#COOKING: JALAPEÑO AND RED PEPPER POPPERS RECIPE

Jalapeño and Red Pepper Poppers. These fan-favourite apps are the best and I honestly don’t know why I haven’t made these sooner. They’re super-easy to make! Are these really spicy? The answer is no, but I have a really high tolerance to spice. The richness of the Cream Cheese balances out all the heat in the Jalapeños, but I’ve made a Red Pepper option just in case so that there’s something for everyone. This serves two.

Ingredients:

1 8oz container of Cream Cheese (I prefer Herb & Garlic)
2 Jalapeño Peppers, halved and seeded, I prefer the membrane intact but you can remove
1 Red Pepper, quartered and seeded
1/4 cup Panko
1/3 cup shredded Cheddar/Mozzarella mix
3 tbsps butter, melted
2 stalks green onion, chopped
2 tbsps grated Parmesan
1 tsp garlic powder
Sea salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Pre-heat oven to 400°F.
2. In bowl, combine Cream Cheese, shredded cheese, garlic powder and green onion.
3. In separate dish, combine butter, Parmesan and Panko.
4. Fill sectioned peppers with cheese mixture and place onto baking tray.
5. Top with Panko topping.
6. Bake 20 minutes. Allow to cool 10 minutes before eating.

Gallery:

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#NEWMUSIC: R3HAB FT. JOLIN TSAI – “STARS ALIGN”

Chinese Pop Queen Jolin Tsai has teamed-up with Dutch DJ/Producer R3HAB on the Dance Track STARS ALIGN. Just released was this highly-stylized new Video for the vibey tune, directed by Muh Chen. So thrilled the world finally can get a glimpse of this brilliant Taiwan-born icon.

See the Video here:

If you’re just discovering Jolin Tsai, you must see her phenomenal Video for Track Womxnly. Ensure you turn on the subtitles so you can understand the Track’s powerful message about gender positivity.

Highly-conceptualized and beautifully-executed Videos are nothing new for Tsai. You must see some of the other highly-cinematic Music Videos from her album UGLY BEAUTY which won both Album and Song of the Year with Womxnly in her native Taiwan.

Perhaps my other favourite Track from the Disc, VULNERABILITY which never got a Video treatment.

(Photo/video credit: Sony Music)

#FIRSTLOOK: NEW TRAILER FOR “ROADRUNNER” – ANTHONY BOURDAIN DOCUMENTARY

This one hits close to home. We love Anthony Bourdain and can’t wait to see this Documentary about his fascinating life.

Synopsis:

A documentary about the uncommon life of the late storyteller, explorer, and chef, Anthony Bourdain. The film will have its world premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival on Friday, June 11, 2021.

The documentary is directed by Academy Award® winner Morgan Neville (20 Feet from Stardom, Won’t You Be My Neighbor?). Focus Features will first release the documentary exclusively in theaters on Friday, July 16, 2021 before the film premieres on television on CNN and streams via HBO Max. CNN Films and HBO Max executive produced the film.

(Photo/video credit: Focus Features)

#FIRSTLOOK: “I AM SYD STONE”

After having screened at the 2020 Inside Out LGBTQ Film Festival, I AM SYD STONE arrives this weekend on OutTV. The six-part Series based on Denis Theriault‘s 2014 Short Film of the same name expands on some ideas seen in the original. The Series is set on its titular character, played by Vancouver’s Travis Nelson, who is films a movie in a small town. This is where he meets a lawyer named Matt (Toronto’s Benjamin Charles Watson) and the two develop a relationship.

Syd has remained in the closet for many years, having to conceal his sexuality for the sake of his career. Falling for Matt puts his career in jeopardy and he must balance finding himself and understanding his sexuality, with the person everyone else seems him as, being a former A-List Actor.

Visually, the Series looks great and Kevin A. Fraser’s stylish Cinematography has a way of taking us inside Syd‘s gray psyche. While we found the chemistry between our two leads lacking a bit of that fire that would have glued this together a bit better, stories like this need to be told and seen. While there isn’t particularly new or compelling being brought to the table here, there is a great need for stories that challenge and question the ideals of masculinity and how this is a struggle that comes with costs. In that regard, the quickly-digestable story told in 10-15 increments, should strike a chord with more than just a community.

I AM SYD STONE airs on OUTtv Thursday, April 22 at 8:30 PM with the first two episodes and one new one each week following. It will be available on OUTtv Go beginning April 21, 2021.

#FIRSTLOOK: “THE CONJURING: THE DEVIL MADE ME DO IT” NEW TRAILER

THE CONJURING has propelled itself into the largest Horror franchise in history grossing over $1.8 billion worldwide. The next installment is about to arrive. See the new Canadian Trailer for THE CONJURING: THE DEVIL MADE ME DO IT starring Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga.

Synopsis:

“The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It” reveals a chilling story of terror, murder and unknown evil that shocked even experienced real-life paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren.  One of the most sensational cases from their files, it starts with a fight for the soul of a young boy, then takes them beyond anything they’d ever seen before, to mark the first time in U.S. history that a murder suspect would claim demonic possession as a defense.

THE CONJURING: THE DEVIL MADE ME DO IT opens in theatres and IMAX nationwide on June 4, 2021. 

(Photo/video credit: Warner Bros. Canada)

#FIRSTLOOK: “THE BIG SHOT WITH BETHENNY”

We’ve missed her and now she’s back! Bethenny Frankel is back Reality Series THE BIG SHOT WITH BETHENNY.

Synopsis:

In THE BIG SHOT WITH BETHENNY, the next generation of business moguls will compete for a chance to be second-in-command to business tycoon and Skinnygirl founder Bethenny Frankel, and win a coveted position working on her executive team. In business and in life, Frankel never settles and only accepts excellence. Through a series of real-life tasks and challenges, each aspiring mogul will be tested to see how far they can push their creativity and determination to rise to the top. The first two episodes of the seven-episode series premiere Thursday, April 29 on HBO Max with two episodes launching May 6 and two on May 13. The finale will launch on May 20.

See the Trailer:

THE BIG SHOT WITH BETHENNY, premieres Thursday, April 29, 2021 on HBO Max and Crave.

(Photo/video credit: HBO Max)

#FIRSTLOOK: NEW TRAILER FOR “OXYGEN”

Mélanie Laurent stars in Thriller OXYGEN, coming soon to Netflix!

Synopsis: Oxygen is a French survival thriller directed by Alexandre Aja. The film tells the story of a young woman (Mélanie Laurent, 6 Underground, Inglourious Basterds), who wakes up in a cryogenic pod. She doesn’t remember who she is or how she ended up there. As she’s running out of oxygen, she must rebuild her memory to find a way out of her nightmare.

See the Trailer:

OXYGEN arrives on Netflix Friday, May 12, 2021.

(Photo/video credit: Netflix)

#GIVEAWAY: ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN VIRTUAL PASSES TO AN ADVANCE SCREENING OF “JUPITER’S LEGACY”

Netflix and Mr. Will would love to give Readers a chance to win Advance Virtual Screening Passes to see the first episode of JUPITER’S LEGACY on Thursday, May 6, 2021 at 6PM ET. The Series filmed here in Toronto stars Josh Duhamel. The Screening takes places 12:00pm PT / 2:00pm CT / 3:00pm EST.

Synopsis:

After nearly a century of keeping mankind safe, the world’s first generation of superheroes must look to their children to continue the legacy. But tensions rise as the young superheroes, hungry to prove their worth, struggle to live up to their parents’ legendary public reputations — and exacting personal standards. Based on the graphic novels by Mark Millar and Frank Quitely, Jupiter’s Legacy is an epic superhero drama that spans decades and navigates the complex dynamics of family, power, and loyalty.

See the Trailer:

To enter to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK and indicate your City. Re-Tweet this Contest Tweet below for an extra chance!

Enter for a chance to #win Advance Virtual Screening Passes to see the first episode of JUPITER'S LEGACY!

How: https://t.co/s39L9E5voo pic.twitter.com/zg7xmproCZ

— MR. WILL WONG 📸 (@mrwillw) April 21, 2021

Rules and regulations here.

JUPITER’S LEGACY arrives on Netflix Friday, May 7, 2021.

(Photo/video credit: Netflix)

#PRODUCTWATCH: 2021 HONDA ACCORD HYBRID

Like reuniting with a best friend. We got up close and personal – a flagrant violation of social distancing protocols – but we hope you’ll understand. While Ontario is under some really uncertain and unprecedented times, we safely navigated in our test drive and ultimately we are thrilled that the 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid was there for us when we got our first vaccine. We are incredibly relieved and can’t wait to get our second vaccine. While we don’t live in a hotspot, we’re grateful our turn came as we were just about ready to give up hope!

We were able to travel safely to see my expectant niece, whose Baby Shower sadly had to be cancelled due to stay-at-home orders province-wide and partake in the beauty of Cherry Blossoms in the City as they begin to reach peak bloom! Being able to have the Accord Hybrid there for us to run errands and pick-up essentials is a privilege which we are grateful for.

It all starts the moment the engine turns out. In fact, the 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid is so quiet we had to double-check the engine was actually on. Above that, there is a hypnotic hum which actually is quite calming.

It is powered by 2.0-litre, 16-valve, Atkinson cycle DOHC, i-VTEC^® 4-cylinder engine and operates at up to 212 @ 6200 total combined horsepower. Drives were incredibly-smooth and our family and friends commented how sleek and elegant this update of the Accord looks. We fully embrace Proximity Entry and its pushbutton start and gears. In fact, we don’t remember what driving was like anymore before them. Thanks, Honda!

Fuel Economy is a huge selling point for me and the Accord Hybrid gives you fabulous value at 5.0/5.0/5.0 L/100 km city/highway combined. It comes with an ECON mode button but also EV and Sport Drive options. We were able to make it twice downtown, to Niagara and out and about locally for about $45 in Regular fuel, just under a week. That is almost unheard of.

The Accord Hybrid is crammed with little luxuries. Dual-zone automatic climate control with air-filtration system, speed-sensing, variable intermittent windshield wipers, one-touch power moonroof with tilt feature, body-coloured heated power door mirrors with integrated LED turn signal indicators, LED foglights, LED brakelights, LED taillights, front wiper de-icer. Not only does it come with seat warmers, it comes with seat coolers knowing the vast array of conditions Honda’s Canadian customer base endures. These are little things that continually define the Honda driving experience as one that is sophisticated and just much more special. This is the car Canadians deserve.

We’re huge on the audio experience while driving. Its Display Audio System with Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™, HandsFreeLink™, wireless charging plate and arrange of USB ports (two in the front and two in the back), jumbo arm rest with a sizey compartment for storage – masks, gloves, sanitizer, you name it. The Accord Hybrid boasts a 452-watt AM/FM Premium audio system with MP3/Windows Media^® Audio playback capability and 10 speakers including subwoofer. And it sounds every bit the part. The Display system is enabled for SMS text messages and e-mail function. Connecting via Bluetooth was easy – we love our Spotify and can’t imagine not being able to listen to our favourite albums and playlists on the fly.

More importantly, safety is tops for Honda. Parking and reversing are so easy with its multi-angle rearview camera with dynamic guidelines, plus a driver attention monitor. If that’s not enough, check-out the endless list of safety features that ensure you are as well-protected as can be in the Accord Hybrid: 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS); auto high beam; brake assist; Forward Collision Warning (FCW) system; Lane Departure Warning (LDW) system; Lane Keeping Assist System; Blind Spot Information (BSI) System;Rear Cross Traffic Monitor System; Traffic Sign Recognition via holographic display on the driver’s side of the windshield; Vehicle Stability Assist with Traction Control; Next-Generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering; i-SRS airbag system; Front Knee Airbags; Side curtain airbags with rollover sensor system; SmartVent™ side airbags. The list goes on.

As was the case with other new Accords I’ve test-driven in the past there are sometimes glitches like the Tire Pressure Monitoring System telling me I have low tire pressure when it’s cold out. Often this goes away on its own. We also saw its Maintenance Minder™ system telling us we had an Emissions System problem (see below), but that also went away on its own after a restart.

My week in review:

Getting my vaccine finally!

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Seeing my expectant Niece in Niagara

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Winning a Sovereign Award for my Photography

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Cherry Blossoms with beanie

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Supporting local businesses, as they need us!

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One tip I’ve learned that is your furry friend is keen on chewing things in your car, a great preventative measure is spraying those parts (i.e. seatbelt buckles, etc.) with Bitter Apple Spray!

A neat new thing I noticed with the Accord Hybrid is that it is smart enough to remind you that you have something in the back. In my case, that was beanie! How cute.

More on the 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid here, which starts at $35,805 CAN.

Thank you 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid for helping get me through the week and to my first vaccination safely. Grateful.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

#FIRSTLOOK: IFC MAY PROGRAMMING LINEUP

IFC announce their new programming slate for May on both their subscription service IFC FILMS UNLIMITED and also on VOD.

FC FILMS VOD releases 
*Available to rent on Apple TV

MAINSTREAM (2021) – May 14, 2021 (Comedy, Romance)
*Will be available on IFC FIlms Unlimited Summer 2021
Director: Gia Coppola
Starring: Andrew Garfield, Maya Hawke, Nat Wolff, Johnny Knoxville, Jason Schwartzman
Synopsis: An artist (Andrew Garfield) satirizing social media culture finds his own ironic internet fame that threatens the bonds of his creative team in this hilariously modern love story.

IFC FILMS UNLIMITED
*Available on Amazon Prime Video Channels and Apple TV

HUNTER HUNTER (2020) – May 5, 2021 (Thriller)
Director: Shawn Linden
Starring: Camille Sullivan, Summer H. Howell, Devon Sawa, Nick Stahl, Lauren Cochrane, Gabriel Daniels
Synopsis: A mysterious predator eludes an aging detective and a cunning outdoors man to corner and terrorize a woman and daughter trapped in a remote forest cabin

THE NIGHT (2021) – May 12, 2021 (Thriller)
Director: Kourosh Ahari
Starring: Shahab Hosseini, Niousha Jafarian, Leah Oganyan
Synopsis: A couple becomes trapped in a hotel with their demons – real and imagined – until they can confront the secrets in their marriage in this mind-bending supernatural thriller.

THE JEFFREY DAHMER FILES (2013) – May 19, 2021 (Horror)
Director: Chris James Thompson
Cast: Andrew Swant, Pamela Bass, Jeffrey Jentzen
Synopsis: A documentary about the people around Jeffrey Dahmer during the 1991 summer of his arrest for the murder of 17 people in Milwaukee.

THE OTHER WOMAN (2011) – May 26, 2021 (Drama)
Director: Don Roos
Starring: Natalie Portman, Lisa Kudrow, Scott Cohen, Charlie Tahan
Synopsis: The story of a young woman who finds the key to recovering her marriage in her relationship with her precocious stepson.