Articles

Downloading Music the Safe Way

June 24, 2016 // by Caroline// Leave a Comment

The information age has been a blessing for music lovers: no matter where you are, as long as you have Internet access you can listen to whatever tune strikes your fancy. This means no more trudging from store to store looking for that one album you want: you just hit up a website and you can find what you’re looking for. The downside to this is that the more you’re on the Internet, the more risk you run of having your personal information stolen. It happens all the time, so how can you protect yourself?

Piracy Doesn’t Just Hurt the Artist

Let’s start with the easiest tip: do not pirate music, be it through torrents or direct download. Besides it being unfair to the artist in question, you’re running a serious risk. The packets you’re downloading will often contain all kinds of nasty viruses and other malware which can infect your computer. Staying safe means avoiding risk, so stay away from file sharing and you’ve taken a good first step.

Don’t Give Away Too Much Information

Now that you’ve wisely decided to go the legal route, let’s look at some of the risks associated with that. iTunes is a great online store with millions of customers. A big marketplace like that is wonderful not just for music lovers but also presents a fat target for hackers. Apple is no slouch when it comes to security and yet every once in a while they get hit, like in 2010 and 2013. In both of these cases, people’s personal data ended up in the wrong hands and was most likely sold to the highest bidder.

If you want to prevent something like this from happening to you, make sure that you give as little information as you can to services that you use: try to give nothing besides your name and email address or, better yet, use fake ones. If you have an online wallet, make sure to the best of your ability that it doesn’t link directly to your bank account. Smart hackers can trace it back and raid the rest of your money if you aren’t smart about it. Whatever you do, never let websites remember your credit card. It seems convenient until you find yourself the victim of identity theft.

Strong Passwords

Even if you give away little to no information, you’d be surprised at what a smart criminal can do with next to nothing. The next step is for you to make sure your password is solid. Practically any password can be decoded given enough time, but time is not something hackers always care to spend. If you have any accounts protected with passwords like “password123” or something similar, change them today to something with no dictionary words and a lot of random numbers and symbols. If the service you use does get hacked, you’ll be sitting pretty while hackers vainly try and crack your account.

Become Anonymous

These three common-sense tactics should keep you out of harm’s way most of the time but none of them are fully secure. To make sure that you’re truly untouchable on the Internet, you’re going to need to get a Virtual Private Network (VPN) service. A VPN allows you to access the internet from a random IP address, making it impossible for hackers to locate you and remotely access your computer. A VPN can also mask your location, allowing you to bypass country restrictions so you can remain anonymous and access regionally restricted content. You’ll be safe in the knowledge that you’re practically invisible to cybercriminals.

Security is a learned behavior and any music lover who follows this advice is guaranteed to be safe from hacking and other nastiness. Do you have any additional recommendations as to how to stay safe while satisfying your musical cravings? Have you had any difficulties in the past? Please leave a comment below and tell us your thoughts!

Best Streaming Services for TV and Movies

June 17, 2016 // by Isa// Leave a Comment

If you’ve been thinking about cutting the cord for your cable, there’s never been a better time. While the top players like Hulu and Netflix still reign supreme, many others are jumping into the market with their own offerings whether it’s original shows or resurrected shows that simply didn’t make it on prime time.

Of course, companies like Comcast and Verizon have jumped onto the bandwagon and now offer their own Internet TV app and streaming services, while HBO has made their HBO Now service even more appealing.

With so many options available, which one is right for you?

Netflix

Netflix might not have been the first to offer streaming services, but it definitely picked up the torch and ran with it. The basic streaming service is only $9.99 starting in May 2016, which sadly doesn’t include HD or multi-device options. They also offer a plethora of different options from blockbuster movies to Japanese anime. Of course since they rotate out older programming you might miss out on your chance to watch something if you wait too long.

One of the biggest draws of Netflix is its original shows from “House of Cards” to “Marvel’s Daredevil”. If you want to watch any of these, the only place you can catch it is on Netflix. You can watch Netflix on a variety of devices like Chromecast, Roku and of course your PC. There is no offline viewing available so you’ll always need a connection. If you want newer releases, you can always take part in their DVD rental service, but that will cost an additional $7.99.

Prime Videos

Previously only Amazon Prime members could access their movie and TV section. However, in April 2016, Amazon announced that non-Prime members could now sign up for Prime Videos for $8.99 a month. This provides access to all of the original shows like Transparent as well as older HBO shows. There are many titles available, although some you still need to rent or buy if you want to watch them – most notably the newer movies. If you’re looking for free shows, look for the Prime banner on the selections. One of the biggest advantages of Prime Videos is the ability to watch your shows offline (in case the airport doesn’t have good WiFi).

While cheaper than Netflix, at the moment it is still a better deal to simply purchase the $99 a year Prime membership as this still includes Prime Videos.

Hulu

While overshadowed by Netflix, Hulu actually offered streaming services a full year earlier in 2006. It still offers a handful of free titles, but you’ll need to pay $7.99 if you want to watch full seasons of current and older TV shows. This price point also includes some ads so if you don’t watch to have your shows interrupted by commercials you’ll need to pay $11.99 a month. Even those have ads in the beginning and end of the show. Although it is more expensive, the benefit of a Hulu subscription means instant access to the most recent TV shows airing at any moment.

HBO Now

HBO was the very first individual channel to offer streaming services with HBO Go. It wasn’t perfect, as it required a TV login to watch. Without concurrent stream restrictions, many HBO Go users also shared their login with friends and family to access the most recent shows. HBO Now builds off the success of Go and offers online-only streaming for $14.99 a month. You can watch shows a couple hours after they air on TV on your PC, tablet or TV player.

Sling TV

At $20 a month, Sling TV is by far the most expensive option, but it also offers live access to channels such as Food Network, CNN, ESPN and more. It also has a multi-stream option so you can watch on up to three different devices for an additional $20 a month. That means if you want the single and multi-stream options you would need to pay $40 a month. Why would you pay for both? Multi-stream currently does not support a few channels like ESPN, ESPN2 and the Disney Channel. It also does not allow you to pay the extra $5 for the sports add-on for 9 additional channels.

While many of these services are available in other countries, they might not offer the same amount of titles. Others might not even be accessible. For example, Prime Video is not available to foreign IPs. Netflix does offer international content, though the amount and types of titles differ by region.

So which streaming service is best for you? It depends on the kind of experience you want. If you want a TV experience, then Sling TV might be your best option. If you want great original shows and access to Blockbuster movies, however, then Netflix or Prime Videos might be the better option. Of course, you can also subscribe to multiple streaming options if you can’t decide.

Do you have any thoughts as to what is the best service? Which of the above do you use currently? Please leave a comment below and tell us what you think!

Nintendo’s Greatest Multiplayer Video Games of All Time

June 10, 2016 // by Cassie// Leave a Comment

When playing video games, it always seems to be more enjoyable when playing with other people. Whether it’s playing online or with a friend close by, playing multiplayer video games is simply awesome. Combine multiplayer with Nintendo, home of the most brilliant video game masterminds of all time, and there is a recipe for success. Over the years, Nintendo has produced some of the greatest multiplayer video games known to man.

The following are, undoubtedly, the best of the best.

Mario Kart Wii – Wii

Outside of the Super Mario video games, there is no better Mario franchise than Mario Kart. In 2008, Nintendo released the most innovative Mario Kart game ever: Mario Kart Wii. While the game brought back much of what fans were used to, kart racing, items and beloved characters, it also added motion control. However, the motion control is certainly an acquired taste and driving with either the Wii Classic Controller or Gamecube Controller is definitely the preferred option.

This was also one of the few Mario Kart games to have online play, but sadly Nintendo killed it. This is extremely unfortunate because online play for Mario Kart Wii was a blast. Even without this functionality though, the new courses are brilliant, the implementation of bikes make it better than ever to control and the game never gets boring.

Kirby’s Return to Dreamland – Wii

Kirby has long had the notion that it’s a kid’s franchise due to numerous games lacking in difficulty. While the series has seen its fair share of pathetically easy games, Kirby 64 for sure, Kirby has never been about the difficulty. On the contrary, the series has been popular due to its fun factor. This is where Kirby’s Return to Dreamland comes into play because of the multiplayer fun it provides.

At any point in the game, four people can be playing simultaneously as either Kirby, required, Meta Knight, King Dedede or Waddle Dee. Each character has their own unique move-set, and of course, Kirby’s abilities depend on what Copy Ability he has. Although the level design in the game can leave a lot to be desired, the game manages to remain fun due to the insane amount of chaos.

Super Mario 3D World – Wii U

Nintendo took a risk when they decided to make a 3D Super Mario platformer a multiplayer experience, but it’s safe to say they made the right decision. Throughout the entire game, the level design never got old, and Nintendo proved that when they want to make elite games, they can. Super Mario 3D World takes the characters from Super Mario Bros. 2, Mario, Luigi, Toad and Peach and morphs it with the multiplayer experience of New Super Mario Bros. However, the gameplay is much better executed in Super Mario 3D World than it was in New Super Mario Bros.

About the only aspect that this game is missing is online play, but that was explained by Nintendo. The explanation makes a lot of sense, but it still would have been amazing to see what kind of online experience Nintendo could have made for Super Mario 3D World.

Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy’s Kong Quest – SNES

This is the only game on this list that doesn’t allow for simultaneous gameplay. Instead, one player controls Diddy Kong while the other waits for their chance to control Dixie Kong. Basically, during each level the players can switch back and forth between their characters at any time. Now that that’s understood, it’s time to talk about the brilliance of Donkey Kong Country 2.

In each level, there are many bonuses to complete and a DK coin to collect. Due to a number of collectibles to find in each level, the game never loses its appeal. Also, this game features an entirely breathtaking soundtrack that any music fan could enjoy. This game is proof that gamers in the 1990s were living through the greatest era of video gaming.

Nintendo definitely knows how to be the life of the party with the amount of amazing multiplayer video games they have produced. The games listed here were just a hint at the greatness that is Nintendo. If you think that I missed any major games, then leave a comment below and continue to spread the greatness of Nintendo!

Guest Post: An Explosion of 21st Century Children’s Music

June 8, 2016 // by Admin// Leave a Comment

By Jason Didner, Children’s Musician, leader of the Jungle Gym Jam

If you came of age in the 20^th Century as I did, you may have an understandably negative initial reaction to the idea of music made for kids. Annoying TV soundtracks may come to mind, along with indistinguishable repetitive versions of nursery rhymes half-heartedly performed and produced.

But we as parents in 2016 have a beautiful smorgasbord of fresh, energetic family music right at our fingertips that our own moms & dads couldn’t have found anywhere on the radio or in a record store back in the day. A movement got underway in the mid-90s where families in big cities or a few lucky suburbs could take their kids to live shows by such pioneers in kids’ music as The Laurie Berkner Band and Dan Zanes in New York and Justin Roberts in Chicago. If you were fortunate enough to catch one of these shows, you might take their CD home for a perfectly enjoyable whole-family listening session in the kitchen or in the car.

As the Internet grew in popularity and even became a means of distributing CDs worldwide, more and more of these independent musicians for kids (kindie for short), became a presence beyond where they could perform live. With just enough publicity, they could sell their CDs anywhere that people wanted their music. And this music wasn’t just made by unknown artists. Notable artists like They Might Be Giants, Lisa Loeb and Chris Ballew (singer from Presidents of the United States of America, now making kids’ music under the stage name Caspar Babypants) were making exceptional new records for kids and their grown-ups – stunning arrangements, brilliant lyrics, heartfelt vocals, everything a parent – and a child – can hope for at the same time.

As the new century progressed, there’s been an explosion of quality music for kids and families; we now live in an era that family writer Jeff Bogle (Out with the Kids) calls “the Golden Age of children’s music.”

You can’t even really call the kindie movement a genre, because there are so many genres making up the movement; we’re really exposing the children to an astonishing variety, and it’s crossing demographic lines like nothing I could have imagined. There are rock songs with rap battle-ready hip-hop breakdowns in the middle. There’s kindie jazz, folk, funk, country, punk, powerpop, electronica, hip-hop, pop, bluegrass, soul, and any combination of these genres you can imagine, sometimes out of a single band, sometimes even within a single album.

And the lyrical content runs the gamut from educational (check out They Might Be Giants’ Here Comes Science album) to storytelling and emotional (any album by post-punk powerpop rockers Chibi Kodama will raise your family’s emotional intelligence level by at least 50 points if you listen closely and then talk about what you heard over dinner!) Justin Roberts absolutely nails the emotions of childhood, from being the young daydreamer in the outfield hoping the ball isn’t hit to him, to valuing the family dog’s brilliant emotional intelligence in ‘Every Little Step.’

Many kindie songs encourage literacy by offering creative musical adaptations of classic children’s books. Check out Miss Nina’s Brown Bear Rap and Emily Arrow’s The Dot Song for an experience that brings books to life.

Kindie rappers bring all the skills of big-time MC’s but their lyrics are way beyond just kid friendly or kid safe. These lyrics are pumped full of awesome, thorough messages for kids about self respect, understanding other people, engaging the imagination, checking off all the most important boxes of character education. Secret Agent 23 Skidoo (GRAMMY nominated), Alphabet Rockers and Mista Cookie Jar bring the kindie hip-hop goodness you won’t want to miss.

Want to get funky in the family car? Dial up some Sugar Free Allstars – an Oklahoma-based duo that proudly wears its James Brown influence (and throws in a little Deep Purple to keep things interesting). For a touch of sweet soul music for kids & families, check out Shine and the Moonbeams. How about giving kids a way into jazz music? You can look to L.A.’s Jazzy Ash (who has deep roots in New Orleans, Louisiana) or Montreal’s GRAMMY winner, Jennifer Gasoi for an authentic and truly enjoyable cultural family experience. Latin and bilingual music are a natural fit for kindie music, as evidenced by Latin Grammy winners Lucky Diaz & the Family Jam Band and Mister G. The energy from 123 Andrés is also dazzling and catchy.

I’m just scratching the surface here. There is so much great music for kids and families to discover. Hours and hours of incredible music filled with incredible messages. My early experiences with listening to these brilliant creations along with my then-1-year-old daughter inspired me to use my musical skills to create kindie music of my own. My wife Amy and I started writing lyrics about our early parenting experiences and The Jungle Gym Jam was born in our home state of New Jersey, where we combine the authentic Jersey Rock sound with our observations, hopes and humor about family life, parenting and childhood.

I encourage you to continue exploring the amazing world of 21^st century ‘kindie’ music with your family and tell us about your experiences with it in the comments below.

About the Author: Jason Didner is a dad to a very energetic 5-year-old. He and his wife Amy write lyrics about their parenting experiences and Jason sets it to music. In addition to making music for kids, Jason’s committed to helping other family musicians advance their careers. He hosts a podcast called ‘Make Kindie Happen’ and keeps a blog about the New Jersey children’s music scene. Jason is also learning on the job along with daughter Holly how to properly care for goldfish.

How to Stream TV Shows Overseas

June 3, 2016 // by Caroline// 1 Comment

It’s that time of year when the summer shows are airing the world over. Watching these shows is not as easy at it should be depending on where you live. Netflix and Hulu, in the US, are the go-to services for streaming television. In addition to their original series, Netflix shows past seasons when they receive the licensing, and Hulu features current show seasons for those they are licensed to show. Licensing, however, is also based on country. Not all countries are considered equal in this case.

Watching TV Shows on Netflix

While Netflix services are open to a variety of markets all over the world, not all markets have the same TV shows or movies at the same time. Netflix original series are available in all markets since Netflix owns those licenses. Network TV shows, however, are not owned by Netflix, so they can’t be shown until the production companies allow Netflix to serve them to their users and in specific markets. Netflix also isn’t licensed to stream TV shows as they air.

(lculig/Shutterstock.com)
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DECEMBER 20 2015: Hulu logo on modern laptop screen. Hulu is an American online company and partially ad-supported streaming service.

Watching TV Shows on Hulu

Unlike Netflix, Hulu is only available in the United States. This makes it harder for those around the world to watch television via their service. Since Hulu is owned by some of the production companies, they have licensing to stream some TV shows between a day and five days after they air. Hulu also offers some original shows but not to the extent of Netflix at this point. Like Netflix, users outside of Hulu’s jurisdiction are not able to stream these shows due to geo-blocking. Viewers often have to resort to other options; though some of them are not considered safe.

What About File Sharing Sites?

Some of these less than safe options include a variety of file sharing sites. Free streaming sites are not always a good idea because they usually send users to illegally hosted files of copyrighted shows. These sites do not have licensing for the content they share and are heavily inundated with ads. Sometimes these sites get shut down without notice by the US government for hosting copyrighted content. Others are fly-by-night sites that are not considered reputable.

One of the biggest dangers of these file sharing sites is that your computer could be at risk by visiting them. Many of the files shared could be infected with malware or viruses. And since they rely on the ad revenue to make money to stay in operation, the ads on the site could also contain malware and viruses.

What is a Good Alternative?

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are a good alternative to file sharing sites. VPNs hide your IP address and can make it seem as if your computer is in a different country than where it actually is. This allows you to watch shows on Netflix or Hulu despite the geo-restrictions. Picking a good VPN is key. Some could cause your computer or connection to slow down, which isn’t good for someone who is trying to stream online content.

Have you ever ran into a video that you couldn’t watch online due to where you live? What did you do?

5 Most Inspirational Celebrity Websites

May 25, 2016 // by Caroline// Leave a Comment

Celebrity culture—love it or hate it—is an ingrained part of our technological age, and there’s no getting around it. When people land magazine covers because of how many Instagram followers they’ve amassed (hello Selena & Kendall), then you know that we’ve reached a point of celebrity and media saturation.

But if you want to take a break from the people who are famous for being famous, check out these stars and their websites that show there’s still a little bit of talent, good will or even hilarity out in the golden echelons of elite Hollywood society.

Russell Brand

Russell Brand may not be your style of comedian, but despite whether or not you think he’s funny, he’s become an incredibly outspoken activist since hitting the limelight, and that’s something he definitely needs to get more airtime for.

From his legitimate book club (he’s currently reading Destiny Disrupted: A History of the World Through Islamic Eyes) to his videos on taking part in your local politics (because they matter!), he’s gone from being Hollywood Bad Boy #1 to taking his 15 minutes of fame and turning it into a message for good. You should take a couple notes from his attention to the global politics, and especially if you’re English, I suggest you get in on his discussions and share your opinions—it’s a great way to get as involved as he is.

Gwyneth Paltrow

Pause the eye rolls please, because if nothing else, Gwyneth Paltrow and Goop.com is the inspirational guide that drives people (whether they like to admit it or not) to the elite level of life. Her infamous week of grocery shopping is proof not just that she’s out of touch, but how far away from her lifestyle the rest of us truly lead—and instead of hating on her, shouldn’t we aspire to a higher level?

Whether you agree with her and her $200 white t-shirt is irrelevant. At the end of the day, everyone looks at her lifestyle blog and is angry because they hate admitting that they’d like to be her. And don’t you remember your mom telling you that bullying was a strong sign of flattery?

Serena Williams

SerenaWilliams.com is an all-purpose site for the kind of all-purpose amazing woman that Serena is. Part blog, part tennis schedule, part philanthropic hub, Serena’s got it all up and running, and it’s as efficient, streamlined and positive as she is.

If you’re perusing, take a stop at her trophy case for an under the radar mention of how incredibly talented she is as a tennis player, and then take a click around her SW fund tab to uncover all of the organizations she’s an advocate for. From UNICEF to Build Africa Schools, this woman has her heart in the right place even while she’s kicking the tennis world’s butt. And if you’ve got some spare time, definitely check out her videos, she’s all about body positivity, staying healthy and learning how to be the best you. Can we just give her superhero status already?

Usain Bolt

The first thing you’ll read on Usain’s site is his athletic prowess: “11 time world champion,” quickly followed by this: “6 time Olympic champion,” and then this: “world’s fastest man.” Now, I’m not a regular runner, but I’ve got to give it to Usain—this is the kind of thing that gets me out from behind my computer and out in the park sweating up a storm.

While this is mostly a promotional site outlying again and again what an incredible athlete Bolt is—because let’s face it, he’s probably the best on the planet—it’s very useful if you’re trying to inspire yourself to get off the couch and cross off some of your New Year’s resolutions. But even if that’s your game, don’t forget to check out his foundation because he’s using his money and influence to have happier children on the planet, and I can’t think of anything more inspiring than that.

Beyoncé

Queen B really needs no explanation as far as I’m concerned—when you rule the world, of course you have the best website around. But between Beyoncé’s particular type of celebrity—the refined, not prone to oversharing style that harkens back to the star behavior of the Golden Era—and the incredible audio and visuals that hit you as soon as you tap in, you can scroll her tour dates, check out a sneak peak of her latest project with HBO and also surf through her Ivy Park collection (that pays homage to how hard she’s worked for queen status).

And while you may be put off by her perfection, I can’t think of anything better than seeing another person make it to inspire you that you can to. All you have to do is ask yourself one question: what would Beyoncé do?

Are there any inspirational celeb websites that you can’t just get off your mind? What about a vlog, blog or social media takeover? Leave your faves in the comments below, and we’ll check them out. If you’re always on the move for new inspiration, you’ll never get bored!

How to Watch the French Open Online

May 20, 2016 // by Isa// Leave a Comment

As one of the greatest tennis events of the years got underway this year, players and fans alike are preparing themselves to be a part of action. This year’s tournament is said to be a classic stand-off between rivals. Will Rafael Nadal hold his title or will his shaky recent performances prove too much to bring home the win? Is it going to be Federer that poses the most real threat or will Djokovic reign supreme? With so many questions to be answered, all that’s left now is to watch the games and see the results for ourselves. However, this could be easier said than done for a lot of people.

Regional Live Streaming

While the French Open is aired live on TV and is supposedly readily available online to be streamed at the same time, this is not the case for many people. This is because the French National TV Channels (France 1, 2 and 3) receive full control over the coverage, picking up the organic footage from all of the courts, before passing it onto licensed networks, including online services. To make matters even worse, for the first time ever, ESPN won’t be covering the 2016 event, making it even harder to find a source to watch. While French TV have their own online streaming services, this is no help for those of us trying to watch overseas, as the content is completely geo-blocked.

What Is Geo-blocking?

Geo-blocking is an extremely common practice where online content is restricted and censored based on geographical location. In some countries, this is due to political governance and laws around information, however, for the French Open, it’s merely a matter of licensing issues. The TV channels are only legally allowed to share material in certain jurisdictions. While this is obvious in terms of television, as channel signals can only be picked up in certain places, it’s a lot harder to monitor online. To get around this, companies use your IP address—which dictates to location of your device—to block you from websites and pages that show restricted content.

The Solution

Fortunately, there’s a remarkably easy way to get around this. A Virtual Private Network—regularly shortened to VPN—is something that most people have come across, but don’t really know anything about. However, this extremely handy software package is just the thing that you need in order to be able to watch the French Open, no matter where in the world you are. By simply downloading and installing it onto your computer and selecting your location as in France, or another region where to tournament is aired, you can access the online streaming sites and watch the games freely.

How Does It Work?

This works because the VPN hides your IP address dictating your device’s location. Instead, you take on the IP address of your selected VPN server by re-routing your connection to the internet via it. This means that, by choosing the right server, sites with geo-blocking restrictions can be easily fooled to think that your location falls into those who are allowed access.

Where Do I Get One?

There are endless VPNs available of varying quality, so before making your purchase, you need to decide what you’re looking for. While a free VPN is an obvious choice, the connection regularly drops out, meaning you could find yourself staring at a black screen at a crucial point in the play. They also never provide customer service, so if you have problems setting up or there are faults while it’s in use, there’s no way to resolve the issue. It’s also important that your chosen VPN offers a server in a country where the tournament is accessible. There’s no point putting money into something to find out that you’re still no closer to solving the problem. There are many detailed reviews online, so do your research before parting with your money.

The fact that the French Open is restricted in this way is disappointing. However, this simple solution means you’ll never have to miss out on the action. Once you’ve installed the app, simply log on to any of the sites streaming the tournament, and you’ll be good to go! Now all you have to decide is who you’re routing for to win.

5 Scariest Movies to Stream on Friday the 13th

May 13, 2016 // by Cassie// Leave a Comment

Friday the 13th—an ominous date that has long be associated with bad luck and cheesy horror films. It may be a superstitious holdover from the old days…or perhaps there really is something to it.

Either way, a good number of us tend to gather around the TV on Friday the 13th. Maybe it’s comforting to know the people being mutilated by Jason or tormented by Pennywise aren’t us. Maybe the suspension of belief helps us escape the real terrors that are everyday life. More than likely we’re just overthinking this whole thing.

Rather than ponder the peculiarities of society, why not sit down for a good scream this Friday the 13th? If that’s your thing, here are a few good choices this year (and in some cases any year) that you can stream:

Hush

Best for:

People with friends
People afraid of home invasions

We’ll begin the list with Hush not only because it’s a relatively recent film (2016), but because it’s also legitimately terrifying. What truly separates this film from its competition is the premise of the plot. Our protagonist is deaf, which means she can’t hear creepy noises, heavy breathing or the usual tactics that frighten our “heroes.”

It’s refreshing to see a horror film that continues to capture the moments that scare the audience without relying exclusively on the poor decisions of the characters to direct the plot. If you’re tired of the usual suspects, this one’s definitely worth a watch.

Insidious: Chapter 3

Best for:

Anyone who’s seen Insidious 1 and 2
Residents of the further

For those of you who haven’t yet seen Insidious 1 or 2, it may be better to start there. But it isn’t entirely necessary, as this movie is a prequel rather than a sequel, so knowledge of the previous installments isn’t a requirement.

The whole premise of the Insidious series is predicated on psychics whom are able to contact the dead to help deal with hauntings. But, being horror movies, things get wildly out of hand and quickly go from strange to “I’ll sleep with the lights on tonight.” It’s a good watch, and I’m always a fan of movies with extra films to follow up with.

The Witch

Best for:

Fans of ambiance
People who hate jump scares

Most horror movies focus on scaring you out of your seat, but The Witch manages to be creepy predominantly through the use of music, lighting and, astonishingly enough, acting. It’s set in 1630 in the New England area, so it harkens to a very different period. Most horror movies take place in modern or very nearly modern settings.

This one was good for being targeted at a very different audience. If crazy camera movements and jump scares aren’t your cup of tea, this should hit the spot.

Stephen King’s It

Best for:

People scared of clowns
Stephen King fans

Based on Stephen King’s 1986 best-selling novel, “It’s” difficult to describe exactly what “It” is. No matter how many times I watch this movie, no matter how old I get, it’s always somewhere between bizarre and terrifying.

The basic premise of the movie occurs in two parts: the first half of the film focuses on the childhood experiences of a group known affectionately as the “Loser’s Club” and their dealings with the pseudo-supernatural entity, Pennywise.

The second half of the film depicts them as adults that must finally face the fears of childhood that they repressed for so many years. Beyond that, you’ll need to see for yourself. Just be sure to strap in because, as with any Stephen King movie, it’s a long one. It originally aired as two separate films.

Friday the 13th

Best for:

Fans of classic horror movies
Hockey Fans

If you thought you’d escape a Friday the 13th movie listing without seeing…well…Friday the 13th…sorry to disappoint. Jason Voorhees debuts as a psychopathic undead murderer with a machete and a mission to kill everyone at Camp Crystal Lake in this 1980 classic.

As one of the first true slasher movies, Friday the 13th set the stage for countless predecessors to follow with its relatively bad humor and overly violent deaths. In true horror film style, nothing ever goes right for our protagonists, and you can expect lots of predictable but satisfying deaths.

Perhaps the best part about Friday the 13th is the continuance of the saga of Jason Voorhees. After watching this movie, there are countless sequels to delve into that could easily eat up your whole week, never mind just your Friday.

As a final point, bring friends to your Friday the 13th movie binge and start early. There’s nothing worse than watching one of these films immediately before bed—unless of course, that’s your thing.

Top Books to Gift on Mother’s Day

May 6, 2016 // by Caroline// Leave a Comment

With Mother’s Day just around the corner, there are sons and daughters everywhere wracking their brains to come up with the ultimate gift. While a bottle of wine and box of chocolates may be a great instant hit, giving your loving mother a piece of literature that she can enjoy for years to come is an unbeatable and classic present; plus it doesn’t break the bank. However, with so many great stories on offer, it can be hard to choose the perfect book. Fortunately, we’ve compiled a list of five that delicately handle the beloved mother/child relationship and will remind your mom just how much you mean to each other.

The Joy Luck Club By Amy Tan

Amy Tan is a writer who commonly explores mother/daughter relationships through her Chinese heritage and culture. Her debut novel follows the life of Chinese American immigrant families in San Francisco. As the Americanized children begin to grow, their mothers ponder identity and what it means to be separated by culture. Until one day, the death of group leader, Suyuan Woo, forces her daughter to come to terms with her forgotten heritage and fly to China to meet with long lost family to tell them all about the mother she realizes she never really knew.

Handle With Care By Jodi Picoult

Like the ground- and heart-breaking My Sister’s Keeper, Picoult’s 2009 release, Handle With Care, is another tear-jerking story of a mother, and the increasingly difficult choices she has to make for her extremely sick child. Willow, the daughter of Charlotte, suffers from severe osteogenesis imperfect, meaning a lifetime of painful accidents and traumatic treatments. Struggling to cover Willow’s medical expenses, Charlotte has to make a controversial decision that will tear apart friendships, ensue huge court costs and, worst of all, break the heart of her precious daughter.

A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini

Transport yourself halfway around the world and find another doting mother, faced with hard choices, heartbreak and unfathomable stress. Hosseini’s second novel, after his best selling debut Kite Runner, looks at women growing up in Afghanistan and the pressures they face. The first half follows the story of a girl, Miriam, who is the illegitimate daughter of a wealthy businessman who had an affair with her lowly villager mother. Rejected and alone, mother and daughter do the best they can to survive out of wedlock or the protection of a family. However, things take a drastic turn for the worse, and Miriam’s life is transported far away from her humble village beginnings.

The Great Mother by Erich Neumann

This philosophical analyses aims to express what we associate with the idea of “the Great Mother.” It tracks the idea of the feminine right back to prehistoric man and the cave paintings on the wall, before moving forward in time and following how this idea has developed through mythology and monotheistic religion. Alongside this, it explores how living within a patriarchal society has affected what womanhood means and how it is perceived. Neumann himself was a student of Carl Jung and has an in depth psychological and philosophical background, so his take on the topic is truly fascinating. Although not a novel, it’s the perfect gift to help your mother understand the true depth, beauty and history of her place in the universe!

Beloved by Toni Morrison

This heartbreaking tale looks at what happens when the supernatural is brought into a classic mother/daughter story. It follows the protagonist, Sethe, who is forced to make a terrible, terrible decision. She kills her young daughter rather than forcing her to face a torturous life of slavery. However, years later, an unexpected visitor suggests that maybe the relationship is not over. Perhaps the ghost of the murdered child is not yet finished with this earth? It shines a harrowing light on post-Civil War America and is a truly a gripping tale from cover to cover. The book was the 1987 Pulitzer Prize winner and is known, worldwide, as a true classic.

Any of these books would make an ideal present for your mother this year, and there are so many more epic novels that we haven’t even mentioned. If you know of another story that should be on the list, or have a different great idea for the ideal Mother’s Day gift, then be sure to leave a comment below!

7 Most Underrated Movies To Watch On Netflix

April 29, 2016 // by Cassie// 2 Comments

Netflix may be the star of the TV series world right about now—Orange Is The New Black and House of Cards can be thanked for that—but the company’s ever-dwindling movie titles (no you’re not dreaming, it’s true) still leave some classics for all the viewers and extroverted introverts to cash in on.

So whether you’re planning to ditch the gang this weekend and just stay in or you’re stuck on a brutal commute that mercifully has great service bars, it’s time to activate your account and pull up your online streaming player. Netflix & Chill, anyone?

Hotel Rwanda

This heavy title may not be perfect for date night (well, actually it depends on your date) but this award winning film is definitely one that needs to be seen (and rewatched). Starring Don Cheadle and Sophie Okonedo, it’s the tale of the Rwandan genocide that devastated the country while the rest of the world did little to help.

While the Hutu-majority armed forces sought to cleanse the country of the smaller population, it’s one hotel manager’s tale of an unfolding catastrophe and his part to make a difference in the escalating violence. A sobering film to be sure, and certainly one to spawn conversation of crossover in our current Syrian crisis, this flick was given a 90 percent on Rotten Tomatoes and 4/4 by Roger Ebert—making it an instant, if not heavy, classic.

Pride & Prejudice

Joe Wright’s rendition may not be the universal favorite (BBC fans of the original are a hard-won crowd unwilling to budge), but it’s one of the most beautiful films around and stars such excellent talent as Donald Sutherland, Brenda Blethyn, Rosamund Pike, Matthew MacFadyen and Keira Knightley in the title role of Elizabeth Bennet.

With sweeping, never-ending, uncut scenes that give life to Jane Austen’s famous words and a reputation to Wright for incredible cinematography, this modern remake is certainly a classic for it’s generation. Winner of BAFTA and an Evening Standard Award, this movie is one to park it on the coach and order Chinese takeout for.

Groundhog Day

Does anyone hear the word Groundhog Day and not immediately picture Bill Murray reliving the same day over and over again in an array of antics that go from normal to crazy pretty quickly? For those of you who missed the first sweep of this film’s extensive infiltration in pop culture, here’s your chance to get a closer look at one weather man’s attempt to escape the icy winds of fate. Joined by Andie McDowell, watch Murray relive the “worst day of his life” over and over and over again—until he gets it right.

Galaxy Quest

Fans of Star Wars, but especially Star Trek, should definitely add this film to their regularly viewed collection. Its thinly veiled comedic rip off of Star Trek’s Shatner, Nimoy and the whole Enterprise crew is universe-winning comedic gold.

But the great thing about Galaxy Quest is that you don’t have to be one of the die-hard fans to enjoy the laughs of stellar cast Sigourney Weaver, Tim Allen, Sam Rockwell, Alan Rickman and more. All you have to do is tune into this screwball comedy as it’s main characters go from re-run TV shows and science conventions to being zapped aboard a bona fide UFO.

The Homesman

Directed and starring Tommy Lee Jones, this film is one of the most star-packed movies to ever fly under the radar—if you call being part of the Cannes Film Official Selection flying under the radar. With Meryl Streep, Hilary Swank, John Lithgow, Miranda Otto and more filling out Jones’ feature, it’s hard to understand how a movie this good got away from the cinemas without being, at the very least, a cinephile hit.

Following the story of one woman out in the Wild Wild West and the man she saves from getting hanged, their mission is to take three women across the country, and it’s not a mission for the faint of heart. For people who have a love for good old Westerns and adventure alike, this is definitely your next must-see.

His Girl Friday

Never was there a better idea than Cary Grant and black and white films, and lucky for film lovers, this excellent title has both. Centered around Grant as a newspaper editor and his whip smart reporter Hildy, it’s a time machine back to 1940 for one last assignment on a convicted murderer for the soon-to-be-married reporter. With Grant playing both her boss and her ex-husband, Hildy (played by Rosalind Russell) has her hands full. Between the pair’s chemistry and back and forth charming report, you’ll be on the edge of your seat the whole film, dying to know the truth—will she take him back or won’t she?

Who Framed Roger Rabbit?

This Robert Zemeckis classic may be new to the current generation, but it’s cult status still rings true for many. Starring Bob Hoskins as a private detective mired in a world somewhere between film noir reality and animated creativity, the case of a murdered file executive takes viewers through a journey of crazy happenstance and ultimate cartoon mastery. Between the Looney Tunes gang and a special appearance by Jessica Rabbit, this Zemeckis piece is more than just a journey down the rabbit hole; it’s a viewing adventure that has cemented itself not just in the entertainment realm, but in the esteemed halls of art film. So grab the popcorn, and enjoy!

With a list of seven, it’s easy to make this week your own film festival. Just grab the remote and your Netflix login, and get into your film critic mindset. Or better yet, just enjoy these heartfelt, sometimes historical, sometimes wacky movie choices.