While too fresh on America's mind to endure the heartbreak of a Bernie Madoff movie, the ugly side of the business world makes great cinematic fodder. Documentaries detailing corrupt corporations or the plight of the American worker, comedies like Office Space and Horrible Bosses that muse on the hell of the inherent business power structure, or dramas that highlight the intense and explicitly soulless actions of businesses worldwide — it is clear that the movie-going public take pleasure in watching business. Daytraders and dilettantes alike should enjoy these ten films that showcase the uglier side of business.

1. Margin Call

   Are you that constant complainer that the financial structure of the United States is a sham? Are you reading this list on a smart phone because you're currently Occupying Wall Street? Get thee to Margin Call. A 2011 limited-release film that will be culturally relevant for years to come, this A-list film follows a set of employees during an intense 36 hours at an unnamed investment bank, set in the financial crisis of 2007-2008. Dialogue-heavy and riddled with drama, Margin Call details a junior risk analyst's (Star Trek's Zachary Quinto) late-night discovery that his firm's current trading patterns will soon exceed historical volatility levels. What follows is an engrossing chain of events and interplay of characters that eventually leads up to an even later-night flooring speech by firm executive John Tuld (the perennially perfect Jeremy Irons), and the next morning's inevitable asset fire sale. A truly great movie, Margin Call adeptly showcases the darkest side of our current economic infrastructural woes.

2. The Smartest Guys in the Room

   This 2005 documentary is an examination of the 2001 collapse of energy giant Enron, and details the dark side of actual business. In 2000, the 22,000 people on staff at Enron could be proud: they were spending their days at one of Fortune's "100 Best Companies to Work For in America." But on the morning of December 2, 2001, Enron declared bankruptcy. The seventh largest company in America at the time of its collapse, top executives emerged with more than $1 billion in cash and assets. So what about Enron's investors, and, worse, employees? They left with nothing. The Smartest Guys in the Room gives a cinematic voice to this real-life scandal and its book of the same name, as well as visually encapsulating a dark time in America's financial history.

3. Quants: The Alchemists of Wall Street

   "Quants" are the quantitative analysts and programmers that exist mostly in basements somewhere, and intend to reduce human fiscal and economic behavior to mathematical formulas that in turn may command thousands upon millions of dollars from the global financial system. Although you may not be aware of "quants", this 45-minute free (on YouTube) documentary showcases the gifted (if not wonky) minds that exist in the cob-webbed backrooms of Wall Street. There is some speculation as to whether quants can or do have all the answers, but pay attention at about the 26-minute mark. Reworking the numbers to alter a risk value? This is a plainclothes way to explain the beginnings of investment fraud: manipulating a variable to change the risk outcome may not correctly represent the data contained, and may in turn influence the decisions of a rating agency. Then again, it's all in the game.

4. The Devil Wears Prada

   Not only does The Devil Wears Prada illustrate the impossible job of assisting a tyrant, but Meryl Streep's wintry performance as Runway magazine editor Miranda Priestly provides a cinematic peek into the necessarily guarded life of today's cultural arbiters and/or the inveterate businesswoman of the late 20th century. A look at the more personal dark side of the daily grind — that is, the effect that business can have on personal identity and the internal life — The Devil Wears Prada excels at portrayals of those in all places on the power spectrum.

5. Trading Places

   This 1983 film starring Dan Aykroyd and Eddie Murphy may be a lighthearted satire, but it also proves the hard fact that most of you already knew: commodities brokers in Philly really are all pretty twisted. The Duke brothers, owners of the Duke & Duke brokerage firm, make a bet that they can invert the fates of their managing director, Winthorpe (Aykroyd) and a two-bit street urchin named Valentine (Murphy). They proceed in doing this, turning Valentine into a successful businessman, while Winthorpe spends some time in jail and falls from both professional and personal grace. By the end of the movie, the tables on the commodities trading floor are turned, and the victims of experiment become rich while the Dukes become bona fide paupers. Ripe with satire, sight gags, and symbolism, this film's got to make you wonder what other cheap bets stock brokers make that cost them $400 million in the end.

6. 9 to 5

   An inamorata of working women (and men) everywhere, 9 to 5 is a classic revenge comedy that reminds autocratic bosses to beware of the organized proletariat. Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, and Dolly Parton shine as women who are fed up with their tyrannical male superior. Part battle of the sexes, part class warfare, partially a movie that highlights the necessity of a flexible workday for today's working family person, 9 to 5 proves that pretty people can do ugly business.

7. There Will Be Blood

   Based on the Upton Sinclair novel Oil!, There Will Be Blood is a vehicle for both Daniel Day-Lewis and unbridled commentary on the dangers of greed. Daniel Plainview (played by Day-Lewis) is a ruthless small businessman, feigning religious faith and family values in order to capture land, business, and jolt ahead of his competitors. Arguably one of the best movies of the early 21st century, this epic character study shines out as a pointed comment on business, ethics, and the motivations behind the two.

8. Wall Street

   The 1987 Oliver Stone masterpiece is the definitive movie about the dirty business of doing business. A sardonic valentine to the excess of the 1980s, Wall Street is at the top of the canon of American business movies, and its overarching influence inspired many of today's working stockbrokers to their current jobs. A starry-eyed newbie (Charlie Sheen), an unscrupulous mentor (Michael Douglas), insider trading, buy-outs that lead to the demise of many a worker, a hot blonde, and more — if this movie, and the decade from whence it came — doesn't inspire some critical thinking about the image of success versus the practice of success, nothing will.

9. The Empire Strikes Back

   What's the dark side of business without a little Dark Side? In the 1980 space opera, and arguably the best of the six Star Wars films, the Empire that's striking back against the valiant and philosophically pure Rebel Alliance is an all-encompassing politicofinancial system that takes its power from pure evil (Sith). The behemoth of power and seemingly unlimited funds is nothing more than a militarized corporation with a political arm — and indeed one that intends to take over the galaxy, while also completely eliminating any detractors or forces of good. Also, instead of a suit and tie, you've got a guy in a robot body with a gothic cape. How's that for dark?

10. WALL-E

    Set in 2805, this gorgeously animated 2008 Pixar film is a robot love story couched within an epic reminder that full-fledged consumerism and big business can often dehumanize those whom it was meant to save. The megacorporation Buy-n-Large (BnL) has fostered life on starliners in space after the Earth was deemed unlivable due to its massive amount of waste. WALL-E reminds the viewer to be a good steward of the earth, and a more mindful consumer. Otherwise, we'll all be living in posh recliners on starliners and unable to physically take care of ourselves. Hey, that actually doesn't sound so bad.

Gossip sites are intended to be mindless entertainment, but that doesn't mean they aren't controversial or offensive. Whether it's celebrity news or college chat, gossip sites take freedom of speech to a whole other level and aren't afraid to hurt people's feelings in the process. Check out the 10 most controversial gossip sites of all time:

1. JuicyCampus

   JuicyCampus was a popular college gossip site where students could spread anonymous and hateful rumors about their fellow classmates and cut down just about any group. The controversial site started in 2007 and expanded to more than 500 campuses before it was closed in 2009 for lack of funding and ad revenue.

2. Perez Hilton

   Perez Hilton's controversial blog of the same name has gained about as much popularity as criticism for its coverage of celebrity gossip. Hilton is known for adding captions and doodling inappropriate things on photos, as well as outing celebrities. In an effort to stop cyber bullying, Hilton has toned down his comments and criticism, but still remains a huge success.

3. Gawker

   Gawker is a news magazine and gossip blog dedicated to reporting celebrity news and happenings in Manhattan, Hollywood, and Silicon Valley. Gawker has gotten a bad rap for its Gawker Stalker feature that is synched with Google Maps to pinpoint exactly where celebrities were spotted each week. Celebrities and their reps have criticized the feature for encouraging stalking and increasing danger to celebs.

4. GossipCenter

   The GossipCenter has been at the center of entertainment news and celebrity gossip since its creation in 2003. GCN has gone a little far with its celebrity hotness rankings and overall celebrity obsessiveness.

5. The Superficial

   The Superficial doesn't try to hide its outrageous-ness or offensive reports. The Superficial has a section dedicated to celebs in bikinis and any other dirt that they can dig up.

6. TMZ

   Celebrity news site, TMZ, has been entertaining the masses for years and annoying celebrities in the process. TMZ prides itself on reporting researched and accurate celebrity news, but has also been criticized for harassing celebrities and following them on the streets to obtain such timely information.

7. College Wall of Shame

   College Wall of Shame is every parents' worst nightmare. Students come to this gossip site to post or peruse pictures of fellow college kids having their most embarrassing moments. Whether it's half naked, but censored, girls or drunk frat boys passed out in the bathtub, College Wall of Shame has put many peoples' reputations to shame and college careers at risk.

8. Bitten and Bound

   Bitten and Bound strives to report "the not so pretty side of Hollywood" and it shows. This celeb gossip blog reports published rumors, assumptions opinions, and sometimes factual information.

9. CollegeACB.com

   The popular college gossip site, CollegeACB, has tried to distance itself from the failed JuicyCampus, but has drawn just as much criticism from colleges and students around the country. CollegeACB has one of the biggest anonymous confession boards, giving college kids free range to gossip about whomever they wish. The site has been scrutinized for its promotion of hateful and offensive discussions, such as naming the "fattest people on campus."

10. Celeb Dirty Laundry

    Gossip blog, Celeb Dirty Laundry, strives to do exactly what its title says — air celeb dirt. This sexualized site features everything from leaked nude photos of celebs to "Hot Laundry" pics of stars.

For the average person, a closet is simply a place to hang your clothes and store your shoes. To celebrities, it's a museum. A basic walk-in closet isn't enough for a star's extensive wardrobe and need for space. And when you have all the money in the world, a large, luxurious closet is simply a must. Check out these 12 envy-inducing celebrity closets we can only dream of having.

1. Ralph Lauren

   Iconic fashion designer Ralph Lauren brought the same sophistication and crispness of his luxury clothing to the look of his closet inside his Bedford, N.Y., manor. Lauren's all-American, rustic style shines through the rich mahogany and masculine details that make up his luxurious closet space. Here you'll find Ralph Lauren classics, such as riding boots, denim jackets, and polo shirts galore.

2. Kim Kardashian

   Celebutante Kim Kardashian has a closet most girls can only dream of having. Wood grain shelves, frosted cabinets, and a center island allow for easy storage and give the room a sophisticated look. Organization and accessibility are key for this fashionista, who houses more than 100 pairs of Louboutins and a killer collection of designer clothing.

3. Olivia Wilde

   Actress and fashion model Olivia Wilde knows that dressing for success begins with a fabulous closet. Wilde's huge walk-in closet is an oasis of cedar wood flooring, translucent window panels, and a feminine vanity. Wilde brings the room together with a black glass chandelier and a plush rug.

4. Kimora Lee Simmons

   Former president and creative director of Baby Phat, Kimora Lee Simmons lives a life of luxury and her closet says it all. The fashion mogul created her huge walk-in closet by combining two bedrooms in her New Jersey mansion. The boutique-inspired dressing room contains more than 500 pairs of jeans, dozens of Hermes Birkin bags, and jewels aplenty. Simmons added a mini-bar and flat screen TVs to make this closet multifunctional.

5. Nicky Hilton

   Nicky Hilton definitely knows a thing or two about fashion and it shows in her impressively stocked closet. The Hilton heiress has two large walk-in closets that house everything from couture, vintage dresses, sky-high heels, and some 200 handbags.

6. Fergie

   Black Eyed Pea singer Fergie has a closet so big, her actor hubby, Josh Duhamel, even named it "Fergieland." The couple converted two guest bedrooms into a massive multi-room closet space, complete with chandeliers and zebra-print carpet. The glam queen's wardrobe collection consists of everything from 100-plus sneakers, red carpet gowns, vintage hand-me-down accessories, and jewelry from around the world.

7. Oprah

   Oprah Winfrey is one of the richest women in the world, and her closet shows it. The billionaire media queen has many homes, but one of her featured closets is sure to make yours look like a pantry. Warm lighting and crisp, white cabinetry give the closet a cozy and feminine feel. Color coded shoes and clothing make the room look neat and tailored for a woman on the go.

8. Mariah Carey

   For pop diva Mariah Carey, modesty has never been her thing. The Grammy award-winning singer is all about the glitz and glamour, which can be seen in her enormous Manhattan closet. Carey's closet comes with more bells and whistles than you could ever imagine. The climate-controlled dressing room has gold-leaf and bleached wood floors, glass chandeliers, plush seating, and ceiling-high shoe racks to fit her more than 1,000 pairs of shoes.

9. Victoria Beckham

   We don't need a photo to know that former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham has an envy-inducing closet. The style icon has been setting trends for years, and has even garnered attention for her own fashion lines: dvb Style and Victoria by Victoria Beckham. This "It Girl" is dressed by the best names in fashion, and if her closet looks anything like her everyday wardrobe, then it's got to be fabulous.

10. Ashley Tisdale

    Disney sweetheart Ashley Tisdale has a closet fit for a princess. The colossal closet takes up two of her four bedrooms and comes with marble flooring, a desk, tall shoe racks, luxurious ottomans, and tons of natural lighting.

11. Nanette Lepore

    New York fashion designer Nanette Lepore's closet looks more like a boudoir-boutique than a place to hang clothes. The luxurious dressing room is big and bright with multiple walk-in closets, a vanity, plush seating, and a cascading chandelier. When Lepore is not browsing her massive wardrobe, she can relax at her café table or read on her velvet ottoman, which are conveniently located in the same room.

12. Nate Berkus

    It's no surprise that interior designer Nate Berkus would have a killer closet in his Chicago digs. The sporty space is painted blue and comes with hardwood floors and vintage touches that really bring the room together. The ceiling-high shoe rack and armoire keep his wardrobe accessible and organized; perfect for a man on the go.

The life and work of William Shakespeare — author of some of the world's best-loved, most-performed plays, including Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, and Othello — is celebrated in the 21st century in perhaps more ways than ever before. There are marathon performances of all of the plays, birthday parties, even a "Talk like Shakespeare Day." Here are some less traditional, even unusual events from around the globe, all inspired by the "Bard of Avon."

1. Carriacou Shakespeare Mas

   The tiny island of Carriacou is home to the annual Shakespeare Mas ("Masque") where locals, dressed in elaborate Carnival masks and costumes, compete in Shakespeare recital contests. It's a tradition dating back over 100 years born out of colonialism when a plantation owner decided his slaves would benefit from learning Elizabethan iambic pentameter.

2. The New Orleans Shakespeare Festival at Tulane

   Since Hurricane Katrina, Tulane University has re-imagined its New Orleans Shakespeare Festival to engage local audiences in a dialogue about the destruction and recovery of the city. To that end, Shakespeare's plays are recast to include local color and history.

3. Chicago's Talk Like Shakespeare Day

   April 23 is traditionally when Shakespeare's birthday (and death day) is celebrated. It's also the target date for the next "Talk Like Shakespeare Day." You still have time to brush up your Shakespeare before the April 2012 event.

4. William Shakespeare Parade

   Shakespeare's place of birth, Stratford-upon-Avon is, not surprisingly, a big tourist destination. Located in the Midlands in the county of Warwickshire, this little town hosts a birthday celebration every April for the Bard that includes a parade, a procession to lay flowers on Shakespeare's tomb, and a birthday luncheon.

5. Shakespeare Behind Bars

   Kentucky's Luther Luckett Correctional Complex is home to the all-inmate theater company Shakespeare Behind Bars. For sixteen years, the company has presented fully-staged productions of Shakespeare's works for prison population as well as the public. This year, they take on Romeo and Juliet.

6. African American Theatre Company presents Julius Caesar

   San Francisco's African American Theatre Company's history of innovative productions ("Envisioning the classics with color.") continues with a March-April 2012 production of Julius Caesar. Well worth seeking out for locals and travelers alike, even if you're not familiar with the plays.

7. The Beatles perform Shakespeare

   This blast from the past is a great example of how Shakespeare's dramatic writing has always been a part of contemporary popular culture. So who among today's rock, R&B, or Hip-Hop artists would be game to perform a scene from Shakespeare? U2 could definitely do Hamlet. Maybe Rihanna, Jay-Z, and Kanye West could do something from Romeo and Juliet?

8. Pittsburgh Public Theater Shakespeare monologue and scene contest

   Every winter, the Pittsburgh Public Theater hosts its Shakespeare monologue and scene contest. What makes it special is the age of the contestants. Students in grades 4-7 and 8-12 receive coaching and a chance to perform onstage at the O'Reilly Theater.

9. The "Dear Juliet" Prize

   Each year, the Verona, Italy-based volunteer organization Club di Giulietta receives and apparently responds to hundreds of letters addressed to "Juliet" of Shakespeare's much-loved tragedy. Each Valentine's Day, the club awards the Cara Giuletta ("Dear Juliet") prize to the writers of the "most compelling letters" received the previous year. So…if you were writing a letter to Juliet, what exactly would you say?

10. Chicago's Improvised Shakespeare Company

    Have you ever wondered if it was possible to improvise a Shakespeare comedy or tragedy or some weird hybrid of the two? After receiving one audience suggestion for the plot or subject matter, that's exactly what Chicago's Improvised Shakespeare Company does. And they've been doing it since 2005. Shakespeare could be very bawdy, and he knew how to play to an audience. This company is continuing that grand tradition.

The relationship between a person and their pet is a powerful one, but every once in a while, pet owners take their love to a whole other level of absurdity and downright meanness. Even seemingly innocent activities like pushing a cat in a stroller or putting bows in a dog's hair can be torturous and just plain cruel. Unless you want your pet to hate you or feel like less of an animal, steer clear of these pet peeves of the pets. Here are the 10 meanest things owners love to do to their pets.

1. Dress them up

   Today's pet owners are obsessed with dressing up their dogs and cats in ridiculous costumes and clothing for holidays and virtually any occasion. As if being dressed isn't humiliating enough, owners have the nerve to take their dressed up pets out in public. Let's face it: pets hate clothes and accessories, so stop torturing them with such silly costumes.

2. Put tape on their paws

   Pets withstand a lot of humiliation, but one of the meanest things that owners love to do to them is put office tape on their paws. Pet owners have a blast watching cats and dogs squirm and stick to the floor with every sticky step. This seemingly innocent prank is actually just plain mean!

3. Wake them up

   There may be nothing cuter than a curled up kitten or a snoring dog, but that doesn't mean it's OK to wake them up when they're sound asleep. Pet owners have no problem waking their furry friends as they catch some Zs, but we hate it when they do it back. Just like you wouldn't wake a sleeping baby, you should resist the temptation to wake a sleeping pet.

4. Tease them

   Some pet owners are downright mean and love to tease their dogs and cats with toys and treats. You might get a good laugh watching your dog search relentlessly for a ball you never threw, but this kind of teasing can come back to bite you big time. Teasing and play-fighting can cause dogs to become aggressive and disobedient.

5. Put cats on leashes

   Let's say it together: Dogs walk on leashes, not cats. Sadly, there are too many cat owners out there who don't understand this concept. Cats don't like leashes and probably never will. If your feline wants to walk with you, they'll follow you without a leash.

6. Make them dance

   Unless your dog is related to the salsa-dancing golden retriever on YouTube, he or she probably doesn't like to dance. And cats? Forget about it. People love to swing around their pets and make them stand up and dance against their will, but this cruel activity often ends in biting, scratching, and a hatred for dancing.

7. Paint their nails

   Some pet owners have taken dog grooming to whole other level of wacky by getting their pooches' nails primped and polished. And the worst part is male dogs are also at risk of having their nails painted. When will people learn that pets are animals and not dolls?

8. Put them in strollers and purses

   Four-legged creatures are meant to walk, not be strolled or carried by their owners everywhere they go. You might think you're spoiling your dog or cat by toting them in a stroller or bag, but you're actually humiliating them and taking away valuable exercise time.

9. Put their embarrassing moments on YouTube

   Pet owners get a lot of entertainment from watching their dogs and cats every day, but that doesn't mean you should share their embarrassing moments with the whole world. Pet owners love to videotape their animals playing, sleeping, and making complete fools of themselves and put these moments on YouTube for all to see.

10. Take glamour shots

    You may love to take photos of your fur babies, but some people go as far as having them professionally photographed. Although some dogs and cats can sit still for a photo session, most don't have the patience for stillness, bright lights, and the silly props that come with most pet glamour shots.

Politicians know a lot about winning and even more about losing. For most politicians, disappointment comes with the territory, but some can't seem to escape it and bring it upon themselves. As the 2012 presidential election nears, it's a good idea to look at the political washouts that have come and gone before us.

1. Michele Bachmann: Until her recent drop out of the GOP race, Michele Bachmann was considered a frontrunner in the presidential race and a force to be reckoned with. The Minnesota representative won the Ames Straw Poll and was predicted to do well in the Iowa caucuses, but the numbers proved otherwise. Bachmann came in sixth place in the caucuses and decided to back out of the presidential race shortly after.
2. Rudy Giuliani: Former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani put his political experience to the test by running in the 2008 Republican presidential campaign. In 2007, Giuliani was the GOP frontrunner. He led many national polls, but fell lower and lower in later caucuses and primaries. After coming in third place in the 2008 Florida primary, Giuliani decided to withdraw from the race. Giuliani expressed some interest in running for governor and senator in 2010 and hosting a radio show, but instead chose to focus on his two enterprises: Bracewell & Giuliani and Giuliani Partners. He has yet to return to politics.
3. Sarah Palin: The country was shocked when John McCain chose Sarah Palin to be his running mate in 2008. The Alaskan governor had only served half of her term and was an unexpected choice for a vice presidential nominee. Palin was outspoken and took a special interest in social issues like gun control and abortion. Her charismatic persona and "everyday woman" image made her an intriguing and popular vice president for the Republican ticket. However, it was the same charm and mystique that led to questioning and probing by the media. Support for Palin came and went with every bad interview and misquotation. Palin's lack of finesse and experience definitely hurt McCain's chance of becoming president.
4. Ross Perot: Businessman Ross Perot proved to be a trailblazer when he founded the Reform Party and won the third-party nomination for the 1992 and 1996 election. Throughout the races, Perot had strong support across the political parties and even beat Bush and Clinton in the polls. Despite his success in the caucuses and primaries, Perot failed to live up to his previous numbers on Election Day. Despite his presidential fall outs, Perot still remains one of the most successful third-party candidates in U.S. history.
5. Dick Gephardt: Former U.S. Representative of Missouri and former House Majority Leader Dick Gephardt ran unsuccessfully for president in 1988 and 2004. Gephardt's 1988 Democratic presidential campaign started off very promising. He won the Iowa caucuses and the South Dakota primary, but a lack of money and some tough losses forced him to drop out. Gephardt ran again for president in 2004, but failed to make a strong enough comeback. He dropped out of the race and his political career ended in 2005.
6. Howard Dean: Howard Dean may be best remembered for his infamous "Dean Scream" media gaffe, but the Vermont politician and physician wasn't always a running joke. Dean's 2004 Democratic presidential campaign was considered a "long shot" in comparison to the other running mates. Despite mixed predictions, Dean gained more support as time went on and he eventually became a leader in polls and received many critical endorsements. Dean was the apparent forerunner for the Democratic nomination, but a poor showing in the Iowa caucuses and a peculiar rally speech hurt Dean's candidacy and he eventually withdrew from the race.
7. Herman Cain: Herman Cain was one of the most controversial, yet entertaining GOP candidates to date. Prior to the sexual harassment allegations that eventually forced him to withdraw from the race, Cain was a relatively well-liked and popular candidate. He had gained popularity among conservative groups and had even won the straw polls in Illinois, Florida, and at the National Federation of Republican Women's Convention.
8. Richard Nixon: Former President Richard Nixon was responsible for many important changes in American, including revenue sharing, ending the draft, establishing new anticrime laws, appointing Justices with conservative philosophies to the Supreme Court, and much more. Despite these important accomplishments, Nixon still remains one of the biggest political washouts in history. Nixon's involvement in Watergate and attempt to divert an investigation caused him to lose a great deal of support and subsequently forced him to resign as president.
9. John Edwards: Former U.S. Senator John Edwards has been an influential political figure for many years. Edwards was the Democratic nominee for vice president in 2004 and campaigned for the presidential nomination in 2004 and 2008. Edwards' presidential campaign faced mixed predictions and slow support. As the campaign went on, Edwards gained more support and performed well in the primaries, winning the South Carolina primary. Despite a rise in support, Edwards lost to Kerry in the Wisconsin primary and the Super Tuesday primaries, forcing him to withdraw from the race.
10. Mike Huckabee: Former Governor of Arkansas Mike Huckabee ran in the 2008 Republican presidential primaries, winning the Iowa caucuses and finishing second in the delegate count and third in popular vote. Although Huckabee had a pretty strong race for the Republican ticket, he stepped down as McCain took the lead. He had been considered for McCain's vice presidential running mate, but Sarah Palin was chosen instead. After the presidential campaign, Huckabee took a break from furthering his political career to host a weekend show on Fox News, called Huckabee.

Movies stars come from all different acting backgrounds. Many get their start under the bright lights of a stage, and those who don't often dabble in theater after they've established their acting careers. Making it onto Broadway is one of the biggest accomplishments in an actor's career, but getting good reviews is a whole other challenge. Here are nine surprising actors who did stints on Broadway.

1. Brendan Fraser

   Brendan Fraser may be best known for playing Rick O'Connell in the Mummy film series, but the funnyman broke away from movies in 2010 to try his hand at theater. Fraser made his Broadway debut in the comedy Elling, playing Kjell Bjarne, a Norwegian man who has spent many years in a mental institution and befriends his roommate Elling, played by Denis O'Hare. Elling is a comedic and affectionate story of the two men's adaptation to everyday life. Despite the box office success of Elling, the play received mixed reviews and shut down after just one week.

2. Denzel Washington

   Over the past few years, Denzel Washington has scaled back on making movies, allowing him to do other projects like his 2010 Broadway appearance in the play Fences. Washington plays the lead role of James Earl Jones, for which he earned a Tony Award for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Play. This wasn't Washington's first go-round at onstage performance. During the '90s, Denzel starred in the title role of Shakespeare's Richard III, and returned to Broadway in 2005 to play Marcus Brutus in Julius Caesar.

3. Scarlett Johansson

   Scarlett Johansson ditched the big screen for a period in 2010 to make her Broadway debut in a revival of the bleak drama A View from the Bridge. Johansson plays Catherine, a naive 17-year-old who is trying to understand her effect on men, particularly her admiring uncle, played by Liev Schreiber. Johannson gave a compelling performance that earned her a Tony Award for Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Play.

4. Jude Law

   Jude Law showed audiences his acting range and thespian capabilities with his surprising stint on Broadway in 2009. Law took on one of the most iconic stage roles in theater, playing the title character in Shakespeare's Hamlet. Law received rave reviews for his portrayal of Hamlet and the play traveled from London's West End to New York's Broadway.

5. Christina Ricci

   In 2010, Christina Ricci took a break from the big screen to make her Broadway debut as Mandy in Time Stands Still, alongside cast members Laura Linney, Brian d'Arcy James, and Eric Bogosian. Ricci received rave reviews for her compelling performance and natural ease on stage.

6. Daniel Radcliffe

   When Daniel Radcliffe got a break from playing a boy wizard in the Harry Potter series, he decided to shock audiences for a spell on Broadway. Radcliffe starred in Thea Sharrock's revival of Peter Shaffer's psychodrama Equus. Radcliffe, then 19 years old, took the odd role of Alan Strang, a young stableboy who commits disturbing crimes against horses. In addition to the bizarre character choice, Radcliffe agreed to scenes of full frontal nudity. It was a bold move that earned him a great deal of respect in the theater world.

7. Katie Holmes

   Katie Holmes made a surprising shift to theater in 2008, starring in Arthur Miller's All My Sons, opposite John Lithgow, Diane Wiest, and Patrick Wilson. Holmes' big Broadway debut got many respectable reviews for her poignant delivery and striking appearance on stage.

8. Bill Pullman

   In 2009, Bill Pullman took a break from his typical roles as the ineffectual nice guy and returned to his theater roots. Pullman starred in the Broadway revival of Oleanna, opposite Julia Stiles. Oleanna is a Pulitzer Prize-winning drama about a college professor and his female student, who become embroiled in a fight for justice after the student accuses him of sexual exploitation. The play and Pullman's performance received mixed reviews from critics.

9. Julia Roberts

   Julia Roberts took a break from the green screen to make her Broadway debut in 2006 in the highly-anticipated play, Three Days of Rain, opposite Bradley Cooper and Paul Rudd. It was one of the most hyped celebrity appearances in Broadway history, but the reviews failed to live up to its initial excitement.

Dances, just like music and fashion, are fads that come and go. Every decade has its signature dance moves. Some are good, and some are downright embarrassing. Of all the bad dance fads in history, these are the most ridiculous ones of all:

1. Macarena

   Few dances will ever be as popular as the Macarena was in the '90s. This addicting dance came from the Spanish song of the same name by Los del Rio. You couldn't go to a school dance, wedding, or party without doing the Macarena steps. The Macarena definitely goes down in history as one of the most popular group dances, but no one would get caught dead doing it today.

2. The Train

   If your dancing skills were less than stellar, then the train was your go-to dance move in the '90s. The train was simply a conga line that moved around the room to Quad City DJ's 1996 song, "C'mon N' Ride It (The Train)." People loved this easy, mindless dance, but the train really lost popularity once the song stopped being played at every single function.

3. The Chicken Dance

   Whoever thought that flapping your wings and shaking your tail feather would make a great dance was apparently a genius. The infamous chicken dance was a group favorite of the '80s and '90s. The cheesy dance steps and dosey doe were a folk disaster that happened at every dance, wedding, and function that involved dancing. Thankfully, the chicken dance died off and we got back to dancing like somewhat rhythmic humans.

4. YMCA

   The YMCA was E-A-S-Y. If you could point on beat and spell, the YMCA was your kind of dance move. In the 1970s, The Village People brought us one of the most iconic dance songs of the century — "YMCA." The dance move of the same name came from this popular song and the rest is history, along with the dance.

5. Hokey Pokey

   You put your right foot in; you put your right foot out; you put your right foot in…well, you know the rest. For many kids in the United States, the hokey pokey dance was probably one of the first dances they learned. That's because this easy, 'smeasy dance is practically a requirement for all kindergarten teachers to teach. The hokey pokey dance may never fully fade away, but don't expect to put your left hand in and your left hand out at your next function.

6. Moonwalk

   In the '90s, nothing was cooler than Michael Jackson's moonwalk. Intermediate and expert dancers around the world made a point master the ever-so-challenging moonwalk. Although the moonwalk has an important place in history, it is no longer the best dance to master.

7. Bunny Hop

   Not to be confused with the urban bunny hop, the novelty bunny hop dance of the '50s was one that required little technique and rhythm. The bunny hop dance is based on Ray Anthony's big band song, "The Bunny Hop." Participants do the dance by moving in a conga line, holding on to the hips of the person in front of them, tapping their feet and hopping like a bunny. Unsurprisingly, this corny dance didn't stick around for long.

8. The Robot

   The robot is an electrifying dance move that has been entertaining crowds for decades. Avid dancers who like a challenge enjoy doing the robot for its rigid movements and optical illusions. Although the robot is enjoyed by many, the pop-and-lock dance has lost some luster and has been overshadowed by more contemporary hip-hop moves.

9. The Twist

   Simple and oh-so-scandalous, the twist was a groundbreaking dance move that changed the face of choreography and inspired several other dances, including the jerk, the pony, the watusi, and the mashed potato. The twist dance craze of the early '60s eventually died down and cooler moves took its place.

10. Hustle

    The hustle was a group of popular disco dances that featured everything from swing dance moves to discofox steps. It didn't take long for the hustle and its coinciding song to fade into oblivion, but now we're left with the annoying sound of "Do the hustle! (doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo)."

Zoos are a common field-trip attraction for kids of all ages. They're educational and interesting, but sometimes they can be plain dangerous. It seems like a stretch that any deadly animals would escape from their cages, but many of them are a lot smarter, more curious, or more angry than we give them credit for. Creatures of all kinds seem to take the chance at freedom when the opportunity presents itself or when they are motivated enough to make it happen. These nine zoo escapees were among the most dangerous to ever slip out of their cages, with some incidents ending in injury or death and many that could've been a lot worse.

1. Tatiana the tiger, San Francisco Zoo

   On Christmas Day 2007, shortly after the San Francisco Zoo had closed, a Siberian tiger named Tatiana escaped her enclosure. A few days earlier, she had bitten a zookeeper's arm during a feeding, but this time, she caused major damage. One teenager was killed and his two friends were injured. The fatality, Carlos Sousa Jr., had his throat slashed by the animal and many other injuries that led to his death. The two other boys ran to a zoo cafe, leaving a trail of blood that Tatiana followed. Police officers ended up shooting and killing Tatiana. Many believe the boys may have been taunting and provoking the tiger when she escaped her cage, but the walls of the enclosure weren't as high as standards suggested they should be.

2. Egyptian cobra, Bronx Zoo

   Early in 2011, one snake got a lot of attention. When an Egyptian cobra got out of its display in the reptile house at the Bronx Zoo, the snake popped up on Twitter, sending 140-character messages about its adventures in New York. The snake's fake handle sent out tweets about hanging out at Manhattan landmarks and eateries. In reality, the snake was found in a dark, secluded corner of the reptile house and caught without any problems. If the snake had encountered visitors, zoo officials say it doesn't use its venom as a first defense so it probably wouldn't have injected them. The Egyptian cobra's venom, though, can kill a person within 15 minutes by paralyzing the heart and lungs.

3. Jabari the gorilla, Dallas Zoo

   Gorillas are fascinating, intelligent creatures, but we sometimes forget just how strong and dangerous they can be. In 2004, visitors at the Dallas Zoo experienced it firsthand. Jabari, a 300-pound gorilla who was housed in an award-winning habitat, somehow escaped the enclosure and rampaged through the zoo. He bit one woman several times on her legs before grabbing her toddler and gnawing on his head and chest. Jabari made his way into a bird exhibit and bit another woman's arm as she protected her children. A second child was minorly injured. After wandering in wooded zoo areas for more than 30 minutes while zoo workers tried to get a clear shot with their tranquilizer guns, Jabari charged some police officers and they opened fire, killing him.

4. Johnny the rhino, Zoo Miami

   An animal as large as a rhino would have a hard time sneaking out of its cage unnoticed, but even when zoo officials know it's gotten out, the potential for damage is huge. Juanpur (or Johnny for short) is a rhino that weighs more than 4,600 pounds. That's as heavy as a 13-passenger helicopter. In October 2011, Johnny escaped his pen by pushing on a gate that wasn't closed properly. Visitors were all taken to safe areas to avoid any problems. Johnny was herded back to his cage by a bunch of trucks without incident, but things could have gone very badly with such an enormous wild animal. In the early '90s, a woman was attacked and killed when she entered a Swiss zoo's pen containing a rhino and its calf.

5. Chucky the alligator, Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo

   This Alabama alligator said "See you later" to his keepers when 2004's Hurricane Ivan struck. Flood waters destroyed his habitat and allowed him to escape while most other zoo animals were evacuated. Alligator wrestlers were called in to find the reptile as quickly as possible, because zoo workers were afraid he wouldn't hesitate to approach humans (and maybe eat them) since he had been fed by humans for so many years, learning to associate them with food. When the team of gator catchers spotted Chucky, two of them swam through the water to try to get him to come out. Neither was hurt in the process, but it doesn't seem like a great idea to be playing around with a beast whose bite is about as powerful as a mid-size sedan crushing you.

6. Juan the bear, Berlin Zoo

   OK, this bear escapee was actually pretty adorable, but his time on the lam could've turned deadly if the zoo workers hadn't been so clever. Juan, an Andean bear in the Berlin Zoo, pulled out all the stops for his daring prison break. First, he found a log to use as a raft so he could float across the moat in his enclosure. Then he scaled a wall and got his first taste of freedom. Zoo staff knew he'd be looking for a getaway vehicle, so they put a bicycle in his path. When he stopped to check it out, they shot him with a tranquilizer gun. Andean bears, which can weigh more than 400 pounds, don't typically attack humans, but Juan was headed for the children's carousel. He probably just wanted a ride, but no one wanted to take the chance that he was really looking for a snack.

7. Nala the lion, Jungleland Wildlife Park, Florida

   While Nala the lion's cage was being remodeled to help keep her safe from recent rains in 1997, she got frightened by a noise and slipped out a small opening. The wildlife zoo is near a residential neighborhood in Florida, and zoo officials and law enforcement officers went door to door warning people to stay inside and bring their pets in with them. Several residents opted to drive their kids to school rather than let them wait at the bus stop until the lion was caught a couple days later.

8. Ichiro the chimpanzee, Ishikawa Zoo, Japan

   Chimpanzees, who have five times the arm strength as a human male, have been known to bite off people's finger through cage bars. There are also plenty of instances of chimps attacking humans and severely injuring them, like the case of the pet chimp in 2009 who maimed a woman's face. But Ichiro, a zoo chimp in Japan, almost became a unique kind of dangerous when he escaped from his habitat in 2008. Ichiro, a 42-year-old primate, slipped out of an unlocked door and hung out on the roof of the building for a couple of hours. Zoo workers tried to coax him down, but when that didn't work, they tried to use a tranquilizer gun. Ichiro grabbed the gun from the zookeeper, but fortunately, he dropped it right away. He was eventually lured down with a banana. That should've been the first thing they tried. Don't these zookeepers watch cartoons?

9. Lion-hating tiger, Ankara Zoo, Turkey

   Most of us probably imagine zoo animals dreaming of revenge against the people that keep them locked up, but this tiger in Turkey had something against his neighboring lion. Some media reports say the tiger escaped his own enclosure and then found a gap in the lion's cage. Others indicate that the tiger may not have escaped and just used a hole between his pen and the lion's. Whatever the details, the tiger reached his paw into the lion's enclosure and severed the cat's jugular vein with one swipe, killing him. The zoo assures potential visitors that all the enclosures are up to standard, but it's hard to trust them in this cat-eat-cat world.

Parents have the hardest job in the world, and those who do it alone truly deserve a medal. An added challenge of single parenting is handling the finances. Living on one income makes budgeting, and saving for your little one's future even more difficult. The good news is that you're not alone and financial freedom is closer than you think. Here are 10 financial tips for single parents.

1. Talk to your kids about money

   If your children are old enough to understand the value of money, then it may be in your best interest to talk to them about it. Airing out the family's financial situation can give kids a better idea of where money comes from and where it goes. Opening this line of communication between you and your kids may foster a better understanding of spending, budgeting, and saving so that they can contribute to the family nest one day.

2. Track your spending

   As a single parent, you have to be even more cautious of your spending and how it impacts your family. Single parents are advised to track their spending by keeping a written or digital ledger of their purchases. Once you know how much you're spending and where it's going, you can better budget your money and start investing wisely.

3. Save on child care

   Child care is expensive, and some single parents simply don't want the added costs. If you're not going to get child care, then you're going to have to make some adjustments to make it work. First, ask family and friends if they can watch your children while you're at work. If this doesn't work, then you may need to change your work schedule, or split the duties with a trusted child care provider to cut the costs in half.

4. Get tax breaks

   Single, working parents who use day care can catch a break with the Child and Dependent Care tax credit. Parents are allowed to deduct up to $3,000 for one child and up to $6,000 for two or more children who were cared for. This tax break is a lifesaver for many single parents who use day care services to help them balance their busy lives.

5. Manage and stay out of debt

   The last thing you need to compound your financial troubles is getting into debt. Living on one income is most certainly tough, but single parents have to make wise financial decisions to avoid falling into debt. If you're already in debt, take care of this problem right away. This may mean taking on another job to pay off your current debt, or resorting to debt consolidation or debt settlement.

   

6. Save for retirement

   Don't forget about yourself! Single parents should continue to save for retirement so they have enough money to live on when they stop working. Even if you're a young parent, it's never too early to start setting money aside for retirement and planning for your future. Parents who live on a limited income are advised to put more money into retirement and emergency funds than in college savings because their children will likely qualify for financial aid and scholarships. There's no such thing for retirees.

7. Save for your kids' college education

   Saving for college is difficult for anyone, especially if you're a single parent. You may not be able to save enough to pay for their entire schooling, but every little bit counts. The earlier you can start setting money aside for college, the more you'll be able to help them out. Depending on your family income, your children may qualify for financial aid, scholarships, and work study programs that make college much more attainable.

8. Find free things to do

   There are plenty of fun activities to do with your children that don't cost a dime. Single parents should partake in free activities like going to the park, attending museums during free hours, camping out in the backyard, and playing board games at home. Not only are these activities cost-effective, but they are fun for the whole family.

9. Live within your means

   Although many Americans do not live within their means, it is crucial for single parents to do so. Living within your means is very doable, but it certainly requires a great deal of discipline. If you can no longer afford your car payments or your mortgage is becoming a major financial burden, then it may be time to downgrade to a less expensive car or move into a more affordable apartment. Just as you teach your children the difference between needs and wants, you have to explore the same question when it comes to living within your means.

10. Create an emergency fund

    Parents know that accidents happen, but not everyone is prepared for the costs that come from these unexpected events. One of the best ways to protect your family from being completely wiped out in an emergency is to create an emergency fund. Although this amount varies from person to person, single parents should try to save as much as they possible can because they are supporting themselves and their children. When creating your emergency fund, consider different emergency scenarios and how much they would cost and give some thought to your job security. But most importantly, don't touch that emergency fund unless it's a real emergency.