Curiosity Got the Best of Me

I was bored the other day, hangin' out at my friend's house. I was surfing the internet and decided to try something new. Now that I don't have any tour dates to look forward to, I'm having a little trouble adjusting to life as it was. I tell ya, when Thanksgiving was coming up, I remembered like it was yesterday the desserts I made for Thanksgiving last year. I thought, "It's been a YEAR??!" I never noticed how fast time was whizzing by with the buzz created by the NKOTB Reunion.

Back to the other day, I decided to try something new so I created a profile on an internet dating site! Haha! I've never answered so many questions about myself before and it was fun writing about myself. I learned that my interests span far & wide and I actually am quite interested in the underground music scene.

Have you seen Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist? I saw that in the movie theatre, twice. The "Where's Fuffy?" element of the film was brilliant. I wonder if that was based on something real. Actually, if that were New Kids on the Block, I would definitely play that Hide N Seek Game. It would be so cool if they played a gig under an alias and there were only about 30 - 50 people at the show in a cozy intimate nightclub like The Rockit Room or the Beale Street Bar. To find clues, maybe there would be Smiley Faces with sequins in the eyes to signal us where to go, or maybe there would be flyers in places like Amoeba Records with fake band names and strategically placed "misspellings" of some sort. Then, if the gig had some sort of connection to a true fan, like a nostalgia factor or something, then we would check out the show just for kicks. And when we arrive, what a nice surprise it would be if it wasn't a misspelling and the alias was a little secret between the New Kids and their old skool fans. Ahh, what a great nite that would make. :D

Anyway, so yah, we'll see how this internet dating thing goes. I don't expect anything from it, just curious. It's so hard to make yourself sound interesting when you're not. What's the best way to break it to strangers that you're a hardcore New Kids fan and that they may never top that? Haha!!

Back to Life...

Back to reality, back to the...I dunno the words. :) Now that my own little personal NKOTB tour is over, I have been spit back out only to return to the life I had less than one year ago. What that consists of, I no longer recall. I initially started this blog as a place for me to ramble but it has become a place for me to escape. I have had some great NKOTB experiences, more than I ever thought possible 20 years ago and I have to say...the haters have NO IDEA how much fun they are missing out on. The down side though? Haha, that'd be the BILL!! My $5000 credit card is laughing at me because it knows it needs to be paid. No worries, I'll pay it. But in the meantime, I still have to pay for my student loan, my rent, my cell phone bill, cable bill, internet bill, water bill, garbage bill, car loan bill, car insurance bill, and oh yah, most importantly, food. Yah, who needs food when you've got NKOTB anxiety to fill you up? I know I certainly couldn't eat right before meeting them. They've really started a wave of weight loss succeeders, haven't they? Why doesn't someone write any article about those "losers?" I'd LOVE to join in but sadly, I'm a gainer. :( It's allright, I will make it my goal to become a loser eventually. I refuse to miss out on the fun to say, "Donnie, here I come!!"

In the meantime, enjoy this musical...

See more Jack Black videos at Funny or Die

Los Angeles NKOTB Concert 11/26/08

What an incredible night. Tuesday night, after work, I start my drive out to LA for my last NKOTB concert...of 2008. ;) So many plans. Some Bay Area girls and I had made gift baskets for the New Kids and there were TONS of things in each basket-5 baskets in all. On the side, I had also made a scrapbook with tons of things in there that was personal and time-consuming. I arrived in LA at 3 AM and found a hotel room to stay at. In the morning, I met up with some friends to finish up the baskets. Some people had given us letters, notes and cards to put in the baskets as well so there was a lot of love inside these baskets.

When I arrived at the theater, the area where the 5* was supposed to meet was in the same place as where the guys would pull up when they came. So, a lot of people were there and it was very disorganized. I had my scrapbook along with my autographed "I♥NKOTB" license plate slipped inside because I wanted to be holding it in the 5* picture. When we get there, we were told that we couldn't bring gifts inside the building and I was devastated. We had to leave the baskets behind in the car. My friend brought a big bag with her and was able to fit the scrapbook in there so we took our chances to see if they would confiscate it. I've never had to walk through a metal detector at a New Kids concert before but whatever.

Once we got into the 5* pre party, I started to feel like jello because I was getting nervous. When the guys arrived, we screamed and yelled as usual. I knew this was going to be my last chance at trying to get a Donnie autograph on my arm for my long-awaited tattoo. I decided I was going to take my chances because Robo wasn't there and I felt like taking risks. I also told my friend to leave her bag on the table by the picture taking area so that I can grab it if I get the ok from a New Kid. We had planned on doing a little singing but once I got in there, I lost my shit. I saw Jon and knew that he was the one I wanted to talk to about the scrapbook because it was very important that I get it to them. I explained what it was and asked if I could give it to them and he said yes.

Then I went to Donnie and told him that I HAVE to get his autograph on my arm so I can get a tattoo and that I have been trying since the last LA concert. I told him I had a sharpie with me and if he'll just sign it, I'll be happy. He took the sharpie and signed my arm and I was ecstatic!!! Someone gave him a hat and he took off his hat and put it on my head. I didn't know it was his and I asked if it was his or if a fan gave it to him. He said it was his. Then he attempted to sign my arm at that moment but we had to take pictures. I turned around and let my friend stand in front of me because she wanted to be by him for the pic. I wanted to stand by Jon but by then, it was too late because Donnie wasn't letting me go because he kept trying to read my shirt. Then, he said it was the "best shirt in the world." Haha! Right. We snapped the first picture and for the 2nd one, I'm not sure but I think Donnie put his hat on my head but I dunno. If it's red, then it was his hat. I guess we'll see as soon as the ILAA pics come out.

After the pictures, I turned and he grabbed my sharpie and that's when he signed my arm. I couldn't believe it was happening!!!! Then, we went to get our tickets because they had to renumber the seats because they added some rows, they said. I got my tickets and it was in the pit, 2nd row, seat 318 - 319. I wasn't really sure where that was but whatever. They did the raffle and I didn't win anything. Then Donnie came out again and he started signing autographs. I had him sign my laminate on the front and the back.

Then, it was time to go to the concert. I went inside and they showed me my seat. It was the second row from the left side of the stage in the center section so it was cool. During the concert, Donnie winked and blew kisses at me which was nice. Reminded me of Sacramento's concert. He tried to look in my camera a few times but whenever it didn't come out, I'd let him know and he would look again. When I gave him a thumbs up, he winked. This was during DIBYM. He's such a sweetheart to make his fans feel so special. The concert was spectacular. The highlights: Donnie kissed Jon, we sang Happy Birthday to Jon at Cara's request, the B stage performance was held on the main stage and the guys ran through the audience and right by me, and Joe showed some body on the pose off so clearly he won.

After the concert, I went back to where we were before. There were tons of girls there. Jordan & Jon left first. Jordan hopped into a white van and Jon went into the van as well. When they came out, the girls bumrushed the security and they got overwhelmed. We grabbed the gift baskets with us and went with everyone too. After they left, security told us to get back. I didn't want to carry the baskets anymore so I put them on the floor and waited to see if the security would pick them up. They didn't and then a bunch of girls rushed to the baskets and took them. My friends and I had to grab them back from the people who took them. I didn't know where the other one went. I saw someone had one going down the stairs in the garage and when I got down there, my other friend had already approached her for the basket. We were devastated. My friend had already begun to cry because we had put so much work into the baskets and now, they weren't even going to get them.

Then, the most amazing thing happened. A woman who works for the New Kids had offered to help us get the baskets to them. What a nice lady. I wish we had gotten her name. She went in with them and eventually came back out and told us that she gave them to Donnie & Danny. Since the others had left, she didn't know what was going to happen to them. Then she took our picture and we wanted to take a pic with her too. It was all very nice. I couldn't believe there was actually someone nice on their team that would do that for us. I am very grateful to her. Everyone cheered when they found out they had gotten the baskets. I was relieved.

Afterwards, we decided to go eat. We saw a Denny's and parked. That's when I realized, "OH SNAP!!! My license plate was in the scrapbook!!!!"

Death Is No Laughing Matter

Did anyone happen to catch Jon's blog today? This is what he said:

Tuesday, November 11th, 2008Jon’s near-death experience!

THIS ISN’T FOR EVERYONE JUST A SMALL FEW!!!!!!!!!!

I saw a post about my bus driving down the wrong side of the
expressway. Yes, this did happen, and I am not happy about it. I was in
the front seat sh***ng my pants. Every night leaving our shows people
like you who posted are going to kill us or yourselves!!!!! You need to
stop driving up on our buses like you do. You are dealing with 22 tons
of steel that cannot stop or change lanes on a dime. Half the time you
are hanging out your windows and flashing your camera flashes into our
drivers eyes, paying no attention to what you are doing! You caused my
driver to become so disorientated that night. A certain few of you need
to chill out and be more responsible adults! What are you trying to
gain by doing this. Do you think we are going to pull over and say hi?
Do you think you are going to follow us to our hotel? 99% of the time
we are heading on to the next city several hours away! Please pull it
together. I don’t want to die in some stupid accident. I appreciate you
coming to the shows, don’t get me wrong. I just had to address this
post because it is real and not some cute fantasy! Please spread the
word to everyone. This is a serious matter. As an adult I am going to
keep it real with you. If you’re acting stupid I will flat out tell you
to your face, “you’re being stupid”. So, in this instance, A VERY SMALL
FEW OF YOU ARE BEING STUPID!!!!!!!!!

Much respect and appreciation!

now that that is off my chest………….happy blogs coming soon!

Jon

UN-EFFIN-Believable. These past few months, I have felt like I've been floating in a cloud, wandering around my childhood dreams and ignoring reality. However, the conscious side of me is always there to keep my mind in check. I don't understand the ridiculous behavior of some of these so-called "fans." If you're really a fan, you do things the proper way. Just because you FEEL like your a teenager again doesn't mean you actually do everything you did as a teenager. Let's face it, many of us who were teenagers must have thought at one point in time that we were invincible, that our skin would never wrinkle, that nothing could hurt us, and we would stay the same forever. Pretty dumb mentality, I know. With this reunion, although we are transported back in time to a place when life seemed so much more simpler and fun, we still have to take responsibility for our own actions.

I hope whomever was chasing Jon's bus realized the extent of the damage they have caused. This really put a damper in my day. I am so annoyed at people who act stupid. If you know me and you know what I do, then you prolly expect I know what I'm talkin' about. It's nice to know someone with some leverage agrees with me on it.

Wrap It Up!

10/9/08

I got to fulfill a childhood dream last night. I finally went to my first New Kids on the Block concert!!! It was such a thrill just to be in the same city with them but in the same room? The same space? The same page? These guys are wonderful wonderful WONDERFUL people. I cannot express into words what they mean to me. I've tried, but nothing can really do it justice unless you are a fan. I have to say that the concert was more than what I expected. No dead space, always entertaining, and they brought their energy with them and our energy bounced right back. It was like a relationship, kinda like a boyfriend performing for a girlfriend. Sigh...I think I can finally die happy. Although, they did say no autographs tonight. Hmmm...that puts a dent in my tattoo plans...what to do? Well, let's see how far my determination takes me.

Here's what I posted on a message board:

Just got back from my very first NKOTB concert!! It was such an experience!! I didn't even care that they weren't allowing photos & autographs at the M&G because Robo was right. He said "If you love someone, what do you do? You hug & kiss them." And that's what we all did. This experience was definitely priceless. And so loud too!! I sat on Floor 1 in Row 4 so my view was pretty good. They seem to go to stage right a lot so that's great for me!! Haha! I need some sleep! But, highlights of my trip:

1. Got a kiss from Donnie
2. Enjoyed a long Donnie hug
3. Donnie liked my shirt, it says "Donnie Wahlberg is God" on my sleeve

Okay, guess all my highlights were Donnie-related. The M&G was fun. I really loved meeting the guys. I got to hug all of them. Danny is like a rock! So much man there. haha! Jordan lost HELLA weight since May! I need to get some tips from him. Oh wait, get sexy. Got it. Haha!! Donnie was next, been waiting for that moment forever since in Burbank, I couldn't spit out even a hello. Joe was sweet, gave me a great big hug and I wished him well for the show. Jonathan was in good spirits. I don't think he's sick anymore.

But anyways...

When I got to Donnie, I promised myself I wasn't gonna not say a word like last time. I hugged him and while hugging him, I said "How do I give you a gift?" and he said, "Just give it to me." So I told him, "Well, since you're gonna be my boyfriend for 2 hours, I made you a slow jam CD. And, since you like rap, this is a rap CD of my friend." I know, I'm so cheesy but I didn't care. Then he took them and thanked me and he was looking at my shirt. He said, "What do you got here?" and was spinning me around to look at all the things my shirt says. No, I didn't mind that he was putting his hands all over me to spin me around. Yah, that was okay. On the front, it says FACE TIME HOLLA! On the back, it says "New Kids on the Block Reunion 2008". On the right sleeve, it says "Baby Baby Baby Bus" and on the left sleeve, it says "Donnie Wahlberg is God". He really liked that last part. He held that part and said to Jordan, "Hey!" and pointed it out. Jordan looked and then gave a smile and a laugh. Donnie's response was, "Almost!" Then he hugged me and I was just so....so....ugh! I can't even describe it. Now I know what a "Donnie hug" is. I wouldn't even call it that. It's more like a "Donnie hold." He just holds onto you so lovingly, and stroking your back. I LOVED IT!!

And Jonathan, I told him how I was there that night when he went to visit the fans at the Today Show Wednesday night and all the while I was telling him, we were holding hands, both hands, and just talking. He's so sweet! Then we hugged and I thanked him for that. Oh, and another part I loved, during a song that Donnie was singing, I was recording the performance and at one point, I swear, I SWEAR Donnie was looking right at me. Probably because of my Face Time shirt and I was so shocked that I didn't pay attention to my camera cuz I didn't want to lose the gaze and the camera didn't capture it!! It cut off his head cuz I was starting to melt! Darn it! Ah well, whatevers. It's all good. Anyways, gotta catch up on some sleep. Going to Sacramento concert in a few hours. Gotta pick up old_school_fan and missmina from the airport! This time, I'll twitter. Hope you guys aren't mad at me for not twittering during the concert. I really just wanted to soak it all in since I'd never been to one before. Good night! Or rather, good morning!

Oh yah, one more thing. I don't know if all the M&Gs have the same food but all I gotta say is, bring mints.

Here's the video where I melted (Spoiler Alert):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=igPeN1QAQ1A


10/10/08

I thought Wednesday night was a dream come true but tonight was even better!! We got to Arco Arena and got in line for the M & G. We were in group C to take the pictures. They took us to a room on the fourth floor. I can see the people down at the 1st floor attending the soundcheck. This M&G was much smaller than LA's. There were about 90 people there for this one but still, same rules: no cameras and no autographs. Booooo!! Oh wells. It's all good. Anyways, the guys came into the room and we all cheered. Donnie went straight to the line and hugged everyone in the line. We were going nuts!

When it came to our turn for the pictures, I was going to go up to Donnie but I figured I'd just get to all of them anyway so I walked over to Danny and gave him a great big hug and said hi. He's so nice! Then Donnie came over to where I was and I said hi and hugged him. I told him I didn't get to take a picture next to a New Kid yesterday and then he held onto me and said, "Oh well, stay right here. I won't let you go." Then he looked at my shirt and read it. It says "Sorry Joe! Miss_Ava is a Donnie Girl Now!" He kindly said, "Awww, that's not nice." Then he said "You're Miss Ava?" And I said yes. Then he whispered in my ear, "Don't wear that around Joe." I said okay. Then we took the picture and Robo said we had to leave already. I told Donnie I wanted an autograph tattoo and he said he would give me an autograph. But I said I didn't wanna get kicked out. As I was leaving, Joe walks past me and he grabs my arm and I realize it was cuz he saw his name on my shirt. I pull away to cover the shirt but he pulled me to look and I said "Sorry! I love you Joe!" And he said, "Oh that's okay. Donnie's taking a lot of my girls lately anyway." Whoops.

After the pictures were taken, the guys came around to the tables to say hello. When Donnie came around to our table, I should've asked for the autograph but I didn't. It would've been the perfect opportunity too but I just didn't ask. When Jon came around, he was giving out autographs anyway so I had him sign my high school locker mirror. And then it was over. Time for the concert.

We went down to the floor. My seat was Floor 3, Row 2, Seat 2. I thought, "Cool, that might be closer than yesterday." But little did I know, when they showed me to my seat, it was FRONT ROW CENTER!!! I was in SHOCK! I couldn't get over how the heck did we manage to get these incredible seats!! Never in my lifetime did I ever think I would ever be watching a New Kids on the Block concert in the front row. It was a dreamier dream come true. That's when I thought it would be cool to have my sign with me. I asked the security if I could go out and come back in. He said no. I decided to try anyway. I asked the person at the door who was collecting tickets if I could go out and come back in. He said no. Then I asked, "Well, what if I have to get my medicine?" He pointed me to the security guest services table and told me to ask them.

I went over there and it was this elderly gentleman and a young lady. I looked at him and I didn't wanna tell him the medicine thing because what if they walk me to my car and I have nothing??! So, what I said was, "Hi. I was wondering if I could go out to my car to get something."
"What do you need to get?"
"A sign."
"A sign?"
"Well, they always pull up someone's sign at the concert and I couldn't believe it but I got front row seats and it would be so great if they would take my sign when they perform."
He looked at me and said into his walkie talkie, "Can I get an ambassador?"
Then someone came over to me and took me down the elevator and told me I could come back in through the same door. AWESOME!!! So I went out to my car, got my sign, my marker, and returned. One side says "NKOTB IS ALL HOOD." When I got back in, I wrote on the back, "DONNIE IS GOD". lol! That's my dedication to him since he saw my shirt say the same thing the day before.

So, I'm not going to sum up the concert but just some personal highlights that I've already twittered probably:

1. During Single, Donnie was directly in front of me and he winked and blew me a kiss.
2. During another song, he looked right at me and smiled.
3. During Cover Girl, Donnie motioned for my sign and he held it up with the "DONNIE IS GOD" side showing!!!!! AAAGGGHHH!!! It was so worth it!
4. I got front row vision of all the thrusting! hahahaha!!
5. They played my favorite song, "Big Girl Now" with Lady GaGa!!!

The only thing that bugged me was that the security guard in front of me kept telling me "No video recordings!" and "No flash!" Uhh, hello, there were a thousand other fans doing the same thing. Why did I have to stand by a hater??!


10/12/08

LAX was way crowded. I couldn't move around unless I was dancing in order to flow with the crowd. I don't even wanna talk about it. They came, they sang, they partied, they left. The end.

My 5* Experience
Yah, it's a little late to be posting this but just wanted to document my NKOTB week. I went to San Jose's concert and I didn't do 5* for that concert so, not too many highlights. Although, one highlight I do have for San Jose is that Donnie dropped his pants after singing Cover Girl. He had long shorts on though. What a tease! haha!!

Anyway, for my 5*, I was placed in Group C. I got in and there was this girl there who was all up in Joe's face. Joe kept telling her that she needed to get back. I don't really know what was going on but I knew she had already gone in because she was in Group A. I went to Jon since he was not near that girl. The rest of the guys, besides Joe, were talking to fans while at the same time, watching what was going down between Joe & that girl. Security was trying to pull her back. I talked to Jon a little bit and hugged him. When that girl wouldn't leave, Jon pulled us away from that girl and said, "Let's go over here."

After that, I went to Jordan and gave him a hug but I didn't really have much to say to him so I didn't say anything. All the other girls were swarming around Joe and I couldn't even find Danny. Then I waited a little bit and stood near Donnie. I figured everyone had already talked to him. Donnie looked at me and pointed at me and said, "You." He smiled and gave me a great big bear hug. Then I told him about my Sacramento story and how I didn't wanna bother him during his personal time and he said, "You shoulda came in! I LOVE seeing you at the shows!" And I said, "Well, you were eating and I didn't wanna bug you and stuff, that's your time to yourself." And he said, "What did I say about Face Time? I was with fans! You shoulda came in!" And I was like, "I didn't know if it woulda been okay." And he was like, "Didn't you see me winking at you and blowing kisses at you?" Agh!! Then he hugged me again and I told him I loved him and how I wanted to get his autograph on my arm cuz I wanted a tattoo but I can't find him and he said that I gotta "get smart." Hmmph. :P Well Mr. Donnie Wahlberg, now that I have your permission, I will see you soon.

10/25/08

Today was a whirlwind of non-events, events, and could've been events. I arrived in Chicago an hour late because of a delay in my flight. Due to the $15 charge for checked luggage, they ran out of carry on space in the plane and my bag had to be checked. If I had known they were going to check my bag, then I should've done that in the first place and I wouldn't have gotten my hairspray confiscated.

Anyway, Keem picked me up at around 2 AM, Central time and I was exhausted. We went to Susie's and got some fries and he got a burger. It was yummy. Then we swung by the bank and headed home. I slept for about 3 hours and woke up at 7:30 AM. I was determined to go to the Allstate Arena and see if I can find the guys. I got there and there were about 20 girls already there by the bus area. I waited and waited but nothing. I ran into Ron, Lisa & Robin from the Today Show. They're doing well. I met a couple girls named Kathy & another one named Jennifer. I met up with Misty from fans.com and we hung out for the rest of the day before the concert started.

Misty and I decided to leave around 2 PM. I was tired, hungry and I needed to use the restroom. We walked over to Starbucks and I ordered a Salty Caramel Hot Chocolate and a Mushroom Piadini. It was delicious. Anyways, after waiting for a long while, it was finally time for me to go to the 5* thing and we parted ways.

At my M&G, there were 200 people. I had to give my stuff to Zach instead of directly to the New Kids. I handed over Suzanne's card to Donnie, Mimi's letter to Jordan, and my magazine to Danny. I didn't really want to let it go but since it had his mother on the cover, I thought he would like to have it. I already photocopied it since I will never see it again. :(

At my meet & greet, it was cool, but different. Different because I went alone. I didn't really know anyone there but that's okay. I did my best to avoid eye contact mainly because I was feeling shy. When it was my turn to meet with the guys, I went in and went to Jon first. I gave him a hug and then I hugged Jordan. He asked me what the BH4U pin meant and I told him it means Blockhead For You. He still didn't get it and I told him it was from nkotbfans.com but he stil didn't understand. By then, it was time for the picture. I turned around and there was Donnie. His first words to me? "Hey You" and he smiles as if he remembers me. Whether he did or not is beyond me. But it seemed like he did. After the picture, I gave him a hug and said that I missed him. I said how are you and he said "I feel much better now that you're here." I swear, when I talk to that man, it is as if we're the only two living beings in the world.

Then it was time to go but I had to tell Danny what I left for him. He said thank you and we hugged. Then I went to Jon and gave him a hug as well. I also said hello to Joe and gave him a hug. He wanted to look at my shirt but I was embarrassed to show it. But he said he wanted to see it. The shirt I had was customized. It was my "WANTED: Donnie Wahlberg aka God" shirt. I never even got to show it to Donnie. Oh well, maybe next time. Haha, there is no next time. :T

Anyways, the concert was great. I did mostly video today because I was in a spot where they couldn't reach me to tell me to stop recording like they did in Sacramento. I finally got Baby I Believe In You on video. I love that part of the concert even though I'm not a Jordan girl.

Anyways, it's 4:30 AM and I need to wake up at 8. I'll blog more in the morning if I have time. Good night.

What's up?

I know, I know, maybe my love for NKOTB has died down, you might think, since I haven't been bloggin much. Actually, a lot is going through my mind and I simply haven't been able to put it into words. I've decided to group together with some fellow "co-workers" and we're going to give the New Kids some form of "Hello" when I see them at the last US concert of 2008. Probably a letter or something. We just wanted them to know what kinds of fans they have and what kind of people we are. If they are genuinely interested in the lives of their fans, then it is possible they will read it.

I can't wait until my next concert. Just a few more days. A normal person might think 5 concerts is a bit excessive but honestly, I think it would just really depend on the level of your passion. If you're passionate about something or someone, it's hard to ever get enough. I can still remember the first time I met NKOTB. Well yah, it was only 2 months ago. I recall the unrelenting anticipation, the uncontrollable sweating, the heart palpitations, etc. But nothing could have prepared me for the excitement I beheld when I stood in front of the man who made me who I am today: Donnie Edmond Wahlberg Jr. I spent so much time in line thinking of what to say, preparing, organizing, and planning. In the end, all is a lost cause and I was at a loss for words. After that moment, I got to see him at a Meet & Greet a 1 1/2 months later and my voice finally came back. I should really copy over my experience to this blog just to have a record. I shall do that tonight.

I recently found out there is some picture of me on a message board I'm not a member of and they were talkin' smack about my customized NKOTB shirt. I find this type of behavior to be the exact opposite of the type of fan the New Kids would want to have. There is no doubt in my mind that it is just their jealousy talking behind my back.

Anyway, not worth my time nor energy. As for the project below, did anyone catch it? I thought that was quite interesting. I've never been quoted before and not given any credit for it. :T Ah well, as is the life of a blogger.

Project for my NKOTB fans

Project for my NKOTB fans.

1. Get the FACES Presents NKOTB magazine, November 2008 Issue.
2. Turn to page 81.
3. Second paragraph, last sentence, it says "NKOTB are reuniting simply for the sake of making music, the love of their fans and having fun in life."
4. Type that sentence in google.com with quotation marks around it.
5. Click in the most relevant link.
6. What do you see?
7. What an interesting coincidence.

Grateful Painful Place

Been thinking awhile now about getting a tattoo. For someone who has heavily influenced me during my upbringing, I think I'd like a little permanent autograph on me. Hmm...

VH1 Behind the Music Live Special

I'm inviting everyone who's a fan, not a fan, a hater, a critic, a cynic, and nonchalant peanut head, the young, the old, the "never liked them, never will" crowd, the neutral ones, the curious skeptics, the jokesters, the journalists, whomever!! Enjoy this chapter of the story...

Katie is the BOMB! THANK YOU!!

Part 1 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPW-_RRXq9s
Part 2 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhB-IkZpO0M
Part 3 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0c2qu8utnp4
Part 4 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uFSX7pYnmb4
Part 5 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RdmEE5kVaM8
Part 6 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=skRIo1RTl1M
Part 7 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-hnbB3LFt7I
Part 8 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i4zulxGrpjk

The Live portion of the show (spoiler alert): http://www.vh1.com/video/play.jhtml?id=1594788&vid=280342

"The Pen is Mightier than the Sword" - Donnie Wahlberg

I haven't been blogging as much as I used to, I know. I'm sitting here, in my kitchen, online, cooking, reading concert reviews, and I'm crying. Everything that's going on right now is overwhelming for me. I'm going broke, I'm in desperate need of a roommate, I don't have money to buy groceries anymore, and I'm crying for joy. Is that weird? Naw, I don't think so.

The NKOTB tour concerts started 4 days ago. After all these months of dealing with the music critics who are bashing my heroes, I'm finally at a point where I don't need to reply anymore. Why? Well, because I no longer need to defend them. Because I no longer have to pull out my pen and fight their swords. I no longer have to send in my 2000 character max. essays and make my points heard. I don't have to do this because most of the reviews are no longer negative. They have great words to say about NKOTB's concert and I am so proud of them for getting to this point.

Just imagine. A year ago, this would have been a parody, a fantasy, an impossibility. But here we are, today, having actually traveled back in time to 1989 and thousands of people experiencing what we all thought to be the impossible. There are tons of commercials on TV making empty promises to make you look younger or to erase away the wrinkles on your face. What I'm wondering is, what product out there can make you act & feel younger physically, emotionally, and mentally?? Besides having a younger boyfriend, I mean. For most of us Blockheads, this is it. These NKOTB concerts we are attending are the best selling product of ALL. So many of us have reverted back to our youthful childhood selves that there is no tangible & comparable product out there to bring us to this state of euphoria.

In honor of the (hopeful) end to my NKOTB defense crusade, here is the continuation/remainder of my opinionated voice:

6/10/08 Glossip: NKOTB? More Like OPOTT, kwim?

You can correct me if I’m wrong but are you sure New Kids on the Block really has anything to do with their age? Cuz seriously, I always thought it was just a name. *shrug* If that’s the case, Kid Rock should change his name too because he is neither a kid nor a rock. And all those sports teams? They should all just be names like “The Boston People” or “The LA Sports Participants”. Yah, good theory.

Comment by Ava — June 10, 2008 @ 10:13 pm

Man, calm down, k. It’s not that serious. I see them more as a pop band. Boy band? Nah. I hate that term. Either way, they’re just here to have a good time and the fans are having a GREAT time. This reunion is for the fans, not the haters. They’ve missed them for 15 years, for god’s sake! Why rain on their parade? Just be cool.

Comment by Ava — June 17, 2008 @ 3:43 am

6/11/08 Pink Sheep of the Family: New Kids on the Block are Back!

Actually, let me help you out there. This song is a homage to their fans. The subtext is that they are talking about the special relationship they have with their fans. It's about the time NKOTB was first discovered by all these girls, hence, the beginning shoutout "Jones Beach! 1988!" I admit, I'm a huge NKOTB fan and even I didn't really dig the song at first. But I gave it a second listen and now, i can't get enough of it! Donnie is all kinds of sexy!!

6/11/08 Pop Sugar: Pop Poll: NKOTB "Summertime" – Love It Or Leave It?

They really look like they're having fun which is great! I think this reunion will be a lot of fun for both them and their fans!

6/14/08 Tweenage Wasteland: I Hear They Had A Bunch of Hits?

It's okay to love it. I love it too. It's just really difficult to get most 20 & 30 something to take NKOTB seriously because their minds have been biased by the past. Thanks for keeping an open mind about it.

6/15/08 HALLE BERRY HAD JUNGLE FEVER HOOKED UP WITH FUGLY GUY FROM NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK

Why did Halle Berry hook up with Danny? Maybe because Danny is a genuine sweetheart and they are not superficial.

6/16/08 Binside TV: NKOTB Is Back... Why?!

Why is New Kids on the Block getting back together? I can help you with that. I've done enough research and listened to enough interviews to answer your question. NKOTB are reuniting simply for the sake of making music, the love of their fans, & having fun in life! :) I don't see any harm in that.

As big of an N'SYNC & BSB fan as you say you are, I'm surprised you are disrespecting NKOTB seeing as your bands would never have existed if it weren't for their predecessors. Lou Pearlman got the idea to form your boybands from NKOTB so it'd be cool if we all showed a little respect. NKOTB know that New Edition is THEIR predecessor and they definitely show THEM a lot of respect.

NKOTB know that they were the first bigtime U.S. boyband and they know because of that, they were the ones who had to take the fall for everyone who comes after them. They made all the right moves yet they also made all the mistakes so that bands today have it much easier. That's probably why you don't see a gazillion and one pieces of N'SYNC merchandise everywhere. That was a management issue. You can't honestly believe that NKOTB would approve of manufacturing pink slippers with their faces on it now, could you?

As a fan of NKOTB, I just wanted you to know where they are coming from. Most critics don't really take the time to do much research and start mouthing off nonsense that doesn't qualify as facts. I appreciate your curiosity and if I haven't answered your question, I hope you will still respect that NKOTB have their own agenda. They've got a surprise for the fans, something "up his sleeve" as Mark Wahlberg told us when he spoke about his brother and the reunion. Their relationship with their fans is something very special that no other band has or will ever have. It is genuine, priceless, and untouchable. I'm not sure how N'SYNC & BSB treated their fans but if they were just as great to you fans, then you must know what I mean. Thanks for listening. :)

6/17/08 Snarky Gossip: New Kids on the Block humiliate themselves on live TV

I think what’s important is that they love doing this. If they’re having fun and the fans are enjoying them, then why rain on their parade? Can’t you just let them have a good time and be cool?

6/17/08 Binside TV: NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK SUMMERTIME MUSIC VIDEO | NKOTB TODAY SHOW COMEBACK REUNION PERFORMANCE VIDEO

Dude, calm down. There's no need to get excited. I don't think ANYONE sounds good live. But man, you sure went out of your way to find videos of them in order to prove you're not a fan. Just FYI though, Summertime is not a song for children to sing. They're talking about reminiscing back 20 years ago when they and their fans first discovered each other. That's the subtext to the song. Jordan also said Summertime is the most lightweight song on their album that will remind us of their old sound. I'm actually really looking forward to their new album and what they have to offer. New Edition was a great band but they never got as big as NKOTB. NKOTB contributes their success to New Edition. They show them respect. I think we all should do the same.

6/20/08 Jill's World: The New Kids Revival

I damn near cried reading your blog and I don't know why. I guess it's because I seek people like you, people willing to have fun in life instead of saying, "Act your age!" all the time. Thanks for keeping an open mind about it. Most tend to keep their childhood self locked up for some unknown reason. Don't they know that's what keeps you young? I'm really excited to revisit the past and am looking forward to the future. :) You know they're selling out arenas, right?

6/27/08 Quacking Wombat: NKOTB

Relax, they're just having fun and so are the fans. They've missed them for 15 YEARS, for God's sake! Plus, Summertime sounds really good. It's #1 on the Top 20 Countdown on VH1 right now. However, Summertime is going to be the only song on their album that sounds like their old music. Everything else should be much more modernized. Have you heard Click Click Click? Super sexy song.

7/2/08 Marriage Life Dogs Knitting: NKOTB

Actually, this song has subtext to it. They are talking about the time when they & their fans first discovered each other. It's a homage to their fans, to you. Hence the shout out in the beginning, "Jones Beach! 1988!" I'm sorry you're a fairweather fan but you have no idea all the things they are doing for the fans right now. So many surprises. :)

7/14/08 That's Butter: The end is nigh

I LOVE NKOTB!! Yes, they were bred from the late 80s/early 90s era but they’ve grown, matured, and yet still managed to remain kids at heart. This time around, they know what they’re doing and have a lot of surprises in store for their fans. I’m sorry not all bands love their fans as much as NKOTB loves us! :)

7/18/08 Perfect Business: Check Your Moral Barometer

Haha! Hi! Just blog hopping. You forgot one thing though: New Kids on the Block also spawned a generation of strong-minded, goodwilled, drug-free individuals! Can’t forget that! :)

7/18/08 Paige with Words: Good things come in three, Tough decisions come in two

Hi, just blog hopping. I Just wanted to let you know that actually, the song Summertime has a subtext to it. It's a homage to their fans 20 years ago when they and their fans first discovered each other. Hence the shoutout in the beginning, "Jones Beach! 1988!" Kinda like a conversation between them and us.

This song is a "knock on the door" so to speak, that they're using to tell us fans "Hey! We're here! We're back! We missed you!" And that's why the lyrics are like that and why it sounds so similar to the music they made in the past. It was done on purpose.

I assure you, the rest of their new album will be completely different. Jordan has said that Summertime is the most "pop-y" song they have that would most remind fans of what they used to sound like. Have you check out "Click Click Click?" Very smooth & sexy...

7/22/08 Super Mae: NKOTB-Back then and Now

Hello, just blog hopping. I agree with you. These men certainly have aged well. You'll never believe the things they've been doing for the fans lately. Hope you join in on the fun, get online & go to a concert! I'm going to 6 of them myself! :P

7/31/08 Pop Music Scene: NKOTB’s New Single Is ‘Single’ ft Ne-Yo Plus Artwork & Album News

Sounds great!! I wonder if they will get criticism that is unbiased this time. Their reunion plans are genius! Releasing a song that reminds us of them back in the day, and then releasing one that’s up to date that will pull up the first single? BRILLIANT!!

8/01/08 The Omega: New Kids On The Block Become Old Guys Who Can’t Rock

Thanks for letting folks know about the NKOTB Reunion but you need to just let go of your jealousy. It's been 15 LONG YEARS! The fans have missed them! Can't you be cool without raining on our parade? The reunion has become somewhat of an underground culture nowadays and I love that! We don't need any self-proclaimed music expert to lecture us on what music we should or should not be enjoying. We're grown folks and so are NKOTB. This reunion has a brilliant plan behind it and I can't wait until it unfolds. These 5 entertainment geniuses are always surprising us fans. No other band loves their fans this much.

8/03/08 Words from a Canuck: Things I've Learned

Hello, just blog hopping. Actually, Summertime's subtext is that it is a homage to their fans. They are talking about 20 years ago when they and their fans first discovered each other. Hence the shoutout at the beginning, "Jones Beach, 1988!" That was when the roller coaster began. This song is an invitation from NKOTB to their old fans to say "Let's party and have a good time." Nothing wrong with that. Their name is exactly what it is: just a name. Just like Kid Rock is not really a rock. So no, I would say that a reunion happening back them would definitely not make sense because we fans would not have had time to miss them. And no, the song is not creepy because they aren't talking about now, they're reminiscing with us, like a conversation in the song. And no, they are not too old to sing a song about the relationship they have with their fans back in the day.

It doesn't matter what song they sing because there will always be sel-proclaimed, so-called "music experts" who will criticize them for their sound, their looks or their lyrics because they can't listen with an open mind. Their new music is going to rock your socks off. I can't wait to hear it.

If I were you, I would take a second look. NKOTB were a great influence on their fans by getting them to stay away from drugs, to stay in school, and to love themselves. I could only WISH there were bands like them today which kids can look up to this way. I guess Jonas Brothers are the closests ones to date. Us NKOTB fans really lucked out to have been raised by them. Either way, their music is going to rock your socks off. Check out their new single, "Single" on youtube. Get ready... ;)

August 3, 2008 7:33 PM

Relax Beckie, no one is lecturing you here. There's no need to get excited. :) I am completely aware that not everyone will like a specific band. And thank GOD for that! I mean, who wants a society full of conformed human beings, right? Simply put, I never understood why people have to attached age to music. Music is music. I don't feel that what I did was rude. You put a blog out in public, which means people will read it. And rightly so, everyone will have an opinion. Of course I can rant all I want, it's my blog. And of course you can rant all you want, it's your opinion! But to be offended if people actually reply? Don't take it personally. I mean, you are in public here. Anyway, I'm not apologizing for giving my opinion and letting you know what Summertime is all about, just as you do not need to apologize to me for putting down a band I love. We are all different folks! Plus, I LOVE Aerosmith! They ROCK! ;)

August 4, 2008 4:14 PM

Ahhhh, I see where the problem lies. Just to clarify, I was not referring to you when I was talking about people not listening with open minds. I have been reading articles regarding this reunion since late January and believe me, the people I am referring to are the irresponsible "journalists" or "critics" so-to-speak. It was not directed towards you personally. I have commented on so many articles, blogs, videos, etc. that I do not always recall what was said. It's usually the "professional" articles that really bug me because they are constantly putting down the fans for simply being fans. For that, I will apologize since you thought I was referring to you alone. If you don't believe me, check my blog entry from 6/7/08.

August 4, 2008 5:57 PM

8/04/08 Meandering Seminarian: New Kids on the Block. They are so back.

Hi! Just blog hopping! My friend Marc LOVES the New Kids!! He's a 20-yr old straight guy! So does my friend Chuck, who's around 30 & also straight! And also going to the concert!! Thanks for showing them some love, Ryan! Don't forget to check out their new single, "Single" featuring Ne-Yo!

8/06/08 MN Speak: Where the insane NKOTB fans at?

Just to make a correction on the comments, Donnie Wahlberg did not set any hotels on fire. Those women were exaggerating & making assumptions. He was only playing with a fire extinguisher. The smoke that those women saw were from that fire extinguisher.

»» Submitted by »»» miss_ava at 10:08 AM on August

You can't trust anyone these days, but know this: trust only the diehard down NKOTB fans. We're tired of all the bashing and all the same lame jokes, so we'll either ignore it, or battle it. NKOTB fans know more than you think. We're just not saying so. ;)

»» Submitted by »»» miss_ava at 5:04 PM on August 6

8/08/08 The Sun: 'When this ends we'll be in our 40s...no more comebacks'

I am thoroughly enjoying this reunion, I must say. The New Kids were more than just a teenage sensation for us fans. For me, they were the ones who raised me at a time when it mattered the most. I even have "I3NKOTB" as my license plate on my car!

Thank you for writing this article about them. Their positive influence on me will stay with me throughout the years. That "positivity" will always be what I associate them with, in addition to childhood memories, carefree days, and puppy love smiles. There's nothing wrong with reminiscing, especially when you have your childhood influence reminiscing alongside with you.

Later on that day...

CouldCareLess, thanks for your opinion but when I don't care about an article, I wouldn't even bother to comment. Couldn't you just let us fans enjoy this without raining on our parade? We've missed them for 15 long years! Cmon, there's no need to get down to the immature level of childish name-calling. Be cool, yah?

8/18/08 Daily Fiasco: New Block, Same Kids

Midlife guys? So original, I’m sure. Why are you so bitter about this? He’s just celebrating his birthday. Why would I hang myself? Then I’d miss out on all the great reunion events going on with the New Kids on the Block! It’s just a name. Relax. And why poke fun at the name of their new song? They’re aren’t the first music artist to have a song named “Single.” Natasha Bedingfield released a song with the same title just a few years ago. Why don’t you go cap on her about it because that’s news.

8/18/08 Just Talking It Up: “Divorce is not great, and neither are the New Kids on the Block”

I’m a huge New Kids on the Block fan and just to point something out, Donnie’s marriage was already dissolving before the whole NKOTB reunion idea even entered the scene. He’s still getting over it. Leave them alone.

8/20/08 Heckler Spray: Donnie Wahlberg (You Know, The Less Attractive Wahlberg) Not Hanging So Tough with Marriage

Donnie’s marriage was already dissolving before the NKOTB reunion idea entered the scene. Seems you’re reporting incorrect facts.

8/22/08 Suzie McLean: NKOTB: I’ll be loving you forever *lol*

Hi! Just blog hopping. Just wanted to say that a lot of people think it’s mostly Ne-Yo but if you listen carefully, you’ll hear that it’s actually Joe & Ne-Yo, 50/50. Crazy, huh?? I LOVE that song!!

8/22/08 Chizmizan Chuva: Jonathan Knight of NKOTB (New Kids On The Block) Gay?!

He can’t “come out” if he’s not in the closet. This is just a rumor.

8/24/08 The Green Kat: who I am and who you see

Just to make a slight correction, Donnie's birthday just passed last Sunday. He is 39 now and their album comes out September 2nd, not 9th. I just love that they are not boys anymore, they are MEN. Sexy, hot, and genuine. They're just having fun with life, no harm in that. :) Check out their latest single, "Single" featuring Ne-Yo. Video will be out soon...

8/27/08 Idolator: New Kids On The Block Will Probably Not Have A Bunch More Hits

If they sound like their old music, you'll say it's outdated. When they sound like today's music, you'll say they're trying to be someone else. Critics; just another word for cynics.

8/30/08 Miss Attitude: Forget pimping the new NKOTB CD.. just tell us.. is Jonathan Knight gay?

I don’t think he’s gay. Perez is an idiot for forcing people to out themselves, especially when this isn’t even true. Any diehard fan could tell you. And Jon kissing his boyfriend in public?? Jon’s not even a PDA type of person. I love their songs “Big Girl Now,” “Click Click Click” and “Put It On My Tab.” Try a listen at those :)

8/30/08 Monsters and Critics: NKOTB: No new fans

I agree. You are taking Donnie's words out of context and twisting it. The New Kids on the Block LOVE their fans!! You should hear the stories that fans tell! They're amazing and treat us like old friends. Please don't start subjective rumors about them. They love any fans they can get but of course they would start their tour off with the old fans. This reunion is one big party! Who else would they invite first if not their old fans?

9/01/08 AntiQuiet: OMG NKOTB WTF?

September 1st, 2008 at 2:45 PM

I’m sorry you feel this way about their new album but just out of curiosity, exactly what were you expecting? Songs where they still belt out sappy crooning? Or dance songs that make you want to break out your New Kids jacket and start dancing like Tiffany? I understand that you don’t like it but I’m just wondering what kind of album you were hoping they would have because there were people who said they shouldn’t have done a new album and should have just stuck with the old stuff when they reunited. However, they still have something to say and this album proves they ARE a band and it is all about their hard work. This is perhaps the last album they will ever put out before completely retiring and if you don’t like it, that’s fine, but it still deserves some respect, don’t you think? After all, these guys were seen as manufactured puppets for years and still are to some. For me, this album proves everyone wrong. I certainly trust that they know what they’re doing. Besides, this reunion is for the fans of old. If new ones want to join, welcome to the party!! But please don’t rain on our parade.

September 3rd, 2008 at 12:15 AM

gl0balvizi0n, I would have to say that for a group that has not done music together in 15 years, the end product came out quite well. If this product came out from a group who has been putting out music constantly, I might be able to see your point of view. However, to call all the hard work they have been putting into this project is highly disrespectful. All the artists who have collaborated with them are treating the project with the exact same respect the fans give this group. Donnie is credited as songwriter in 80% of the album. They have a top notch record management company that believes in their reunion 110%. What exactly makes it, for the lack of a better word, “crap?”

9/01/08 Hip Online: New Kids on the Block - The Block - review

1. “Bounce for me/bounce for me” is actually “Pose for me/pose for me.”
2. NKOTB doesn’t even look at PICTURES of teenage girls. What makes you think they were SINGING to them?
3. Why should they give the song to Chris Brown? Are you implying that you’re being biased against the song JUST because NKOTB sang it? I think you just revealed the irrelevance of your credibility.
4. Where in the music industry is a pop group required to produce a superstar our of one of the members?
5. “Who cares?” Maybe the 4000+ fans in New York on 5/16/08 camping out in the street for them care.

This reunion was never meant for you. It would be professional of you to do some research prior to writing this review. “Summertime” was never intended to reinvent anything. It is a song that pays homage to their fans. It is about the summer of 1988 when they and their fans first discovered each other. This is the subtext to it. Anything they are doing now is all because of the fans. They have a team of people who do research on what the fans want. So whatever they are doing, it’s because the fans wanted it. The fans wanted to see them bring back their old dance moves, their voices, their comraderie, their existence as a unit, etc. The New Kids on the Block were more than just a pop group. They meant a lot to their fans in terms of their upbringing, their influence, their personality, their childhood, their memories, etc. They will always be attached to a time when life was easier and we were all carefree. It is that exact feeling that they bring back to us that make us love them, not to mention the love that they show back to the fans. I can explain everything to you but you could never know. Thanks for the review but I think I’ll look to someone who has some merit.

9/02/08 Associated Content: New Kids on the Block Tickets Hail Boy Band Reunion in Earnest

I think the album is about to slap all the critics in the FACE! I just purchased it and seriously, it gets you movin!! I was a little skeptical at first but damn. I LOVE the song, "Big Girl Now" with Lady GaGa and "Full Service" with New Edition!! This album has a little bit of everything: the veterans of music, the ladies of new sound, a hint of nostalgia, and ALL LOVE!! So no, I would say that it doesn't seem like they're retiring any time soon, Angie. (Thank God!!) By the way, NKOTB taught us well back in the day. We're donating money to the Red Cross in their name. What are YOU doing for the hurricane victims, Angie?

9/02/08 Chronicle Times: From the Midway:Old solders never die; they just fade away

Hello Mr. Leckband,

I read your satirical article about your so-called "war" against the New Kids on the Block reunion and I have to say that there is a bigger picture you seem to have overlooked. I don't know who your "friends" are who were fighting this war but the thing is, it doesn't sound like you’re a big fan of pop culture and you & your friends are trying to kill it. It seems quite difficult for you to accept that everyone is different and we will enjoy whatever music we want to enjoy. Why are you making such a subjective assumption that the younger generation needs you to fight this war for them? Did they ask you to? I would highly suggest you include your qualifications if that were the case.

Back then, when NKOTB came out, they were more than just music to their fans. They were their positive outlet, their positive influence, and their retreat. They raised us to be strong, independent, & drug-free individuals. They taught us that it's okay if we don't want to give in to peer pressure. Their messages cradled us and kept us out of trouble rather than the latter grunge bands that came in and made it normal to do drugs and commit suicide for fun. Is that the type of influence you want for your children?

I also noticed that you failed to mention the war that they were fighting on their own. Where is the mention of how it was due to all the merchandising conglomerates, the money hungry management companies, and every tom, dick & harry who was trying to make money off of the New Kids that were the ones who created the "system" that supposedly "forced" this music down your throats? I'm sorry but the last time I checked, it was a free country and if you didn't want to listen to certain music, you change the station. You don't need to make a big fuss and write a public article, whining like a baby, pretending you have an imaginary war to fight and trying to put down a band that has given their fans nothing but love, respect, and shelter. I believe there are more important matters at hand than your little war. For example, how about the hurricane? How about writing about that? Or how about writing about us well-taught NKOTB fans who are donating money in NKOTB’s name to the Red Cross because that’s what the New Kids taught us? Is your war against their reunion REALLY more important than lives of thousands who are about to be homeless, suffering, or dead? Your credibility as a “solder” is diminishing in my eyes further and further as I write.

I highly doubt the younger generation will be negatively affected by this reunion. I'll bet you didn't even bother to do any research about this reunion and are just making blind accusations towards them, their fans & their good intentions. If anything, the New Kids have fought enough wars with self-proclaimed music experts like you and at this point in time, they really don't care WHAT you say. You can complain all you want, fight as hard as you can, and protest as much as your heart desires. Fact is, they have something to say and if you don't want to listen, THAT is where you’re supposed to write, “Who cares?” They certainly don’t. You were never invited to the reunion in the first place so it’d be best if you just stayed out of the way.

Sincerely,

Ava

9/03/08 Radar Online: The Block - New Kids on the Block

Hmmm. It's funny. Critics used to knock them for singing music that's too "immature." Now, when they write an honest & personal album with a more mature theme & you knock them for singing music that's too "skeezy."

Why don't you just tell the truth and say that the only reason you don't like it is because your subjective opinion on New Kids on the Block is biased rather than pretending it's coming from an actual professional & neutral POV?

9/03/08 Can I Please Just Say: New Kids on the Block.. my thoughts

Hi, just blog hopping. I agree with you to a certain extent. NKOTB didn't give the best performance on The View but if you think about it, they have never performed perfectly during their live concerts anyway. So, this brings me to thinking, "Wow, they haven't changed at all! I LOVE IT!!"

Moreover, I have to tell you, NKOTB are loved not always for their music but for who they are as people. They've raised a wonderful generation of fans to grow up right. It is for THAT reason that we still love them and not necessarily for their music. Have you listened to their new album? It's not anything groundbreaking but for a group that hasn't done music together in 15 years, I'd have to say this album is their best yet, considering it's so danceable, personal & honest. Check out "Big Girl Now" or "Full Service." Both of those songs are knockin my socks off. They worked very hard on this album and this project has been and should be treated with a lot of respect by fans & critics alike.

9/06/08 Coastal Surfing: New Kids On The Block - Need a Name Change

Actually, I’ve heard their new album. Sounds more like grown men making grown music. Nothing at all like their old stuff from their producer. They’ve matured and moved on from their teeny bopper stuff and so should the critics. Their album is #1 right now in Teen Pop, R&B, and Dance&DJ on Amazon.com and the album only came out 4 days ago.

If Joe really said that, I’m sure he was making a joke. They’re such goofballs and they really know how to have fun. The history for the KISS concert is that they were supposed to do their very last concert there 14 years ago but they never did because they disbanded so it was kinda left hanging. So, for them to perform there now, as one of their first concerts after reuniting, makes it all come full circle. I can see why he would be tickled pink. :) They’re veterans in this industry. I’m sure they know what they’re doing. They put a lot of hard work into this reunion and everyone involved, including Ne-Yo, New Edition, Lady GaGa, Polow da Don, Akon, and Pussycat Dolls is treating it with well-deserved respect.

9/08/08 Digital Spy: New Kids On The Block: 'The Block'

Actually, they've mentioned in multiple interviews that they've made this album quite personal and honest this time around. It's relevant to what's going on in their lives right now. They released Summertime as their first single because they wanted to invite their fans back to the party and remind them of what they used to sound like before releasing what they sound like now. I thought it was a brilliant idea because they have captured a lot of fans from the younger generation as well. This is a great dance album and I can see why it is selling so well on Amazon under its appropriate categories. My 5 stars is also for the album.

9/09/08 LAist: New Album on the Block, Daughters Lock Up Your Mothers

I like your review. Very neutral. Fans aren't expecting everyone to convert or anything. Just to give it a chance, as if they are a whole new group. Essentially, they are the NEW New Kids on the Block in my eyes. They've strayed from their bubblegum teeny bopper image and so should the critics. Thanks! And I do love how you put it.."now we're going to have sex." Soon-to-be classic quote regarding this album. haha!!


9/09/08 Jossip: New Kids on the Block Hit Upon Least Sensical Money-Making Scheme of All Time

It's inevitable. They HAD to reunite!! The fans were ready! If you had done your research like a professional journalist would, you would have found that they didn't reunite for the money. Donnie was initially financing the album himself. HIMSELF!! Does that sound like they need the money to you? Although nostalgia does play a role in this reunion, it is not the main attraction here. It's about the music, the hard work, and the party that all of us fans are invited to. None of them need to do this reunion. Donnie just found a song and they all liked it and decided to record it. Fans began reacting to the reunion rumors and everything started falling into its proper place. The end product? An amazing dance album, probably their best album to date, in my opinion. What's wrong with living life to the fullest and taking a stroll down memory lane? They're just having fun and so are the fans. Please keep your negativity to yourself and stop raining on our parade.

Posted: Sep 9, 2008 at 4:56 pm

LogopolosMike, that was one of the most immature & harebrained cluster of words I have ever read. I can't believe you're so bored but actually cared enough to take the time to type all that nonsense out. Ell oh ell.
Posted: Sep 9, 2008 at 5:03 pm

9/10/08 E! Online: New Kids Can't Block the Jeezy

Wed, Sep 10, 2008, 1:07 PM

For a group that hasn't been doing music for 15 years, I'd say #2 is pretty **** AMAZING! I'm sure it's probably NOT a great sign that the younger generation today have Young Jeezy to look up to. Thank GOD our generation had New Kids on the Block to guide us properly.

Wed, Sep 10, 2008, 2:22 PM

Criticism is a part of show business? Really? I wasn't aware of that! Thank you, andi! Yes, us fans were not aware that New Kids on the Block ever get criticized. By this article, I thought they could just report the numbers and be done with it but no, they had to compare a group who has been out of the music industry for 15 years to an artist who's been in the industry all this time and imply that the group failed to get up to the top. Hmm, who knew the fans would actually think that's unfair? And we know not everyone will like their new album. I'm sure they know it too. Thanks for your profundity.

Wed, Sep 10, 2008, 4:19 PM

Haha!! The NKOTB critics are hardcore bitter about them being on the chart and the NKOTB fans are are hardcore about them being dissed! Let's face it, put critics in a room with a bunch of NKOTB fans, those critics would get their eyes clawed out. NKOTB have come a long way and I commend them for getting so far to the top after being gone so long. You gotta admit, if there was no Young Jeezy, NKOTB would be #1! And the fans are much more mature and grown so there's no discrediting there. NKOTB fans win, hands down!

9/12/08 Orlando Sentinel: New Kids on the Block **

I disagree. This album had me movin' and groovin' wherever I'm playing it! I have the deluxe album playing at work all day long. For a group that hasn't been in the music industry for the last 15 years, this album is a sure sign of how talented these guys are. I think people should listen without expectations and keep an open mind about it. It's a GREAT DANCE ALBUM and much more mature than their bubblegum pop stuff you like so much.

9/14/08 411 Mania: New Kids On The Block - The Block Review

I'd like to say thank GOD they didn't do an album like the ones they had back in the day! What happened to Step by Step? It's been done. Why would we want another one? Moving along...

I absolutely LOVE The Block! These guys are older, wiser, sexier, and HOTTER than they ever were!! Sounds like you have a lot of discrimination against their age. I don't see what their age has to do with music. Since when did people stop thinking about sex after 30? They may have gotten older but so have their fans and we love their new sound. This album is actually very honest and personal to the group. If you had done your research, you'd know the profundity of the songs.

My opinion on Full Service? The beat is kickin! I love the gas station references. It's hilarious! The guys really have a great sense of humor. It was always their dream to collaborate on a song with the predecessors, New Edition. "Full Service" is a perfect blend of pop from NKOTB and R&B from New Edition. It's understandable if you don't like it. A lot of people think, "New Kids on the Block? Their music's so cheesy & dated!" However, I've read plenty of valid reviews where people who did not like their old sound had listened to this album with an open mind, without discriminating against them and they found it to be fairly decent. The beats are danceable, the voicework is clean, the synths are current, the harmonies are stacked, and "all the song are strategically placed...they're set up to succeed." (Donnie Wahlberg 9/6/08) They've done just that.

I'm not implying that everyone should love this album. Far from it. But I think people should listen to the album at least 2 times, and both times without knowing who the artist is, then review it, and THEN, be told who it is. I bet you'll be surprised by the answers.

Posted By: Ava (Guest) on September 14, 2008 at 05:15 PM

hellboysetsfire, Jordan Knight is too humble of a person to be writing about himself and their own music like this. Any fan would know this. Don't pretend you know him.

Posted By: Ava (Guest) on September 15, 2008 at 12:52 PM

9/16/08 Bostonist: New Kids On "The Block" Should've Grown Up a Little

I love this album. Why is everyone acting surprised that they're older? Well of COURSE they're older! I'M older! I'm sorry but does "Big Woman" sound better? I'd have to give that a big thumbs down. I don't really need to read so deeply into the lyrics. It's true that the album is a lot more personal and honest to the New Kids this time around but at the same time, I will always remember that their songs are fun to listen to. If people take them too seriously, then they won't "get it." Their little references will always remind me that their sense of humor is hilarious! I don't need them to teach me any lifelong lessons through song. They already taught me plenty of those when we were both younger. Today, I just want to be entertained and I am.

I'm surprised that you're surprised this album has a sex-themed tone to it considering that's pretty much what most songs sound like nowadays. The best thing about this album is that it really shows how versatile they can be, but they chose to stick with their signature. They've ALWAYS sung about girls. I love that about them. I don't expect them to go around singing about anything else but. Besides, a lot of their fans like that their songs seem to speak only to them.

My favorites are "Big Girl Now," "Full Service," "2 in the Morning," and "Sexify My Love." Critics will always say what they want to say. I'm so tired of the whole "Act your age!" scolding from all the critics. They started out as a boyband(who usually sing about girls) so why should they change? And can you guarantee me if they went a completely different direction in music, that critics won't scoff?

I don't expect everyone to love the album. Hey, not even all the fans love it! It just bothers me when people tag them on their age or say that their lyrics are "creepy." Let's not forget the queen Madonna prancing around in her underwear with Justin Timberlake or Mariah Carey telling her 27 yr old husband to touch her 38 yr old body. Eith way, the fact lies herein that they've already accomplished something I've always hoped they'd accomplish, which is that their good name, New Kids on the Block, can still come out on top these days.

9/18/08 TC Daily Skiff: Review: New Kids on the Block should stay in the 90s

Hmm, I disagree. I don't feel objectified at all. Imagine: a guy telling a girl that he'll give her full service, be her boyfriend at a club so she doesn't have to be alone, put her drink on his tab, that she's so beautiful he just wants to stop and take a mental picture of her beauty, that he likes the way she moves her body, that he thinks about the time they first met, that he could stare at her forever, that he'll give her heaven while they mess up the sheets...

There doesn't seem to be an end to where he is just wanting to take care of the girl. Puppy love used to be their signature theme. Today, I'd much rather prefer something sexier from them, and I got just that from this album. I love that it's so easy to dance & groove to. Can't wait for the concert!


9/18/08 E College Times: NKOTB's new album isn't even worth the cheap laughs

So what should they say? Woman? Let's see here... "You're a big woman now..." Hmmm, in your mind, does that REALLY sound better? Say that to your girlfriend and see what kind of reaction you get. I noticed you didn't mention their uses of "pretty mama" or "ladies." Maybe you were listening to this album, looking for reasons to hate it. Honestly, if you're old enough to known Jodeci, you're old enough to know that this reunion should be treated with respect.

Normally, I would respect any criticism of the album as long as it was unbiased and reviewed with an open mind. However, your article seems to be full of predetermined ridicule and an oblique age discrimination tone from the very firs sentence. I already knew what I was about to read seeing as it's the same thing most other prejudicial critic has said. Yes, this album is sexually charged. Believe it or not, but people over 30 do have sex. I can't believe you still want them to be singing about the right stuff or please don't go girl. Like "Donnie says, "Get your mind right."

Less pizazz...have you seen them in concert already? I'd bet $5000 that you haven't, which is about how much money I've spent on this reunion. How can you expect me to remain a teenybopper? I'm hardly a soccer mom here neither. More like a professional young adult who's got the dollars to spend to have fun with the New Kids in Vegas while you're still stuck writing college articles about albums you're obviously being "forced" to listen to.

I don't think they've "assaulted" intelligence nor pop culture at all. With all the money they're making, I'd say they're pretty sharp! They will always be a part of pop culture and now, they are rewriting their story. No one else will be the one to write the end of their story but them. These guys are more than brilliant business men. They've made their mistakes and learned from them. From the looks of how the reunion is going and how much excitement they are generating, they are ALSO PURE GENIUSES.

Backwards Friendships

I was watching this interview that this girl did at the NKOTB Burbank Best Buy signing for KTLA. She said that New Kids on the Block are "not a joke." She said "They've help friendships form, kept them together, kept families together..." I was pondering about that for awhile and I wondered why it is that Blockheads so easily form friendships based on a band.

If you think about strangers coming together in one room, what they tend to do to get to know each other is that they talk about different subjects in order to find something in common with one another. Once you find that common ground, you can elaborate, and build your friendship from that point on. As you go along, you find more and more things about each other and voila, a friendship is born.

With Blockheads, it's different. With Blockheads, it's instant. You already know the common ground. You already have something to talk about. You already have a friendship that you can build upon. It doesn't need to be sought out. I guess that's why whenever there are fan meets, it's so easy to talk to each other because you already have that topic to talk about. It's like you're already friends but you just haven't seen each other in awhile and you catch up.

I met up with some Blockheads last night to watch Righteous Kill to support Donnie. I've met up with these people 2 or 3 times and even though we've only known each for a quick moment, it feels like forever. I guess that is one thing that NKOTB has given us: the ability to make friends without the burden of finding out whether we fit as friends. Kinda backwards, huh? Thank you so much.

This is a moment captured last night by one of my Blockhead friends, Ana.

When Donnie's Name Appeared

Re: previous post - Let me tell you a story about 5 guys

Finally!! This story FINALLY makes it on SOME kind of news! NKOTB deserve their recognition!! Because of this, NKOTB fans have expressed their thanks for showing their love to the fans by donating money to American Red Cross in honor of NKOTBfans.com. If you're feeling charitable and want to join in on the fun, visit American Red Cross site. Be sure to reply to the thread with your username in bold and amount you donated. We have been putting "NKOTBFans.com" in the recipient's name field.

So far, we have raised $1000 by Wednesday. Thank you to Katie & Jenn for this wonderful idea. They always did teach us to think of those less fortunate. They have raised a generation of wonderful people.

You Wanna Battle? Bring it.

From the Midway:Old solders never die; they just fade away
Mike Leckband
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Back in 1990, my friends and I fought a great war. Not the Gulf War but one that was just as bad when it comes to terror. The war we fought was on pop culture - what we saw as the greatest threat to ever hit mankind.

I am referring to the top boy-band of that time period, New Kids On The Block.

The battles then were epic and our long hair mullets were flapping in the wind for change. We were rebelling against a system that forced this "music" down our throats.

There were many a nights that we were standing in front of malls or record stores in our old ripped up jeans that were rolled (or pegged) up around our ankle just to give us support to stop this injustice.

It wasn't a pretty war, there were losses on both sides. Eventually there was a compromise made. Our side agreed to let Donnie Wahlberg and his little brother Marky Mark have film careers but the music had to stop. After all Donnie was a motorcycle man in a moped band.

For 18 years the peace has lasted in the land.

A few months ago the New Kids On The Block announced that they would be performing a comeback tour. That did not bother me so much. I figured a few of the guys may need the money and what's the harm of them singing a few of their hits to a small crowd or two?

I was not aware however that the boys would be releasing new material - a direct violation of the peace treaty that was signed in the fall of 1991.

So my friends, we must act quickly. Their music has already slithered it way back on to the airwaves and no doubt a music video is sure to follow.

I put up with a lot of junk over the years, but no more.

What concerns me the most right now are our young people. If they are exposed to this type of music, they might think this is how all music should be. Look how they have already affected our music scene. If we could have totally stopped them in the 90's maybe there would never of been an 'N Sync or the Backstreet Boys.

Just imagine if we weren't on the front lines back in the day. You would have heard a lot more bands like these. We're not asking for thanks or recognition for what we did back then. I just want this generation to step in and demand better music for themselves.

There are so many talented artists out there, why should we have to subject ourselves to their sub-standard music?

I'm sure there are some die-hard NKOTB fans out there and by now their underwear is probably in a bunch. My only advice for you is… tough luck. This is a war. As I stated earlier, there are casualties on both side and you just became one of them.

As for the people who feel the way I do about this scourge on mankind, don't be shy, let other people know how you feel.

We won't win if you sit idly by.

Ahem...

Hello Mr. Leckband,

I read your satirical article about your so-called "war" against the New Kids on the Block reunion and I have to say that there is a bigger picture you seem to have overlooked. I don't know who your "friends" are who were fighting this war but the thing is, it doesn't sound like you’re a big fan of pop culture and you & your friends are trying to kill it. It seems quite difficult for you to accept that everyone is different and we will enjoy whatever music we want to enjoy. Why are you making such a subjective assumption that the younger generation needs you to fight this war for them? Did they ask you to? I would highly suggest you include your qualifications if that were the case.

Back then, when NKOTB came out, they were more than just music to their fans. They were their positive outlet, their positive influence, and their retreat. They raised us to be strong, independent, & drug-free individuals. They taught us that it's okay if we don't want to give in to peer pressure. Their messages cradled us and kept us out of trouble rather than the latter grunge bands that came in and made it normal to do drugs and commit suicide for fun. Is that the type of influence you want for your children?

I also noticed that you failed to mention the war that they were fighting on their own. Where is the mention of how it was due to all the merchandising conglomerates, the money hungry management companies, and every tom, dick & harry who was trying to make money off of the New Kids that were the ones who created the "system" that supposedly "forced" this music down your throats? I'm sorry but the last time I checked, it was a free country and if you didn't want to listen to certain music, you change the station. You don't need to make a big fuss and write a public article, whining like a baby, pretending you have an imaginary war to fight and trying to put down a band that has given their fans nothing but love, respect, and shelter. I believe there are more important matters at hand than your little war. For example, how about the hurricane? How about writing about that? Or how about writing about us well-taught NKOTB fans who are donating money in NKOTB’s name to the Red Cross because that’s what the New Kids taught us? Is your war against their reunion REALLY more important than lives of thousands who are about to be homeless, suffering, or dead? Your credibility as a “solder” is diminishing in my eyes further and further as I write.

I highly doubt the younger generation will be negatively affected by this reunion. I'll bet you didn't even bother to do any research about this reunion and are just making blind accusations towards them, their fans & their good intentions. If anything, the New Kids have fought enough wars with self-proclaimed music experts like you and at this point in time, they really don't care WHAT you say. You can complain all you want, fight as hard as you can, and protest as much as your heart desires. Fact is, they have something to say and if you don't want to listen, THAT is where you’re supposed to write, “Who cares?” They certainly don’t. You were never invited to the reunion in the first place so it’d be best if you just stayed out of the way.

Sincerely,

Ava

On a lighter note, if you haven't yet purchased The Block, I highly recommend you do so. Without being biased, I seriously ROCKED OUT to this music! For a group that has not made any music together in 15 years, the end product will blow you away.

Let me tell you a story about 5 guys

On my drive home yesterday, I was awakened (yes, I almost fell asleep driving on the I-5 North) by a Twitter text message that said that the Today Show performance for Labor Day was cancelled. I was in disbelief. I thought about all those people who had been waiting out there since Thursday to see the guys and now, their efforts have been all for nought. It turns out that the Today Show had to cancel due to the hurricane. The Today Show would be covering the news of Hurricane Gustav instead. My thoughts & prayers are with those people who are affected by the hurricane but they were also with the NKOTB fans who were stranded in New York with no place to go.

My first thought about this situation and how NKOTB was going to handle it was that they were probably going to go down there once they heard of the cancellation. I worried and cried for the fans. As each twitter would come, I would hear about everything that was going down. The security told the fans they had 30 min to leave. But to where? The fans told security that the New Kids were probably going to come down there so they couldn't leave because then, they wouldn't know where to fiund the fans.

Now, I know what you're thinking. You're thinking "Who in their right mind would count on a celebrity to come down and console them in this situation just because they're fans of theirs?" Yah, we fans tend to believe that NKOTB really loves us while the rest of the world tend to believe that we're delusional for believing that. Maybe we are and maybe we aren't.

Yes, we know we won't all marry them and live happily ever after. Yes, we know we won't get in any lines for any one night stands. Yes, we know they're not going to call us everyday on the phone as if we're so family. But damn, this band has been nothing but loving & devoted to us so why WOULDN'T we believe that they would come through? Why wouldn't we keep the faith that we could count on them? Why wouldn't we believe in their generosity?

So what happened?

The fans argued with the Today Show producer that they believed the guys would come down to see them so they were not going to move. The producer eventually talked to the New Kids over the phone an hour later and got confirmation that they indeed were coming straight from the airport to see them. They didn't even want to go to any hotel first or anything. Just straight to the fans, like a loving husband rushes straight to his helpless wife. This little conversation seemed to have floored the producer because she honestly did not think the New Kids would come. And the New Kids proved them wrong, as they always do. Katie, a girl who was there, said that the Today Show producer told the New Kids she didn't believe the fans when they insisted they would show up but now she knows she was wrong because the fans knew an hour before she did that they really were coming. The New Kids' response? "They know us." The fans knew they wouldn't leave them. Joe, Danny, & Jon went straight to see the fans after landing in the airport and took pictures with everyone, signed autographs, and hugged them. Meeting them would mean everything to these fans and I'm sure they thought the world of them for coming down to see them in their time of need.

This. This story. This moment right here. This is the type of story that should run in the newspaper, the tabloids, the blogs, the journals, the articles, the radio, etc. Rather than the false trash that's going around, THIS is the side of the New Kids that no one but the loyal fans know about. THIS is the side of the New Kids that makes me proud to be a Blockhead. And THIS is the exact reason why I am online every night, fighting battles & raging war on anything disrespectful to the guys. They don't deserve to be trashed and I will let anyone who disrespects them know the truth. They've created an army with their love and I am more than happy to suit up for them.

"The Block" album just came out. Get it on iTunes. Get it on Amazon. Get it at Target. You won't regret it.

Meeting NKOTB at Burbank's Best Buy 8-28-08

It's been almost 24 hours since my dream of meeting the New Kids on the Block came true. I am still in a state of shock that I just met the NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK!!!! I hadn't been able to put my experience into words but I think I can finally talk about it now.


I arrived on Tuesday night in LA and met up with a fellow Blockhead. We were the only ones there. Kinda surprised but it took me about 5 hours to realize that my mentality about this event was coming from my experience in New York at the Today Show. I was thinking that we had to be at the beginning of the line to get in but then it hit me: I don't need to be in front. I just need to get in and I'm guaranteed to see them as long as I got a wristband.


We slept in the car Tuesday night and around 4:45 AM, there were some people showing up in cars and parking near us. We were parked in the Best Buy parking lot. We knew they weren't here for the autograph signing because they were all guys. After awhile, we figured out they were Best Buy employees. We were about to go back to sleep until we saw flashlights going into our car and I opened the door. It was a female cop. She asked us what were doing. I said, "Waiting." She said, "For what?" We said "New Kids on the Block." She smiled and said, "You guys big fans?" (No, we're camping out because we hate them! WTF!??!) She asked for our IDs and where we were from and we gave it to her. I said San Francisco. She asked me where do I live now and I said, "San Francisco." And my friend was from Cerritos.


She went to the other cop and told them we were waiting for NKOTB and one of them came a long way, from San Francisco. Then she came back and gave us our IDs back and said that they came to make sure we weren't dead. I thought we were going to get kicked out for loitering but she was cool. She told the Best Buy employees we were alive and we were NKOTB fans and left us alone.


Then we tried to sleep after that but to no avail. It was early in the morning by then and we went to IHOP because we were starving. We ate and went to Target for a little bit. Then went to our motel to see if we could check in. We checked in and tried to sleep. I couldn't sleep much because I was so antsy and I couldn't get Put It On My Tab out of my head. Eventually, we showered and went back to Best Buy. By now, it was around 5 PM. I went in and asked about the event. They said they were letting people line up around 7 PM so we went to Olive Garden for dinner. After dinner, it was around 6:15 so we went back to Best Buy and there was a line. We went in line and stayed there all night.


Met some great fans!! I met Marilou, Maria, Laurina, Stephanie, Kelly, Carrie, Tiffany, Jessi, Katrina, Tricia, Lina, Liz, a girl who gave me some taco bell ( dunno your real name! :( ), and a bunch of others fans I can't think of right now. At night, we hugn out and entertained ourselves by telling stories, reading trading card "facts" and just basically laughing about stories of the guys. It was great to be in a community full of people who "get it." If you're not a fan, it's not even worth explaining because I could explain it in a fat book but you could never really know what I'm talking about.


Anyway, early morning around 3 AM, I went to the car and slept for about 3 hours. Yvonne called me to tell me to come back to the line because there was some drama going down about line jumpers. So I got back in line and tried to read but I never did get past page 12. Still haven't to this moment. Throughout the day, we talked, laughed, and eventually, I got to take a shower and wait for nighttime to come.


They let us in when the store opened at 10 AM to preorder the CD. I asked them what I could do if I didn't live in the area. They told me there was nothing I could do about it except to have someone else pick it up for me. How dumb is that? I'm gonna try to see if I can get it at my local Best Buy. That's another thing they suggest but then they said they doubt they'll do it. After paying, you go to another table and they put a wristband on you and then a laminate around your neck. I had to get a sticker placed on my camera if I wanted to take pictures. Then, I was all set to go.


Around 7 PM, we were all anxious. I was twittering whatever I could because I know it was exciting to hear about what was going on from the boards. ktsummer was twittering the preview party and that was such an exciting day! Every text message I received from 40404, I even pulled over while I was driving to read. Haha!!! By now, I heard the line went around the store and all the way to the back, almost to the loading dock for Best Buy. Around 7:15, we didn't see them still and I had heard that they were here but they entered through an underground parking garage in the back. So the news had travelled all the way to the front of the line.


Around 7:20, Robo came out of Best Buy and told everyone that if they didn't have a wristband, they couldn't take a picture. How sad because earlier, they had supposedly run out of wristbands but I heard there was some guy selling unsnapped wristbands in the back. I dunno what ever happened with that. We kept hearing so many different things it was like playing telephone. We heard they were only signing laminates but I didn't care. I was determined to get my plate signed regardless. At one point, a guy and a girl were yelling at each other in the back. I dunno what that was all about but it reminded me of the Today Show back in May.


Right before we were about to get in, the girls around me were saying that I should ask him to sign it in the heart. That was exactly where I would have wanted him to sign it. I was so nervous that I started hugging some Blockheads around me to keep me sane. I was hyperventilating. Finally, around 8 PM, I got to go in. There were so many people in there! Best Buy employees, security, shoppers, media, it was madness!! I tried to take a video but there were so many people blocking the way. They told me I had to givev my camera to a Best buy employee to take my pictures but I didn't want to but they took it. Punks. They took some crappy ass pictures. When Jon held my plate, he's like, "Is this for real?" And he didn't know where to sign so I told him sign wherever, I didn't care. Jordan took it and he didn't know if it was real neither. He signed it and showed it to Joe who held onto it the longest. The security people were pushing me by so fast that I couldn't keep up with my plate.


Joe asked me if I was going to put this in the front of the car and I said no. I told him I was going to keep that with me in a box or something. I also told him what kinda car it was on too. Then I got to Donnie but Danny was barely signing my plate. I said hi to both of them and after Danny signed it, Donnie got it and he looked up at me and smiled. I asked him if I could hug him and he said yes. He got up a little bit and hugged me. I was in heaven. As I was being pushed out by security, Donnie said "I signed it in the heart" and I thank him. How did he know? There were so many things I wanted to say but couldn't and that was the one thing I regret. Oh well, guess I'll have to wait until October.


Overall, I would have to say that this was an experience I would never trade anything for. Someone offered me $100 for my wristband. Of course I said no. A NKOTB experience is indeed priceless. During the whole time I was waiting, I kept thinking about what I wanted to say to them but no matter how many times I rehearsed it, memorized it, envisioned it, I learned that nothing can prepare me for any experience like that. I became speechless as I stood in front of the 5 guys who raised me and made me who I am. It was surreal.


If I could do this all over, what would I change? Well, instead of rehearsing over and over what I wanted to say to each guy, I would've taken notes on my hand to keep my grounded & focused. So, for any fans who will meet them in the future, that's my advice if you're going to act like me. You just never know when you're going to be starstruck.
















By the way, I LOVE this song!! "Big Girl Now" by New Kids on the Block ft. Lady GaGa