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When Fall Out Boy Met President Barack Obama ...

Posted 1/21/09 12:13 pm EST by in Barack-Obama, I Met Barack Obama, inauguration


Fall Out Boy spent inauguration day scaling trees and performing alongside Kanye West and Kid Rock at President Obama's Youth Ball, but out of 24 very hectic hours, there are three minutes that definitely stand out from the rest: when they got to meet Obama himself.

Even if they don't exactly remember how the whole thing went down.

"We literally found out we were going to meet him, like, a couple [of minutes beforehand]," FOB frontman Patrick Stump laughed. "A lady walks into the room and was like, 'We're leaving right now. ... You're meeting the president. It was like we had no time to prepare, no time to anything. ... You just walk up, and they were like, 'You gotta go now,' and they shove us against the wall and then in comes the president. It was amazing."

It sounds slightly terrifying, but the guys in FOB said it was probably the highlight of their career. After all, it's not every day you get to shake hands with the most powerful man in the world, who turns out to be a pretty nice guy.

See FOB recall their experience of meeting President Barack Obama after the jump! Read More...

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Inauguration Day Marks A New Beginning For Katrina Victims

Posted 1/21/09 12:01 pm EST by in inauguration, new-orleans


By Akshay Bhansali

January 20, 2009, was a remarkable night for America in many ways. The first is the most obvious: The country solidified its intent on new leadership.

But also on Tuesday night, in Chalmette, Louisiana, a band of brothers and sisters showed the world that change can happen one house at a time. It can be done expeditiously, and with care. And that blood and sweat spent in a race to make the dreams of a fellow person come true can prove just as personally gratifying.

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Miley Cyrus And Nick Jonas Reunite -- Thanks To The Obamas!

Posted 1/21/09 11:31 am EST by in Barack-Obama, inauguration, Jonas Brothers, Miley Cyrus


Nick Jonas and Miley CyrusDear First Family:

First off, congrats! This is truly a historic occasion. We wish you all the best as you embark on this challenging and exciting time in American history. I'm sure it will be interesting for all of us as Americans.

But next, we have to thank you for giving us an equally historic occasion: a Miley Cyrus and Nick Jonas reunion hug caught on tape! That's right. You, our country's new first family, have brought together the former king and queen of Disney. Read More...

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Behind The Scenes At The 'Be The Change' Youth Ball -- Check Out Our Live Blog!

Posted 1/20/09 10:26 pm EST by in Barack-Obama, be the change, inauguration


Our crack reporters are live-blogging from the backstage of our "Be the Change" inaugural Youth Ball, featuring Kanye West, Fall Out Boy and Kid Rock, and reports from Kenya, New Orleans and Washington, D.C. For a look at what went on during the rehearsals earlier in the day, head here — to start this blog off, we've got Gil Kaufman as he warms up after waiting outside for an hour ...

Gil Kaufman 9:20 p.m. Cool, I didn't miss much while I was waiting outside, and right now, Kid Rock is killing it ... in a mellow, sit-down-and-chill, summer-breeze kind of way.

Gil Kaufman 9:49 p.m. Usher just swept into the house. He's one of our correspondents for the night and he's cabbage-patching to Bell Biv DeVoe’s "Poison" as wife Tameka Foster, decked out in an elegant, eggplant-colored, floor-length gown looks on and laughs.

Daniel "Monty" Montalto 9:50 p.m. It's official: The Youth Ball is now the hottest ticket in town! No kidding, I just heard of one big-time A-lister who was looking to get in but was having a hard time even getting a ticket.

Shaheem Reid 9:52 p.m. Fonzworth Bentley and legendary NBA villian/ forward Bill Laimbeer are holding court on the dance floor — not dancing, having a discussion.

Daniel "Monty" Montalto 10:10 p.m. Kanye West just took the stage and everyone in the place ran toward the stage like there was an emergency. Then again, there kinda was: 'Ye was bringing down the house with a medley that kicked off with "Touch the Sky" and “American Girl” and went into some of his biggest pre-808s and Heartbreak hits. Virtually everyone is now on the right-hand side of the room, where Kanye is playing. Even the bars are empty! And Kanye is KILLING IT — and taking the black-tie dress code to levels that make me feel underdressed (of course) ... Read More...

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Volunteers Build A House To Celebrate Obama's Inauguration

Posted 1/20/09 9:33 pm EST by in Barack-Obama, inauguration


By Akshay Bhansali

Bethany Gagnon, a volunteerIt's clear. The pulse of Chalmette, Louisiana, is racing today. Yes, the fervor of a new era in American politics certainly kick-started things Tuesday.

The president's sermon whipped many into a frenzy. But there is an added electricity in the air: Word of mouth has spread through St. Bernard Parish, from Arabi all the way up to Violet, that over in Chalmette a race is on!

A team of volunteers from the St. Bernard Project is hustling to finish "Rebuild the Dream," their 24-hour, "Extreme Home Makeover"-style odyssey that has brought Robin and Denise Albers one step closer to home. Or to a home, I should say. They've been moving for more than three years, thanks to Hurricane Katrina. But with the helping hands of many fine young folk, hopefully, that will all change this evening.

"We're gonna finish this house," exclaimed Bethany Gagnon, an 18-year-old high school graduate volunteer from Connecticut. Clearly, there is no stopping these kids, and with such benevolence who dare do so?

But can they finish in time? As I've said before, the race is on. Watch "Be the Change: Live From the Inaugural" online now, and come back Thursday for the full performances from Kanye West, Kid Rock and Fall Out Boy. Stick with us for wall-to-wall coverage of the inauguration and of the scenes in Washington, D.C., New Orleans and Kenya.

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Usher Snaps Pics, Teens Play Dress-Up At 'Be The Change' Youth Ball

Posted 1/20/09 9:28 pm EST by in inauguration


By Gil Kaufman and Shaheem Reid

UsherGet a behind-the-scenes look at our "Be the Change: Live From the Inaugural" special from a pair of writers lucky enough to be there now!

Gil, 7:40 p.m.: Not that I'm complaining, but after standing outside for eight hours this afternoon for the inauguration, the last thing I expected to do was wait in line in subzero weather tonight for 90 minutes to get into the Youth Inaugural Ball. I've been told I missed all of Fall Out Boy's set. I'd complain, but I think my lips just froze to my teeth.
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What Do You Think Of Michelle Obama's Inaugural Ball Gown?

Posted 1/20/09 9:23 pm EST by in Barack-Obama, inauguration


By Sabrina Rojas Weiss

Dear Michelle,

People have been speculating since November about what you'd be wearing to the inaugural balls tonight — and not just because it's a traditional thing to talk about, but because you're obviously a very stylish woman. And we ladies with curves are eager to follow your lead when it comes to choosing fashionable-yet-respectable formal wear.

But I'm sorry, that shredded-paper wedding dress by Jason Wu you're sporting is not a trend I will be emulating. First, I'm sick of one-shoulder gowns, but that's just me. Second, despite the fact that you two are dancing to one of the most overplayed first-dance songs ever (really, is Louis Armstrong's "What a Wonderful World" next?), and despite the fact that you and Barack are a very romantic couple, you are NOT at your wedding. So why the white? You look great in color. I loved the sparkly yellow getup you wore all day. Bold, interesting and practical. How are you going to keep that trailing white hemline clean as you make your way to all of tonight's soirees? Read More...

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Kanye West, Fall Out Boy Rock Rehearsals For 'Be The Change' Youth Ball

Posted 1/20/09 8:13 pm EST by in Barack-Obama, inauguration, Kanye West, youth inaugural ball


Wide ShotBy Daniel Montalto

The guests may still be lined up around the block, freezing their butts off as they wait to get into the official Youth Inaugural Ball, but for those of us lucky enough to be working this event, the action is well under way. And if the rehearsals are even close to the real thing, tonight's guests are in for some amazing performances.

Crews have been busy nailing, taping and dressing the ballroom for the party, but as they worked, they were just treated to a full-on soundcheck by Fall Out Boy. I don't want to give everything away, but they powered through "I Don't Care" and their newest single "America's Suitehearts." They were sporting some pretty sweet light-up instruments as well.

Kanye's band took the stage next and jammed without him for a while, until 'Ye showed up to sing on "Amazing." No Young Jeezy sightings to report just yet. Don't really want to give away much more, but I will say that Kanye's currently bringing down the (now empty) house with "Love Lockdown." Kanye may just be getting warmed up, but so far, fans expecting vintage Kanye material will be disappointed. Luckily for me, 808s & Heartbreak is exactly what I'm looking to hear tonight.

Kanye just asked that no one take any photos because he's "not dressed yet," so I can't send the picture we just took. He said it's OK "to put it on your MySpace, though." Unfortunately, I'm more of a Facebook guy.

Watch "Be the Change: Live From the Inaugural" online now, and come back Thursday for the full performances from Kanye West, Kid Rock and Fall Out Boy. Stick with us for wall-to-wall coverage of the inauguration and of the scenes in Washington, D.C., New Orleans and Kenya.

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We're Live-Blogging The 'American Idol' San Francisco Auditions!

Posted 1/20/09 7:56 pm EST by in American Idol


At long last, today has arrived. The dark clouds hanging over our nation have cleared, and the sun is shining over all of us. We no longer have to hang our heads in shame. We no longer have to live in fear. We can all hope and dream again!

Rejoice! Today is the day that "American Idol"'s audition episodes go down to only one hour per night!

What? You thought I was referring to something else?

Before we dig into tonight's live-blog, I need to award my "Fave Comment of the Night" prize from last Wednesday's epic live-blog. Congrats, srt2gryffndr! You had me giggling with this bon mont: "
The 'People say I sound line Josh Groban' guy really confirmed to me that guys shoudln't wear V-necks. What is it with that?? Why the Sudden urge to expose the man chests?? I don't get it..." I don't get it either, srt2gryffndr, but I do get that your comment made me giggle.

7:52 pm - My wife is cramming in last night's "City" episode before "Idol" starts. Fun fact: it only takes about 7 minutes to watch an episode of "The City" once you cut out commercial breaks, long silences, pointless montages and integrated marketing pushes to Rhapsody.com.

7:53 pm - On that note, it only takes 5 minutes to watch my recap of last night's "City" episode on the latest edition of "MTV Detox." Plug plug!

7:57 pm - Tonight, Simon, Paula, Randy and the New One are taking over San Francisco. $5 says somebody sings Tony Bennett. (Or, at least, producers use "I Left My Heart in San Francisco" in a montage.)

8:01 pm - Ooh! Jefferson Airplane! Still a cliche music choice, but better. "Idol's" learnin', kids!

8:02 pm - Wait, those people got engaged AND married on line??

8:02 pm - HAT ALERT! Paula is wearing a giant train conductor hat. Poor thing thinks she's on the Polar Express. "We're in The North Pole, right?"
Read More...

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President Barack Obama Proves 'Hope' Is More Than Just A Slogan

Posted 1/20/09 5:17 pm EST by in Barack-Obama, inauguration


Barack ObamaI wasn't in Iowa on that cold, bright morning in January of last year when President Barack Obama made his first improbable step to the White House. I watched from home, and like a lot of people, I was shocked that this freshman senator was able to pull off such an audacious feat against a two-time first lady whose coronation seemed all but assured by the pundits.

I wasn't on the campaign trail, where the quiet, steady confidence of a man whose story followed the arc of America's own crooked path to equality won over voters one by one, then by the thousands, then by the tens of thousands, then millions. The wins kept coming, and this insurgent campaign that was given long odds began to take shape. Watching as the usual suspects bashed and swatted at each other, saying and doing all the things that for the past five election cycles had soured me on what felt like the most mean-spirited and petty way to choose our leaders, I began to notice small things. Obama said he would try to run a cleaner campaign, one that didn't recede into negative attacks and political petulance. And, for the most part, he did. Read More...

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