Beloved American literary figure Maya Angelou has passed away at the age of 86 at her home in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
Author: Elizabeth Rosalyn The
Elizabeth is a Vancouver-based writer and editor. Her first book “Beyond Black and White” is available now. She is an old soul who's young at heart, a human jukebox, and a corgi lady in training.
Book Review: Then And Always
Want to add a little romance and mystery to your summer reading list? Look no further than Dani Atkins‘ debut novel, Then and Always, which Penguin Canada predicts to be the breakout beach read of 2014.
Rachel Wiltshire’s life reads like a dream: she has a great group of friends, a handsome and desirable boyfriend, and an acceptance into her choice university to study Journalism. However, on the eve of the beginning of this exciting new chapter in her life, a tragic event occurs and everything changes completely.
Five years later, we find Rachel as a lonely and scarred person with dashed dreams, poor health, and overwhelming guilt and grief over what had happened after that life-altering incident. She returns home for her best friend’s wedding only to be struck by yet another tragedy. When she wakes up in the hospital, Rachel discovers that her life is drastically different. Now, she has it all – a thriving career, a wonderful fiancé, and the company of her loving family and friends. On paper, this version of her life is picture perfect – a massive upgrade from the miserable existence she had gone through over the past few years. But is it really hers if she doesn’t remember any of it? Is any of this really real?
Continue reading on The Hudsucker…
Then And Always by Dani Atkins is available now in Canada from Penguin Canada. The book is also currently available in the UK (under the title Fractured) and in the US.
Follow Dani Atkins on Twitter (@AtkinsDani) and Facebook.
Daughtry Rocks the Hard Rock Casino in Vancouver
Rock band Daughtry performed at the Hard Rock Casino Vancouver theatre in Coquitlam, BC on May 23rd, 2014 – their first concert in the city in seven years.
Continue reading “Daughtry Rocks the Hard Rock Casino in Vancouver”
Caleb Johnson Wins American Idol Season 13
Congratulations to Caleb Johnson, the winner of American Idol Season 13!
The big-voiced, retro rocker from Asheville, North Carolina, who successfully channeled his classic rock/southern bluesy-rock sound into stand-out performances each week, was named the champion of the 2014 edition of the long-running singing competition. As first proven by Season 12’s Candice Glover, another returnee contestant turned winner, Caleb proves that the third time really is the charm! Jena Irene, the spirited and talented teen from Farmington Hills, Michigan, is this year’s runner-up. From wild card to blossoming pop-rock musician, she fought a fierce fight and came a long way with her gutsy artistry and steady growth.
Caleb and Jena kicked off the grand finale celebrations with a BANG – their sensational duet medley of “We Will Rock You”, “I’m Just a Girl”, and “It’s Only Love” raised the bar sky high for the night’s performances. The Top 2 also got the chance to sing with their own favourite bands, with Caleb and KISS on “Love Gun” and “Shout It Out Loud” and Jena and Paramore on “Decode” and “Ain’t It Fun”.
The Top 10 finalists were also treated to special duets, trios, and group performances with some of the industry’s top stars, including: Alex Preston with singer/songwriter Jason Mraz on the new single, “Love Someone“, Jessica Meuse with country singer Jennifer Nettles on “Wrecking Ball“, Sam Woolf with fellow Idol Phillip Phillips on “Home” and “Raging Fire”, Alabama boys CJ Harris and Dexter Roberts with Darius Rucker on “Alright“, and Malaya Watson with soul singer John Legend on his beautiful ballad, “All of Me“. As well, the Idol Guys teamed up with Aloe Blacc to sing “The Man” while the Idol Girls girl-powered it up with Demi Lovato for “Neon Lights“.
The judges (Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban, and Harry Connick Jr.) and Randy Jackson joined forces for a once-in-a-lifetime collaboration to pay tribute to two classics – “True Colors” and “Go Your Own Way”. Even host Ryan Seacrest got in on the performance action with his primetime television singing debut – a duet of “Right Here Waiting” with Richard Marx.
Caleb’s winning moment was met with genuine shock and gratitude from the singer, who ended his victory night with an encore of his debut single, “As Long As You Love Me” while bombarded with hugs and congratulations from his finalist friends, his family members, and the judges.
And with that, it was another end to another great American Idol season. Until next January, when we will do this all over again!
Share Your World – Week 20
If you could go back and visit any time period, what time would you travel to and why?
I would like to travel back to 1955-1965. I love the retro aesthetic/style and pop culture (especially the music and movies) of the time. I’d especially want to be there to see the explosion of Elvis Presley’s career and the arrival of Beatlesmania.
If you could have three wishes granted for you alone, what would they be? This is a time for you to dream and have fun.
1) For my Mom to be restored back to her full health.
2) To win the lottery so I can pay off all of the bills and loans, donate to charities and help people in need, and travel the world.
3) The ability to fly.
Wanting something to quench your thirst, what would you drink?
When I want to quench my thirst, fruit juices and smoothies always do the trick. My preferred flavour is Strawberry Banana.
If you watch TV what are your favorite three television shows?
American Dreams: My favourite show of all-time. I related to Meg Pryor so deeply with her idealistic outlook and love for music. It’s a great show about family, friendship, hope, and dreams.
American Idol: I could write a book on how this show has ruined changed my life. I have discovered so many favourite artists and found so many fantastic friends because of Idol. That’s why I just can’t quit, no matter how many times they jump the shark.
Parks & Recreation: I got into this show a bit later (marathoned Seasons 1-5 last summer) but I instantly fell in love with the endearing characters, quirky humour, sweet storylines, and optimistic tone. Amy Poehler as Leslie Knope is deserving of all of the comedy awards.
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Elizabeth Rosalyn 