Five Guys with One Mission: Take Over the Burger Biz

The Burger Wars just got real, you guys.

For those of us here in Los Angeles, we all know that the undisputed reigning champ in the fast-casual burger restaurant market is In-N-Out Burger. But that could all be changing pretty soon, if the Murrell boys have anything to say about it.

Matt, Jim, Chad, Ben, and Tyler Murrell are the five brothers that make up the Five Guys burger chain that has been steadily creeping west across North America. Like some kind of culinary Manifest Destiny, the Murrells have been conquering palates wherever they’ve decided to set up shop. They’ve taken over Vegas and are currently spreading like wild fire across Southern California, opening franchises in Long Beach, Huntington Beach, and Fullerton. Before long, we will be seeing restaurants on Wilshire and Figueroa, right here in L.A., as well as on Tampa Avenue in Northridge, right next door to where an In-N-Out currently resides! Those sound like fighting words to me... And I can’t wait.

Though I haven’t yet had the pleasure of sampling the Five Guys menu, from what everyone has told me, it blows In-N-Out out of the water. And for anyone who has had an In-N-Out burger, that’s some pretty incredible praise. So, what makes a Five Guys burger so amazing? It could have something to do with Five Guys’s food being named among some of the unhealthiest food in America by Men’s Health – and everyone knows that, the worse it is for you, the better it tastes. Okay, so, maybe Five Guys shouldn’t be part of your daily diet, but for those major, unavoidable burger cravings, it sounds like this is the place to indulge. The chain has received awards from no less than 20 major cities, considering its fare the best around. Pretty impressive for a chain that avoids any sort of national ad campaigns!

The Five Guys menu is fairly simple, but unlike In-N-Out, it does offer a few more options, such as additional (free) toppings, hot dogs, and two different styles of French fries. And if the lines get too long, you can keep your appetite in check by snacking on the free un-shelled peanuts that most restaurants have available. They make their own buns in-house, use only fresh (not frozen) beef, and the entire menu is trans-fat free.

Sounds good to me. I’m ready for my first Five Guys burger; how about you?

Andy Grammer: From 3rd Street to the House of Blues

If you turned on the radio recently and suddenly found yourself feeling especially warm and fuzzy inside, chances are you just heard “Keep Your Head Up”, the debut single from up-and-coming singer/songwriter Andy Grammer. In an industry where most musicians seem to find inspiration in pain and bad break-ups, Grammer is turning the “brooding artist” stereotype on its ear and churning out music that celebrates the fun in life.

It’s not surprising either, considering his background. His father, Red Grammer, is a children’s singer who writes tunes that teach kids about values and being good little people. This positive outlook obviously rubbed off on his son, Andy. The 27-year-old didn’t exactly have it easy, having to work his way from the singing in the streets of Santa Monica before being discovered and signed to S-Curve Records. So, he likely knows exactly what he’s talking about when he advises the rest of us to “Keep Your Head Up”!

And it’s been nothing but up from there. The CSUN grad has gone on to earn some pretty prestigious gigs, such as performing at this year’s SXSW festival, and opening for such acts as Plain White T’s, Natasha Bedingfield, and Colbie Caillat. It won’t be long before he’s headlining his own tour and spreading his musical message of how great life can be!

Check out his MTV O Award-winning music video for “Keep Your Head Up” below, which features a great cameo by “The Office” star Rainn Wilson:

Happy Birthday, MTV!

It’s hard to believe, but it’s no less true – today, MTV turns 30!

We take it for granted now, but I remember when MTV debuted when I was just a kid and all the crazy excitement that surrounded it – music videos, 24 hours a day?? I can’t even imagine what the music scene would have been like in the ‘80s (and beyond) without MTV. Music was now a visual medium; some of the most brilliant filmmaking in the last three decades have come from some of the amazing music videos we all first saw on MTV.

But the cable channel was so much more than that. There’s a reason folks my age are referred to as the “MTV Generation”; because MTV was just for us. While the parents were watching the news on broadcast networks or our little brothers and sisters were glued to Saturday morning cartoons, we were locked into MTV, letting us know what was hot in all aspects of pop culture. (Sound familiar? Ahem!)

“Yo! MTV Raps”... “Headbanger’s Ball”... “Total Request Live”... “Remote Control”... “The Real World”... Yep, if revolutionizing television and the music industry wasn’t enough, MTV pretty much invented reality TV too!

And MTV has not lost that cool factor at all. In 2011, the channel is still at the forefront of what’s new and exciting in the entertainment world. The “M” in MTV might have been since retired, but it continues to dictate pop culture trends and inspire artists and entrepreneurs everywhere – including yours truly. Oh yeah, I’d be crazy if I didn’t give props to MTV for inspiring what we do at Young Hollywood, helping shape the flavor of the new generation!

In kind of a cool, ironic twist, when MTV first debuted at 12:01am on August 1st, 1981, the words “Ladies and gentlemen, rock and roll” were spoken over footage of the first-ever Space Shuttle launch, which had happened earlier that year. Thirty years later, we’re celebrating this momentous anniversary for MTV after having just witnessed the retiring of the Shuttle program within the last month! Hopefully, though, MTV’s journey does not end here, and the revolutionary cable channel reaches for new heights. YH will be right there with them!

It's a Bird, It's a Plane... No, It's a Flying Car!

The 21st century car has finally arrived, you guys. Several media outlets have confirmed that a flying car could be on the road -- and in the air -- by the end of next year.

Ever since cars were invented, we've been dreaming about ways to get them in the air. From "The Jetsons" and Chitty Chitty Chitty Bang Bang in the '60s to Back to the Future's DeLorean and Ron Weasley's Ford Anglia more recently, many concepts for the flying car have been dreamt up. But this decade will bring the real thing -- the Terrafugia Transition.

This flying car will be a two-seat plane made of carbon-fiber that you can drive straight out of your garage, fly to work (beat the annoying rush hour traffic!), and land to get that perfect parking space. The car can go 115 mph in the air and 62 mph on land, the wings fold up in about 15 seconds, and it is about the size of a large sedan... so, if parking is a problem, hey, just land on a rooftop!

CEO Carl Dietrich received $60 million from the Defense Department to build the ultimate flying car in just 5 years. Last week, The U.S. National Highway Safety Administration said the car is cleared for takeoff for the nation’s highways! With the next impending Carmageddon 11 months from now, they must have known the importance of getting around those typically backed-up freeways.

The Terrafugia Transition will be sold for $227,000, but this price tag is certainly not scaring away potential owners. Around 100 people have already put down a $10,000 deposit for their first flying car. Dietrich says his creation is expected to go global (of course!), and Europe says they want in on the action too. So do about 20 Britons.

To fly a Terrafugia Transition, you will need a light-aircraft license and 20 hours of training, so start enrolling in those flight classes now. Oh, and don't forget the insurance too…

An Ansane Adventure: Drinking Coke Around the World

What do you call someone who travels nearly 50 countries in a year, puts themselves $27,000 in debt and can prove Coca Cola runs the world? Insane?

Well, actually, the adventurous man goes by the name of Ansane, and this trip was anything but insane. About to turn 30 (30 is the new 20, right?), Ansane went on the ultimate study abroad experience. But it turns out there wasn't as much studying as there was drinking … Coca Cola!

From the mountains of Switzerland to the Great Wall of China to the plains of Kenya to New York City, Ansane documented his experiences drinking a Coca-Cola in 48 countries through YouTube. Some of the cans may feature different languages or alphabets or are in a different bottle altogether, but for the most part, Ansane shows you the vast international appeal of this 125-year-old beverage.

Let's face it -- everyone wants to travel the world, but many are held back by money, the daunting task, the inevitable obstacles and, well, life. But Ansane wasn't about to let that stop him from this creative and innovative quest. The trip wasn't without obstacles of course (he didn't end up getting to Japan due to the earthquake and tsunami earlier this year), not to mention some crazy debt he racked up! But he still maintains it was worth it -- I certainly dug watching it, for sure, and I think you will too. Check it out below:

Ansane created a Facebook page called “Reset, Live, Grow” which shows video clips from each country from the past year. He is also on Twitter at @Ansane where he has the conversation hashtag #CokeAroundTheWorld.

Now it just remains to be seen what the famous soft drink company will have to say about this...?

LMFAO FTW!

By now it should be a no-brainer that whenever you need a little guidance as to how to party, you look no further than LMFAO. You know exactly what you are getting when it comes to the band; it’s right there in those initials, after all... 

The unique uncle and nephew team of Red-Foo and Sky Blu have catchy jams in their blood, and it's no wonder as the son and grandson of the legendary Berry Gordy, the founder of Motown Records. If you couldn’t tell just by looking at them, these guys love to have a good time and they have the musical resume to back it up. Since their hit single, “I’m in Miami Trick”, off of their first album Party Rock, we have been schooled every step of the way to ensure the best “party rocking” experience under the influence of the '80sand dance! 

You can usually find these guys at the bar taking shots, shots, shots, shots and doing their signature shuffle dancing, but don’t expect to find them slacking off andchillin’in the doldrums. They are back by popular demand, having released their second studio album, Sorry for Party Rocking. Their singles “Party Rock Anthem” and “Champagne Showers” continue the rally for unfiltered fun, even if you are a Zombie or a Vampire! It is “meant to take you away, to escape to this world of fun, dance, sex, craziness, do-what-you-want attitude. It’s our lives,” says Red-Foo. 

We all deserve a moment of I just don’t give a damn, and that’s what party rock is for!

Hip-Hop's New Wiz Kid: Wiz Khalifa Taking Over the Game

Even before he collected the Best New Artist trophy at the BET Awards last night (June 26), Wiz Khalifa had already pretty much cemented his place in the hip hop community.

It must have been a surreal moment for an artist to be named the best “new” artist when he has been steadily in the game for around six years now! His first real single, “Say Yeah”, was released way back in 2007, and he already had two albums under his belt before this year’s Rolling Papers. But the numbers (not to mention a major label studio album) can sometimes make all the difference – Rolling Papers hit Number 1 in both the R&B and Rap charts, and it peaked at Number Two on the overall Billboard 200.

And the fact that Wiz’s first two singles from Rolling Papers, the infectious “Black and Yellow” and the Euro-synthy “Roll Up”, both went platinum no doubt had a big influence on his victory at last night’s awards ceremony. 

Aligning himself with a nearly endless list of other award-winning artists doesn’t hurt either! The Pittsburgh-born Chuck Taylor enthusiast has been featured on a ton of other great tracks with equally gifted artists, such as Cee Lo Green, Far East Movement, Soulja Boy, Wale, Rick Ross, Chris Brown, Lil’ Kim, Tinie Tempah, Chiddy Bang, and… well, I could go on all day! Mix that kind of experience with nine mixtape releases, not to mention appearing in no less than 35 music videos, it was only a matter of time before the 23-year-old started collecting some serious hardware and recognition for his contributions to the industry. And how can you not love this guy’s easy-going attitude and contagious grin? He reminds me of Snoop in his prime.

I can’t wait to see what else this kid has in store for the genre. Now that he’s broken out of the background and into the spotlight, the sky’s the limit!

Check out his latest single, “On My Level” ft. Too Short (NSFW!).

Charlie Lapson Designs Accessories Fit for the Stars

He’s hip, he's a jet setter, and he's a wanted man. Charlie Lapson is a designer for the people and finds inspiration in an array of ways that appeal to just about everyone. Even if this is the first time you are hearing his name, I guarantee that it will not be the last.

Lapson is an alum of the New York School of Visual Arts, where he studied fine arts like painting and sculpting, and he was been able to successfully parlay those fine refined skills into fashion design while at the Fashion Institute of Technology. Soon, he started to make a name for himself by creating his own signature line for the New York social and retail scene, having had a hand in the resurrection of Bugle Boy clothing! (Yes, those ARE Bugle Boys he's wearing, thanks for asking!)

These days, Charlie is the mastermind behind his own line of luxurious accessories for men and women such as bags, jewelry, and watches. He even designs super stylish wallets, and I should know, because I have one in my back pocket right now. Lapson’s list of celebrity clientele includes names like Brad Pitt, Felicity Huffman, Halle Berry, Will Smith, Anne Hathaway, and the list goes on. And it's no surprise either, since Charlie’s consistently unique creations are made of the highest quality products, like leathers from Italy and the finest jewels. More than just something to keep your money in or check the time with -- they are works of art!

 

If you are a what’s hot/what’s not kind of person, then it is imperative that you get acquainted with Charlie Lapson -- he’s the “Style Guru” after all!

Planking: A Bizarre Guerilla Stunt Gone Viral

As you guys have probably heard, there is a new phenomenon going viral worldwide; just don’t expect any spontaneous dance sequences that leave bystanders dazed, confused, and yet ready to dance... Nope, it just leaves people dazed and confused!

Just like every other viral outbreak, "planking" started as a plain old quest for easy amusement, and it all began across the big pond in England, around 1997. Eventually traveling to Australia, Asia, other parts of Europe, it inevitably hit the shores of the U.S., where countless numbers of people are trying to top each other by finding the most bizarre places to get photo-ready, lying face down with both arms to their side. Depending on the country, you could be playing the "lying down game", the "on one's belly game", "playing dead", or doing the "face downs". It might sound funny just saying it, but you’ve honestly got to see it to believe it. The game first gained media attention after several doctors and nurses in England were suspended for "planking on the job" in 2009. But, honestly, who could resist? I have never seen people have so much fun while lying still!

As you might expect, the game has reached a certain level of outrageous one-upmanship. Players are planking atop camels, road signs, and railings at great heights. Sadly, there have been some mishaps, but planking can be safe fun if you exercise caution, and I have a feeling that, in a few more years, just about everyone will have planked at least once... with online proof!

Viddy App Allows You To Capture Life On Video

What has more than 450,000 downloads and just keeps growing and growing and growing? No surprises here that the answer is a great new phone app!

With a new way to pull the ‘viddy’ographer out in you, Viddy is a premier social mobile application presenting you with a unique way to create and share video. With the option to utilize multiple movie styles, the short films that you create will give you access to a cinematic aesthetic that you usually only see on the big screen... As you can imagine, it's all the rage here in Hollywood.

Once again, count on Paris Hilton to be at the cutting edge of another great new trend, as she gushed to me about how Viddy is her new favorite app, saying “You can make videos that look really old school... I love it.” But she isn’t the only one getting her film on. Lauren Conrad is a new fan; a friend of Pete Wentz’s actually helped create it; Snoop Dogg is down; and Charlie Sheen has announced that Viddy is winning! Considering the brand did very little to no advertising, they just turned it on and with the help of some very prestigious word-of-mouth, it became a hit!

Taking its rightful place amongst our virtual lives, Viddy is also described as being like Twitter with video updates instead of status updates; seems to me that using a video clip as a status update is a big step in a new and exciting direction. You can even follow other viddyographers in the community and see the world from their artistic point of view. The best part about it is that it costs nada -- you can make the same hot videos as the celebs for FREE!

If you're the type to always have a cell phone on you to capture those once in a lifetime moments, then you should most definitely consider checking out viddy.com, and be amazed at how awesome your videos can look and then share them with the world!

DJ Duo Manufactured Superstars Get The Party Started

I recently had the ultimate trendsetter, Paris Hilton, in the YH Studio, and she told me about her DJ friends Manufactured Superstars. As usual, Paris really knows her stuff.

Brad Roulier (aka B-Rad) and Shawn Sabo (aka DJ Sabotage) hail from Denver, Colorado, and are not only DJs but founders on an online music store called beatport.com, which is a haven for electronic music. In 2005, Brad and Shawn created Manufactured Superstars and began touring and haven’t stopped since, playing clubs and parties all over. Aiming to please and pleasing the party, this duo fulfills their quest in providing a killer dance environment where everyone can just let their freak flags fly and have a good time. But how can you not when the signature costumes are matching NASA suits and an MC dressed as a bear?

The main ingredient of a good DJ is the ability to get the crowd in that carefree dance-your-a**-off state of mind, and from the energy that Manufactured Superstars emits, they more than deliver!

Check out their music video for their first single “Take Me Over” off their untitled fourth-coming album and tell me it doesn’t get you excited; their The Hangover inspired music video says it all!

For more, visit http://www.manufacturedsuperstars.com, and keep an eye out for my chat with Paris!

Il Volo Puts Fresh, Young Spin on Classical Music

Oh, the gift of giving! We let Italy get a taste of the Jersey Shore and they bring us the sweet sounds of Il Volo -- seems like a fair exchange, don't you think?

Honestly, I do not think that I have ever been more impressed with the raw musical talent of a group of young men like this Italian trio. Piero Barone, Ignazio Bocshetto, and Gianluca Ginoble are all under the age of 18, and they are putting a classical spin on the "boy band"! The three got their starts in 2009 as individual contestants in a Italian music competition called "Ti Lascio Una Canzone", which the then 14-year-old Ginoble won. During the contest, the three were selected to perform the opera staple "O Sole Mio" together, which turned out to be a really great idea, because once legendary producer Tony Renis heard the collective of voices, he instantly reacted to their chemistry. Steve Leber, who managed the likes of Aerosmith and AC/DC, actually came out of retirement to support them as well!

Il Volo were the talk of the town last week after their appearance on "American Idol", but I would like to go on the record and point out that Young Hollywood had them first! Yes, even before "AI" got their hands on them, the boys hung out with us at the Royal Suite at the Four Seasons (we needed a grander venue to contain their amazing voices!), and they couldn't have been more charming and personable.

We are hooked. We don’t even know what they are saying, but talent is talent, and it will not be denied. The boys of Il Volo are certainly living up to their name, which means "flight", as they are most definitely taking off and soaring to great heights!

Check it out YH's exclusive interview with Il Volo below:

To further support these guys, go to ilvolomusic.com; but be forewarned that it is a high-trafficked area!

Skylar Grey Steps Into the Spotlight

The late Nate Dogg might have been the King of Hooks, but a new Queen seems to be only just beginning her reign.

Whether you're familiar with her name or not, there's a very good chance that, whenever you turn on the radio, you are hearing her crystal clear pipes coming through your speakers. Skylar Grey is the name (remember it!), and she has been a key player in hit after hit, and, believe it or not, it’s been going on for years!

Growing up in a folk duo with her mother in Wisconsin, music has been a part of Grey’s life for a long time. When she first hit the L.A. music scene, she went by the name Holly Brook. She was signed to Linkin Park’s label, Machine Shop Recordings, and once opportunity began to rise, so did her recognition. You might  remember her from one of the most unforgettable songs of 2006: Fort Minors’s “Where’d You Go”. She's also toured as an opening act for Jamie Cullum, k.d. lang, Daniel Powter, Teddy Geiger, and Duncan Shiek.

After releasing her album Like Blood Like Honey in 2006, Brook took on the new alias by which we know her today: Skylar Grey. Producer Alex da Kid gave Grey a production deal which led to her participation as a contributing writer for Eminem’s chart-topping hit featuring Rihanna, “Love the Way You Lie”, and even received a Grammy Nomination for it. She co-wrote Diddy-Dirty Money’s “Coming Home” hook and “Castle Wall” by T.I. and Christina Aguilera. Grey's distinctive voice (reminiscent of The Cranberries's Dolores O'Riordan) also appears on Lupe Fiasco’s second single “Words I Never Said” from his latest album Lasers. Quite an impressive resume! We all got our first real look at Skylar when she performed live alongside Em and Dre at this year's Grammy Awards, singing the chorus to the smash hit "I Need a Doctor."

Since her arrival on the West Coast, Skylar Grey's contribution to the music we love has been invaluable. I'm psyched to see her finally breaking out on her own, premiering her own music at Lollapalooza this summer and giving mainstream audiences a proper introduction to this soon-to-be superstar!

Check out our interview with Skylar at the Studio, below:

True Food Kitchen Keeps It Real for Health-Conscious Foodies

Summer is upon us, guys, and I think it is about time to tell you about a restaurant whose bites taste as good as you'll look at the beach!

True Food Kitchen began in the “Valley of the Sun”, Phoenix, Arizona. The concept began when health guru and author Andrew Weil agreed to pair his “anti-inflammatory diet” with Fox Restaurant Concepts and skilled chef Michael Stebner. From this collaboration, a menu that focuses on preventative health care and based on integrative medicine was born. True Food Kitchen is a certified green restaurant, which means you are enjoying your food in a environmentally responsible space, following guidelines regarding water efficiency, waste reduction, sustainable furnishings and building material, sustainable food, etc. All of which compliments your happy taste buds and healthy eats!

The seasonal menu is chock full of unique savory dishes that use the freshest and highest quality ingredients, like edamame dumplings, spaghetti squash casserole, a panang curry, and even dairy-free organic chocolate pudding! Who knew such tasty combinations could be made from food that is so healthy? True Food Kitchen is also the only restaurant in the nation that has Olivello juice, a powerful antioxident and extract from sea buckthorn berries.

With three locations -- two in Arizona and one at Fashion Island in Newport Beach, California -- I am psyched to share with you all that there is now a TFK in Santa Monica, near the corner of 2nd and Colorado!

If you love trying new and healthy ways of eating, visit http://www.truefoodkitchen.com/ and get excited about welcoming a new destination for brunch, lunch, dinner, and cocktails that will have you feeling good and looking better! See you there!

The Stagecoach Music Festival Arrives in Indio on the Heels of Coachella

The polo fields of Indio, California, sure are seeing a lot of traffic these days. First, the insanely popular Coachella Music Festival breezed through town; followed by The Big Four, which showcased the head-bangin' likes of Metallica, Megadeath, Slayer, and Anthrax; then, finally, The Stagecoach Music Festival.

They had a very big field to fill, but country music lovers of the West Coast seemed to have no problem doing it, as the fifth year of Stagecoach went off without a hitch on the very same turf that Coachella occupies annually.

Saturday, April 30th, and Sunday, May 1st, collectively drew over 120,000 people bearing the warm weather for a good ol’ California get-down, and just like its more famous festival cousin, some big names hit the stage, including Kenny Chesney, Carrie Underwood, Darius Rucker (yes, of Hootie & the Blowfish!), Josh Turner, Easton Corbin k.d. lang, and Rascal Flatts, who announced to the crowd that Osama bin Laden had been killed... surely a memorable moment for the patriotic patrons. Even one of my favorites, the First Lady of Rockabilly Wanda Jackson (who actually dated Elvis once) joined in on the celebration.

Amongst all of the hootin’ and hollerin’, the '70s hippie fashion that was infused at Coachella was no doubt replaced by cowboy boots and hats, with the occasional farmer’s tan!

It was a very country couple of days, but that didn't mean that the influence of other genres weren't heard loud and clear -- The Gourds put on their rendition of Snoop Dogg’s “Gin and Juice,” and Mr. Rucker took the crowd back to the '90s with some old-school Hootie, all of which deserves a big Yee-haw!

I’m already shining my boots for next year.

A Bright Future for Odd Future

With a beyond impressive list of performers at Coachella, the buzz everywhere I went was aimed at hip-hop collective Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All, or as you might have heard of them, simply Odd Future.

This pack of young either still in or fresh out of high school skateboarders hailing from Los Angeles are making huge waves in the music industry and are holding down the title of hip-hop’s latest phenomenon while gracing the cover of Billboard Magazine, being one of the most sought-after groups at SXSW, and even being recommended by ?uest Love to perform on "Jimmy Fallon".

At any given time, Odd Future is made up of about 11 members: the leader, Tyler the Creator and his little brother Earl Sweatshirt (who apparently cannot be in the group until he is of age and back from boarding school -- Mom's orders!) are two dominant voices; Syd tha Kyd is currently the only female member; then there are Hodgy Beats, Mike G, Domo Genesis, Left Brain, Frank Ocean, The Super 3, Jasper Dolphin, and Taco Bennett.

Although often being lumped under the genre of "horrorcore" for their dark, vivid, and disturbing lyrics, the group denies it, describing their music as cinematic, saying they make “soundtrack music”, and if you listen to any of their songs, it will sound like a movie from front to back. “It’s f***’in art,” says Tyler The Creator.

For a group that's been compared to the likes of Wu Tang Clan, Odd Future was underground for far too long, and now as they grow into super-stardom, we hope (but know) that we will continue to hear and see more from OFWGKTA as they each for greatness!

Odd Future will be touring the East Coast starting May 12 -- check out oddfuture.com if you want to join them on a night of moshing and tearing things up! And to get a peek at the goings-on in their heads, visit their blog: oddfuture.tumblr.com.

YH Celebrates 1 Year of Amazingness!

This week marks the one-year anniversary of the launch of the Young Hollywood Studios at the Four Seasons, and I have to say, it’s been a phenomenal ride. I couldn’t be more pleased with how it has worked out and the success it has become. Here’s to many more years!

In honor of the milestone, I wanted to share with you all, my Top 5 favorite interviews so far. This endeavor couldn’t have become what it’s been if not for the exceptional talent we’ve had on our white couch. So, without much further ado, in no particular order:

1) DANE COOK – YH goes live! For the first time, YouTube presented live streaming footage, and we were honored to be a part of this technological breakthrough. And who better to have live (and uncensored) in the Studio than Dane Cook?

DANE COOK

2) TINIE TEMPAH – This British import is a superstar in the making, and he’s got loads of charm to boot. Check out the “Written In The Stars” singer’s visit and lesson in proper tea-drinking:

TINIE TEMPAH

3) JESSE EISENBERG – Right before he blew up in The Social Network, this incredibly talented actor was one of our earliest Studio guests, and I was so impressed with how smart and humble he is. We couldn’t be happier for his success!

JESSE EISENBERG

4) DREW BARRYMORE – Actress, director, producer… This gal has been there, done that, and she’s as amazing as ever. So easygoing and down to earth, when she first walked into our Studio, she said, “This is friggin’ awesome!” And so is she:

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5) NICOLAS CAGE – Here’s another guy that has been around forever, and has even won an Oscar, but he couldn’t have been nicer and more interesting when he came by the Studio with Jay Baruchel to chat about The Sorcerer’s Apprentice:

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That’s just a very small tip of an enormous iceberg, you guys. And it’s only going to get better. Thanks for taking the ride with us!

BlackBerry Aiming for the Top of the Tablet Game with the PlayBook

It hasn’t even been released to the public yet, but already the word on the street for the new BlackBerry PlayBook tablet is outstanding. And since I am a guy who appreciates a great gadget, I couldn't wait to get my hands on one of them last week during the SXSW conference. All I can say is, get your touch-screen fingers ready for this tablet, guys!

Some of the PlayBook’s key features include: a 7” touch screen, up to 64 GB of memory (with 16 and 32 GB model options), dual front and rear facing cameras, HD video and audio playback, and the ability to run multiple apps simultaneously, making multi-tasking a breeze. The BlackBerry PlayBook tablet also weighs less than a pound and is ultra thin, which means you can take it just about anywhere; it could easily fit in the front inside pocket of a man’s coat, or a woman's clutch purse!

The BlackBerry PlayBook tablet is hitting the streets April 19th, at prices as low as $499. To get a sneak peek of just how amazing this thing is, be sure to check out our exclusive SXSW coverage on the site!

Fig & Olive Brings Their Unique Tastes to L.A.

Who would have thought that you could design a concept for a restaurant specifically around extra virgin olive oil? Not me, but fortunately for the rest of us, Laurent Halasz, the founder of Fig & Olive, did just that, and with fantastic results.

Fig & Olive, which just opened in Melrose Place on Wednesday (March 2), boasts an impressive collection of over 30 different types of olive oil from varying regions (such as the south of France, Italy, and Spain) that encompass fruity, buttery, and peppery varietals as well as infused olive oils with truffles, lemon, and basil. Is your mouth watering yet?

Fig & Olive is such a unique concept it had to be successful. All of the details that go into choosing these specific EVOOs are used to create extraordinary and unforgettable dishes. After taking New York City by storm, Fig & Olive has finally branched out to the West Coast and spreading joy with every bite! I attended the opening on Wednesday, and the experience was way better than I could have expected. The event was put on by two of YH’s favorite people, EMC|Bowery's Ben Rousso and The Supper Club's Tamsin Lonsdale. Bending under lots of pressure, openings can sometimes go horribly wrong with unpreparedness and so-so food, but Fig & Olive nailed it, I can only imagine how even better it will be over time.

Let me take a moment to mention the decor -- it was amazing. As soon as you walk in, you feel as if you are stepping into a warm and intimate setting in the Mediterranean (exactly what they were going for). After walking into the smell of rosemary and olive trees, there is a display of their olive oils and a long white marble communal table with a tasting bar, a great place for getting to know other people during a fine dining experience. Even the smoking patio was the coolest I have ever seen. The main dining room is separate and has a view of the open kitchen, so you can get a first-hand view of the talents of Chef Pascal Lorange people. I had the most pleasant experience, and hats go off to General Manager Hardeep Birdi for making sure everything ran so smoothly.

All in all, Fig & Olive is sure to be the next best thing to hit L.A.’s culinary scene. I look forward to the next time and encourage anyone looking for a unique dining experience to give it a try. You wont be sorry!

Trevor Bayne Races to the Top

When your Twitter followers go from 6,000 to 31,000 in two days, you probably just did something pretty awesome. For 20-year-old Trevor Bayne, that something would be becoming the most recent (and youngest) winner of the “Great American Race,” AKA the Daytona 500.

He has been on the go ever since, but the champion driver managed to stay stationary long enough for a recent pit stop at the YH Studio. Following the lead of his childhood idol, Jeff Gordon, Trevor has become the youngest driver to win the title. He once carried a Jeff Gordon lunchbox around as a kid, but we will not be surprised if this Knoxville, Tennessee native's face soon ends up on a lunchbox of his own.

Trevor filled the Studio with his winner’s glow and the huge championship ring he is proudly rocking. And after those 500 miles (which adds up to 200 laps), it’s no wonder Trevor still feels like he is going in circles. He has practically become a celebrity overnight, to the point where none other than Pamela Anderson interrupted his phone conversation with friend and NFL Quarterback Tim Tebow for an introduction. Although he has accomplished quite the feat by being the second person to win Dayton on the first try, Trevor exudes humbleness good old Southern charm, appreciating host Jessica Smith's referring to her grandparents as “mamaw and papaw,” as well as finding it complimentary that her mother and grandmother are newly found “Cougars” and have the "Tennessee Hots" for him.

Trevor describes his accomplishments as “the craziest moment of my life,” and we can't help but suspect that he is destined for more winner’s glory.

Check out our interview with Trevor below, and look out for number 21!

Get Your Hands (and Pinkies) in the Air for Brit sensation Tinie Tempah!

There must be something in the water on the other side of the Atlantic, because the rate at which talented musicians are coming out of the U.K. is mind-blowing, and I can't see that changing any time soon.

22-year-old Tinie Tempah is the latest British phenom, hailing from South London, and he is a force with a microphone. It is not easy to picture him without one, although he is known to hold a mean cup of tea too (pinkies up, of course)! Tempah has definitely come out on top to secure his hold on the world of hip-hop music.

Since the premiere of his debut album Disc-Overy, and his first two singles “Pass Out” and “Frisky”, Tinie has collected multiple music awards, including two MOBO Awards (Music of Black Origin), four Urban Music Awards, and two Brit Awards (for Best Breakthrough Act and Best Single), which is not a bad start at all. Tinie is quickly becoming a familiar name, with a musical strategy to write in a familiar and relatable context. Tinie is determined to keep it at the next level, making sure his music stays relevant with the current generation and the world we're living in. He doesn’t even use a pen to write his lyrics -- according to him, “That is so '90s.” I guess it is true; people these days seem to text faster than they write anyway.

Tinie is on his way to fulfill his mission of making timeless music and aspiring to be “the voice of our culture." If he is talented enough to bring Prince William out to his shows, then he is fully capable of making his desired impact on the industry. After Tinie filled the Studio with his British charm and words of inspiration to live the dream, the thought of his inevitable success in the U.S. and around the world left me confident that I won't be seeing the last of him. He is poised to be a superstar and a well-known name here in America.

Check out my interview with Tinie in the Studio to find out who his fellow musically-inclined friends of the U.K. are and how to properly make a "cuppa" tea, Tinie Tempah style:

Alex Pettyfer: From "Number Four" to Number One in the Near Future

Recently, I had the pleasure of hanging out with Alex Pettyfer in the YH Studio, and I have to say, although he plays Number Four in his new film, I Am Number Four, he is surely going to rank high amongst the Number Ones in Hollywood.

U.K.-born Alex comes from a family of entertainers, with his father being an actor and his mother a model; his half-brother James is a top-ranked tennis player (an entertainer of sorts!). Alex began his career as a child model doing commercials before he was discovered by Ralph Lauren himself at only 8 years old! (His mother threw away Lauren's card, and it wasn’t until later in life when Alex realized who it had actually belonged to.)

Pettyfer began acting at 15 and gained popularity by scoring the lead role in the British film Alex Rider: Operation Stormbreaker, co-starring with heavyweights like Ewan McGregor, Mickey Rourke, and Alicia Silverstone.  But he nearly missed his big break. As director DJ Caruso relayed to us, Alex walked out of the audition for I Am Number Four before he even spoke a word of of his script, standing up and declaring, “Don’t worry, I’m not right for this.” With encouragement to come back, Alex was called in two weeks later for a screen test, and before you know it, Steven Spielberg gave him the go, and the rest is history. Alex even performed 98% of the stunts and lived to tell about it. I Am Number Four is now in theatres and hit number two at the box office in its opening weekend. Go check it out!

With turning 21 on the horizon, Alex has two other major films set to hit theaters soon, including Beastly, which is modern twist on the classic "Beauty and the Beast" tale, which also stars Vanessa Hudgens, Mary-Kate Olsen, and Neil Patrick Harris. Also on the slate, another  sci-fi flick, Now, which features Justin Timberlake, Oliva Wilde, Amanda Seyfried, and Cillian Murphy. He also admits to dabbling in producing because it appeals to his "control freak side"; it makes sense, as we watch the control he has over his career as it takes off.

Check out my interview with Alex below and see just how he and his nerves are adjusting to celebrity!

TurboTax SnapTax Makes Taxes a... Snap!

Once a year (and usually at the last minute) we all find ourselves scrambling to file our taxes and get square with the Government again. Fortunately for us, this year could be a breeze thanks to the folks at TurboTax. Their SnapTax App allows you to do your taxes from start to finish just by, believe it or not, using your iPhone or Android device.

This app makes the dreaded and often time-consuming obligation of filing taxes as simple as taking a picture on your smart phone. First, just download the application, which is free (awesome); next, take a picture of your W-2 (where the "snap" part comes in); then, answer a few simple questions, review, and that's it! Consider yourself e-filed. No standing in lines, no paying an accountant... This app just saved you tons of time and money. Can't argue with that.

Even for those filing on their own for the first time this year and feeling a bit intimidated, don't worry -- TurboTax has your back. There are no more excuses for not being able to get your taxes done by the April 18 deadline!

Here's a short video to show you how the SnapTax app works:

RetroN 3 Brings Back Video Game Classics

Before there was Wii, there was Luigi and Dr. Mario.

Some of you reading this probably become a little misty-eyed with nostalgia when you think back to those old-school video games from the ‘80s. Sure, the graphics weren’t that great and the theme music would never get out of your head (I won’t even get into the dreaded “Tetris dreams”), but they defined our childhood and an entire generation. How could you not love Zelda?

With this in mind, the RetroN 3 Video Gaming system brings you the latest in Nintendo nostalgia and takes you back to the simpler, more innocent days of video gaming. This is the only system that allows you to connect all three major game labels -- Nintendo, SEGA Genesis, and Super Nintendo – so that you can composite all of your favorite games with one ultimate machine. The sleek design of the console itself combines modern portability with that recognizable classic look.

So, if you could use a break from carjacking in Chinatown or performing black ops, pop in your old copy of Donkey Kong or Super Punch-Out. If you still need something to shoot, though, there's always Duck Hunt!