Album Review: Tyler Hilton’s “Forget The Storm”

Tyler Hilton’s “Forget the Storm” has finally arrived! The highly anticipated album features ten tracks that showcase Tyler’s ‘southern rock meets California country’ vibe to the best of its ability. My favourite track, “Kicking My Heels” has the most infectious chorus that I’ve heard in a while, and the bridge is breathtakingly beautiful.

1. Kicking My Heels
2. Prince of Nothing Charming
3. Loaded Gun
4. You’ll Ask For Me
5. Jenny (feat. Elizabeth Huett)
6. Can’t Stop Now
7. Ain’t No Fooling Me
8. Leave Him
9. I Belong
10. Hey Jesus

‘Forget the Storm’ and see the sun rise by downloading Tyler’s new record on iTunes!

If it makes you feel much better
At least we’re going down together

Earth Hour 2012

Support the largest environmental event in history on Saturday, March 31st!

From 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM. millions of people worldwide will unite to switch off their lights for Earth Hour, an annual movement that provides an opportunity for communities to join forces in sending out a powerful call to action on issues related to climate change. This initiative serves as a demonstration of global solidarity in protecting this beautiful planet that we all share.

Organized by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), one of the world’s largest independent conservation organizations, the Earth Hour movement was founded in Sydney, Australia in 2007, and grew to include a multitude of nations across the globe. In 2011, more than 5,200 cities and towns in 135 countries worldwide participated in turning their lights off.

As Josh Laughren, WWF’s Climate and Energy Director says, “Canadians need to take a stand against climate change, and joining Team Earth Hour is a great place to start. Earth Hour started five years ago as a global movement with one goal in mind – creating a greener and cleaner world. We’re striving to achieve a world where everyone has access to fresh air, clean drinking water and natural resources, no matter where they live.”

See Earth Hour’s Get Involved page for ways to spread the word about Earth Hour and climate change, from innovative social media initiatives to the creative ‘I Will If You Will’ video challenge. You can go Beyond the Hour by pledging to join Team Earth Hour in making further lasting change for a sustainable planet.

The success of Earth Hour proves that we each have the power to make a difference in the world we live in, and that force becomes even stronger when we come together for a common cause!

(Cross-posted from ENGAGE)

Farewell for Now, David Archuleta

David Archuleta has embarked on a new adventure. For the next two years, he will be taking a break from his career, his loved ones, and the life he knew to serve as a Mormon missionary in South America. In his final video blog, the sweet and spiritual singer profusely thanks his supporters for their unyielding support over the past few years.

Four years ago, my mom told me about a talented teenager she discovered on a show called American Idol. I honestly don’t know where I’d be or who I’d be today if she hadn’t introduced me to David Archuleta. The singers of Season 7 had (and continue to have) an incredible impact on my life, and I can never thank them enough for that.

I admire David for always being a fine example of what it means to be giving, compassionate, and courageous. I draw great inspiration from his philosophies of appreciating the goodness around you and following your heart. David Archuleta devotes his life to making a difference. He has already touched the hearts of his fans through his music and his personality. Now it’s time for him to begin changing the world on an even larger scale. May he continue to spread peace, love, and hope everywhere he goes.

It’s Not Goodbye… It’s See You in Two Years.

The Beauty of Failure

Failure sucks. When you are informed that you have fallen short of reaching your goals, you cannot help but feel the tremendous blow to your confidence and self-worth. As the antithesis of success, failure is a condition that we strive to avoid in all of our efforts. But by doing this, we may miss the beauty of failure.

Failure is beautiful? Say what?

It’s inevitable that in everything we pursue in life, we are bound to meet a bunch of trials along the way. That is just something that cannot be prevented. As desirable as smooth sailing may be, without the ups and downs of life, how would we encounter great adventure? We wouldn’t! Because of those bumps on the road, you will eventually uncover treasure in the forms of knowledge and opportunity. How else would we improve our skills, grow as individuals, expand our mindsets, AND be introduced to incredible experiences if it wasn’t for the challenges brought by failure?

Failure is the ultimate test of your inner strength, patience, and faith.

I failed my road test not once, but twice. I have spent a considerable amount of time sulking over the past month, but I realized that it’s not an effective use of my time to continue burying myself in shame and self-pity. Instead, I have chosen to remind myself of what I’m talented at (writing, music) and challenge myself to keep working hard to eventually add driving to my skill set. I will take the constructive criticism I received to build upon what I’m good at and become even greater. The day that I am able to prove myself as a licensed driver will be a beautiful day indeed, because it will be a product of my unyielding perseverance!

Next time, when you come face to face with failure, don’t fear it…embrace it.

Find the beauty in failure.

Film Review: The World is Watching The Hunger Games

The world is watching The Hunger Games.

Suzanne Collins’s gripping series of a dystopian society whose government marches their children off to fight to the death has hit the big screen. The adaptation captures the essence of Panem and its districts, the control of the Capitol, and the brutality of the arena – all while foreshadowing how the game of survival eventually ripples into the start of a rebellion. Riveting and real, the film retains the book’s intensity and sensitivity through naturalistic execution, from the swift camera movements to the stellar sound editing. Jennifer Lawrence leads the cast of exceptional actors. Her portrayal of the bold and brave Katniss Everdeen sets a new standard for empowered female characters.

Caution: The Hunger Games is sure to be a hot ticket at the theatres this month. Run, don’t walk, to the nearest showing, and may the odds be ever in your favor!