Rockin in St. Paul

Hey people! I have the privilege of being a guest poster today. You're probably asking yourself "How can I get in on this action?" Turns out you just have to be friends with CinR and attend a concert or some other celebrity related event that's too cool for school. Enjoy!

                                                         image via twincities.com
After buying tickets in March, having the concert canceled twice in June, and having the rescheduled concert relocated from the small and quaint First Ave to the big and commercial Xcel Center, I had a lot of anticipation going into Adele's sold out concert in St. Paul last Thursday with two of my friends (compare it to the amount of anticipation you have for this sentence to end).

Before I talk about Adele's performance I need to tell you about two other things. First, my awesome friend Ryan was nice enough to go down to the ticket office in the middle of a work day and exchange our First Ave tickets for Xcel Center tickets. He waited in line for some period of time (I believe more than 15 minutes, but I won't give him credit for a full day) and made friends with all the other people in line, most of whom happened to be nice mom aged women. If you've ever met Ryan you are his friend, that is just the sort of person he is. Or as he would say: "People just like me." Since they all waited together Ryan and all his lady friends ended up with seats near each other. It was fun attending Ryan's mini reunion at the concert, discussing grandchildren, boasting about our die-hardedness, and what not. 

Second, Wanda Jackson opened for Adele. Dubbed the Queen of Rockabilly, Ms. Jackson toured with (and rumor has is had some sort of romantic affair) with Elvis Presley back in the day. For an accurate picture of this performance think of your grandma, add black hair if her hair is not black, and imagine her rocking it out. Awesome. I did a little bit of research and Ms. Jackson recently put out an album with former White Stripes front man Jack White. Composed entirely of covers, Ms. Jackson provides the vocals accompanied by Mr. White and the band. Apparently, there are lots of guitar solos and opportunities for rocking out. Jack White was not at the Adele concert, but still, as you can imagine rocking out with a legend is pretty cool.

Okay, so back to Adele. This was definitely one of the best concerts I've ever been to. She played most of the songs from her new album, 21, several songs from her previous album, and a few covers. The stage was understated, decorated with old rugs, lamp shades hanging from the ceiling, a simple podium for her doxie adorned mug, and a burnt orange back drop. In all honesty it was a little too hipster for me, but it went with the vibe so whateves. Adele is incredibly down to earth. Between most of her songs she told the crowd stories about her exes, her friends, and her feelings, peppering everything expletives. I'm not sure if it's her accent or the fact that she says it with a smile, but Adele can drop as many f-bombs as she wants without sounding the least bit crass or offensive. She did her best to make the audience feel at home often requesting the house lights be turned up between songs so she could see us. She confessed feeling nervous about the big crowd, invited one fan on stage for a photo op, and invited the crowd to sing along to Some One Like You and Rolling in the Deep (not that everyone wasn't already singing along to every other song she sang).

                                                        Pre-concert photo op. Look at all those people behind us!

No joke, Adele sounds better in real life than she does on her CD. Her best songs were just her and the piano. I don't think I really appreciated how heavily piano-centric her music is until seeing her perform live. I was talking to a friend once about the song Someone Like You and we agreed that even if you don't have someone like that in your life you still feel connected to that song--like if you did have someone like that, that's exactly how you would feel. It almost leaves you wondering if you really do have someone like that because after listening to her song you're pretty sure your heart has been broken. So basically, all that to say Adele and her music is SO easy to relate to. I don't like admitting that I was so easily taken in, but I was. At least I wasn't as emotional as the 40-something guy in the row behind me with tears streaming down his face.Yeah, that happened.

The not so awesome part of this concert? Well I had to go work the next morning. I am getting way to old for staying out late on a week night.

Teen Dream Revisited: Andrew Keegan

photo from Zimbio

Wow, now that is something my 10-13 year old self had on her wall. Don't act like you don't remember sorting through Tiger Beat, Bop, and 16 and picking the best of the best pictures to coat your walls. I'm pretty sure, in a binder somewhere in my brother's attic, I have a collection of glossy magazine prints of my favorite actors. I might try and find that hidden treasure...

What can I say about Andrew Keegan? For starters, he was the first person I saw on television who made teen parenting attractive. That is not to say he inspired a generation of young teens to become parents. I don't even remember how his role as teen parent was portrayed, but based on Brenda Hampton's latest "hit" Secret Life, I'd say it largely misrepresented the harsh realities teen parents face. That being said, I totally would have been a teen mom for Andrew Keegan. Don't you remember how adorable he was on 7th Heaven as single daddy, Wilson? Am I the only one who thought to myself, "Wilson, you deserve someone who will love you regardless of the situation. You need someone like me." At 12 years old I was pretty confident that either he or Simon Camden, were my soul mates.

So, where is this fine fella now? His days of teen parenting and modeling (10 Things I Hate About You) are over, but he is just as attractive today as he was then. Most recently, in 2010 he guess starred on an episode of CSI:NY. His IMDb page also has him linked to a 2011 short thriller called Sold, which tells the story of a young journalist who is "captured into a human trafficking ring while doing an investigative article on the treatment of illegal immigrants in America."

Unfortunately, his life has not been without drama. In May TMZ reported that Keegan and some friends were attacked when leaving a charity event, Keegan had to get a few stitches as a result. The incident apparently left Keegan inspired to create a community outreach group. Sounds like a nice guy, right?

Then, in July, TMZ reported an incident (with video) of Keegan being handcuffed and detained by police. There may have even been tasers involved. It is all very sad to watch. Supposedly the incident was regarding loud music. Police claim no tasers were used, but the video seems to suggest something other than words was used. Keegan claims the cops treated him unjustly and that he remained cooperative.

I will choose to remember Keegan in a less drama-filled manner, and I suggest you do the same. To get your mind off his police run-in, you should remind yourself of how attractive he is. I'm not saying beautiful people should be allowed to get away with stuff, but my research indicates there is no proof that he did anything more than play loud music, so don't feel guilty about admiring his good looks. If you are not sure if he is still worthy of eye candy, check out his IMDb profile picture and see for yourself how great he looks these days.

If you still aren't sure you can revisit this old flame, I recommend Eric Balfour as a replacement. Balfour is strangely reminiscent of Keegan and when I watch him on Syfy's Haven, I can't help but fall for this bad boy.

Who Am I?

The game: guess my celebrity mom and/or dad

Two pictures because this child is adorable, and because his huge family of reality stars love to share their lives with the public.

Hint:
1) You can Keep Up with my whole family on our family reality show
2) I was recently the ring bearer in my Aunt's wedding to an NBA star
3) My mom's dad was an American attorney, best known for serving on the legal team of a good friend who is believed to be responsible for the murders of his wife and her friend

Netflix Time Wasters, Coupling

Once upon a time, TV watching was done on the TV. These days TV and movie watching is done instantly on Netflix and the world is a better place as a result. My social life might suck, but that is an opportunity cost I'm willing to take. Besides, I'm meeting all kinds of new people as a result of Netflix, they are just fictional which is one step up from imaginary so I think I'm doing alright.

Let me take this time to introduce you to some of the great people I'm meeting on Netflix. To begin, meet the characters of Coupling (U.K. edition): Steve Taylor, Susan Walker, Jeff Murdock, Sally Harper, Patrick Maitland, and Jane Christie.

Coupling was suggested to me via Netflix, Netflix is so good at recommending shows to me, it is kind of scary. Not only does this show feature British actors equipped with accents, but it also falls in the category of British Comedy which I am discovering to be quite fantastic. It is like a British version of Friends, but with only 4 series (U.K. for seasons) and a total of 28 episodes, it moves quickly and thus feels a little bit more fulfilling (you know how U.S. shows will just drag on and on, the writers making us suffer, U.K. writers are much more kind to their viewers). Steve is a mix of Chandler and Ross, Susan is Monica (kind of the leader of the group), Jeff is an extreme version of Joey only without Joey's skills with the lady (Jeff is so NOT a ladies-man), Sally is a more uptight version of Rachel, Patrick is actually a bit of Joey (total ladies-man), and Jane is all the ditz of Pheobe but with a total ego-complex. Only, those comparisons should not be taken literally because the show is not just a copy of Friends, it definitely holds its own.

The first three series were great, I'm on the fourth series right now and it gets a little weird with a lot dream sequences and the departure of Jeff Murdock, but I'm still laughing loudly and disrupting my mom as she watches actual TV (I suppose it is more difficult for older people to break the habit).

Check it out, and stay tuned for more to watch on Netflix.

MTV Still Plays Music Videos?

The MTV Video Music Awards was tonight, woohoo!

Wait a minute, MTV still plays music videos?

That would be a negative.

Actually I have no idea. Does anyone watch MTV for the music anymore? The last time I checked the channel was mostly comprised of lame reality shows. How sad to see that MTV fell into the same fate as it's sister network, VH1. I use to love I Love The .

Regardless of the reality show to music video ratio, apparently MTV still thinks it is enough invested in the music industry to host a music video award. Truthfully, I think an MTV Reality Show Awards show is more appropriate, but whatevs.

So anyways, here is what you should know about what went down tonight.

1) Selena Gomez hosted the pre-show and had an awkward (or adorable, you decide) interview with BF Justin Bieber that was sealed with a kiss for the whole world to see

O-M-G. Did he really just say "my snake's name is Johnson"? So many things wrong with that statement coming from a 17-year old in an interview with his girlfriend!!!

And to make it more awkward/inappropriate:
@ddlovato: @biebcyrusx: @justinbieber showing @ddlovato his SNAKE ! HAHAHA LMAO. 30.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lqo422d…” @justinbieber you're crazy!!!!

2) Beyonce showed off her pregnant self. Yes, that is right, the future ruler of all music is currently brewing in Beyonce's belly.

3) Kanye and Jay-Z performed, and according to Victoria Justice:

@VictoriaJustice: HAHA. The funniest & most bizarre thing just happened during the Jay-Z & Kanye performance. I hope they show it, u guys have to watch.

That tweet was preceded by:

@VictoriaJustice Omg guys!!! Jessie J just performed "Price Tag" & I saw someone FALL off the top balcony behind her!! I'm freaking out. I hope they're OK!

Really? You think you see someone fall from the top balcony and you think, "I must tweet this to let my fans know." Sounds like a fabulous evening.

4) Demi Lovato looked all kinds of confident in a tight silver dress and big smile. Unfortunately, haters gotta hate. In response to some comments about her weight, Demi took to Twitter (at the show) to tell them off

@ddlovato: I've gained weight. Get over it. That's what happens when you get out of treatment for AN EATING DISORDER :) #UNBROKEN #920

I like the placement of the :) after the all caps statement, it really tells us that she is mad, but she is not gonna let those haters rain on her parade.
And then fellow Joe Jonas ex-gf, Ashley Greene, tweeted right back to Demi

@AshleyMGreene: girl... your beautiful @ddlovato

@ddlovato: @AshleyMGreene this is why you're my friend.. Thank you girl.

proper your/you're usage: Demi-1, Ashley-0
If J. Jonas-exes can make peace, then surely the rest of the world is not far behind. Demi continued to confront the bullies

@ddlovato: Guess what, I'm healthy and happy, and if you're hating on my weight you obviously aren't. :) #UNBROKEN

I love that Demi is not afraid to address the ridiculous comments publicly, especially because if media outlets are the ones commenting on her weight than chances are many young girls are going to hear that criticism and be fed these insane and unrealistic ideas about how women should look. Demi looks beautiful, so just get over it hyper-critical perfectionists who don't know what it looks like to be healthy and happy, and who criticize others in an attempt to hide their own insecurities. Team Demi!

And, just because, let's look at what Casper has to say about Demi

@DevonESawa Demi Lovato looks like a beautiful young lady. http://blog.zap2it.com/pop2it/2 Via @cadlymack

Well, friends, that about sums it up for you. If you didn't catch the show, don't worry I didn't either. But, now you can totally contribute to conversation about the event and pretend like you did.

Your welcome.

I kid. I kid.

You're welcome.

Does Anyone Remember...Bobby's World

Bobby's World was one of those shows I know I watched (probably religiously because TV was my religion as a child) but I remember next to nothing about.



Dontcha know I can't remember plot line or characters, but I can not forget Mrs. Generic's voice. I hear that voice everywhere. I especially hear this voice when Molly falls into her Minnesota accent. Now, I'm not entirely sure where the show takes place and thus what the actual accent is. Howie Mandel is Canadian, but I tend to think Canadians and Mid-Westerners speak with similar pronunciations, and for that reason "Dontcha know" is both my go-to Mid-West phrase and my go-to Canada phrase. Also, I'm pretty confident that phrase is as popular out there as "hella" is to my NorCal friends.

In my quest to learn more about this long forgotten show, I did some research. Did you know this show ran for 8 years? I do not remember it spanning that much of my childhood. How about that Howie Mandel, in 2006, mentioned the desire to remake the series? Bobby even had a guest spot on Deal or No Deal.

Man, I'm learning all kinds of stuff from Wikipedia today.

Taylor Swift Speaks Now, August 24 At Staples

I remember the first time I heard Taylor Swift. Molly, Jackie, and I were driving to San Diego for Christmas Conference the winter of 2006. I immediately loved the music and the singer and brought it back to Berkeley where Susan and I would listen to it on repeat for the rest of the year. Actually longer. I listened to it on repeat until 2008 when it was replaced by Fearless, which would ultimately be replaced by Speak Now in 2010.

Almost five years later, Susan and I got to see Taylor Swift in concert with like 15,000 other people (including Emma Stone, the Jenners, and Jason Mraz) at the Staples Center on August 24. And like the true champs we are, we rocked the show from the back row

Holla! Although I'd love a front row seat, since I don't have the connections or the money to afford such an amenity, I am happy to accept the seat in the back that cost almost $100 (Thanks, Santa!). It is not the first time, nor will it be the last time I get to party hard in the back row.

Taylor Swift put on quite a spectacle. Acrobats swinging from giant bells, a floating balcony, a gown shaped like a pastry, 9 wardrobe changes, even more instrument changes, and Jason Mraz.

The Jason Mraz moment was probably the highlight of the show for me. I mean, Taylor Swift is wonderful and I fully enjoyed the performance and the elements added to make it intimate for all ticket holders, but Jason Mraz is so dreamy <3

The Tuesday show had Justin Bieber as a surprise guest, and when I heard that I said "Dear God, please let the Wednesday show have a better surprise guest than Justin Bieber." Evidence that God answers prayers, regardless of how ridiculous they might be:

Seriously, if Jason Mraz was not engaged I'd be so all over that. In the meantime, I've switched my attraction to Mr. Josh Groban. Josh has that totally goofy nerd thing going for him. Argh! I can't resist that in a man! Plus he has that beautiful voice...*swoon*

Anyways, to conclude:
Taylor Swift concert = enchanting fairytale
Jason Mraz = attractive (but taken) fella on the guitar
Josh Groban = my future husband

For more pictures...

Taylor Swift August 24, 2011