Monday, June 7, 2010

The Art of Music

"Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent."  
~Victor Hugo
The art of music is something I have a great deal of respect for. The way artists may express their emotions through tune and lyrics really let their listeners know how they feel, and often can be related to.  As a music lover myself, I listen to not only how a song sounds, but more importantly, I listen to lyrics, and what they are really trying to convey. I think what relates a musician and their listener is the connection through their songs and music. Many musicians us their songs to express their emotion, and their opinions on their everyday lives. Listed below are my current top 3 favourite musicians and their albums; their music is truly inspirational and I never get sick of them:

Aqualung - Strange and Beautiful (2005)
 English artist Matthew Hales, better known as Aqualung, came onto the music scene in 2002 when his hit single Brighter Than Sunshine debuted on the movie A Lot Like love. His smooth voice with light acoustic tunes mainly speak of love and his life. Strange and Beautiful was his first album to be released in North America.
 Favourite song:   Extra Ordinary Thing

Augustana - Can't Love Can't Hurt (2008)
 This roots rock band from San Diego have been together since their high school years, but didn't debut into the music scene until 2003. With catchy tunes which range from rock to acoustics, this is a band which gives you lots of variety. Their hit singles Sweet and Low, and Boston have appeared on TV shows such as One Tree Hill, Smallville, and more.
Favourite Song: Meet You There

Relient K - Mmhmm (2004)
       Don't be misled by this band's title of a Christian Rock band. Though a lot of their lyrics do relate to God, there is something meaningful in there that we can all relate to. I had a chance to see this band last year in concert, and they were very engaging with the crowd. All band members have a close relationship with God, giving their music an inspirational feel on topics such as life struggles and overcomes. 
 Favourite Song: Be My Escape
 
 

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Vancouver's Cupcake Challenge: Free Cupcakes!

Get ready for sprinkles, icing, frosting, and cute decorated cupcakes!

 If you are unable to resist sweet baked goods every now and then like me, then this event is for you!

The first annual cupcake competition held in Vancouver is to give vendors a chance to showcase their products and services to a panel of judges on Sunday, June 20th, at the Roundhouse community centre in Yaletown. The best part of it is, that this event is free to the public; all you need to do is register yourself.

The competition itself includes awards for Best Exhibitor Cupcake and a People’s Choice Award for the Best Cupcake. Each will have two categories for both chain and non-chain cupcake vendors.

This event will not only be fun, but tasty as well. Vendors will be offering free samples for the public, and you will get the chance to meet many other cupcake lovers.Also, you will be supporting the city in this first annual event.

Don't miss this amazing opportunity to join the rest of Vancouver in this event. Bring your friends or family, as there should be something there for everybody. Personally, I am attending with my mother since we both share a love for baking.

There might never be a chance to indulge yourself into a cupcake-filled world. Make sure you check it out, click here to find out further information and to register yourself. Hope to see you all there!

Friday, May 28, 2010

Young Musicians: Greyson Chance

For those of you who didn't get to catch this 12 year old boy from Wichita Falls, Texas on The Ellen Show or YouTube, should definitely check him out! Best known for his piano cover of Lady Gaga's of Paparazzi, this young artist has been recognized by many, even celebrities like Ashton Kutcher and Madonna. He's got much talent at such a young age, it's enviable. Watch his original performance of Paparazzi:

Friday, May 21, 2010

Airports

  
Airports are one of my favourite places ever. Whenever I'm at the airport, there always seems to be excess time, so sometimes I take this time to just people watch; It's amazing how much you can learn from others without even getting to know them.


Whether it be at arrivals or departures, the stir of emotions you see in the people's faces are simply priceless. 

The departures section is always somber as people say goodbye to their loved ones. I once saw what must have been the departure of a father from his family. He had with him his wife and three kids, one of them a toddler who could not stop crying and throwing out her arms everytime her dad took a step further towards the gates. I could tell the father did not want to go either, as he stepped back, picked her up and gave her a hug each time until he absolutely had to go.


On the other hand, arrivals has a more upbeat and happy atmosphere, where friends, family, and couples reunite. The moment  they see their loved one exit through those sliding doors could possibly be the best thing ever. There are smiles all around, hugs exchanged, and rambling chatter as they eagerly catch up on lost times. I once had to sit at arrivals for more than an hour because of a delayed flight, but I didn't get bored at all. Watching grandparents wait for their grandchildren with colourful balloons, and husbands waiting for their wives with bouquets of roses never gets old.