Hollywood Popular Artists

Nov 30th 2012, 23:51

If you walked in to your local donut shop and asked the person behind the counter for something crazy, what do you think would happen? What if you made the request so crazy that they had to turn you down? What if that was the point?

It might sound crazy, but thatís exactly what Jia Jiang is doing. Jiang is on a 100 day journey in search of constant rejection. After being turned down by an investor, Jiang experienced constant anxiety; he learned about rejection therapy as a game, and he decided to start his own Rejection Therapy project immediately, hoping to be turned down 100 times in 100 days.

By facing constant rejection, Jiang hopes he will be desensitized to the anxiety and pain caused by rejection in his daily life. His 100 Days of Rejection Therapy project began only a few days ago, but on day three, Jiang found defeat in the face of a colorful request of a Krispy Kreme employee.

On day three, Jiang walked in to his local Krispy Kreme and asked an employee, Jackie, for a bizarre favor: he wanted five colored donuts in the shape of the Olympic rings. And he wanted them in the next fifteen minutes.

Expecting to be, as the project calls for, rejected immediately, Jiang was taken aback when Jackie, the best Krispy Kreme employee of all time, tells him sheíll be back in a few minutes.

The best part? Jackie is able to make a pretty incredible replica of the colored rings given what she had to work with. She doesn't even charge Jiang for it!

Jiang films himself each time he takes on a rejection attempt, so it wasn't too long before the evidence of Jackie's awesomeness hit the Internet. The video, promoted on Krispy Kreme's official Twitter account, already has more than 2.5 million hits and counting.

I love that Jackie was just going about her day, decided to go above and beyond for one strange request and reminded millions of people how powerful one awesome deed can be. Jackie and her colorful donuts did more than thwart Jiang in his journey for rejection: they helped make the world a little better.

Jiang went to visit Jackie two days after filming the video and, no surprise here, Jackie is just as self-deprecating as you'd expect her to be. I'm not sure if Krispy Kreme has an employee of the year program, but I think it's safe to say Jackie deserves free donuts for life after this week.

If you want to learn more about Jiang's Rejection Therapy project, check out his blog by taking action below. He's already attempted to make an announcement over Costco's intercom system and deliver a Domino's pizza, but it hasn't been all rejection. He was able to convince a few Cheesecake Factory employees to sing him Happy Birthday even though it wasn't actually his birthday. (You go, Cheesecake Factory!)

In the spirit of Jackie and random acts of awesomeness, what are some things you can do to make someoneís day better? Leave us a comment below or send a tweet with your idea!

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Nov 30th 2012, 23:00

According to a new report from Deadline, David Fincher is being considered for the "Star Wars: Episode VII" job. Let us just check our list. One second. Yep. That's everyone. It's official. Everyone is being considered for the "Star Wars: Episode VII" directing job.

Also, take a trip to the Bates Motel in today's Dailies!

» Listen to the entire "Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" soundtrack. [Rolling Stone]

» These "Bates Motel" teasers are deliciously creepy. [/Film]

» New "Warm Bodies" trailer [Yahoo! Movies]

» New trailer and TV spot for "Texas Chainsaw 3-D" [Collider]

» David Fincher is apparently also in the running for "Star Wars." [Deadline]

Welcome to the Dailies, where the MTV Movies team runs down all the film and television news, odds and ends that are fit to print! From awesome fan art to obscure casting news, this is your place to feast on all the movie leftovers you didn't know you were hungry for.

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Nov 30th 2012, 23:00

Today may be the last day of National Diabetes Awareness Month, but "Awkward." star Jillian Rose Reed wants to spread awareness year-round. Join her, and you may just end up winning one of her red carpet dresses!

As a spokesperson for the American Diabetes Association (ADA) of Los Angeles, Jillian is determined to get more people talking and caring about the disease that affects 25.8 million people in the U.S. alone -- including her big brother. We recently spoke to Jillian about her work with the ADA, and her amazing MTV Movie Award dress that you can enter a charity drawing to win!

MTV ACT: When, how, and why did you get involved with the American Diabetes Association Los Angeles?

JILLIAN ROSE REED: A little over 10 years ago, when my older brother turned 18, he was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. My family and I have been involved with the ADA ever since. Most recently, I helped the ADA LA chapter fundraise and raise awareness!

ACT: What is it like to grow up with a family member with diabetes?

JILLIAN: It was hard. I was scared for Matt when I was younger. I would worry about what he was eating or how he was feeling. I was scared every time he got sick. It was tough on the whole family. Luckily now he's living a healthy lifestyle.

ACT: November is Diabetes Awareness Month -- what exactly do you think young Americans need to be aware of?

JILLIAN: I'm all about young people getting involved. I think everyone needs to know that they are more than able to help! Even if you can't donate to the ADA, we would absolutely love to have more young people involved in the walks or other ADA events!

ACT: What are some myths about diabetes that you'd like to dispel, or facts about diabetes that you'd like to share?

JILLIAN: I've heard some weird ones! Diabetes isn't contagious…you're not going to get diabetes if a diabetic sneezes on you!

ACT: Diabetes kills more Americans each year than AIDS and breast cancer combined. Why do you think many people don't take it as seriously as other illnesses?

JILLIAN: I think people are mostly just uneducated. People think you're born with diabetes or that it's just genetic. YES, diabetes IS genetic, but Type 2 diabetes can be developed. That's why I try and raise awareness about healthy living, so that less people develop diabetes.

ACT: You're giving one of your dresses away for charity! Can you tell us about the dress and how people can enter the drawing?

JILLIAN: YES! I'm SO excited about this! My amazing team and I came up with the idea to give the dress I wore to the 2012 MTV Movie Awards away for charity. It's a beautiful dress that happens to be one of my favorites, so I can't wait to give it to someone special. To enter the drawing, all you have to do is make an online donation through my fundraising page on the ADA website. On the right of the page there's a little sentence that says "to make a general donation to the team that will not count toward any individual, click here." So click there! You can donate as much as you want, but $5 gets you one entry, so if you donate $25 then you have 5 opportunities to win! Simple as that!

Take action below to learn more about diabetes, or to enter the drawing to win Jillian's fab dress!

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Nov 30th 2012, 21:31

FROM MTV NEWS

Getting one's foot in the door in Hollywood can result in an immeasurable advantage when pursuing a film career, and what could be a better first step than appearing on-stage during the Academy Awards?

Oscars host Seth MacFarlane has teamed with MTVu for "The Oscar Experience College Search," a contest to find tomorrow's voices today and give them a step up in the industry.

"Part of the goal with this year's Oscars is to broaden the audience and get viewers young and old and the like," MacFarlane told MTV News. "This is part of the effort to bring in a younger crowd, get them invested, get them engaged in the culturally important event that is the Academy Awards."

All you'll have to do to enter is to head over to the contest Facebook page and upload a video answering this question: How will you contribute to the future of movies?

"If you're into comedy, get some laughs. If you're a dramatic filmmaker, try to say something profound or make somebody feel something," he said. "It depends on what your particular field of expertise is."

Entries are due January 19, 2013.

Nov 30th 2012, 20:36

Mike Wazowski and James P. "Sulley" Sillivan have got plenty of school spirit when it comes to the University of Fear.

A new poster for "Monsters University" shows the two monsters wearing letter jackets and hanging out with big smiles on their faces. Just like old "Monsters, Inc." times, except we already know that this movie tells the story of how Mike and Sully became friends. Kudos to Disney for having Mike stand on fantastically titled University of Fear text books like "Scareomics" and "I'm Scary, You're Scary."

It's nice that the style of this poster does hearken back to the "Monsters, Inc." days, since it's serving as a prequel to that film. "Monsters University" seems like it's shaping up to be a relatively different movie, but as long as its core remains the same as its predecessor we'll be happy.

"Monsters University" takes place before the events of "Monsters, Inc." and follows younger versions Mike Wazowski and James P. "Sulley" Sullivan as they start college at the University of Fear. Judging by what we've seen so far, Sulley and Mike didn't always get along so great.

As part of the movie's marketing campaign, Disney has launched a website for the University of Fear, and also revealed art that introduces new characters. "Monsters University" is due in theaters on June 21, 2013. It includes the voice talents of Billy Crystal, John Goodman and Steve Buscemi.

What are you most looking forward to in "Monsters University"? Tell us in the comments section below or on Twitter!

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Nov 30th 2012, 20:46

The holidays are a time where families come together. For some LGBT homeless youth in New York City, they've found that family in the Ali Forney Center. In NYC alone, there are currently 3,800 homeless youth and nearly half are LGBT. For the holidays, the center has launched an eye-opening new series, Homeless for the Holidays, which documents some of their incredible moving stories.

Meet Rigo, a young, bisexual vet, and the first of the series with quite the powerful story on being homeless. After being kicked out of his home for fighting with his stepdad he was left to survive on the streets of the Big Apple. After many nights out on his own, he felt hopeless, lost, confused, and like it would just never get better. Rigo decided to take the train to Coney Island where he wanted to end his life. Luckily, upon arrival the sound of the calming ocean and twinkle of the bright stars zapped these negative thoughts and saved his life.

We are happy to hear that Rigo has bounced back in big ways! Watch the video below to see what he's been up to.

+ Watch "Home For The Holidays: Rigo"

It does get better! Rigo has been accepted into Veteran housing and is now playing semi-pro football. Get itttt, boy! Make sure and 'Like' the center's Facebook page to watch the videos as they go up.

Remember, you're never alone. For resources on seeking help, or for ways to help homeless youth, take action below!

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Nov 30th 2012, 19:33

Do not cross Jack Black. Those are simple instructions, but if you fail to heed them, you will find yourself with some creamy balls.

All right, let's back up.

At the Gotham Awards earlier this week, MTV News' Josh Horowitz made a crack about one of Jack Black's less successful films, "Gulliver's Travels." The joke was not taken lightly.

"You're a real bastard," Black said. "I know your whole game. I wish I had a cream pie to throw at your balls right now. It makes sense in any context. If I had a pie of cream, I'd shove it in your balls. Does anyone not understand what I'm saying? This guy deserves cream balls stat."

So, a little context might help.

Thankfully, Josh was able to turn the interview around and talk about the Oscar buzz around Black's performance in "Bernie," and when it comes to his competitors, the actor knows how things stand.

"Yeah, those guys are going down," Black said. "What did I ever do to Daniel Day? That's the more important question. Why is he trying to suck up all of my rocket sauce?"

The pair was able to make up, but there was still some lingering resentment by the end of it. "I forgive you," Black said, "but you still got a creamy ball coming up soon."

Nov 30th 2012, 18:07

by Hannah Soo Park

If you're expecting Josh Whedon's next project to be a spectacle like "The Avengers" or "The Cabin in the Woods," you might be a little surprised to learn that the writer-director's upcoming movie is actually a seemingly subdued modern-day take on Shakespeare's comedy "Much Ado About Nothing."

And now, the indie Shakespeare adaptation has an official release date. Lionsgate and Roadside Attractions announced that the film, which premiered at this year's Toronto International Film Festival, will land in theaters on June 7, 2013.

It may have a script derived from Shakespeare's original text, but don't expect stuffy period costumes—this interpretation features a contemporary spin on the classic tale (it is Whedon, after all). With his wife in the producer's chair, the writer-director shot the film at his Santa Monica home during his free time off from filming "The Avengers." And get this: the cast includes a handful of Whedon-alums, including Amy Acker, Alexis Denisof, Nathan Fillion, Clark Gregg, Fran Kranz, Sean Maher, Jillian Morgese and Reed Diamond.

"Much Ado About Nothing" centers on two pairs of lovers: the quarreling couple Beatrice (Acker) and Benedick (Denisof), and the lovestruck duo Claudio (Kranz) and Hero (Morgese). According to its official summary, "matchmaking schemes are put into play and disguises are donned, loathing and love soon prove to be close cousins."

Of course a little box office competition is inevitable—the movie will open alongside "Monsters University" and "World War Z."

Nov 30th 2012, 17:28

This Saturday, December 1, is World AIDS Day, but we're not here to preach, or lecture, or cover you in red ribbons. Okay, maybe just a little. But mostly, we've got 5 easy ways to play it safe and celebrate! From a backpack full of condoms to a free trip to the MTV Video Music Awards, here are a few great ways to celebrate World AIDS Day.

+ Use Protection

What's more important than wearing red tomorrow is wearing protection tomorrow night. And every night! Condoms are the only method that protect against HIV, STDs, and pregnancy. A pack of condoms can cost more than my favorite sushi roll. BUT some places do offer them for free! Head over to your local Planned Parenthood, for example, where they will literally give you a backpack full of rubbers if you ask. Don't ask me how I know that.

+ Get Tested

According to the Center For Disease Control (CDC), more than half of young Americans with HIV don't know they have it. As it takes a while for the symptoms of the virus to show, the only way to know your status for sure is to get tested. It's quick, painless (if you're afraid of needles, your doctor can test your spit!), free of charge, and judgment-free. If you think you feel the nurse's eyes judging you, it's probably just you judging yourself for that sloppy Saturday night hookup. Sh*t happens...just make sure it happens with a condom on!

+ Get Educated

The only way to prevent HIV is to know how and how not to get it. There are tons of misconceptions about safe sex, like that two condoms are better than one, or that you can't get STDs if you only sleep with members of the chess club or that innocent chick from Bible study. Learn more about HIV -- the facts, the myths, and how to best protect yourself -- with MTV's It's Your (Sex) Life.

+ Educate Others

You're reading this, but not everybody is as awesome as you are! Now that you know how to protect yourself, share your knowledge with your family, friends, significant others, and 2 a.m. booty calls. You can also spread the world by Tweeting #positivetalk all day.

+ Watch MTV's "I'm Positive" at 7/6c

MTV's "I'm Positive" is a special centered around Otis, Kelly, and Stephanie -- 3 inspiring, young Americans living with HIV. According to the Center For Disease Control, youth aged 13-24 account for up to 30% of new HIV infections.  Watch "I'm Positive" on MTV -- December 1 at 7/6c. Remind friends to tune in on Twitter for your chance to win a trip to the 2013 MTV VMAs! Get details on the contest.

And remember: Today may be World AIDS Day, but it's important to protect yourself and others every day! Now go enjoy your damn weekend…safely!

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Nov 30th 2012, 16:35

by Hannah Soo Park

It's time to move on from the classic gangster flicks we've come to know and love. Because if there's one message we took away from the new "Gangster Squad" featurette, it's that the movie will be our generation's defining gangster film.

The video, which hit the web yesterday (via Apple), features a few never-before-seen scenes from the film, with the same gunplay and fedoras we've already seen in previous trailers. But what truly makes it fresh are the behind-the-scenes clips of cast and crew interviews, and on-set action footage.

Director Ruben Fleischer and a few members of the film's all-star cast, including Ryan Gosling, Anthony Mackie and Giovanni Ribisi, discuss their hopes that the period crime drama will join the ranks of "The Godfather," "The Untouchables," and other iconic gangster masterpieces. "It's taking gangster films to the next level," says Ribisi in an interview snippet. They make some pretty bold statements here, but judging from the impressive cuts we've seen so far, we're not ready to rule their claims out just yet.

Set in Los Angeles during the 1940s and 1950s, "Gangster Squad" follows real-life mobster Mickey Cohen (Sean Penn) as he evades the Los Angeles Police Department task force that's out to get him. The movie also stars Josh Brolin, Nick Nolte, Emma Stone, Mireille Enos, Michael Patrick and Michael Peña.

The movie's original summer 2012 release was pushed back following the Aurora shootings. A scene which involved mobsters opening fire on an audience in Grauman's Chinese Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard was reshot.

"Gangster Squad" opens on January 11, 2013.

Nov 30th 2012, 16:15

If you're a bookworm like me, you know there's no such thing as too many books. (Maybe there's not enough shelf space, but that's another story.) And all you bookworm philanthropists out there need to give Common a hand, because he has some amazing reading/giving news for you.

The rapper Tweeted:

This is a great org that gives books to kids.northparan.comkeep up the good work @northparan fb.me/1TkKuSJIU

— COMMON (@common) November 29, 2012

North Paran is an online bookstore that concentrates on books about or by African Americans. And every time they sell a book, they give a brand new children's book to a child who might not be able to afford or get books otherwise. Now that's a win-win situation, and it's a perf idea for the holiday season. North Paran works with non-profits from around the globe to keep their buy-a-book-donate-a-book structure going.

There are different categories of books you can get, including Bargain Books, Kids & Teens and Literature & Fiction. And didja know that Common is an author himself? In 2011 Atria Books published his memoir "One Day It'll All Make Sense," and North Paran has it as one of their titles.

Of course, this isn't the first time we've heard about Common helping kids. He started the Common Ground Foundation to help out young people, especially inner city youth. So why not join forces with the rapper and buy a book so you can give a book?

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Nov 30th 2012, 16:00

In the five years since its release, "The Assassination of Jesse James By the Coward Robert Ford" has become an unlike but entirely deserving cult classic. Now Brad Pitt has reteamed with his former director, Andrew Dominik, to adapt George V. Higgins' 70s era novel "Cogan's Trade" as the 2008-set Recession drama "Killing Them Softly."

Here are your five reasons to see "Killing Them Softly."

Brad Pitt
Pitt has become what I like to call a "secret great actor." Rarely is he anything but superb—and "Killing Them Softly" is no exception—but what people think of most when it comes to Pitt is his celebrity status and someone who is more famous for being famous than for their talent. Here, like in "The Assassination of Jesse James," Pitt turns in standout work that deserves more consideration than we're inclined to give someone as well-known.

It Wears Its Heart On Its Sleeve
The main complaint you'll see if you read reviews of "Killing Them Softly" is that the parallels to the 2008 financial collapse are too on-the-nose. While an unfortunately valid point, the movie's political agenda at times can feel refreshing. When was the last time a film starring one of Hollywood's biggest stars not only made you think about something going on right here, right now, but also had something to say about it? Andrew Dominik is clearly mad as hell, and his film leaves no doubt in the viewers mind to hint otherwise.

The "Killing" Isn't That Soft
One sequence in particular will be worth discussing immediately after, but since it's a spoiler, I won't mention to details here. Let's just say a character eats it in way that's more beautiful than 99 percent of the scenes you'll see at the theater this year.

George V. Higgins
What does work delightfully well is Dominik's evocation of the world of author George V. Higgins, the man behind the phenomenal "The Friends of Eddie Coyle." When Dominik sticks to the chatty conversations between low-lifes and filters them through his beautiful cinematic lens, what's left is the making of a modern classic. This is probably best realized in the conversations between Pitt's Jackie Cogan and Richard Jenkins' Driver. Both actors have such an uncanny ability to deliver smart and fresh dialogue in a way that makes the material seem even smarter and fresher.

The Final Line
Just when you're beginning to question whether or not Dominik actually has something to say instead of just pointing out obvious parallels, Pitt delivers a devastating monologue, which seals the deal and makes for one explosive ending.

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Nov 30th 2012, 15:00

After two weekends of battling it out, three weathered combatants will once again square off at the weekend box office.

With the only new release being "Killing Them Softly," the R-rated crime film from "Assassination of Jesse James" team Brad Pitt and director Andrew Dominik," the three holdover from the previous weeks are expected to dominate once again.

But what will you be seeing? Are you finally going to get around to seeing "Lincoln"? (Because you really should.) Or is "Skyfall" more your cup of tea? But of course, there's also "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 2." Decisions, decisions.

Vote in our poll afer the jump!

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Nov 30th 2012, 14:00

With directors like George Lucas and Steven Spielberg converting their previous films to 3-D, it's not difficult to imagine that something from Robert Zemeckis' career, like "Back to the Future" for example, would be next up for the jump to another dimension.

But when MTV News' Josh Horowitz put the question to the legendary director, Zemeckis said that he would only consider his 1988 comedy, "Who Framed Roger Rabbit," for conversion.

"The only one is' Roger Rabbit,' because you could really pull the animation out as a separate element. It would be very spectacular 3-D," Zemeckis said. "As far as converting, the 'Back to the Future" films... I don't see the point in that. But they did a test on 'Roger' back in 2006, somewhere around then, and it looks really great."

Speaking of Roger, there has long been talk of a sequel being in the works, and Zemeckis confirmed that while he's happy with the script, all that's left is to wait for Disney.

"I'm happy with the script. It's very good. It's written by the original writers, and it's good," he said. "[But Disney] is still thinking about it. If I were to do the sequel, it would be done just like the first one. It would look the same way, but we would present it in 3-D in its release. I would do all of the animation hand-drawn; 2-D, but using 3-D tools. It wouldn't be like Pixar 3-D. It wouldn't look like that."

But times have changed since the cartoon crossover. Pixar characters may have taken over animation, but they're staying out of any potential "Roger Rabbit" sequel.

"No, this would again be another period movie," he said. "That's all I can say!"

Nov 29th 2012, 23:00

Let's take a moment to look back on Tom Hanks' classic "Breaking Bad" Season One cameo. It's funny thinking about it now, because—call us crazy—but we don't actually remember seeing this the first time around.

Also, see who's taking the lead in this year's Oscar race in today's Dailies!

» "Looper": How It Should Have Ended [Machinima]

» An early look at the big Oscar categories [Film.com]

» Megan Fox in a bikini from "This Is 40" [The Playlist]

» Planet Fanboy's Holiday Wish List [NextMovie]

» Oprah interviews Steven Spielberg and the cast of "Lincoln" [Deadline]

» Teaser for "REC 4: Apocalypse" [Indiewire]

» Best "Prometheus" cosplay ever [Screen Crush]

» Remember that time Tom Hanks had a cameo on "Breaking Bad"? [Vulture]

Welcome to the Dailies, where the MTV Movies team runs down all the film and television news, odds and ends that are fit to print! From awesome fan art to obscure casting news, this is your place to feast on all the movie leftovers you didn't know you were hungry for.

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Nov 29th 2012, 23:14

Letter writing is so old school! I don't even think I own a pen nowadays. Rather than write Congress, President Obama is urging the middle class to Tweet #My2K in support of his proposal not to raise taxes on the middle class.

"I'm asking Americans all across the country to make your voice heard. Tell members of Congress what a $2,000 tax hike would mean to you," he said in a recent White House speech. Here are a few things you could spend 2K on:

+ #My2K = 2 Years of College Text Books

The average American college student spends $1,000 or more on textbooks every year. As @patricem08 shared, 2K would make life a lot easier for the many people who struggle to make ends meet while enrolled in school.

+ #My2K = 2 Months' Rent

The first of the month is comin' up, and I know I'm not the only one dreading paying rent! Rent varies everywhere, but the general consensus seems to be that it's too damn high! 2K would help me pay rent for two months…and keep my fridge fully stocked with food and drink. Mmm.

+ #My2K = 2 Years of Gas Money

According to the US Department of Transportation, the average American family spends around $1,100 per year on gas. 2K would help a lot of people get where they need to go -- whether it's to work, to play, or -- like @Susn_Joy Tweeted -- to drive around on the job hunt.

+ #My2K = 1,000 In-N-Out Cheeseburgers

We all have our guilty pleasures, and mine happens to be cheeseburgers. With 2K, I could buy about 1,000 In-N-Out Cheeseburgers, which should probably be spread over the course of, like, my entire life. @Mark_Tiscareno clearly wants fries and a drink too. Oh you fancy, huh?

+ #My2K = 200 Chances To Walk The Red Carpet at the 2012 VMAs

This is totally a shameless plug, but it's for a good cause y'all! With 2K, you could buy 200 chances to win an epic VMA experience for you and a friend. And every dollar you spend would go towards Architecture for Humanity's efforts to rebuild the areas most damaged by Hurricane Sandy.

+ #My2K = ???

With the Republican party in control of the House, Obama's plan is facing a hard time passing. (The Senate has already passed their version of the law.) So why is this important now? And why are both sides looking for support? That's because nearly $500 billion in tax hikes and spending cuts are set to expire this January automatically. Currently, both sides are still trying to figure it out, and thus, Obama is hoping to draw support for his plan that would prevent a tax hike on the average American family. But he won't sign a plan that doesn't let tax cuts for those making $250,000 or more expire. To learn more about the so-called "fiscal cliff," head over to FactCheck.

Want more ways to take action to better your wallet? Take action below!

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Nov 29th 2012, 21:28

I grew up in Zimbabwe, where nearly 15% of the population is living with HIV. Think about that. That's nearly 1 in 5 people. I've lost friends and family members to AIDS, and the saddest part is that those losses were totally preventable. As a result, I constantly ask myself: "If only…?"

+ IF ONLY people would talk about AIDS

I love boys who snore. When I was a kid, everyone around me were dying, but I didn't know why. Because the deaths seemed so random, I worried obsessively that my family would be next. If I ever woke up in the middle of the night, I couldn't fall back asleep until I heard my dad's obnoxiously loud snoring. It comforted me like a lullaby, because it meant he was still alive.

Misconceptions and lack of education on HIV and AIDS like this are common in Zimbabwe because for the longest time -- and even still today -- AIDS simply wasn't something people discussed. Our culture is extremely conservative, and discussing AIDS means discussing sex, which means having sex, which means you're not the good little Christian girl or boy your parents raised you to be. This lack of conversation lead to the spread of AIDS because people didn't know enough about safe sex or medical practices to prevent it. If you're sexually active, it's especially important to be informed. The only way to prevent the spread of STDs is to understand how.

+ IF ONLY more people would use condoms

Any time I insist a boy wear a condom, I get a different version of same misinformed response: "I trust you." My response? "Don't trust me." I know where my 'nani has been, but you don't! And I surely don't know where your junk has been, either. HIV comes in all shapes and sizes. The rich, the poor; the young, the old; the Black, the White; the slut, the nun. There isn't a single person on Earth trustworthy or innocent enough for you to skip the protection, and don't let anybody tell you otherwise. Protect yourself!

+ IF ONLY more people would get tested

50 percent of young Americans with HIV don't even know they have it! The same is true for people in many parts of the world. Most of the friends and family I've lost unknowingly contracted HIV from their partners or parents. You shouldn't drive a car without insurance, you shouldn't hunt without a permit, and you most definitely shouldn't have sex without getting tested regularly. It's quick, painless (they don't even have to draw blood anymore), and often times free!

My only hope for this World AIDS Day is that more young people will make responsible choices when it comes to sexual health. Too many people are living with HIV -- and it is 100% preventable. Do yourself a favor and get tested. Do your friends a favor and tell them to get tested. Do ME a favor and get tested 'cause you're hot and I wanna... nevermind.

Alexandra Govere is an MTV Act correspondent and was one of the seven strangers on "Real World: San Diego."

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