Planning a holiday party? Warm up and chill out with this list of delicious cocktails perfect for a fashionable holiday fete. Gingerbread Apple Cocktail Line a chilled martini glass lightly with agave syrup on a dish followed by spiced graham cracker crumbs . Place all ingredients – 2 oz. Domaine de Canton, 1 oz. vanilla vodka, 2.5 oz. apple cider and drops of lemon juice – in a shaker and shake vigorously. Strain into glass. Freshly grate orange zest on drink and serve immediately. Butterscotch Bliss In a cocktail shaker with ice , add 3/4 oz. Bailey’s Irish Cream, 3/4 oz. DeKuyper butterscotch liqueur, 1/2 oz. Jagermeister anise-flavored liqueur, 1/2 oz. Goldschlager cinnamon schnapps and 1/2 oz. half-and-half . Zest lemon over shaker. Shake and set aside. Sugar the rim of a martini glass by dipping glass into a saucer of water, followed by a saucer of raw sugar. Strain drink into glass. Garnish with a pinch of cinnamon . Candy Cane Cooler Place 1 tbs. of crushed candy cane bits into pint glass. Muddle the candy cane slightly, breaking up the bigger pieces. Do not over-muddle into a powder. Add 1 1/2 oz. of mint-infused vodka* , 1/2 oz. brandy and 1/2 oz. half-and-half and stir. Pour into a shaker with ice . Shake lightly to chill and strain into old-fashioned glass full of ice. Add a peppermint stick and stir. Garnish with a mint sprig. *Infuse Directions*: Thoroughly wash 2 cups of mint leaves and place in a decanter or jar. Empty 1 bottle of vodka into container and muddle slightly to release the essential oils. Store in a cool, dark place for at least 3 days – longer if you want a stronger taste. Coquito Place ingredients – 28 oz. coconut milk, 2 cups rum, 14 oz. condensed milk, 4 egg yolks – in blender; blend until well mixed. Pour into a bottle and refrigerate until cold. Serve in small glasses and sprinkle top lightly with nutmeg . Cranberry Spice Shake ingredients – 1 oz. Domaine de Canton, 1/2 oz. Cabernet Sauvignon, 1/2 oz. Chambord and 2 oz. cranberry juice – well with ice. Use 3 cranberries for garnish. Holiday Gift Guide: 5 Gifts For The Girl Who Likes To Entertain 10 Holiday Party Dresses For Under $80 10 Secret Santa Gifts For The Workplace – All For Under $25
I always assumed that the process of making a hologram was so complex that it was limited to only those with access to expensive lasers and other fancy optical equipment. But when I heard that the Maker Shed started carrying Litiholo’s Hologram Kit, I was surprised that such a thing existed and I was eager to give it a try. After carefully following the directions, my first hologram was visible, but… Broadcasting platform : Vimeo Source : MAKE: Blog Discovery Date : 25/11/2011 14:00 Number of articles : 2
I’ve had many Bieber experiences but I’m just going to talk about three. Meeting him at the Izod Center on November 17th, 2010, at the Today Show & Christmas Special on November 4th, 2011 and exactly a year after the first time meeting him on November 17th, 2011 outside of Z100. I’ve seen him plenty of more times, like at The Seven, 106&Park and etc, but didn’t meet him any of those times. But anyways… the Izod Center. A month before the concert, I spent so much of my time taking screenshots and sending in emails to bieberfever.com . The night before the concert I got the email saying congratulations and that I was going to meet Justin the next day. I got up early, did my hair and what not, and left for the Izod Center early to try to have luck outside meeting anyone from the team. But I didn’t haha. After waiting outside for a few hours, it was finally time to get on the meet and greet line. Finally it was our time to go in and I walked in first, unless I would have been really shy. I was like, “Heyyy” and Justin was like, “Hey how are you?” And I was like, “Goood, how are you?” He said “Good” and he put his arm out for me to go next to him. He looked amazing and I was shaking so bad. After we took the picture, I just looked at him and was like “Can I get a hug?” And he grabbed me and said “Of course” and gave me like the BEST hug ever. I said “Nice to meet you” and he said “Nice meeting you too” and that was it. The concert afterwards was soo amazing. The next time meeting him was on November 4th, 2011 at the Today Show . I got into the city about 11:30 the night before. When they let us in the barricades at about 6:30, we went right in front of the doors where he came out. He was so nice going around meeting all the fans. When he first came out, he started about two people after me and I thought I was screwed. But he came back and asked where he started, and that’s when I like told Alfredo he started over by me and Justin came over to us. He wasn’t really taking any pictures so I just asked him to sign my poster. After that, I had won tickets to see him at the Michael Buble Christmas Special , and so I took my friend Brie with me. We got ready in the bathroom at the mall in Columbus Circle for like an hour! And then we had such a hard time getting into Brooklyn for the special. The trains were all running weird due to track work. And the first taxi cab driver we got didn’t know anything so we got out and I didn’t even know where in the city I was so I was like panicking, especially since Brie’s iphone died that had the directions and my blackberry wasn’t really much help. We saw a Starbucks and ran in. We were like 10 minutes from the place. We were worrying that we were going to be late and they weren’t going to let us in. We then decided her phone was charged enough so we got another cab and the driver was amazing! He told us that he’d get us there for Biebs! Haha! We told him everything we’ve been through and I wish all NYC taxi drivers were as nice as this guy! Long story short, we got there and got our wristbands! Our seats were a bit back, but still really close since it was a small place. We were sitting on the edge where everyone walked in and out. Justin didn’t come out that way, they had him in the back corner while everyone went back into the room where they were filming, we had to go out while he soundchecked. Anyways, Alfredo & Kenny were standing like right in front of us. Kenny remembered us from outside the hotel the last time they were in NYC and getting us pizza . He said hi and like kept looking back. And then Alfredo is just the best. We saw him tweeting and so I was like, “Yo fredo, I see you tweeting over there” and he looked back laughing. Justin’s performance was amazing. We each got a picture with Alfredo afterwards outside the place . My mom picked me up, and we were behind Justin and them for the longest time, they must have thought I was following them and being a creep, but I really was just going home the same way they were going. Finally, I skipped school on November 17th, 2011 and met Justin outside out Z100! Before going inside, he took the time out to meet all of us outside since there weren’t so many people and we were really calm. When he got to me, I was shaking and took our picture. I was like, “Uh, can I hug you?” He was like yeah and hugged me. I saw that my picture was blurry since I was shaking so bad, and so after he was done taking pictures with my friends, I asked if I could get another one since it was blurry and he was like, “Yeah sure” and my friend took the picture for me. It was an amazing experience. He was so nice! Kenny knows who I am so when I said hi, he was like hi how are you? And when Alfredo came back out, I called his name and he came right over and hugged me so I got a picture with him but I look so bad so I didn’t put it up. Well, this was really long. Justin’s amazing and I’m so happy and grateful for the times that I met him and seen him. -Megan (@MeganSullyyxo) More: I’ve had many Bieber experiences but I’m just…
Chris Marrs Piliero takes us behind the crime sprees and ‘sexy time.’ By Jocelyn Vena, with additional reporting by Vanessa White Wolf Jason Trawick and Britney Spears in “Criminal” Photo: Jive Britney Spears and real-life boyfriend Jason Trawick go on a sexy crime spree in her new “Criminal” video , which follows the pair around London as they hold up banks and convenience stores in between NSFW scenes of the duo getting physical in their hideout. MTV News caught up with the director, Chris Marrs Piliero, who opened up about casting Trawick and the video’s use of guns , leading us through the clip frame by frame. The video opens with Spears and her rich boyfriend at a glamorous get-together. But things are not as pretty as the party itself. “So here we are at the fancy-schmancy par-tay, [and] one of my directions for her little turnaround reveal was in ‘Can’t Hardly Wait’ when Jennifer Love Hewitt … walks into the party. … The actor who plays her d—–bag boyfriend, his name is Freddie, and actually it’s his first acting role.” Britney then goes into the lady’s room to cry about Freddie’s jabs at her, and when she comes out, she sees him flirting with another woman. “For this, I wanted to come up with a really cool line,” he said. “I was trying to come up with something that had attitude but was TV-safe, so we went with that,” he explained about Britney’s crack “So, you’re not working the street corner tonight, I see.” When Britney does leave the party, dragged out by her boyfriend, Trawick’s bad-boy character comes to the rescue. “The punching was just awesome,” Piliero said. “We were watching that, and we were all looking at each other like, ‘Is he really hitting him?’ ” Of course, Spears gets in her kick to his groin too. “I love her face when she goes for the kick,” he added. “She’s so good at delivering those fun lines.” Eventually, Brit and Jason’s attraction takes over, as they share a kiss and then a whole lot more. “It’s time for sexy time,” Piliero joked of their naked romp. “So during the bed sex scene, the first take that we did of it, I let the camera roll. … From that point on, I was just calling out stuff, just directing them … and it was a really smooth, comfortable experience, actually. And Jason is ripped beyond belief. It’s kind of ridiculous.” Britney soon gets caught up in Jason’s world of crime. Her first offense? Holding up a convenience store, where she also grabbed some vanilla candles, a nod to her real-life love of them. “There she is yelling at the guy,” he said. “That was fun. She really got into it. “[The] slo-mo shot of them running out [was] very, very cool,” he continued. “I love when Jason just kind of throws the woman to the side.” Between crime sprees, the two make time for a very revealing shower scene. “Sexy time in the shower, which is just super hot,” he said. “We did the shower scene after the bed scene.. so it was pretty painless and smooth.” The video ends up with the cops closing in on the pair with a parade of bullets being shot into their flat before they make their getaway, driving off into the sunset together. “We got a bunch of cops here ready to shoot,” he said. “Obviously, there’s a lot of crime history here. That’s why they’re ready to go crazy and fire on them. To me, it’s awesome to see this shot [because] this is exactly how I pictured it. Their kiss is magical and badass. It’s a really epic, cool-looking scene.” What did you think of the “Criminal” video? Share your reviews in the comments! Related Videos Get Inside Britney Spears’ ‘Criminal’ Related Artists Britney Spears
The FDA reminds consumers to take precautions for storing water and ensuring the safety of their food and medical supplies for themselves and their pets during and after this week’s expected hurricane-related rain, possible flooding and power outages. Get Prepared, Make An Emergency Plan The agency also reminds consumers that it is important to have a plan in place for emergency medication and medical supplies for both people and animals. This is especially true for those with health concerns, particularly if the power goes out. In general, FDA encourages consumers to: Food • Do not eat any food that may have come into contact with flood water. If in doubt, throw it out. • Do not eat food packed in plastic, paper, cardboard, cloth and similar containers that have been water-damaged. • Discard food and beverage containers with screw-caps, snap lids, crimped caps (soda bottles), twist caps, flip tops and home canned foods, if they have come in contact with flood water. These containers cannot be disinfected. • Check to ensure that the freezer temperature is at or below 0 °F and the refrigerator is at or below 40 °F. • Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to maintain the cold temperature. • For more information, see Hurricanes and Floods: Key Tips for Consumers About Food and Water Safety http://www.fda.gov/Food/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/ucm077029.htm and Power Outages: Key Tips for Consumers About Food and Water Safety http://www.fda.gov/Food/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/ucm077023.htm Water • Area health departments will determine whether local tap water can be used for drinking. If the water cannot be used or is questionable, and bottled water is not available, then use the directions in the next bullet to purify it. • Boiling water will kill most types of disease-causing organisms that may be present. If the water is cloudy, filter it through clean cloths or allow it to settle and draw off the clear water for boiling. Boil the water for one minute, let it cool and store it in clean containers with covers. • For more information, see Food Safety for Consumers Returning Home After a Hurricane and/or Flooding http://www.fda.gov/Food/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/ucm076993.htm Pets • If you have to leave your home, take your pet with you if at all possible. You are the best person to take care of your pet. • Pets should be contained in a carrier or on a leash. • Emergencies can make pets display unexpected or uncharacteristic behaviors. It may take several weeks before your pet’s behavior is back to normal. • Allow your pet plenty of time to rest and get used to new surroundings. Provide familiar toys, if possible. • For more information see Taking Care of Pets During a Disaster or Emergency http://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/ResourcesforYou/ucm047099.htm Essential Things To Keep In Your Bag When You Travel Drugs Exposed to Water • For lifesaving drugs exposed to water, when replacements may not be readily available, if the container is contaminated but the contents appear unaffected –if the pills are dry—the pills may be used until a replacement can be obtained. However, if the pill is wet it is contaminated and should be discarded. • Other drug products (pills, oral liquids, drugs for injections, inhalers, skin medications) —even those in their original containers—should be discarded if they have come into contact with flood or contaminated water. In the ideal setting, capsules, tablets, and liquids in drug containers with screw-top caps, snap lids, or droppers, should be discarded if they are contaminated. In addition, medications that have been placed in any alternative storage containers should be discarded if they have come in contact with flood or contaminated water. • For more information, see Safe Drug Use After a Natural Disaster http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/EmergencyPreparedness/ucm085200.htm Insulin Storage and Switching Between Products in an Emergency • As a general rule, insulin loses its potency according to the temperature it is exposed to and length of that exposure. Under emergency conditions, you might still need to use insulin that has been stored above 86 °F. Such extreme temperatures may cause insulin to lose potency, which could result in loss of blood glucose control over time. • In any case, you should try to keep insulin as cool as possible. Try to keep insulin away from direct heat and out of direct sunlight, but if you are using ice, also avoid freezing the insulin. • When properly stored insulin becomes available, discard and replace the insulin vials that have been exposed to these extreme conditions. • For more information see Information Regarding Insulin Storage and Switching Between Products in an Emergency http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/EmergencyPreparedness/ucm085213.htm Medical Devices • If you have a “life-supporting” or “life-sustaining” device that depends on electricity, you should contact your healthcare provider for information on how to maintain function in the event of a loss of power. • Keep your device and supplies clean and dry. If possible, notify your local Public Health Authority to request evacuation prior to adverse weather events. • For more information, see FDA Offers Tips about Medical Devices and Hurricane Disasters http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Safety/EmergencySituations/ucm055987.htm Vaccines, Blood, Biologics • If the power goes out, make note of the time and keep refrigerators and freezers closed as much as possible. • When the power is restored, if possible, determine the temperature in the refrigerator or freezer before the temperature starts to go back down. • If the power outage continues, consider removing products from the refrigerator or freezer and packing them in ice or dry ice as appropriate. • If contact with flood water occurs, the product should be considered contaminated and should not be used. • For more information, see Impact of Severe Weather Conditions on Biological Products http://www.fda.gov/BiologicsBloodVaccines/SafetyAvailability/ProductSecurity/ucm147243.htm Find more information for consumers and industry on all FDA-regulated products at http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/PublicHealthFocus/ucm064572.htm
Of course, the Broadway antics were nothing compared to a perfect ‘Klaine’ moment in the season finale. By Jim Cantiello The cast of “Glee” in their second season finale Photo: FOX There was much excitement surrounding the “Glee” finale’s New York setting this week. But despite the show’s use of our hometown, original songs and some Broadway tie-ins, it was a special scene in Ohio that made the episode for us. Rap along, Gleeks! [ Rapping to the tune of “Empire State of Mind.” ] So now that “Glee” ‘s in New York, I’m stuck in Los Angeles. They had some extra cash So they spent it on the end, I guess. Season two finale Singin’ on the East Coast. Doing bad Madonna Soundtrack sales will be toast. Sneakin’ into Broadway, Someone should arrest their ass. That’s the guy from “Dumb and Dumber.” How they know I got gas? Will puts them on lockdown To write new originals. They just want to party, But they’re there for nationals. Holy crap, Charice is back. Her singing voice so rocks, But she’s looking haggard It’s time to get more Botox. Quinn is super jealous Of Finn wanting the Berry. They meet Patti LuPone. Realistic? Very! Schue ditches his Broadway dreams, A soft rocker instead. Santana’s still a lesbian, And Brittany says “let’s just be friends.” But no matter how much I liked “Glee” in my hometown, Nothing’s gonna matter Once you see what went down. [ A second Jim enters, wearing sunglasses and singing. ] Who cares about New York? Ohio is where Blaine said, “I love you,” Kurt said, “I love you too.” Didn’t happen in New York. The finale was doo doo Until we saw these two. Who cares about New York? New York? New York? [ First Jim raps some more. ] Breakfast at Tiffanys, Diamonds and a quick bite. Finn wants Rachel badly, Woos her with all his might. Sidewalk serenade, She declines in front of everyone. But at the Nationals, He slipped her some Finn tongue. New Directions loses, They end up getting 12th place. Finn blames kissing on the snub, Although the song’s a disgrace. They wrote it in an evening, Much like this final episode. They don’t know where to take things. I’m sad to see it implode But … [ Jim 2 enters again, singing. ] One hand in the air for my Klaine dearies. Sam/Mercedes, stop, no1curr clearly. Darren Criss better come back in the fall, Get his contract signed today, we all want to see the gays. Yayyyyyyy! [ Jim 1 and 2 both sing. ] But not New York. Scripts a jumble, like all of season two, Only care about you know who. Why watch “Glee” in New York? A sloppy ending frustrates you Until Klaine’s “I love you.” Don’t come back to New York, Stick a fork In New York. And that was “Glee.” Related Videos Musical ‘Glee-Caps’ Of Season Two
‘There’s going to be a death in the cast and the person that dies is very important in the show,’ Chord Overstreet reveals. By Jocelyn Vena Jenna Ushkowitz Photo: MTV News Next week, the New Directions will be taking their antics to New York City for the finale of “Glee,” but this week the group is mourning the loss of one of their own in the episode aptly titled “Funeral.” MTV News had the pleasure of catching up with “Glee” stars Chord Overstreet and Jenna Ushkowitz at the Fox upfront on Monday in New York City, where they opened up about the emotional episode airing Tuesday night (May 17). “There’s eight of the ‘Glee’ kids that are definitely not dying, and then the other four you’re gonna have to guess,” Overstreet teased. “The four that it’s going to be down to, it’s going to be down to Lea [Michelle], Cory [Monteith], Schuester [Matt Morrison] and Jane Lynch, those guys are up. “I’m kidding,” he continued about any of those people actually dying on the show. “There’s going to be a death in the cast and the person that dies is very important in the show and that’s all I can say. Everyone’s going to be surprised, but I think it shows a dramatic side to everybody in the cast. It’s a good episode; it’s really strong.” Ushkowitz went on to confirm who doesn’t die. “Somebody does die … Tina Cohen-Chang [Ushkowitz’s character] does not die,” she laughed. “I don’t die. Anything is possible, but I don’t think any of us expected a funeral on the show.” She added that while castmembers were going around set worried that they might be knocked off, fans will be surprised by who bids a final fond farewell on the show. “So it definitely was shocking. At first, we were all scared [it might be us], but it’s kind of shocking [regardless], and I think that’s kind of why we did it. I think [fans will definitely be] shocked and I don’t think anyone expected anyone to die, and it affects everyone, everybody in the cast. It’ll be interesting to see what people think.” Who do you think will die on the episode? Share your guesses in the comments. Related Videos Musical ‘Glee-Caps’ Of Season Two
Singer took to Facebook to share 50-second teaser that shows Mr. Schuester giving New Directions Gaga assignment. By James Dinh Lady Gaga Photo: Bryan Bedder/ Getty Images “Glee” is ready to go Gaga all over again. But this time, the New Directions gang will not only pay tribute to the pop star, they’ll also embrace themselves in an episode devoted to self-acceptance. Lady Gaga took to her Facebook on Friday (April 22) and premiered a clip from the highly anticipated episode, which airs Tuesday. In the preview, Mr. Schuester tells the club they’ll be performing songs of self-love, including a group number of the singer’s hit “Born This Way.” Finn Hudson (Cory Monteith) kicks off the 50-second teaser by asking Mr. Schuester (Matthew Morrison) why Ms. Pillsbury (Jayma Mays) is attending their glee club meeting. Schuester tells the students that the guidance counselor will be helping out with the weekly assignment. “Now, this is the only club at school that is represented by just about every race, religion, sexual orientation and clique, but many of are you are still having a hard time with acceptance,” he says. Despite rebuttals from the students, the club director explains that while they may embrace one another, they still don’t accept themselves — for all of their good and bad qualities. Mr. Schuester then reveals the two-part assignment: singing tunes of self-acceptance that highlight their best and worst aspects, as well as performing “Born This Way.” “We’re going to do a group number by the queen of self-love, Gaga. We’re going to perform her anthem to acceptance, ‘Born This Way,’ ” he tells the students, who break into cheers and applause. Back in January, “Glee” creator Ryan Murphy opened up about why he chose to feature the hit song in the episode, which has been super-sized to 90 minutes . “I love that that song is [an] anthem,” Murphy told Entertainment Weekly. “This show is by nature optimistic, and I think a character like Karofsky could turn to booze or pills or alcohol and kill themselves or do something dark. But I also love Max [Adler, the actor] and I love that character and I sorta want that character to have a happy ending. So I don’t really know what that’s going to be, but I do know we’re going to do a whole episode that’s about that song.” Are you excited for the “Born This Way” episode of “Glee”? Weigh in below! Related Videos Musical ‘Glee-Caps’ Of Season Two Related Artists Lady Gaga
As the New Directions raise cash, we hold out hope for a bigger return next week. By Jim Cantiello Gwyneth Paltrow on “Glee” on Tuesday night Photo: FOX Our month-long wait for a new “Glee” episode ended this week, but we’ll have to wait a little longer for the full-fledged return of Klaine. At least Charice and Gwyneth Paltrow were back, right? The whole episode led to a slightly melancholy, acoustic recap. Sing along, and then cross your fingers for next week! “Glee” was back tonight. I’m sad to say it felt slight. Scraps of plot lines are not quite How you’re supposed to write. A concert to raise cash, Mercedes wants a big splash. She does so by being an ass. “Rachel, speak to her,” Quinn asks. Oh, the irony Of Lea Michele talking humility. But it works, Then Mercedes WERKS. Sue is out for blood, Rallies the troops to sling some mud. We’ve seen this before. Sue is making me snore. Stamos is gone, Will feeds Emma some grapes And then Holly sees flirting, She takes a job, leaves again. Rejects Cheyenne who wants to be her man, And then Mike was on “So You Think You Can Dance” (dance dance dance). Oh, I missed you, “Glee,” But you return and things are all wonky. It hurts, Only five seconds with Kurt. An hour of neglect, Why should I be surprised that they’d forget My Klaine For more of the same? Charice for no reason, Gwyneth’s Adele song Insane It hurt my brain and heart Next time will be good, At least I think it probably should Bring the “haha” 90 minutes for Gaga. I want you funny, But to also make sense. Me and “Glee” are in a bad romance. How come no parents at The benefit dance? Me and “Glee” are in a bad romance. “Glee” ‘s back tonight, Here’s hoping they get next week right. Related Videos Musical ‘Glee-Caps’ Of Season Two
Guest star Charice belts Eric Carmen’s 1975 power ballad in ‘Night of Neglect’ episode. By Aly Semigran Charice covers “All By Myself” on “Glee” Photo: FOX After weeks of being absent, both “Glee” and Charice were back at McKinley High on Tuesday. The latest installment, titled “A Night of Neglect,” was the first new airing since the Fox show’s March 15 “original songs” episode . It also marked the return of singer/ “Oprah Winfrey Show” phenom Charice . Last seen in the season-two opener “Audition,” the 18-year-old guest star revived her role as the talented rival glee club member, Sunshine Corazon. Wanting to prove that she wasn’t a spy for Vocal Adrenaline, that she was only there to contribute to New Directions’ upcoming benefit show, Sunshine took to the stage to sing the classic ballad about loneliness, “All By Myself.” Of course, it’s hardly the first time the song has been covered, as it’s been done by everyone from Sheryl Crow to Axl Rose to Celine Dion (who recorded, arguably, the most popular rendition of the song), and even a recently eliminated “American Idol” hopeful . So we thought we’d give you a brief history of Eric Carmen’s “All By Myself.” Although the song is now known primarily as a cover — not to mention a karaoke staple for the especially brave — it was written and performed back in 1975 by a newly solo Eric Carmen, appearing originally on his self-titled debut album. Released on December 1, 1975, “All By Myself” had hit #2 on the Billboard chart by December 20, making it not only one of his biggest hits, but also a pop/soft-rock radio mainstay. (Carmen, once part of the Raspberries before going solo, is also behind hugely popular singles like “Hungry Eyes” from the movie “Dirty Dancing” and “Almost Paradise” from “Footloose.”) During a 1991 interview , the singer/songwriter discussed how “All By Myself” was actually inspired by (and samples from) Rachmaninoff. “When I was writing that album, I was listening to my favorite music which was Rachmaninoff. ‘All By Myself’ incorporated a melody from his 2nd piano concerto as the verse,” he said at the time. Carmen also divulged that the song had three different titles before he settled on “All By Myself,” and explained that he borrowed the song’s first notes from the opening verse of his other lovelorn song, “The Way We Used to Be.” Granted, the song was a smash thanks to Carmen, but it took on a whole new life after Dion covered it. Dion already had hits from her 1996 certified-gold album, Falling Into You, including “Because You Loved Me” and “It’s All Coming Back to Me Now.” She followed suit with her soaring take on Carmen’s ballad. The Canadian pop star’s version , released on October 6, 1996, features the songstress hitting (and holding) the staggering high notes in the song’s swelling conclusion. It topped the Hot Adult Contemporary chart and peaked at #4 on the Billboard Hot 100. Dion put the David Foster-produced song on her ’99 greatest hits and 2008 compilation albums. And in that time, the song has only continued to gain in popularity. As Carmen put it, Dion’s version “pretty much established ‘All By Myself’ as a franchise.” The song has since been featured in films like “Clueless” and “Bridget Jones’ Diary,” as well as on television, particularly during reality competition shows. “X Factor” victor Leona Lewis sang “All By Myself” on her season’s finale, while recent “American Idol” contestant Pia Toscano performed it before her controversial exit. Interestingly enough, “Glee” had already paid homage to the song last season, when Jayma Mays (as guidance counselor Emma Pillsbury) dramatically cried the chorus during the “Showmance” episode. While it did seem strange, even borderline inappropriate, that teen Charice was crooning the memorable opening lines, “When I was young/ I never needed anyone / And making love was just for fun / Those days are gone,” the song’s strength matched with the young singer’s stirring voice made it a number to remember during “A Night of Neglect.” What did you think of Charice’s “Glee” cover of “All By Myself”? Tell us in the comments!
