My Top Love Songs-Perfect For Valentines Day

“When you're in love you never really know whether your elation comes from the qualities of the one you love, or if it attributes them to her; whether the light which surrounds her like a halo comes from you, from her, or from the meeting of your sparks.  ~Natalie Clifford Barney”.

There many ways in expressing love. Love is expression through feelings, songs, poems, letters, and flowers. The list is endless. I’m sure we all have crawled up in our bedroom, wishing upon a star how our crush would recreate the famous balcony scene from Romeo and Juliet - which we have so long imagined and long for. Or maybe we’re walking through the hallways of our schools or workplace and he walked through the door singing the ultimate love song. Ok, maybe too many viewings of Moulin Rouge and High School Musical. But let's face it, we all have our favorite love songs that we play repetitively. 

Like any good musical period, the 80s until now had its fair share of love songs. Live.Laugh.Love fans I do warn you the following selections of songs have been know to be heart felt and cheesy; but in my opinion, might make you cry. Almost every artist has dotted down one or more beautiful creative love song. So, if you are trying to seduce someone here is a list of love songs to get you started.

Top 80’s Love Song

• Endless Love, Diana Ross & Lionel Richie
• Whisper, George Michael
• Up Where We Belong, Joe Cocker & Jennifer Warnes
• Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now), Phil Collins
• Do That To Me One More Time, Captain & Tennille
• Lady, Kenny Rogers
• Lionel Richie-hello
• Sexual Healing, Marvin Gaye
• Greatest Love Of All, Whitney Houston
• Wind Beneath My Wings, Bette Midler 
• Take My Breath Away, Berlin
• Lady In Red, Chris De Burgh
• (I Just) Died In Your Arms, Cutting Crew

Top Love Songs of the 90’s

• All My Life by K-Ci & Jojo
• Baby, I Love Your Way by Big Mountain
• Back At One  by Brian McKnight
• Because You Loved Me by Celine Dion
• Can You Feel the Love Tonight by Elton John
• Can't Help Falling in Love by UB40
• (Everything I Do) I Do It For You by Bryan Adams
• From This Moment On by Shania Twain
• Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman by Bryan Adams
• How Do I Live by LeAnn Rimes or Trisha Yearwood
• I Believe In You And Me by Whitney Houston 
• (I Do) Cherish You by 98 Degrees
• I Don't Want to Miss a Thing by Aerosmith
• I Knew I Loved You by Savage Garden
• I Will Always Love You by Whitney Houston
• I Will Remember You  by Sarah McLachlan
• I'd Do Anything For Love (But I Won't Do That) by Meatloaf
• I'll Make Love to You by Boyz II Men
• I'll Stand By You by Pretenders
• I'm Your Angel by Celine Dion and R. Kelly
• Kiss from a Rose by Seal 
• The Power of Love  by Celine Dion
• Truly, Madly, Deeply by Savage Garden
• You Mean The World To Me by Toni Braxton
• You Must Love Me by Madonna
• You Were Meant for Me by Jewel
• You're Still the One by Shania Twain
• You'll Be In My Heart by Phil Collins
• Dream Lover by Mariah Carey
• I Drive Myself Crazy by NSYNC
• As Long As You Love Me by Backstreet Boys
• I Will Always Love You by Whitney Houston

Enjoying the sounds ? Well come back tomorrow to continue the love and I will have my favorite top hit love songs from 2000-2010. And remember to always live,laugh, love.

-Jacqueline Opoku-

What's Love Got To Do With It?

What's going on Live.Laugh.Love readers?!


This post is all about Valentine's Day, or as I like to call it - Singles' Awareness Day (S.A.D.). Now, some of you may think that I am just anti-Valentine because I am single. But honestly, I have never really counted February 14 as a holiday probably since Elementary School. I think my real problem with Valentine's Day, is that it only really tends to portray the romantic side of love. What about the love we have for our families and friends? Sure, you can buy your parents a valentine or even your close friends - but let's face it, the majority of Valentine's gifts are marketed towards the lovey-dovey couples out there. 

I decided to do some research on this supposed "holiday". Turns out, the origins of Valentine's Day, are about as dark as a red rose that's been spray painted black. While there is no exact date of origin, it is said that ancient Rome showed early signs. Through February 13 to 15, Romans celebrated Lupercalia - a sort of feast. Basically, men sacrificed a goat and dog, then proceeded to whip women with the hide of the animals they had slain. To add onto the crazy, women actually lined up to be beaten - under the impression that it would make them fertile. Yeah, another reason to be proud of being a woman in the 21st century. The name St. Valentine's Day also originated from ancient Rome as well when Emperor Claudius II executed two men both named Valentine on February 14 throughout 3rd century A.D. This led to a celebration by the Catholic Church, which they named - you guessed it - Saint Valentine's Day. 


It wasn't until the Middle Ages when Valentine's Day became more romantic - much thanks to Chaucer and Shakespeare... Its consumer-driven roots began during the industrial revolution in 1913, with the opening of Hallmark Cards in Kansas City. And the rest is history... According to industry experts, Valentine's Day sales this year are expected to reach $18.6 billion (who says you can't buy love?).


Overall, whichever way you spin it, being single on Valentine's does leave you feeling left out. But at the same time feeling grateful for all the things you do have in your life like family, friends, and good health. Besides, Marilyn said it best "It's better to be unhappy alone, than unhappy with someone.". It also helps knowing that, thankfully, it is just one day.


All arguments aside, whether you are pro or anti-Valentine's Day, I hope that all of you think about all the loved ones in your life everyday and don't rely on cinnamon hearts, chocolates, roses and generic cards to remind or show people how much you love them. Live. Laugh. and - most importantly - Love. Everyone. Everyday.  


I leave you with these wise and poignant words from super-talented singer/songwriter Rachael Yamagata's song Elephants: 

"So for those of you falling in love, keep it kind, 

keep it good, keep it right,

throw yourself in the midst of danger - but keep one eye open at night." 

- Sinem Tekin

Keshia Chante @ New.Music.Live.

Hello Live.Laugh.Love.Toronto fans!

Tuesday February 8th 2011, Sinem and I attended a taping of New.Music.Live. to check out the fabulous, talented, and Juno-nominated, singer Keshia Chante. The atmosphere of NML was amazing, and an experience LLLT fans should not miss! We arrived promptly to CTV Studios at 299 Queen Street West without having to wait in the chilling cold of -16 degrees. Sinem and I were excited to not only be at the amazing and newly renovated MuchMusic studio, but were excited to hear about Keisha’s new album and charity project.

Keshia talked passionately about her involvement with CANFAR (Canadian Foundation for AIDS Research). She is currently serving as a Youth Ambassador and recently started a campaign called "Have A Heart for CANFAR”. The campaign sets out to raise money for AIDS and AIDS research. Raising money starts by selling heart-o-grams across schools not only in Ontario but across all schools in Canada. To learn more, check out for her full interview with Much VJ Lauren Toyota  on New.Music.Live's website http://www.newmusiclive.ca/video/?video=69648.

Not only did she stop by to talk about the campaign for AIDS and AIDS research but she also shared some information about her up- coming album. She revealed that it will be a double disc titled “Day and Night”. Disc One will have a fun, dance tracks, like her current single, Table Dancer. While Disc Two will be more R&B and Acoustic like her previous single, Test Drive. The album is set to be released in Spring 2011. Check out her recent video, Table dancer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j2FZ3JIVQxk.

We also had the opportunity to take pictures with Keshia who is super sweet and gorgeous in person!

Follow Keshia Chante on Twitter @KeshiaChante

Follow New.Music.Live @NML 

Remember to follow us via twitter @jackieopoku and @sinemtekin

And most of all, never forget to Live.Laugh.Love

- Jacqueline Opoku 

Show to Watch: 1 Girl 5 Gays

Greetings Live.Laugh.Love. Readers! 

First off, thanks so much for the recent Twitter follows, feedback, and support for our blog. Jackie and I are really proud of what we have so far, and we are continuing to find ways for improvement, brainstorming new ideas and stories to bring forth to you all! 

Reality TV may seem like it has run its course. Yet, reality programming continues to dominate television broadcasting and programming. Though honestly, Reality TV tends to be more of a construction of reality rather than reality itself. Luckily, MTV Canada has created a show that is both entertaining and refreshingly real. 

1 Girl 5 Gays is a half-hour program where MTV host, Aliya-Jasmine Sovani asks five gay men twenty questions about love and sex. The questions range from: 'Who Would You Do?', to turn-on's and/ or turn-off's, to dealing with death, and sex education - pretty much any topic you can imagine has graced this show.  

What makes 1 Girl 5 Gays one of my favorite shows is that it features real-everyday people, is unapologetic, offers unique perspectives, and ultimately talks about real life issues in a smart and funny way. Kudos to MTV Canada for creating this gem of a show. It truly makes me happy to see that shows where people engage in  intelligent, open, and entertaining conversation make it to air. 

The show was picked up in the US by LogoTV - where new episodes air Monday's at midnight/ 11 central. MTV Canada airs new episodes every Friday night at 11pm! 

1 Girl 5 Gays is also nominated for a 2011 NewNowNextAward in the 'TV You Betta Watch' category. It's real easy to vote; simply follow the link and vote for 1G5G! http://www.logotv.com/events/newnownext_awards/2011/categories/tv-you-better-watch/.

Also follow the show on Twitter - @1girl5gays

Are you a fan of the show?! Any other shows we should feature?! Leave a comment, or follow us on Twitter @sinemtekin @jackieopoku Whichever you choose, never forget to Live.Laugh.Love.

- Sinem Tekin

  

Music Spotlight: Jessie J

What's going on Live.Laugh.Love readers?! 


As you know, Jackie and I are always on the hunt for new music, and today we shine the spotlight on Jessie J. Some of you may already know about this insanely-talented, UK songstress! Well, if you don't - Jessie J, is definitely a British export you should get to know!


Real name, Jessica Cornish, this 22-year old from Essex, England, is all about empowerment and positivity - which, I must say is a breath of fresh air. Her first single, "Do It Like A Dude" may not have you initially convinced, but after surfing her YouTube channel, this girl can definitely sing! Not only are her vocals other-worldly, but she is also an incredible songwriter! At just 17, she wrote the emotional, vulnerable, and utterly beautiful song 'Big White Room'. What makes 'Big White Room' so moving, is that Jessie J wrote this song based on her experience of being hospitalized at 11-years old.  While in hospital, she shared a room with a young boy - who unfortunately passed away. Ultimately, Jessie states that "'Big White Room' is my comfort blanket, and I'm so happy that people can personalize the meaning of the song..." Have a listen, and let us know what you think: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKfzXq1gcG4&feature=relmfu


Before making it big, Jessie J spent the past few years songwriting for some heavy-hitters in the industry, like Chris Brown. However, her most notable songwriting mention, was contributing her own experiences to the hit song , "Party in the USA" performed by Miley Cyrus. In fact, Jessie J stated that she thought it was a joke, when she found out that the song reached number 1 on iTunes!


Lucky for us, Jessie J is no longer just a songwriter and YouTube sensation. She has scored a deal with Universal Music Group, and recently announced that her debut album, Who You Are, is to be released February 28 - a whole month early! 


Check out Jessie J's official website http://www.jessiejofficial.com/ 
Jessie J's YouTube channel http://www.youtube.com/user/JessieJVEVO


Do you agree?! Any artists you would like to be featured on the blog? Leave a comment, or hit us up on twitter @jackieopoku and @sinemtekin

-Sinem Tekin

40th Annual Juno Awards

Environment Canada may have issued a major snowstorm to hit the Greater Toronto Area, but Canadian music lovers woke up yesterday morning to excitement to discover the nominees for this year's Juno Awards. Those of you unfamiliar with the Juno's, simply put, they are Canada's Music Awards. This year the Juno's celebrate their 40th anniversary. The awards show will be take place in Toronto, at the Air Canada Centre, Sunday March 27 on CTV. 

The list of nominees this year are quite diverse - some obvious, some surprises, and some snubs. However, Toronto-rapper Drake leads the pack with six nominations: Album of the Year, Artist of the Year, Single of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, Rap Recording of the Year, and Juno Fan Choice Award. Drake is also hosting the festivities - seems only right seeing as the big show is in Toronto, no? 

Following with four nominations are: Arcade Fire, Broken Social Scene, Hedley, Johnny Reid, and Justin Bieber. To celebrate 40 years, the Juno's have also decided to include a new category, Electronic Album of the Year. 

Aside from Drake, some of my personal favorite nominees include: Down With Webster  nominated for Group of the Year and Pop Album of the Year. Polaris-Prize winner Karkwa and Radio Radio both nominated for Francophone Album of the Year. Shad nominated for Rap Recording of the Year. All vying for Dance Recording of the Year are: Chromeo, Deadmau5, and Dragonnette (actually, this whole category is tough, as each of the nominees are pretty awesome). Lastly, Kardinal Offishall who is nominated for R&B/ Soul Recording of the Year - okay, since when is Kardinal an R&B artist... anyone?

Ultimately, despite some surprising choices, the overall list of nominees is impressive. As well, Down With Webster, Arcade Fire, Broken Social Scene, Hedley, and Johnny Reid are the first set of performers announced to take the stage. Thus, to say the Juno's are going to be an entertaining show - is a safe bet. 

For the full list of nominees, head over to http://junoawards.ca/2011-juno-award-nominees/  

What do you think about this year's nominees? Who are some of your favourites? Will you watch the show? Let us know what you think! Leave a comment, or hit us up on twitter @jackieopoku and @sinemtekin

- Sinem Tekin

We're Back....

What's going on Live.Laugh.Love. readers?!?! 

Jackie and I realize that we have not been posting as regularly as we should, but we promise we have good reason!! We have been really busy attending various tapings, applying for grad school, and brainstorming stories and ideas to be featured on the blog! Stay tuned as we have some interesting artists to discuss - some you may or may not know, but should - and other cool places and people! 

Also, please feel free to hit us up with any cool artists and stories that we should be on the lookout for! Leave a comment on the blog, or hit us up on twitter @jackieopoku and @sinemtekin - and remember it may be winter, but never forget to Live.Laugh.Love.

- Sinem Tekin