My Life on the V-List

Currently Making Me Chuckle:

2012-01-29T14:43:00.000-08:00

I can't stop watching these stupid videos..there are way too many of them but these are actually funny unlike douchey Dave Ryan's not-even-a-little-bit-funny Sh*t Minnesotans say. Can't someone talented in this creative town come up with something better??

Blog of the Day: Architecture Ryan Gosling

2012-01-27T13:33:00.000-08:00

Umm..I've been a fan of Ryan Gosling's acting skills for quite a while now.."Half Nelson," "Lars & The Real Girl," etc but just saw the fantastic movie "Crazy Stupid Love" and am now definitely a fan of his physique as well. Hubba Hubba. Also, this blog is awesome. http://architectureryangosling.tumblr.com/

So Spot On And Hilar.

2012-01-27T12:56:00.001-08:00

My Baby's Got The 21-Month-Old Blues

2012-01-27T12:26:00.000-08:00

..and I'm pretty sure my baby is also a musical genius.

This Makes Me Want To Move Back to Cali ASAP.

2012-01-26T19:27:00.000-08:00

The "Shit _____Say" meme is officially played out. There are a few funny ones out there, but for the most part they are just becoming embarrassing for everyone involved. And this one..wow, I'm not even sure what to say other than I've never listened to Dave Ryan on KDWB since its the cheesiest typical Clear Channel (ie the devil) station I've ever heard, and morning radio DJs in general are the most obnoxious, least funny people around. I didn't laugh once during this entire 2:42 video. Cringed many times, because it's embarrassing, and this will only reconfirm everything that people on the coasts think about Minnesota...I grew up in SoCal and before I met Jeff and saw MN for myself, I made fun of the midwest and accent to no end. I know there are many people who say these things in this sort of accent, mostly out in the burbs, but luckily I don't associate with most of them and have a lot of very hip, urban friends. But I'm still not sure I can manage to live here the rest of my life..pretty sure a move to Cali will be in our somewhat near future so I don't ever say "fer cute" and mean it.

LOVE This.

2012-01-26T12:50:00.000-08:00

One night President Obama and his wife Michelle decided to do something out of routine and go for a casual dinner at a restaurant that wasn't too luxurious. When they were seated, the owner of the restaurant asked the President's secret service if he could please speak to the First Lady in private. They obliged and Michelle had a conversation with the owner. Following this conversation President Obama asked Michelle, why was he so interested in talking to you. She mentioned that in her teenage years, he had been madly in love with her. President Obama then said, "so if you had married him, you would now be the owner of this lovely restaurant", to which Michelle responded, "no, if I had married him, he would now be the President."

Today In: "Why Didn't I Go To That Show??"- Adele @ Jeune Lune Edition

2012-01-25T12:26:00.000-08:00

Adele was right in my hood at the gorgeous Jeune Lune theater back in June of 2008. And what was I doing instead of attending?? No idea, but most likely I was in SF, on my roofdeck or throwing a boat party. Really wish I had seen this show. I'm working on a truly fabulous black tie event at Aria at Jeune Lune on May 5th that I'm very excited to attend - the 5th Annual Masqueray Ball to benefit The Basilica. More details coming soon.

Of Course None Of These Things Were Ever Uttered by Moi..

2012-01-24T18:41:00.000-08:00

..except maybe "I want to be swallowed in ruffles"..;) (i was not)

Girl Crush: Rachel Bilson

2012-01-23T21:32:00.001-08:00

Call Me Doctor with Rachel Bilson from Rachel Bilson

Pure awesomeness.

My New Favorite Video:

2012-01-23T10:46:00.001-08:00

I Want To Go To There: Yosemite

2012-01-22T13:17:00.001-08:00

Yosemite HD from Project Yosemite on Vimeo.

via Project Yosemite

Can't Stop Listening To: Camille

2012-01-22T13:12:00.000-08:00

The video is very...french. But I love the song, and Emma Stone's frenchie dance to it on SNL..she did another frenchie dancing skit on the repeat last night but this was one from 2010 with Camille's Ta deulour was the best.

You Tube Sensation Crush: DJ Dave

2012-01-22T12:14:00.000-08:00

Dancing Zebra Love:

2012-01-19T16:02:00.000-08:00

I Heart Andy Caldwell

2012-01-19T15:55:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite DJs also happens to be one of the hottest/nicest guys I know. He hooked us up at Ruby Skye last August and we had the time. Love this vid and look forward to his new tracks coming out and maybe even bringing him back to the mini-apple in the near future..

..and this is why Gus and I are staying inside all day today:

2012-01-19T13:00:00.000-08:00

*Reason 1,987,425,361 I'm glad I work/take care of lil' G from home and can stay inside when it's freezing:

According to Paul Douglas at the Star Tribune in this rambling weather report:

-10 F. at 9 am Thursday, as cold in the Twin Cities as Barrow, Alaska

26 F. high temperature on Wednesday in the Twin Cities.

23 F. average high on January 18.

19 F. high temperature a year ago, on January 18, 2011.

-34 F. this morning's record low at MSP (1970).

* Tied record for the latest subzero temperatures in the Twin Cities. Old record was January 18, 2002. The mercury fell below zero ONE HOUR before midnight last night!

-30 F. wind chills this morning will dip into the -25 to -30 range in the metro, as cold as -40 over western Minnesota.

March 2, 2011: last time the mercury dipped below zero in the metro (-3 F.)

1-3" powdery snow Friday (best chance of 3" south metro). With temperatures in single digits I'm expecting a fluffy, powdery snow, quick to accumulate, capable of turning into black ice. Roads may be in tough shape for a time Friday.

20s return by Sunday and Monday, highs close to 30 the latter half of next week. 40 F. is not out of the question by the last weekend of January, the 28th and 29th.

Coldest Of Winter?

This is why we don't have a population of 10 million. Most Americans live in mortal fear of waking up to a morning like this. "So cold body parts start falling off, right"? Yep. That's why we have world-class health care. "Really?" Uh huh. Trust me. I'm a weatherman.

We've been through this drill before. Welcome to the 1st subzero morning of winter, and a record-breaking one at that. We set a record for the latest subzero on record in the metro. A stinging breeze will make it feel like -25 at the bus stop. Dress in layers - don't forget a hat. Keep those body parts intact. Only 2 days of pain. We'll get though this...

A peculiarly persistent Pacific wind flow aloft is responsible for our ongoing snow drought. Weather models have (consistently) overestimated snowfall amounts this winter. With that caveat I'm mentioning a potential for 1-3" snow tomorrow; it may be enough to plow in parts of the metro, especially south of the Minnesota River.

Temperatures blip upward over the weekend with 20s by Sunday (which will feel amazingly good). Long-range models bring the mercury close to freezing by the end of next week; another ill- timed January thaw. I fear Volcanis may get the last laugh at the St. Paul Winter Carnival next week.

My hunch: we're waking up to the coldest morning of winter, the "Relatively Easy Winter of '12".

Apparently VW Is Sticking With The "Star Wars" Theme:

2012-01-19T10:33:00.000-08:00

This preview of the ad they will play during the Superbowl is pretty cool though..even though I'm not really a fan of "Star Wars", (ie NERD NERD NERD), I don't mind it at all.

So True.

2012-01-18T13:44:00.000-08:00

Awesome.

2012-01-17T14:25:00.000-08:00

Now These Are Some Waves.

2012-01-17T14:18:00.000-08:00

On August 27th, 2011, the waves off Teahupo’o, Tahiti — deadly on a calm day — were labeled “double code red” by the French Navy, which, according to cinematographer Chris Bryan, threatened to arrest who entered the water.

So, naturally, the surf was on.

Shot with a Phantom HD Gold camera. Music: “Lower Your Eyelids to Die With the Sun” by M83.

YES!

2012-01-17T14:07:00.000-08:00

My life has been Don Draperless for far too long. Good thing he's coming back in a little over 2 months. Crazy how even this sparse ad brings the theme song right into my little noggin. The people advertising a show about advertising are pretty smart advertisers.

Brad Pitt: Always Eating.

2012-01-17T14:04:00.001-08:00

BP must have a "I'z hungraaaay" clause in his contract or something...lots of on camera eating in his movies.

Loves.

2012-01-17T09:59:00.000-08:00

Good To Be Home.

2012-01-16T20:33:00.000-08:00

We've only been back in MN for a week and a half but it feels much longer due to an action packed schedule that includes seeing lots of friends, visiting our favorite spots in the neighborhood, relaxation at the CBC and catching up on our favorite shows at home, which is just how we like it. I'll probably have a hard time remembering exactly what we were up to unless I blog about it, so here we go:

* Thursday night Punch Pizza and vino at our friend PC's place in St. Paul with our friends M&P who were visiting from Seattle. We all worked together and used to hang out all the time when they lived here. When we all get together a ridic amount of laughter ensues, sadly we don't get to hang out enough.

* Dinner party at our place Friday with the same gang and a few other friends, cooked by M who is an amazing chef. She made the best spaghetti and meatballs I have ever tasted - it was definitely one of the best meals ever cooked in our kitchen. Probably tied with Thanksgiving cooked by my sister and mom. Anything I have made would come in a close 100th.

* Drinks at our place with the gang Saturday night followed by an Oliveto at Marvel Bar, a yummy dinner at Heidi's that was unfortunately tainted by a dud of a waitress (which sucks because we could see another guy there who waited on us last time and was fantastic - he even remembered Jeff from waiting on us last summer and said hi) followed by dessert and drinks at Bar La Grassa with an awesome server who remembered Jeff's drink order..maybe we go across the street a little too often.

* Brunch back at P's cooked by M Sunday morning, then heading out to WBL to pick up lil G, and a night of catching up on our favorite shows: the season premiere of "Californication," the season finale of "Dexter" I missed while in Cali, and some Sho On Demand of "Homeland" starring Claire Danes which is my new favorite show. So addicting..we've almost watched all 12 episodes in a week.

* Getting my new MacBookAir all set up with the nerds at Southdale..I really, really love this computer. Still can't believe how light and fast it is..esp compared to my Mac from 2005 that recently died. Also picked up some new duds for G at H&M as seen above.

* Book club Monday night to discuss "Room" which so far is pretty good but I think I have too many books going right now and need to start on the one for Feb book club, so not sure if I will finish it. Love that it doesn't really matter whether or not we read the books..it's just a bunch of fun ladies who get together once a month to drink wine, eat good food and chat.

* Lovely 52 degree weather that allowed me to take lil' G to the park and be outside all day which was kind of crazy for Jan in MN. Unfortunately we have since gone back to "normal" ie freezing temperatures.

* Taking a walk in the neighborhood Tuesday night since it was still fairly warm out and spotting our friend behind the bar at Public House, going inside to say hi and grab a beer and finding more friends sitting at the bar. All part of our network of DJs/househeads who are always fun to run in to. Had a couple of drinks there, walked down to grab some vino at the store in our hood and ran into another DJ friend, went home and cooked dinner.

* Celebrating a very good friend's bday with drinks Wednesday night at The Loop and Black Sheep Pizza back at our place so G could sleep in his crib and we could stay warm with a fire in the fireplace, vino and good convo.

* Meeting for a fabulous black tie event I'm working on..details coming soon. Got to catch up with some friends as well, which is always a good thing.

* Happy hour haircut Friday at Brian Graham Salon with vino, electronica and my favorite hairstylist Trish..always a good way to start off the weekend. We hit Sapor for a cheap happy hour dinner of beet pizza, burgers, fries, truffled brussel sprouts and vino..yum. G loved it too. Then it was home to chill and watch a few more eps of "Homeland."

* Family swim at the CBC Saturday afternoon..lil' G requests the "pool" now after spending many days at the outdoor pool near my parents in The OC. This one is indoor but he loves being in it and I'm very appreciative that I can swim laps, hot tub, steam and sauna when it's chilly outside. Plus, G loves playing with the kids in the nursery there.

* Saturday night at WA Frost, one of my favorite places in the Twin Cities. A good friend of ours works there but had the night off so we had drinks outside by the fire on the gorgeous patio and then planned to head to the Red Bull Crushed Ice event taking place a few blocks away. We started walking there and met some people who had just returned and said it was really hard to see anything, not really worth it, so we turned around, went back into the bar at Frost and had a delicious dinner. Wound up hanging there for awhile and staying overnight at our friend's place in LoTo, then hit Bon Vi for a nice little breakfast before heading out to pick up lil' G.

* Sunday night dinner at Jeff's parents, then home to watch the Golden Globes and a new "Californication."

* Today we celebrate Martin Luther King Jr, and Jefe didn't have to work, so we had a nice little day in Linden Hills hitting Tillia for lunch, Wild Rumpus so G could chase the chickens around like he likes to do and the CBC for a much needed workout, swim, hot tub and steam.

Whew, busy busy but it's really good to be home.

Crazy News of the Day:

2012-01-14T12:05:00.000-08:00

According to CNN, "The Italian captain of the cruise ship that ran aground -- killing three person and injuring 20 more -- was arrested late Saturday and is being investigated for manslaughter and abandoning ship, said a local prosecutor in Grosetto, Italy.

The captain, Francesco Schettino, had been earlier interviewed by investigators in Porto Santo Stefano about what happened when the 4,200-passenger Costa Concordia struck rocks in shallow water off Italy's western coast, said

officer Emilio Del Santo of the Coastal Authorities of Livorno."

How exactly does one "abandon ship" after captaining and sinking a massive cruise ship?? Crazy that only three people have died so far, but there are 50-75 more missing in Italian math which probably means about 300.

This is horrible, and another reason not to take a cruise, ever. Cuz when they have problems, they are pretty horrendous problems, ie sinking, getting everyone on board violently sick, stinking like a sewer, etc.

Thanks, But No Thanks, North Dakota...

2012-01-14T11:57:00.000-08:00

This real travel poster advertising North Dakokta states. "Arrive a guest, Leave a legend." Apparently all the ladies of ND are hoochies and hos..especially when tourists are involved.

Funny Cuz It's True:

2012-01-14T11:54:00.001-08:00

A Little Belated But Still Awesome:

2012-01-13T10:10:00.000-08:00

Even though this aired about 3 weeks ago, Jimmy Fallon's impressions of Russell Brand, Sting and The Biebs are too awesome not to share.

Can't Wait To See: Friends with Kids

2012-01-13T10:06:00.000-08:00

Anything with Jon Hamm and Kristen Wiig has to be awesome. (see Bridesmaids)

Can't Wait To See: Moonrise Kingdom by Wes Anderson

2012-01-13T10:00:00.000-08:00

Red Bull Crashed Ice Comes To St. Paul This Weekend

2012-01-13T09:37:00.000-08:00

Looks kind of cool and will literally be freezing outside..if we're feeling brave enough we might go check it out.

Welcome To The Neighborhood..

2012-01-13T09:32:00.000-08:00

Tom Horgen's latest article in the Star Tribune makes me happy because there are quite a few new bar/restaurants opening in the next few months, and they are all within walking distance of my loft. That's one reason I live downtown in Minneapolis..it's a small city, you can prettymuch walk everywhere (3 out of 4 seasons) and our food scene is top notch, with great new spots opening all the time. When I spend time in SoCal or NoCal (outside of SF) its kind of amazing how few new restaurants open up and how mediocre the food is. We are spoiled and chubby with so much delicious food here..just the way I like it.

Star Tribune

"The bar, at 12th and Hennepin in downtown Minneapolis, was still in build-out mode. But Riebel's excitement was palpable. If the bourbon and beer arrived today, he'd be ready to serve customers right on the spot.

He's not alone in his enthusiasm. The weather is finally cooling, but a warm front of new bars is about to hit the Twin Cities. Stepping back from his own project, Riebel sees a trend among this new crop:

"People want neighborhood bars," he said. "There was a time when every neighborhood needed a bar -- and I think there's a renaissance going back to that."

Of course, he's not talking about dive bars. Yes, the following six spots will cater to locals (in Riebel's case, thousands of nearby condo dwellers), but each one has the potential to draw crowds from all over the Twin Cities.

BUTCHER AND THE BOAR

Opening: First week of February.

Who's behind it: Jack Riebel. Also: Tim Rooney of Bar La Grassa and Barrio.

What to expect: The hot trends in bargoing right now are craft beer, heritage liquor brands and artisanal bar food. Butcher and the Boar feels like a culmination of all that. The bar's all-American stance will include 30 domestic craft brews on tap, 50 bourbons and a serious selection of smoked and cured meats (wild boar from Texas!). Best of all: The beer garden out back will seat 150 people.

Find it: 1121 Hennepin Av. S., Mpls. 612-222-7171.www.butcherandtheboar.com.

EAT STREET SOCIAL

Opening: Late January.

Who's behind it: Joe Wagner and Sam Bonin, owners of Northeast Social.

What to expect: Cocktail nerds have been pulling their hair out as they await the opening of this drinking destination. And for good reason. While the new restaurant's farm-to-table menu is enough to coo about, much of the fervor relates to the bartending wizards behind its beverage program. Nick Kosevich and Ira Koplowitz of Bittercube have a vaunted pedigree (the former opened Town Talk Diner, the latter spent time at Chicago's Violet Hour). They've designed a stunning drink list and are training the staff in the art of the cocktail. Also on tap: a real-deal soda fountain, featuring 19th-century-style phosphates, egg creams and other non-alcoholic concoctions.

Where: 1826 W. 26th St., Mpls. www.eatstreetsocial.com.

ELI'S EAST

Opening: Monday (maybe sooner).

Who's behind it: The owners of Eli's Food & Cocktails.

What to expect: The guys behind Eli's in downtown Minneapolis didn't travel far for their second location. Just a couple miles away, they've rehabilitated the old O'Brien's Decoy Pub on East Hennepin, outfitting it with Eli's classic-comfy style. The dark wood interior will feature antique lighting, buttoned leather booths and a copper-top bar. Some of Eli's signature plates (like the mac and cheese) will migrate to the new spot, but much of the menu will be new and a bit more polished. Bartender Richie Rivera has designed a new cocktail list, too.

Find it: 815 E. Hennepin, Mpls. 612-331-0031.www.elisfoodandcocktails.com.

DEVIL'S ADVOCATE

Opening: Early February.

Who's behind it: Erik Forsberg, owner of the Ugly Mug.

What to expect: If downtown Minneapolis is missing anything, it's a craft-beer gastropub like the Happy Gnome in St. Paul. Forsberg thinks that concept will work wonders in the space formerly home to short stays by Subo and the Inn. He's remodeling the place, adding a larger front bar and building a brand new bar in the back. He'll have 40 draft lines and American bistro grub. What's with the name? "We're taking a break from the norm," Forsberg said, "and creating a new argument."

Find it: 89 S. 10th St., Mpls.

BLUE DOOR LONGFELLOW

Opening: Late April, early May.

Who's Behind it: Blue Door Pub owners Jeremy Woerner and Patrick McDonough.

What to expect: "We like to joke that we're going from tiny to small," Woerner said of the Blue Door's second location, located three blocks north of the Riverview Theater. Unfortunately, the St. Paul burger joint's slightly larger Minneapolis outpost is still in the paperwork stages. Woerner said they've signed a lease and are working on getting the beer/wine license this month. In the meantime, diehard Blucy lovers will have to contend with 45-minute waits in St. Paul.

Find it: 3448 42nd Av. S., Mpls. www.thebdp.com.

ICEHOUSE

Opening: May.

Who's behind it: Matthew Bickford and Mike Ryan, owners of Be'Wiched Deli.

What to expect: The long-talked-about rock bar/deli/cocktail den still has a long way to go. But they finally broke ground this month near the new Vertical Endeavors on Eat Street in south Minneapolis. The Be'Wiched guys have high hopes. An intimate listening room will have seating for 125, but also include a mezzanine. On the bar side, their secret weapon is La Belle Vie star Johnny Michaels, who's designing a cocktail bar built for churning out complicated drinks at high speeds. "He's gonna have his own little cockpit," Bickford said.

Find it: 2528 Nicollet Av. S., Mpls.

· Follow Horgen on Twitter: @tomhorgen

Plus this restaurant Mona will open up in the spring and sounds fab.

Can't Stop Listening To: Ananda Project

2012-01-13T09:18:00.001-08:00

Indio Is Calling My Name...

2012-01-12T14:56:00.000-08:00

Ok so... Kaskade. Bon Iver. Radiohead. Mazzy Star. Florence. Snoop. Shadow. Calvin Harris. Swedish House Mafia. Sebastian Ingrosso. I think I have to go to Coachella. Haven't been since 2005..it's time, and also the best line up they've ever had thanks to dance music now being popular music.

Can't Stop Listening To: Calvin Harris

2012-01-12T14:17:00.000-08:00

So addicted to this song right now. I like it better than his track with RiRi but it's pretty good too..she really has an amazing voice for dance music. Which, btw is now on the radio all the time..they just call it "pop."

Kaskade's 2012 Residency @ Marquee Las Vegas

2012-01-12T14:01:00.000-08:00

It's kind of funny that my friend has a show in Vegas much like say, the self proclaimed "greatest singer in the world" Celine Dion..but instead of nightly, it's monthly. And much less annoying than Celine. It is so, so, so amazing. I cannot recommend seeing Kaskade's show at Marquee enough. It was by far the best nightclub experience/NYE I've ever had. Just go there and experience the madness for yourself..he's playing there this Saturday and then once a month for the rest of the year.

Funny Cuz It's True:

2012-01-12T13:45:00.000-08:00

Loves. https://twitter.com/#!/shitgirlssay

2.18.12: Styles For Smiles @ Maki Strunc Studios

2012-01-12T13:39:00.000-08:00

Styles For Smiles: 2012

Saturday, February 18^th 2012 @ Maki Strunc Studios

Fashion For A Cause: To Benefit Project Healthy Smile

High-Impact Runway Show, Private Shopping Experience, Interactive Photo Booth,

Mini-Makeovers, Free False Eyelash Application,

Wine, Hors d'oeuvres & much more..

WHO:

Project Healthy Smile, Kokoon, Local Motion, Primp, Vanessa Mahid and Artist Built will host a fabulous afternoon of shopping, pampering and fashion for a wonderful cause.

WHAT:

Fashion for a cause. Styles For Smiles will feature a high energy Runway Show showcasing colorful couture by Kokoon, Local Motion, & Primp, an exclusive private shopping experience at a pop up boutique, mini-makeovers & free false eyelash applications that guests can wear out on the town that night, an interactive photo booth, wine, hors d'ouvres and music by DJ Fatty - all for FREE.

Much more fun that shopping at a mall, guests can view fresh looks on lovely models and purchase them right then and there, in the Maki Strunc Studio modern pop up boutique. And most importantly, guests will shop for a great cause: A portion of the proceeds from the clothing and jewelry sales will directly benefit Project Healthy Smile, to bring oral health education and dental supplies to impoverished and underprivileged children globally.

HMStyling will be styling the event. Mini-makeovers and eyelash applications by Brett Dorrian Artistry Studios.

There will also be a raffle and donation booth to raise money for Project Healthy Smile.

Styles for Smiles is Project Healthy Smile's largest annual fundraising event and a registered participant in Minnesota Fashion Week.

WHEN:

Saturday, February 18, 2012

1:00 - 4:00 pm

1PM doors open, shopping and activities begin

3PM runway show

4PM raffle winner announcements, closing words

WHERE:

Maki Strunc Studios

6156 Olson Memorial Highway

Golden Valley, MN 55422

WHY:

Project Healthy Smile will travel to orphanages and children’s organizations globally. Children will be educated on oral health. Education will include the importance of oral health, diet, and brushing/flossing methods. PHS will use educational models, visuals and activities to keep children engaged in learning. Caregivers will be educated and trained to aid in the continuation of program sustainability.Dental supplies (toothbrushes, tooth paste and floss) will be provided for children to stay compliant with oral health. PHS plans to continue to work with organizations and replenish dental supplies every 6 months.

PRESS CONTACT:

Natalie Auger

VimLab Promotions

612.229.8522

natalie@vimlab.com

http://www.vimlab.com

Celebration of Christine Rosholt's Life Tonight at The Dakota

2012-01-10T13:01:00.000-08:00

I don't normally write about very heavy topics on this blog as you may have noticed, but very sadly, the lovely and talented jazz singer Christine Rosholt died on Dec 28th. She had hired me to handle PR for her "Pazz" CD Release Party at The Dakota on December 1st and we met in person and emailed back and forth a lot in the weeks leading up to the show. While I didn't know her all that well, she was always very sweet and I wish I had gotten to know her better. I've been really distraught over her death since I found out about it via Facebook, which is a strange way to learn this sort of news. I'm going to try to make it to The Dakota tonight for a celebration of Christine's life with those who loved her - of which there are many. Reading this article in today's Star Tribune made me cry, answered some of my questions and also created more..I just hope she is finally at peace.

Star Tribune by Gail Rosenblum

Local musicians come together to celebrate a remarkable life

She wore her hair in a short, dark bob. Her lipstick was bright red. After she sang a few sultry tunes, I approached her at the lively celebration with a delegation from Tours, France, and asked: "Are you sure you're not French?"

Christine Rosholt laughed, then did what she was famous for. She made me feel like I was the most interesting person in the world. She said she'd "friend" me on Facebook, which she did the next day. (I joined about 1,000 other friends and still felt rich.) Like so many others, I was eager to follow her rapidly ascending vocal career as it shifted from jazz to a new path in pop.

I wanted to write about her. But not like this.

Rosholt's considerable contributions will be center-stage Tuesday from 7 to 11 p.m. at the Dakota Jazz Club in Minneapolis. That Rosholt took her life Dec. 28, one week before her 47th birthday, is an ache that legions of friends and fans will carry for a long time.

But the Dakota event is a celebration. "Everybody wants a chance to honor Christine," said pianist and friend Tanner Taylor, the event's organizer. "There's been such a great outpouring from all the local musicians."

Andrea Canter, a contributing editor to jazzpolice.com, first heard Rosholt sing in 2004 at the Dakota, and enjoyed following the charismatic singer's substantial growth. "She was self-taught," Canter said, and an incredibly hard worker.

"She took lessons, and found lots of ways to work on her voice and to explore her repertoire. She was a jazz scholar, too. She also went after the business end of things, finding herself gigs. She was not above taking anything. She really wanted to work."

And she always paid her musicians first.

Rosholt grew up in Minneapolis, attended the now closed Marshall University High School and trained at the Children's Theater Company School. "She was my talking piece," said Elizabeth Rosholt Winden, Christine's younger sister. "People would ask me a question and, before I could open my mouth, she'd answer for me."

While jazz standards filled their Minneapolis home, Christine was drawn to painting and photography. She studied at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, then at the Art Institute of Chicago. After Elizabeth's twin boys were born in 1999, Rosholt returned home and became a doting aunt and jazz mentor to Sam and Avery.

And she began to sing pretty much everywhere. Cafes and casinos, charity events and churches, jazz festivals and happy hours.

"She went from zero to 100 in almost no time," said Betsy Thayer, who became friends with Rosholt in the early 1990s. "She just decided, 'I want to be a singer when I grow up,' and she did it. She had a beautiful voice. She could mimic anything she heard. It was almost supernatural."

Rosholt's last recording, "Pazz" (marrying pop and jazz), was a collaboration with British songwriter Kevin Hall, long a Rosholt fan. They celebrated the CD release Dec. 1 at the Dakota. It was a scary departure for Rosholt, Thayer said.

"I don't know if she knew she could do it. Jazz has standards but, for pop, she had to make her own musical decisions. She said it was challenging."

Still, Thayer suspected nothing when she last saw her friend on Dec. 22. Others were equally shocked by her death.

"They'd say, 'I just called her.' 'We just made plans.' 'I just got an e-mail from her,'" Elizabeth said.

But Elizabeth knew her dear sister was in trouble. Christine, she said, never recovered from the death of their mother, Vicki, five years ago. "That just tore her up," Elizabeth said. One year ago, Christine's beloved Cairn terrier, Tally, died at 14.

"It was a hard Christmas because we all knew she was struggling," Elizabeth said.

Christine, who left a "pretty detailed note," was surrounded by people who loved her, but still felt alone. "She couldn't recognize that she was a great jazz singer," said her stepmother, Leah Harvey. Christine sang at the marriage of Leah and her father, Steve Rosholt, one year ago. "It makes you appreciate how much of it was things she couldn't conquer."

On Christine's cellphone, Elizabeth discovered that her sister had attached little stories about everyone whose number she had input, including how she met them and the way they looked. "She always remembered people."

Now people will remember her. The Dakota event (www.dakotacooks.com or 612-332-1010) features Christine's regular band, including Taylor, Dave Karr, Dave Jensen, Jay Epstein, Max Santiago and Graydon Peterson, and vocalists, including Nichola Miller, Arne Fogel, Sophia Shorai, Katie Gearty and Patty Peterson. The hope is for a night filled with more laughter than tears.

"Looking at pictures the other night," Harvey said, "there were really happy times. Christine turned events into occasions just by walking in the door."

There will be no cover charge at the Dakota Tuesday, but donations will be accepted for the Hennepin Health Foundation, Christine Rosholt Gift of Kindness Fund, 701 Park Av. S., Minneapolis, MN 55415.

Can't Stop Listening To: Fedde Le Grande

2012-01-06T00:30:00.000-08:00

While this is not the best music video ever produced, I think the song and video kind of encapsulate the feeling one gets when being a part of the dance music community. I have been a part of it since 1998 and feel so lucky that I was introduced to this type of music in San Francisco. Most people have no idea what it's all about and really don't know what they're missing. Although. it seems that more and more people are discovering it every day and I'm pretty sure dance is the new hip-hop. Some of the coolest people I know I've met through dance music and I wouldn't trade my music collection, the experiences I've had or the people I've met through it for anything.

Most Dramatic/Amazing Way I've Ever Rung In A New Year:

2012-01-06T00:00:00.001-08:00

More Photos From The Madness: Kaskade NYE 12 to 12 @ MarqueeLV

2012-01-05T14:35:00.000-08:00

All photos taken by PowersImagery. Love that Kaskade requests Haribo Gummy Peaches..I'm addicted to those things.

Celebs I Didn't See At Marquee NYE:

2012-01-05T13:55:00.000-08:00

According to Perez Hilton: Kaskade performed a 12 hour set on New Year's Eve at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas' Marquee Nightclub!

Celebs in attendance at the event included Real Housewives of Beverly Hills' Kyle Richards and hubby Mauricio, 50 Cent, Floyd Mayweather, Lil Kim, Wilmer Valderrama, Topher Grace, Lauren Conrad, and Mark Ballas!

We're not 100% sure how true this is, but we're hearing that Kaskade's performance MAY have been a US record for longest DJ set!

Maybe next year he can go for 24 HOURS! LOLz!"

It was packed up in there and I only ventured out of our little booth to go out by the pool with Jefe and friends so I could hear them..it was loud up in there too. So much fun.

Happy New Year!!

2012-01-02T18:45:00.000-08:00

I hope that everyone had a fantastic New Year's and had tons of fun. Ours was pretty insane this year. NYE is usually kind of a let down, but once I found out we could get in to Kaskade's show at Marquee Las Vegas I knew this one would be epic and we had to be there.

Since we are already in SoCal for a 3 week holiday escape from the cold, my parents happily took Gus for a couple of nights. It was an easy drive to Vegas Friday morning. We were worried traffic might be horrendous but we sailed right through and were in our room at the newly renovated Tropicana by late afternoon, changing into bathing suits, popping some bubbly and heading to the hot tub under the palm trees. After relaxing and getting ready we walked across the street to MGM Grand and shared the delicious Chinese tasting menu that included perfectly prepared lobster, steak and chicken at swanky Pearl, followed by a cocktail at Seablue - a place I helped handle PR for when I lived in SF - then headed back to the tropics for a good nights sleep.

We needed to rest up for Saturday night..so during the day we checked out downtown Vegas with the Golden Nugget, Fremont St, etc, did more hot tubbing/reading/relaxing, then finally headed out around 8 pm and found the strip closed down to cars and a lot of people walking in the streets, which was pretty cool. We were heading up to SEA at Bally's..Jeff wanted Pho so I told him to look on Yelp and they were highly recommended. Once I realized where we were headed I reminded him we had already been to SEA in Williamsburg with our friends who lived there several years ago, and loved it. While the Vegas location was more expensive, we had an amazing meal - seafood pho which was the best pho I've ever tasted, and some sort of chicken noodle dish. The sassy host sent out some free dumplings and beers and I finished it all off with a Thai iced tea to help me make it through the night. Then it was back to the strip with the increasingly crowded/drunken strip to walk down to Cosmopolitan Hotel and Marquee.

I have to say, I have been to a lot of fabulous clubs around the country, and am fortunate enough to have been on Kaskade's guest list at many of them. But, I have never been treated as well at any club as we were at Marquee. The service was impeccable. When we arrived, I told a bouncer we were on his list and we waited maybe 10 minutes total at a crazy mob scene of a line and were in the club. Another bouncer escorted us to "our table" where we found our awesome jet setting Canadian friends and free flowing Veuve, served by the best cocktail waitress I have ever encountered. Once I asked her for a drink she remembered it and kept the refills coming..Jeff was double fisting with champagne and a Grey Goose/cranberry for much of the evening..so much so that his lips turned all red. The bouncers were so good that on one trip back into our little table area a drunken reveler tried talking to me and was immediately shut down by said bouncer who pushed him out of the way and let me back in our spot. Pretty awesome. We arrived just in time to grab a glass of bubbly, put on our party hats and watch our friend Kaskade count down to 2012 on the mic, then play "Turn It Down," - one of his many amazing original tracks - as the club went insane, confetti dropped down, lights went perfectly with the music, creatively costumed dancers performed and I had tears in my eyes because there was no other place I'd rather be at that moment. Truly an amazing way to ring in the new year. We danced our arses off to Kaskade's incredible set, hung out with our friends including his amazing and beautiful wife, met some fun new peeps and managed to keep the party going til 7:30 am. He even played our favorite song "Let Me Go" - (video above) per Jefe's text request, around 5:30 am which was one of the highlights of the evening. Kaskade's 12 hour set started at 11:59 pm and went til 12:00 pm New Year's Day, which is really insane, and impressive. Wish we could have made it to the end but we needed a few hours of sleep and a double double from In-N-Out before we could drive back home to see our lil' guy, who we missed like crazy. I hadn't come of a club in the daylight hours in quite a while..felt like I was 21 again. Such a great weekend, one we will never forget. Happy 2012!

Still Awesome: But You're Like Really Pretty

2011-12-30T00:38:00.000-08:00

http://www.butyourelikereallypretty.com/

Ring In The New Year at Mystique 2012: Le Cirque - NYE @ Epic

2011-12-30T00:05:00.000-08:00

New Years Eve Minneapolis - MYSTIQUE 2012: Le Cirque - Promo Video from NYEMPLS on Vimeo.

Ring in 2012 With an Evening of Splendor and Intrigue

nyempls.com presents...

Mystique 2012: Le Cirque

Saturday, December 31, 2011 at Epic Event Center

Death defying acts of dexterity set against the backdrop of splendor and intrigue define this year’s event. Year after year, this 21+ New Year’s bash - from the producers of last year’s well received masquerade ball “A Masked Affair” - has proven itself to be the premier New Year’s Eve party in Minneapolis. Guests will enjoy an over-the-top fashion show produced by Ignite Models, featuring looks from CostumeRentals, a combined project of the Guthrie Theater and The Children's Theatre Company. Runway looks will be styled by Secrets Fashion Agency with hair and make-up provided by Rocco Altobelli Salon and Day Spas. Host for the evening will be style writer and fashionista Joan Erakit, creator of the Brown Girl Files. Spectators will be amazed by the cirque performances presented throughout the evening by the world-renowned Circus Juventas and Cirque DuVolo. The event will take place at Epic Event Center, conveniently located in the heart of downtown Minneapolis, and it promises to be the most unique and exciting New Year's Eve bash in the Twin Cities.

Doors for this event will open at 8:00 for VIP guests, who will enjoy a complimentary array of tempting hors d’ oeuvres provided by select area restaurants including Barrio, Aji Japanese and Lotus until 9:00 pm. Erbert & Gerbert’s La Salle location will provide delicious complimentary late night sandwiches for all guests at 12:30 am. General admission guests can start their evening at 9:00 pm and the Runway Show will begin promptly at 10:00 pm.

Advance tickets are currently $30 for GA and $50 for VIP, with prices going up after Christmas. There are limited VIP booth bottle service packages available by calling 612.968.6636. Tickets are available online at http://www.nyempls.com/, or in person at Drama (4946 France Ave S, Edina), Rocco Altobelli (IDS Location only) and Atmosfere (1426 W Lake St, Uptown).

DJs for the evening include Benjamin Michaels, Stretch, Timmay and Tink on the main stage playing a mix of Top 40, dance and funk. Big Mama J, Patrick James, Bryan Gerrard and Matt Esse will spin a mix of soul, dance and deep house in the reSOULution Lounge and will keep guests dancing all night long.

Epic Event Center is located at 110 North Fifth Street, Minneapolis, MN. For general questions about the event and/or venue, please call 612.332.3742. For more information and pictures from our 2011 event, please visit: http://www.nyempls.com/.

For press inquiries, please contact: Natalie Auger, VimLab Promotions, 612.229.8522, Natalie@vimlab.com, http://www.vimlab.com

###

I Heart Marcel The Shell.

2011-12-29T16:27:00.000-08:00

A Very SoCal Christmas/Vegas New Year

2011-12-14T18:04:00.000-08:00

We're packing up and heading The OC tomorrow for a lovely 3 week stay. We'll kick it off with a week at our favorite Laguna Beach sublet 3 blocks from the beach where we spent all of January, then head home to Mission Viejo to spend Christmas with my family, where our little elf Gus will be handing out and opening presents that aren't his. He loves presents.We'll spend some time in SD and LA visiting friends, then ring in 2012 with Kaskade at Marquee Las Vegas which I am very excited about..can't really think of a more fun place to be for New Year's than in the VIP of an amazing club with the #1 DJ in America, who goes on at 11:59 pm and may just spin for the following 12 hours. After a relaxing little getaway in Vegas including a stop at my favorite spa, Qua, lots of good food and luxuriating, we'll have a few more days of fun in the sun in early Jan before returing to the tundra. It's been really nice to be home for a month, seeing lots of good friends, staying cozy in the loft with the Christmas tree, candles, playing Christmas songs on the piano and having crackling fires in the fireplace, but I am freezing, sick of being stuck inside with a very active toddler and ready to see the sun. Bring it.

Dwight Schrute > Holiday Light Show

2011-12-14T09:34:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve/Sarajevo HD 2011 from hclightshow on Vimeo.

One dramatic Manheim Steamroller Christmas song, two very different ways of experiencing them. You be the judge.

Electric Daisy Carnival Experience

2011-12-09T13:54:00.000-08:00

I finally got a chance to watch this whole movie, and loved it. Didnt realize Kaskade was in so much of it, interviewed at home with his family, documented arriving at EDC and talking to Tommy Lee and Deadmau5, filmed up on stage with thousands of balloons descending on the crowd of half a million people at LA's Coliseum, etc. It's awesome whether you like dance music or have no idea what it's all about. You can get the move On Demand, on iTunes, buy the DVD, just do it. I got to experience something similar when we were on the NYE Jet-Set Tour - 3 Cities, 1 Night with Kaskade as we rang in 2008 at our first stop in downtown LA, also an Insomniac event with a huge carnival that was completely amazing. Watching this makes me want to move to LA to get more involved in the dance scene..it's just so awesome and I love it so much. Or at least attend EDC in Vegas next June...

Kaskade at Roseland Ballroom NYC

2011-12-09T13:39:00.000-08:00

Wish I had been there but was able to get a friend of mine who lives in NYC on the list and she absolutely loved the show, which makes me happy and is almost as good as being there myself :)

Currently Making Me Chuckle:

2011-12-07T12:37:00.000-08:00

Mostly because Jeff literally has a relative who is almost exactly like this..drunkenly rambling on about random things he has somehow absorbed from pop culture, but always being more than slightly off. At Thanksgiving dinner that we hosted a couple of weeks he saw my book of Chopin on the piano and said, "ahhh, Choppin." He also recently told me Apple hasn't made computers since the 80s, and was once very confused by my brother-in-law's girlfriend at the time, who had a similar haircut to mine..he thought I had somehow multiplied and when he realized I hadn't and that she was another actual person he said "PPPPPardon Me." After a very sweet toast my father-in-law gave at his wedding, he also stood up, bowed and said "Touche." I could go on..there are too many hilarious stories to mention but this clip is prettymuch what it's like to have dinner with him.

Kinda gross but hilar.

Everything Kristen Wiig does is amazing. Was funny to watch this the day after I finally saw "Bridesmaids," which is one of my favorite movies ever. I laughed my arse off, and cried my eyes out just thinking back on my wedding festivites and how lucky I am to have such amazing ladies in my life who made every part of my wedding from engagement to the big day so special, without any drama at all. And I've met even more fabulous ladies since then and really love them all. Kristen is really pretty and a great actress..funny to see how different she looks in the movie vs as one of the crazy and hilarious characters in horrible outfits she plays so well on SNL.

Ring In The New Year with Splendor & Intruige.. Mystique - Le Cirque 2012. NYE @ Epic Mpls.

2011-12-07T11:28:00.000-08:00

New Years Eve Minneapolis - MYSTIQUE 2012: Le Cirque - Promo Video from NYEMPLS on Vimeo.

Ring in 2012 With an Evening of Splendor and Intrigue

nyempls.com presents...

Mystique 2012: Le Cirque

Saturday, December 31, 2011 at Epic Event Center

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn (December 7, 2011) - This New Year’s Eve, we invite you to dance upon the dividing line between reality and fantasy. Limited only by the boundaries of your imagination, you will enter the surreal world of Mystique 2012: Le Cirque at Epic Event Center. An enchanting and colorful realm awaits where the cares and concerns of the past vanish as the beat captivates and invites. This avant-garde event will celebrate the grace and dexterity of the human form through awe inspiring performances as revelers are drawn to the dance floor in celebration of the New Year to come. Raise your glass in communion with your neighbor as you admire the fluid movements and poetic beauty of le cirque.

Death defying acts of dexterity set against the backdrop of splendor and intrigue define this year’s event. Year after year, this 21+ New Year’s bash - from the producers of last year’s well received masquerade ball “A Masked Affair” - has proven itself to be the premier New Year’s Eve party in Minneapolis. Guests will enjoy an over-the-top fashion show produced by Ignite Models, featuring looks from CostumeRentals, a combined project of the Guthrie Theater and The Children's Theatre Company. Runway looks will be styled by Secrets Fashion Agency with hair and make-up provided by Rocco Altobelli Salon and Day Spas. Host for the evening will be style writer and fashionista Joan Erakit, creator of the Brown Girl Files. Spectators will be amazed by the cirque performances presented throughout the evening by the world-renowned Circus Juventas and Cirque DuVolo. The event will take place at Epic Event Center, conveniently located in the heart of downtown Minneapolis, and it promises to be the most unique and exciting New Year's Eve bash in the Twin Cities.

Doors for this event will open at 8:00 for VIP guests, who will enjoy a complimentary array of tempting hors d’ oeuvres provided by select area restaurants including Barrio and Lotus until 9:00 pm. Erbert & Gerbert’s La Salle location will provide delicious complimentary late night sandwiches for all guests at 12:30 am. General admission guests can start their evening at 9:00 pm and the Runway Show will begin promptly at 10:00 pm.

Advance tickets are currently $30 for GA and $50 for VIP, with prices going up after Christmas. There are limited VIP booth bottle service packages available by calling 612.968.6636. Tickets are available online at http://www.nyempls.com//, or in person at Drama (4946 France Ave S, Edina), Rocco Altobelli (IDS Location only) and Atmosfere (1426 W Lake St, Uptown).

DJs for the evening include Benjamin Michaels, Stretch, Timmay and Tink on the main stage playing a mix of Top 40, dance and funk. Big Mama J, Patrick James, Bryan Gerrard and Matt Esse will spin a mix of soul, dance and deep house in the reSOULution Lounge and will keep guests dancing all night long.

Epic Event Center is located at 110 North Fifth Street, Minneapolis, MN. For general questions about the event and/or venue, please call 612.332.3742. For more information and pictures from our 2011 event, please visit: http://www.nyempls.com/

For press inquiries, please contact: Natalie Auger, VimLab Promotions, 612.229.8522, Natalie@vimlab.com, http://www.vimlab.com/

###

Everyone Should Watch This Video.

2011-12-06T21:46:00.000-08:00

I just did, and I cried my friggin eyes out. It's the most powerful anti-bullying message I've seen. Middle school is not an easy time for anyone, but I cannot even imagine what Jonah and many kids like him around the world deal with at school every day. It's so unfair and awful, that horrible, ignorant people procreate and create children who treat others in this way..based on what they hear their parents say. I really think everyone needs to watch this video, and we need to stop this madness.

So Excited To Ring In 2012 With Kaskade @ Marquee Las Vegas!!

2011-12-06T09:02:00.000-08:00

Well, it is officially freezing in Mpls. Which means it's officially time to head to warmer temps. We are leaving for the OC a week from Friday and will be there through the new year. Since Kaskade is going to be playing an epic show at Marquee Las Vegas, we decided to enjoy a weekend of yummy food, luxurious hotels, relaxation at Qua Spa and most importantly, hang with our friends in the Kaskade crew to ring in NYE with him just like we did on the NYE Jet-Set Tour 3 Cities, 1 Night back in 2008. Cannot.Wait.

Very Well Said, Zach.

2011-12-02T08:39:00.001-08:00

Eatin Good In The Neighborhood

2011-11-29T09:19:00.000-08:00

It's always fun to have family or friends in town so we can take them to our favorite restaurants, and luckily we don't even have to leave our neighborhood for really amazing meals. Wednesday night we walked down to Haute Dish, where I had a delish beet salad and cheeseburger and shared some of Jefe's King Crab mac-n-cheese. My mom and sister both had the pumpkin stew that was served in actual pumpkins.

Friday was surprisingly warm and we took advantage of the nice weather by walking down to Nicolett Mall to catch the Hollidazzle Parade, which Gus was literally dazzled by. Then my parents had some friends over to our loft for dinner and Jeff and I took my sibs out for drinks at Chambers, margaritas and yummy Mexican tapas at Barrio and a sangria at Solera before walking home through Target Field to show them the plaza. They loved it all.

Saturday we hit the new gastropub Pat's Tap in South Mpls for burgers, beer, pool and skee ball - a winning combo. That night my parents and sister returned to warmer temps in The OC and Jeff's parents watched Gus so we could hang w my bro. We saw "The Descendants" at theWest End which I was dying to see since I LOVED the book and can't get enough of Mr. Clooney. It was fantastic, highly recommend the book and movie. It was freezing out but we braved the parking ramp and piled in our "new", family friendly '99 Range Rover that I am kind of loving, parked it at home and walked across the street for some late night pasta and vino at Bar La Grassa, which is really the perfect way to end a night. And we laughed off a few of the calories with SNL, it was pretty hilarious this week.

Sunday we picked up our tree, which fit much better on the Range Rover than the Beetle convertible or Golf that our last 10 trees have hosted, to much laughter from the tree lot guys. Getting the tree and loft all decorated and gearing up for the holidaze, 2 weeks of which will be spent in The OC, which I am very much looking forward to as it is about 60 degrees warmer there than MN.

Gobble Gobble

2011-11-29T08:12:00.000-08:00

Hope everyone had a relaxing and delicious Thanksgiving. We wound up hosting Thanksgiving dinner for 17 people - my mom, dad, sister and brother in from SoCal and an assortment of Jeff's family from around the Twin Cities. I am about the opposite of Martha Stewart, but fortunately my sister loves to cook, so she and my mom took over the kitchen to whip up a gourmet feast while I mostly focused on the wine and decor. It was a lot of work but wound up being a yummy, cozy night filled with family, good food and lots of thanks.

Christine Rosholt + Kevin Hall's "PAZZ" CD Release Party: Thursday, December 1st @ Dakota Jazz Club

2011-11-16T14:02:00.000-08:00

“PAZZ” CD Release and Live Concert To Feature

Christine Rosholt & Kevin Hall

Thursday, December 1st @ Dakota Jazz Club

Intimate Evening To Celebrate 20 Top Minnesota Musicians,

Transatlantic UK/Minnesota Collaboration of Pop and Jazz, Or “Pazz”

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn (November 14, 2011) – Acclaimed Minneapolis jazz vocalist Christine Rosholt and British songwriter Kevin Hall will celebrate the release of their transatlantic collaboration, “Pazz,” with a live performance at the Dakota Jazz Club on Thursday, December 1st.

Christine and Kevin will be joined on stage throughout the evening by 18 of the most talented musicians in Minnesota including Hornheads, J.D. Steele, Dave Jensen, Graydon Peterson, Mac Santiago, Vince Hyman, Zacc Harris, Vinnie Rose, Jason Craft, Randy Sabien, Katie Gearty, Rachel Holder, Sophia Shorai, Lucia Newell and Miles Hanson.

Each of these musicians contributed to “Pazz,” – an album of 12 original songs that’s been three years in themaking after a chance encounter at the Dakota. In the spring of 2008, UK based songwriter Kevin Hall was visiting family in the Twin Cities and fortuitously happened upon one of Christine’s shows after seeing an ad for the Dakota in a local paper. He was blown away by her electrifying performance, and knew he had found the perfect vocalist for several original songs he was working on back in the UK. Christine, who has spent much of her career enchanting audiences with smoky renditions of jazz standards, was up for the challenge to try something new. Together, they combined elements of pop and jazz to create the cross cultural sound and album they call “Pazz.”

"Over the last three years Minneapolis has become my creative spiritual home and working with Christine and all the musicians on “Pazz” was a great honour and joy. What originally started as a three track EP has turned into a celebration in the best of Minnesotan musicians. Christine and I are definitely the yin and yang, we come from different musical worlds which has made the whole experience even more rewarding. This concert for me is one way to give something back and celebrate the art of making music together. I have found everybody to be so welcoming, I hope that our songs are a fitting tribute to the city and people of Minneapolis," said Kevin Hall.

The “Pazz” Release Party and Live Concert on December 1st will mark the first time the album is performed in public, in its entirety – back where it all began – Dakota Jazz Club. Tickets are $15, available in advance at: http://dakotacooks.com/. The show will begin at 7:00 pm. Dakota Jazz Club is located at 1010 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55403. (612) 332-1010. “Pazz” will be available for purchase at the release party.

Christine Rosholt was described by renowned jazz critic Scott Yanow as having "a subtle but powerful voice, one that sneaks up on the listener and makes a surprisingly strong impression." That impression is enhanced by a background in theater that is reflected in Christine's ability to take the listener by the ear and pull him or her onto the stage to become part of the music, part of the story. Focusing on jazz singing for the past nine years, Christine has performed at many local venues, festivals, fund raisers and corporate events plus many shows all over the Midwest. She has performed regularly at The Dakota Jazz Club in Minneapolis has been the featured vocalist with Beasley's Big Band for 6 years. She has appeared on Twin Cities Public Televisions MN Original and Almanac. She recently presented "Jazz Meets the Bard" at the Jungle Theater. Other theaters include the The Ordway, Orchestra Hall and the Pantages. For more on Christine Rosholt, please visit: http://www.christinerosholt.net/

Kevin Hall is from the UK and resides in the English Country Garden about 50 km north of London. Michael Parkinson described him as 'Rock n Roll in a corporate suit' as he is the bandleader for the leading UK corporate covers band Vice Versa. The band appear internationally from Royal Ascot, Athens, Reykjavik and more recently performances in Moscow and Dubai. His first collection of original songs "Songbook" was released in 2008 and a second collection "Catholic Tales" is due for release in 2012. Adrian Maddox and Kevin affectionately known as 'Bernie and Elton' and never write a song in the same room! Adrian emails the lyric, Kevin puts the music together and emails the song. Recently Kevin fulfilled a teenage dream by performing 'True' backing Spandau Ballet's Tony Hadley. For more information on Kevin Hall, please visit http://www.viceversamusic.com/ and http://www.kevinhall.biz/

For press inquiries, please contact Natalie Auger, VimLab Promotions, 612.229.8522, Natalie@vimlab.com.

###

Where You Need To Be This New Year's Eve:

2011-11-16T11:31:00.000-08:00

Ring in 2012 With an Evening of Splendor and Intrigue

nyempls.com presents

Mystique 2012: Le Cirque

Saturday, December 31, 2011 at Epic Event Center

This New Year’s Eve, we invite you to dance upon the dividing line between reality and fantasy. Limited only by the boundaries of your imagination, you will enter the surreal world of Mystique 2012: Le Cirque at Epic Event Center. An enchanting and colorful realm awaits where the cares and concerns of the past vanish as the beat captivates and invites. This avant-garde event will celebrate the grace and dexterity of the human form through awe inspiring performances as revelers are drawn to the dance floor in celebration of the New Year to come. Raise your glass in communion with your neighbor as you admire the fluid movements and poetic beauty of le cirque.

Death defying acts of dexterity set against the backdrop of splendor and intrigue define this year’s event. Year after year, this 21+ event has proven itself to be the premier New Year’s Eve party in Minneapolis. Guests will enjoy an over-the-top fashion show produced by Ignite Models, featuring looks from CostumeRentals, a combined project of the Guthrie Theater and The Children's Theatre Company. Runway looks will be styled by Secrets Fashion Agency with hair and make-up provided by Rocco Altobelli Salon and Day Spas. Spectators will be amazed by the cirque performances presented throughout the evening by world-renowned Circus Juventas. The event will take place at Epic Event Center, conveniently located in the heart of downtown Minneapolis, and it promises to be the most unique and exciting New Year's Eve bash in the Twin Cities.

Doors for this event will open at 8:00 for VIP guests, who will enjoy a complimentary array of tempting hors d’ oeuvres provided by select area restaurants. General admission guests can start their evening at 9:00 pm and the Runway Show will begin promptly at 10:00 pm. Advance tickets start at $25 for GA and $40 for VIP, with prices going up after Thanksgiving. There are limited VIP booth bottle service packages available by calling 612.968.6636. Tickets are available online at http://www.nyempls.com/, or in person at Drama (4946 France Ave S, Edina) and Rocco Altobelli (IDS Location only).

Epic Event Center is located at 110 North Fifth Street, Minneapolis, MN. For general questions about the event and/or venue, please call 612.332.3742. For more information and pictures from our 2011 event, please visit: http://www.nyempls.com/.

For more information on Mystique 2012: Le Cirque, please contact Natalie Auger, VimLab Promotions, 612.229.8522, Natalie@vimlab.com, http://www.vimlab.com./

Kaskade On Cover Of Today's New York Times Style Section

2011-11-10T11:44:00.000-08:00

How Ryan Raddon Became the $200,000-a-Night DJ Known as Kaskade

By MICHAEL SCHULMAN

“KASKADE is actually God,” said Ivy Daniels, 23, waiting in line at the Roseland Ballroom near Times Square at around 9 p.m. It was a few nights before Halloween, and her rave-girl costume — black tutu, kandi bracelets — was ambiguously self-referential. Was she going to a rave?

Judging from the preponderance of glow sticks, lollipops and blinking pacifiers inside, you might have mistaken it for a ’90s bacchanal. The difference was that Ms. Daniels, a sophomore at New York University, and her friend Maya Grant (dressed as Minnie Mouse) were there to see God, also known as Kaskade, a D.J. and producer who represents a new face of electronic dance music.

When he finally took the stage, four hours later, Kaskade seemed less like a deity than a benevolent overlord. Perched over a pair of digital turntables, he unleashed a fusillade of beats, to which the crowd obediently jumped in unison, their arms flung skyward. Even as he worked his audience into a willing frenzy, his expression was almost serene, as if he were midway through a morning jog.

In the mezzanine, a former bouncer named R. J. Risteen looked on. “I’ve seen Benny Benassi, LMFAO, Sharam Tayebi,” he said. “None of them knows how to use bass like this man.” Indeed, the bass (powerful enough to make your cranium shake) had induced a kind of hypnosis among the groundlings below.

The evening, called Trick or Beats, was 18 and older, with green bracelets designating the alcohol-ready. It was one of two sold-out evenings in New York heralding Kaskade’s seventh studio album, “Fire & Ice,” which came out Tuesday. The iTunes release, two weeks earlier, made its debut at No. 4 on the United States overall album chart, behind Coldplay, Kelly Clarkson and Michael Bublé.

Such an incursion might have been unthinkable only a few years ago. But Kaskade, who was voted America’s best D.J. for 2011 by D.J. Times and Pioneer D.J., is at the crest of a transformative wave of electronic music acts, alongside megastar D.J.’s like Deadmau5, who headlined Lollapalooza in August, and Skrillex, the 23-year-old dubstep wunderkind, who collaborated with Kaskade on the new track “Lick It.”

Electronic music, of course, is as old as the VCR, and its European torchbearers, including the D.J.’s David Guetta and Tiesto, have long enjoyed its mass appeal. But only recently has electronic dance music, or E.D.M. as fans call it, swept North America. Some 230,000 people flocked to this year’s Electric Daisy Carnival, the mammoth electronic-music festival. This summer, Kaskade headlined the inaugural IDentity Festival, a 20-city tour that played to tens of thousands in amphitheaters.

In a testament to their commanding new reach, D.J.’s like Kaskade can earn $200,000 or more for a single night, according to handlers and public records. “In the late ’90s and early 2000s, there was an initial explosion of E.D.M. for a quick second,” said Joel Zimmerman, who created William Morris Endeavor’s electronic-music division in 2008 and works with artists like Kaskade, Deadmau5 and Afrojack. “The thing that really flipped the script was social media. You had kids getting connected in a different way.”

Kaskade himself (let us now call him by his given name, Ryan Raddon) remembers the moment he realized that his chosen genre was no longer an underground phenomenon. It was 2009, and he was playing the main stage at the Electric Daisy Carnival, at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

“I remember looking at the sea of people: the whole football field was full,” Mr. Raddon said in an interview at his room at the London NYC, on the afternoon between his two Roseland gigs. Dressed in a hoodie and jeans, he was still groggy at 3 p.m., his ears ringing from the night before. “I just knew this was the beginning of something. There’s no music act that can do this right now — U2, Coldplay. Nobody’s going to put this amount of people into an arena right now.”

MR. RADDON, who turned 40 in February, has been spinning long enough to have witnessed the transformation firsthand. “I’ve seen it cycle around a couple of times now,” he said, recalling the almost-heyday of the mid-’90s. He attributes the revival to a couple of factors, among them hip-hop fatigue and the ascent of Lady Gaga.

But he’s still adjusting to the leap from 300-person rooms to 3,000-person monthly blowouts at Marquee in Las Vegas, where he is a resident D.J. “I don’t think that anyone who’s been involved with it could have expected this,” he said.

A recreational snowboarder with a soul patch, Mr. Raddon has an easygoing manner at odds with his high-octane output. His new double album embraces the schism. “Fire” consists of 10 up-tempo dance tracks. On “Ice,” he remixes the same tracks as sedate wind-down music: what you might listen to, he suggested, while driving home post-gig, sweaty and elated.

But Mr. Raddon’s duality runs deeper than that. The kids at Roseland may be surprised to learn that their beatmaster is the father of three small children. And that he doesn’t drink. And that he’s a devout Mormon who still goes to church in San Clemente, Calif., and counts choir practice among his music influences. “We had this performance of ‘Carmina Burana’ that was very spiritual for me,” he recalled.

He grew up in Northbrook, Ill., a suburb of Chicago, and before he could drive he was soaking in the city’s growing house-music scene. “I had to be home within 30 minutes of it ending,” he recalled. “We’d go to the club and then hang out a little bit afterwards at Dunkin Donuts.”

In 1989, hoping to meet other Mormons his age, Mr. Raddon enrolled at Brigham Young University. But his love of club music (he had a turntable and a crate of vinyl in his dorm) set him apart. “Everyone was like, ‘Who is this weird kid from Chicago?,’ ” he said.

At 19, he went to Japan as a Mormon missionary and two years later transferred to the University of Utah (his grades at B.Y.U. weren’t so hot), where he soon met his wife, Naomi, a fellow snowboarder. In Salt Lake City, he ran a record store called Mechanized. Not long after, in 1995, he started D.J.-ing his first weekly party, Monday nights at a basement venue called Club Manhattan. He used his earnings to buy studio gear.

Mr. Raddon longed to move to New York, where he had worked briefly as a Japanese tour guide. But Naomi wanted to return to the Bay Area, where her family lived, so the couple moved to San Francisco, and Mr. Raddon got a job at OM Records, a house and electronica label. The move was auspicious: San Francisco was the site of a new deep-house movement, led by artists like Miguel Migs.

In San Francisco, Mr. Raddon began experimenting with his own sound, which has been praised for its rich, emotive melodies. In 2003, OM released his debut album, “It’s You, It’s Me.” He got the name Kaskade from looking at a nature book. (His wife worried that it would remind people of dish detergent.)

Despite his decades-long immersion in the club scene, Mr. Raddon said he has never had a drink, to say nothing of drugs. All that had fueled him at Roseland the night before was caffeine and adrenaline. “I had some caramel corn and a Diet Coke before I went on,” he said.

That certainly wasn’t the case for his audience, many of whom were enjoying a less-than-natural brand of euphoria. Mr. Raddon didn’t see this as a contradiction. “I’m not promoting drugs or anything,” he said. “Club culture is about leaving your cares behind, and I am trying to create that environment. I honestly don’t think you need to be high to enjoy that.”

But he’s not blind. “Are people taking drugs? Yes. I’m not naïve,” he added. “I know that there are people out there who are high. Yeah, I wish they wouldn’t do that. You can still enjoy this performance and have a great experience sober.”

The subject has even come up in the pews. “I get asked this from other Mormons,” he said. “ ‘Dude, you’re promoting that lifestyle and that culture.’ And I’m like ‘No, man, I’m not. Listen to my music.’ ”

Substances aside, his music’s power to whip crowds into a rhythmic frenzy is undeniable. In July, Mr. Raddon sent a single Twitter message to his 92,000 followers, “Me+Big Speakers+Music=Block Party!!!” The plan was to roll up in front of Grauman’s Chinese Theater on an amped-up flatbed truck and play an impromptu set, for the premiere of “Electric Daisy Carnival Experience,” a documentary about the festival.

Mr. Raddon was expecting maybe a few hundred fans. Thousands showed up, overwhelming the permitted area. The police shut Hollywood Boulevard, forcing the Kaskademobile to turn onto Highland Avenue. Fans ran after it, flooding the street as commuters looked on, enraged.

When police in riot gear asked the would-be ravers to disperse, several rebelled, throwing bottles, jumping on police cars and smashing windshields. One group lay down and “planked” in protest. “A marvelous stunt that went terribly wrong,” one club manager said.

“Looking back, maybe I overhyped it a little bit,” Mr. Raddon said contritely. He seemed taken aback that a simple tweet could produce such pandemonium. “I mean, honestly, how was I supposed to know?”

BUT it’s easy to see how the “fire” of electronic dance parties can overpower the “ice.” Electric Daisy Carnival has seen the deaths of two teenagers in as many years, tragedies that seem almost statistically inevitable, given the numbers. No matter how clean an example Mr. Raddon sets, his talent for provoking Dionysian hysteria can plainly backfire, especially when the goal is to “lose yourself.”

The industry has worked to dispel the image of E.D.M. shows as hazardous. “There are very similar problems at a dance-music festival as there are at a music festival for rock ’n’ roll or hip-hop,” said Pasquale Rotella, the founder of Insomniac, which produces Electric Daisy Carnival. “The stigma comes from the underground days.”

Mr. Raddon pointed to the evolution of the music itself. As the technology has improved, he said, E.D.M. has become more layered and is now sophisticated enough that listeners don’t need to enhance their appreciation with chemicals.

“I think that’s part of the popularization of the genre,” Mr. Raddon said. “Ten years ago, we tried to take the brownies out too early. It’s been in the oven. It’s cooked long enough. It’s ready now.”

Girl Crush: Skylar Grey

2011-11-10T11:26:00.000-08:00

Skylar Grey has been a part of three of my favorite songs recently - she collaborated with Kaskade on the incredible track, "Room For Happiness," sang on Diddy Dirty Money's "I'm Coming Home," and wrote the song "Love The Way You Lie," for herself..but when Rihanna heard it, wanted it on her album. Although I do like the one with Eminiem and RiRi, Skylar's voice is amazing and I am really liking her version. Love this girl's voice..she's definitely going places.

About A Week Late (For Me To Post) But Amazing Nonetheless..

2011-11-09T11:21:00.000-08:00

How To Find A Masculine Halloween Costume For Your Effeminate Son

Kaskade Kraziness @ Noctural Wonderland

2011-11-09T11:14:00.001-08:00

So much fun to see my friend getting so huge and seeing people sporting clothes with lyrics from his songs..he's such a rock star.

This Guy Took A Road Trip Around America..So You Don't Have To.

2011-11-09T10:16:00.000-08:00

Actually he wanted to inspire people to take road trips with this video and I'm all for traveling of any sort, as you know. This video is pretty cool, but I don't think I'll ever take a road trip all the way around America. I like to do it in little chunks. Like fly to SF, stay in the Russian River wine tasting for a weekend with friends, drive to Mendocino and stay overnight, drive a few hours through the majesitc redwoods stopping for hikes along the way, find a cute but strange B&B in the freaky town of Ferndale and hunker down with some vino, then drive to Ashland, OR and enjoy the foliage in Lithia Park, drink some Willamette Valley Pinot Noirs, get a massage, eat some delicious locally grown Oregon cuisine, nosh on some Oregon chocolate, then head back to SF. I did that one..if you like beautiful places, and good wine, I highly recommend it. Or another sort of road trip we took involved a ridiculous amount of good food, wine, massages and hikes and taking the Amtrack from Portland to Seattle to Vancouver. Gorgeous, and no rental car needed. I like to see America, but only the best parts, and in delicious, lovely little chunks. Next on my list - New England in the fall with lots of lahbstah in Bah Hahbah, Maine.

Don't Miss Morgan Page This Saturday, Nov 12th @ The Lounge Mpls

2011-11-08T08:54:00.000-08:00

Morgan Page - In The Air 073 by morganpage

Loving this (free) mix by Morgan Page..he's one of my favorite DJs, especially for workout mixes. Kind of bummed I will miss him at The Lounge this Saturday since we will be in SF and will be celebrating our 7-year anniversary Sunday night back where it all began..guess I'll have to catch him in SF or LA one of these days. But if you're in Mpls this Sat, I highly recommend checking out this show. Details here.

Weekend Highlights:

2011-11-08T08:34:00.000-08:00

1. Having El Jefe home from SF after being there for 2 weeks. Lil' G and I missed him like crazy..happy we don't have to be apart for long again any time soon.

2. Attending House Proud v3 at Honey with some of my favorite DJ/Househead friends Friday night while Jefe chilled at home with G. The place was packed, drinks were flowing and deep house beats by Bryan Gerrard, James Matthews and Eric Arcilla (Brownie) kept me dancing the entire night. So much fun to run into friends I hadn't seen in a while. Love my headz.

3. Saturday afternoon that included lunch in St. Paul with a friend who is most likely selling us his '99 Range Rover. I never really thought I'd drive an SUV but having a kid kind of changed all that. I spent enough time stuffing a stroller in the front seat of my Beetle convertible, groceries into a teense trunk and sliding around on icy/snowy roads to realize we need something a bit larger..and this one is large, in charge and luxurious. I love driving it..we are testing it out this week and will decide if we want to buy it..but I'm leaning toward hellz to the yes.

4. Late afternoon cocktails at our friends house in Shoreview that is currently getting a major renovation that will be ridiculously sweet when finished. We hadn't seen these friends in a while and it turned in to a late night hang sesh..but we had another friend coming over for even later night vino so had to get home. Love seeing our favorite peeps.

5. Relaxing Sunday that included a visit to Jeff's parents, family swim at the CBC followed by steam room/hot tub and catching up on "Dexter," "Hung," "How To Make It In America," etc, all of which I am loving in their current seasons.

6. Getting ready for a week.5 of fun with friends in SF and Marin, then coming back home to host Thanksgiving for both our families at our loft (for the first time ever) and prepping for the holidays which are approaching too quickly this year. Time flies when you're having fun.

Kristen Wiig as Kris Kardashian = Pure Genius

2011-11-07T10:58:00.000-08:00

In case you missed it..this sketch prettymuch sums it up. Love Andy Samberg as MN's own Kris Humphries who signs the marriage certif with an X, and of course Kristen Wiig as egomaniacal, insane momager/plastic surgery whore/pimp for her own children Kris K is sadly spot on. So sick of this story being headline news, and being bombarded with ridiculous excuses from Kim about this whole disaster that is being taped for their "reality" show. I'm not sure how you can say you know you should have called off your wedding but got swept up and also "married for love." That is what I like to call a Kontradiction. I think these people are really sick and cannot tell the difference between reality and the E! network anymore. I used to watch E! but don't now due to the fact that Ryan Seacrest and the Kardashians have taken it over, and I hate them all. Kim came to "yeehaw Minnesota" over the weekend to talk to her ex-husby face to face instead of through tabloids and legal documents..how sweet. Hopefully that's the last time she'll be in the vicinity.

I did read this interesting article on CNN about Jason Moore, the guy who branded Paris Hilton as her manager for 10 years, and made her famous for being famous. Her association with Paris, in addition to her huge ass and sex tape is really the reason anyone knows who Kim K is. If her famewhore family wasn't so awful, they'd still just be known as the family of OJ Simpson's defense attorney..which really should have told us all we needed to know about them.

Autumn Love

2011-11-07T10:37:00.000-08:00

Fall is my favorite season. Since we don't really have seasons in SoCal or NoCal, I'm always quite appreciative of the changing colors. I was a little nervy when we came home in mid-October to lots of wind blowing green leaves off the trees..but it's turned in to a gorgeous late fall, and Baby G and I have been hopping all over, peeping, crunching in and collecting pretty leaves. Loves.

Apparently Rural MN/WI Is The Place For Hot Music Nerds To Create Music For Hipsters..

2011-11-02T13:22:00.000-07:00

First we had Adam Young aka Owl City creating pop eletronica in Owatonna, MN, then Justin Vernon aka Bon Iver creating his unique but addicting layered, folky eletronica in northwestern WI and now there's John Maus, who lives in a rented ranch house next to a cow pasture two and a half hours south of Minneapolis, according to this article I just read in Sunday's NYT Magazine. He creates a fantasia of 1980s synth-pop and his live shows are basically him doing karaoke to his music. Not so sure about Maus yet but I do like the random video above. I cannot stop listening to Bon Iver's latest album..every morning it's the perfect mix for coffee, breakfast and playtime with Baby G. And Owl City's music is undeniably catchy and addicting even if it sounds a lot like the Postal Service..plus he created it in his parents basement in Owatonna. I don't know where that is exactly, but it sounds small. So, if you are a hot-in-your-own-way music nerd, come to MN/WI, live in a rural cabin for a while and you might just create a pretty cool album that hipsters on both coasts will eat up.

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T13:59:00.000-07:00

There's Still Time To Make Your "Newly Single Kim Kardashian" Halloween Costume..

2011-10-31T10:41:00.000-07:00

In news that will surprise no one, after just 72 days of being married, Kimmy K and Kris H are dunzo. Guess we will not be seeing her huge arse weighing down jet skis on Minnetonka next summer. Nice waste of $10 million for a ridiculous wedding/E! Special/publicity stunt. I hate all the Kardashians. Can they please just go away??

A Lip-Syncing You Tube Sensation Right Here In The Twin Cities

2011-10-28T08:26:00.000-07:00

I happened to catch a glimpse of this little guy on the news when I was at the gym the other day and just checked it out..apparently Keenan Cahill lives in the Twin Cities and has been treated for his rare condition at the Mayo Clinic but is now traveling the world and meeting up with Perez, Tyra, the cast of Glee and all sorts of celebs, doing what he loves - making people laugh. Kinda cool.
"It started innocently enough, with a boy hamming it up in front of a computer webcam.

He was doing what teens often do when they stand in front of mirrors: Lip-syncing to a popular song, acting goofy, being himself, as if the world wasn't watching.

Except, in this case, the world was watching when Keenan Cahill -- then an impish 13-year-old with a knack for oddball humor -- started posting videos of himself on YouTube.

First, there were hundreds of hits, then thousands, then millions. And an Internet sensation was born.

"Keenan, what have you done?" his mom asked when a late-night talk show called and wanted to air one of his lip-syncing videos. She wasn't sure whether to be amused or horrified.

What if people made fun of her son, who has a rare genetic disease that has stunted his growth? What if he'd opened the door to something too big to handle?

For Keenan, though, this was the adventure he'd been waiting for. This was freedom for a young man whose life had, so far, mainly consisted of spending time at hospitals, when he wasn't going to school or hanging out in his room.

For him, a vacation was going to Minnesota to a children's hospital, where he's had several surgeries on his legs and hips.

Now he gets to travel to places like the Bahamas and France, Los Angeles and Las Vegas. Fans crowd around him as if he were a rock star, their cell phones extended to capture photos and video.

Perhaps most surprising are the celebrities and their representatives who contact him regularly. They want a piece of him, to be seen with him, shoot a video with him, to drink whatever potion there is that equates to online clicks, a new measurement of star power.

And it IS a power, at least right now.

"I finally got somewhere, out of all the people," says Keenan, who's now 16. "I used to pray to God. It's like a switch-back now. I say `Thank you' instead of, `Can you please get me there?"'

Whether this newfound fame can last, in an age when online buzz can skyrocket in a matter of hours and fall just as quickly, remains to be seen.

When Keenan was born in 1995, there was little to indicate that anything was wrong. His parents had noticed that his kneecaps were large, but didn't think much about it. Then one day, at 6 months of age, his mom remembers Keenan's face looking puffy, as he sat in his high chair for a feeding.

"Honey, are you OK?" she said aloud.

By age 1, Keenan had fallen off the growth charts. He didn't walk until he was 18 months old and had unusual fits of vomiting that worried his parents.

They took him to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota where he underwent several tests. Doctors also sent a skin graft to a lab in Australia for testing. That led them to determine that Keenan had a severe form of an extremely rare disorder called Maroteaux-Lamy Syndrome, also known as MPS, type 6.

People who have the disease are unable to break down complex sugars called mucopolysaccharides, which accumulate in connective tissue and organs throughout the body. Fewer than 1,100 of people worldwide have the disease, which leads to severe disability and a shortened life span in most cases.

Doctors told Keenan's parents that their son would likely be in a wheelchair by the end of his teenage years if he was not treated. His growth would be extremely hampered, though with this particular type of MPS, there would be no cognitive impairment.

And if he didn't have a bone marrow transplant early on, he could have died sooner. So in 1997, at age 2, Keenan had that transplant -- the first of several procedures and surgeries he has undergone in his young life.

"It was the worst time in my life," his mom, Erin O'Brien-Cahill, recalls.

After the transplant, Keenan stayed at the hospital for four months and, for a year, couldn't play with other children or be around other people much to avoid exposing him to illness. His mom had to quit her job as a mortgage underwriter to stay in Minnesota with him. His dad, an electrician, got a job at the University of Minnesota so that he could be with them, too.

Family photos of Keenan show a little boy whose shocks of red hair fell out and eventually came back dark brown as a result of treatments related to the transplant. Over the years, he would grow to his current height of 4-foot-1.

But although he looked different from his peers, he always felt like a regular kid and thrived on making people laugh.

Some have compared Keenan to Gary Coleman, the late actor whose growth was stunted by a kidney disease. But when he's out in public, people most often stop to tell him that he looks like the young spectacle-wearing actor from the movie "Jerry Maguire."

Keenan also wears thick glasses that often drop down to the end of his nose. But it's his smile, sometimes cheesy, sometimes sincere, and his expressive face that draw people in.

The attention made Keenan think about an acting career for himself, gave him something to shoot for.

"I always wanted to be on camera," he says.

His mom, wanting to give her son something positive to focus on, took him to talent agencies in the Chicago area. He auditioned a few times, but nothing ever came of it.

"Getting noticed is one in a million," his mom says. "We thought the chances of him achieving his dream were gone."

Then he got a desktop computer with a webcam for his 13th birthday, and a window opened."

- via Fox News

Halloween at Ho's @ Smalley's 87 This Saturday, 10.29

2011-10-27T23:07:00.000-07:00

We have dressed up to celebrate Halloween with Ho and Friends for the last several years and it is literally one of the highlights of the entire year. Definitely of the Halloween season..we've gone as Todd Palin and miss Anchorage, Bun in the Oven and The Bun Maker when I actually had a little Goose bun in the oven, a flapper and ...you'll have to wait til Saturday to see. Way too much fun, with ridiculously awesome friends all dressed up in their hilarious, creative costumes. Add a good venue, music that makes you want to shake it, cheap drinks, food at midnight and it's a party. If you're looking for a superb Halloween party, check out the details below and we'll see you Saturday..although I'll be incognito in a pretty amazing outfit that I'm quite excited about. A few photos of Liz Taylor, Coops & Elmo, Katy Perry & a Flapper and Katy Perry and a Match profile from last year are above but don't do this party justice..it's seriously the best.

"Saturday night is going to be a BLOW-OUT!! Get there early to enjoy $3 Tall Boys and $3 Spooky Jaeger Bombs...AND if you want to have a shot at a nomination for the costume contest (Best Costume, Best Group & Most Scandalous...with prizes, trophies and medals) you've got to be there by 9.

Doors open at 8, the party will be rockin' by 9 and as usual we will have a photo booth, food buffet, a jammin' dance party with our DJ from A Good Flow and lots and lots of drunk people in awesome costumes!

I've had a few people ask if we still have room for last minute additions to the guest list and we do, but they need to get in ASAP. Have them paypal me the $19 cover at andrewthorton@yahoo.com. If it's after noon on Friday call/text me and we'll get it worked out as the PayPal will be closed.

See you Saturday at Smalley's!!
-Ho"

Smalley's 87 Club

100 N 6th Street
Minneapolis, Minnesota

Something On MTV That Doesn't Involve Dysfunctional Pregnant Teenies & Embarrassing Orange Guidos??

2011-10-25T14:25:00.000-07:00

Get More: Kaskade, Music, More Music Videos

I normally just completely avoid MTV for the reasons stated above as I couldn't care less about the teens or the guidos or the hasbeens who were on Real World in 1996 who are still trying to have careers as "reality stars" by living with other hasbeens who never were and competing in useless "challenges."

But it appears that yep, they finally got something right and put an actual video I like on their website. For a really good song. By my friend Kaskade. And it's awesome. Get his new album "Fire & Ice" on iTunes as soon as possible..it's seriously addicting. I have not listened to anything else since purchasing it yesterday morning.

Thank You, Francis Ford.

2011-10-25T14:14:00.000-07:00

Also during our September adventures in the Bay Area, I happened to take Gus over to my friend Asha's house for a playdate in SF and our friend Lindsey who used to live in Mpls but now lives in SF told me about the public pools at the new Coppola winery in the Alexander Valley and said she was planning to go the following day. The weather was supposed to be perfect and we didn't have plans, so we joined Lindsey, another ex-Mpls-pat friend Janelle, Asha and her cute little guy Jax who's a couple months older than Gus for a day of swimming, wine drinking and pizza eating by the pool. It's genius really. Francis Ford says on their website that at his winery in Napa, kids were always trying to climb in the fountain, so he decided to build a pool that's open to the public, for the kids. $15 gets you in for a day at the pool, including a comfy lounge chair, towel and use of the bocce courts and pool. Pretty sweet deal. And you're in a gorgeous setting, surrounded by vineyards and the actual winery right inside. They're open Fri-Sun from April - October and I highly recommend if you're in the area.

A Fabulous Day on Tomales Bay.

2011-10-25T12:17:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago during our September adventure in the Bay Area, we joined some good friends for a day on Tomales Bay spent eating fresh oysters we grilled and shucked right there, vino and a fabulous spread of cheeses, salads, dips, sides and bread we all brought. The kids played down in the sand and we enjoyed good food, conversation and music in a beautiful place. It was one of those days that when you live in the Bay Area make the high cost of living, traffic and assorted annoyances all worth it. Because you live there and can go there whenever you want..although for some reason we never did this when we did live in SF. For us it was just a great addition to our time out there, and I will definitely bring more friends to feast on oysters when we're back out there this winter.

Kind Of Amazing.

2011-10-24T11:33:00.000-07:00

I heart Zach G.

Weekend Highlights:

2011-10-24T09:37:00.000-07:00

1. Much needed haircuts for Gus and me Friday morning at Brian Graham salon. Love my stylist Trish, who is now the stylist for several of my lady friends who all love her as well. And she's great with Gus, who literally sat in his stroller, read his book and watched me get my haircut until it was his turn, when he just looked in the mirror and watched her cut his hair while wearing his little cape. Kind of amazing for an 18-month-old. He's the best.

2. Grabbed my first pumpkin spiced latte of the season at Dunn Bros and walked Gus to the playground in our neighborhood on a lovely autumn morning post haircut.

3. Several hours Friday afternoon spent at Ivy Spa Club thanks to my ridiculously generous and amazing hubby el Jefe who booked me an 80 minute deep tissue massage with Bobby, my favorite masseuse there. It was pure bliss, and I highly enjoyed the 2 hours of hopping from the steam room, sauna, hot tub and relaxation room post massage. Then it was time to get gussied up for dinner in some of the new duds I bought on my actual birthday and walk across the street to Ba La Grassa for a yummy dinner with some of our favorite friends. I had wanted to meet up with friends at Marvel Bar but realized last week when I went there that it is not very big and gets really packed, so we met up with more friends across the street at Club Jager. Nice to have an amazing birthday celebration without ever leaving my block.

4. Sleeping in and having time to chill Saturday morning/afternoon with a mimo and my current highly addictive bookclub book "Freedom" while Jefe went to grab Gus from his parents in White Bear Lake. Always nice.

5. Late afternoon pizza and salad with our besties E & D and their adorable little girls who were getting ready for a Halloween celebration in their Captain Hook and Tinkerbell outfits, which were hilarious. Gus is going to join them on Halloween for a little trick-or-treating..looking forward to it.

6. A last minute decision to attend the Surge: Drop of Gold benefit at the Minikahda club once I realized I had about 10 friends going and it was for a great cause. Jeff wanted to watch baseball and chill at home with Gus and I had not been out to a benefit in ages. The event was great and we had a fun crew all head out for pizza afterward, then hit a strange loft party into the wee hours and a lot of hilarity ensued.

7. A relaxing, rainy Sunday morning spent reading the New York Times (which we get delivered on Sundays), playing with Gus, listening to music and drinking strong black tea I picked up at the Indian market when I went to pick up dinner for the book club I hosted last week. Loving tea with milk and sugar more than coffee these days. Cheerio, mate.

8. Afternoon of hanging that turned into a nice little spaghetti dinner with our besties A & M and their kids. Gus loved playing with their toys and shoes and we wound up borrowing an adorable Halloween costume for Gus..he'll be super cozy, adorable and put Puff to shame.

9. Getting Gus to bed early and chilling out with lots of candles, a Stoli apple press and the "Real Housewives of NJ" reunion..Theresa is one of the craziest, least self aware people ever and I really don't like her, but I can't seem to get enough. Also got caught up on "Hung," "Dexter," "How To Make It In America," and the new show "Enlightened," which is really good.

10. Buying and listening to Kaskade's new album "Fire & Ice" on repeat. So good!

Kaskade's "Fire & Ice" Available on iTunes Today

2011-10-24T08:40:00.000-07:00

Kaskade (feat. Quadron) - Waste Love [PREVIEW] by Kaskade

We highly recommend going to iTunes, downloading immediately and listening to this album on repeat. Sooooooooo good. I am loving this track with the Neon Trees..Kaskade told us he was working with them back in January as he sped us back to Laguna Beach from a lovely afternoon at his house and if this song isn't a hit then I don't know what is. Every track on the album has a Fire Mix and an Ice Mix, which is really cool. It really has something for everyone - from funky deep house (with Quadron) to electronica with a little dubstep thrown in (with Skrillex), which must be why it is currently sitting at #5 on the overall iTunes chart right between Adele and Toby Keith. Loves it.

Excuse Me, I Ordered The Large Slipper? Hello!

2011-10-19T22:22:00.000-07:00

Tom Boddingham is the proud owner of a brand new monster’s paw-shaped bed. One problem, though: He ordered a slipper.
Boddingham says the Chinese company that manufactures the slipper missed the decimal point in his custom order: He wanted a size 14.5 left, but got a size 1,450 instead.

“It was sent directly from Hong Kong and measures 210 x 130 x 65cms – the same length as a grizzly bear or a family car,” the 27-year-old from Ilford, East London, is quoted as saying. “I reckon I must be the owner of the biggest slipper in the world.”

The company has since apologized to Boddingham, and promised to send him a replacement slipper. Asked why the request for a XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXL monster’s paw didn’t raise any flags, a spokesman said the employees thought it was meant as a prop for a window display.

Kaskade's New Album "Fire & Ice" Available on iTunes Tues, Oct 25th

2011-10-18T21:24:00.000-07:00

..and it's gonna be huge. I'm already addicted to "Eyes" and "Turn It Down" and got to see him perform both those songs in Vegas to throngs of screaming fans. Also loving all the new tracks as well, especially his collaboration with Neon Trees. Pre-order or wait til next week, just buy it.

Home Sweet Home.

2011-10-14T14:40:00.000-07:00

After almost 6 fun-filled weeks in Cali, which included a fab adventure to the pools at Coppola winery, an oyster feast on Tomales Bay and much more that I'll blog about soon, we are finally back home in Minneapolis and I have to say, I'm really happy to be home. The fall colors are not as pretty yet as I have seen in previous years (took the photo above last fall) with many of the trees still green and winds blowing some of the leaves off the trees before they even have a chance to change, but I am loving the crisp autumn air, smell of wood burning fires and assorted apple treats (since I've already made it out to my favorite apple orchard for apple cinnamon donuts, Ciderdoodle cookies and cinnamon ice cream. Really looking forward to the next few weeks..Jefe will be back home tomorrow for a full week after being away for 2 months, so we have a lot of friends to catch up with. We are visiting with friends all weekend, heading to Tillia for dinner, starting my week of birthday celebrations Sunday night with Jefe's parents somewhere delicious, hosting book club Monday night (we read "The Help," which I loved), celebrating my actual bday Wednesday with a spa day at Ivy Spa and yummy dinner somewhere, perhaps the recently opened Rosa Mexicana downtown, dinner with a few friends at La Grassa followed by drinks at Marvel Bar, then prepping for and attending an annual Halloween party that is one of the best around. Can't wait to see all our peeps.

Adventures on the West Coast

2011-09-28T12:36:00.000-07:00

Sorry once again for my lack of blogging as of late..we've been pretty busy enjoying the gorgeous warm weather and hopping around the entire Bay Area from Soulstice live at the Hotel Vitale to farmer's markets, Muir Woods, Pt Reyes Lighthouse, the base of the Golden Gate Bridge and parks, coffeehouses and restaurants in every cute little town in Marin from San Anselmo and Fairfax to Mill Valley and Sausalito. Busy busy..it's 89 degrees here today so we're off to cool down at Stinson Beach. Heading down to Santa Cruz this weekend, then back home for a lovely fall in MN early next week.

Kaskade Love

2011-09-14T15:02:00.000-07:00

You’re watching Eyes. See the Web's top videos on AOL Video

KASKADE'S BBC RADIO 1 ESSENTIAL MIX by Kaskade

ENVISION: Artopia Fall 2011 - This Fri, 9.16 @ Graves 601 - vitaminwater zero™ Designer Challenge Sketches

2011-09-14T14:21:00.000-07:00

vitaminwater zero™ Designer Challenge Sketches:

Sarah Holm- vitaminwater zero™ xxx

Jenny Carle- vitaminwater zero™ drive
"I was first inspired by the blood orange flavor and color. The word drive (drive needs to be lowercase) is also inspirational to me as it represents my motivation and passion for design. The material I have used is 100% wool cashmere that I have hand dyed."

Christopher Straub- vitaminwater zero™ squeezed
"It will be made with an organic cotton knit that will be printed with photo images of the skin of a lemon. The belt and clutch will be white snake skin material"

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Ignite Models Inc, V2 Nightlife, Futuretime Productions and
City Pages present..

ENVISION: Artopia Fall 2011

Friday, September 16th @ Graves 601 Hotel

A Celebration of Twin Cities Fashion. Art. Music.

Two High-Energy Envision Runway Shows
Featuring Lovely Ignite Models

Bold Fall Fashions from 13 Top Twin Cities
Designers & Boutiques

vitaminwater zero™ Designer Challenge with
Jenny Carle, Sarah Holm and
“Project Runway” star Christopher Straub

Live Painting, Art Installations
Music by Jevne (DJ + Live Bass)
Silent Auction
VIP Food and Spirit Tastings
Swanky Cocktails, Glamorous Decor and more..
To Benefit The Young Survival Coalition

                  (Minneapolis, MN - September 7, 2011) - As the leaves turn red and gold and a chill fills the air, prepare for autumn in style at ENVISION: Artopia Fall 2011, presented by Ignite Models Inc, V2 Nightlife, Futuretime Productions and City Pages. The largest celebration of fashion, art and music in the Twin Cities attended by more than a thousand fashion enthusiasts bi-annually, ENVISION: Artopia Fall 2011 will be a whimsical evening and unforgettable event. ENVISION: Artopia Fall 2011 will take place on Friday, September 16th in the 5th floor ballroom of the Graves 601 Hotel in downtown Minneapolis.

    This will be the 9th ENVISION event. Designers who will be showing their creations on the runway during the two high-impact ENVISION fashion shows this Fall include: Amanda Christine, Arwyn Birch, Caroline Hayden, Gina Marie Vintage, Kathryn V., Kelly Ver Duin and yqy by vivian and boutiques Cliché, Drama, Karma Boutique, Local Motion and OPM Boutique.

    Also, brand new to the event this year will be the vitaminwater zero™ Designer Challenge. Three talented Twin Cities designers: Jenny Carle, Sarah Holm and Project Runway alum Christopher Straub have been commissioned to each make one garment inspired by the flavors of vitaminwater zero™. Each designer was provided a minimal budget to create their designs. Their pieces will be showcased in the foyer and on the runway throughout the evening. For more on vitaminwater zero™ please visit http://www.vitaminwater.com.

    Jevne (www.djjevne.com) will spin a mix of dance beats and play live bass during the runway shows featuring gorgeous Ignite models. Creative hair stylists and make-up artists from Rocco Altobelli Salon and Day Spa will provide hair styling and make-up for the models. Wardrobe Styling will be provided by Secrets Fashion Agency.

    VIP guests will enjoy a sampling of spirits and hors d'oeuvres from fabulous Twin Cities restaurants including Barbette, Lotus, and Aji Japanese from 8:00 - 9:00 pm. At 9:00 pm, doors will open for general admission. The runway show will be in two parts – the first at 10:00 pm and the second at 11:00 p.m. There will be a silent auction and various live art elements taking place for guests to enjoy throughout the evening, including an art exhibition and a collaborative live painting created by local artists Brandon Regner, Allan Salmi and Robert Wayne in the art gallery. For more on the artists, please visit www.brandonregner.com and www.allansalmi.com.

    A portion of the proceeds from ticket sales and the silent auction will benefit The Young Survival Coalition, the only international, non-profit network of breast cancer survivors and supporters dedicated to the concerns and issues that are unique to young women and breast cancer. Through action, advocacy and awareness, the YSC seeks to educate the medical, research, breast cancer and legislative communities and to persuade them to address breast cancer in women 40 and under. The YSC also serves as a point of contact for young women living with breast cancer. For more on the Young Survival Coalition, please visit: http://www.youngsurvival.org/

    General Admission tickets will be $20 in advance and day of show before 4:00 pm, $25 after. General Admission tickets are available online at www.vitalculture.com. VIP seats will be $50 for reserved seating and include the food and wine sampling starting at 8:00 pm. SEATED VIP tickets are limited. VIP Front row seats are available for $75. Please visit www.envisionmpls.com for more information. Tickets are available online at http://www.vitalculture.com/, or in person at Cliche', Drama, Local Motion, Karma Boutique, OPM Boutique and Rocco Altobelli Salon & Day Spa (IDS Location Only)

    The Graves 601 is located at 601 1st Avenue North in downtown Minneapolis and Envision: Artopia Fall 2011 will take place in the Fifth Floor Ballroom of the hotel. For more on the Graves 601, please visit: http://www.graves601hotel.com/

    The official after-party will be on the rooftop of Crave restaurant downtown with DJ Jevne - admission is free for everyone who attends ENVISION: Artopia Fall 2011. Crave is located at 825 Hennepin Avenue in Minneapolis.

    Allison Hamzehpour and Jessica Cunningham founded Ignite Models Inc in 2006 under the premise that an agency should be as committed to its models as it is to its clients. Ignite models are carefully selected based on their unique beauty and character, their strong work ethic, and their love of the art. In return, Ignite is committed to providing each model with respectful, honest representation, and unmatched individual attention. In the same way, Ignite is committed to forming and maintaining strong relationships with clients—big or small—engaging each with the same level of care and integrity. Lastly, Ignite seeks to situate itself as an integral element of Minneapolis’ burgeoning fashion scene, working with local designers and artists to create a point of view that is uniquely Minneapolis. Please visit www.ignitemodelsinc.com for more information.

    FUTURETIME & V2 Nightlife bring new and creative ideas to the world of entertainment. Their main objective is to build on their reputation and proven track record of successful events to make Futuretime & V2 Entertainment the company to turn to for exposure in fashion and music industries. With their creative resources, industry knowledge and steadfast understanding of conceptual ideas, they bring intensity to all events ensuring success and triumph.

    For more information on ENVISION: Artopia Fall 2011, please contact Natalie Auger, VimLab Promotions, 612.229.8522, Natalie@vimlab.com, http://www.vimlab.com.

###

Can't Stop Listening To: Lovely Day, Bill Withers

2011-09-14T13:13:00.000-07:00

Saturday was the first day of our latest 3 week adventure in Marin, and we went to a fabulous 1-year-old's birthday party complete with tons of kids, a lady magician/face painter, delicious food, free flowing Chandon and lime infused vodka sodas, super fun Bay Area peeps and fellow parents who are very similar to us and our friend ELove spinning tunes. He played a couple of tracks that I knew I loved but never knew who wrote them. The next day as we were lounging at their house, ELove put on the HBO Documentary, "Still Bill" about Bill Withers who wrote and performed said tracks, "Lovely Day," and "Use Me," along with some of my other favorites including "Ain't No Sunshine When You're Gone," "Lean On Me,"Just The Two Of Us," and many more. It's one of the best documentaries I've seen..and it's almost impossible not to like Bill, who is so grounded, deep and extremely talented. Check it out.

Kaskade Craziness @ ID Festival Las Vegas

2011-09-09T17:23:00.000-07:00

After watching the You Tube videos and hearing updates from my friends about their month of traveling around the country on a tour bus, we finally got to experience ID Festival for ourselves in Vegas Monday night, at the Mandelay Bay Event Center. We got there a little early to check out Pretty Lights which was pretty cool..kind of trip-hoppy with an amazing light show. Then we needed a snack and went out into the hotel and sat at the bar at Aureole and shared a pretty fantastic quesadilla, some ribs, a little vino then went back in with all the ravers to catch Kaskade's set, which was epic. It was nice to just chill in the seats and watch the madness..incredible build ups, visuals, lights and lots of confetti raining down on the crowd who was going crazy the entire time. One amazing show, so glad we got to see it.

Kaskade Pool Party @ Encore Beach Club - Labor Day Weekend Madness

2011-09-08T15:13:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday afternoon was one of my favorites ever. Might have been the incredible set by our friend Kaskade, or beating the 105 degree desert heat by hopping in the pool along with about 50,000 where you could barely see the water it was so packed with guidos and guidettes, chilling in the VIP section of Encore Beach Club with Jefe, friends and bottle service where the Dom and Grey Goose cocktails were flowing, or the fact that two of the Black Eyed Peas: will.i.am and apple.de.ap were also chilling alongside us in the VIP. I snuck a few pics when they weren't looking. It was one amazing day, followed by a bit of catching up with Kaskade, his wife and friends at dinner after the show and a little too much Vegas debauchery the rest of the night for Jefe and me, followed by a day of poolside chilling, another huge Kaskade show, then a spa day..more to come on those. Needless to say, I love Kaskade.

Sooorry Abooot That, Eh.

2011-08-31T21:21:00.000-07:00

Most Uncomfy Monologue Ever/Why Is Lady Gaga Channeling Ralph Macchio??

2011-08-31T21:17:00.000-07:00

Get More: 2011 VMA, Music, Lady Gaga

I stopped tuning in to the VMAs and really anything on MTV quite a few years ago and just watched this video for the first time..making me glad I did not waste my time watching the VMAs Sunday night. Serious uncomfiness.

This Sign Must Exist For A Reason.

2011-08-31T21:04:00.000-07:00

And reminds me of the sign my southern bumpkin old co-worker at my PR firm in San Francisco made for the bathroom that said "Don't go on the toilet seat." And by "go," she meant pee.

This Probably Hurt. A Lot.

2011-08-31T20:52:00.000-07:00

I have no desire whatsoever to ever get inked and don't know why someone would endure 24 hours of pain for this Where's Waldo scene on their back, but they did.

Save the Date: Saturday, November 12th - Morgan Page @ The Lounge Mpls

2011-08-31T12:26:00.000-07:00

I cannot stop listening to "In The Air" - also a fantastic workout track. Here are a few other Morgan Page songs I love..he is one of my favorite DJs. Don't miss this show!

Morgan Page - In The Air Tour

Download a free mix here

This is his 1st MPLS appearance. You've never experienced Morgan like this. The "In The Air" tour features enhanced visuals, intelligent lighting and special perks sure to make this a night you won't want to miss.

w Resident DJ Strangelove

Only 200 - $10 pre sales will be available starting September 9th @ vitalculture.com - The rest will be first come, first served.

FOR VIP BOTTLE SERVICE, PLEASE CALL 612-963-3930

The Lounge
411 2nd Ave N.
Minneapolis, MN
www.theloungempls.com

Girl Crush: Kreayshawn

2011-08-31T12:04:00.000-07:00

Gucci Gucci by kreayshawn

High Fashion Ad of the Day:

2011-08-31T11:52:00.000-07:00

Love this.

#notincalianymore

2011-08-31T09:19:00.000-07:00

Butter Head Sculpture - Minnesota State Fair from Ochen K. on Vimeo.

Gus and I are heading to the MN State Fair this afternoon, specifically to see the Butter Heads and Llama Costume Contest with some friends. And eat some unhealthy yet delicious things on sticks. We're definitely not in Cali anymore...but I (not so) secretly love it.

Summer Fun

2011-08-29T13:07:00.000-07:00

We've only been back home in Mpls since mid-August but have packed in a whole lot of summer fun..in addition to a wedding, boat party and Jefe's 20-year high school reunion, I have been chilling with my sweet baby boy while Jeff works back in SF and as you can see we've been busy with lots of play dates, pool time at the Calhoun Beach Club, farmer's markets, walks on the river, dining in our neighborhood, parks, the MN State Fair (just me so far, I'm bringing Gus this Wednesday for the llama costume contest..) and roofdeck lounging at home. Plus I had a lot of HBO and Showtime shows to catch up on..loving Curb, Entourage and Weeds right now.

Kind of sad that our MN summer is coming to an end this Thursday night when we head to The OC, Vegas, back to OC then up to SF for the rest of September. Although the weather in all those places will be gorgeous so we'll get a month of Cali summer as well, with lots more pool time in store..which I'm especially looking forward to in Vegas. It's been a very relaxing, lovely summer filled with lots of good friends, cabins, boating on lakes, beautiful places and fun times. We'll be back in October to watch the leaves change, pick apples at the orchard and celebrate my birthday with close friends for at least a week. I heart our life in Minnefornia.

Hilarious Bromance.

2011-08-25T22:45:00.000-07:00

Love this interview with BFFs Paul Rudd and Adam Scott (of hilarious shows "Party Down" and "Parks and Recreation" fame) on BlackBook. Check it out here.

Creeper of the Day: Jim Carrey

2011-08-25T21:29:00.000-07:00