61 Frames Per Second by John Constantine Today in Hooksexup's videogame blog: We put the fighting behind us with Mirror's Edge and reminisce about the modal powers of Mario Paint.
The Remote Island by Bryan Christian Today on Hooksexup's TV blog: Possible Gossip Girl season two spoilers include Chuck Bass threeway. Plus: Zach Braff leaving the show that wouldn't die.
Scanner by Emily Farris Today on Hooksexup's culture blog: Scanner Nicole falls for the world's biggest nerd.
Dating Confessions by You "I want to dump my good-looking, clean-cut, polite boyfriend... for my awkward, goofy, nerdy and crass friend. Because I want to be with someone more like myself."
Aries (Mar. 21-Apr. 19)
Last week was all about getting your paper straight, but starting on Monday you can look forward to talking with the taxman about poetry, or at least something more personally fulfilling than number crunching. Mercury’s getting cozy with Neptune, and the ripples from their celestial nuzzling will unleash your inner avant-garde. Whether you find yourself interpreting punk rock in a unitard, finally settling down to write that short story, or painting your lover’s body with beet juice, any creative act will crackle with your fierce, independent vision. Of course, the full moon is always an emotional time for you, so make sure you’re surrounded by supportive folk on the 20th — even someone as headstrong as you needs assurance that your crocheted homage to Elvis definitely belongs at the Whitney.
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Taurus (Apr. 20-May 20)
You’re all about fixing yourself from the inside out right now, and don’t think that people aren’t taking notice. From paying extra attention to your body’s many needs to maintaining an outlook apropos of the clearing weather, you’re busting out of that snuggly little rut you’d gotten into. You might want to consider a brief change of scenery to compliment the changing landscape in your head. Take someone along for the ride. Everyone loves to feel useful, so bringing a partner on a jaunt or two will lead to some exciting discoveries, both in the great outdoors and in the wild world of bed sheets and pillows.
Gemini (May 21-Jun. 21)
While you’ve been networking like a champ lately, realize that buying every round isn’t always the smartest way into people’s hearts — or their pants, for that matter. Instead of breaking the bank with all that social lubrication, try working your charm on the cheap this week. Spring’s on the verge of getting sprung, and so are you. So why not throw together a kite-flying extravaganza in the park, or an intimate night of people-watching on the coffee shop steps? Because that special someone surely wants to get to know your perplexing brain, and the getting-to-know-you process tends to go a lot more smoothly when both of you can remember the previous night’s conversation.
Cancer (June 21-July 21)
As much as you love to keep your partners involved in nearly every aspect of your life, there’s something to be said for that old cliché about not mixing business with pleasure. I know it’s hard to imagine that such a talented bedmate wouldn’t be equally adept at, say, proofreading your résumé or playing the stock market, but trust us on this one. Mars is blazing through your sun sign right now, which is the astrological equivalent of carte-blanche to live exactly according to your needs. So while it’s awesome that you’re so into sharing your activities, remember that clarity isn’t always found in the bedroom.
Leo (July 22-Aug. 22)
Your usual social circle may not be stoked about your reclusive habits this week, but you have a habit of always knowing what you need — or, if not knowing exactly, then plowing on with your gut instinct until it proves to be right. And this week you’re going to need a little more you-time, gearing up for the full moon on the 20th and all of the emotional intensity it’s bound to bring. But, lest you get all bummy about a lack of social interaction, the highlight of your romantic week will come in the form of blind dates, which — I know, I know — have never been your thing. But think of it this way: these set-ups are a good test run for some of the pieces of your fierce personality that haven’t seen the light of day in a while.
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 21)
You may still be feeling the effects of last week's foggy brain, making it difficult and confusing to choose which Vitamin Water flavor you want with lunch. This probably means you have so many bigger issues on your plate right now that you expend all of your energy on that “main course”, allowing the “side dishes” to fall by the wayside. Don’t worry, there is a light at the end of this meal, and it comes in the form of dessert. Better save some room for next week’s chocolate soufflé — enjoy the warm center.
Libra (Sept. 22-Oct. 22)
It’s tax time, so of course you have your mind on your money, and your money on your mind. But the stars also have your financial well-being on their little galactic brains. (Or, rotations. Influences. You get the drift.) Sunday’s full moon will bring opportunities for career advancement, beneficial partnerships, or one kick-ass lotto ticket. If you play your cards right and work it, you’ll be getting so much more than a Dubya-driven economic-stimulus check. Same applies to your love life: expect some stimuli of a different sort, and work it.
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
Babycakes, the first half of the month may have felt like you were caught outside in the middle of a fine spring shitstorm. But this week is the turning point: those threatening clouds will finally clear and Sunday’s full moon — in Scorpio, no less — will shine a lovely, healing light down on your weather-beaten soul. Friends and helpers will appear out of nowhere; you might even plan a lovely getaway to an exotic local. Or, you know, the Cleve. Wherever you go, you’ll find helpers in the most unexpected places.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
Have you ever noticed that full moons figure predominantly in film and television? It’s always the cold pale full moon that brings out the scary werewolf; and VH1 loves inserting big-ass fake full moons to add a little drama to the skies above their Rock of Love McMansions. In these contexts, full moons can be threatening. But this weekend’s will be the opposite: its powers will be urging you to take care of yourself. Need a cough looked at? Time to start an exercise routine? Thinking about kicking that Twinkie addiction? It’s about time. Changing old habits is sometimes scary, but not as terrifying as the ingredients list on those golden snack cakes.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
Last week, you shined brighter than the sun. Now you're worn out, poor little thing, and although your rays show no sign of burning out any time soon, it may be time to focus all those beams on something a little more personal. Make plans this week that will exercise your social skills, because with Uranus sending good vibes to Mars in your solar chart, mingling with friends and potential lovers in a party-type setting will feed your delightful little fire in ways you’ve been waiting a long time for. This is the kind of shining that won’t lead to a crash and burn.
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
Your feisty frenzy shows no signs of slowing down this week, and the people around you are feeding off your electric liveliness. These days, it seems everyone wants your input in the office, in your family and in your social life. Continue to dazzle the higher ups with your creative streak, but definitely don’t forget that the office is not the only place with reward potential. There may just be someone at home who craves your lightning — waiting with open arms whenever you're ready. Don’t forget the props!
Pisces (Feb. 19-Mar. 20)
Don’t get angry with yourself if last week’s spring-cleaning project seems to magically reverse itself this week. You are on the brink of a creative explosion that should not be stymied in any way. Throw last week’s inhibitions to the wind, and make your mind like the inside of Andy Warhol’s Factory — a place where your newfound creative genius can run wild. Oh, and while you’re at it — creativity wasn’t the only thing running wild in The Factory, if you know what I mean. Go ahead, indulge.
