The Beanie Baby Hunger Games

Riding on the waves of the current pop culture craze by incorporating a popular fad from years past, The Online Musical has put two and two together to create the latest YouTube sensation - The Beanie Baby Hunger Games! This creative, witty, and oh-so-cute parody of the smash action/adventure hit retells the story of the first book/film by using TY Beanie Babies to represent the memorable characters of the series. I thought it was a particularly clever choice to have Rocket the Blue Jay act as Katniss Everdeen, the Mockingjay.

Earth Hour 2012

Support the largest environmental event in history on Saturday, March 31^st!

Tomorrow, from 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM. millions of people worldwide will unite to switch off their lights for Earth Hour, an annual movement that provides an opportunity for communities to join forces in sending out a powerful call to action on issues related to climate change. This initiative serves as a demonstration of global solidarity in protecting this beautiful planet that we all share.

Organized by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), one of the world’s largest independent conservation organizations, the Earth Hour movement was founded in Sydney, Australia in 2007, and grew to include a multitude of nations across the globe. In 2011, more than 5,200 cities and towns in 135 countries worldwide participated in turning their lights off.

As Josh Laughren, WWF’s Climate and Energy Director says, “Canadians need to take a stand against climate change, and joining Team Earth Hour is a great place to start. Earth Hour started five years ago as a global movement with one goal in mind – creating a greener and cleaner world. We’re striving to achieve a world where everyone has access to fresh air, clean drinking water and natural resources, no matter where they live.”

See Earth Hour’s Get Involved page for ways to spread the word about Earth Hour and climate change, from innovative social media initiatives to the creative ‘I Will If You Will’ video challenge. You can go Beyond the Hour by pledging to join Team Earth Hour in making further lasting change for a sustainable planet.

The success of Earth Hour proves that we each have the power to make a difference in the world we live in, and that force becomes even stronger when we come together for a common cause!

(Cross-posted from ENGAGE)

Haley Reinhart's 'Free' Music Video

Travel back to a vintage era as Haley Reinhart sings through the dilemma of her broken relationship and contemplates whether she should stay or break "Free". Haley's sultry vocals and vintage style shines against a backdrop of  retro-inspired scenery that will leave you longing to hear and see more.

Download the "Free" single and music video on iTunes.
Pre-order "Listen Up" on haleyreinhart.com

American Idol Season 11: Whole Lotta Love for Elise Testone!

This week, the Top 9 of American Idol Season 11 paid tribute to their own idols. Since they were singing the songs that inspired them to pursue music, the contestants all gave what Steven Tyler termed as "a Magical Mystery Tour of talent and emotion."

Once again, my favourite performer of the night was Elise Testone. (I swear, I'm not deliberately scheming to push my favourite contestant upon all of you, but I have to give mad props when mad props are due!) The bluesy singer unleashed her 70s rocker side by belting out Led Zeppelin's "Whole Lotta Love", which was first covered on Season 8 by glam rocker Adam Lambert. It was groovy, electrifying, and honestly the coolest thing I've seen on the Idol stage since Haley Reinhart's "What Is And What Should Never Be" (also by Led Zeppelin) during Top 3 week last year. I just love how Elise is continuing to show us just how eclectic her musical tastes by performing these gutsy, dynamic songs every week. When you can harmonize with Stevie Nicks, sound like Janis Joplin, AND deliver a performance that would make Robert Plant proud, you know you've got it.

Rock on, woman!

Farewell, David Archuleta!

David Archuleta has embarked on a new adventure. For the next two years, he will be taking a break from his career, his loved ones, and the life he knew to serve as a Mormon missionary in South America. In his final video blog, the sweet and spiritual singer profusely thanks his supporters for their unyielding support over the past few years.

Four years ago, my mom told me about a talented teenager she discovered on a show called American Idol. I honestly don't know where I'd be or who I'd be today if she hadn't introduced me to David Archuleta. The singers of Season 7 had (and continue to have) an incredible impact on my life, and I can never thank them enough for that.

I admire David for always being a fine example of what it means to be giving, compassionate, and courageous. I draw great inspiration from his philosophies of appreciating the goodness around you and following your heart. David Archuleta devotes his life to making a difference. He has already touched the hearts of his fans through his music and his personality. Now it's time for him to begin changing the world on an even larger scale. May he continue to spread peace, love, and hope everywhere he goes.

It's Not Goodbye... It's See You in Two Years.

As a parting gift, David recorded an OPM album of classic Filipino love songs during his brief stay in the Philippines. Purchase 'Forevermore' today!

Jack and White Live Sessions: 'Night After Night'

Watch this fourth and final installment of Jack and White's Winter Wednesday - a live performance of "Night After Night" from their Winter EP.

Stay tuned for Jack and White's covers EP this Spring/Summer. They will be tackling songs from every genre - from to the 1960s to the 2010s! In the meantime, download Jack and White's 'Winter' and 'Gemini' EPs on iTunes.

The Beauty of Failure

Failure sucks. When you are informed that you have fallen short of reaching your goals, you cannot help but feel the tremendous blow to your confidence and self-worth. As the antithesis of success, failure is a condition that we strive to avoid in all of our efforts. But by doing this, we may miss the beauty of failure.

Failure is beautiful? Say what?

It's inevitable that in everything we pursue in life, we are bound to meet a bunch of trials along the way. That is just something that cannot be prevented. As desirable as smooth sailing may be, without the ups and downs of life, how would we encounter great adventure? We wouldn't! Because of those bumps on the road, you will eventually uncover treasure in the forms of knowledge and opportunity. How else would we improve our skills, grow as individuals, expand our mindsets, AND be introduced to incredible experiences if it wasn't for the challenges brought by failure?

Failure is the ultimate test of your inner strength, patience, and faith.

I failed my road test not once, but twice. I have spent a considerable amount of time sulking over the past month, but I realized that it's not an effective use of my time to continue burying myself in shame and self-pity. Instead, I have chosen to remind myself of what I'm talented at (writing, music) and challenge myself to keep working hard to eventually add driving to my skill set. I will take the constructive criticism I received to build upon what I'm good at and become even greater. The day that I am able to prove myself as a licensed driver will be a beautiful day indeed, because it will be a product of my unyielding perseverance!

Next time, when you come face to face with failure, don't fear it...embrace it.

Find the beauty in failure.

Hang In There, Baby

Try as you might, you just cannot force inspiration. Inspiration is a natural sensation that can't be controlled. Every artist goes through times when their creative juices are blocked. For me, this last week was filled with those moments.

For the past month or so, I have been learning a new skill. Since this is a skill that must be tested in order for one to receive certification, I have been determined to devote many hours to perfecting my abilities. As a result, I have been distracted from other hobbies of mine, such as writing.

Readers, as soon as I have received the favourable results that I desire and my mind has been put at ease, I promise to get back to my regular schedule of blogging. I've been doing pretty well with that daily posts goal - haven't I? Yes, backdated posts do count!

Expect to see blogs on Dancing With The Stars, The Hunger Games, and Mad Men very soon!

Mad Men is Back

Mad Men is back.

The year is now 1966, and it is clear from the episode's opening that the atmosphere of this season is going to be one of pivotal and swingin' change as the show enters the height of the civil rights era. Don and his former secretary, Megan are newlyweds, and it is clear that their generational differences are going to come to hard clashes throughout their marriage ('Zou Bisou Bisou' is just the tip of the iceberg). Pete and Peggy both continue to fight for respect at SCDP, and new mother Joan is anxious to return back to her role of the office's Queen Bee. Due to the repercussions of a prank ad against their competitors, the advertising agency may even see some diversity in the form of African-American employees among their staff.

The times, they are a-changing.

Watch the styles, the intrigue, the ambitions, and the scandals of Mad Men on Sundays at 7pm on AMC.

The World is Watching The Hunger Games

The world is watching The Hunger Games.

Suzanne Collins's gripping series of a dystopian society whose government marches their children off to fight to the death has hit the big screen. The adaptation captures the essence of Panem and its districts, the control of the Capitol, and the brutality of the arena - all while foreshadowing how the game of survival eventually ripples into the start of a rebellion. Riveting and real, the film retains the book's intensity and sensitivity through naturalistic execution, from the swift camera movements to the stellar sound editing. Jennifer Lawrence leads the cast of exceptional actors. Her portrayal of the bold and brave Katniss Everdeen sets a new standard for empowered female characters.

Caution: The Hunger Games is sure to be a hot ticket at the theatres this month. Run, don't walk, to the nearest showing, and may the odds be ever in your favor!

Lauren Alaina and Haley Reinhart on American Idol

Throughout Season 10 of American Idol, I strongly campaigned for a female winner. I was disappointed when the girls were picked off one by one in the earlier stages of the competition, but nothing enraged me more than when Pia Toscano was eliminated in NINTH PLACE.

Despite the horror of the beginning weeks, there were two female contestants who managed to captivate Idol fans and stick around until the final three - Lauren Alaina and Haley Reinhart. Recently, the ladies were invited back to the Idol stage to sing their original music during the Season 11 results shows. Their dynamic performances of the sassy "Georgia Peaches" and the sultry "Free" proves that FEMALE is the right choice!

American Idol Season 11: Elise Testone's Vienna

As I had alluded last week when it was announced that the American Idol Top 10 would be singing Billy Joel songs, the contestant who chose to cover "Vienna" would have the potential to win my adoration and devotion. Wow, was my prediction spot on or what?

You can imagine my delight when it was revealed that my favourite finalist, Elise Testone, was going to be tackling my favourite Billy Joel tune. With her expressive voice and soulful, jazzy-blues vibe, she was the singer most suited for the song, and Elise delivered with a sensational performance that was both sentimental and powerful. It was an Idol moment worthy of the overwhelming applause and standing ovations she received!

Idol viewers, when will you realize that Elise is one of the most dynamic and heartfelt performers of Season 11? Hopefully, her "Vienna" has helped many to reach that revelation tonight.

Download Elise Testone's studio recording of "Vienna" on iTunes.

Jack and White Live Sessions: 'Bright Side of the Bad News'

Check out this third installment of Jack and White's Winter Wednesday - a live performance of "Bright Side of the Bad News" from their Winter EP. There's something very cool and striking about this song. Just take a look at these lyrics:

On the bright side of the bad news
You're the shoreline of my dark blues

Download Jack and White's two EPs, 'Winter' and 'Gemini', on iTunes.

Happy First Day of Spring!

Happy First Day of Spring!

After a downer of a winter season (why snow if it won't stick?), I am looking forward to seeing the sun in the sky, cherry blossoms in trees, and flowers in bloom.

Dancing With The Stars: Gavin DeGraw

I'll admit it - I was a tad shocked when I found out that Gavin DeGraw had signed up for Season 14 of Dancing With The Stars. As musically talented as he is (and he really is! Go see him in concert!), I never pictured him as a dancer.

Colour me surprised to discover that he actually shows great promise on the dance floor! In his first ballroom performance, Gavin charmed and dazzled the audience with his elegant Foxtrot with pro-dancer (and current DWTS champion) Karina Smirnoff.

Here's hoping that Gavin DeGraw saves his last dance for the grand finale!

Beauty Review: China Glaze 'For Audrey'

While I can afford to have breakfast at Tiffany's, this starving college student is still saving up her paychecks to cash in for a coveted piece of their fine jewelry. Thanks to China Glaze, dreamers like myself can experience the luxury life at our fingertips! 'For Audrey' is an elegant and radiant shade of turquoise blue, inspired by the iconic Tiffany's boxes. This creamy nail polish offers great quality and pigmentation. All you need is to apply one coat and boom! Instant colour! 'For Audrey' is the perfect pastel shade for Spring. If only the Vancouver weather would cooperate as well...

*Please excuse my messy fingers in the photograph. I tend to go over the lines when I'm painting. :)

Red Carpet: Jennifer Lawrence

Just like Katniss Everdeen, Jennifer Lawrence boldly heats up the red carpet like a 'girl on fire' in this glimmering metallic gold Prabal Gurung gown at the Los Angeles premiere of The Hunger Games.
The highly anticipated film will be released on March 23rd.

American Idol Season 11: Top 10

Now presenting your American Idol Season 11 Top 10! Phillip Phillips, Elise Testone, Deandre Brackensick, Hollie Cavanagh, Colton Dixon, Skylar Laine, Heejun Han, Jessica Sanchez, Joshua Ledet, and Erika Van Pelt may be performing at a North American city near you this upcoming summer, so stay tuned for tour dates!

Next week, the talented Top 10 will tackle the songbook of Billy Joel. Whoever chooses to cover "Vienna" could potentially win my loyalty (and heart).

American Idol Season 11: Joshua Ledet

Disqualification controversy and dated song choices aside, "Songs From The Year You Were Born" week proved to be a pivotal night for American Idol's Top 11 finalists, as the performances they delivered would determine whether or not they would be part of Idol's big summer tour.

And boy! Did Joshua Ledet deliver or what? Accused of bringing audiences to church on a weekly basis, the 19-year old gospel/soul singer from Louisiana tore the roof off yet again with his passionate rendition of “When A Man Loves A Woman,” which was hands down the best of the night (if not the entire season thus far!)   It is such a wonder to see a singer truly get lost in the music, which is exactly what happened to Joshua as he gave his whole heart and soul to his performance of the Percy Sledge classic. Seriously, they need to keep feeding him buckets of crawfish, because there must be a magical ingredient in that favourite delicacy of his!

'Listen Up' for Haley Reinhart's Album in May!

Today, Haley Reinhart fans were hit with a hale-storm of big news regarding the jazzy songstress!
Here's the rundown:

1. The studio recording of "Free" is streaming on SoundCloud! Press play on the widget posted above and groove to Haley's stunning new single. "Free" will be available on iTunes on March 20th.

2. Haley's debut album has a title and release date! Listen Up! will drop on May 22nd - mark your calendars!

3. You can pre-order the deluxe edition of Listen Up!, which includes the CD (with 14 songs), a collectible display flipbook featuring 14 vintage art postcards with commentary and personal messages to fans from Haley, and a code to redeem a digital download of “Free”, through Haley's official website. The first 500 fans to purchase the deluxe edition will receive copies signed by Haley herself. International fans - keep checking the online store because I am sure that orders will open up to other countries soon.

4. Haley is set to return to the American Idol stage on March 22nd, as well as make a guest appearance on the CW's 90210 on March 27th to perform "Free".

Jack and White Live Sessions: 'XYZ'

Jack and White have a knack for crafting insightful lyrics to coincide with their beautiful melodies. Watch this second installment of Winter Wednesday - a live performance of "XYZ" from their Winter EP - and listen to these words of wisdom:

The more I grow, the less I know, about xyz, the world I see
Ups and downs, they hang around, like leaves on trees, or waves on sea
That’s life.

Download Jack and White's two EPs, 'Winter' and 'Gemini', on iTunes.

A Temporary Change in Direction

Failure is only a temporary change in direction to set you straight for your next success.

Just what I needed to hear today.

Carrie Underwood's "Good Girl" Music Video

In case you needed a reminder of why Carrie Underwood is one of the most stylish and beautiful women in the music biz, here is the music video for her latest single, "Good Girl". This will require multiple viewings as you 'ooh' and 'ahh' over all of the gorgeous outfits and hairdos she models.

Women's Words of Wisdom

In honour of Women's History Month, International Women's Day, and the YWiB SFU International Women's Day Conference, here are a few words of wisdom from some remarkable women:

"We do not need magic to change the world, we carry all the power we need inside ourselves already: we have the power to imagine better." - J.K. Rowling

Artwork by the YWiB SFU IWD Organizing Committee.

Dream. Balance. Love. Gratitude. Create.

On March 10th, YWiB SFU hosted the 2012 International Women's Day Conference, a day dedicated to celebrating the achievements of women in our everyday lives as well as women around the globe. This year's theme of "Connecting Girls, Inspiring Futures" encourages women to start making a difference by sharing their own stories and visions for the future with other like-minded and motivated women as a stepping stone towards overcoming the adversity and achieving their dreams.

Among the roster of speakers was the ambitious Anna Rice, whose great list of accomplishments include being a two-time Olympic athlete for the Canadian National Badminton Team, an ambassador for Right to Play, and a coordinator for Choose Again. During her keynote presentation on tapping into your strengths and unleashing the true and unique essence of who you are, she shared her five steps to 'Connecting with your Inner Olympian':

• Direct your DREAM. Remember that YOU are the one with the power to design your dreams and to drive towards your ultimate destination. When you get lost in what you're doing (as if you're 'in the zone' and time doesn't exist), you have discovered your passion. Investing yourself in what you love is the cornerstone of having abundance in your life.
• Find your BALANCE. Work and life should not be separate, but synergized! Maximize your happiness and potential by ensuring that you are enjoying what you are doing and are able to draw inspiration from all areas of work and life.
• LOVE yourself. Treat yourself as if you already are the person you strive to be. In tough times, recognize what others would want you to do. That is the true meaning of selflessness.
• Have GRATITUDE. Appreciate the opportunities you are presented with. Every situation is a gift. Whether good or bad, you will always take away an important lesson out of any experience. Be aware of the energy you attract by focusing on the positive.
• CREATE! Do not be intimidated to present your unique essence with others. When you share, you will grow personally and leave an imprint on those around you. Write your own HERstory!

Community Returns!

Coming soon to a television set near you...

Class is back in session! On March 15th, Community returns from its hiatus with new episodes featuring the quirky Greendale study group. I sure have missed seeing the crazy shenanigans that this odd bunch gets into, and I'll certainly welcome back a dose of humour into my weekly television schedule. As Abed would say, expect the second half of Season 3 to be 'Cool Cool Cool!'

Watch Community on Thursday nights at 8pm on NBC.

American Idol Season 11: Jessica Sanchez

It is hard to believe that it has been a month since we had to say goodbye to Whitney Houston. While she may no longer be with us, her memory continues to live on in the world. As a way of paying their respects to the woman who inspired them to use their voices, many singers in the entertainment industry have taken to covering Whitney's classics in their performances.

This week, during American Idol's Whitney Houston and Stevie Wonder tribute night, one aspiring young diva dared to tackle Whitney's signature song, "I Will Always Love You". While it is a risky maneuver to sing this great beast of a ballad, Jessica Sanchez managed to rise to the occasion with a beautifully effortless rendition that was as close to perfection as one can get. Jessica's performance prompted the judges to praise her for delivering the best vocals of the season and declare her as 'the one' to beat in the competition. If this is just the beginning for the sweet sixteen-year old singer (who is just as stunning on a studio recording as she is in her live performances), then I cannot wait to see what she has in store next!

All hail Princess Jessica.

Jack and White Live Sessions: 'Voices'

What I love the most about Jack and White is how inviting they are. Everything this duo does, from their performances to their engagement with their fans, is intimate, down-to-earth, and real.

On that note, Jack Matranga and Brooke White have recorded a series of live sessions of songs from their 'Winter' EP, to be released throughout the month of March. To start, here is the dreamy and delicate 'Voices'. Watch out for the next few installments on 'Winter Wednesdays'!

Download Jack and White's two EPs, 'Winter' and 'Gemini', on iTunes.

Haley Reinhart 'Free' Cover Art

We're a little less than two weeks away (March 20! Mark it down on your calendar!) from the release of Haley Reinhart's "Free", the first single from her debut album. Just like the song itself, the cover art for "Free" stays true to her jazzy vibe and throwback style. It is fresh, flirty, and as my friend Jules would say, "retrofabulous!"

Carrie Underwood 'Blown Away' Cover Art

After many months of anticipation, Carrie Underwood has finally revealed the title and cover art of her fourth-coming studio album! To be released on May 1st, Blown Away evokes a darker and mature side to Carrie that hasn't been seen before. Standing on a windswept field in the midst of a storm, she is like.a mythical goddess, equal parts ethereal and mysterious. Now that the tides have turned in terms of her imagery, it shall be intriguing to hear the music that comes out of this new Carrie era!

ETA: Tracklisting

1. Good Girl
2. Blown Away
3. Two Black Cadillacs
4. See You Again
5. Do You Think About Me
6  Forever Changed
7. Nobody Ever Told You
8. One Way Ticket
9. Thank God for Hometowns
10. Good in Goodbye
11. Leave Love Alone
12. Cupid’s Got a Shotgun
13. Wine After Whiskey
14. Who Are You

8: The Fight for Marriage Equality

Written by screenwriter Dustin Lance Black (J. Edgar, Milk) and directed by actor and director Rob Reiner, 8 is a stage adaptation of Perry v. Schwarzenegger, the landmark federal trial that overturned Proposition 8 - the constitutional amendment that eliminated the rights of same-sex couples to marry in the state of California. Framed around the trial's closing arguments in June 2010, this powerful account of the case filed by the American Foundation for Equal Rights (AFER) uses actual court transcripts and first-hand interviews to provide an intimate look at what unfolded in the U.S. District Court. The personal stories of the plaintiffs, witnesses, and their families' struggles of living as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender person in America add an emotional, honest quality to the play, which propels the all-important message of equality.

On Saturday, March 3, an all-star cast featuring George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Martin Sheen, Jamie Lee Curtis, Jane Lynch, Kevin Bacon, Chris Colfer, Matthew Morrison, Jessica Tyler Ferguson, John C. Reilly, and others, joined together for a one-night-only benefit reading of "8" in support of AFER at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre in L.A.

You can replay the live stream of the production by screening the YouTube video above.


"We put fear and prejudice on trial, and fear and prejudice lost."

Vienna Waits For You

13 Going on 30 struck a chord with me when I was 15. Like Jenna Rink, I aspired to be like the pretty, popular, and successful women that I saw the magazines, and I anticipated the day when those dreams would come to fruition. With my mind always focused on the future, I often forgot to appreciate the joyful, carefree days of being a teenager and the importance of living in the moment.

In the scene where Jenna travels back home after realizing how much of a mess her adult life is, Billy Joel's "Vienna" poignantly plays in the background. That was the first time that I had ever heard that song, and I considered it to be a profound moment because it caused me to re-evaluate my 'grow up and get out' mentality on life.






Slow down, you crazy child
You're so ambitious for a juvenile
But then if you're so smart, tell me
Why are you still so afraid?

Where's the fire, what's the hurry about?
You'd better cool it off before you burn it out
You've got so much to do and
Only so many hours in a day

But you know that when the truth is told
That you can get what you want or you get old
You're gonna kick off before you even get halfway through
When will you realize, Vienna waits for you?

Am I where I thought I would be at 23?

No, but I am appreciating the journey even more.

"We must be willing to let go of the life we have planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us." - Joseph Campbell

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss

Happy Birthday to Dr. Seuss, the author whose imaginative books (The Cat in the Hat, Green Eggs and Ham, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, The Lorax - which is out in theatres today) inspired me to develop a love for words and a love for rhymes (and a love for words that rhyme) very early on in my childhood.

"Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." - Dr. Seuss

American Idol Season 11: Top 13

Introducing the Top 13 of American Idol Season 11! Phillip Phillips, Heejun Han, Joshua Ledet, Colton Dixon, and Jermaine Jones gained the most votes on the guys' side, while Jessica Sanchez, Hollie Cavanagh, Shannon Magrane, Skylar Laine, and Elise Testone earned the most votes on the girls' side. After their electrifying 'sing for your life' performances, Erika Van Pelt, Jeremy Rosado, and Deandre Brackensick were rewarded a second chance from the judges through the wildcard round.

This eclectic group of contestants will kick off the finals next week by singing the songs of music legends Stevie Wonder and Whitney Houston.

Let the show begin!