There was nothing better than grabbing an ice cream sandwich, heading to the den after school and playing Nintendo 64 until bedtime. Ahhh, sweet nostalgia.
10. Starfox
This game was always fun, especially as a kid. My parents were strict on violence, but in this game you battled giant spiders and birds. I still remember hating Slippy, the frog. He was automatically your partner on your squad alongside Peppy and Falco. Slippy was the worst! He always needed to be saved. I used to just wish it was me alone fighting the battles cause he always dragged me down.
9. Star Wars Rouge Squadron
Alright, I’m a huge Star Wars fan, I won’t lie. This was one of my favourite Nintendo games because it was actually hard. I had to spend hours a day playing this game trying to beat it. The cool part of the game is that as you beat levels, you unlock more space craft. Once the Millennium Falcon was unlocked, I used it for every battle. Admit it, you did too.
8. Army Men
Alright, this was the first ‘violent’ game I was allowed to have. Again, it being plastic army men, and not real people, made it alright for me to play. This game was so fun though, All the different guns you could have, and the levels were so realistic. Having them in sandboxes, bathroom, and kitchens was really cool because as a kid, this is where you made your army men battle. Looking back at the graphics now, it doesn’t look that good. Either way, it was one of the best.
7. Tony Hawk Pro Skater 2 Read more…
By Gabriella Zicarelli
Cheesy lingo and terrible plot lines?! I smell a good-bad teen movie. And I’m in. Here are our 10 fave teen movies:
Pretty in Pink
One of Jon Cryer and Molly Ringwald’s most famous roles was playing “Duckie” and Andie in John Hughe’s Pretty in Pink. When it came out in 1986, Pretty in Pink became an instant classic and still is today. Andie is surviving high school but when Blane, a rich, sensitive playboy is interested in her, she finds herself in a triangle, seeing as her best friend Duckie has had a crush on her for years. The movie is all about whether or not a relationship between a rich guy and a poor girl can work in high school where status is everything.
The Breakfast Club
Another John Hughes film, The Breakfast Club follows a day in the life of five teenagers stuck in detention, all starting off as part of a clique or typical high school stereotype. You have the jock, the smart kid, the school beauty, the rebel and the freak. What’s great about this movie is that by the end of it they all realize their similarities rather than focusing on their differences. This 1985 classic can resonate with any generation.
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
Another teen classic is Ferris Bueller’s Day Off . Released in 1986, everyone fell in-love with Matthew Broderick when he played a teenager who skips school for the day and instead sets out on an adventure through Chicago with his girlfriend, Sloan and overly-cautious best friend, Cameron. What I love about this movie, amongst all the scheming and lying, it actually has a few great lessons.
16 Candles Read more…
Do you remember balling your eyes out at these horribly depressing (but amazing) children’s movies?
ET
Although this wasn’t an overall sad story, it was upsetting when people were afraid of little, innocent ET and even more heart-wrenching when he went back to his home planet. I remember watching this movie as a kid and crying when he left Earth. Why couldn’t they just keep him forever?
My Girl
I literally was so obsessed with this movie as a kid, I made my mom call me Vada for a month. I would watch this movie everyday, and every single time, I would cry when Vada’s best friend Thomas J. died. “He can’t see without his glasses!” Even when I typed that, I got a little misty.
Free Willy
Alright, you might be thinking I’m crazy because in the end Willy is saved. But seriously, go watch Free Willy again right now. This is the saddest movie. The other day it was on TV and my roommate and I watched it and bawled our eyes out. That sad cry he does when he’s calling to his family? Yeah, that’s about the time the tears start.
Land Before Time Read more…
By Evan Ross
Ugh, it’s January you guys. January is probably the biggest bummer on the Gregorian calendar. I mean, it’s frigid, the only holiday is at the very beginning, and your stomach has started to expand greatly because of all the cheese you ate over the holidays (maybe that one’s just me). Worst of all, work and school drags on even more because you’ve just had several glorious weeks where your only concerns were which TV marathon to watch (the correct answer is Top Gear) and which sweats to wear while doing it.
Sometimes the only cure for winter blues is a spontaneous, midweek dance party with your roomies. This playlist might even give you the strength to carry on after your brand new Uggs get salt stains on them.
1) Radioactive – Rita Ora
I saw Rita Ora for the first time in UK Vogue and instantly became obsessed with her. My efforts to emulate her super red lips failed (can you say The Joker?) but I discovered that her debut album Ora is BOMB. This track is a great warm-up for your day; you just can’t help but bob your head and smile when it comes, and when it ends you’ll definitely end up with your “palms to the sky”
Best for: dance-walking down the street to subway (ignore judgemental glances from passersby and just do you).
2) Locked Out of Heaven – Bruno Mars
I really didn’t want to like this song. I successfully resisted Bruno Mars up until this point but he tricked me into liking this song by making himself sound exactly like Sting in his Police days. Bruno Mars is such a happy and pleasant little Hobbit that he just makes me feel all happy and pleasant. You’ve no doubt heard this song over one hundred million times by now, but that doesn’t negate its greatness or its ability to make me want to get my grind on. It’s also a pretty sexy jam, which is awesome…Wednesday is hump day after all *le exaggerated wink*
Best for: a) singing to yourself. Loudly. b) Convincing someone to…well Bruno does say his sex takes me to paradise.
3) Beauty and a Beat – Justin Bieber
Something about Justin Beiber’s recent scandal makes his music a lot more appealing to me. Combine his vices with the epic pool party that takes place in the video and you just feel chilled out, man. Like I said before, January is a depressing month but nobody could feel depressed having on-the-cusp-of-sexy (sorry tweens!) Justin croon to them. Sometimes we just need something light and bubbly to get us through and since it’s illegal to drink champagne in public, this song will have to do.
Best for: having a sunny disposition even though it’s grey and -30 outside.
4) Glad You Came – The Wanted
By Gabriella Zicarelli
New Year’s Eve is the night to wrap up a wonderful year with friends and family, but honestly, it can be a drag if you’re single. When the clock strikes midnight and all the couples start smooching it can get awkward standing in a corner with your loved one, Captain Morgan. Don’t turn to Adele tunes or Ben and Jerry’s:
Whether alone or with a group of fellow single friends, you can skip the parties, choose your comfiest pj’s and watch these great movies instead.
Bridget Jones’s Diary
Bridget Jones’ s Diary stars Renée Zellweger as Bridget, a singleton who makes a resolution to better herself and work on dealing with her imperfections. From her weight to her lacklustre dating life, she fills her diary with every honest thought. She later finds herself wrapped in a triangle when both her womanizing boss, played by Hugh Grant, and frenemy played by Colin Firth, fancy her.
Nick and Nora’s Infinite Playlist
This isn’t technically a New Year’s movie but Nick and Nora’s Infinite Playlist offers laughs and is all about moving on from horrible relationships. I thought it deserved a spot on this list. Nick, played by the adorable Michael Cera, is depressed after his girlfriend breaks up with him. Meanwhile Nora, played by Kat Dennings, is stuck in a horrible friends with benefits situation. When these two meet they realize they can do better and find themselves on an adventure when they lose Nora’s friend in New York. Plus it has an amazing soundtrack so it’s a win-win!
When Harry Met Sally
Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan play the original “friends with benefits” couple in this popular 1989 New Year’s flick. After being friends for years they consider the possibility of a more intimate relationship but fear it would make things awkward. And how can we forget THIS memorable moment?
200 Cigarettes
Set in 1981, 200 Cigarettes stars Ben and Casey Affleck, Kate Hudson, Christina Ricci and Paul Rudd, all playing characters in their 20s on their way to a New Year’s party. This film is all about dealing with relationships and being lonely, so it’s perfect for the occasion.
While You Were Sleeping Read more…
By Evan Ross
If you’re like me you’re about 5 foot 10, love Sour Patch kids, and absolutely cannot concentrate when it comes time to study. This is the worst time of year for students; everybody else is preparing for the holidays while we prepare for the seasonal joy that is exams. I myself have spent the past few days freshening up on European politics, so join me on my journey for songs that will prevent me from smashing my head against the wall while I hit the books.
1) “I Love NYE” – Badly Drawn Boy
I find it much easier to study with music that doesn’t have lyrics, and this track is an instrumental gem off the (excellent) movie soundtrack for About A Boy. A sweet, light piece of music, this is the perfect song to trick you into thinking what you’re about to do is enjoyable. It’s ideal for preparing your soon-to-be disorganized study area, and for convincing yourself that you care about the life of Charles de Gaulle
2) “Eg Anda” – Sigur Ros
If you want music that’s calming and surreal, look no further than Sigur Ros. This songs takes a while to get going, but once it does you’ll feel like you’re in a fairy tale dream world (if fairy tales took place in Robarts Library). It’s perfect for calming pre-exam jitters, when you realize you weren’t paying attention in class nearly as well as you thought.
3) “Michicant” – Bon Iver
Staying calm during the exam period is absolutely essential, and to stay calm you NEED Bon Iver. This song sounds like some sort of lullaby and every time I put it on I imagine myself in front of a fireplace in a cabin somewhere (snuggled with the hipster hunk of my choosing). This song is perfect for getting you into the zone of hardcore memory retention. Once you realize you haven’t actually done any readings this semester and have to do all of them within a 12 hour period, this song might cool you down.
4) “With Your Friends (Long Drive)” – Skrillex Read more…
By Jessica Galang
Everyone knows intense emotion and reality TV go together, which is why this week’s X-Factor will be perfect for the reality junkie. Last night, the top 10 sang songs dedicated to people they’re thankful for. The Thanksgiving-friendly theme was perfect for falling-behind acts like Arin Ray and Paige to get a popularity boost, but unfortunately neither did as well as they could have. Still, I found myself fighting back tears because some of the stories were so emotional — particularly CeCe’s.
While it was difficult to choose the best (I had a lot of favourites tonight), here are my top three picks for this week:
Carly Rose Sonenclar – “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” by Judy Garland
Carly Rose might as well have her own reservation on my list every week. Her voice, which is so good I swear it should be illegal, was amazing as usual. I’m a big fan of this song already, but I think her version is better than the original. Her notes were spot on, vocalized flawlessly, and it never seemed like she was trying too hard. I also love how she always looks so confident and sure of herself in every performance, which is a rare quality for a 13-year-old. Demi made a bold statement by saying that Carly will be in the music industry for the rest of her life, and she got a standing ovation from judges.
Diamond White – “Because You Loved Me” by Celine Dion
Besides the fact that her hair was awesome (I love that she broke away from the teeny bopper pony tail),this performance was absolutely phenomenal. It was probably my favourite in the competition so far. She picked a perfect song to dedicate to her mother, who White said “gave her life for her.” It seemed like a genuine performance as White sang the song with her trademark powerhouse vocals and emotion. Despite being so young, she was able to pull off a mature song. After this performance I can’t believe she was kicked out in the first place. LA tweeted: “Shine bright like a diamond. @diamondkwhite.”
Tate Stevens – “I’m Already There” by Lonestar Read more…
Just in time for Halloween, a company called E-Poll conducted a survey to find out who gives America the creeps. The poll surveyed 1100 Americans and asked them to rate celebrities based on 100 different possible attributes. The following list indicates what percentage of the sample group checked off “creepy” for each celebrity.
1. Marilyn Manson..69%
2. Casey Anthony…57%
3. O.J. Simpson….56%
4. Spencer Prat….49%
5. Nadya Suleman…41%
6. Charlie Sheen…34%
7. Eliot Spitzer…34%
8. Woody Allen…..31%
9. Tim Burton……31%
10. Jesse James…..30%
Topping the list of creepy celebrities is a man who allegedly had a rib surgically removed in order to perform oral sex on himself (Marilyn Manson). Also on the list are two of America’s most famous accused murderers (Casey Anthony, O.J. Simpson) and a warlock from planet Awesome (Charlie Sheen). For the most part, the list is fairly predictable. The only real surprise is a neurotic film -maker who fell in love with his adopted daughter (Woody Allen). Perhaps that’s not as surprising as one may think.
Surprisingly, none of the cast members from Jersey Shore made the list. (Personally I thought The Situation was a shoe-in for the top spot.) None of the Guidos or Guidettes even broke the the top ten but somehow Eliot Spitzer has a strong hold on seventh spot.
In addition, the same survey also determined which celebrities have the most marketing potential. Of the top ten listed above, Spencer Pratt from The Hills and ‘Octomom’ Nadya Suleman proved to have the least marketing potential, demonstrating that America will gladly watch these idiots but probably wouldn’t purchase a product they endorse.
These statistics are pretty reassuring. Americans show they haven’t lost the ability to think rationally and I agree with them. I would never purchase anything from a psychopath with a frozen sperm fetish. Nor would I buy anything from a delusional moron still caught in a shame spiral after he and his Franken-Bride were last seen on I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here.
Well done, America.
Fizzled out pop icons of the 80′s better watch their back! Rihanna’s in it to win it. The 23-year-old singer has now beaten Madonna as the fastest solo artist to reach 20 Top-10 hits.
Rihanna’s newest single, “Talk That Talk” with Calvin Harris currently sits at #9 in its second week on the charts, giving her a total of 20 songs on the Top-10 charts in just six years and four months.
For the Queen of Pop herself, well it took her a little bit longer. Slow and steady didn’t win the race, it seems. Madge was beaten by just five months.
It appears Rihanna’s popping hit after hit since Pon De Replay. while Madonna’s giving us flop after flop. I mean, remember her urban pop album Hard Candy? Yeah, we don’t either.
At last, there is one thing that Oprah is not dominating! It seems as though Shakira bumped Oprah off the Twitter top 10 list this week.
Here’s the list:
Lady Gaga (10,307,549 followers)
Justin Bieber (9,849,628)
Barack Obama (8,169,294)
Britney Spears (7,940,896)
Kim Kardashian (7,578,928)
Katy Perry (7,451,618)
Ashton Kutcher (6,803,738)
Ellen DeGeneres (6,712,058)
Taylor Swift (6,475,026)
Shakira (6,156,469)
Oprah Winfrey came in at 11th with 5,856,790 followers.
You’d think with all the attention surrounding her final shows that Oprah would climb in followers. Maybe her demographic isn’t vested in the twitter world, though. Most of her fans are older woman, so I’ll give her some slack. Well, congrads to Shakira for beating out Oprah – doesn’t happen very often.
WEDENSDAY PERFORMANCE SHOW
In three weeks, Canada’s favourite dancer will be crowned. But if you want to see your favourite dancer rise to the top, you need to do one thing:
Vote.
Your Top 10 need you to call in or text five million times so that one of them, the one you want to see triumph over the others, can win.
Think of this as your civil duty. Be heard.
But back to the show.
Host Leah Miller introduced permanent judges Tré Armstrong and Jean Marc Genereux while special guest judges Blake McGrath and Luther Brown joined the panel.
As of this week–to mix things up–the format has changed. Not only have dancers changed partners, but all will also perform both duets and solos from now on. Instead of voting for your favourite couple, you will now need to call in to keep individual dancers from elimination. Gone are the days where there was a bottom three. Dancers with the lowest number of votes get automatically voted off.
So like I said before. Go vote.
Up first were Natalli Reznik and Izaak Smith. The two got grooving to boxing-inspired hip-hop choreography. While judges were impressed with Natalli, they expected more from Izaak.
“Izaak you did a good job. But this is Top 10, you don’t need to be good, you need to be great,” said Luther.
Performing the oh-so-sexy Mambo routine were Kaitlyn Fitzgerald and Danny Arbour. The two lit the stage on fire and the judges felt the heat.
“Danny brought the mambo, Kaitlyn brought the Tabasco,” joked Jean Marc.
Even to this day, I still don’t fully understand his jokes.
Allie Bertram and Nico Archambault were ready to perform the waltz. While Arassay and Nico had unbreakable chemistry with their partnership, Allie and Nico were no different.
“You’re the perfect partner,” Luther said to Nico. “It was effortless.”
However, Blake was sad to see Nico split from Arassay. I concur. The two were a match-made in SYTYCD heaven.
“But what better new girlfriend than Allie!” Blake added. “It looked easy and effortless.”
Meh. Still like Nicassay better. Ooh, you like that portmanteau don’t you? Catchy. Move over Brangelina, TomKat and yeah you too Jenniyer
Up next were Arassay Reyes and Vincent Noiseux. The two were ready to strut their stuff through disco. With their fast and sharp movements, the two won the judges approval.
“You two are showing Canada what it takes to be in the Top 10,” Blake said. “You’re so seasoned professionally — like jerk chicken and spicy sauce. You’re saucy and I love it,” he said.”
Lisa Auguste and Mile Faber were ready to set the mood with contemporary. The sensual and emotional performance really moved the audience and judges. Well, some of them.
“I think you’re a great dancer,” Luther told Lisa. “There’s so much more to you. Show them everything.”
However, Blake thought otherwise.
“It fell a little flat for me,” he said. “Lisa, you’re so gifted,” but wanted her to push herself further. “I wanted to see more technique,” he said to Miles.
That’s all for the performance show ladies and gents. But who moves on and who goes? Find out…below!
THURSDAY NIGHT RESULTS SHOW
The results show started off with the entire cast dancing to Mia Michael’s choreography – a well-known judge on the American version of SYTYCD.
Let’s get it out there. Michael’s is the goddess of contemporary. Her routines are not only breathtaking but they take to you to a whole new world. I actually feel emotion when I watch her work – and, coming from me, that says a lot.
Which ladies and which boys were the bottom four? Natalli Reznik and Kaitlyn Fitzgerald well as Miles Faber and Danny Arbour faced elimination.
After all four performed solos that would not change the results, Natalli and Danny said their goodbyes.
Stay tuned next week to watch your Top 8!
It’s Top 10 night on Canadian Idol and the Idols are singing hits by David Bowie.
Ben opens the show and we hear from the judges. “I think there’s no sense in crying over spilled contestants. It is what it is. You have to put on some make up and do some David Bowie,” says Zack. “Canada made some really astute choices. We got some really dynamic performances ahead of us,” says Farley.
With a brand new set jam packed with huge screens and more lights than ever, Drew Wright kicks off the show. This week, the pre-performance clips are the Idols visiting their hometowns. From Collingwood, ON, Wright sings “Five Years” while playing the drums. “You looked amazing on T.V. Aside from that, when you went into the higher register, you really killed it,” says Sass. “It was a creative thing to do, you took it to another level. You’re not very animated when you perform and sitting down on the job so-to-speak didn’t really help that,” says Farley.
Arriving on the stage riding a white motorcycle, Adam Castelli, from Hamilton, ON, performs “Rebel Rebel.” “I spent half that song being nervous that thing was going to fall on your toe. That is the perfect song out of Bowie for you to sing,” says Sass. “I feel like I’m on ‘What Will They Think of Next?” says Farley. “Certainly the best thing you’ve done on the show so far,” says Zack. “I thought that was the perfect song. That’s who you are. That was everything we hoped from you and next time, when you ride a bike, wear a helmet,” says Jake.
Up next is Mark Day, from Portugal Cove, Nfld, with “Dancing In The Streets.” He finishes the performance with a kiss to the crowd and an awkward wiggle. “You certainly shook your cod cheeks there, boy. That was campy, vampy and right up my alley,” says Zack. “I thought you sang it pretty decent. I found it really hard to watch. It wasn’t one of David Bowie’s finest moments,” says Jake. Ben further asks Jake why it was hard to watch. “I don’t think the guy’s much of a dancer. I think the whole thing comes off as really camp. It ends up making a mockery of it,” says Jake.
With “The Man Who Sold The World” is Mookie Morris from Toronto, ON. “You chose a really fantastic song but not much of a vocal range to it,” says Zack. “I didn’t think the vocal was that good. I thought off the top it was a little harsh. I just don’t think it was a great song for you,” says Jake. “Just looking at you is enough,” says Sass. “This was a little more mellow for you. The vocal wasn’t pitch perfect but it showed a different side of you and I think that’s a good thing,” says Farley.
Amberly Thiessen, from Seven Persons, AB, sings “Space Oddity.” “You chose to do Natalie Merchant’s version of that song and I think it’s an okay version but it just doesn’t have the intensity to what that song is all about,” says Jake. “I think you did it the way you would do it. I find it relatively uninspiring for me,” says Sass. “If you had sang it with more intensity, it would’ve made up for what was lacking in energy,” says Farley. “I radically disagree with them. I think your voice sounded great, you look like a million bucks. You totally sold it as an Amberly thing and I bought it,” says Zack.
Sebastien Pigott, from Toronto, ON, sings “Let’s Spend The Night Together.” “That’s what we call a clam fest. A bit of a mess up. You still have the amazing intensity that you always have,” says Sass. “You did mess up the song, but you don’t get off track with your intensity and purpose,” says Farley. “You pooched the first three chords on guitar and then you pooped the bed with the vocal there on out. You can fool people some of the time but you can’t fool me, that was awful,” says Zack.
With “Rock & Roll Suicide” is Lloydminster, AB’s Earl Stevenson. “I’m thinking I’m really glad that you’re having me on your show,” says Farley. “It was mad cool. I’m totally down with it,” says Zack. “At times, I thought I was watching Tom Waits do David Bowie. It was really fun to watch and you sang it the way Earl would sing it,” says Jake. “You’re riveting to watch,” says Sass.
The sole Quebecer in the competition, Katherine St-Laurent sings “Cat People (Putting Out Fire).” “I couldn’t hear every note perfectly because the band was super loud but the things that you did and the stuff you really killed, you could make a huge rock record,” says Zack. “I did hear the notes off the top and they were perfect. You sang so well and in my mind, from vocals alone, best performance of the night,” says Jake. “You have just amazing stage presence and you remind me of a young Deborah Harry but you sing even better,” says Sass.
Theo Tams, from Lethbridge, AB, sings “Silly Boy Blue” while playing the piano. “I thought I knew every David Bowie song but I didn’t know that song. Thank you for introducing me to it. After watching the 8 performances, outside of a couple, you’re in a completely different league than everybody else,” says Jake. “It’s very hard to talk to you without gushing,” says Sass. “Without question, the most well-rounded contestant we’ve had on this show,” says Farley. “I thought the singing was good, if predictable. While it’s really strong and solid, it’s not very exciting to me,” says Zack.
Singing last is Mitch MacDonald, from Port Hood, NS. He sings “Moon Age Daydream.” “I love the version but I sure love you,” says Sass. “I thought you pushed really hard and that was really good. It wasn’t pitch perfect but overall, you have a nice presence,” says Farley. “You did something slightly obscure but by doing that, it felt like a Mitch song and just by that perspective, you’re the most improved player,” says Zack. “Perfect song for your range. I didn’t think you could rock like that but it was a really strong performance,” says Jake.
The first cut from the top 10 will go down tomorrow night at 8:00 P.M. EST on CTV.
