Saying YES to watch YES

The band YES has taken over my living room. Watching their concert DVD and laughing so hard at the conversations on my couch right now. I had to document this secretly from my side chair.

Actual quotes being said right now by my boyfriend and our friend Brian as they watch a DVD of the band YES. In my living room. Right now. The next time you sit down to watch a band's DVD, listen carefully to what you say. It just may be hilarious.

During piano player's solo:
Travis: "His hands are like squirrels. Run."
Brian: "Dude, I know."
Travis: "Fiefel goes west. I want to go too."
Brian: "I don't care how cheesy this is. I like it."
Travis: "That was friggin' intense."

Band playing together:
Brian: "We need to fine a keyboard player like that."
Travis: "And a guitar player like that."
Brian: "Magnets. I get it. Sounds like a Wayne's World quote."
Brian: "Dude this is awesome."
Travis: "It's getting better but it was awesome to begin with."
Brian: "I feel a drum solo coming. ... I feel it."
(Travis goes to bathroom. The first time he's left the couch in more than an hour).
Travis: "Man, I can still hear it from the bathroom. Sounds awesome. ... Want some Mac and Cheese?"
Travis: "Dude, I'm never going to go to a concert again. Unless it's Deer Hunter."

My name. And a typewriter.

More on this soon, people.

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She's got the look

Ok, going without cable for 8 months has taught me a lot. For instance, there is life after Rock of Love, I can survive without the Kardashians, and lots of TV shows you can find online. (Which is probably why I don't miss Kim, Klohe and Kourtney K., "dolls").

I've also learned that Tuesday nights (a few times) I've watched the new Melrose Place. Eh. But I must get something off my chest. Ashlee Simpson.

OK, I met her several years back in Portland and she was sweet. I bought her first album when it came out (and know all the words). I liked Seventh Heaven. But I cannot stand her acting on Melrose Place. I do a better puppy-dog face performance trying to get my boyfriend to take the trash out.

Before the end of every one-liner she delivers she gives the same damn look. Blank. Like she doesn't know what to do so she looks like she's thinking, and tries to make it look sexy. I'm thinking "not so much..." Honey, I know you've got it in you -- learn a different face. Oh wait, didn't you buy your nose? XOXO

I'll never comedown...

I don’t think Gavin Rossdale get’s enough credit.

Everytime I hear “Comedown” it takes me back to some of the happiest days of my life. His voice is outstanding, the bass is monumental and, quite frankly, it’s hot as hell.

"...no one knows never will / mostly me but mostly you / what do you say do ya do / when it all comes down..."

Thanks. And great seeing you in concert in Portland recently. I'll never comedown...

Saying goodbye to Michael J

MJ, that's what I'll call you: MJ. It sounds like we're friends.

And in some ways I feel like we are. I've always admired your music, even as a child I knew there was something special about you, your talent and dedication to your craft.

Thanks for your amazing songs. Thanks for giving my sister (boyfriend) and I something to dance to. So many of us are celebrating you in this time.

I visited my grandfather recently who just had a hip replacement. I asked, "how is your recovery going?" And he said, "I'll be moonwalking out of here in no time."

You wanted 2009 to be your big comeback, you got it. But in my family, you never left.

Congrats to Cinder Road

Some of the best moments in my life have been in the dark.

You know, when a packed arena lowers the lights, muffled screams a guitar hit echo and a large velvet curtain falls from the sky? The anticipation can be lethal. But so many of us crave these moments and aren't getting our fix. The drug? Classic rock and roll shows. Def Leppard, Aerosmith, Bon Jovi. Arena rock isn't left in the dark ages anymore.

With so many sub genres of music -- and the Internet to blame/thank -- I came across a band from the east coast doing everything right: Cinder Road. Paying homage to a classic sound but remaining influeced by modern music, their pop-rock songs are infectious, well-written and delivered in a nice little rock and roll package. Awesome stage presence, attitude, generosity toward fans and the determination to play 250 shows a year.

They've opened for Daughtry, KISS and Alice Cooper. But don't be surprised if the guys backing frontman hottie Mike Ruocco are giving lessons to newbies in a few months. They're good, dedicated and do a great job using the Internet to reach fans through their YouTube tour diaries. I'm taking pointers for my band Macadam.

Boys, hit up the West Coast. It'll be fun.

White as snow

I keep visualizing myself sitting on a beach, some foofy drink in my hand and sipping away all the things I have to this weekend. Sip. Sip. Sip. Ah! Now I'm further behind!