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Hot On The Street Turns 4

Hot On The Street Turns 4 Cake - pizzazzerie-4th-birthday

Blogging involves so much more than writing, SEO and social media. Blogging is ultimately about creative self-expression and building relationships. So when I look back on the last year, I don’t think about how much time I spent on WordPress. I think about the inspiring people I met in cool places.

Blogging is rewarding because it provides access to experiences I would not enjoy otherwise. I think the tagline for Smirnoff’s Exclusively for Everyone campaign captures blogger outreach quite well because everyone can start a blog and therefore become eligible to participate in blogger outreach programs. With so many free online resources available, there’s no better time to join the blogging community than right now.

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May 31, 2014 by

American Idiot

Green Day American Idiot - Broadway WorldGreen Day Converse - American Idiot

American Idiot tells the story of three miserable, rebellious young men seeking freedom from suburban life. The angsty plot, powered by poppy versions of Green Day hits, covers romance, friendship and politics.

In the opening scene, I was intrigued by the Nam June Paik-esque backdrop of TV screens and newscasts. The pop culture references were an effective way to establish the setting and create a youthful vibe.

If you want to dress like an American Idiot character, here’s a short shopping guide:

Start your shopping spree at American Apparel for logo-free basics, then visit Bluenotes to keep your youthful look intact, followed by a stop at Urban Outfitters for overpriced hipster necessities. For footwear, I recommend picking up a pair of Converse, Vans, Keds or Dr. Martens. When you’re browsing the stores, look for clothing made of leather, denim, or flannel. If there’s a bearded salesperson wearing a plaid button-down shirt and multiple piercings, he can probably steer you in the right direction. Studded blazers can make your grunge look more professional (which is key if you’re going straight from work to see the show). A toque can protect your hair from the cold weather, while adding just the right amount of flare. If your attire strikes a balance between goth, punk and pastels, then get ready to pose for a Broadway-obsessed street style photographer.

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March 30, 2014 by

Kindness Counts

Kindness Counts Facebook Cover Photo

Western University graduates Josh Stern and Russell Citron are inspiring Gen Y to pay it forward and people are listening. Their charitable initiative #FeedTheDeed discourages people from playing an online drinking game and encourages random acts of kindness.

#FeedTheDeed has sparked a huge conversation about the power of social media. Instead of producing videos of themselves chugging beer, #FeedTheDeed participants are donating blood, clothes and toys.

How It Is Promoted

In the last 2 weeks, my Facebook news feed has been filled with photos and videos of friends distributing popcorn, coffee and TTC tokens. To extend the reach of #FeedTheDeed, participants are nominating friends, family and celebrities around the world. For example, Josh Stern nominated Canadian singer-songwriter Nikki Yanofsky and then she handed out candy in Montreal on Valentine’s Day.

What I Did

I love Twitter. I like Starbucks.

When my friend Sam Pollack nominated me to #FeedTheDeed, this is what I did to support a few charities I care about:

I used Twitter to send Starbucks gift cards to Anaphylaxis Canada, Heart and Stroke Foundation and Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. Non-profit employees deserve to be rewarded for their hard work and I hope they will encourage more people to continue the chain.

Feed The Deed Tweet Example

Starbucks Tweet A Coffee

What You Can Do

Here are some ideas:

  • Volunteer
  • Pay for a stranger’s bill at a café
  • Send handwritten notes or cards
  • Buy a ticket to attend a charity event
  • Contribute to a Kickstarter campaign
  • Loan money to an entrepreneur on Kiva

For more information, follow Kindness Counts on Facebook!

February 19, 2014 by

What’s HOTS On Facebook

Hot On The Street Facebook Page Profile Photo

As Hot On The Street approaches its 4th anniversary, it’s time to ramp up the blog’s social media presence. I am proud to announce the launch of Hot On The Street’s new Facebook page!

Having a Facebook page means it’ll be easier to share timely, funny and intriguing content faster than I could if I wrote a blog post about each topic. So in addition to sharing links to Hot On The Street interviews, reviews and event recaps, I’ll share more article links from Wired, Fast Company, Entertainment Weekly and the like. This also means that I can follow brands’ Facebook pages through my blog’s Facebook account, rather than my own. I suspect this will be a positive way to curate my Facebook experience because my friends’ content will appear higher in my News Feed if I start following fewer brands through my personal account.

Facebook Trending Topics (JPEG)

Trending Topics on Facebook

No matter how much Twitter and Facebook copy each other to attract and retain active users, I think one of the smartest features Facebook adopted is the new list of trending topics. If nothing else, MIT emphasized how easy it is for social media to be an echo chamber. In other words, even though news articles are so accessible, it’s easy to have a limited perspective on current events and remain oblivious about local or world news. Therefore, even though the trending topics list offers only a brief synopsis about why a person or event is trending, at least it can prompt users to research it more. It’s the thought that counts and every small step counts.

Please show your support for Hot On The Street and “Like” the new Facebook page to ensure you’re in the loop about trending topics that Facebook doesn’t highlight.

January 22, 2014 by

Behind The Band: Familiar Strangers

After studying at different Canadian universities, Ryan Peters, Josh Gladstone and Daniel Draper are reuniting to perform old favourites at an acoustic show. To call Sunday night a reunion would be an understatement because some of their high school friends haven’t seen each other in over four years. The low-key concert (promoted through a Facebook event) will offer a chance for Familiar Strangers’ fans to reconnect over drinks at an uptown bar in Toronto.

In honour of #FlashbackFriday, here are some exclusive insights about Familiar Strangers’ music and the band’s aspirations. Consider this a commercial-free digital spin-off of E! True Hollywood Story and enjoy.

Ryan (piano and vocals) plans to become a teacher, so he’s studying education at U of T and Daniel (guitar) is travelling for eight months before moving to Calgary for a consulting job. Meanwhile, Josh (guitar, cello, recorder and oboe) is a Project Specialist in Bell’s rotational program for new graduates.

Ryan Peters (2011)

Ryan Peters (2011)

Daniel Draper (2011)

Daniel Draper (2011)

Daniel Draper & Josh Gladstone (2006)

Daniel Draper & Josh Gladstone (2006)

Growing up, they enjoyed playing music at summer camp. “We wrote a couple Familiar Strangers songs by the campfire,” explains Josh. Likewise, Daniel’s counsellors influenced his taste in music and they introduced him to some of the tracks he plays on repeat today.

In high school, they liked listening to Billy Joel, Dave Matthews Band and John Mayer. Back in the day, Daniel sent Ryan music via MSN Messenger, but now that’s merely something they’re nostalgic about. Ryan mainly listens to Top 40 and show tunes, “as nerdy as that makes me.” Josh discovers new music through  streaming apps like 8tracks, as well as satellite radio. If you subscribe to SiriusXM, Josh recommends listening to The Pulse and The Blend. He’s also a huge fan of Mumford and Sons. “Opening for Mumford and Sons in front of a big crowd at the Molson Amphitheatre is the dream.”

If their dreams come true, then Familiar Strangers’ music will be featured on primetime TV. Ryan believes their “music would take any HBO show to the next level.” If a Game of Thrones producer includes their music in an upcoming episode, “it would be the greatest thing ever,” adds Josh.

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January 17, 2014 by