Nelson Mandela: Tribute in Haiku

Not only was Nelson Mandela a revered head of state, he was a visionary. His death gives us cause to celebrate his life. He spent his 95 years as an advocate for change; not for black rights or white rights, but simply for equality. We celebrate his life in haiku.

1) July 18, 1918

Nelson Mandela was born Rolihlahla Mandela, into Thembu royal family in Mvezo, a village in south-east South Africa.

Rohilahla’s birth

meant a savior was born

Little did they know.

2) 1940

Mandela was expelled from Fort Hare University College in a dispute over student rights, when he took part in a student demonstration.

Already the thirst

for change ran through his veins, and

his quest expels him

3) 1952

In 1952, he established South Africa’s first black law firm in Johannesburg with Oliver Tambo as his partner.

A first of many

firsts; A step in the struggle

To fight for their rights. read more.

Nelson Mandela: President, Prisoner & Role Model for Humanity

Nelson Mandela has passed away in Johannesburg at 5pm EST. The news was confirmed by South African President Jacob Zuma. He was critically ill for the last six months. The anti-apartheid revolutionary and politician served President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999, after spending 27 years in Robben Island prison. We’ve compiled a list of some of his inspiring quotes.

“Quitting is leading too.”

“As I walked out the door toward the gate that would lead to my freedom, I knew if I didn’t leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I’d still be in prison.”

“There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children.”

“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”

“A leader. . .is like a shepherd. He stays behind the flock, letting the most nimble go out ahead, whereupon the others follow, not realizing that all along they are being directed from behind.”

“There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have altered.”

“Courageous people do not fear forgiving for the sake of peace.”

“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

“In my country we go to prison first and then become President.” Read more.

Lady Gaga Has Taken Over the World: Her Presence in Pop Culture

We explore how Lady Gaga has gone beyond just influencing music; her effect on different aspects of culture means she’s made a place for herself in our collective conscience.

 

Lady Gaga’s new album, Artpop, drops on November 11. The pop star’s aim is not just to affect the music world; she wants to take it beyond that, bringing art and music together in a way that challenges the barriers between art forms. While her focus may be music, her influence has never been limited to one sphere. Gaga is all over the place: in what we wear, what we watch, and more and more, in how we think. Read more.

 

Miley Cyrus Opens MTV EMAs With Alien-Inspired Performance

Though she did smoke a joint while onstage at the MTV European Music Awards (EMAs) in Amsterdam on Nov. 10, Miley Cyrus' EMA antics were tame in comparison with her now-infamous VMA performance with Robin Thicke from August.

The 20-year-old crooner opened the show singing "We Can't Stop" in a knee-length, skintight silver Norma Kamali long-sleeve dress. And though the ensemble showed off her curves and lack of bra, compared to her nude-colored spandex two-piece at the VMA's it came off as surprisingly conservative.

 Throughout the song, she led one dancer around the stage, twerking on her and grabbing her boob. Read more.

Lady Gaga Videography

Lady Gaga is coming out with Artpop, and while the music video for Applause may have disappointed, we want to remind the world of all the amazing Gaga videos that preceded it.

Are you one of the countless Monsters disappointed by the Applause music video? Did the highbrow art references confuse you? Did Lady Gaga randomly turning into a duck also make you wonder whether any animals were harmed in the making of the video?  Don’t let Applause shatter your faith in Mother Monster.  Read more.

10 Great Adaptations of Books to Movies

A list of the glorious moments when you actually enjoyed watching your favorite book turned into a movie.

A negative uproar is usually what follows whenever a fan-base learns that their favorite book is being adapted into a movie.  

While The Silence of the Lambs might have been Thomas Harris’ best novel, it sometimes lags. The movie, thanks to Jonathan Demme’s directing and brilliant acting by Anthony Hopkins and Jodie Foster, is much more suspenseful and emotional. Read more.