Outside The Comfort Zone

As we get older, it becomes more difficult to try new things, go new places, and leave that which we know for the great ‘unknown’. In this world we live in the now, where people change careers every 5 years, the idea of a Comfort Zone is being replaced as fast as we replace our computers and cell phones.

With all this new technology comes life at the speed of light – information appears faster. Communication via multi-media pushes us to reach farther, think broader, and stretch our boundaries.

My first baby steps into multi-media brought me stumbling into YouTube and a band called Tokio Hotel. From there, I hopped to pictures, blogs, TokioHotelAmerica.com, and CherrytreeRecords.com.

Websites these days must be very ‘busy’ to get the attention of the fickle music fan. On the Cherrytree site, there is chat, radio, interviews, videos, forums, fan art, etc. Everything you need to hear new music or find out more about your favorite Cherrytree artist (including Tokio Hotel!).

On July 23, Cherrytree Records held a launch party for the All Hearts Tour starring Robyn and Far East Movement, with Kelis and Dan Black. The headliners were all at the El Adobe in Los Angeles for the party, and performed for an intimate crowd of very happy fans! My daughter (Eileen) and I RSVP.’d and were on the list. We were so excited neither of us slept very well the day before!

We live about 2 hours from L.A., and it was a Friday. Californians know to leave PLENTY of time to get places. We ended up arriving early, and were one of the first 30 people or so into the event. Free margaritas (Cherry!) and food, with a yummy cherry topped cake as well.

And the best part of arriving early? They had swag bags, 2 to choose from, and one of the choices was a Tokio Hotel bag! I was already on cloud 9 before walking in the door!

When we walked inside there was a cute-as-a-button young lady waiting by a table with loads of free stickers and posters (Yes! More Tokio Hotel!). I received one of each, including these cool Lady Gaga chibi stickers. O.K., before I even meet one artist, I am floored. I snagged an I Heart Robyn sticker, hoping to get it to Michelle with a Robyn signature.

Eileen and I grab a couple of chairs that were left in the back (she has a couple of health issues and couldn’t stand for very long that day). Eileen gets something to eat, but I was way too happy to eat. Hey, maybe there’s a new diet program in this?!

And then? The parade of stars and fun begins! Collette Carr is there just being her usual bubbly self. And Far East Movement is already there and looking very….um….young and hip?

Eileen posed for a picture with the guys from Far East Movement.

Martin, Andrea, Dean, Natalia Kills, all mingling with the fans! I’m not even sure who performed first, but of course they were playing all music from Cherrytree artists. This included my favorite guys from Germany, Tokio Hotel.

<--Eileen and I with Martin  

I recall a moving song from Kelis. And then Far East Movement was up, with Collette as well! I was surprised by how much I liked them! I had never heard them before, but that was why I came, to really experience different music. These young people are so fearless and so passionate about their music. It was truly inspiring.

From there we hear some more from the DJ, with more Tokio Hotel! I remember constantly tweeting about how great it was to hear Tokio Hotel being played. At a party. In L.A.!

We heard from a few more artists that I had never heard before, and I was pleasantly surprised that I LOVED all the music. But the best was yet to come.

Robyn. What can I say to describe this woman live? She was incredible, she had people reaching for tissues. She’s a little blonde dynamo brimming with soul and a clear, honest voice. I can completely understand Michelle’s love of this artist now. Sooooo……what do you think, my friend? Are we planning another road trip to see Robyn together?

By the time Robyn came on (she was last – the best for last!) Eileen was not feeling so great, so I went up on my own (yikes!) to ask for Robyn’s autograph. A couple of people behind me in line were talking about how great it was to meet her, and then I heard them say, ‘I think we are the oldest people here!’. O_o Well, I turned around and smiled at them, and they got a great laugh out of it.

I got up to Robyn, and asked her to sign the sticker for Michelle. She asked for my name and I asked if she wouldn’t mind making it out to my very dear friend who was a very devoted fan. She asked me how to spell Michelle’s name, signed the sticker and took a picture with me! What a sweet woman!

By the time Robyn left, everyone had to leave for the concert, and we were leaving to go see a viewing of Tokio Hotel’s live DVD of their Humanoid City Tour.

I was able to meet Dean from Cherrytree and talk with him for a bit, and I met another wonderful friend from TokioHotelAmerica.

Eileen with Dean. --->

After one final pic with Space Cowboy and his wild shoes (neon pink!), we collect our car and head out. An event to remember! An experience outsize the ‘Comfort Zone’!

Happy Birthday To Me -- Humanoid CD/DVD Giveaway

Hello folks,

My birthday is coming up on Tuesday, July 27.  I'm not one of those people who is afraid to celebrate my birthday or who feels depressed at celebrating another year.

Here are a few quotes from the indomitable, talented Maya Angelou:

"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away."

"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

"My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style"


Send me a birthday wish and automatically be entered in a random drawing for Tokio Hotel's LIVE Humanoid CD/DVD.

Happy Birthday to me!

Open Your Hearts and Minds--It's All Good

In her last blog post, Schnee gave us a glimpse of the Official Tokio Hotel America.  We continue on a serious note about the fan forum and finish this wonderful interview with some words of wisdom from Schnee.

NTO: Including the porn fan art, are there any other automatic No's for the fan forum?

Schnee: Stalker stuff or people who want to bring their personal issues with anyone here and have it play out publicly. They want to confront someone here? Do it privately. They don't get to come into OUR house and cause shit. If they are not mature enough to just talk to someone one on one, or they have some reason to require an audience, they will have to find somewhere else to do it.

NTO: What are some goals for the fan site?
Schnee: Goals are always the same--to promote Tokio Hotel and share with the world just how fantastic they are and to have a fun community. We always have new ideas percolating. There are just not enough hours in a week to get it all done.
NTO: With everything that this forum offers, you and your staff have accomplished  alot and are extremely organized. We love hanging out at THA.

NTO: Switching back to the band. What are your top two songs that you listen to the most from Humanoid?
Schnee: I am not sure I can pick two because I think it is a magic album and a great gift to us. I love how they basically wrote TWO albums for us this time.

I probably listen most to Dogs Unleashed. I love both versions of it. Dogs Unleashed is more fun. Hunde [the German version] makes me a little sad because I believe the twins were writing about their experience with stalkers. And thanks to the Humanoid City tour, we have some great videos and memories of that song. (hi, motorcycle spanking Bill!)

I don't think I can pick a favorite second... it would be a tie between Screamin', Down on You and Darkside of the Sun/Sonnensystem. Or In Your Shadow I can Shine. Or Zoom. Or... see? I told you. Can't pick.

NTO: You're standing on stage looking at an audience who has never been to a Tokio Hotel concert or listened to their album - What would be your message to get them ready for a phenomenal experience?

Schnee: Um, wait. I am on stage and Tokio Hotel is there? I would be fainting. Or maybe... Relax, open your hearts and minds, and prepare to be blown away. And then I would go backstage and talk to the band. Heh.

Schnee, thank you for being forthcoming, open and fun. For those who missed another THA administrator, please check out Coolbreezegirl's refreshing interview.

Official Tokio Hotel America--Most Loving and Incredible Fandom

Step into the house that Schnee built -- the Official Tokio Hotel America -- is a wonderful home to hang out with other fans.  As an added bonus, you may gain a friend or two.  You're invited in, have a seat, and enjoy! Here's Part 2 of Schnee's interview.

NTO: At what point was just being a fan not enough? When did you decide to be more proactive in their promotion to other fans?
Schnee: Tricky question. I am still a fan, first and foremost no matter what other roles I have. And it was pretty much immediately that I’d shared them with anyone who would listen because I felt and still feel that they are an important part of music history. I like to carry the message that they are not a boy band, not a manufactured band... I think that is what sets them apart from other young bands. Later in 2007, we were all stunned when they were invited by France to sing at a Bastille Day celebration and then invited by Israel to perform there. A German band in Israel? That was history.

I am debating adding this because I do not want to rip a Band-Aid off a healed wound, but to not say it feels like a lie. And anyone who knows me knows I am pretty militant about this issue... What drove me the most was back in 2007, it was really hard to find an English language place to enjoy the band without seeing pornographic fanart. I'm not a prude, but some of that stuff was HORRIFYING. And I felt it was a disservice to the band that any new fans wanting to check them out had nowhere to go that did not have it. So, that was the core impetus.

NTO: Tokio Hotel America has just passed their 2nd anniversary of official status as a fanclub. How did THA start?

Schnee: Well, I became a fan in January 2007 and started the blog in February 2007. I am a longtime blogger, over a decade and had previously run a fairly successful blog for an American Idol contestant (oh the horror). The idea of having a forum began to grow when we realized that there were a lot of people out there who wanted a place like we have. I have known Coolbreezegirl since the very beginning of this endeavor and she has also always been committed to the same vision. She's my rock. I love her.

If I may digress just a little, I have to give a shout-out to the entire staff and past staff at THA. It has always been magic how the team has come together. THA is and always has been a team effort. Sure, if it comes to someone having to make a final decision or being the ultimate bitch that often falls to me, but we really are a team. It would not work without every single person who participates, from the admins to the members of the forum to the people who hang out and engage in lively debate on the blog side.

And the members who work tirelessly bringing news from all over the world? I believe this is the most loving and incredible fandom in the world.

NTO: Did anyone think that your dream was too fantastic to happen? How do you protect yourself from the negative vibes -- at the beginning and even now?
Schnee: This dream of having this Tokio Hotel community? No, no one involved felt that it was too fantastic. Of course, we were willing for it to be tiny, just so long as we did not have to have crap shoved in our face all the time and could have the primary purpose of being about the band.

At the beginning, I was not as protective. I would put myself out there and yes, it was pretty horrible. The things people would say were beyond the pale of vicious.

Now, I just try to stay out of the drama as much as possible. Yes, there are times when I will stand up for things and principles and I know some of the things we do not allow here at THA cause people to talk shit. But really? That's just MORE drama. Don't like it here? Go somewhere else. It is not like there are not other places in the fandom to hang out. There is something for EVERYONE out there.

It does still bother me when I see people who are not even members here talk crap about THA, but there is a quote I love for all situations and it applies here.

"There is a principle which is a bar against all information, which is proof against all arguments and which can not fail to keep a man in everlasting ignorance-that principle is contempt prior to investigation." -HERBERT SPENCER

Stop by tomorrow for the final posting.

Embrace The Moment--Words To Live By

The NTOs were able to nab Schnee, the chief admin for the official Tokio Hotel America (THA) fan site and forum, for a fun interview. Join us as we turn the spotlight on Schnee--warrior queen or superhero crusader, you decide.

NTO: How did you first become a fan of TH?
Schnee: It was January 2007. I was reading Oh No They Didn't, the LiveJournal of celebrity gossip. I saw this post and was extremely intrigued. I watched a couple of their videos and that was that. It was pretty much immediately love. Cannot lie, it was Bill that captured my attention most. I don't think that is a unique experience though.

NTO: What about Bill do you think draws in people immediately?

Schnee: Durch Den Monsun video... there were moments in that video when I literally stopped breathing while watching it. It was like WHO are these guys???? Rette Mich? They ate my heart. I was a goner. I got their logo tattooed on me about one month after I first saw them. The words Spring Nicht followed shortly thereafter.

NTO: Willing to tell us where the tats are? Any plans to add more?
Schnee: They are both on my left forearm, just below where the elbow bends, kinda of on the top of the arm. Yes, I have plans to add more as soon as I can afford it. I would like to do something with the word "Heilig".

NTO: Let's say that you've got one minute to talk to Bill uninterrupted. What information about you would you share and why?

Schnee: Well, based on my experience meeting them once and meeting their management, I would probably let him know that he should be proud because their lyrics and music have such a wide reach to all ages of fans. And I’d thank him for never making his fans feel like they had to fit into a certain mold, i.e., be really young and hot. I had that experience with another band and it was a deal breaker when they treated fans who were not potential hook-ups like they did not matter.

NTO: How has Tokio Hotel influenced your life?
Schnee: I am so inspired by their attitudes and life values of being 100% true to yourself. Bill in particular has been a beacon for me because he is so brave. Wearing a kilt to go audition for a television show? Chutzpah! The lyrics they wrote when they were Devilish touched my heart too.

In particular, I love the story of how Bill got his Tokio Hotel logo tattoo and when questioned something like "Well, what if Tokio Hotel fails, you will regret getting that" and he responded that no, for him it was always going to be an important part of his life... THAT was inspiring to me. Embrace the moment, don't be afraid and for god's sake, don't NOT do something today because your future self might regret it.

That's the source of our tagline - "because life is too short to not be their fan."

NTO: So, using Bill's philosophy of embracing the moment, was there such a moment in your personal/career aspirations?
Schnee: Oh golly. I tend to live this way. I am definitely a person who runs with scissors and colors outside the lines. Career wise? I quit my job and moved to a ski resort in another state for the winter. That other job became unbearable due to a guy who made decisions wanting to hook up with another girl. I asked him to bring me a box. I packed it and walked out. He kept saying "You can't do this." Really? Watch me.

I would have to say getting my Tokio Hotel tattoo within one month of discovering the band was also a "seize the moment" time and I have never once regretted it.

They continue to inspire me because they are growing as artists and as men and they still embody the same attitudes. I am so glad to be on this ride.

Join us on Wednesday for Part 2.

Catering Services cont'd - Tokio Hotel Tour

Dear Tokio Hotel Management,
Last but not least, we have Los Angeles, California known for fresh and healthy choices that fit the California lifestyle!  I hope you enjoyed our diverse range of foods for the four cities. Please keep our catering services in mind for that upcoming Humanoid City tour in the U.S. We're ready and waiting with our cooking utensils.


Skittle-tini*

Sun Tea with Lemon

Iced Coffee

Blue corn chips with fresh guacamole and salsa

Crispy Flatbread 4-Cheese Pizza

Fruit Skewers (including yellow watermelon!)

Grilled Shrimp over Polenta Cakes

Seared Ahi Tuna

Stuffed Artichokes

Spinach/walnut/cranberry salad with raspberry/balsamic vinaigrette

Death by Chocolate cake

Strawberries and cream

Green Tea Gelato

Skittle-tini*

1 1/2 oz McCormick's Grape vodka
1/2 oz Island Blue Pucker
1/2 oz Lime Juice
1/2 oz Triple Sec
1/2 oz Sour Mix
2 1/2 oz Sprite
Mix over ice, enjoy. Tastes just like a purple skittle!

Catering Services cont'd - Tokio Hotel Tour

Dear Tokio Hotel Management,

We left Houston and now are heading to the city that doesn't sleep--Las Vegas, Nevada. In this vibrant city, you need lots of energy.  There's gambling, shows, dancing, and sight seeing.  Food is the fuel. We decided to go with a down-home, American cuisine -- buffet style, all you can eat.

Imagine a long table filled with an array of the heart and soul of the American diet from various regions.

Green Garden Salad
New England Clam Chowder
Chicago Deep Dish Cheese Pizza
Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Broiled Tomato and Cheese Sandwich
Sweet Potato Steak Fries*
Shrimp Jambalaya
Oven-Fried Buffalo Chicken Wings
Peach and Mustard Glazed Pork Chops
Blueberry Crisp a la Mode
Red Velvet Cupcake

Sweet Potato Steak Fries
Ingredients
6 sweet potatoes, cut into strips
2 tablespoons canola oil
3 tablespoons taco seasoning mix
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Directions
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). In a plastic bag, combine the sweet potatoes, canola oil, taco seasoning, and cayenne pepper. Close and shake the bag until the fries are evenly coated. Spread the fries out in a single layer on two large baking sheets. Bake for 30 minutes, or until crispy and brown on one side. Turn the fries over using a spatula, and cook for another 30 minutes, or until they are all crispy on the outside and tender inside. Thinner fries may not take as long.

Remember - what happens in Vegas...