When was the last time you watched MTV?

It's probably been a while--unless you're a big Laguna Beach, Made, Pimp My Ride fan. If you actually want to see some videos, you have to tune in during the AM to check find 'em and honestly, VH-1 tends to run better ones anyway.

But I thought I'd help you out by giving you some links to the best videos I've seen so far this summer. All can be found on YouTube.com if you can't get the links to work. That way, you can still enjoy these cool bits without having to sit through all the crap.

First shout out goes to my girl, Madonna. Al and I went to the concert two weeks ago in Chicago and of course, she rocked. Holly's checkin' her out tonight at Madison Square Garden, which I'm sure will be electric. This video uses performance clips from her concert in an animated format--it's a cool song too--Get Together http://youtube.com/watch?v=jGNHAWyHTMc&search=madonna%20videos

If the first single off of Christina Aguillera's upcoming CD is any indication on how it will be, it should rock! I love this track and the video is sweet. Remember Michael Jackson's You Rock My World mess--well it's the same idea (minus the "mystery", Marlon Brando and Chris Tucker, thank God). Another cool note, it's directed by Bryan Barber who is doing the Outkast movie Idlewild which is supposed to come out this fall. He helmed the Hey Ya and Way You Moved Video--which has a similar throw back style. Anyway, check it out.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=f3cxMOt_Eus&search=ain%27t%20no%20other%20man

Okay, so this one is not from this summer, but it is so great I have to include it. You must, must, must watch Common's video for Testify--the longer version. It is too great not to experience and he is fine!
http://youtube.com/watch?v=b611o-CC5ac&search=common%20testify

Back to new stuff and my last one for today--I know I'm a broken record, but Crazy by Gnarls Barkley is just the best song to come out in forever. Finally in the top 5 on Billboard this week, but it should be blowin' up. The best thing is that this video in so unexpected and chill. I love it!
http://youtube.com/watch?v=jyyVlUfy19c&search=gnarls%20barkley

Comment back on others you have enjoyed--if you are still able to sit through MTV.

At the movies

Blockbuster season is here and I'm trying to do my American duty by getting out to the cineplex and supporting our sagging film industry. This weekend, I took in Nacho Libre and The Lake House. Our attempts to sneak into A Prairie Home Companion were thwarted by 300 people over the age of 85 all trying to find a seat in a 150 seat theater. Therefore, we succumbed to pressure and gave up our unpaid for seats so Clara and Mabel to rest their bones.

Of the two I actually saw, The Lake House was the better of the two. Nacho Libre had some funny moments, but was mostly pretty disappointing. The only word I can use to describe it is stupid--but not necessarily so stupid it's funny either. The Lake House is totally a "suspend disbelief" endeavor, but was still very satisfying. Keanu wasn't too Keanu-ey and Sandra Bullock was her typical self. Definitely a chick flick.

What to see next...I'll probably try to see A Prairie Home Companion again--perhaps legit this time. Not so sure I'm excited about Superman--I don't know what it could really offer, but who knows? Anyone seen anything worth recommending?

You Stink!

Over the weekend, I engage in one of my favorite topics of conversations--which celebrities are you sure smell bad. Here's our chance to make the definitive list. My definitely starts with Lenny Kravitz, Johnny Depp, Brad Pitt and though it may seem odd--I've always though Jennifer Aniston would smell a little off.

Who would you add to the list?

Finger-snapping songs

Al's post on her favorite Billy Joel song made me think of a mix tape that I have been wanting to put together for years--the best use of finger-snaps in pop music.

The best for me has to be "Rock With You" Michael Jackson. They are very clear and really punctuate the beat. George Michael is also a big fan of the finger-snap. "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go" opens as a great snapping ditty.

Others you can think of?

Traveling for work

Forgot my TV Guide this trip up North--does anyone know if something good is on this week?

In donut wars--we're all winners

I am a Dunkin' Donuts girl--fo'real! Chocolate cream-filled, chocolate donut with glaze, lemon-filled--the Munchkins...I love a good DD (or two).

Sadly, the DDs left Madison early in my tenure. I will never forget one of my favorite days ever--quiet Tuesday, summer, no class, no work, no friends, stopping at the DD on State, getting my two tops and then seeing "Even Cowgirls Get the Blues" at the Orpheum. A truly awful movie made wonderful just by the presence of a DD.

Who needs those creepy, hot Krispy Kremes, when you can have a cold, slightly stale but delicious Dunkin' Donut? Who's with me?

You too can look like a celeb in US magazine

No kidding--visit www.bagborroworsteal.com. It's a program basically like NetFlix, but you rent bags instead of movies. It has a crazy $9.95 a month fee, but then you have to pay an additional fee by the week or month depending on the type of purse you get. So instead of dropping $3,000 on a Marc Jacobs bag to own, you can drom $9.95 plus $275 a month to be seen with it.

Aaahh--couture, not just for socialites anymore...

Concert Planning

Okay--more concerts I want to go to--who wants in before I make plans or order tickets.

Since she has only toured one in her career, I want to see Mariah Carey in Chicago Mon, 09/11/06 at 8:00 PM. Tickets are still available and with tax and fees come out to $82. Haven't ordered yet but I want to soon. Let me know if you are in.

Summerfest--wow, after an awful line up last year, there is something every night I would go to. I can't go on the 30th or 1st and I'm already going on the 3rd for Mary J. and Ne-Yo.

Quickly looking at the line-up, I'd see Anthony Hamilton or The Fray on the 6th, my sweetheart Common, Keane or Elvis Costello on the 29th (loaded night), Pink on the 8th, and I'm always game for the Eddie Butts Band (Milwaukee cover band that rocks).

Of course, I probably missed a bunch of others, but let me know if there are bands you want to see or if any of these sound good and we will start making plans.

Movin' Out

On Sunday, we say the touring Broadway musical Movin' Out. Al and I saw it in NYC a year ago, so it was our second time seeing it. It's the "ballet" based on Billy Joel music. It is surprisingly powerful with a real storyline to it. It reminds me how many sad songs Billy Joel had.

Which got me thinking, what is my favorite Billy Joel song? I sort of feel like he really suffers from overexposure. When Uptown Girl came out, I, like most, thought the song and the video was the bomb! Now, I'm kinda sick of it. I also notice he seems to have two song options on each theme--She's Always a Woman/She's Got a Way (two songs each girl is sure was written about her). Pressure/Big Shot, My Life/Don't Ask Me Why, etc. etc.

I really like the last two on my list and tend to like his faster, singalong stuff better than the slower, but, I think for favorites, I will have to go with And So It Goes. Yours?