O.U.C.H 2010 - DC Brings It Home

So You Think You Can Dance? ‘GeekFreaks’ Certainly Can!
‘GeekFreaks’, a dance group which is part of the Student Association at Durham College/UOIT’s (GTA) club H.E.R ‘Hip Hop in its Essence and Realness’, ended host university McMaster’s four year reign as Champions by winning O.U.C.H (Ontario Universities Competition for Hip Hop) on November 27, 2010. ‘GeekFreaks’ championship winning dance ‘Like a Boss’ combined old school tunes with current flavour to wow the capacity audience. In addition to winning the dance competition they also won ‘People’s Choice Award’ and ‘Best Mix’.

GeekFreaks’ 12 dancers - Majoire Santos; Jonny Wallace; Wayne Carrasco; Khaila Charr; Cindy Lam; Jason Cuison; JD Raymundo; Aaron Providence; Nakia LF; Fatima Mohammdi; Dominque Cole; and Peter Yoon brought the audience to their feet with their funky moves, smooth mixes and sly costumes. The group started in 2006 as friends practicing breakdancing, popping and locking and other moves. In 2008 they began to dance competitively all over the GTA and Durham Region. Only a year later they won their first competition at the biggest post-secondary dance competition in Ontario called the University Dance Challenge. They have won other competitions such as Humber Hype, Summer Jam and BAM. ‘GeekFreaks’ continued their success in various dance competitions and capped off an amazing 2010 with their impressive win at O.U.C.H.

As a Student Association club H.E.R. aim to inform and express the true essence of hip hop by holding events in the school community and would like to hold workshops and showcases to show that hip hop is more than just music – it is a positive lifestyle. As winners of O.U.C.H they now have the privilege of acting as hosts for the competition in 2011.

‘GeekFreaks’ can be contacted at:
geekfreakstv@gmail.com
www.geekfreakstv.blogspot.com
www.myspace.com/geekfreakstv
www.twitter.com/geekfreakstv
www.youtube.com/geekfreakstv

By Jacqueline and Sinem

TAYLOR SWIFT AT MUCHMUSIC -TORONTO

She’s called the bestest, the greatest, the coolest because Taylor Swift is…fearless.

Taylor Swift came down to Toronto on Thursday November 4^th and what a memorable day it was. Taylor signed T-shirts, who just finished selling over 1 million of her title album “Speak Now” in its opening week, which hasn’t been done in the last 5 years than non other than lil Wayne. Fan of course camped all day outside for the chance to take and meet Taylor Swift.

She is called an artist, a role model, Grammy award winner, the greatest, the coolest, she is simply the best, she is Taylor Swift. Taylor Swift makes you believe that the only person that can make you happy is yourself. She has truly surprised me in her musical journey, her lyrics are advanced and mature and her songs are full with heartfelt emotions and full of great passion. She is able to connect with audiences in such a deep and intimate level and bare herself in such a truly genuine manner.

What I adore about Taylor is that she is a true artist, not afraid of following her beat of the drum, and doesn’t allow outside influences or pressures destroy what she believes in--­-she stays true to herself.  She is inspirational because she shows us her vulnerable side, creating songs that we can relate to, sharing a connection, and leaving us with an understanding that it’s ok to be you. An understanding that’s it ok to be different, unique, since she herself is too. She has all the traits of a great role model, good character, charm, sound mind and talent, all a refreshing change in the current music industry.

-By Jacqueline Opoku

Adele: Music Spotlight

First off, big hello to all old and new live.laugh.love readers! Want to thank all of you for checking out our music spotlight on Down With Webster! Jackie and I really appreciate you taking the time to check the article out - hopefully you all enjoyed it! We have tweeted the band and posted the article on the boys' Facebook fan page, hoping they have read it as well... Hey, a girl can dream, no?? Anyways, leave your comments/ suggestions on any of our articles; we would love to hear from you! You can also follow Jackie and I on twitter @jackieopoku and @sinemtekin

Earlier this week I discovered that one of my favourite artists, Adele, has released some new material from her upcoming album '21'! Unfortunately, the album won't be out until February 22nd, 2011. Luckily for me and other Adele fans, she released two new songs! Sadly, they won't be available to download until January 24th, 2011, but you can play the songs over and over to your heart's desire on YouTube. The first song titled 'Rolling in the Deep' has a total folk, Florence and the Machine-esque feel to it with the drums; but still Adele's beautiful soulful voice makes it original! Check it out for yourself, and let us know what you think:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lazyDlfaptM

I have already lost count to the number of times I have listened to this song! An added bonus of the link, is that we are provided with studio footage of Adele recording the song and album! I read that the album was recorded in Santa Barbara, CA so it should be interesting to see how recording in Santa Barabara has influenced her sound, as opposed to her debut album '19' which was recorded across the pond in London, England...

The second song 'Someone Like You' has a hauntingly beautiful piano melody - a perfect compliment to Adele's voice.. Honestly, this girl doesn't need much to sound amazing - part of what makes her so refreshing, especially considering the heavy use of autotune most 'singers' rely on... The first ten seconds of this song have a bit of a Moonlight Sonata sample to it, in my opinion.. Nevertheless, the moment the song starts, you find yourself immediately drawn in to its beauty and complexity... Check her out performing the song live on 'Later... With Jools Holland' http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHciwrfQQpU&feature=related

For more information on Adele, check out her official website http://www.adele.tv/ 

Also, be sure to check out her debut album '19' - I guarantee, you will not be dissapointed!! Here's one of my favourites off the album 'First Love' http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8hWNyb0bNM

Any artists you would like featured?? Hit us up on twitter or leave a comment... Whichever you choose, never forget to live.laugh.love

- Sinem Tekin

 

Down With Webster: Music Spotlight

Here at Live.Laugh.Love we are constantly on the lookout
for hot, fresh, innovative talent - especially right here
in Toronto. The following group meets - and in my opinion,
exceeds - all of the criteria above.

Down With Webster is a seven piece group from Toronto. The group is made up of Tyler - bass and keyboards, Pat - vocals and guitar, Marty - drums, Bucky - vocals, Cam - vocals, Kap - hypeman, and Diggy - DJ. The group started out way back when members Tyler, Pat, and Marty were in the same music class in junior high. The boys initially set out to play a talent show at school - which they won. Soon after the group evolved to the seven piece genre defying group we know and love.

The guys grew up in the Beaches, a neighborhood right here in Toronto. Reading up on their bio and watching interviews, this is one band that is no overnight success - they have been together for over a decade. In fact, their rigourous work ethic led them to sell out shows in their hometown - before they even relased a single, music video or were signed to a major label. Along the way, they also caught the eye of industry heavy hitters Timbaland and Gene Simmons of KISS. Both who were in a bidding war to sign the group to their respective labels. Instead, they opted to go with Motown/ Universal Records.

In 2008, the group won the Rogers Mobile/ Universal Music best unsigned artists in Canada award. However, it seems that 2009 was their breakout year. In 2009, they made a month-long appeareance on Warped Tour and Virgin Festival; and their debut album, Time to Win Vol.1 was released. Their success has continued to grow in 2010. They became Juno nominated artists. Hosted MuchMusic's Spring Break special - where they also got to open for Lil' John. Were nominees and performers at the 2010 MuchMusic Video Awards. Performed to a crowd of at least 10 000 in their hometown this past summer at the CNE. The CNE Bandshell was my first Down With Webster concert. I remember Cam mentionning to the crowd that evening, hoping that one day the band will get to play and sell out the Air Canada Centre.

Cut to a month later, and the start of that dream became a reality. Down With Webster were listed as one of the performers - openers actually - at WEDay in Toronto; a rock concert for social change. Twenty thousand youth gathered into the ACC on September 30th; while not a Down With Webster show, they showed how hard work and dedication pays off.

Down With Webster is most definitely one of the most dedicated bands out there. These guys are always on the road. They are currently touring with 3OH3! and Hellogoodbye across the U.S. (with four
Canadian dates - unfortunately, none in Toronto). I can honestly say it's one thing to enjoy their music and videos, but seeing them live is essential. Unlike a lot of bands, they are all about the power of the live show. These guys have definitely set the bar high for any future shows I'll attend. They have incredible energy, as they interact and challenge their crowd to have as much fun as them. Their concert at the CNE Bandshell this past summer was hands down, the best concert I have ever been to!

Fans who were unable to catch them on The Streets of Gold Tour, can rejoice! The boys will be headlining their own tour, WINtour, across Canada in the new year. In addition, their much-anticipated sophmore release - Time to Win: Volume 2 is set to hit stores early 2011!!! Still not convinced??? Check out some footage I captured of their show at the CNE http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDFWeZRoPig. Visit their official site www.downwithwebster.com where you can become a fan on Facebook (they are one of the few bands who actually replies to their fans!), and follow them on Twitter. Request their latest single 'Whoa Is Me' at your local radio station! Spread the word, and while doing so never forget to live.laugh.love

- Sinem Tekin         

Geekfreaks/// Exclusive with Wanye Carrasco

I recently sat down with the creator and co founder of the Geekfreaks and talked in depth about the his dance crew . In this exclusive interview with Wayne Carrasco, I realize the hard work and inspiration that still continues in his mist.
Geekfreaks are a dance crew that consists of 13 official dancers. In 2006, The dance crew began as a group of friends practicing their solo arts in dance such as bboying, popping, and locking in a designated studio and decided in 2008 to form a competitive dance group together. This enabled them to expand their expressive movements from the private confinement of a dance studio to the views of the public eye. We come from all over the Greater Toronto Area and the Durham Region.

In 2009, the Geekfreaks competed in our first competition in the biggest post secondary dance competition in Ontario known as the University Dance Challenge (UDC) representing Durham College and the University of Ontario Institute of Technology. In this competition, the Geekfreaks won 1st place in our category, Small Group Hip Hop, Best Small Group Overall categories, and Judges Choice Award. These were all the best awards that were possible to achieve in that competition in the category. Geekfreaks placed in the top ten best hip-hop dance groups in Ontario, November 2009. Since then, Geekfreaks have won several other competitions such as 1st Place Overall Duet at Humber Hype 2010, The Choreography Scholarship Award of $1000 for the Geekfreaks routine at Humber Hype 2010, 1st Place Hip-Hop Award at BAM 2010 , Best Small Group Overall at BAM 2010 , and most recently attained the title of SUMMER JAM 2010 DANCE CREW CHAMPS.

As the crew's competitive achievements grew, so did their opportunities to take part in the entertainment industry outside of competitions. Members of the GeekFreaks have been discovered and casted to take part in music videos, commericials, concerts, and other grand public events such as International Festival 2009 in Oshawa, SpringFest 2010 in Montreal and Youth Day 2010 in Toronto for example. Furthermore, some of our members have performed with popular artists and groups such as such as Kardinal Official, Rick Ross, Busta Rhymes , T-Pain , Fabulous, Drake, 112, Blake Mcgrath , Lights , Down With Webster , USS, Kid Cudi, ASHES, iLLScarlett, Najjah, Enrique Iglesias, Cascada , Lady Gaga and many more! Our future goals are to further add to our collection of prominent titles, and to continue being more involved in the community and entertainment industry.

Jacqueline Opoku

To find out more information of the Geekfreaks and follow them check out:

http://www.youtube.com/geekfreakstv

Geekfreaks Online store

http://66thieves.com/?cat=41

Toronto Film Festival (TIFF)

Alright Toronto .It is this time of year. The Toronto Film Festival (TIFF), which is a film festival that is held in Toronto, Ontario. The Toronto international film festival runs from 9^th -19^th . There is over 300 to 400 films that are screen in downtown Toronto.

            The festival is considered a great launching pad for films to gain an “Oscar buzz”. Recent examples of this are movies such as Slumdog millionaire, Ray Charles, Precious.

The Toronto international film festival runs from 9-19 . Check out this website for Film& schedules and tickets information http://tiff.net/thefestival?sdate=11/9/2010.

Stars such as Blake lively and her co-stars  have been spotted around Toronto. Recently the cast of “the town” was seen having a special dinner in a upscale ltalian restaurant Sotto. Bake lively seen at the premiere of her new movie, was held at the AME on Saturday 11. 

Coincidence, that's all anything ever is. Nothing more than coincidence...

Being that it has been a while since our first post, I decided that it was finally time to write a new blog entry. Since the start of Ramadan, my social life has been put on hold. Besides working, I have been watching lots of TV, movies, and random YouTube videos to pass the time. Eventually my random YouTube video viewings led me to the trailer of the film (500) Days of Summer. I have always wanted to see this movie, and since I had a good two hours before dinner, I decided to give it a go. From my initial viewing of the trailer, I knew this would be the kind of movie I would enjoy. Yet, I can honestly say, this movie surpassed my expectations...

Without wasting any time, the film lets the audience know the following: this is a story of boy-meets-girl, but you should know upfront that this is not a love story. This alone, makes it standout from other run of the mill Romantic Comedies crafted from Hollywood. The realistic dialogue and characters, cinematography, and killer soundtrack all demonstrate that (500) Days of Summer is more the thinking man and woman's Romantic Comedy.

The films stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt (Tom) and Zooey Deschanel (Summer). Tom has grown up his whole life believing that he will meet "the one" and fall in love. Summer, on the other hand, holds a far more jaded view on the subject. Yet despite Summer's beliefs, Tom sees Summer as the girl of his dreams, and ends up falling in love. One of the reasons that this film is so brilliant is that it demonstrates how our perceptions and beliefs affect how we see others, and in turn - how we allow others to see ourselves. Also, realistically speaking - we all know people like Tom and Summer. Gordon-Levitt and Deschanel have great chemistry on-screen and they, along with a stellar supporting cast, portray their characters in an honest and relatable way.

The film does not chronologically follow Tom and Summer's relationship. Rather, the films goes back and forth to the good and bad moments Tom has experienced throughout his relationship with Summer. Thus, allowing the audience to develop a strong relationship with Tom and in turn teaches a valuable lesson: with love comes ignorance; meaning, we can love - or love the idea of - someone so much that it has the potential to make us completely oblivious to the true emotions and feelings that they have towards us. Ultimately, the film is a modernized version of unrequited love. I do not want to spoil the film for anyone, but perhaps the best scene in this film has to be where director Marc Webb aligns Tom's expectations versus the reality he faces at Summer's rooftop party. This is one scene that everyone has or will relate to. This scene shows us that there will come a moment when our expectations towards a situation or person will not align with the reality of the situation. It is simply an unavoidable universal truth that is beautifully and painfully unfolded on screen.

The film showcases the beatiful landscape and architecture Los Angeles has to offer. In addition, an incredible soundtrack - standout tracks are 'Sweet Disposition' by The Temper Trap and 'Hero' by Regina Spektor, a well-written and paced screenplay, seamless editing, and strong performances from lead and supporting characters, give it a thumbs up. Overall, (500) Days of Summer is a movie you should definitely check out because it is a realistic and bittersweet portrayal of love and relationships.

Already seen it? Please, leave a comment and let us know your thoughts...

- Sinem Tekin

Untitled.

All our lives - wether we would like to admit or not - we have always
been labelled; in turn, this label alots us into a select group,
category,
and community. Female, daughter, sister, single - the list is endless
really. Each of the labels mentionned can be used to
describe who I am today. Most recently, as of June 4th to be exact, I
became a member of an entire new group - 'post-grad'. Now, it's
important to understand
that the term 'post-grad' holds different meanings. For me, it meant
the end of written assignments, midterms, and required reading.
The end of a long commute.The end of being a "kid". The end of seeing
familiar faces, and random ones.
The end of frustration. The end of a chapter.

While it may seem that graduating has allowed me to breathe a giant
sigh of relief, as the summer comes to an end - I realize that I could
not be more wrong.
Like many other first time post-grads I have decided to take a year
off from furthering my education and work. Like other post-grads, I am
searching for a career
within my 'field' of study. As a Criminology and Justice graudate, I
can tell you that if your interests are outside of Policing,
Corrections, and Immigration -
your chances of securing your"dream job" are slim to none. Well, maybe
not none, but a lot like searching for a needle in a haystack.This
Criminology and Justice graduate has big dreams of making it as a
Broadcast Journalist. Meaning, this recent graduate finds herself lost
in a gigantic haystack.
As talk of going back to school begin to resume, questions about the
future keep me company day after day, and night after night.

I suppose this post can simply be summed up as a part of growing up -
meaning I am supposed to just deal with it. Yes, these decisions are
inevitable. Yet, times are
changing. This topic is perhaps one of the major issues youth face in
contemporary society. Sure these past four years have provided me with
many valuable life lessons - but
it is very unfair to think that in these short four years I will
discover who I truly am. As I decided to write this post, I asked
myself, "Who am I?".
Honestly, after four years, I do not know - and I have a feeling I am
not the only one. Four years are simply not enough to have it all
figured out.
In fact, if there is one thing I learned, four years later, is that
time only adds to the complications in our lives.


Nevertheless, with all these endings - comes a new beginning. That
being said, Jackie Opoku, and I would like to welcome you to our blog,
and remember that no matter what
life may throw at you never forget to Live.Laugh.Love