Bubble Ball Bounces Its Way to the Top of the App Store

 

Watch out Angry Birds, there’s a new app in town. It may not be as aggressive as our feathered friends, but this new addictive creation is courtesy of Robert Nay, an eighth grader from Utah. It bounces, it slides, it glides down walls to reach your target flag... With its moving walls and weird angles, Bubble Ball relies heavily on the laws of physics, which, of course, we are all familiar with, right?

Bubble Ball is currently the #1 free app on Apple’s App Store list, knocking Angry Birds out of the pedastal and putting this bouncy ball at the top of everyone’s smart phone play list.

The fourteen-year-old creator, Nay, is something of a boy wonder. He taught himself how to use the mobile developing program to create the game, which he thought up after his friends challenged him to make a game of his own after seeing how much he enjoyed using his iPod touch. Since its release on just before the new year, its popularity has reached soaring heights, scoring more than 2 million downloads in just the past two weeks. But that’s just a start – apparently, playing games like Bubble Ball are good for your brain!

The app is currently free for the downloading, so get your physics mind in gear and be prepared to put your fingers (and brain) to the test!

Michael Franti Harnesses the "Sound of Sunshine"

I hear so many people these days talking about the power of positive thinking - that having a good attitude is what will help you to be the healthiest and most successful person you can be, especially if you're having a rough time. Bret Michaels talked about it when we interviewed him recently, and considering all that guy's been through, there may definitely be something to this philosophy!

Michael Franti believes in positive thinking too, and he's made it his mission to infuse it into his music. That name might not be familiar to you, but his music is instantly recognizable. With a style that combines reggae, hip hop, rock, funk, and happiness, Franti has has made a positive impact on the music scene in the 25 years that he's been a part of it, and there is no sign of his light fading out anytime soon.

Being raised in this multicultural household, Michael learned at an early age what it means to be compassionate and accepting, all the while maintaining a cool, calm, and collected attitude toward life. He formed Michael Franti & Spearhead in the '90s, and with titles like “Positive,” “Everyone Deserves Music,” and his biggest hit “Say Hey (I Love You)”, Franti proves just how dedicated he is to bringing people together in a positive light.

It was during a rather unpleasant stint in the hospital for a ruptured appendix that Franti wrote songs of optimism and hope which would become Michael Franti & Spearhead’s latest album, The Sound of Sunshine, an album which he hopes could be a guiding light for others in dark places. Check out the newest single, "The Sound of Sunshine", below and just TRY to frown:

And he doesn't just talk the talk; better believe he walks the walk too! Michael donates time and money to organizations like Soles 4 Souls and CARE (for which he's an ambassador), all in the name of trying to make the world a happier place. Check out his Website for tour dates and to find out more about the organizations he supports. 

The "Angry Birds" Obsession

Several times recently, when I've been interviewing celebrities at the YH Studio, I noticed them obsessively playing this game on their phones. That game turned out to be "Angry Birds". I had to try it out for myself, and I, along with about 50 million other people worldwide, understand the obsession.

"Angry Birds" isn’t just our new favorite past time -- it’s a phenomenon. Over the holidays, the app broke records with a million downloads a day! Your goal, as one of five birds with unique powers, is to be slingshot into evil pig territory in order to retrieve stolen eggs. You strategically knock down structures and destroy pigs to score points. As the levels grow harder, it also gets harder to restrain your index finger from doing the flinging motion, and the fact that there are 200 million minutes of "Angry Birds" played daily can attest to that.

The game was initially released back in December of 2009, and ever since then has been steadily soaring to the top of the mobile app gaming world. It's gotten so big that stuffed plush angry birds and pigs are flying off toy store shelves.

Even though most of us like it when the birds are angry, a new phenomenon just isn't complete without a viral video, in particular this one which was filmed by the Israeli version of SNL featuring a Peace Treaty between the birds and pigs -- but where is the fun in that?

It is a lot easier to understand the world’s obsession if you have given a go at the "Angry Birds", now available on multiple smart phone devices for your gaming pleasure.

Don't Leave the House Without Tripit!

We all know just how stressful traveling can be at times. There are so many different factors you have to consider, like plane tickets, lodging, rental cars, restaurants, leisure activities, and everything in between. Inevitably, something ends up getting overlooked. 

Well, let me introduce you guys to my new traveling buddy: Tripit.

All of the different traveling sites out there try to offer you kushy package deals that include transportation, hotels, etc., but how do you know you're actually getting the best deal out there? I for one like to keep my options open in order to score the best deal, and that is why Tripit is my go-to app for traveling and keeping organized. Tripit keeps all of your travel details in order and produces a master itinerary online, so no more carrying around a stapled paper book of all your plans while worrying about losing a piece a paper.  Your itinerary automatically includes maps, directions, and even the weather surrounding your trip, to help you plan your days more efficiently. You also have the option to add a bit of a personal touch with travel notes, pictures, and more. So, really, there is no reason to pull your hair out or silently curse that shyster travel agent anymore.

You can download the app for free, but if you are feeling a little more "first class", you can purchase TripitPro and take part in some of the bonuses, like knowing if your flight is going to be delayed or cancelled before you even get to the airport, or avoid being placed on hold for 20 minutes and have all of your frequent flyer account information conveniently at your fingertips.

Traveling should be an enjoyable occasion, guys, and Tripit aims to keep it that way. Definitely check it out before the next time you hit the road. I'll definitely be using it when I head to Vegas for CES next month!

Hedley Gets Set to Take On the U.S.

O Canada, the country that gave us hockey, Trivial Pursuit, and the zipper can also be credited to giving the world good music. Besides Justin Bieber, FeFe Dobson, and Drake, I've become really psyched about another great musical act from our northern neighbors, the amazingly talented rock-pop-punk band Hedley.

Lead singer Jacob Hoggard, bassit Tom McDonald, guitarist Dave Rosin, and drummer Chris Crippin have such a great unique sound that allows them to stand out from the rest. These guys have done a lot of growing from the days when Hoggard made it to the top three on "Canadian Idol" in 2004. Sure, they still like to let loose and fun, but at the end of the day, these guys are having the most fun doing what they do best -- playing good music. And we're having a damn good time listening to it too!

Their singles “Cha-Ching” and “Perfect”, from their most recent album Go With The Show, are incredible in their own right but just a taste of what these guys are capable of.  With the US version of their album being newly released and their tour winding down for the holidays, I can see 2011 being a very successful year for the band, and I hope they soon find their way into the Studio!

Check out our interview with them below:

More Than Just a Chance for Greyson

CNN recently reported that 12 hours of video is uploaded to YouTube every minute. Occupying 3 minutes and 38 seconds of that YouTube time earlier this year was a talented teen from Oklahoma, Greyson Chance. What's even more exciting is what happened just two weeks after performing at a sixth grade talent show and posting it online -- a phone call from Ellen DeGeneres. After viewing the video of Greyson covering Lady Gaga’s hit “Paparazzi”, he took his first airplane flight to Los Angeles the very next day to appear on the "Ellen DeGeneres Show". Shortly thereafter, we all became obsessed, and she signed him to her label.

We recently hung out with Greyson at the Four Season’s ballroom here in L.A. It's difficult to remember that you're watching a 13-year-old; he is so mature and well-spoken, which is also evident through his natural voice and songwriting abilities, that there is no doubt in my mind that he is going to blow up and have a long and successful career. As someone who grew up in Hollywood myself, I can attest to the difficulties that these kids can encounter, but honestly, I think Greyson is up to the challenge and will be just fine. Check out our exclusive interview with the whiz-kid below:

His single, “Waiting Outside the Lines”, is now available, and Greyson is currently touring and capturing hearts everywhere. Be sure to check out his Website.

A Firsthand Serenade from Secondhand Serenade

Over the summer, we at the YH Studio were treated to a jam session with the super talented Secondhand Serenade. Equipped with lip rings, guitars, and some great tour stories, there is nothing secondhand about their serenade.

With the release of album number three, Hear Me Now, in August, it is obvious that John Vesely (the man behind the acoustic rock band) has reason to be as incredibly optimistic as the album presents. A project that came with a little bit more growing up and adjusting to life, Secondhand Serenade’s third album is a reflection of growth. Their single "Something More" can attest to that, a smooth transition from their known heartfelt songs of past love, loss, and everything in between. 

Every song has a story, and Vesley does an incredible job at telling his. Even if the band name is unfamiliar to you, don't worry, you'll definitely know their music when you hear it, like the hit “Fall for You” from the sophomore album A Twist in My Story, which reached number 21 on the Billboard Charts. John's philosophy on artists and their craft is clearly embraced by his fans, allowing for Secondhand Serenade to be MySpace’s No.1 on the unsigned artist chart for months on end.

Check out the band's visit to the Studio below:

Secondhand Serenade is now touring; check out their MySpace page for more details.