Tag Archives: experience

Green Day Talk Getting Their Own ‘Rock Band’

‘I think it might have inspired people to get real guitars and real drums,’ Billie Joe Armstrong says of the video game’s appeal. By James Montgomery Green Day might not be the first band that comes to mind when you think “video games” (although in their early years, they did have a Sega Genesis on their “Book Mobile” tour bus). So with the release of the new, ultra-deluxe “Green Day: Rock Band” right around the corner, we asked the guys just why they decided to partner up with MTV Games for the project. And, as is the case with many things involving the band, the answer was a combination of both high-minded idealism, and, well, low-brow, decidedly boozy realism. “When I’ve seen ‘Rock Band,’ what I’ve noticed is that there’s a lot of old songs and different kinds of songs by different bands that kids are picking up on,” frontman Billie Joe Armstrong explained. “And that’s what I thought was so cool about it … [‘Rock Band’ is] its own radio station in a way. But, you know, you’re sort of involved with it. And though you’re playing plastic guitars, I think it might even have inspired some people to actually go out and, you know, get real guitars and real drums and start to figure it out on their own, you know?” “The first time I ever saw ‘Rock Band,’ uh, it was like in a pub in California and they had a TV and they had the game set up in a little corner,” drummer Tr

Craig McKinnon: Just Not Into Ali Fedotowsky

If you watched The Bachelorette Monday, you couldn’t help but hate (or love to hate) the Canadian hothead with the big mouth and used car salesman hair. It was apparent to everyone – poor weatherman Jonathan Novack, Bachelorette star Ali Fedotowsky and millions of viewers – that Craig M. is a sociopath . Still, that doesn’t mean he wasn’t fun to watch. Ousted during the rose ceremony, Craig M. (for McKinnon, or Machismo) says there are no hard feelings, as he didn’t feel “a natural connection” anyway. The Toronto native reflected on his short but memorable stint on The Bachelorette on a conference call this week. Here’s what he had to say about … Nagging Jonathan : “The weatherman situation was not serious at all. I was totally joking. Jonathan … is a good guy who took things the wrong way.” Craig McKinnon meets The Bachelorette, Ali Fedotowsky. Neither was impressed. On being portrayed as a bully : “I guess I was portrayed [as a villain]. People who know me laughed their heads off and had a great time watching.” On his one regret : “Jesse and I in the kitchen. I wasn’t proud of that. The next morning we apologized to each other. It was inappropriate behavior.” On why he didn’t get a rose : “Jonathan saying I was stirring up trouble and Ali [knowing] I wasn’t interested … That probably trumped what he said.” On why he went on the show in the first place : “To find someone I could love and possibly get to the point of engagement. That was my purpose.” “But also for the experience. Anyone who says they aren’t there for an experience is lying. When I saw it was Ali, I wanted to still go on and have fun.” On Justin “Rated R” Rego : “The wrestler seemed pretty decent. Probably wasn’t there for the right reasons, but he didn’t seem like that bad a guy.” On his picks for Ali Fedotowsky : “Kirk, Roberto Martinez and Chris Lambton are a good fit. Those three seem really genuine about why they’re there.”

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Craig McKinnon: Just Not Into Ali Fedotowsky

‘Turning Into Gods’ – Jason Silva’s Documentary on the Singularity (Trailer)

Jason Silva is an apostle of the future and he’s looking to make converts. The young host on Al Gore’s cable channel, Current TV, is also a burgeoning filmmaker. His upcoming documentary, Turning Into Gods aims to get its audience believing in the promise of technology, to spread a sense of techno-optimism. The documentary will follow Silva as he interviews the leading minds of our day, and seeks to understand (and revel) in the vast potential of the near future. I had a chance to talk with Silva and get the inside track on the vision behind Turning Into Gods. Check out the trailer for the film below. Turning Into Gods is the latest in a recent string of movies that seeks to bring the concepts behind the Technological Singularity into the mainstream conscious. Earlier we saw Barry Ptolemy’s take on futurist Ray Kurzweil in Transcendent Man, and Kurzweil presented his own vision in the recent film based on his best selling book The Singularity Is Near. Each of those documentaries was packed with amazing interviews with the top minds in the fields of AI, robotics, genetics, and longevity. What will make Turning Into Gods any different, or even better? The biggest selling point behind Silva’s film seems to be Silva himself. He has what few other Singularity-minded film makers possess: pop-culture credentials. Current TV has increased his mainstream exposure, he’s signed with CAA (the top talent agency in LA), and he’s been featured in GAP campaigns, news segments, and countless interviews. Silva sees the upcoming film as a journey, and wants the audience to piggy back on his experience, learning as he learns. His youthful exuberance for the future is sure to draw many in: http://singularityhub.com/2010/06/02/turning-into-gods-jason-silvas-documentary-… added by: pjacobs51

Journeys

For those of you who have followed our journey since we started the blog a year ago, you know how crazy campaign life can be. The manic pace, last second changes and unpredictable moments have all set the stage for what has been an unbelievable ride. I am privileged to be able to be a part of this experience and I hope sharing it with you provides a more intimate and authentic look at Dad’s campaign. Last night was overwhelming for me in a way in which I’ve never before experienced.  The tears I shed were due to an abounding love I have for my father, who, above all else, wants to serve a nation and her people.  His love and faith in his country and fellow citizens saved him in his darkest hour. Standing on that stage, I saw past the balloons, confetti and cheers. I was left with a singular image. One of a man who will take his improbable journey and draw from it at every turn to change our country and our world for the better.  Dad, I have never been more proud to be your daughter. I love you. Song of the Day: “Barracuda” by Heart

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Journeys

Punk Rock Republicans

I am often asked what my favorite band of all time is, and for me it is an incredibly difficult decision – almost impossible. However, if I had to pick a band, it would probably be The Ramones. I have been a fan since around sixth grade when I first heard the song “I Want To Be Sedated” on the radio and was immediately hooked (I even had my first kiss while “Beat on the Brat” was playing in the background). The power, impact and influence of possibly the greatest band of all time and the inventors of punk rock is absolutely endless and infinitely spanning. It is my great honor to announce that Linda Ramone, the wife of the late legend Johnny Ramone will be joining me to campaign for my father in Nevada on Monday and Tuesday. I couldn’t be more excited and humbled if Elvis himself came out on the road with me. Looking forward to sharing with you what its like to campaign with a legend! Song of the Day: “Beat on the Brat” by The Ramones

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Punk Rock Republicans

Colorado

We had a really busy day in Colorado last week. Our schedule was packed with TV interviews, stops at local HQ offices to thank supporters and even a few book signings were thrown in for good measure. Through it all, it never ceases to amaze me how wonderful everyone has been. I can’t thank you all enough for the work you’re doing to get Dad elected. I know it sometimes seems like an uphill battle, but as anyone who has followed my dad knows, he always loves proving the experts wrong. The best surprise of the day was catching up with Mom at our hotel where she surprised me with this really cute jacket for my birthday. As we head into the final week, stay tuned. There will be some surprising things ahead! Song of the Day: “Leopard-Skin Pill-Box Hat” by Bob Dylan

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Colorado

Musings on Politics from a Pop Culture Girl

When I started the Blogette last year, I wanted to show people what happens behind the scenes in a national campaign. I did this because I love my family and I knew that it might surprise people to see how normal this experience can be. I know this has been a difficult campaign for a lot of people. I know there are many who just want to get past the last eight years. And I know there are people who are so desperate for change they will do anything to get what they think is a better deal. I make no excuses for the state of politics today. But I want everyone to know that my dad is more than ready to be the President this country needs right now. Everyone always assumed Iraq would be this campaign’s number one hurdle. The only thing I respect more than people’s opinions about how to proceed in Iraq are the men and women who are bravely serving our country in harm’s way every single day. My Dad is the only candidate with real military experience who has the support of an overwhelming majority of current service members. And if you really want to know how much I trust him, remember that I have two brothers who are serving, one of whom is about to redeploy. Of course, all of this is easy to miss, because this election is clearly about moving past the current administration and fixing the economy. If you honestly think someone with extremely limited experience will solve the severe problems we have in this country then, by all means, vote for Senator Obama. If you want to give complete control of our government to the Democrats who have made a real mess of things over the last two years they’ve controlled Congress, then go ahead and vote for Senator Obama. And, if you really believe that our taxes should be higher and that government should have a bigger role in our lives, vote for Senator Obama. Some of you have asked me how I can support my Dad or call myself a Republican when times are so tough, especially since my own personal beliefs don’t always sync with the GOP. Well, I have asked myself that same question a lot. But I support my Dad through it all because I know this: my Dad will be unlike ANY other Republican president. My father has the experience, leadership skills, and proven dedication to serve. I only wish people could understand that Dad will bring about the change everyone is so hungry for in a much more real way than Senator Obama could ever possibly hope to do at this stage in his political career. So, forget everything you’ve heard or seen. Just know this: everyone wants change. And while some people can only talk about it, my dad will bring it. Don’t give up on him. He is never going to give up on you. And by you, I mean every American. Regardless of age, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation or political ideology; a vote for John McCain is a vote to change our country for the better. Don’t hope for a better future. Vote for one. Song of the Day: “Believe” by The Bravery

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Musings on Politics from a Pop Culture Girl

An ending… and beginning.

This was the most beautiful experience of my life and I have absolutely no regrets. Tuesday night was enormously emotional for us all and I could not be more proud of my father.  The person you saw on that stage was the gracious, honest and tender human being whom I have had the privilege to call “dad” for 24 years. My girls, Shannon and Heather, were there filming and taking photographs; however, this is the first time in the history of the Blogette that I have decided to keep the documentation for myself and my family and not publish it on the site. I hope everyone understands that I don’t feel as open to sharing such an emotional night as I once did.  It is not that I don’t believe our readers would be sensitive to the material, it is that I don’t believe that some in the media would. I want to thank all of you who have been with us on this ride.  We’ve received thousands of emails in the last few days and your words of encouragement and thanks have meant the world to Shannon, Heather, my family, and me.  I am always thrilled when we get frequent email from voters, both young and old, who have felt more connected to this moment in history and to my Dad as a result of this site. Thank you all for your support, prayers and encouragement. I hope that by showing you the perspective of a presidential campaign through the eyes of the candidate’s daughter, it has made the process more accessible to readers of all ages.  Hopefully, in the future, another crazy, independent child of a politician will also draw back the curtain on a journey that so few people get the chance to see up close, and not adhere to an image that is long overdue for change. This has truly been the most liberating experience of my life and I am grateful for every moment. Nothing like this happens without the support of some amazing people.  Frank, Melissa, Claire, Diane, Rob, Nancy and Josh have always been working behind the scenes and on the road to make this a success. I know it hasn’t always been easy, but I thank them so much for their perseverance and patience. They have meant so much to me through this experience and I truly could not have done it without them. Which brings me to Shannon and Heather. Quite simply, I would not have survived without you. You have been my friends through some of the highest, and lowest, points of my life. Through the good times and bad, you were always there for me and this would not have been possible without you. You are my best friends in the entire world and I will always love you both.  You are two of the most incredible people I have ever known and have the honor of calling my best friends. Finally, I want to thank the two people who made this all possible, my mom and dad. Not the business owner and the candidate, but the mother and father whose strength, generosity and selflessness have been such a source of inspiration to me and who are the core of who I am today.  I am so incredibly thankful for their love and support.  I am very much my father’s daughter and share many personality traits with him, but it is my mother who has always taught me to retain grace and class and to maintain a sense of humor during turbulent times.  She has showcased those traits to me more than ever in the past year and a half. To everyone else, you know who you are. And now this experience ends. So, where do I go from here? I ask my readers for time while I figure that out. Stay tuned and don’t get rid of this bookmark just yet! In the meantime, I am decompressing in Sedona, eating my Dad’s grilled ribs with my brothers, and playing “Rock Band” with Bridget. With much love and gratitude to all our badass readers!!! xoxoxo, Meghan Final Campaign Song of the Day: “Snow (Hey Oh)” by Vitamin String Quartet (This is what the end of the campaign feels like…)

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An ending… and beginning.

Cheryl Cole Named Sexiest Woman in World, Kristen Stewart Debuts on List

She may hate fame so much that she compares it to rape , but Kristen Stewart has achieved a new level of notoriety, due to her on-screen success and popularity. The Twilight Saga actress has debuted on FHM ‘s annual Sexiest Woman in the World list… all the way at number-six! In its summation of the star, the magazine pokes fun at Twihards everywhere, a dangerous game to play in our experience. It writes: With one film left in the trilogy (Eclipse), and a BAFTA Rising Star award on her sideboard, the LA-born actress is taking on more challenging roles. First she stars as jailbait rocker Joan Jett in The Runaways, then a Tony Soprano-baiting prostitute in Welcome To The Rileys and finally in K-11 she’ll play Butterfly, a male-to-female transsexual with autism, which ironically is also Twilight’s target demographic. British singer/model/TV personality Cheryl Cole topped the list. Think she deserves the number-one spot? The rest of the top 10 was filled with the usual, gorgeous suspects: Jessica Alba, Marisa Miller, Megan Fox . Ogle them below and then vote on the Sexiest Woman in the World… WHO IS THE SEXIEST WOMAN IN THE WORLD?

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Cheryl Cole Named Sexiest Woman in World, Kristen Stewart Debuts on List

Nicole Scherzinger on Dancing with the Stars Victory: This is Beyond the Mirror Ball

During last night’s Dancing With the Stars finale , Nicole Scherzinger and her partner, Derek Hough, earned the unanimous praise of all three of the judges. Pretty much the same as how fans felt about them all season. “I’m totally emotional,” Hough said after he and Nicole won the prestigious Mirrorball trophy. “Nicole and I burst out into tears backstage after our tango.” “We were so overwhelmed with how happy we were with what was going on tonight. Win, lose, draw we were going to be happy. But to win is phenomenal.” “I’m kind of speechless right now,” confessed Nicole Scherzinger . “I’m going to go into a room and cry. It’s not about the trophy. It’s beyond the trophy.” Nicole Scherzinger and Derek Hough kiss the hardware. “The experience and the challenge and everything you go through – this has been a lot of life-changing experiences in three months. It’s just so intense.” Meanwhile, there were no hard feelings from talented finalists Evan Lysacek and Anna Trebunskaya or Erin Andrews and Maksim Chmerkovskiy – only praise. “We definitely feel like we haven’t left anything on the table,” Lysacek said. “We all gave it our best shot, but Derek and Nicole were the best from day one.” “I was a mess when I came here,” said Andrews, the victim of a nude peephole video stalking scandal, said, in tears. “He was exactly what I needed.” Like Lysacek, Andrews was thrilled to compete in the finale, and humbled by the experience. Adds Lysacek, “I would do it all over again in a heartbeat.”

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Nicole Scherzinger on Dancing with the Stars Victory: This is Beyond the Mirror Ball