jeux de julie

Jim Henson a Professional Puppeteer Photos

2011-09-25T22:56:00.000-07:00

Jim Henson
It was 75 years ago today that Jim Henson, creator of the Muppets, was born. There can be no dobut that he is the most famous puppeteer of the 20th Century. And his creations, the Muppets, are still promoted and merchandised to this day. Indeed, in November the Muppets will star in a new theatrical movie, The Muppets.
Jim Henson was born on 24 September 1936 in Jackson, Mississippi. He spent his early childhood in Leland, Mississippi. It was in the late Forties that his family moved to Hyattsville, Maryland. As a child he was heavily influenced by ventriloquist Edgar Bergen and his dummy Charlie McCarthy, who were very popular on radio in the Forties. After his family bought a television set he would be influenced by Burr Tillstrom, the puppeteer who created Kukla and Ollie on the series Kukla, Fran, and Ollie, as well as Bill Baird, the creator of Charlemane the Lion.
Jim Henson was still very young when he received his first job as a professional puppeteer on television. He was still attending Northwestern High School when he created puppets for the WTOP-TV children's series The Junior Morning Show. He was a freshman at the University of Maryland, College Park, in 1955, when he created the five minute puppet show Sam and Friends for WRC-TV. Sam and Friends starred a balding, human puppet named Sam, as well his friends Yorick, Harry the Hipster, and the earliest version of Kermit. The original Kermit had been made from turquoise coat that his mother had thrown in the waste can, with ping pong balls for eyes. Although today Kermit is known as a frog, at the time he was more or less a lizard like creature of an indeterminate species. It would be ten years later, in 1965, that Kermit would officially became a frog after Johnny Carson referred to him as "Kermit the Frog."
The term Muppet had also yet to be coined either. That would come about in 1956 when Jim Henson created the term for his creations which were not quite hand puppets, but not quite stick puppets either. Precisely how Mr. Henson came up with the term is a bit of a mystery. He has often told the story of how he developed the term by combining the words marionette and puppet. That having been said, on other occasions he has said that it was simply a term that he liked and as a result used for his act.
Regardless, Sam and Friends would prove very popular. In its earliest days the puppets primarily lip-synched to current songs. As time went by, however, the puppets would perform in written sketches, many of which were parodies of current television shows. Working with Jim Henson on the show was his future wife Jane, as well as Jerry Juhl, later the head writer on The Muppet Show. Sam and Friends proved very popular, lasting for six years.
Despite the success of Sam and Friends, it would be some time before Jim Henson found sustained success on a national level. Much of the Sixties would find Mr. Henson and his Muppets making guest appearances on various television shows. It was in 1956 that he first appeared on The Tonight Show, then starring Steve Allen. He would also appear on Steve Allen's primetime show, The Steve Allen Show, in 1956 and 1957. One of the earliest breakthroughs for the Muppets would come in the form of The Jimmy Dean Show in 1963. Rowlf the Dog would be a regular on the show and proved so popular that he even received more fan mail than Jimmy Dean. While Kermit may have been the first Muppet, Rowlf was the first one to enter the national consciousness.
Much of the rest of the Sixties would spent making guest appearances on various shows. The Muppets would appear fairly frequently on The Ed Sullivan Show starting in 1966. Muppets also appeared frequently on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. In fact, it was on the 31 December 1965 episode that Johnny Carson referred to Kermit, still an indeterminate creature, as "Kermit the Frog." Muppets would also appear on The Hollywood Palace, The Mike Douglas Show (which they co-hosted for a whole week in 1966), and Perry Como's Kraft Music Hall.
While much of Mr. Henson's work in the Sixties consisted of guest appearances, two pivotal events would occur during the decade that would guarantee the Muppets' success in the future. It was in 1961 that Jim Henson first met then 17 year old Frank Oznowicz. In 1963 Frank was hired by Jim Henson to help bring Rowlf the Dog to life on The Jimmy Dean Show. It would be Jimmy Dean who was the cause of Frank Oznowicz becoming Frank Oz. Unable to remember his name, Mr. Dean introduced him by saying Oz and mumbling the rest of his name. Mr. Oz kept it as his stage name. Frank Oz would prove pivotal to the success of the Muppets. On Sesame Street he introduced the characters Bert, Grover, and the Cookie Monster. On The Muppet Show Frank Oz was the Muppeteer behind Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, and Animal. He also became one of Jim Henson's closest friends. While Mr. Oz would branch out to other projects beyond the Muppets, he remained friends with Mr. Henson until Mr. Henson's death in 1990.
The second pivotal event in Jim Henson's career would come in the form of a children's show that debuted in 1969. Mr. Henson was asked to participate on the show Sesame Street. He brought Kermit the Frog to the show, and was also responsible for the creation of Muppet characters specifically for the show. Among these were Ernie, Oscar the Grouch, and even Big Bird. It was while Jim Henson was working on Sesame Street that he created and directed a series of specials under the umbrella title of Tales from Muppetland. Among these specials were Hey, Cinderella; The Frog Prince; and The Muppet Musicians of Bremen.
By the mid-Seventies Jim Henson worried that because of Sesame Street the Muppets might be regarded simply as a children's act. Producer Lorne Michaels invited Jim Henson and the Muppets onto the first season of Saturday Night Live as regular performers. This took the form of a series of sketches known as "The Land of Gorch." Unfortunately it would not prove to be a good experience for Jim Henson, Frank Oz, and the rest of the Muppets team. None of the Muppets' writers were hired to write the sketches on Saturday Night Live, and the Saturday Night Live writers were not particularly happy to write for the Muppets. Fortunately, the Muppets would not have to remain on Saturday Night Live for long, as their biggest success was just ahead of them.
Concerned that the Muppets were being typecast as a children's act, Jim Henson conceived of a variety show that could be enjoyed by people of all ages. He shopped the idea to the various networks, and ABC even ordered two specials that could serve as pilots for the prospective series. The first was the The Muppets Valentine Show. The second was The Muppet Show: Sex and Violence. ABC ultimately passed on the series. Jim Henson had not considered syndication, for fear that the show could fail without a networks backing. Fortunately, Lord Lew Grade of ATV in the United Kingdom came to the rescue. Lord Grade proposed to Mr. Henson that he could finance the show and so it would be able to enter syndication in the United States and other countries with very high production values.
The Muppet Show debuted in 1977 and proved to be a smash hit. It introduced a whole new generation of Muppets who would become superstars all their own, including Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, Gonzo, Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem, and others. Because of the show's success it was able to get many big time guest stars, including Vincent Price, Milton Berle, Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy, Steve Martin, George Burns, Elton John, Alice Cooper, Danny Kaye, and Gene Kelly. No guest star ever appeared on the show twice. The success of The Muppet Show would also lead to a huge amount of merchandising.
It would also be the success of The Muppet Show that would lead to the Muppets' first feature film, The Muppet Movie, in 1979. The Muppet Movie would prove very successful and it was largely because of that success that the still popular Muppet Show ended its run in 1981 as Jim Henson decided to concentrate on feature films. Over the next several years the Muppets would appear in such films as The Great Muppet Caper (1981), The Muppets Take Manhattan (1984), The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992), The Muppets Treasure Island (1996), and Muppets From Space (1999). Since then they have appeared in the television films It's a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie and The Muppets' Wizard of Oz.
It would also be largely because of the success both The Muppet Show and the various movies that Jim Henson was able to expand beyond the Muppets. From 1983 to 1987 he produced the children's fantasy show Fraggle Rock for CBC. He would later produce the series The Storyteller for HBO. Still later he would produce the short lived Jim Henson Hour for NBC. Mr. Henson also worked on two non-Muppet fantasy films: The Dark Crystal (1982) and Labyrinth (1986).
Sadly, Jim Henson would die only four years after Labyrinth and almost a year after The Jim Henson Hour. Mr. Henson fell ill and on 15 May 1990 was admitted to New York Hospital. On the morning of 16 May 1990 Jim Henson died. The cause was organ failure resulting from Streptococcus pyogenes. It was a mark of Jim Henson and the Muppets' popularity that there was an enormous outpouring of grief rarely seen even for the best known actors. Jim Henson and his creations were not simply legends. They had become icons.
As to why Jim Henson achieved such superstardom, that is a difficult question to answer. It was not simply that Jim Henson had created puppets that could be enjoyed by young and old alike. Burr Tillstrom (who had been a huge influence on him) and Bob Clampett (creator of the puppet show Time for Beany) had both created puppet shows that were very popular with adults in their day. Burr Tillstrom's puppet shows, with Kukla and Ollie, relied on very sophisticated wit and word play. Bob Clampett's Time for Beany relied on a sophisticated blend of satire and irreverence. The Muppets would be different from both in that they were much more visual. In some respects the Muppetry of Jim Henson and Frank Oz could be compared to the comedy routines of Ernie Kovacs, relying heavily on sight gags. Example of this are the early "inchworm" sketch (in which Kermit is chewing on what he thinks is an inchworm, but which turns out to be the tongue of a large monster) and the various "Mah Nà Mah Nà" sketches. At the same time much of the humour of the Muppets could be very absurdist.
Of course, much of the reason for the success of the Muppets is the same reason as the success of Kukla and Ollie, and Beany and Cecil. All of them were such well developed characters that it was hard to believe that they were merely puppets. Indeed, children have been known to address Muppets themselves as real individuals, even when the Muppeteer is visible. Even adults tend to treat the Muppets as if they are real--Jim Henson and Kermit the Frog each have their own stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Because the Muppets are actually fairly sophisticated characters, they achieved success that had lasted literally decades.
Another factor in the Muppets' success could also be the fact that, both on The Muppet Show and in their many films, they have consistently been portrayed as underdogs. On The Muppet Show the ragtag troupe was always scurrying to make sure the show went off without a hitch. In their movies the Muppets were often struggling to put on some show or another, or they were at the mercy of villains with far superior resources. No matter what happened, however, the Muppets would always succeed in the end. At the same time that the Muppets were always portrayed as underdogs, it must also be pointed out the Muppets were a diverse group. The Muppets troupe consists of everything from frogs to pigs to dogs to humans. Despite these differences (or perhaps because of them), it is very clear that the Muppets are all friends who care very much for each other.
That a ragtag troupe of diverse performers could overcome incredible odds perhaps should not be surprising coming from Jim Henson. He was a man with an incredible amount of hope and positive attitudes. He once said, "Life's like a movie, write your own ending. Keep believing, keep pretending." In a guest post on the Official Google Blog his son Brian Henson said of his father that, "One of his life philosophies was that we should love people not for their similarities, but for their differences." Jim Henson always looked for the best in life and always appreciated people for not how much they were like him, but for how different they were from him. It was reflected in his work with the Muppets, who could come together to put on a show each week despite disparate personalities and a good number of obstacles. Jim Henson also said once, "My hope still is to leave the world a bit better than when I got here." There can be no doubt that he did.
Jim Henson Pictures

Jim Henson

Sexy Actrees Claire Sinclair

2011-09-25T10:32:00.003-07:00

Claire Sinclair
First "The Playboy Club" announced the obvious promotion of planting one of the show's stars, actress Laura Benanti, on the cover Playboy's October edition. Now, in keeping with the lessons from Crossover 101, it appears a Playmate may soon appear on the NBC show.
Claire Sinclair, Playboy's 2011 Playmate of the Year, took to her Twitter page to announce she read for a role in upcoming series.
"Just auditioned for the NBC Playboy Club show," she writes. "I would love to be part of it!!"
This would be Sinclair's first venture into scripted programming, however she has made frequent appearances on the E! program "Holly's World" starring former Playmate/Hef girlfriend Holly Madison.
The 20-year old Sinclair retro style should a good match for the period drama that takes place in 1960s Chicago. Her look has often been compared to pinup icon Bettie Page and even Hugh Hefner's ex-girlfriend and former Playmate Barbi Benton.
Claire Sinclair’s profile
Born : May 25, 1991 (1991-05-25);Born: Los Angeles, California; Measurements: Bust: 36D; Waist: 24; Hips: 36; Height: 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m); Weight : 125 lb (57 kg).
Hugh Hefner introduced Playboy’s 2011 Playmate of the Year, Claire Sinclair to the media at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada. At 19 years old, Claire also appeared for the first time as the youngest headliner in Crazy Horse Paris at MGM Grand. He chose Sinclair for Playboy’s annual #1 girl. After unveiling the new Playmate’s June cover and pictorial, Claire received her prizes, including a lifetime supply of Playboy Fragrances and a set of The Playboy Fragrance Collection adorned with Swarovski Elements.
Claire Sinclair Pictures

claire sinclair

Stefania Bivone Crowned Miss Italia 2011 Picture

2011-09-25T03:09:00.001-07:00

Stefania Bivone
Stefania Bivone, 18, Miss Calabria, was crowned Miss Italia 2011 at the national finale held on September 19, 2011. The event was telecast live by RAI 1 for millions of people in Italy and in over 170 countries. Stefania, from Sinopoli, is 18 year old and stands 1.79 m. However, the winner of Miss Italia does not compete in Miss World or Miss Universe despite the fact that it is the most celebrated beauty title in Italy. First runner-up was Miss Taranto – Mayra Pietrocola, and second runner-up was Miss Emilia – Sarah Baderna.
Stefania Bivone Pictures

Stefania Bivone

Dead of Troy Davis

2011-09-25T03:08:00.000-07:00

Troy Davis

troy davis

Andy Whitfield

2011-09-17T20:15:00.001-07:00

Andy Whitfield

Scarlett Johansson Pictures

2011-09-17T20:14:00.001-07:00

Scarlett Johansson

Leila Lopes

2011-09-17T20:13:00.001-07:00

Leila Lopes

Leila Lopes, Miss Angola, is Miss Universe 2011

2011-09-16T15:55:00.000-07:00

The Miss Universe 2011 pageant finale was held September 12, 2011 at the Credicard Hall in Sao Paulo, Brazil with Miss Angola Leila Lopes as the winner, the first ever from Angola and the 4th African woman to be crowned Miss Universe.

Hosted by Andy Cohen (Bravo's "Watch What Happens Live") and Natalie Morales (NBC's "Today"), the Miss Universe 2011 finals, which also happened to be the pageant's 60th anniversary, started with the introduction of the 89 lovely candidates.

Miss USA 2004 (and Miss Universe 2004 1st Runner Up) Shandi Finnessey and STYLE Network’s Jeannie Mai served as commentators.

The announcement of the Top 16 semi-finalists followed. The Top 16 were: (in order of announcement) France, Kosovo, Colombia, China, Angola, Australia, Puerto Rico, Brazil, Netherlands, USA, Ukraine, Panama, Costa Rica, Portugal, Philippines and Venezuela.

While Miss Portugal was called to join the Top 16, the commentators announced that she's the one who won the online fan voting conducted at missuniverse.com which secured her a slot in the semis. It was the first time in Miss Universe history that a semi-finalist was selected by the fans via online voting.

A big favorite, Miss Philippines Shamcey Supsup was still shocked to hear her name being called as one of the semi-finalists. Commentators took notice of that and described her as "humble".

The judges who were given the toughest job of selecting this year's Miss Universe included: 3-time Indianapolis 500 winner Helios Castroneves, Actress-Producer Vivica A. Fox, Miss Universe 2003 Amelia Vega, "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" star Adrienne Maloof, Houston hair care magnet Farouk Shami, Brazilian supermodel Isabeli Fontana, CONCACAF Deputy Secretary General Italo Zanzi, US Broadcast Legend Connie Chung and Tony-winning actress Lea Salonga. Lea was also introduced as the voice of Princess Jasmine in Disney's "Aladdin".

After the introduction of judges, it was announced that Miss Panama Sheldry Saez won the Best National Costume award.

Top 10 Best National Costume: 1. Panama 2. Mexico 3. Thailand 4. Venezuela 5. Curacao 6. Trinidad & Tobago 7. Tanzania 8. Bolivia 9. Nigeria 10. Japan

Then the Top 16 competed in swimsuits and the Top 10 were announced who later competed in their evening gowns. The Top 10 were: Australia, Costa Rica, France, Ukraine, Portugal, Panama, Philippines, Angola, China and Brazil.

Leila Lopes

Suri's Burn Book

2011-08-19T10:26:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, my friend Doro changed my life by sending me the link to Suri's Burn Book. Many of you are aware of my long-standing obsession with celebritot Suri Cruise . . . and now it's reached a whole new level.

Suri's Burn Book is a tumblr account in which Suri posts pictures of celebs & their kids and comments on them. And makes fun of her parents, Tom and Katie. And OMFG is she hilarious. Exempli gratia:

August 18, 2011

While we’re on the subject of famous Swedes, here is a photo of Elin Nordegren and her two children, Sam and Charlie. This family has become kind of reclusive post-Tiger, but they were recently seen out and about in Miami.

I am disappointed that Sam and I missed each other on our Miami vacations, because I completely approve of her fashion choices—from that fun headband to that slimming belt!—and would have loved to have her over for tea. We also would have a lot to talk about, like having embarrassing fathers and the challenges of having moms who wear denim.

HAHA! Embarrassing fathers and the challenges of having moms who wear denim!!! Suffice to say I spent quite a bit of time yesterday browsing Suri's files, and will continue to do so via her tumblr and twitter. I suggest you do the same.

Happy Friday!

Birthday Pictures!

2011-08-17T12:41:00.000-07:00

First of all, thanks for all the love! All the well wishes via facebook, twitter, email, my phone, the mail, blogs, etc. made me feel way less nauseous over turning 30. And it turns out 30's not so bad, anyway. ;)

My dear friends came out to celebrate with me at the Lake Chalet last night, and we had lots of fun! I highly recommend Taco Tuesday. You get to sit on the water, drink 1/2 price margaritas, and enjoy plentiful $2.50 tacos. Sweet!

the venue

me and Diana: one of my favorite people in the world

Meagan and Amanda on the lake

me and Doro: almost birthday twins! (she's 8/13, I'm 8/16)

table on the water + tacos + margaritas!

Timmy and Trav: a stand up pair

thank goodness for Cari--no idea what I'd do without her.

(p.s. she is mama to Milo and Jude, regulars on this here blog)

a contemplative Raul surrounded by margaritas

neighbors and friends: Diana and Adam (plus Crouching Claire)

Mani and her handsome lil Mateo

flanked by twins: PJ on the left, AJ on the right

We had a blast, although I wish my faraway friends could have been there as well. Yay for celebrations and drinks and friends and flowers!

Two more things:

1. Please keep my dad's horrendous beagle, Ignatius, in your thoughts/prayers. He has a suspicious lump and I am sick with worry.

2. Speaking of pleases, please check out my friend Annie's new blog, Tough Little Cookies. She's finally started a blog about raising her three hilarious and adorable daughters in San Francisco. Please remember how it was when you first started blogging and go show her some love!! :)

Cheap George Thorogood & The Destroyers MN Zoo Amphitheatre Tickets

2011-08-17T07:51:00.000-07:00

If you've ever heard the hit song "Bad to the Bone," you should know its George Thorogood & his band the destroyers that made that song so popular in the early 80s. Since their debut in 1974, George Thorogood & the Destroyers have released a total of 16 studio albums, including two that were certified Platinum and six that were certified Gold. The band has sold over 15 million albums worldwide. Tonight you have the opportunity to see them perform LIVE at the Minnesota Zoo Amphitheatre at 7pm! Ticket King has amazing deals right now on George Thorogood and the Destroyers tickets, with prices currently starting at just $59 in the fourth row of the left section. We also have some seats in the front row of the center section. Check them out and get yours now before it's too late!

NFL Preseason: Minnesota Vikings vs. Dallas Cowboys

2011-08-16T09:33:00.000-07:00

Hey Minnesota Vikings fans!! The wait is FINALLY almost over. I'm sure some of you were getting a bit worried and anxious waiting to hear if there would even be a 2011-2012 football season. Fortunately, they came to an agreement & football season is officially right around the corner. The first home preseason game of the year will be held at the Metrodome on Saturday, August 27th at 7PM. If you would like to attend this game, Ticket King is carrying an awesome supply of Minnesota Vikings vs. Dallas Cowboys tickets currently starting as low as $8 each in the upper level or $38 in the lower. We still have a huge selection to choose from at REALLY LOW prices so check them out and get yours today! Don't forget you can easily stop by our Minneapolis office to pick them up right before the game! GO VIKINGS!!

Sunday Brunch & some Stalktalk!

2011-08-14T22:47:00.000-07:00

In a valiant effort to postpone the end of summer, I spent pretty much the whole weekend eating and drinking with friends. From a dive bar with my teacher friends on Friday night, to a biker breakfast on Saturday morning (you heard that right!), to an impromptu Japanese dinner in Berkeley on Saturday night with my friend Helen, to today's brunch with my college friend, Tara, at what I think might be my new very favorite place:

Chop Bar, Oakland, Jack London Square

my friend Tara with her bloody mary

she's from the northeast, she can't help her snark ;)

ask me what I'm drinking and I'll tell you:

BEN F'S EVOLVE WINE

see?

Not only was Sauvignon Hottie delicious, but so was the food! Tara and I shared chilaquiles & eggs ala cazuela with a grilled veggie mojo sauce . . . YUM. I confessed to the waitress that I ordered the Evolve as part of a Ben F. stalking mission, and she said, "That's so funny, he was just in here a couple weeks ago!" I'll catch up to him someday. It'll happen. And if you're curious as to whether I tweeted that picture of me drinking Evolve wine to Ben F . . . the answer is immediately.

isn't it cute in there?

Hope all of you had as decadent a weekend as I did. Lord knows I'm making up for it now, since it's the last day of my 20s and the first day of school. Wish me luck with my '11-'12 monsters! Can't wait to meet them. :)

The Back to School Spirit?

2011-08-12T09:43:00.000-07:00

Teachers had to report back Wednesday (seriously? August 10th? Earlier and earlier my dear . . . ), and my summery-rested body has been in a state of shock! This whole waking up at the crack of dawn thing is for the birds. And not only waking up early, but plunging into academic discourse about the achievement gap and special education test scores and improving our practice . . . just give me Jersey Shore!!

I'm sorta kidding; it's been great to see all my co-workers and get ready for school, but not gonna lie, I'm missing waking up at 9:30 and being in my bathing suit and watching Jax's sexiest scenes on repeat.

This is what we did after the first day back to school:

(same plan for today)

Other things I'm excited about:

*My stalking plans: Heading up to Napa/Sonoma Sunday . . . but I've learned that Ben F's Evolve Wines doesn't have a tasting room/public "winery." So that leaves me no choice but to attend this next Friday.

*My latest nail polish find:

*I ordered this to celebrate the arrival of football season!

from

*My BFF is coming to visit me Labor Day weekend and I cannot wait!!!

us in . . . 2006? 2005?

Oh and speaking of Jersey Shore (several paragraphs ago), my friend Matt and I tweet each other every Jerzday with funny #s about our favorite guidos and guidettes. Examples:

#getcrazy

#letsspreadsomemono

#whatbeardVinny?

#juiceheadsonvespas

#fistpumpinpope

#guidosatthevatican

Got any to contribute? Happy Friday!

Adele Xcel Energy Center Tickets Still Available!

2011-08-12T08:23:00.000-07:00

If you're a fan of Adele and would like to see her perform LIVE in a couple weeks, Ticket King would like you to know it's not too late to buy Xcel Energy Center Adele tickets! Adele had to reschedule a show that was previously scheduled at First Avenue but the venue has changed. We still have a very nice selection of seats to choose from in the upper, lower and club levels. Prices currently start at just $67 in the upper level, $112 in the lower or $117 in the club level. But don't wait too long - we've only got a few sets left and they've been going fast! Don't be left outside without a ticket. Also, don't forget you can easily stop by our St. Paul office just a half block away to pick up your tickets before the show!

Rock The Bells: Lauryn Hill, Nas, Cypress Hill, Raekwon, Ghostface & Mobb Deep Tickets

2011-08-11T13:56:00.000-07:00

This year's Rock The Bells music festival features a killer lineup with some of the most high-profile names in the hip hop world today. Next Saturday, August 20th, you can expect to see Lauryn Hill, Nas, Cypress Hill, Erykah Badu, Black Star, Common, Raekwon + Ghostface, Mobb Deep, GZA, Black Moon and MANY MORE artists rock the stage at San Manuel Amphitheater in San Bernardino, California. The show will begin at noon and will go all day long. If you're a big fan of hip hop like myself, you should realize this is one show you DO NOT want to miss!! If I could be there I mos def would (no PUN intended- okay maybe a little). If you still need Rock The Bells tickets, Ticket King wants you to know we have them available for just $124 a piece for general admission pit tickets. But don't expect them to last much longer - get yours today!!

Lynyrd Skynyrd Missouri State Fairground - CANCELLED!

2011-08-10T08:27:00.000-07:00

I regret to inform you that Lynyrd Skynyrd's singer was admitted to Hennepin County Medical Center over the weekend, forcing the group to cancel or postpone several shows in Michigan, South Dakota and Missouri. Johnny Van Zant was hospitalized on Saturday to seek treatment for complications from a previous surgery. He will be just fine but unfortunately his doctors ordered him to stage off the stage until he makes a full recovery. If you purchased tickets from Ticket King to the Lynyrd Skynyrd show at the Missouri State Fairgrounds tomorrow, we are offering the option of a full in-store credit (minus shipping) OR you could get the face value of the ticket back onto your credit card. We would need you to send the tickets back to our office before we can issue any type of refunds. If you have any questions about our policy, feel free to call us at 612-341-4131.

The Very Last Week of my 20s.

2011-08-09T10:54:00.000-07:00

A week from today, I will be 30, and I'm sorta petrified.

I know better than to let the "norms" get to me, but lately, they've started creeping in. Aren't I supposed to have gotten married by now? Had a kid? Bought a house? Saved some money? Maybe that last one would have been possible had I not decided to move to the second most expensive city in the country.

The scariest part is that the other day, I remembered a conversation I had with a co-worker at Balboa several years ago, and it felt like yesterday. We were talking in my office, and I said, "Sometimes I just feel like I want to up and move to Argentina or something!" He laughed and said, "How old are you?" I said, "25." And he said, "Yeah. You're so young. That's why you feel that way."

1. OMG how was I just 25 what feels like yesterday? How on earth have 5 years passed by in the blink of an eye?
2. I still feel that way, sucka.

Here's how I've spent my summer, for the most part:

With some travel, visitors, good exercise, lots of time with Milo and Jude, and puzzling out a relationship thrown in. Oh, and wasting a decent amount of time playing Tiny Tower.

I'm not a "bucket list" kind of person in the least. I kinda feel like all of life is an adventure, and I have continuous goals/dreams/etc. that will span out my whole life . . . and they can't be diminished to a checklist of things I want to have accomplished by a certain age. And yet, somehow, this coming week is shouldering a lot of pressure! Last week of my 20's! Anyone want to go to Vegas?

Target Center Sade & John Legend Tickets Still Available!

2011-08-09T09:02:00.000-07:00

At 7pm tonight, two immensely powerful and soulful singers will be united under one roof at the Target Center in Minneapolis. If you're looking for something to do tonight, John Legend & Sade tickets are still available from Ticket King! We have upper level seats currently priced at just $44; lower level seats at $139, or floor seats for $179. Check them out and buy them now before it's too late! We've only got a few left and this has been one of the hottest concerts of the summer and it's happening tonight! Also, don't forget you can easily stop by our Minneapolis office to pick up your tickets on your way to the show.

Man Candy Monday: Stalker Edition

2011-08-08T10:54:00.000-07:00

So Ashley picked JP, which I think is fitting, given both of their propensities for whining and effusive displays of insecurity, but my heart belongs to the fiiiiiiiiine Ben F:

hottie with a body

duh, I'm way better for you than that beezy!

He's dark, he's shaggy, he makes wine, and he allegedly lives in my vicinity. And so, of course, I've put my stalking skills to use, and found out that this is his winery. Who's up for a Sonoma trip? I'm not kidding. ;)

link up with Leeann!

True Life: I'm a General Life Blogger!

2011-08-05T13:18:00.000-07:00

Do you have types of blogs that you prefer to read? Is it awful that I mostly like to read blogs that are similar to my own? I guess that's sorta to be expected: Mommy Bloggers like to hear what other Mommy Bloggers have to say, etc. And I like to hear about travel, food, funny things, pretty shoes, and hottie celebs!

Which is why I'm linking up with Fabulous but Evil and Mrs. Monologues in their True Life series . . . so I can meet more bloggers to entertain me on the regular. ;)

There really is nothing like discovering a new blog that you love & connect with. Throughout the past year and a half, I've met (in person) six spectacular blogger ladies, learned lots of new recipes, gotten great book recommendations, participated in some fun swaps, and laughed my ass off at some of the funniest people in the blog world.

So for those of you visiting from the link-up, hello! Here are things I like to discuss:

*Tim Riggins and Jax Teller (tell me: which is your fave??)

who's it gonna be, ladies???

*Food & Recipes

check out the link to tomato recipes that drollgirl emailed me today!

*Books

what I'm reading now, for instance

*San Francisco (and how awesome it is to live here)

Baker Beach: one of my favorite places on earth

*My hilarious high school students

* . . . And all about ridiculous people & things, for example:

found on Tosh.0 with the caption "Permanently Proud"

Plus how much I love the Saints (come on, football season!) and impressive footwear. If you're here from the True Life linkup, let me know so that I can come check out your blog, as well! Happy Friday, and thanks to Fabulous but Evil and Mrs. Monologues for hosting!

p.s. Please go wish my darling friend Leeann a happy birthday!! I ♥ fellow Leos. Rawr.

Inexpensive Minnesota Twins vs. Chicago White Sox Tickets Still Available!

2011-08-04T08:20:00.000-07:00

Hey Minnesota Twins & Chicago White Sox fans! Tomorrow will be the first game in a series of three at Target Field with the Twins hosting the White Sox at 7:10PM. On Saturday evening at 6:10PM they will do it again, followed by the last game of the series on Sunday afternoon at 1:10PM. The weather this weekend looks like it should be just right for baseball- not too hot, not too cool. If you're interested in attending any of the games this weekend, check out our remaining supply of inexpensive Twins vs. White Sox tickets! We currently have seats starting as low as $48 on Friday, $28 on Saturday or $30 on Sunday. Check them out and get yours now before it's too late! GO TWINS!!

All You Need . . .

2011-08-03T12:27:00.000-07:00

to make the most delicious summer pasta (sauce) is this:

well and this:

Credit goes to my friend Anna for the development of this delicious sauce!

Steps:
*Get thyself to the farmers market. Buy the sweetest, smallest, thinnest-skinned cherry "sunburst" tomatoes you can find (doesn't work with thick-skinned or unsweet tomatoes).

*Wash them and remove the pesky little stems (I used one pint for this sauce).

*Chop up a good bit of fresh garlic (your discretion--I use a lot!).

*Saute minced garlic in olive oil on low for a few mins. Then add the darlin' little tomatoes.

*Patiently stir/watch 'em cook until the wee tomatoes start to burst. Stir stir stir. Sauce begins to develop (orangey in color with garlic flecks and some whole/partially whole tomatoes).

*Add salt & pepper to the pan.

*When done (takes at least 20 minutes, sometimes longer), pour over angel hair pasta, or in my case, fresh, handmade garlic-parsley pasta from the farmers market (though honestly, angel hair might be better).

*Top with parmesan.

Voila, your new favorite dinner:

Janet Jackson Orpheum Theatre Tickets

2011-08-03T08:12:00.000-07:00

Janet Jackson is the youngest child of the Jackson family and has been a prominent figure in popular culture for over 25 years. She has sold over 100 million records throughout her career, ranking her as one of the best-selling artists in the history of contemporary music. Now YOU have the opportunity to see Janet Jackson perform LIVE right here in Minneapolis at the Orpheum Theater on Friday, August 19th at 8pm. Ticket King has a nice supply of Janet Jackson Orpheum Theatre tickets to choose from currently starting at just $82 for balcony seating or $146 and up for main floor seating. Don't forget any of our seats can be easily picked up from our Minneapolis office right before the show!

American Idols LIVE Target Center Tickets

2011-08-02T09:07:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow evening, Minneapolis will welcome the cast from American Idol's 10th season to the Target Center at 7pm. American Idol has been on fire this year with new judges and a lowered age requirement. So it's no wonder why these finalists are selling out arenas nationwide. Luckily for you, Ticket King still has a few American Idols LIVE Target Center tickets left currently starting as low as $39 each in the upper level. Check them out and buy yours today before it's too late! Then you can easily stop by our Minneapolis office on your way to pick them up before the show!

I Left My Heart in Cabo San Lucas: Beach Pics

2011-08-01T12:07:00.000-07:00

I'm sitting at Peet's (coffee shop, for those non-Californians among you) working on lesson plans today, daydreaming about being back at Capella. Here are some pictures of our time in Cabo from Cari and JJ's camera. Feast your eyes on the beauty & preciousness (of Jude).

*you may have to enlarge these since I can't figure out how to make pics bigger on my blog.

Jude and me upon our arrival in Cabo

Cari and Milo in the Capella lobby. Check out his scrunchy face.

JJ and Milo having dinner at "The Office." So sweet.

Judebug with our butler, Victor (aka guacamole master)

plunge pool on our patio, overlooking the resort & the Pacific

I got the boys shirts to match their eyes :)

me & my piggies getting some sun

view from my elliptical in the fitness center

(totally untouched iphone photo)

who wouldn't work out every day if this was the view???

me, Cari, and the boys

infinity pool numero dos: on the beach

terribly grainy picture of me and JJ
before a debauched night out starting at Cabo Wabo
(you don't wanna know where it ended)

just a pirate ship, no big thang

Cari and JJ: on our patio pre-date night
(side note: I fell in love with that dress but it didn't fit me so I got it for Cari!)

oh Capella, how I long for thee
(another unedited iPhone pic taken from patio)

If you're even thinking of going to Cabo, I can't recommend Capella highly enough. Just click on that link and you'll start salivating. I'm sure you can imagine how hard it is being back home after 8 blissed out days there! Only regret: not getting pictures of the cute waiters/resort staff.

Here's to being able to return in 2012!

Mystic Lake Amphitheatre Beach Boys Tickets

2011-07-29T07:28:00.000-07:00

The Beach Boys formed in Hawthorne, California in 1961 and were already signed to Capitol Records by 1962. Their early music gained popularity across the U.S. for its close vocal harmonies & lyrics reflecting a young Southern California culture of surfing, cars and romance. They have often been called "America's Band", with a total of 36 U.S. Top 40 hits and 56 Hot 100 hits. Now YOU have the opportunity to see them perform LIVE at the brand new Mystic Lake Amphitheatre this Sunday, July 31st at 7:30pm. Ticket King has Beach Boys Mystic Lake Amphitheatre tickets available currently priced at just $34 each- what a steal! Any of our tickets can be easily picked up from our Minneapolis office located downtown by the Metrodome. Don't wait - get your Beach Boys tickets today!

Inexpensive Roy Wilkins Auditorium Owl City Tickets

2011-07-28T09:28:00.000-07:00

In 2007, Adam Young began working on a musical project in his parents' basement in Owatonna, Minnesota. After developing a following on MySpace, Adam signed with Universal Republic in 2008. Owl City released two independent albums before gaining mainstream popularity with the 2009 major label debut album Ocean Eyes. Since then, Owl City has released a total of three studio albums and one EP. He will be performing at Roy Wilkins Auditorium this Saturday, July 30th at 7PM. If you're looking for inexpensive Owl City tickets, you've come to the right place! We have them currently starting as low as $36 for general admission or $59 for reserved seating. Don't forget you can easily pick them up from our St. Paul office located at 186 West 7th Street right before the show!

What I'm Workin' With

2011-07-27T16:44:00.000-07:00

The idea of leaving Capella (our resort in Cabo) is downright depressing. So I just won't think about it. The physical beauty here is astounding: our back patio, complete with a private plunge pool, overlooks the resort and the Pacific, which rages onto the beach day & night. The water is teal-clear. We have a two-level white couch covered in colorful pillows. We each have our own bedroom and shower (that's not entirely true; I'm sharing with Jude). :) Our butler makes us homemade salsa, guacamole, tortilla chips, and decadent meals.

When we started to run low on Corona, another case was delivered promptly. Today Jude woke up with swimmer's ear, and a doctor came to our condo and had antibiotics delivered within half an hour.

And the staff. They run around with towels and bottles of water in bins of ice. They are so friendly (and some of them very cute!). I wish this could be real life. Here are some pics:

view from our back patio

one of the three infinity pools (the adult pool with swim-up bar aka my favorite one)

Cari enjoying our newest discovery:

the spicy mango margarita with chipotle salt rim

More pictures to come. All of these are just iPhone pics--totally unedited. Cari and JJ have a really nice camera, so I'll share more pictures when they upload those. In the meantime, I am happier, tanner, and more well-rested than I've been in ages. Trying to figure out a way to move here . . .

George Thorogood & The Destroyers Minnesota Zoo Amphitheatre Tickets

2011-07-26T13:03:00.000-07:00

Blues rock vocalist/guitarist George Thorogood is best known for his hit song "Bad To The Bone" among many others. George Thorogood and his band the Delaware Destroyers have released 16 studio albums, including two that were certified Platinum and six certified Gold. If you haven't had the chance to see these guys LIVE before, don't miss this opportunity! Ticket King is carrying a nice selection of George Thorogood Minnesota Zoo Amphitheatre tickets currently starting as low as $123 per ticket for seats in the fourth row of the left section. We do specialize in the best seats possible so it's no wonder they don't last very long. Don't let these slip away from you - purchase them today!

PGA Championship Atlanta Athletic Club Tickets

2011-07-26T09:27:00.000-07:00

This year's PGA Championship will take place at the Atlanta Athletic Club in Johns Creek, Georgia. This will be only the fifth club in the United States to have hosted at least three PGA Championships when the 93rd edition of the season's final major is staged at the renowned home club of Bobby Jones. The PGA will take place August 8-14 and will welcome 156 of the best players in the world to the home club of golf hero Bobby Jones. Golf's best professionals have been competing for more than 90 years for the Championship's coveted Wanamaker Trophy. If you would like to be a part of this special event, Ticket King would like you to know we have a very nice selection of PGA Championship tickets currently starting as low as just $5 for general admission to Monday's session. We do have a selection of tickets to choose from for each day of the Championship so check them out & buy them before they're gone!

Quiet Time

2011-07-24T19:32:00.000-07:00

It is damn near impossible for me to sit still.

I should ask my mama if this has always been true, or if it's a (bad) habit that I've cultivated over the years (and through an increasingly technology-dependent world). If I am being honest, I will admit things like:

1. I don't really like to go to the movies because it requires me to sit still (and with decorum) for two hours, and

2. I get anxious during massage/acupuncture/anything like that--we're talkin' even LUX SPA TREATMENTS HERE--because I have to be motionless and quiet. So mostly, I don't do these types of things.

Same goes for meditation. I've tried it, repeatedly, as I know it would be so good for me & my restless soul. And yet, my mind gets the best of me every time. I can't stop thinking about the next moment. Right now, I'm sitting on our incredible patio in Cabo San Lucas, looking across our private plunge pool into the rowdy Pacific. I'm in a loose tank top and drinking a really good glass of red wine (that JJ shipped here from San Francisco). This should be the most calming environment EVER, right?

I'm pretty calm right now . . . in Claire terms, anyway. But still, my mind races with these thoughts:

~should I put on my cardigan or not?
~can't decide if I want to read blogs or read my book (Little Bee, btw)
~I think I left my dish in the sink & it's rude to leave it for the mayordomo
~tomorrow, would I rather run on the beach or go to the fitness center?
~I should be lesson planning

Etc., etc. I'm not sure that I've ever just been IN THE NOW for more than two minutes. I literally bob my leg up and down when I am sitting. Constantly. CANNOT BE STILL.

Anyone else have trouble with this? Specific ideas for overcoming this incapacity for calm?

Hope you're somewhere as beautiful as I am right now.

Big And Rich Mystic Lake Amphitheatre Tickets

2011-07-23T13:25:00.000-07:00

Country music duo Big And Rich is composed of Big Kenny and John Rich. Both members alternate as lead vocalists and play rhythm guitar. Rich was a founding member of the country music band Lonestar and later a solo artist for BNA Records, while Big Kenny was a former solo artist on Hollywood Records. Big And Rich released their debut album together Horse of a Different Color in 2004. Since then, they've released two additional studio albums and have appeared in one documentary. If you would like to see them perform LIVE at the Mystic Lake Amphitheatre on Friday, July 29th at 8PM, check out our remaining supply of Big And Rich Mystic Lake Amphitheatre tickets and get yours before they're gone! If you haven't had the chance to see the brand new outdoor amphitheatre at Mystic Lake, this is your chance to check it out!

hola de hermosa Cabo San Lucas!

2011-07-23T06:10:00.000-07:00

Hola from Cabo! Suffice to say, it is breathtaking here. I can't post pictures yet, because we haven't loaded any from the camera, and I can't email them from my iPhone lest I receive an otherworldly phone bill. But here's how it's gone down so far:

~we were greeted at the airport by a friendly gentleman who packed us into a van and handed us Coronas with lime for the ride to the resort

~upon arriving at the resort, a very friendly staff showed us around the grounds (teal ocean, infinity pools, restaurants on the beach) and took us to our villa. . .

~ . . . in which our sweet butler, Victor, had tamales, guacamole, and pico de gallo for us on the dining room table!

Can't wait to walk down to the beach today. Though the view from my room is almost as exquisite as the view from the plunge pool on our balcony. ;)

Only regret: abandoning my Spanish when Jaime and I broke up. I had actually been getting good, and then just quit cold turkey. I hate thinking that I could be fluent by now if I'd kept it up!

Pictures coming soon, but for now, this is where we're staying. Seriously.

Minnesota Twins Reschedule Postponed June White Sox Game

2011-07-20T13:16:00.000-07:00

Attention Minnesota Twins fans! If you purchased Minnesota Twins tickets for the game that should have happened on June 14th, you should know it was postponed and now is finally rescheduled. The new date for the rescheduled game will be on Monday, September 5th at 7:10 PM. Please know that your tickets from the June date WILL be honored at the new date so just hold onto your tickets & keep them in a safe place. If you're interested in attending the rescheduled game but do not have tickets yet, you can check out our remaining supply of Minnesota Twins vs. Chicago White Sox tickets and purchase them before they're gone. If you have any questions about our policy feel free to call us at 612-341-4131. GO TWINS!!!

Guess what I got to do???

2011-07-20T10:43:00.000-07:00

Dad took me for a ride on his Harley! Too bad we didn't have a side car for this guy:

Ignatius watched us ride off from the driveway

Between riding with my dad and my stepmom handing me down a family heirloom--her biker chick jacket from the late 80's--I'm well on my way to being "scooter trash." Jax Teller, here I come!

Cheap BoDeans Minnesota Zoo Amphitheatre Tickets

2011-07-20T09:49:00.000-07:00

Hey BoDeans fans! As you should know, the BoDeans will be performing at the Minnesota Zoo Amphitheatre in Apple Valley this Friday, July 22nd at 7:30pm. This rock band from Wisconsin is best known for their 1993 song "Closer to Free" which was featured as the theme song for the TV series Party of Five. Since their debut in 1983, the BoDeans have released a total of 10 studio albums and four live/compilations. If you enjoy their music and would like to see them perform LIVE, check out our remaining supply of cheap MN Zoo Amphitheatre BoDeans tickets. We still have some awesome seat locations to choose from in row H or better and they're currently priced at just $69 and up. Check out our supply & get yours today. Also, don't forget you can easily pick them up from our Minneapolis or St. Paul offices before the show!

Nitty Gritty Dirt Band Guthrie Theater Tickets

2011-07-19T14:09:00.000-07:00

The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band formed in Long Beach, California in 1966. Since then, this country-folk-rock band has existed in various forms, with at least a dozen membership changes and a period when they went by The Dirt Band. The band is often cited as instrumental to the progression of contemporary music and roots music. Since their debut, the band has released a total of 31 studio albums, 15 music videos and five DVD/movies. Now YOU have the opportunity to see them perform live at the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis! They'll be here on Monday, July 25th at 7:30 PM. Ticket King currently has Nitty Gritty Dirt Band tickets ranging from $69-$79 each in the first or third rows of the main floor. Get yours today!

U2 TCF Bank Stadium Concert Tickets & Parking Still Available!

2011-07-19T13:06:00.000-07:00

The wait is almost over for the infamous Irish pop rock group U2 to finally perform their long-awaited concert at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. This will be the first time a concert has been performed at the stadium and it's about a year later than it should have been, due to Bono's back problems last summer. If you would like to be a part of the history taking place here and experience the first-ever concert at TCF Bank Stadium, check out our remaining supply of TCF Bank Stadium U2 concert tickets! We also carry TCF Bank Stadium parking passes that will save you time and money later on! Tickets currently start at just $129 or parking passes at $45 each. Check them out & purchase yours now before they're gone! You do NOT want to miss this show!

Alive and Well in Georgia!

2011-07-18T12:26:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! I'm back from a totally unintended blogging break, which was the result of accidentally leaving my backpack (including my laptop) in San Francisco! I had it all packed as my carry on--laptop, books, work, phone charger, etc . . . and left it in the car when I got out at the train station. Thus, I've been sans internet for a while . . . can't wait to catch up on all your blogs!

As soon as I got home, my mama, sis, and I headed to Tybee Island for a little beach trip. It was good, redneck fun. ;) I'm really grateful to have had time to spend with them--we never get time just the three of us! Plus, the overcast weather led to much Sons of Anarchy watchin.' :)

We drove back on Saturday for my cousin Stevie's wedding:

my beautiful cousin, Stevie, and her new husband, Josh

Mama, Kate, and me at the wedding

the bride with her two sisters (we're all girl cousins on my mama's side!)

sisters: Aunt KK, Aunt Pat, my mama

uncles ;)

Daddy and me

The wedding was beautiful and fun, and the next day I got to hold this sweet baby (my cousin Jennifer's half-sister's brand new daughter):

Emma Kate: 6 lbs 12 oz of CUTENESS

Today, after accompanying Jason, one of my bffs, to his radiation treatment (he has testicular cancer; he's gonna be fine, and he has the most incredible attitude about it), we stopped for brunch at Social House, where I had the southernest of breakfasts:

fried green tomato crepes, cheese grits, sweet tea

And then I spent the afternoon with my 91 year old grandmother, who advised that instead of seeking romance and passion, I begin to look for a man who is "rather dull."

Off for a ride on my dad's Harley . . . so grateful he's willing to feed the obsession!

Frank Caliendo Treasure Island Event Center

2011-07-14T09:27:00.000-07:00

Comedian and impressionist Frank Caliendo is best known for his work on the Fox Network series MADtv and has also been the in-house prognosticator for Fox NFL Sunday. Frank began performing stand-up comedy after graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Within a year he was headlining and made his network series debut on the 2000-2001 sketch comedy series Hype. If you would like to see him LIVE at Treasure Island Event Center on Friday, September 2nd at 8pm, check out our Frank Caliendo tickets. We currently have seats in the 3rd row of the center section - it really doesn't get much better than this! Check out our supply and order yours before they're gone!

Willie Nelson Duluth Bayfront Festival Park Tickets

2011-07-13T11:29:00.000-07:00

If you live near Duluth, MN and are a fan of Willie Nelson, listen up! Singer-songwriter, author, poet, actor and activist Willie Nelson is one of the most recognized artists in country music. Willie was also one of the main figures of outlaw country, a sub-genre of country music that developed at the end of the 1960s. He wrote his first song at age seven and joined his first band at age ten. Throughout his entire career, Willie has released an astonishing 67 studio albums and seven live albums. If you would like to see him perform LIVE at the Bayfront Festival Park on Saturday, August 6th at 5PM, get your Willie Nelson tickets before we're sold out! We currently have seats in the 3rd or 4th rows but they won't last much longer.
Get yours now!!

Ben Folds Orchestra Hall Tickets

2011-07-12T14:36:00.000-07:00

Singer-songwriter and musician Ben Folds is the former frontman and pianist of the alternative rock band Ben Folds Five. Ben's first solo release after the breakup of the band was Rockin' the Suburbs in 2001. Since then, Ben has released two additional solo studio albums, four collaboration albums and eight compilation/live albums. He will be performing at Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis on Saturday, September 17th at 8PM. If you would like to see him LIVE, check out Ticket King's supply of Ben Folds tickets and purchase yours now before it's too late! We currently have seats in the front row of the center section! You will NOT find better seats ANYWHERE! Get yours today!!

Minnesota Twins vs. Kansas City Royals Tickets

2011-07-12T09:49:00.000-07:00

Hey Twins fans!! I hope you're getting excited for the Twins' return to Target Field. Having the second most wins in baseball behind the Red Sox and Braves should give the Twins the momentum they need to continue winning after the All-Star break. The Twins will return to Target Field for a series against the Kansas City Royals this Thursday, July 14th through Sunday, July 17th. If you would like Minnesota Twins vs. Kansas City Royals tickets for the upcoming series, we have them starting as low as $24 for Thursday, $19 for Friday, $34 for Saturday or $19 for Sunday. Twins tickets are a HOT commodity right now so get yours while you can! Don't forget any that any of our tickets can be easily picked up from our Minneapolis office- located at 212 Chicago Avenue and open until game time! GO TWINS!!!

Cheap WWE: SmackDown Target Center Tickets

2011-07-09T07:54:00.000-07:00

Hey WWE fans! As you should know, the WWE: SmackDown superstars will be returning to Minneapolis in just a couple short weeks. On Tuesday, July 19th at 6:30PM, you can expect to see Rey Mysterio, Alberto Del Rio, The Big Show, Christian, Kofi Kingston, Kane, The Corre and many more SmackDown superstars LIVE! Just check out our remaining supply of cheap WWE SmackDown tickets and order yours now before it's too late! I hear the show is SOLD OUT through the Target Center but Ticket King still has awesome deals on floor seating, with prices currently starting as low as $53 each for 10th row on the main floor. We also have front row seating available. Any of our tickets can be easily picked up from our Minneapolis office located on the corner of Washington & Chicago Avenues downtown. Deals like this don't last very long so get yours today!!

BMW Boss Says Front-Wheel Drive Bimmers will be “The Ultimate Driving Machine”

2011-07-08T12:53:00.000-07:00

The times, they are a-Changing sang Bob Dylan, and they did. And for the most part, it’s for the better –or we’d still be living in caves. But when one of the staples of the motoring world embraces a new philosophy, be prepared for the purists to cry “FAIL”. The news of BMW adopting front-wheel-drive for its future compact models is the perfect example.

For decades Munich has bombarded us with its naturally aspirated in-line engines, be that with 4, 6, 8 or 10 cylinders along with 50/50 perfect weight distribution and the “ultimate driving machine” tag.

Now turbos are all the rage, even in the M-division and they are trickling down to the rest of the lineup in the name of fuel economy and CO2 emissions. But a FWD BMW? Where is this world coming to?

Xcel Energy Center Katy Perry Show Rescheduled

2011-07-08T12:23:00.000-07:00

Hey Katy Perry fans! America's favorite pop sweetheart has rescheduled her Saint Paul concert at the Xcel Energy Center due to food poisoning. The show originally scheduled for this Saturday, July 9th has been postponed until Tuesday, August 23rd at the Xcel Energy Center. If you have already purchased tickets for the show, you are advised to hold onto them as they will be honored on the new date. If you would like to attend the rescheduled show, we do still have Katy Perry tickets left. Check out our website for prices & seat locations, then you can order online or by phone. If you have any questions about our rescheduled show policy, please do not hesitate to call us at 612-341-4131.

SCOOP: Seat Caught Testing Sportier Ibiza ST FR with 150HP

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

For being Volkswagen’s answer to Alfa Romeo (in theory at least), the Germans are sure taking their time to enhance Seat’s lineup with the most potent engines currently available in the group.

Take the Ibiza Sports Tourer (ST) for instance. In Germany, the small station wagon is offered with three petrol units: a 70HP 1.2-liter three-pot, an 85HP 1.4L and a 105HP 1.2-liter TSI, and three diesels: a 75HP 1.2 TDI, a 90HP 1.6 TDI and a 105HP 1.6 TDI.

But better late than never as Seat is preparing an FR version of the Ibiza ST fitted with the same 1.4-liter TSI turbocharged petrol engine with 150-horsepower found in the hatchback model.

Toyota Forklift Comes to the Rescue of Chevrolet Camaro Stuck on a…Curb

2011-07-08T11:44:00.000-07:00

It can’t get more embarrassing than this – well, that is, unless someone has footage showing us how the owner of the blue Chevrolet Camaro got himself in this sticky situation in the underground parking garage in the first place.

In the Youtube clip after the jump, we see the aftermath with a...Toyota-branded forklift trying to free Chevy’s pony car, but without any success. One very strange incident indeed.

Germany’s Edag Fuldamobil Meets 21st Century Retro Chic

2011-07-08T11:21:00.000-07:00

If the Germans ever needed a word for, “three wheeled death trap” chances are that word would be Fuldamobil. It was a strange-looking microcar with seating for two and a face like a fish and built under licence in the UK, Chile, Argentina, the Netherlands, Sweden, Greece, India and South Africa as well as its native Germany.

It was sort of like an Isetta crossed with a Peel P50 and, contrary to what you might think, was said to be a great success at the time of its inception.

Toyota Says Prius US Sales Will Outperform 2010 despite Earthquake Setback

2011-07-08T10:56:00.000-07:00

In spite of the earthquake and Tsunami that devastated Japan last March and which deeply affected the country’s automobile production capabilities, Toyota remains confident that US sales of the Prius will outperform those of 2010.

The lack of inventory, with many dealers reporting as little as one day’s worth of Prius cars on their lots, led to a whopping 61% drop in July sales in the US, which is the lowest since 2004. And that’s significant because the US accounts for almost half of the all Prius models sold worldwide, which makes it Toyota’s most important market for its compact hybrid.

Mark Cohn Minnesota Zoo Amphitheatre Tickets

2011-07-08T10:29:00.000-07:00

Folk rock singer-songwriter and musician Mark Cohn is best known for his song "Walking In Memphis" from his 1991 self-titled album. He has released six other studio albums to date and won a Grammy Award for Best New Artist in 1991. If you would like to see him perform LIVE at the Minnesota Zoo Amphitheatre on Sunday, July 31st at 7pm, I would suggest buying your Marc Cohn tickets now. That way you won't have to worry about finding them later and you can save money too! We currently have seats as low as $99 each and any of them can be easily picked up from our MPLS office before the show. Check them out & order yours today!

On my Nightstand

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

Currently, I'm in the middle of several books . . . I justify it since they're all so different:

The Namesake, Jhumpa Lahiri

I'd been meaning to read this one for a while (ever since I saw the author speak at San Francisco's City Arts & Lectures a few years ago). I'm thoroughly enjoying it, despite having interrupted it upon the arrival of my next book in the mail:

Hell's Angel, Sonny Barger

By now you all know why I'm reading this. Love it. Wanna know everything about MC culture. I also ordered a book about a federal agent who infiltrated the infamous Mongrols MC, so I'll let you know about that one when I'm done, too. ;) I know you're all chomping at the bit.

the new black, Evie Shockley

I stumbled upon this new book of poems on a trip to City Lights, and I LOVE IT. She uses a lot of traditional form (even a ghazal!) but modernizes them into a collection of poems about gender, race, identity, history, etc. Evie Shockley might be my new fave.

Next up is this:

First they Killed my Father, Loung Ung

Kristin sent me this (along with two others!) for the book swap, and I can't wait to read it. It's obviously going to be really intense, but I can balance it out with:

Something Blue, Emily Giffin

Novels the color of Easter eggs = guilty pleasure.

I know it's Friday, but I couldn't resist linking up with Meghan since her Top Five Thursday topic was books, so here it is a day late!

Pole Turns 1991 Audi 100 V6 into a 2008 Audi A4 Lookalike

2011-07-08T10:05:00.000-07:00

The latest addition to our automotive ~~travesty~~ replica section comes from Poland and it concerns a 1991 Audi 100 2.8 V6 Quattro (the A6’s predecessor) which has been stylistically converted to remind a 2005 Audi A4 sedan. To achieve the look, the Polish owner of the car crafted the front and rear end sections of an A4 to the 100 saloon. But that’s not all he did. Read more »

GM Recalls More Than 7,500 Trucks and SUVs Over Separate Gearbox and Steering Issues

2011-07-08T09:36:00.000-07:00

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued a recall campaign for two separate issues concerning GM trucks and SUVs.

The first recall concerns 6,768 units of the Chevrolet Colorado and the GMC Canyon from the 2011MY due to a failure in a transmission clip that may not engage the “Parking” mode even though the driver has moved the lever to the appropriate position. GM’s dealers will repair the faulty automatic transmission free of charge, and the recall is expected to begin on July 19.

Lumma Design Unleashes BMW X6 xDrive40d

2011-07-08T08:58:00.000-07:00

The German tuners over at Lumma Design are taking yet another stab on the BMW X6, this time, on the most powerful diesel model, the xDrive40d that is equipped with a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter straight-six delivering 306-horses and 600Nm (442 lb-ft) of peak torque in factory tune.

After Lumma Design’s people get their way with the diesel unit by updating the software and adding a custom exhaust system, output is increased to a more hearty 340-horses and 670Nm (494 lb-ft).

New 2012 Audi TT RS with 360-Horses Priced at US$56,850* in the States

2011-07-08T08:09:00.000-07:00

After giving the green light to the U.S. specification TT RS last year, the flagship version of Audi’s sports coupe has finally arrived in the States. It will go on sale within the next few weeks with prices starting at $56,850 (*) excluding destination charges, taxes, title, options and dealer charges.

Interestingly, the North American version of the TT RS is more powerful than its European sibling as the 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder TFSI engine is said to deliver 360-horsepower and 343 lb-ft of torque between 1,650 and 5,400 rpm. The European market model is rated at 340HP and 450 Nm (331.90 lb.-ft.) of torque.

NHTSA Says EVs and Hybrids Must Warn Pedestrians With an Alert

2011-07-08T07:50:00.000-07:00

Hybrid and electric cars are good for the environment because of they either emit extremely low or even no emissions at all. However, there seems to be a problem: they are also too quiet. And it’s not just a problem for car lovers who will miss the sound of the engine revving, but mostly for pedestrians who will not hear an oncoming, completely silent vehicle and face the risk of an accident.

Therefore, the US NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) has published a notice that, if implemented, will require by law all electric and hybrid vehicles to emit a noise that will warn pedestrians of their presence. This comes after a study in October 2009, which reported that a greater percentage of hybrids were involved in accidents with pedestrians than vehicles with normal combustion engines.

Mercedes C63 AMG Coupe Black Series Coming on July 24

2011-07-08T07:40:00.000-07:00

*Regular Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe Pictured Above

At the press launch of the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG, selected members of the media got a sneak preview of the all-new C63 AMG Coupe Black Series. And some of them, managed to capture a few photographs of the car but the pictures were hastily removed on most sites after Mercedes’ intervened.

This was supposed to be a secret preview, since the car isn’t scheduled to be unveiled before the German Grand Prix at Nurburgring at the 24th of July. Therefore, you can guess that Mercedes’ people aren’t too happy about the leak.