you need more help, look for Operation Classy Apartment, a feature detailing my move into a new place and subsequent classing up of the joint. For more from Meghan  McLachlan, the author of this piece, click here.

Day Tripper: A Day in DC

One of the many perks of living in Philadelphia is its proximity to so many snazzy places. Philadelphians are within a two or three hour drive of the mountains, the ocean, and some of the coolest and most important cities in the world. With that in mind, the What is proud to present Day Tripper, our guide to the numerous fun trips you can take in and around the Philadelphia region.

The Destination

Washington, DC is one of my favorite cities in the world, and second only to Philadelphia in the states. Aside from being the nation's capital, it has a ton of culture and easily walkable or accessible via their fantastic Metro system. Like New York, DC is a destination that will pop up frequently in the Day Tripper feature. For this particular trip, we will be focusing on a day that is ideal for a date or a small group of friends (perhaps even a double-date). Furthermore, keep in mind that this itinerary is designed for a very specific Saturday, March 19, 2011. Also, you probably want to wear black and red. It becomes important later.

Mixtape Madness #3: MMP vs. BBG vs. JRK

According to the novel High Fidelity the making of a good mix tape, like breaking up, is hard to do. Furthermore, a good mix is never finished. You never know when you will come across a song that changes the dynamic of the mix you just completed. There is a litany of intricacies to crafting the ideal mix no matter what the mix’s intended purpose should be. This feature is merely a guide on the cosmic highway of mix making, and while experienced, the writer does not claim to be an expert.

MMP vs. BBG vs. JRK Mix

 

Over the past year I have been invited to and attended a few MMP or MMP vs. BBG parties. I have to admit, they're a lot of fun. MMP of course is Madonna, Michael, and Prince whereas BBG typically refers to Beyonce, Britney, and Gaga. Often, these parties are touted as "guilty pleasures." But I say, why feel guilty about pleasure? And why limit yourself to just six artists? So, were I a DJ, I'd expand this party to include JRK (Jay-Z, RIhanna, Kanye) and add Matt & Kim and Passion Pit to the MMP, and finally, replace Britney with Biggie. 

Now, I will stray a bit from our typical Mixtape Madness format for this mix. For one, I did not limit myself to the length of a tape or CD. This is a party mix that deserves a little more time. Plus, I am now the proud owner of a sweet iPod stereo system so look for longer mixes in the future as well. Secondly, seeing as this mix is quite long, I won't be explaining each song and its position, just a few here and there. With that being said, get ready to shake it to the What's MMP vs. BBG vs. JRK mix!

1. "Empire State of Mind" by Jay-Z and Alicia Keys
2. "The Way You Make Me Feel" by Michael Jackson - To this day, one of my all-time favorite songs. 
3. "Ray of Light" by Madonna
4. "Hypnotize" by the Notorious B.I.G.
5. "Beware of the Boys" by Jay-Z and Panjabi MC
6. "Gold Digger" by Kanye West and Jamie Foxx
7. "Sleepyhead" by Passion Pit - If you ever have the chance to see these guys live, do it. It's an amazing concert experience.
8. "Good Ol' Fashion Nightmare" by Matt & Kim - See #7.
9. "Single Ladies" by Beyonce
10. "Don't Stop Til You Get Enough" by Michael Jackson 
11. "Hung Up" by Madonna - Thanks to Abba, Madonna's only decent song in years.
12. "Little Secrets" by Passion Pit
13. "Daylight" by Matt & Kim
14. "99 Problems" by Jay-Z
15. "Number One" by John Legend & Kanye West - Kanye's verse on this song is hysterical.
16. "Vogue" by Madonna
17. "Naughty Girl" by Beyonce
18. "Run This Town" by Jay-Z, Rihanna, and Kanye West - Had to include this one with the entire JRK represented.
19. "Please Don't Stop the Music" by Rihanna - I love the nod to MJ in this track.
20. "Shake Your Body" by the Jacksons - There are few songs I'd rather hear at a party than this one.
21. "Let's Go Crazy" by Prince
22. "La Isla Bonita" by Madonna
23. "American Boy" by Estelle and Kanye West
24. "Lessons Learned" by Matt & Kim
25. "On To The Next One" by Jay-Z

Weekly Top Five - 3.Jan.11

In  High Fidelity, the characters compare their top fives in a variety of categories. Being big fans of both the film and novel, we here at the What bring you our Weekly Top Five, a feature focused on five fantastic things that you should become familiar with.

Good Decisions I Made in 2010

 

While many people are busy making resolutions for the new year that won't last past next week, I'd like to start off 2011 by reflecting on the positive things I did in 2010. Toward the end of 2010, I started falling into the trap of thinking the year was terrible and that the calendar changing would make everything better. But, after I sat and thought for a moment, I realized that 2010 was one of my best years yet, and here are five reasons why.

5. Snazzed up the wardrobe - Had you asked me prior to 2010 to describe my "fashion sense" in one word it would have been comfortable. I was known for wearing whatever I found comfortable with little consideration for how it looked. Beginning in 2009 I began making slight adjustments to improve my wardrobe, but 2010 was the year when I put a lot of effort into it. With help from sites like Primer Magazine, Dappered, and the Effortless Gent, I gradually improved my style. Instead of wearing a pair of New Balance sneakers with everything, I began alternating between Chuck Taylors, loafers, and dressier shoes. Graphic tees were replaced by solid V-necks and I began shopping at places like H&M and Banana Republic. While I still have a ways to go, in 2010 I made significant improvements to my wardrobe.

Write For the What!

Happy 2011! After spending 2010 as a one-man show, I'd like to open the What up to more writers. Should you be interested in putting the "free" in freelance, send a link to a writing sample to patrickwittwer@gmail.com. If you don't have any samples online, write your own installment of Weekly Top Five. Hope to hear from you soon!