Take the Lede

More consistency

2011-07-18T14:18:00.003-05:00

Since it's been a few months since I've updated here, click the link for an alternative route to my occasional musings.

Breathtaking. RIP.

2011-03-23T18:10:00.001-05:00

Photo by Frank Worth/Emage International/Getty Images via Vanity Fair.

To Match the Weather

2011-03-22T20:23:00.001-05:00

Scenes from Madison

2011-03-12T21:53:00.002-06:00

Just saw these videos from the HUGE rally in Madison today. Sharing here.

I want that trench!

2011-03-12T14:00:00.008-06:00

Princess-to-be Kate Middleton looks amazing in this Burberry trench coat. Major fashion envy happening for me here, and apparently in New York and the UK as well.

Cardinal love

2011-03-09T23:09:00.004-06:00

As today's news broke about the legislation passed by the Wisconsin Senates's Republican majority and scenes from the swelling Capitol crowds began to pop up on the Internet, it reminded me of the last mass movement I witnessed in Madison as a student journalist. The one from election night in 2008 when hundreds of students and residents took to the street for a historic moment, though in a starkly different mood.

My thoughts are with those same Wisconsin voters tonight. In two short years, it seems a completely different place all together.

I commend the local press and student journalists who are reporting at all hours of the day so this Badger alum can have a closer eye on what's happening.

Have you been following?

The Daily Cardinal

Wisconsin State Journal/The Cap Times

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Rumour Has It

2011-03-08T21:37:00.002-06:00

I'm obsessed with Adele's new CD, 21. Have you listened to it yet? The album's first single "Rolling In the Deep" is amazing, as is the power ballad "Someone Like You," but I cannot get the bluesy "Rumour Has It" out of my head!

Rejoice!

2011-02-12T12:18:00.003-06:00

Lady Gaga's new single, "Born This Way," has arrived! And I just want to get up and dance!

Lots of buzz about its similarity to Madonna's "Express Yourself." What do you think? And does it matter? Can't we just like both songs?

Perfection = UMDT

2011-01-17T18:31:00.005-06:00

For the second year in a row, the University of Minnesota Dance Team walked away from nationals with double firsts—in jazz and pom. The team had me at Florence + the Machine's "Drumming Song."

tkTwinCities

2010-11-06T17:11:00.003-05:00

I'm very excited to announce a new venture I am now involved in: tkTwinCities.com! I launched the site with several other talented Twin Cities-based journalists to cover lifestyle topics for twenty-somethings. Check it out!

Nothing will ever compare to Gilmore Girls

2010-10-20T22:09:00.001-05:00

Video via Entertainment Weekly

Still so happy...

2010-08-20T17:02:00.003-05:00

For Lauren Froderman! The winner of SYTYCD Season 7. The craziness of this season was all worth it to have another female winner! Congrats Lauren.

(photo via Fox)

Happy Birthday Robert! SYTYCD S7 Top 6

2010-07-21T21:15:00.005-05:00

Is it wrong that I think now 20-year-old Robert is totally hot?! Birthday Boy tore it up during his "Parachute" solo. Yummy.

So here we are again. Another Wednesday performance show of So You Think You Can Dance Season 7. This week was special because it was the show's 150th episode and to celebrate they brought choreographer/director Kenny Ortega to guest judge. I prefer to recognize him as the choreographer of Dirty Dancing, however, younger crowds will know him as the director of the High School Musical franchise. Having him as a guest judge reminded me of the golden days of the show when there was a rotating guest judge every week. Sigh.

Off the bat—Billy Bell was out with an injury this week, which makes him the third sidelined dancer in a row. Though I did want him to be the next contestant to go home, I didn't want it to be because of an injury. Maybe Jose will be sent home instead. A girl can dream.

Let's dance!

Lauren and Twitch—hip hop
FABULOUS! Way to represent the ladies Lauren! And it was so nice to see Twitch again. It's definitely not my favorite Tabitha and Napoleon dance, but it was a great performance nonetheless. Having her roll like a tumbleweed was genius. Who knew she could do that?!

Jose and Allison—contemporary
I've got to go with the judges on this one. Adam said the concept was strong, but it was difficult to critique the dancing. I completely agree. Jose wasn't dancing at all, and I think it was another sign that he can't do it. He just can't dance like the others. Time to go home Jose. Mia said Sonya gave him pedestrian contemporary (summarized as human gestures, not coming from a technical place). She told Jose that he can only grow so much technically, but she didn't see the growth this week. He can't grow if no one gives him actual choreography! Last week Nigel said taking away Jose's personality exposed some of his weaknesses, but that he thought Sonya had cleverly covered up Jose's weaknesses this week. How is that fair at this point in the competition?! He needs to go home. Good partnering, but it's not enough.

Lauren and Robert—Broadway or jazz, I wasn't entirely sure
Two of the show's hotties together in one dance?! What's not to love? This is one of the best Tyce numbers I've seen, not a traditional broadway dance. Or was it jazz? The judges keep saying it was jazz. Doesn't really matter because it was smoking—did he lick her at one point? Adam said Robert was growing and getting better each week. I completely agree! He is so good! Sometimes I love reflecting on specific judges comments, like these: Adam: That was dancing, man! You killed it. Mia: Nice to see strong dancing to see what your capability is. Guest Kenny Ortega: Liquid movement. Nigel: Loved flow of movement. I wish they could say that stuff about Jose... This Nigel comment was priceless, however: "This program is credited a lot with getting guys to dance now and giving integrity to guys dancing, but I have to say an inspiration for guys wanting to dance has got to be Lauren. Whaaaooow!" haha, Nigel is so dirty sometimes.

Kent and Kathryn—jazz
Oh Kathryn, how I love you and your dancing. You are fantastic! And combined with Kent, it was magical. You can tell he's the favorite with the screaming girls: WE LOVE YOU KENT! And it was a fun routine from Sonya, but I have to agree with Mia that Kent gets a little too excited with his faces. Aside from that, he's awesome. I just love how happy he is to be there. He's genuine and the guy to beat. Definitely.

Side note: Did anyone else tear up during the parent tributes? I totally did. Especially Robert's parents. I love that Lauren wants to be a teacher! Adorable. "Good luck Miss Lauren. We love Miss Lauren." Awww, and I loved Nigel's comment later about wanting to tell his kids how proud he his of them because of watching the parent videos.

AdéChiké and Comfort—lyrical hip hop
Loved the old school Alicia Keys "Fallin'" on this one. Wow AdéChiké's tears?! I'm not really sure where those came from. The dance was good, but I'm not sure I loved it. Maybe he just is so overwhelmed with everything that he had to break down a little, or maybe I've just lost my emotions or something. Hmmmm. Nigel compared it to "Bleeding Love" and "No Air"—two of my favorite dances of all-SYTYCD-time. I do like the emotional hip hops, but I don't think this one compares to those.

Lauren and Robert—samba
My dream team! (Sorry Kent). It's just that they're HOT HOT HOT! I could tell that Robert was struggling a bit, but it's OK. My favorite quote from the night - Robert: You shot me with your butt. Adam said he wants a shirt that says that and so do I! I would totally buy that shirt. I would also buy one that had this gem from Mia to Lauren: "We expect a lot from your butt." We need to start a Mia quote board. Memo to my friends, this needs to happen.

Jose and AdéChiké—paso doble.
Blahhhhhh. Not worth my time or yours. I predict the bottom three for these two.

Kent and Twitch—step
How lucky are we to get Twitch twice in one night! I didn't love the routine. But I agree with Mia that Kent is the one to beat.

The show is still off balance with one girl left. But as long as Lauren, Kent and Robert keep rocking it, I'll be happy.

(photo via Fox)

And so it goes.

2010-07-17T19:55:00.010-05:00

SYTYCD's Season 7 has been a disappointment. That's what I concluded Thursday after watching the second injured dancer exit the competition early. Did I love Ashley Galvin? No. But, she was starting to grow on me. And I know in the coming weeks I will miss her more and more because the show now feels off balance.

SYTYCD has always been tilted toward the men, with the more talented women failing to capture the hearts of the teenage-girl voters. It's amazing that two ladies have even won at all. Allison. Kathryn. Katee. All should have won. Even Kayla, who was in the same season as winner Jeanine, should have placed better than fourth. Now, for the first time in the show's history, there may not even be a female in the top 5. What a joke. I blame the producers and the judges.

The producers chose the All-Star format—something I disliked from the beginning. The judges picked the top 10, but they failed to choose women who could pull in votes. A tapper? Come on! They never do well. A ballroom dancer. Again, more often than not, they are some of the first to go home. I actually liked Alexie, and I believe that had she been saved the first week, she would have redeemed herself and not been in the bottom 3 the next week. She had a personality, which was sorely lacking from three of the five girls. Ashley started to show her personality, but didn't have a chance to fully engage me during a dance with a fellow contestant. Had she not been injured, I think her scheduled disco with Robert would have been happy and fun. Unfortunately for her, I was reminded how much I love Kathryn as she filled in for injured Ashley.

That's the problem with this season. I'm not supposed to be nostalgic about past contestants. I'm supposed to be engaged with the current ones. Twitch, Allison, Lauren, Kathryn, Travis Wall. They aren't supposed to be my favorite parts of this season. But it's nearly impossible not to watch them when they dance.

I'm starting to ramble and there are too many things to say about why this season hasn't been as good as the past (don't even get me started on Jose), so I'll quickly sum it up. Lauren Froderman and Kent Boyd's dance during the top 8 proved that the All-Star format isn't working. Lauren and Kent grew up in my eyes while they danced their Travis Wall-choreographed contemporary routine, and it would have never happened if they hadn't danced with each other. Now the pair are fan favorites because we saw their natural chemistry. We don't see that with the All-Star dances. The contestants have a special bond and you can see it when they get to dance together. I wish we saw it more often.

Now, I cross my fingers for Lauren, the only female left among the SYTYCD Season 7 boys club. But I know she can't carry the last half of the season on her own. The boys need to step it up or this season will be one to forget.

(photo via FOX)

Plymouth, Minn. was first!

2010-07-12T23:12:00.004-05:00

Money Magazine just announced its list of best places to live in America, and ranked Eden Prairie, Minnesota, No. 1. I think it's great that EP got the recognition, but I think Matt Lauer's reaction on this morning's Today show was perfect.

"Plymouth, Minn. was No. 1 on your list a couple of years ago. So, Minnesota is really kicking butt on this list."

That's right Matt—My hometown was first and is better than EP!

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Cheers to SYTYCD Emmy nominees!

2010-07-08T20:51:00.003-05:00

Since I'm not the biggest fan of this year's SYTYCD returning all-star format, let's toast to a time when the contestants only danced with each other and when the show was truly about the growth between couples. I am so happy Kathryn and Legacy's Season 6 dance choreographed by Stacey Tookey was nominated for an Emmy this year, as was Mia Michaels' phenomenal addiction piece from Season 5 danced by Kayla and Kapono. Here's to SYTYCD returning to glory.

**Side note: Seeing Kent cry tonight after the judges announced Alex's departure was PROOF that he is Adam Shankman's secret son.

Michael Oher

2010-05-02T12:10:00.002-05:00

As I was watching The Blind Side again this morning, I decided to do some more research about Michael Oher, the rags-to-riches subject of the film. I hadn't seen many interviews with the actual Oher, so this one with Bob Costas really struck me. His story is really powerful, and it's impossible not to cheer for his continued success in the NFL.

Phenomenal

2010-04-22T22:48:00.003-05:00

The Madonna episode of Glee this week was amazing!!! Even if you don't watch Glee on a weekly basis, I think you'll enjoy this one—I mean, who doesn't like Madonna?! My favorite song of the night was the show-stopping closer, "Like a Prayer". Check it out below!

Telephone: the music video

2010-03-13T21:30:00.000-06:00

What would I give to be there...

2010-03-09T22:33:00.001-06:00

My Red Carpet Winner

2010-03-07T19:38:00.002-06:00

Cameron Diaz! She really surprised me with this sparkly, golden number. I love it!

(photo via nymag.com)

Sandra v. Meryl: Round One

2010-03-07T19:11:00.003-06:00

Oscar night Round One: The Red Carpet. Who is your winner?

(photos via nymag.com)

The best of the Red Carpet

2010-03-07T19:07:00.008-06:00

For more Oscar fashion, click here.

(photos via nymag.com)

Zach Galifianakis on SNL

2010-03-07T12:18:00.002-06:00

I just finished watching last night's SNL with host Zach Galifianakis, best known for his role as Alan in The Hangover. Overall, I thought Zach was great, especially in his unique opening monologue and a pre-taped sketch in which he drops by several NBC tapings:

Will you watch?

2010-03-07T10:07:00.002-06:00

Happy Oscar Day!!!

2010-03-07T09:45:00.008-06:00

I love the Academy Awards and will be watching (as usual) every minute of it live—from the moment the stars hit the red carpet to the very last award is handed out. With the battle for Best Picture this year, who wouldn't be able to watch?!

Herewith are my Oscar picks for the major categories:

Best Picture
Avatar
The Blind Side
District 9
An Education
The Hurt Locker
Inglourious Basterds
Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire
A Serious Man
Up
Up in the Air

Best Actor in a Leading Role
Jeff Bridges, Crazy Heart
Geroge Clooney, Up in the Air
Colin Firth, A Single Man
Morgan Freeman, Invictus
Jeremy Renner, The Hurt Locker

Best Actor in a Supporting Role
Matt Damon, Invictus
Woody Harrelson, The Messenger
Christopher Plummer, The Last Station
Stanley Tucci, The Lovely Bones
Christoph Waltz, Inglourious Basterds

Best Actress in a Leading Role
Sandra Bullock, The Blind Side
Helen Mirren, The Last Station
Carey Mulligan, An Education
Gabourey Sidibe, Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire
Meryl Streep, Julie & Julia

Best Actress in a Supporting Role
Penelope Cruz, Nine
Vera Farmiga, Up in the Air
Maggie Gyllenhaal, Crazy Heart
Anna Kendrick, Up in the Air
Mo'Nique, Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire

Best Director
James Cameron, Avatar
Kathryn Bigelow, The Hurt Locker
Quentin Tarantino, Inglourious Basterds
Lee Daniels, Precious: based on the Novel Push by Sapphire
Jason Reitman, Up in the Air

Best Animated Feature
Coraline
Fantastic Mr. Fox
The Princess and the Frog
The Secret of Kells
Up

Best Original Screenplay
Mark Boal, The Hurt Locker
Quentin Tarantino, Inglourious Basterds
Alessandro Camon and Oren Moverman, The Messenger
Joel Coen and Ethan Coen, A Serious Man
Bob Peterson, Pete Docter and story by Pete Docter, Bob Peterson, Tom McCarthy, Up

Best Adapted Screenplay
Neill Blomkamp and Terri Tatchell, District 9
Nick Hornby, An Education
Jesse Armstrong, Simon Blackwell,Armando Iannucci and Tony Roche, In the Loop
Geoffrey Fletcher, Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire
Jason Reitman and Sheldon Turner, Up in the Air

Best Original Score
James Horner, Avatar
Alexandre Desplat, Fantastic Mr. Fox
Marco Beltrami and Buck Sanders, The Hurt Locker
Hans Zimmer, Sherlock Holmes
Michael Giacchino, Up

Best Original Song
Music and lyrics by Randy Newman, "Almost There” from The Princess and the Frog
Music and lyrics by Randy Newman, “Down in New Orleans” fromThe Princess and the Frog
Music by Reinhardt Wagner and lyrics by Frank Thomas, “Loin de Paname” from Paris 36
Music and lyrics by Maury Yeston, “Take It All” from Nine
Music and lyrics by Ryan Bingham and T Bone Burnett, "The Weary Kind (Theme from Crazy Heart)” from Crazy Heart

(photo via Oscar.com)

Gaga on April's Cosmopolitan cover!

2010-02-20T09:09:00.002-06:00

This will not bode well for my magazine collection...

(photo via GagaDaily)

Gaga is a goddess

2010-02-16T18:41:00.002-06:00

In a stunning tribute to her friend, the late designer Alexander McQueen, Gaga delivered another performance that left me speechless.

The 2010 Olympics are here!

2010-02-12T21:48:00.002-06:00

Let the games begin!

Video Phone: Behind the Scenes

2010-02-01T19:34:00.003-06:00

Gaga and Beyonce recently shot the music video for Telephone, which reminded me that they've collaborated once before. Here is some behind the scenes footage of their first video shoot together for Beyonce's Video Phone. They have so much stage presence, it's really fun to watch.

Lady Gaga, Elton John open the Grammys

2010-01-31T20:17:00.006-06:00

Lady Gaga opened the 2010 Grammy Awards with the legendary Sir Elton John. The pair sang a medley of her "Speechless" and his "Your Song." The performance left me speechless. It was so sparkly and so amazing!

Miss the red carpet?! Gaga arrived in an Armani spacesuit. A perfect Gaga/Grammy outfit if you ask me!

MTV Shows

GLEE!

2010-01-24T21:21:00.002-06:00

The Glee ladies looked gorgeous at the SAG awards! I'm so happy they won for ensemble cast.

Love Meryl

2010-01-24T21:16:00.002-06:00

Meryl is so great: she brought her college roommate to the SAG awards yesterday!

National Champions!

2010-01-18T17:48:00.002-06:00

A big congratulations to the University of Minnesota Dance Team for winning both Jazz and Pom at this year's UDA College National Championships! The dances (below) are amazing!

Love her!

2010-01-17T14:30:00.001-06:00

The 'Lost Supper'

2010-01-10T17:23:00.004-06:00

Clever promo photo for the final season of LOST with Locke representing God and the other island folk as his apostles. But, what does it all mean? Is Locke some kind of god? Will the others be as willing to follow him? Is there someone within the photo that's betrayed them all? There's only a little more than three weeks until the Season 6 premiere, and the answers will finally be answered! I've been having a mini LOST marathon since getting Season 5 for Christmas, and I cannot wait for Feb. 2's premiere! If you too want to have a mini or long marathon, ABC now has every episode online! It's not too late to catch up on your favorite season or revisit the game-changing Season 5. It would even be a good place to start watching LOST if you've never watched before! Check it out.

(photo via E!Online)

No, no, no, no, no!

2010-01-04T21:03:00.003-06:00

Tiger Woods is on the cover of next month's Vanity Fair. Need I say more?! I am so over this scandal. Here's to hoping the reporting isn't all hearsay. Give me something new VF, or I'll be very disappointed.

The Tudors Season 4 Promo

2010-01-01T21:43:00.003-06:00

After my mom and I finished The Tudors Season 3 DVD today, we did some searching for any spoilers for the upcoming fourth (and final) season of the Showtime series. We didn't find much, but what we did find was the official promo released from the network. I've since watched it about five times, and have become so obsessed with the song they chose for it—"Howl" by Florence + the Machine—that I purchased the entire CD on iTunes! The song is haunting and it makes me so anxious for the final chapter of the show.

Looking good!

2009-12-30T17:31:00.003-06:00

George Clooney and other cast members of Up in the Air are on this week's cover of Entertainment Weekly! I saw the movie a month or so ago, and I think it's the year's best. If you haven't seen it yet, go! The plot is completely relevant to today's economic climate.

Sex and the City 2 Trailer!!!

2009-12-24T00:13:00.001-06:00

I am so excited for this!

Get it Gaga!

2009-12-20T10:59:00.001-06:00

MTV Shows

Glee gets four GG noms!

2009-12-20T10:12:00.005-06:00

Glee was nominated for more Golden Globes than any other TV show! This is totally deserved! Watch as Kristin Dos Santos interviews the cast, Lea Michele (Rachel Berry) and Jane Lynch (Sue Sylvester).

It's My Party! (could be yours)

2009-12-17T22:01:00.003-06:00

The final Delta Sky Holiday Gift Guide is now live! Ideal for anyone who loves to play hostess, this category is one of my favorites! I might have to get some of my friends some of these gifts the next time they host a gathering.

(image via Delta Sky)

She is so fantastic!

2009-12-17T21:59:00.000-06:00

The only dance worth re-watching

2009-12-16T17:05:00.002-06:00

Maybe I'm too harsh of a critic, but this season's So You Think You Can Dance has been all wrong. I could forgive the lack of America voting for the first two weeks (ultimately, it's the judges who really decide who goes home anyway -- I honestly could do without America voting at all for the first five weeks), I could forgive the mistake of hiring Adam as the permanent third judge (I was a big fan of the rotating third judge. I love Adam, but I didn't realize when he was hired that we would never again hear from Mia, Tyce, Lil C, Mother Earth - Debbie Allen, etc. at the judges table) and I was starting to get used to this whole fall (back-to-back) season thing. But I cannot forgive the fact that the performance finale was squished into one hour, with six dancers and NO SOLOS! The one shining light of the entire season was Kathryn and Jakob's contemporary dance. Tonight's two-hour finale will be full of live singers (which has nothing to do with dancing) and performances of the season's best dances. Other than the one from last night, I can't think of another dance worth seeing again.

Obsessed

2009-12-11T22:13:00.001-06:00

For the kid in all of us

2009-12-02T22:39:00.004-06:00

What's on your holiday list? Take a peek at this week's Delta Sky Holiday Gift Guide category, Kid n' Play, and put one of these hot toys (for both big and little kids) on your list! It's such a great idea, I'm including the new movie releases on my list.

(image via Delta Sky)

Gaga on Elle cover!!

2009-12-02T22:36:00.004-06:00

I guess I know what my next magazine purchase will be: My fave, Lady Gaga, is on the January issue of Elle!!!

She looks great. I'm so glad she tamed it down for the cover!

Meryl on Vanity Fair!!

2009-11-30T22:35:00.004-06:00

The unparalleled Meryl Streep is on the cover of January's Vanity Fair, and I am jumping up and down!

Streep, the 15-time Oscar nominee (soon to be 16), is undeniably the best actress in her generation (and probably of the ones before and after her generation as well).

I cannot wait to read the article! This issue is going to be a keeper for sure.

Gaga sings 'Bad Romance' on Ellen!

2009-11-27T17:52:00.002-06:00

Wow....

2009-11-27T11:00:00.001-06:00

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Globetrotters

2009-11-25T17:17:00.002-06:00

I want each item in this week's installment of the Delta Sky Holiday Gift Guide! Check out the Globetrotter category here!

(photo via Delta Sky)

Gaga on Leno!

2009-11-25T16:44:00.002-06:00

For techies

2009-11-21T16:16:00.002-06:00

The newest installment of the Delta Sky Holiday Gift Guide is now online! Find gifts for your Gadget Guru friends here.

What's your favorite? My Christmas list could include any one of the items on our list!

(photo via Delta Sky)

Calling all Glamour Gals

2009-11-15T11:06:00.003-06:00

The second category of Delta Sky's Holiday Gift Guide is now live! If you know a Glamour Gal, check it out here.

My favorite item is the Color-a-Month daily planner from Moleskine. What's yours?

Next week's guide will offer gift suggestions for techies.

Behind the scenes - Gaga in Vogue

2009-11-14T15:54:00.000-06:00

Gaga behind the scenes

2009-11-11T23:19:00.002-06:00

Gaga's new video "Bad Romance" and a behind the scenes feature!

New respect for T. Swift

2009-11-08T22:05:00.003-06:00

Taylor Swift did a fantastic job hosting SNL last night! She was cute, sparkly and brought a young, hip sensation to the rest of the cast. My personal favs were her opening monologue and the SNL Digital Short, which was a trailer parody of Twilight.

I've been hard on T. Swift since she stepped on the scene because of her close proximity to Miley Cyrus (sick). But Taylor really held her own with the SNL cast and surprised me!

Gaga in Vogue

2009-11-08T18:12:00.004-06:00

GagaDaily.com has posted pictures from December's issue of Vogue, which means that for the fourth month in a row, I will have to purchase the magazine based on who is on the cover/in the features. I'm likely going to become a subscriber, but we'll see about that.

I wonder who the photographer/artistic director was on these?!

Nothing wrong with supporting the magazine industry!

(photos via GagaDaily.com)

Delta Sky's Holiday Gift Guide

2009-11-06T22:33:00.005-06:00

I've been working on this for two months, and it finally went live this week! Check out the first category of the Delta Sky 2009 Holiday Gift Guide: Kitchen Master.

Check back each week as the categories will change every Wednesday. Next week is Glamour Gal. I love my job!

(photo via deltaskymag.com)

Negligent about thoughts on SYTYCD 6

2009-11-06T22:05:00.006-06:00

So, we're two weeks into the competition on So You Think You Can Dance, and I realized that I haven't posted anything about my Top 20 thoughts or weekly predictions. While I'd like to blame my incredibly busy social calendar for my lack of posts, the fact is I have yet to really be excited about anyone to pick a favorite and really root for them on here.

This season has been relatively boring so far. The only real surprise for me personally has been Kathryn McCormick (the notorious crier), who is paired with Legacy Perez. I thought I would hate her after her voice went to its highest octave while she was crying in Vegas. Thank God the tears have stopped because she is actually really talented!

I will say I was surprised that Bianca Revels was sent home this week but not surprised at all by the Phillip Attmore decision. Two tappers in the same week. Oh well. In my opinion, Phillip was this season's Evan, who stayed far longer than he deserved last season. And depending on how the rest of the season goes, it's saving grace may be that they didn't cast Evan's brother Ryan in the Top 20!

Who are your favorites? Any predictions for the winner yet? Anyone else wishing the producers would spice it up a bit?

(photo via fox.com/dance)

Alec and Meryl on EW cover

2009-11-05T22:34:00.003-06:00

I am more excited for this movie than I probably should be, but Meryl Streep and Alec Baldwin's pairing in It's Complicated makes me smile. And I smiled even bigger when I saw that they were the cover subjects for the new Entertainment Weekly!

We're getting to the time of year when the real power movies come out in the theaters. OSCAR SEASON! While I don't think It's Complicated will garner any nominations, it's always fun to see the most nominated woman in a rom-com.

VF's Robert Pattinson cover

2009-11-02T22:39:00.005-06:00

All of my friends are going gaga over this cover. Robert Pattinson, who shot to international super-stardom after portraying Edward Cullen in last year's film adaptation of Twilight, graces the December issue of Vanity Fair. If you haven't heard of Pattinson, then you must live under a rock!

Although I think he's attractive, I don't fully understand the hoopla surrounding him—especially when the majority of the media coverage is tabloids creating a romantic relationship between him and his co-star Kristen Stewart (ick! I just don't get her appeal at all!).

As always, I can't wait for my copy of the magazine to come, but I'm not overly excited to read about Twilight.

Glee cast at World Series

2009-11-01T09:38:00.000-06:00

One of the best things I've ever seen

2009-10-28T23:33:00.008-05:00

Who's ready for dance?

2009-10-25T21:35:00.005-05:00

So the Top 20 are chosen. So the "competition" starts Monday with an exhibition-type show (only if the Angels lose game 6 to the Yankees). So two dancers will go home Tuesday after the partner competition begins. So, are you ready for So You Think You Can Dance Season 6?

I am. But if you're not, here is a taste of what this season is all about.

(photo via fox.com/dance)

Obama family portrait

2009-10-24T10:51:00.004-05:00

The official family portrait of the Obamas was taken by Annie Leibovitz, the famed photographer who travels the globe taking photos for Vanity Fair (my personal fav.) and many other publications. It's a beautiful picture of a beautiful family!

(photo via VF.com)

10 at 10 with Michelle Obama

2009-10-24T10:38:00.001-05:00

Glee on EW cover!!!

2009-10-22T20:33:00.005-05:00

I am so excited!!! Glee cast members are on the new Entertainment Weekly cover! Can't wait to read it—I LOVE this show!

The Glee cast is also on this week's Must List. Check it out!

(photo via EW.com)

Cowboy Cassanova video!

2009-10-13T20:28:00.001-05:00

I'm a total Gleek!

2009-10-12T21:35:00.007-05:00

This show keeps getting better and better, and now a tour is rumored to be in the works?! AWESOME!!!

Vanity Fair, Vogue meet 'Nine'

2009-10-11T19:48:00.010-05:00

The women of the upcoming film "Nine" grace the covers of my monthly magazines for November. A barely recognizable Penélope Cruz (Oscar winner) is on the cover of Vanity Fair, while she joins Nicole Kidman (Oscar winner), Marion Cotillard (Oscar winner) and Kate Hudson (Oscar nominee) for the cover of Vogue.

The movie, based on the hit Broadway musical of the same name, which itself is based on the film "8 1/2", comes out in December and also stars Daniel Day-Lewis (double Oscar winner), Dame Judi Dench (Oscar winner), Sophia Loren (Oscar winner) and Fergie.

Watch the trailer here. It screams Oscar!

(photos via VF.com, EW.com)

This week's EW cover

2009-10-11T19:11:00.005-05:00

It's really too bad that "Where the Wild Things Are" didn't get the cover of this week's Entertainment Weekly. Instead, David Letterman's blackmail-inspired affair admission beat out the film adaptation of Maurice Sendak's classic children's book.

Maybe I'm just saying that because I'm super excited about the movie's release this Friday—you would be too after months of hype and weeks of fact-checking an article featuring Catherine O'Hara and Forest Whitaker, who voice two of the Wild Things (find it here in the October issue of Delta Sky). I even made a previous post about my excitement for the movie.

If you haven't read the book—read it. If you haven't watched the trailer—watch it. And if you haven't thought about seeing the movie—think about it. It's going to be great!

Obama, Lady Gaga at HRC Dinner

2009-10-11T18:53:00.002-05:00

In the first clip, President Obama opens for Lady Gaga. Later, she performs John Lennon's "Imagine" at the Human Rights Campaign Dinner.

SNL's Tampax skit = pure genius

2009-10-11T18:12:00.000-05:00

Lights, Camera, Action at Target Field

2009-10-05T20:56:00.004-05:00

The lights at the Minnesota Twins' future home, the new Target Field, are on for the first time and will run non-stop through Friday. The outdoor stadium looks fabulous!

(photo via Minnesota Twins)

Gaga on SNL

2009-10-05T19:07:00.004-05:00

Love her. Gaga challenged Madonna in an SNL skit, shared an awkward fashion moment with cast member Andy Samberg, and performed Paparazzi and a medley of new single Bad Romance, Love Game and a NY-themed Poker Face. Watch below!

Wisconsin Wins!!!

2009-10-03T15:42:00.004-05:00

The annual Border Battle between the Wisconsin Badgers and the Minnesota Gophers took place earlier this morning. And all that matters is that the Badgers won for the sixth year in a row :) ON WISCONSIN!

(photo via UWBadgers.com)

Lady Gagas newest single leaked!

2009-10-03T15:30:00.004-05:00

It's called "Bad Romance" and I love it! The leaked version, according to reports, is not the final version so it's going to be much better when it's finally released!

Have you heard it yet? I think Lady Gaga will perform it tonight on SNL, though, she could surprise us all with some other song.

Side note: I think I've found my new favorite website: GagaDaily

Listen to a rough version of the song below:

OMG! So adorable!

2009-09-25T23:53:00.008-05:00

So cute! The Office's Jim (John Krasinski) and Pam (Jenna Fischer) are finally getting married this season, and the two have graced the cover of this weeks' Entertainment Weekly. Too bad these two aren't a real couple—Krasinski recently became engaged to actress Emily Blunt, and Fischer became engaged to writer Lee Kirk in July. I've never really followed The Office story lines, but you would have to live under a rock to not realize their characters are meant to be together. Can't wait to read the article!

(photo via EW.com)

Letterman's presidential guests

2009-09-22T22:49:00.003-05:00

President Obama and former President Bill Clinton stopped by the Late Show with David Letterman this week. The full interview with Obama from Monday night is below, as is a highlight reel from Letterman's Tuesday interview with Clinton.

My thoughts exactly ...

2009-09-22T22:42:00.002-05:00

The "Really?!!! with Seth and Amy" on SNL Weekend Update Thursday segment was all about Kanye, Joe Wilson and Serena Williams - love it!

Jennifer Garner on Leno

2009-09-22T20:41:00.004-05:00

I love Jennifer Garner, and she was so adorable on The Jay Leno Show last night talking about her life with Ben and her two kids. Violet Affleck is my favorite celebrity kid. She is the perfect mini Jennifer.

Barney Frank's 10 at 10

2009-09-22T20:31:00.001-05:00

What is Mel Gibson on?

2009-09-22T20:28:00.000-05:00

RIP Patrick Swayze

2009-09-20T21:57:00.004-05:00

This week's Entertainment Weekly celebrates the life of Patrick Swayze, who died Sept. 14 after a nearly two-year battle with pancreatic cancer.

Dirty Dancing is one of my favorite movies—I have a home video from my third birthday to verify it—so Swayze's good looks and one-liners ("Nobody puts baby in a corner," "She's like the wind") have been on my conscious as long as I can remember. I still can't watch the final dance sequence without tearing up.

RIP Mr. Swayze.

(photo via EW.com)

Lady in Red

2009-09-20T20:17:00.006-05:00

Gossip Girl Blake Lively looked stunning in this red Versace gown. She wins best dressed in my book, though I'm not sure I love her hair ... Check out more angles here.

(photos via Just Jared)

Watching the Emmy's. Are you?

2009-09-20T18:27:00.006-05:00

The very pregnant Project Runway host and Emmy-nominee Heidi Klum looks absolutely beautiful tonight. I'm watching the Red Carpet on E! right now, but I can't wait for the show, which starts at 7 p.m. Hottie Neil Patrick Harris is hosting!!

Check out the winners here.

(photo via E!Online)

Leno's 10 at 10

2009-09-17T23:13:00.003-05:00

One of my favorite segments of the new Jay Leno show is his 10 @ 10, where he asks celebrities 10 random questions via satellite. Here, Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz appear as his first question victims; and Miley Cyrus as his third. It's very entertaining!

Video Recaps | Full Episodes | Webisodes

Beyonce's performance, acceptance speech

2009-09-14T20:43:00.004-05:00

I have a newfound respect for Beyoncé after she rocked her VMA performance and then brought Taylor Swift out to finish her speech when Beyoncé won Video of the Year. Watch both below:

Beyoncé - New Music - More Music Videos

MTV Shows

Lady Gaga's VMA performance, acceptance speech

2009-09-14T18:50:00.005-05:00

After Perez Hilton, I may be Lady Gaga's earliest/most loyal fan. I fell in love with her music and her image after seeing her "Just Dance" video for the first time on Hilton's site last summer. This was way before the song was ever played on the radio (followed by three other hits), before she wore the infamous Kermit dress and before the is she or isn't she a she controversy.

So, I was overjoyed upon hearing that she was performing at the 2009 VMAs.

While I thought her singing and performance of "Paparazzi" were great, her decision to smear blood over her body and fake hang herself at the end was a little too over the top for me. As were her outfits! Seriously, the feather neck brace, the red lace dress-mask in one and the eskimo face hood were just ridiculous! Of course, she plans to be over the top and outrageous, but she probably should have toned it down a bit.

What did you think of Gaga last night? If you missed her performance, you can check it out below as well as the red dress-mask she wore to accept her Best New Artist award.

Lady Gaga - New Music - More Music Videos

MTV Shows

What is wrong with Kanye?!

2009-09-13T22:56:00.006-05:00

Kanye West displayed what I'd like to call unsportsmanlike conduct at tonight's MTV Video Music Awards when he upstaged Taylor Swift during her acceptance speech for Best Female Video. This—after other such outbursts, and I'd say this guy needs some serious anger management help.

If you didn't see the outburst heard round the world at the 2009 VMAs, the clip is below.

MTV Shows

Remembering 9/11

2009-09-12T16:46:00.004-05:00

I wasn't able to post this on Friday, but all day long I was reminded of what took place eight years prior when nearly 3,000 people lost their lives. I still remember exactly what I was doing when the planes hit the World Trade Center towers in NYC, the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., and the field in Pennsylvania. Let us never forget the victims, their families and friends, and the brave men and women who fought to rescue as many as possible.

To watch the commemoration ceremony that took place in NYC, click here.

President Obama's speech on health care

2009-09-10T00:05:00.002-05:00

Gaga on Ellen

2009-09-08T22:23:00.000-05:00

Where the Wild Things Are

2009-09-03T21:35:00.006-05:00

I am incredibly excited for this movie, and as Oct. 16 approaches, the buzz around it will just get greater and greater. The New York Times Magazine featured Director Spike Jonze on its cover this week with the article, "Bringing 'Where the Wild Things Are' to Screen."

If you haven't read the book by Maurice Sendak, you need to. It's a classic!

If you haven't seen the trailer, you should. Jonze's creativity screams out from it.

@ Yahoo! Video

If you want to know more about the film adaptation, watch the video below:

Jackie on VF's October cover

2009-09-03T13:41:00.006-05:00

Jacqueline Kennedy is the focus of Vanity Fair's October issue, but I believe the real "star" will be Levi Johnston, the father of former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's grandson. Bristol Palin's baby daddy tells all in the new issue.

I'm not sure yet what to make of the article. I know Johnston took a media tour through New York during the summer, but I basically took it as a joke. Not to say I'm on the Palins' side, but I saw him as someone screaming for attention by going on talk shows—much as Jon and Kate Gosselin have been doing lately. It makes me wonder why we even care, and why I was somewhat surprised Vanity Fair would have an article featuring him.

It's interesting to see the inside story of politicians, but Palin is no longer a politician. Palin was fun to poke fun at during the election, but the election is over, and frankly I wish the media would keep her out of the spotlight.

I will read the article, and post another entry about it if I have a different take on it afterward.

On a side note: I love the Kennedy archive, which I just found online. This is the second Kennedy to grace the cover and the fifth story on the famous family since I started subscribing in June 2008.

(photos via VF.com)

Diane Sawyer's big promotion

2009-09-03T08:59:00.007-05:00

Diane Sawyer is moving up the ABC News latter. The current co-host of "Good Morning America" will take over for Charles Gibson on ABC's "World News" in January.

I was more than excited when I heard this news. Though I don't love Katie Couric on CBS, I love the fact that two women will be anchoring two of the three network nightly news programs! As a journalist, I respect both Couric and Sawyer. As a woman, I say—it's about time!

I currently prefer watching Brian Williams on NBC, but I will definitely watch Sawyer when she starts.

(photo via NYTimes)

Beatles Rock Band

2009-09-03T08:56:00.006-05:00

Entertainment Weekly has dedicated its cover this week to the launch of The Beatles: Rock Band. My brother has Rock Band, and I'm crossing my fingers that he gets this game! Is anyone else excited?

(photo via EW.com)

Maria Shriver on Meet the Press

2009-08-30T10:04:00.004-05:00

Maria Shriver, the first lady of California and niece of the late Sen. Ted Kennedy, was one of several guests on a tribute episode of Meet the Press this morning. Watch below:

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