I was listening to my iPod on shuffle tonight when Jon Secada came on. (I'm not ashamed to admit I own a few of his songs.) It made me think of some of my favorite music growing up, and how artists just don't make albums like this anymore. Maybe for good reason in some of these cases. Here are just a few of the gems I owned...on cassette.

II : Boyz II Men
I'm pretty sure I knew people who owned this on cd. Not our family. Cassettes all the way.



Like A Prayer: Madonna
Angela and I looooved "Dear Jessie" growing up. The video is pretty messed up though.



Can't Fight Fate: Taylor Dayne
You were truly a child of the late 80's/early 90's if you remember Taylor Dayne!


In case you forgot, let me refresh your memory. SO awesomely bad.


Spellbound: Paula Abdul
I'm not sure who let her sing, but I still loved this album! She seemed so cool back then.


A classic video with an awesome Keanu Reeves cameo.


Funky Divas: En Vogue
Oh En Vogue. Why did you have to split up??

So sassy. I loved them!

I had every intention of doing a standard Friday Favorites post today, but after listening to the radio this morning, I had to change my focus.

My friend Leah apparently thought I needed a good cry, because she texted me and told me to tune into KS95. I eventually had to turn the radio off because I was crying so hard I couldn't put my makeup on! Why you ask?

Ryan and Shannon, two DJs at the radio station, are currently hosting their 15th annual “KS95 for Kids” Radiothon. It started at the Mall of America last night, and it continues through today. The radiothon is to raise money for the Children's Cancer Research Fund and Gillette Children's Specialty Hospital.

Last night, KS95 paid an incredibly touching tribute to Zach Sobiech, an 18 year old from Stillwater, MN who died from osteosarcoma in May. (It was so hard to find the best article to show you all a little about him, but just do a Google search on Zach. You'll find tons.)

5,000 Minnesotans showed up at the mall last night to sing "Clouds", a song Zach wrote as a way to say goodbye to his family and friends. I didn't have the pleasure of knowing Zach, but he still touched my life with his story. He was so incredibly brave during his fight against cancer, and he taught us all a life lesson.

Take a look at this touching tribute. WARNING: Make sure you have tissue on hand!

Here are a few more articles/videos:
Zach Sobiech: Finding peace through music
Zach Sobiech, 17, Inspires Millions in Cancer Fight With Farewell Song
My Last Days: Zach Sobiech "Clouds" Celebrity Music Video

And finally, the original "Clouds" video

It's only fitting that, after a week of pure crankiness, I post a list of my not-so favorite things, rather than my favorites. After a weekend of recharging the batteries, I'll (hopefully) be back to sunshine and rainbows and post fun things. :) (I'm usually sunshine and rainbows, right? RIGHT?) In the meantime, I thought I'd make a list of the things I hate, maybe even loathe, at the moment.

"Counting Stars" by One Republic
Don't ask me why, but this song is like nails on a chalkboard. Every time it comes on the radio, I have to change it as fast as I can. Most One Republic songs take some time to grow on me, but I won't even allow this one to seep in.

Miley Cyrus
Ugh. Does this one need an explanation? I think this girl is trying WAY too hard to use the shock and awe tactic to cover up her lack of talent. I'm sure some will disagree with me. Some will say she is a great singer who is just being young and having fun. Will she be remembered 20 years down the road as a great talent? Highly unlikely.

Companies That Try to Be Hip and Clever
Really? Really? Are you kidding me with the name of this top? Ugh. Just call it a red long sleeve crop top and be done with it! Referencing Vanilla Ice does not make me want to buy it more.

Lily Collins' Eyebrows
This girl has such a pretty face, but those eyebrows are INSANE! I don't much care that big brows are in. I certainly don't think she should have pencil thin eyebrows, but these things have got to go. I've had a Glamour magazine on my desk with her mug on it staring at me all week. Hence the recent irritation.

Is there something or someone really annoying you this week?