benji + joel = badasses.

just found this from rolling stone... real interesting read...

(click above to check out their latest music video)

What’s the most rock star thing you’ve ever done?
Benji Madden: I smoked a cigarette on a plane one time in my seat, how about that? I got a little tattoo on my face, I’ll never be able to work another real job so I consider that to be kinda forcing myself to stick to music.

Who’s the coolest person you ever met?
Joel Madden: I think Billie Joe Armstrong is probably one of the coolest musicians I’ve ever met because he’s so down to earth for being in such a big band.
Benji Madden: I bummed a cigarette off of Alec Baldwin, that was pretty cool.
Joel Madden: I met Eric Clapton one time, he was really cool.

What’s on your current playlist?
Joel Madden: My favorite band right now is the Kooks.
Benji Madden: Oh, that Silverchair album would have to be one of them. And I just got a Chimera record, It’s pretty dope, really good riffs.

What was your favorite album when you were fourteen years old?
Joel Madden: Probably Dookie, Green Day.
Benji Madden: Nevermind by Nirvana. That was a big one for me.

What’s the essence of Good Charlotte?
Benji Madden: I think the soul of Good Charlotte is just feeling good. A lot of bands don’t really like each other. I read an Interpol interview the other day, it was a really good interview because it was showing a different aspect of a band. They don’t really like each other — they work together and they kinda exist together and that’s how they like it. They’re like, “we didn’t get into this band looking for friends.” The three of us actually started this band when we were in tenth grade and I think we still have that attitude. I think what defines our band is really that you know we’re just living our dream and making records that we love and having a good time.

What happens when the band gets drunk together?
Joel Madden: [Bassist] Paul [Thomas] is really honest when he’s drunk. When he gets really drunk he will tell me what he thinks of every decision I’ve made in my life. It’s pretty refreshing in a weird way. And very loving. I got all this work done to the front of my house. [Mocking] “All that work you put into the front of your house, you’re probably just wasting your money because I know you you’re probably gonna move in a year and all that money you dumped into it isn’t really bringing the value up.” I was like, thanks man, I was really proud of it, thanks a lot.

the trainwreck that is britney.

she loves black and white. mercedes benz convertibles that is. and regardless of color, she finds a way to smash the expensive rides up.


find out more tonight during the top 8@8 with tmz's michael hundgen.

even parents love brangelina

i understand completely that when you reach celebrity status in this country, there are a number of consequences that are attached to the status. yes, you are making millions and beloved nationally - but prepare to sacrifice privacy for moments of awkwardness with the paparazzi.

so if dan cooke directed this letter toward uncivilized adults who were hounding brad pitt and angelina jolie while they attempted to grab a bite at planet hollywood in times square, i would find this letter ridiculous.

but brangelina aren't grabbing a little grub when these adults seek autographs and snap photos. instead, they're simply trying to bring their little maddox to school.
enter the letter cooke mailed out (source: the new york observer)...

"“I’m sure you are aware the school has received much media attention recently during the arrival and dismissal times because of the presence of celebrities Ms. Angelina Jolie and/or Mr. Brad Pitt,” read the document, according to a source who shared it with the Transom over the phone. “I want to make you aware that before the first day of school I met with their security team to discuss the best manner in which for them to drop off and pick up their son. Our foremost goal was to cause the least amount of disruption to the school and to ensure the security of all of our students and families.”

The letter went on to explain that the Jolie-Pitt family had agreed to “stagger” the arrival and pickup times of young Maddox, in order to disrupt as few students and parents as possible.

Then it addressed some troublemakers.

“Regretfully, I have seen some parents taking pictures, asking for autographs, talking to the media and even shouting at Ms. Jolie and Mr. Pitt for recognition,” the source quoted with some glee. “Therefore, in the best interests of the school and safety of your child(ren) I must ask for everyone to please respect the family’s privacy and discontinue these practices.”"

for once i actually feel bad for a celebrity. just once though.

i heart celebs with hearts.

seriously, do not utter a foul word about renee zellweger ever again.
yes she's the poster girl for chick-flicks. yes she broke off a three-month marriage with kenny chesney over "fraud." but zellweger has erased those sins with a true act of kindness.

according to the nyp's page six, renee began conversing with a makeup artist while checking out shoes. this story could stop here. big time actress, still earthed enough to chat up heels and a little girl talk with a complete stranger. i like.

but the story gets better. less than 15 minutes into the convo - zellweger purchases the pair of shoes that the makeup artist wanted - and gave them to her!

only in southampton!

don't expect a baby on jenny's block...

jennifer lopez continues to deny reports that she's pregnant. almost every blog and tabloid have reported otherwise, but j-lo politely shoots down the rumors to us magazine on september 20th.

maybe she's still holding out for bennifer to break things off?

this is great.

what was life like without youtube again?

now you know what i did saturday night...

Sure, I had seen many live performances previous to my Saturday night in Manhattan. As a radio and television personality/reporter, I have met many celebrities, and witnessed many concerts and live events, ranging from rock to rap to opera; the good, bad and ugly; the hole-in-the-wall bar and the multi-million dollar theater. I’ve seen musicals in Toronto, concerts in Rochester, NY, and comedy shows in New York. The circumstances usually do not foreshadow the outcome, as some of my favorite performances were on small, dimly lit stages in hostile environments, while other, plusher venues that may have offered a more comfortable setting did not offer a more satisfying performance.

However surprisingly enough, I had never attended a Broadway production. There was one close call – my mother and sister tried to drag me into what would have been my second viewing of Beauty and the Beast (my first – Toronto). But I convinced Mom that it wasn’t worth $45 to snag me a ticket. I enjoyed the performance in T-Dot, and my mother and sister raved about the Broadway version of the musical. However, in the end I concluded that my time and money was better spent drinking Coors Lights (albeit 20 years-old at the time) and taking in some of the finer comedy venues in the city.

And yes, Chuck Nice is just as hilarious in person as he is as a guest panelist on one of my favorite shows, VH1’s Best Week Ever. What can I say, I am a pop-culture junky.

But in my opinion, that revelation makes the fact that I haven’t experienced a Broadway performance even more outlandish. Simply put, while in New York, I enjoyed the nightlife, the Yankees, and my ever-growing population of friends and acquaintances in the area. Consequently, it would take my girlfriend, who currently resides in Stamford, CT, to propose a night filled with spirits, gourmet food, and a trip to Broadway for something other than a picture with the Naked Cowboy or a gawk-session at the massive MTV studios on 1515 Broadway.

As early as last year I heard about a musical that was turning heads, raising ears, and garnering a fair amount of praise from regular theatergoers and critics alike. Spring Awakening is set in 1890-Germany, with adolescent men and women coming into their own sexual beings – and experiencing the same feelings, pleasures, and anguishes as we do in the modern world.

Of course, it certainly goes without saying that 1890 Germany is a bit distinguishable from 2007 America.

And so these young adults awaken into new sexual ventures – the frustration of the “wet dream,” the semi-constant fantasying of a sexual partner – in this instance, the options ranged from two male friends to one student and his mother. The awkwardness did not end there – as adolescent sex experiences would not be completely and accurately depicted without representing both the sometimes awkward “talk” a parent must have with their child, and the facts that may or may not be left out. Finally, the unfathomable: having a parent walk in during a masturbation session.

All of the shenanigans, as well as more serious parts of the production that included domestic abuse, abortion, and suicide; took place amongst a foray of clever set maneuvering, which included cast members and ensemble singers mixed within patrons on special “side stage” seats, as well as a live band, and catchy, yet not over-the-top choreography.

As my girlfriend so eloquently stated, “The musical included all of the necessary emotions.” Although I refrained from tissues, I’ll admit I did come close to choking back tears during one scene in the second half. Comedy, tragedy, loss, and unity were all depicted through the amazing vocal talents of the cast as well as lyrics and melodies that seemed fit for the late 90’s of the 20^th century than the 19^th.

This observation makes perfect sense when its taken into account that the Grammy-nominated group Duncan Sheik claims responsibility for the score of the musical. Duncan’s hit Barely Breathing gained the duo mainstream notoriety in the 90s.

A young, spunky group of Broadway performers, an edgy storyline with in-your-face guitar riffs, drum beats, and lyrics, and a touch of historical perspective – came together Saturday night to make Spring Awakening one of the finest performances I have ever witnessed – period.

And look no further than the consumption of tissues and the purchase of the musical’s compact disc midway through the night to obtain my girlfriend’s concurrence.

Maybe I’ll do this Broadway thing more often.

Spring Awakening recently won eight Tony awards, including Musical of the Year.

i mean, this can't be a good idea...

clearly the bridge of trust between former president bill clinton and his wife, presidential hopeful and senator hillary is stronger than anything structure out of minnesota. look no further than her latest contest...

you can now head to hillary's site and register to win the prizes of all prizes - a date with bill clinton.

only this will not be any date - throw out the fancy restaurants, pricey movie tickets, and trips to the oval office. instead, you and two other lucky winners will sit with bill and a big bowl of chips, watching his wife hillary in her next debate.

somewhere monica lewinsky is frantically searching out a computer with internet access...

read more here. thanks tmz.

how to...

do the dance to "crank that" - because clearly you're wondering. props to soulja boy for taking the time to post this on youtube.

or as he might say... YOUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUtube!

more exclusive video

party on the square 2007 equation: college kids plus free food equals hot mess. click below and eat up.

exclusive video

what happens when a homeless man visits party on the square? click below.

downtown collegetown

hey,

my life's been a complete blur since i woke up on thursday. little sleep, lots of traveling, and many happenings have filled the past five days. good riddance to recharging the batteries on my weekend off.

nonetheless, i have lots of interesting experiences to share with you, along with corresponding pictures and yes, video! let's begin with thursday.

for the record crowd who showed up at the downtown collegetown party on the square 2007, it was a pleasure meeting you. the event was a huge success - from carnival games to pizza eating. hang tight, like i said, video to follow.

i also introduced on stage/discovered my new favorite cover band - lads you know as go go gadjet. great cartoon. great track off of gnarls barkley's cd. great cover band. what more can i say?

some pictures from the event are below. enjoy.