Chelsea Williams…Pretty, Pretty, Pretty Good

This past weekend I went with my brother and mom to see Colin Hay at the Lakeshore Theater. Who is Colin Hay, you ask? Well, I was asking the same thing and even when my brother told me who it was I still wasn’t really sure. Turns out he’s the lead singer of mega-80’s band Men at Work (Land Down Under, Who can it be now?). He also had a hit on the Garden State soundtrack and lends many tracks to Scrubs. I admit I wasn’t too excited about the show, but it wound up being amazing. Not only is Colin Hay an extremely talented man, but he’s freakin hilarious as well (and dead sexy). The show was really 60% stand up comedy and 40% singing. The opener for the show was a chica named Chelsea Williams who’s a street performer for a living in Santa Monica. Although she just recently signed to an agency, she’s sold over 40,000 records. She’s really good. Check her out:

and for kicks:

Spotted on St. Patty’s

American Idol – Disco Week

High stakes tonight after the judges save was used last week to save my favorite, Matt Giraud.

Lil kicked off Disco Week with I’m every Woman, and not surpisingly she got dogged out hardcore by the judges. Although I’m not a big Lil fan either, I really feel like the judges are being harder on her than anyone else. It’s not that she doesn’t deserve good criticism…but they keep telling her the same thing over and over again….that she’s not showing them who she is, she’s not showing her inner-goddess, etc. Really they need to stop with the bullshit and tell her she’s not that good instead of driving her up a wall with criticism that she can’t possibly improve upon.

Next was Kris Allen who totally rocked it out. He did a little Donna Summer’s She Worked Hard For the Money but he did it with a little reggeae bongo drum flair. His vocals were off the hook and I really just liked the whole performance. I still think Kris is kind of a dbag but he’s growing on me each week.

Danny Gokey was up next with September (aw, college). He did a pretty good job, but I’m becoming a little less interested in him each week. He’s got a great voice but he’s not too original in my opinion and he’s sort of awkward to watch perform. He keeps doing these really fast retro songs….and I’m starting to notice he sounds a little bit like Huey Lewis and the News. The judges were pretty nice to him and he’ll sail through for sure, but Simon totally agreed with me and said it was awkward.

Allison Iraheta sang Hot Stuff next and I’ll tell you what was NOT hot stuff: her outfit. It was pretty horrendous. I know this chick wants to be a punk rocker but I think she’s needs to get that red shit out of her hair and go for a nice chestnut. She would look so much better. But vocally, I can’t complain. I really wish I could…because she totally pisses me off…but I can’t:( I think Simon went a little overboard though when he said it was great…

Adam Lambert had his hot look on tonight (i think it’s a slow song thing) and did a pretty good job…but I think he looked a little constipated. I HATE when he gets that look on his face like a crying baby, too. The judges loved it, especially Paula. She was giving him this weird “I’m your Mom but I also want to do you look” during the song.

My boy Matt Giraud sang Stayin’ Alive and definitely put a Timberlakeish spin on it which was cool. The judges can’t say he didn’t make it his own and I think he did about as good as a singer like himself could on disco night. Randy said he did a great job and could really sing…which is what I’ve been sayin’ all along. Matt’s messed up a ton of times but what I’m saying is Matt’s a marketable guy who can cross a lot of genres and I think he would sell the most records. THERE. I SAID IT. AGAIN. Everyone loved him excepted Simon who said it was desperate. I’d be desperate too if I got saved on American Idol and had crappy odds of making it again.

Last but certainly not least was Anoop Dog singing Dim all the nights (never heard of it). It started off slow and then kicked up disco style, and when it did, Anoop started clapping on 1 and 3 instead of 2 and 4. translation: he started clapping like a retard. He eventually got the groove going but when the song was over he gave himself a look of disgust like he messed up pretty bad. I think his new mustache threw him off. But what can’t be denied is that Anoop does have great vocals. The judges were pretty big fans except Simon (again) who thought it was terrible. He’s definitely in danger of going home next week

Happily, disco week is over and I can look forward to tomorrow’s show when American will rip two, yes two, people’s dreams apart.

Check out this week’s performances here:

http://www.americanidol.com/videos/season_8/performances/

Wednesday Eliminations

Wednesday is a big day for losers…we’ve got America’s Next Top Model, American Idol, AND the latest addition, Real World Road Rules Challenge!

London, the street preacher, got the boot from America’s Next Top Model tonight. She thought she’d be mad with God when she got eliminated, but she isn’t at all. She realizes that God is testing her and she’ll be damned if she doesn’t pass. Modeling is her Number One passion after all…..aside from God. Ok I said this from the beginning…there’s no way a religion fanatic would ever win. It’s too political and nutty. I feel bad that they were dogging her for her weight…but if you’re a model, your body is your money maker. Here’s the real question: Did God make her gain the weight because he didn’t support her modeling career? Or was it just too many Oreo Cookies…

And probably the saddest news I’ve heard all week…my boy Matt Giraud got the lowest number of votes on AI and was in danger of being sent home. Now, I fully admit that Matt’s had some slip-ups here and there. But I still stand by the fact that he is the MOST talented, MOST marketable, and most well-rounded star up there. So he sings for his life and the judges deliberate (they still have the judges save) but really Paula and Kara just dance there and Simon actually makes the decision. THANK GOD he made the right one and the judges save was used for Matty G!!! Vote for Matt Vote for Matt!

The Dual 2, the newest Real World Road Rules challenge, starts with a bang as veteran Aneesa and rookie Chavon duke it out chick-fight style. It reminded me of junior high days when me, Dayna, and Jaime used to get together after school and literally brawl. No joke- we’d kick each others asses. And if anyone tried to stop us we’d spray aerosol Evian Water in their face. From those fateful matches, the Hickory Crotch Crunch was born. But anyways…. Chavon gets whooped pretty bad and is sent packing.

Later on in the double-dual episode, Robin matches up against newbie Kimberly who kicks her ass in the Dual pole dance and Robin is sent packing. She’s pretty sad and pathetic about it, saing she got “cheated”. What I think is even more pathetic is that MJ totally takes the easy way out and brings Ryan back into the dual. In a game called Push Over, which basically the object is to push someone over, MJ and his 200 plus pounds dominate Ryan’s 150 pounds, and Ryan is sent packing. This is sad because Ryan usually has some hilarious quips throughout these competitions.

The Hills second episode

The second week of Hills kicked off with some family jabbing that was something like this:

Spencer to Stephanie: “did you leave your train out front that matches that hat?” (she had a weird hat on)

Stephanie to Spencer: “I got a text from Heidi about this guy Colby that she used to date….she ran into him…” (Oh, snap!)

Heidi returned from Colorado and Spencer greeted her by asking “How was my favorite person Darlene?”. Seriously, WTF. How could you date someone that hates your mom so much? And even if you decide that that’s ok, how could you let them talk mad shit about her when you care about her? That’s messed up.

My favorite part of the episode was Stephanie’s interview at People’s Revolution. Why are so many people clueless when it comes to resumes and interviewing? I think I need to post on that topic soon. It could have been editing but it sounded like Stephanie basically bombed the interview. She talked about how her “final objective” is to start a handbag line and Kelly was like “bitch, you’re trying to use me and my contacts for your own benefit?”. While that is probably what she’s doing (and why shouldn’t she), she retracted her dumb statements and played it off. She also said she spoke French and then when Kelly asked her a question in French she had no freaking clue. But, alas, Kelly decided to hire her anyways (and by decide I mean MTV paid her too).

Attention all Job Seekers

I received an email today. The subject of the email was “I need to work.”

I opened what I thought was a hilarious chain letter only to be shocked that in fact it was a job application. The email began with a picture…yes, a picture…of the candidate, followed by his contact information including birthday, horribly formatted employment history including numerous spelling mistakes, school history including middle school, and personal refrenses. I can only assume those are the same things as references.

I almost feel bad writing this post because clearly this individual had no clue. And possibly a mental disorder. But for those who think this sounds pretty normal, let me offer you some tips:

1. Subject line- keep it professional. I like to put the name of the position I’m applying for and then my name so that it stands out amongst the crowd. (sidenote- you should always try and email your resume instead of applying through a job board or online application. Do some Inspector Gadget style digging and find out the hiring manager’s name and email! With Facebook, LinkedIn, and a variety of other stalking tools, this really isn’t that hard anymore.)

2. DON’T include a picture in your application! I thought this went without saying, but apparently not. Also- put a privacy block on all your Facebook and MySpace pics so employers can’t see them. Having an employer see your Facebook pic of you smokin’ a doobie is as good as emailing a pic.

3. Formatting is HUGE- The format of your resume and cover letter shows a lot about who you are. If there are formatting inconsistencies, for example if your employment dates are supposed to be right-aligned but aren’t, it shows that you don’t have attention to detail and you didn’t really take that much time to perfect your documents.

4. Resumes should be ONE PAGE- I don’t care who you think you are, your resume should be one page unless you have like a bajillion years of experience. You don’t need to list every junior high and high school job, every internship, and every extracurricular activity that you’ve been involved in. Only list what’s relevant, and use formatting tools like margins and text size to make it fit on one page.

5. Spelling- Don’t be an idiot. Spellcheck. Then proof read. Then spellcheck again.

My Top Ten WTF?!!? Moments from the Hills Premiere (a little late)

1. Heidi crashing LC’s bday party. WTF?!!?!? Heidi, seriously, it’s getting pathetic. Even though the previews show that you and LC will probably become friends during this season, at this point in time, you’re not.  How could you possibly think that going to the birthday party of a girl that hates you is ok? And it’s not even like it’s at a bar and you could stop by and leave. It’s on a BOAT.  You’re an idiot. She even says “the last thing i want to do is come to your birthday and be the party crasher…” Um…

2. Just when I thought Spencer’s pubey facial hair was bad, his friend Charlie shows up with a nasty porn star mustache. WTF?!!?

3. Stephanie showing Heidi the text from her ex boyfriend calling out Spencer. Not sure if I would have done that.

4. Spencer picking a fight at the bar. Ok- I’d probably be pissed too since it was kind of lame of that guy to send a text to Stephanie saying that Spencer was flirting with a bartender, but still…be the bigger man. Hack into his Facebook account and change “Interested In” to “Men”.

5. LC giving in to Heidi and having a big cryfest with her…WTF?!? Obviously they were wasted which I’m sure accelerated the tears, but Lauren, c’mon. You’ve held out on Heidi for so long now and you’re going to give in and shed some tears on your birthday? The next day though she totally had a sober moment and was like what the hell did I do last night. That was funny.

6 . Spencer talking about loyalty. WTF?! The smartest thing I’ve ever heard Stephanie say is what she said to Spencer during that scene. What is your obsession with loyalty? Why are you such a loser?

7. Heidi going to talk to bartender. WTF?! That is pretty crazy stalkerish if you ask me. I’ve never been on the verge of marriage (or even close) so I can’t say for sure…but if I had to guess I would probably go talk my boyfriend and then maybe go talk to Stephanie’s ex who sent the text. But the bartender? Girl, she’s just doing her job. Servin’ booze and gettin’ tips. And then Heidi pulled a “how would you feel?” and tried to make her feel bad. My favorite part of the premiere was when the bartender called Heidi nuts. Hilarious.

8. Broder meeting with Spencer…WTF!? Why is everyone caving in to these two weirdos? Brody has talked mad shit about Spencer all over the place. Why would he agree to meet him? And furthermore, why would Spencer take his advice? I”m thinking sabotage…

9. The Colby set up by Heidi’s parents. WTF? That was so planned and awkward and weird.

10. The biggest WTF?!!? moment of all….where is Luke Verge?? I expected to see the Bromance winner on the boat party at least. And by expected I mean hoped. Where you at Luke? Holla atcha girl!

Watch the full episodes here:

Theory Bar in Chicago

Crowd

I’ve been to Theory a few times now and the crowd has been pretty consistent with what you would expect for a sports bar in River North. Despite the “sports” claim, on a weekend night you won’t find any t-shirts or hats here. Everyone is dressed to the nines and ready to party.

I would best describe the crowd as scenesters who want a less pretentious place than Rockit or Hub51 but still want to run into people they know and be seen. I’ve met some fun people at Theory (including my hair idol and hopefully my future life coach, Maggie) but I think overall groups of friends stay pretty segregated. I’ve spit my game at a few lookers (there are plenty) and most seemed to only be interested in their groups of friends. Bad hair day, maybe?

Maggie, my hair idol. Look at that amazing hair!

Space

The space is long and thin with a wrap-around bar that takes up most of the room. The floor to ceiling windows facing Hubbard and side walls are lined with hi-tops going all the way to the back where the space opens up a bit to a small group of low tables and some cozy booths. At a certain time the tables get moved out to make room for a little dancing. All the way in the back of the bar is a private VIP room w/ comfy couches and chairs and a flat screen TV- great room for a small private party to watch a game. There’s plenty of flat screens located around the bar for some good game watching if you were to actually come here for one.

Bar at Theory

The rest of Theory

Marisa diggin' the VIP room at Theory

Thumbs up for Theory

Food & Drink

Theory’s menu is self-described as high-end bar cuisine with American, Mexican, and Southern BBQ influences. While I have not ordered food myself, in typical me fashion I cozied up to a booth full of dudes and was able to try “Pulled”-a cherry and applewood-smoked pork sandwich on a brioche bun. The sandwich was soooo tender and delicious. Thank you, random dude, for giving me some of your sandwich. Theory fries were also super good. I’m excited to go back and try more of the menu next time. Theory has a full service bar, specialty cocktail menu, and a large selection of wines and beers.

Service & Management

I’ve only had bar service here but I do recall that the bartenders were extremely friendly. Theory is owned by Joel Sorinsky, a GBN grad, and the Executive Chef is fellow Deerfield High School alum Brian Merel. Brian’s a cool, cool guy so I have no doubt that this team picked the most upstanding candidates for waitstaff.

Bottom Line

Theory’s a great place to go when you’re feeling too hot for a Lincoln Park sports bar but too chill for a super-scene. With a unique menu including brunch, tons of TVs, and a great bar crowd with fun music, Theory is a sure thing for any time of the day. Great for a group of friends but don’t count on a lot of mixin’ singles.

Facts

Address: 9 W. Hubbard St.

Phone: 312-644-0004

Website: www.theorychicago.com

Email: info@theorychicago.com

Neighborhood: River North

Hours: M-F 11:00am-2:00am, Sat 11:00am-3:00am, Sun 10:00 AM-midnight

Parking: is a bitch

Chef: Brian Merel

Owner/Management: Joel Sorinsky and Brian Merel

Cuisine: American/Mexican/Southern BBQ upscale bar food

Meals Served: Lunch, Dinner, Sunday brunch

Spirits: full bar, specialty cocktails, wine, beer

Menu link: http://theorychicago.com/theory_menu.pdf

Music: Super fun

Event Lineup: http://theorychicago.com/calendar/month.php

Open Since: 2009

Farewell Blinkin!

Finally, after weeks of agony to my ears, Blinkin a.k.a. Scott MacIntyre was kicked to the curb on Americal Idol tonight. Ironically enough his last performance was probably his best. So I’ll say this for the last time. I’m not dissing him because he’s blind. There’s plenty of really talented blind people. Stevie Wonder comes to mind. Scott’s really just the scapegoat for my anger with the American People for patronizing Scott and voting him into the finals even though there were many, many more talented people than him.

That being said…..not gonna miss him. Fare thee well Blinkin.

you know who

Ready for Squeezin’

Although I only found out about this Clark street newcomer last week, the wait for the opening of the Lincoln Park Orange was excruciating! I was excstatic when I realized today that the wait was finally over. I popped over during my lunch break (Orange is located on Clark and Fullerton…right across the street from my apartment AND office….bad news!!!!) and had the first of what will be many meals at the LP location of Orange.

We started off with some Frushi which I actually hadn’t had before (I know!). It was awesome. They serve it just like sushi, chopsticks and all. The “maki” was carrot-infused rice with pineapple and the sushi was coconut-infused rice with kiwi. It was seriously awesome.

For those who haven’t been to Orange before, they have a fresh-juice bar that pretty much blows all others away. You can choose from fresh squeezed orange, pear, watermelon, and many more juices and mix it with a whole bunch of other juices. I had some pear and lime juice which was totally awesome. Would have been a tad better with some Grey Goose pear but still great.

For my main squeeze I had the pan-seared oatmeal which was pretty good. I forgot that I’ve had it before, so when the waitress set it down I was a little dissappointed. It’s super good but I should wish I had explored something different. If only it was right across the street so I could just go back. Oh wait…

The real star of the menu and what will probably be my mortal enemy come beach season was the flight of pancakes. Each week they have a different theme with four different pancakes. This week was Spring Break and consisted of the Aculpulco pancake, the Cancun pancake, the Panama City pancake (yeah senior year spring break!), and some other tropical pancake. Although I didn’t actually taste this flight, just reading it was kind of awesome. Each pancake had some sort of fruit-infused whipped cream.

I’ll probably be back to Orange tomorrow and the next day and the next…..up until I can’t get in without waiting an hour to get a table. If I were you I would do the same!

NEW Lincoln Park Location: Orange
2413 N. Clark Street
I forget the phone number but call one of the other locations to get it
www.orangerestaurantchicago.com