Tegan and Sara - Bluesfest Ottawa 2011

Ever since we were in college, one of my best friends and I wanted to see Tegan and Sara in concert.  It may not seem like a big deal to many, but Tegan and Sara’s music got us through College—along with large doses of Jurassic Park 3, Shrek and Finding Nemo.  So, it wasn’t that large of a stretch to want to go see them together at least once.  Well, we graduated college over six years ago and on Tuesday July 5^th the dream finally came through.

Javier Colon Winner of "The Voice"

Set with the backdrop of the sun setting over the Ottawa River, Javier Colon, Winner of THE VOICE, settled into his set. Romanticizing the love song all over again to many of us who was there mainly to see Tegan and Sara perform, since we didn’t know he would be there. He did a few songs from the show including “In the Arms of the Angel” a brilliant cover for Sarah McLaughlin, before doing one in Spanish and a new one he wrote for the show called “Stitch by Stitch.” Though many of us were there to see T and S, we were sucked in by the perfection of his voice, the cool air swirling around us and the beautiful sunset beside us.  The sky filled with splotches of brilliant oranges and yellows mixed in with a bit of cloud and light.  The scene was perfect.



Tegan and Sara singing "Back in your head"



After Javier left the stage, the crowd got antsy, they lifted their hands in the air, clapping above their heads and bouncing a large, blue ball from one end of the mob all the way to the other. When Tegan and Sara did not magically read our minds as to what we wanted, we began chanting their names—one half of us yelling “TEGAN!” while the other half screamed “SARA!” in perfect harmony. The chanting got louder when Tegan stuck her head out to look over the audience for a mere second.  When they finally took the stage, there were whistling and screaming. One girl behind me bumped me so hard I had to turn and give her the evil eye. But in a flash, that hostility was gone, replaced by the beautiful plucking of a guitar.



Sara from the group Tegan and Sara



As the sun disappeared over the Ottawa River, to be replaced by spotlights and cheers, Tegan and Sara did what they did best. After a year off from performing, Bluesfest was their first performance back.  “After a year off, from not performing, Sara and I were terrified we wouldn’t remember what we were doing,” Tegan said as she looked down at her guitar. “So you’re gonna have to help us out a little bit.” This was before they broke into “Back in your head” and the crowd sang at the top of our lungs right along with them.

Tegan from Tegan and Sara

Throughout the show, they did a few of our favorites, a reworked song and new dance song that Sara wrote, which when released in the fall, is going to be epic! Tegan messed up a couple of times but they did explain they hadn’t done most of those songs in over a year.

All in all it was a great night and Tegan and Sara did not disappoint.



Not sure who these are but they were at Bluesfest



No it's not a stargate...sound check for Sound Garden

The sunset over The Ottawa River


Tegan and Sara Back in your head

[Serious Talk 'Bout] TTC - Slowly Slipping Away

A few years ago, the TTC, Toronto Transit Commission, papered the city with commercials of a TTC bus in people's driveway. The picture went with the words "leave your cars at home." But over the years, it has become rather inconvenient for any sane person to leave their cars at home and hop on the TTC.


On January 22, the night was freezing. The street lights at Sheppard and Shorting were out, for some strange reason and the wait for the bus was nothing short of torture. One after another, buses sped by but they were all out of service. Forty five minutes later a single 85 pulled up and we all piled on.  Minutes later, at Morningside and Sheppard, the wait once again was a painful one. Six 116 buses sped by heading in the opposite direction toward Finch and for the hour wait, one 116 came for Kennedy Station.


It seems at every turn, the news is reporting a need for fare hikes.  Most riders would be happy if the fare was being hiked and the quality of service was being raised. But the sad truth of the matter is, Torontonians are being gouged by the Toronto Transit Commission. They are paying way more for way less and crappier service.


It seems the majority of the times, the bus drivers are always in a crabby mood. But that is not even the problem for most people couldn't care less what mood their drivers are in. The problem comes in when you are on time


The route from Finch to Kennedy does not need express 116 and 86 buses at six o'clock in the mornings. These buses sail past smaller stops with more people with very little to no passengers on them.


The bus drivers have a nasty habit of speeding past stops then going down the street and park. I mean, what's the point to all that? Then if your trip takes you forty-five minutes to get somewhere and you give yourself an hour and fifteen minutes to get there, you will most definitely be late because thanks to the TTC, you'll be sitting at a few stops for minutes on end with no explanations as to why you're just sitting there. Buses will pass you and you will think "I should have waited for that one" but when your bus finally moves again and you get up the street, you will see another bus parked there...just waiting.


What I'm simply saying is this:


It seemed every time I leave Toronto and return the fare went up. I almost swallowed my tongue the day I returned and asked a driver how much it was to get on the bus. When he said "three dollars!" I stood there, blinking blankly at him for so long he had to ask if I was alright.  That is insane! We pay more and more to travel the public transit, when they are ready they go on strike and treat riders like second class citizens.  The last time they went on strike, they left teenagers stranded, in the middle of the night downtown with no way of getting home. Parents were panicking. It was a hot mess. But as per usual, they wanted what they wanted and they wanted it now!


I am tired of it all. To make matters worse, our new mayor sees it as a joke. He really isn't trying to fix the problem--all his suggestions just seem to exasperate the issues.  He spends more time ensuring he's gone rogue than actually helping us deal with the insufferable jerks that seem to be controlling the way we get around our own city. Something has to give and until someone gets around to fixing this irritating mess, this city will continue to be held hostage by the TTC and there isn't a hell of a lot we can do about it.


How sad is that?

WORLD MUSIC: JJ Lin

Known as JJ Lin, Wayne Lin Jun Jie ( 林俊杰) was born on March 27, 1981 in Singapore. He is a singer, songwriter and actor.  He is signed to Ocean Butterflies and has written songs for a host of big names including Ji De (Remember), A-Mei and fellow lable mate A-do (Fang Shou) but he rose further in fame when his music began being used in dramas by MediaCorp TV.


JJ Lin won the Gold Award for Best New Artist in 2004 at the Singapore Hit Awards and went on to clean up at the 2005 awards with four awards including Best Local Male Artist, Best Composing Artist, Best Male Vocalist and Best Local Music Composition Award. These wins solidified his name and showed JJ Lin was a true force in the music world.   His album Cao Cao sold over 12 million copies in two weeks!














100 DAYS - JJ LIN

Burlesque at Sexapolooza!

"Burlesque is a literary, dramatic or musical work intended to cause laughter by caricaturing the manner or spirit of serious works, or by ludicrous treatment of their subjects. The word derives from the Italian burlesco, which itself derives from the Italian burla – a joke, ridicule or mockery" - Wikipedia

On Saturday Feburary 25, I had the pleasure to attend my first ever Sexapolooza in Toronto with the very talented Erotic author Savannah Chase.  At first I didn't know what to expect and though I put on a good front, I was terrified going in.  Admission to the show is reasonable at 15 dollars if you buy them in advance online and twenty dollars if you buy them at the door.



Though the show includes a little of everything, from the history of porn, to body painting, toy sales and a dungeon, a life-size cut out of a vagina that mostly men thought would be funny to stick their heads in and have their friends take their pictures amongst tons of wares being sold, the one thing I focused on was Burlesque.  As I walked around, we crashed into the table being womaned by Li'l Relly.  She was very friendly and adorable sitting there all by her lonesome. I got to talking with her and looking through everything they were selling.  Everything was lovely and very affordable. Though she doesn't have a website as yet, you can find her by clicking on her name to send her an email.  Or you can get her on Myspace.



Li'l Relly at her table



Later on, Savannah and I along with our guests, took a front row seat to wash Li'l Relly and others do their things on the main stage. We couldn't help but marvel about the new found popularity the art form garnered after the movie BURLESQUE starring Cher and Christina Aguilera.

Before the performance started, I was a bit worried of what would happen. I was a tad nervous about nudity but there is nothing to worry about. Though clothing is shed, nothing offensive is seen. I've always thought, Burlesque is the art of being sexy and comfortable with your own body without being overtly risque.  So don't worry, nothing to be nerous about.

"I love the way it includes women with all body shapes," Savannah Chase marvelled.

This was brilliant on the part of the ladies from Starlight Burlesque.   Not only are they talented in what they do, they have amazing voices as well. One of the songs used in their performance was performed by one of the dancers from the troupe. 



Li'l Relly in Action

 Burlesque added a bit of class to Sexapolooza that I welcomed. Should by high school drama teacher ever read this, she would not be shocked. I took a keen interested in the art form during that section of my grade 11 acting class. I was always amazed at the art of being sexy without being overtly slutty. 

Should you wish to contact the Starlight Burlesque Troupe, please search for Starlight Burlesque Toronto on Facebook. To contact Li'l Relly, the links above or search through my links to the side. 

WORLD MUSIC: Tanya Stephens



Tanya Stephens

 Born vivienne Tanya Stephens in Kingston Jamaica, we know her better as Tanya Stephens. She grew up in St. Anns and St. Mary. Though she was well knowned on the island of Jamaica with hits like These Streets, she acheived international recognition with her slow song It is a Pity.  With her debut album Big Tings a Gwan she was a hit amongst Jamaican dancehall goers and enjoyed great success. Her release Rebelution was overly successful! The ablum sold out in Jamaica and many think it is due to her tribute to Rosa Parks--her song Rosa.

In 1998 she was called one of Jamaica's Top female artists by the Washington Post and after her first album, she developed as an artist speaking out against such things as homophobia. She was called "intuitive and "intelligent" by scientist Clinton Hutton for speaking out on such relevant topics.

Reggae Superstar Faces Life in Prison

Coming off his recent Grammy win (grammy 2011), Mark Anthony Myrie otherwise known as Buju Banton, Jamaican reggae superstar is facing drug possession charges after his most recent arrest in Florida. According to the DEA - Drug Enforcement Administration, the charge is  "conspiracy of possessing five kilograms (of) cocaine with intention to distribute."

This is not Buju Banton's first run in with the law. He is known for promoting gay-bashing, and rabbid anti-gay lyrics.  In 2009 he was accused and arrested for forcefully entering a home and attacking its occupants after accusing them of being involved in gay relationships.

The Gay and Lesbian Alliance fought against his nomination for Pasta Got Soul citing that the lyrics promotes anti-gay sentiments and actions against them. Buju's recent arrest will come as welcomed news to many GLBTTQ organizations but as depressing news to Banton fans.

Valentine's Day Prep

Though I would recommend showing your lover, wife, husband, significant other etc love every day of the year, its about that time of year again when many lovers will be in the dog house--they will be in so much trouble because they will forget the special day--Valentine's Day. For those of you who have no clue when that is (sense the sarcasm?) It is on Feburary 14th.

Do not wait until the very last minute to plan. Some people plan a year in advance. Though that is something I do not recommend as you do not know what tomorrow holds, plan at least two months in advance. If you try finding lingerie now online for Valentine's Day you will be hardpressed to find something quiet easily as many online stores are already sold out. But if you plan from around December, or at least start your plans from then, when Valentine's rolls around, you will be set with little to no pesky surprises.

Now, if you are of those lovers who is on top of the ball but you want some new ideas for the romantic day I may have a few suggestions. If your lover is a romance/erotica reader why not get her a Kindle stock full of her favorite writers? A Kindle is a hand-held reading device that reads ebooks galore!

Not into those books? Alright, try a nice little trip away. If you cannot afford to leave the country then leave the city behind. Niagara Falls is nice this time of year but everyone is going there. Don't be everyone else! You don't want to be cooped up in a hotel with a bunch of lovers who have no regard for anyone else and the noise levels can be out of countrol. Try a cozy little B&B in Bobcaygeon, or somewhere in the East Coast.  If you can afford to leave the country for Valentine's Day, might I suggest Paris, Prague, The Caribbean or Spain. These countries are typically the romance capitals of the world. Go somewhere where romance is tops at this time of year.

If you cannot afford to travel period, might I suggest a nice time at home. Have someone babysit the kids or have the kids do a sleep over at someone else's place and cook a nice meal, run your lover a warm bath (it is winter and Canada gets EXTREMELY cold), play some soft music (may I suggest Luther Vandross or Brian McKnight) as well as light some candles, buy some flowers and a nice card and have some quiet time together.  For some recipes for Valentine's Day simply click here and here then enjoy!

For you plus size female lovers, there is lingerie for you too. Check out Hips and Curves. They will definately have something for you. Please be sure if you order things at the last minute, to have it expressed to you so it will be to you on time for that special night and day.

Here's wishing you and yours a lovely day filled with joy, laughter, love and romance; Happy Valentine's Day to all!

WORLD MUSIC: Taeyang

Photo taken from Always Taeyang

Born Dong Young Bae, we, K-pop fans, know him as Taeyang (meaning Solar) and member of uber popular South Korean band Big Bang.  Within and out of the band, Taeyang AKA Sol, has been burning up the charts. Before that, Taeyang appeared in Jinusean's "Ayo" video and was drafted into the YG Entertaiment family at the tender age of twelve. 

Known for his smooth dance moves which includes Krumpin, this heart throb has been scaling the Korean charts with his band and without. His first solo mini album "HOT" was released in 2008 and his first full length album "Solar" was released in 2010.  SOLAR darted up the charts and was number 2 on the iTunes Top R&B Albums in the United States and number 1 in Canada.

At twenty two years old, Taeyang has made a name for himself as a singer, dancer, rapper and writer.  Backed by a production team that includes TEDDY, Taeyang has manged to contribute to albums belonging to the likes of G Dragon (his fellow Big Bang cast member), Kush, Yang Hyun Suk.

His song titles includes PRAYER, WHERE U AT (aka Wedding Dress), ONLY LOOK AT ME, and his english rendition I'LL BE THERE. 

No matter what he does, or what name you know him as, Taeyang is a certified performer and talent.

Live performance for "I'LL BE THERE" (In Korean)



Video for "I'll Be There" (English)

Cold White Powder--Oh My!



Photo by Remmy Duchene



So your kids woke up this morning, barged into your room and bounce on the bed screaming at the top of their lungs--that means you may have to get a baby-sitter because some schools might be closed due to the heavy snow Toronto received throughout the night.

While the while dust covering everything is beautiful to look at, it is freezing outside and with the high winds, snow is blow everywhere, smashing against walls and blinding pedestrians and drivers alike.  Mother nature in all her fury visiting the great white north.

The day may not be as warm as you'd like and the snow caked sidewalks and streets may be a hindrance, but please take it slow out there.  Here are some tips that will hopefully help you and keep you and others around you, safe.

TIPS

1. Avoid distractions - Cell phones, iPods, navigation systems etc are giant attention suckers.  When those thing go off you are almost always compelled to check them. Turn cell phones off or put them on silent or vibrate. Keep cell phones and anything that may steal your attention from the road in the backseat on the ground behind the driver's seat. This way you won't be tempted to reach for them.
2. Slow down - It is a myth that because you have winter tires, you can drive at your regular speed and be safe.  Winter tires are simply to assist your other precautions and may keep you save.  Drive at a speed that allows you to stop and/or react safely. Slow down to match the condition of the road. Remember, you may not always see the ice but it is still there and could cause an accident if you are speeding. Give yourself enough time to make it where you are going on time without breaking all speed limits. If a trip would normally take you an hour during the summer days without snow, give yourself an extra thirty to forty five minutes for the same trip during the winter. Getting there early and have to wait is much better than not getting there at all.
3. Be extra vigilant - Keep an eye out for pedestrians. During the winter, pedestrians tend to use every short-cut they can think of to avoid staying in the cold longer than they have to--these short-cuts often times include j-walking. Be sure to take note of the people around you as well as the vehicles.  Other drivers who do not adhere to the 'take it easy' advice during the winter time can put you, your passenger(s) and other motorists and pedestrians at risk. Be careful--because they are crazy doesn't mean you have to be.
4. Stay home - If you aren't going to work or something equally as important, stay home. In today's day and age, you don't have to leave home to pay bills and the like. Do not add to the clutter on the streets. Besides, it is warm in your house and cuts down on the chances of you getting frost bite. All joking aside (about the frost bite), if you don't have to go out, stay home; stay in, stay warm.
5. Dress appropriately - If you're not lucky enough--or unlucky, depending on who you ask--to have a car, dress warm.  Buses do not run on time or regularly as they would in the summer and if for some reason you miss one bus the next one could be a ways away. Dress warm enough so you can stand outside for at least an hour without heating. This minimizes your risk of getting sick.
6. Keep Warm - Keep warm out there. If you're waiting for the bus and it is taking longer than usual, stand inside the bus shelter. If one is not there, stand inside a store, or diner, or restaurant to keep warm. Storekeepers are usually understanding about that kind of thing as long as you do not block their customers or cause any kind of trouble.
7. Your Car - If for some reason your car breaks down, do not sit inside the car. During winters the blowing snow impair vision. Sitting in your car may not be the safest place for you to be.  Try getting to a gas station or call for help immediately.

Here's hoping these tips help you and your family. Keep warm and be safe out there.

FOODIE - Phoenix Pan Asian Cuisine

Looking for a new place for dinner tonight? How about after the rush of the holidays and you just do not feel like going back into the kitchen for another week? Take a trip into Scarborough for some Pan Asian food! 

The atmostphere in this restaurant is surprisingly homely. The smooth reds and browns make it peaceful to sit and have a delicious meal. Their menu is a great mixture of Chinese, Thai, Japanese, Veitnamese food that will definately satisfy. Portions are large for a small price and the tast will have you coming back.

Located at 3730 Kingston Road (at the Scarborough Golf Club and Kingston Road intersection), it is a gem of a place that no one would expect to be where it is.  It stands out from the others with a moniker to draw attention.  Once you step through the doors, you are immediately transported into Asia.

Soft music plays in the background as their friendly staff (they are actually friendly) seat you and take your order. The servers smile and speak with you in such pleasant voices, you cannot help but be shocked. But if you do not wish to eat there, they offer take-out services as well! As you wait, you cannot help looking around, admiring the different paintings on the wall, the curtains and cushions at the windows and the potted plants that adorn the interior.  The space is not cluttered with tables and chairs. It gives way for an intimate dining experience.

Since it is winter may I suggest the Noodle Soup? Egg noodles with shredded vegetable in clear soup
Choice of chicken or shrimp

And before leaving, do not forget to place a quarter in the Red Budha's hand.

REVIEW: Doowops and Hooligans

When most artists debut their first album, it is with much fanfare and much-ado--sometimes if major publicity stunts. But Bruno Mars doesn't need all that.  With credits under his belt for his production role in the monster smash "Wavin Flag" and his song "Billionaire" with Travie McCoy and being featured in Glee, Bruno Mars is a certifiable musical genius! After listening to his album, it is evident that this artist is uber talented.

The album Doowops and Hooligans features Cee Lo Green (Knars Barklay)and Damion Marley (son to Jamaican reggae superstar, Bob Marley) but that isn't want stands out the most.  The album has a smooth jazz/blues/reggae/Beach Boys kind of feel to it and leave you feeling light and uplifted.  The first two singles from the album, Just the Way You Are and Grenade, have been released to major success and climbed the Much Music Video charts like wild fire! Any song to be released next will surely be as hot for these tracks are something to take notice of. From The Lazy Song, to Our First time and Talking to the Moon one must understand that this album is well worth whatever you pay for it.

Every song on this album has a writing credit to Bruno and where the songs are simple they are profound with meaning and light. The lyrics have you laughing one minute, sighing the next and crying the next. This album is for all seasons and all ages. It is a true pleasure to listen to.

The Uber Track(s) - Talking to the Moon & The Other Side (Featuring Cee Lo Green)

Welcome to 2011 - Year of the Rabbit!

Gong Hei Fard Choy!! Well of course it's not the Chinese New Year till around March but still! Happy New Year all you wonderful people! And remember, I know you are all going to party either alone, with a lover or with family but please remember if you drink, do NOT drive! Be safe out there, if it is snowing, slow down. Take good care out there! Welcome to the new year and may it hold for you all happiness and love!

Kadian Tracey