I've Been Enchanted

There I am on a Saturday night and it is cold and I am tired but I have a mission. There are movies to be seen, damn it and see them I will. I go online to buy my ticket -- new releases are Atonement and Juno -- two films I feel destined to see. What's this? I can't purchase tickets until the 11 PM show? Ah the misfortune of NYC -- movies are ALWAYS sold out on opening night (or at least the good ones are). So I scroll through the titles hoping for a spark -- it is December after all, there must be other films out there for my viewing pleasure.

And there it was, Enchantment. Not my top pick but I had heard good things (and one key opinion that insisted its star would be nominated for an Oscar -- Yes Ed, that's you). So I stroll to the theater and sit down for what I'm sure will be fun, light entertainment. The film begins as a Disneyesque animated film with a heroine who sews her clothes with the help of the animals and sings a sweet tune waiting for her Prince Charming. The Wicked Queen, trying to save her crown, sends the poor girl to the real world, NYC to be specific, to keep her out of the kingdom. And so the movie switches to the real, non-animated world but the heroine, though real, still has the naivete of her animated self.

Amy Adams plays the heroine and she is just adorable. Her expressions are full of life, she sings sweet Disneyesque songs (actually they were written by the Little Mermaid team, so they are Disney songs) and as the plot moved forward I was literally enchanted by her. I felt my face moving along to her expressions. It is a simple tale, but sweet, sweet, sweet. Patrick Dempsey is good as her real life version of Prince Charming and there is the most adorable chipmunk who is hysterical. I can't really explain the merits of the film besides saying that it totally takes you along for its ride and thanks to Amy Adams, the ride is spirit lifting and joyful. Poor Idina Menzel, though. I have always loved her onstage (RENT, Wicked) but on screen her face looks so angular and harsh. Not so pretty.

Another film I saw last week - Sweeney Todd. A dark musical done in Tim Burton style. Johnny Depp is very good (though he does do the Ewan McGregor version of singing the high notes very loudly) but Helena Bonham Carter is a bit annoying. I couldn't understand the words she was singing even though I already know the words to all of the songs. I mean I understand Tim Burton loves his wife, but I wouldn't have minded if he actually used the casting director and found someone to play the lead besides the woman he is married to. And somehow in the film version the fact that the show really only has 4 songs that are repeated over and OVER is very obvious and a bit tiring.

Also saw No Country for Old Men, the Coen brothers film that is getting raves. It is really good. The actors -- Javier Bardem, Josh Brolin and Tommy Lee Jones are just fantastic. It keeps you very tense though, so I highly suggest a drink after -- you will need it. I also suggest a buddy to bring with you so you can do the analysis after (thank you Joe). There is a lot to talk about with this one.

I guess I have checked off a bunch of films from my list. Still more to see and more to discuss
so you will be hearing from me soon. Now it is off to bed to prepare for tomorrow -- tickets for the Keith Urban / Carrie Underwood concert go on pre-sale and I, as a member of Keith's fan club must prepare to purchase pre-sale tickets. I can't believe they are touring together -- it is a concert made just for me. Will they duet? Very exciting.

And so in honor of the holiday season, I leave you with this,

Don't be ashamed of your obsessions...

share them...

Live from the CMA's

I mean, I can't even wait to write about this -- you are getting a live report (okay, I'm watching on DVR, but close to live).

Watching the CMA awards which for me is one of the best awards shows because it is full of performances of music I listen to all the time.

Carrie Underwood of course did not disappoint. 1 award for single of the year (Before He Cheats) and an AMAZING performance of her new single So Small. A beautiful yellow gown on a lit platform and a perfect performance.

What I also loved was that Sugarland won duo of the year -- they were up against a lot of duos who win year after year (Brooks and Dunn won 14 of the last 15 years) but Sugarland won because they are awesome. Don't you love my analysis? Then they performed Stay which is an incredible acoustic ballad. Standing ovation of course because the lead singer Jennifer Nettles is absolutely one of the greatest female vocalists of all time. Of course my favorite Sugarland moments come courtesy of my nieces Sonia and Julia who know every word to Baby Girl and Settlin'. They are ADORABLE.

I have respect for but don't really understand George Strait for Album and Song of the Year -- it doesn't feel relevant -- just giving a legend an award for being a legend?

Martina McBride can't really be criticized, but tonight the outfit for her performance was questionable (ADAM I thought you were dressing her!) Let's just say cowboy suit. Enough said.

Keith, oh Keith, oh Keith. I love you. Just thinking about last year and how you had to miss the CMA's because you were in rehab. Loved your performance of Everybody and thank you for throwing in all the spoken words "yes you did." Was Nicole there? No clothing faux pas thanks to Wendy Schecter. Jeans and a black button down with rolled up sleeves to reveal the tattoos. Thank you Keith.

This just in -- Carrie just won her second Female Vocalist of the Year Award -- luckily Faith Hill wasn't there this year to balk. Of course I love that she thanks American Idol always for her roots -- this girl knows her priorities.

Ummm Kenny Chesney needs a stylist and something to make the nasal go out of his voice. Pleated grey dress pants with a cowboy hat? Really? NO

JOSH TURNER -- if you want to hear one of the most fun songs out there right now -- check out his Firecracker. His beautiful deep voice on a rocking song. I don't really like that his wife now plays keyboard in his band -- no need. But the performance was great.

Not a fan of Kellie Pickler but her singing that song to her mother who abandoned her and breaking down in tears-- I mean it was sad.

Finally saw Nicole Kidman-- no need to dress like you are going to the Oscars honey -- this is NASHVILLE.

Hold on now -- they just explained why Rascal Flatts and Jaime Foxx are dueting -- they used to be roommates? Most of you know Jaime Foxx, but for the visual, here is the lead singer

This was the worst performance of the night. HORRIBLE. Oh my god, hold on I need to fast forward, this is painful.

Kenny Chesney wins the Entertainer of the Year which I think is awarded to the artist who makes the most money touring -- if this is the case, please buy a stylist Kenny. Or talk to Keith who was wearing an adorable vest, pocket watch, white shirt, tie number for his in the audience outfit.

Well good night all, I'm going to go listen to Firecracker again.

and remember...

don't be ashamed of your obsessions...

I am clearly not.

The Jovi

I know you have all been anxiously awaiting my report from Newark and the Bon Jovi concert. First of all, the stage was set as if it was in a Nashville bar. Country is everywhere -- not to pat myself on the back, but I was onto this "trend" for quite some time now. I like to think that my love for country and my love for the Jovi somehow brought these two together. Magic!

The performance was awesome -- all the songs you could want. Old -- Bad Medicine, Raise Your Hands and of course Livin' On A Prayer. Bed of Roses which I don't think I have ever seen them perform and Wanted Dead or Alive. Newer, Have a Nice Day was amazing -- I was laughing because my niece loves that song and loves to sing along, but I wonder what she would say if she saw Jon and Richie give the middle finger as they sing "Have a Nice Day!" Of course they closed with Who Says You Can't Go Home -- their newer anthem and of course the Jersey crowd loved it. Their performance of the new album was great too but I did miss them not singing I Love This Town -- I'll have to wait for Giants Stadium this summer. Rock On!

Umm not to mention that of course Jon looked great -- I mean every time he smiled we swooned. Every hip shake, pose, smirk. Okay, that's all I can write about right now.

And to my other love, let's talk about the new Carrie Underwood CD. FANTASTIC. So much better than the first which was enjoyable, but this is real. It is genuine -- not so pop sounding, much more country influenced and the voice. I mean I don't know how she does it (and believe me, I spent a good two hours this weekend trying to sing even some of it, sorry Apartment 2H). Her range is powerful and smooth. I can't wait to hear her sing it live because so far, I haven't ever heard her mess up live so I know I'll be blown away. For those who would never buy her CD, but have to admit that you like Before He Cheats (come on, I know you do) there is a great song called Last Name which I'm sure will hit the airwaves soon.

Couple of TV hits -- FNL - can we talk about the scene in Mexico where Street and Riggins are partying and Street starts telling the crowd that he is going to get an operation and walk again? Tim's face hearing his friend's desperation - heartwrenching, just heartwrenching. And then he calls Lila to get her to come help him convince Street not to have the operation. Uggh.

And Brothers and Sisters last night? I don't want to give it away if you haven't seen it, but when Sarah has to send her kids to live with her ex and Sally Field (her Mom) comes over to support her - what great acting. The two of them are phenomenal and I was crying like a baby. And in the scene with Kitty and Rob Lowe, they played that Joshua Radin song - What If? If you haven't heard this and like a nice tearjerker, download it.

One last thought -- the Yankees. So Joe Girardi is the manager and A-Rod is gone. Good riddance -- let's see how much money you can make and let's see if you will ever find a home town that embraces you -- best of luck to you A-Rod. I'm optimistic about this new team - let's give them a chance and they can use some of the A-Rod money to get some pitchers.

Enough for tonight my friends and remember,

don't be ashamed of your obsessions...

I fell over

Oh my god The Office is so funny -- Celebrity Rabies awareness? Really? Okay here is the rewind for those who don't take pleasure in constant laughter. Michael hits Meredith with his car, she discovers while in the hospital that she has rabies and so he starts a fund instead of feeling guilty for hitting her with his car. Bracelets that say Support the Rabid. Too much. And of course he forces the staff to run in the race for the cure. He really wants to win but pukes from having eaten Fettuccine Alfredo to stock up on carbs. I can't take it. Why does Michael hate Toby? Poor guy - he is going to go nuts soon. But also the serenade that Andy performs for Angela. Here is what I love. He doesn't just sing to her or profess his interest. He goes to her desk, dials a friend and puts him on speaker, goes to another phone, dials a friend and puts him on speaker. And then in 3 part harmony sings Take a Chance on Me by Abba. He is really weird and recently he has been wearing weird golf pants, but I would fall for that.


And Pam and Jim together finally - so sweet. A rooftop soda and reminiscence...perfectly simple and right.


Okay, Pete -- this one's for you...Rock of Love -- as with every single dating reality show, the couple doesn't stand a chance. I think Jess realized that Brett doesn't have any hair and dumped him. Between the diabetes and the scary I wear a bandanna every day because I don't actually have hair, maybe he should be with the stripper. Not because of the diabetes but the fact that he drinks too much and then feels sick because his insulin level is off -- come on. I loved when he almost died on the sand dune buggy when Heather was driving like a mad woman. I saw Heather in the LA airport and she isn't too bad looking. Hopefully they will live happily ever after.


I got a vote of support in my love for Katherine Heigl by the way and was told to check out Californication, and a show on MTV about a bisexual? And props to Linda for the lyrics to "Your Love" Now I have even more reason to sing it to myself all day long.

So I hit the karaoke Saturday night with my partner in crime MC and let me say that we rocked that room. Journey, Fame, Total Eclipse of the Heart and yes, I did the Outfield song "Your Love." Despite Adam's consternation (I love that word) that it would not be a hit, the room loved it -- despite the fact that we had to scream at the top of our lungs to sing the notes after 4 hours of karaoke. SING SING rules!

I have TONS of movies to see -- it is overwhelming, but thankfully to the WB crew I already saw Michael Clayton so that is a check (IT IS very well done -- a classic suspense drama that is really well acted). But on my list are: We Own the Night, Jesse James, Elizabeth and I still have to see Once.

Have checked out Pushing Daisies on ABC -- The way Olive (Kristen Chenoweth aka Glinda the good witch from Wicked) sings to herself in Pushing Daisies -- soundtrack in her head - so me. It is quirky but sweet and fast paced. Let's see how it goes.


Joe tells me he likes Dirty Sexy Money - pure entertainment. Will I regret my cancellation of recording the series on the DVR?


Went to see Kelly Clarkson tonight in her revised smaller concert series. Thank you hubstub for the 15th row tickets (and D for the advice). Background...I saw Kelly do a small outdoor concert after her first album (post Idol pre-Since You've Been Gone) and she was just screaming and jumping around and I feared that the Idol couldn't sing or sustain. That is all different now. She SANG and I mean SANG tonight. Even though her new album is terrifyingly difficult to sing, she did it all -- beautifully. Reaffirmed that "How I Feel" is the theme song for me right now. Take a listen and you will totally get it. She wonderfully attacked the criticism that her songs are all boy bashing by saying that she is simply young and she has to go through a lot of losers to find the one, so right now she is going through the losers and writing about them. If you have the album WHICH YOU SHOULD, listen to Chivas, the track that comes on at the end added on to the final track. It is amazing. And since the title is not listed on the CD, I was pleased to learn that the song is about Chivas the liquor as opposed to Shivers which my lyrically challenged brain thought. Makes SO much more sense now.


I was very pleased with the crowd at the Beacon -- mix of women, men, old, young. But of course, I was standing next to two girls who were talking so much that the guy in front of us told them to please stop being distracting (hee, hee). Then the girl proceeded to grab my arm and try to make me wave my arm from side to side in the air. Umm, Rachna does not like to be touched! And this is not Yo! MTV raps! Geez!


Sagum and all the others, I owe you a full breakdown on Friday Night Lights, but I am stunned by the wonder of the first two episodes. Speechless by how good Connie Britton (the wife) is. And loving the stubble on Coach Eric Taylor...


Next week I am going to see Bon Jovi -- I am gong to Newark, yes Newark to see them. So if you had any doubt about HOW I FEEL about things, remember...


don't be ashamed of your obsessions...

What to watch?

Okay everyone, I have some recommendations. But first, let me share my recent adventure. I had to travel to Paris for work and since the Parisian TV experience in my hotel is not pleasant -- it is a very international experience, for sure, with German MTV, two Italian channels, CNN, Sky News and a couple of French networks, but it is pretty much unbearable. An Italian version of Dancing with the Stars -- really? Jackass dubbed into French? No thanks.

So this trip, I decided to bring a DVD player and all 5 DVD's of season 1 of Friday Night Lights. What better way to get ready for the new season, right? I know, I'm sick. So anyway, great idea, but after watching the first DVD, the power in the battery died and my technologically challenged brain decided, sure any piece of equipment can be plugged into the wall if the plug has an adaptor on it. Wrong -- FYI, European outlets have a different voltage coming through them and will basically zap electronic equipment. I hear the laughter coming from all of you. Don't you know about power supplies in different countries -- ha, ha, you would think she has never traveled, ha, ha. But listen, explain this to me -- IT IS CALLED A PORTABLE DVD PLAYER!!!!!!!!!! Does "portable" mean portable in one country only? Computers can just be plugged in, and they aren't even called PORTABLE! Whatever, I got four episodes and then had to spend the rest of the trip changing the channel between Dora the Explorer in French and MTV's Parental Control in English -- that is one show that could have been dubbed and might have become more enjoyable.

So I came back to NYC and a DVR full of new and returning favorites. I am not yet caught up and am still saving the new Friday Night Lights for full non-jet lagged viewing. In terms of returning shows, Heroes is holding up really well. Milo looks great with his new haircut and the show still blows my mind with the twists and turns. New season of Survivor is fantastic -- one player is a cafeteria lady, another a gravedigger and then there is the 70 lb Courtney from NY who is attempting as an anorexic to waste away even more with no food and compete in strenuous physical competitions. But she wonders why her teammates are discriminating against her? She looks like she could blow over if someone sneezed on her. Watch, she will end up winning.

Grey's Anatomy is fantastic -- the humor is back and the heart tugging is still there. I don't miss Burke, but most importantly, Katherine Heigl is proving why she just won the Emmy. She is funny, poignant and in my mind definitely more the heart of the show than Ellen Pompeo. And finally Dr McSteamy is smiling -- love the friendship forming again with him and McDreamy. Here is my question, do people auditioning to be on the show, i.e. Meredith's new half sister, have to learn how to speak in the Grey's rhythm? They all talk really fast and have certain speech ticks. It is really weird. And of course when the episode is over, I speak the same way -- sorry everyone who has to see me the next day...

Still have to watch the Office (by the way, anyone looking for a b-day present for me can buy me Season 3), 30 Rock, ER...so more on returning shows soon.

Onto new shows, already told you I'm done with Gossip Girl, I also tried Dirty Sexy Money and I'm not feeling it. Maybe it is clever, but to me there is no emotional connection to the characters -- a really wealthy family hires the son of their recently deceased lawyer to be the new family lawyer. There is the Patriarch who tries to buy his way into everything, the Matriarch who was sleeping with the recently deceased lawyer, the spoiled daughter who is on her 4th husband, the priest who actually has a kid --- whatever and there are other family members and I don't care. I don't even care enough to explain it to you. I have one more episode stored, but I think it might get erased this weekend.

Private Practice -- I want to like it -- I like a lot of the actors, but I just can't devote myself to it. Grey's is so much better and in the spring Idol will be up against it so why bother?

I owe you more new show stuff - Big Shots, Pushing Daisies, Tell Me You Love Me, etc.

Music wise, love Stronger by Kanye -- I think he is full of himself, but the Daft Punk collaboration is genius. But let me bring you back a little -- I am obsessed (can you imagine?) with The Outfield "Your Love" A couple sang it at karaoke a few months ago, and now I can't get it out of my head. You know the song... It starts "josie's on a vacation far away" followed by some words I can't understand and will therefore not try to guess at in writing. Anyone who can help me, I appreciate it. Download it - you will not be able to get it out of your head. Might try it a Karaoke this weekend - they put words on the screen for idiots like me :)

So much more to discuss...the Yanks, end of Rock of Love, Top Chef and the Little Big Town concert. So until next time,

don't be ashamed of your obsessions...

I'm back...and so is TV

So NY Fashion week is over and I am back, ready for the new Fall schedule. I am watching Gossip Girls, fingers crossed that I would like it? So far, no. No desire to watch spoiled NYC kids have parties and connive behind each others backs and talk about houses in the Hampton's. I hate the Hampton's. And how are these teenagers getting drinks during the day at real establishments. If that has anything to do with reality, I don't want to know. We'll wait until the episode is over for final judgement.

A little wrap up from summer TV viewing. Big Brother ended yesterday -- terrific season, terrible ending. I'm all for the best Player, strategist, etc. winning, but Evil Dick was too much to take. And I was into Daniele his daughter winning because she won the competitions until she started whining all the time. And they never talked about why the father daughter duo didn't speak for 2 years before the show. And how did Dick get more cigarettes when Jen broke all of his and threw bleach on them? (See why I love this show?) I did enjoy the Eric and Jess showmance and if Jess had managed to get Dick or Daniele nominated when she had the chance she definitely would have been my contender for best player.

Best guilty pleasure? Rock of Love. I still don't believe that Brett Michaels has any real hair left under that bandanna, but he was the last reason to watch this show. Those girls were a riot. Pete was sure that it would be Jess and Brandi in the final two, but I think Brandi deserved to go after spurting vomit into her napkin. Oh my god, that still makes me laugh. Now I say Jess all the way! Laura and I saw Heather at LAX yesterday and she didn't seem like she won, her extensions looked pretty gnarly, but who knows? One more week to go.

LOVE Top Chef - but it makes me severely hungry.

Almost done with Gossip Girl and I am pretty sure it will be off my roster. What is on the roster? So far, Tell Me You Love Me on HBO, Survivor starts Thursday (still THE best competitive reality show of all time), Heroes Monday. Not sure on the rest yet.

By the way, the VMA's were disgusting - not a bit entertaining and a sure sign that the MTV generation (of which I am THANKFULLY not a part of anymore) is going to bring this world to an end. Can you tell I hated it?



Just remember, don't be ashamed of your obsessions...

Get ready for Fall

So today is Labor Day -- the traditional end to summer. And what is on my mind? A couple of things to wrap up the summer and get ready for Fall.


First of all, I drove to the beach today and my friends and I listened to the Kelly Clarkson CD. Yes, the much maligned CD which her own label (which she made TONS of money for) and many members of the radio community dissed. Here is the bottom line. It is amazing. Her voice is still a miracle in my mind -- how does she hit those notes in her chest voice? She has more personality in her voice than any singer on pop radio today. Plus, the songs are great - honest, raw but still plenty of catchy songs too. How I Feel deserves major radio play. Never Again is just as strong as Since You've Been Gone. It is a conspiracy and I don't get it. BUY the album people -- it is diverse and emotional and real. If you are enthralled with Rihanna's Umbrella song - THE MOST ANNOYING SONG I HAVE EVER HEARD, than a: please don't bother reading this anymore and b: you obviously don't listen to songs for the same reason I do -- I like to feel connected - sad, happy, angry, whatever the emotion, I want to feel it and I want to sing along to a song not repeat "ella, ella, ella" WHATEVER!

The summer should have belonged to Kelly.


Next case I will plead -- Friday Night Lights. This is an amazing show. The acting, writing, directing - just amazing. I love Kyle Chandler, but I also love all of the "kids" on the show. The coach's wife, Connie Britton? One of the best written female roles on TV. All this hype about Kyra Sedgwick on the Closer (do any of you watch this?) - whatever. This woman is real and complex and strong but loving and smart. The relationships between spouses, friends, lovers are all so well acted. And, yes, the guys are hot. I admit that I am a sucker for Tim Riggins (his real name is Taylor Kitsch). I know he plays a 17 year old football player from Texas, but I totally think that we could get along :). Just try it - the DVD of season 1 is out now, so you can rent it or netflix it. You won't be able to wait for the next episode. If you try it and don't agree that it is one of the best shows on TV, let me know -- I would love to discuss or convince you that I am right :).


I'm looking forward to Fall - first of all it will be my birthday which I like to celebrate for about a month and TV is back which gives me even more to blog about.


Don't be ashamed of your obsessions...

Being a fan

I am definitely a fan of many things -- people, music, TV shows, movies and, yes, even sports. Not all sports, but being a Yankees fan is a whole different animal.

Here's how it began -- my brother in law Rajiv is a lifelong Yankees fan. I have known him since I was born, and he started dating my sister at a young age (they first held hands at age 12, but their story is for another time). Anyway, ever since I was a little girl I was surrounded by Raj's love for the Yankees. Picture this. I'm 12, maybe 13, living for Donnie Wahlberg (you're surprised that I loved NKOTB?) dying to listen to the radio on every car ride to hear more of my man, but Raj would be in the car. And no matter what, he won the radio battle. SO I spent years of my life listening to Yankees games on the radio. Then I moved to NYC for college and the Yankees became the modern legends they are -- league champions, world series champions, honking cars outside my dorm room -- Yankees win -- the Yankees WIN!

Soon after, we started a family tradition -- every year my family went to a game. We sat in the nosebleed seats and my nephew and nieces ate tons of cotton candy. There is nothing like going to a game at Yankee stadium -- the energy, the songs, the chants -- it is awesome. Even from REALLY high up in the stands. This year I got to meet Derek Jeter at an event and then met some friends who work for the Yanks and this weekend I went to a game and sat 20 ROWS BEHIND HOME PLATE. It was amazing. The close action, the tension, and of course, even in VIP seats, the drunks. There were two guys in front of me and Cin who were ordering Buds and Johnny Walker Reds on ice (really? on a Saturday afternoon?) One of them got up to use the restroom, and when he came back he couldn't find his seat. I watched him amble down the aisle, start talking to people, move into a row, sit down, look around, try to make friends with the people next to him -- I think he almost forgot that he wasn't in the right seat. Almost, that is, until his friend started throwing spit balls at him to get him back to his seat - love it - people are so crass.

Despite losers one and two in front of me, the game was great and the view was really great. Here is my shot of Jeter warming up before going up to bat -- there is probably a proper baseball term for that, but I'm a fan, not a baseball expert :)

What most people who know me would be surprised to know is that I do know who plays what position, who is what number, how the game is played and even lots of tidbits on the politics or behind the scenes situations -- for instance, no matter how good A-Rod is as a player, there was no reason for his wife to wear a tank that said F**K You to a game. That is just wrong!

What most people won't be surprised to know is that I love Derek Jeter. Yes I have a serious interest and knowledge in the game of baseball, but I also have a crush -- I am, after all, a fan.

Don't be ashamed of your obsessions...

Summer Concert Series

Here it is -- the blog that I have been talking about since the end of Idol last season. With the TV season over, I wasn't inspired to start posting, but after this week, the words are flowing again. My pop culture madness is in full swing because this week was my official Summer Concert Series week. Two men in one week -- Keith Urban and Justin Timberlake and both, in Jersey.


Let's begin with Justin. My friend MC and I went out to Continental Arena (very easy bus ride from Port Authority) for JT. We skipped the Good Charlotte opener (who cares about them?) and got there in time to down a hot dog and beer and go to our FLOOR seats. I shouldn't have been surprised, but most of the crowd was under 25 and unusually short. Justin was awesome -- he is very charming, a great dancer and his voice was in really good shape. Highlights? Cry Me a River which became this anthem of anger and Love Stoned which always reminds me of the Victoria's Secret show. But the best was when he came out at the end in a navy tee, sat down at the piano and sang D*ck in a Box -- it is a really catchy melody.

The downside? He KEPT referring to Jersey City as if the concert was in Jersey City. "Hey Jersey City!" Ummm, Justin let me get you a map -- the arena is not in Jersey City - it is in East Rutherford. He said it about 20 times and as a Jersey girl, I was offended. He is a very good looking guy, but number one rule in touring -- learn what city you are performing in -- doesn't he have anyone who can help him with that?

Then 2 days later, back at Continental Arena - KEITH. For those of you who don't know, I love him. Simple as that. Cindy, MC and I had awesome seats and the stage was set up so that he would come down a runway into the middle of the arena. He played every song I wanted. And I totally called that his opener would be Once in a Lifetime. He even played Got It Right This Time which is this cool synthesizer song that sounds like he recorded in a bathroom. He looked amazing and he likes to use the words "mighty fine" a lot in his Australian accent. "Mighty Fine singing Jersey!" By the way, he did not think he was in Jersey City! I was singing like a lunatic and managed to squeeze in an "I love you Keith" during a quiet moment. I have never done that before - not even for Bon Jovi.


The highlight (as seen left) was when he ran off the stage down the aisle and got up on a platform about 10 people away from us. (MC, I apologize for completely shoving you out of the way). It was amazing. Best songs are really hard to name, but I always love when he does You'll Think of Me and gets seriously angry at the end of it and Faster Car was really fun. Hit single in the making. And for those who criticize country, first of all, don't bother reading this anymore and second of all (AMY) he is a serious rocker who is a great musician, writer and one mighty fine looking man.

Well that's it for today. First posting is officially complete. Next posting? My Yankees love and the conspiracy against Kelly Clarkson - someone is out to get her and we need to all join forces to fight the power.

Til then -- don't be ashamed of your obsessions...