Happy Monday

Tommy & the High Pilots: Where to Start
Found this song through a random music blog; I absolutely love it. Definitley a motivator for the first cold October morning in New York. Yep, fall is here & I couldn't be happier!
Message me if you have the perfect song to kick-start your work week! At the end of any bad day, if anything, we have music to pick us back up right?
Cheers!

Auburn Alumni Feature Piece. What an honor!

Back Up Plan

I've decided, if my future plan of becoming Ryan Seacreast's co-host at the Emmy's and America Top 40 show fails, I found a back up plan.
Granted, I would have to wear gloves on my off-hours and wouldn't be able to cook, clean, or do anything that would pose significant damage to my hands, however I am thinking the pro's to being a hand model certainly outweigh the cons. No?

Equinox.

Yeah, I joined and it's awesome.

Keep It on Repeat.

Jason Mraz "Plane"
One of my favorite songs ever. The lyrics in this song are so cryptic, it drives me crazy, but I'm obsessed. I also found an acoustic version I posted that's equally as hot, and by hot I am definitely referring to Jason Mraz..."damn." (listen to the song you'll get it.)
All i have to say is, the next man who can sing this song to me while effortlessly playing on the guitar, I'm marrying. No joke.

Oh no Dawson, really?

Apparently today is the 10th year anniversary of Dawson's overly dramatic scene with his on-screen love, Joey Potter (Katie Holmes).

I was never a big Dawson's Creek fan growing up, each episode always seemed unnecessarily emotional and depressing, however, I came across this picture while I was browsing around on the old world wide web and I literally have been laughing ALL day at this picture.

Ordinarily I'd feel really embarassed for James Van Der Beek (the guy who plays Dawson) for having this terrible crying-scene follow him around for the rest of his life, however, he managed to overcome the humiliation...with this creative little website. Check it out

http://www.jamesvandermemes.com/

Keep It on Repeat.

I usually have a personal song of the week I get obsessed with that I keep on repeat for...oh about a week until it's been obnoxiously out-played. This week's song on repeat is "Heartbeats" by The Knife.
Jose Gonzales does a pretty legitimate cover of the song, but the Knife's single takes the cake for me.
Thoughts?

Dedicated to "the Carrie's"

Keri Hilson's new single, "Pretty Girl" celebrates the awesomeness of the "Carrie's" out there in the universe so let's Pause and take a moment to pay tribute to the "Carrie's."
I actually met Keri Hilson last year at MTV for an interview and she's a sweet heart + ridiculously talented. Love you Keri, even if you spell your name incorrectly!

Best of 2010. Willie Geist, Willie You Marry Me?

Anyone who knows me is aware of my obsession with Willie Geist, host of "Way too Early" & "Morning Joe" on NBC. My relationship with Willie is complicated because his show comes on at 5am, but if you took one look at this man, you'd wake up at 5 in the morning to watch his show too. Not only is Willie ridiculously attractive, but he knows his stuff. I love this man.
 I figured it'd be an apropriate way to honor all the mornons leading our government in 2010 by sharing Willie's "Best of 2010" moments in the news. Cheers!

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Keep It on Repeat.

This week I am getting real emo with Stars', "Your Ex-Lover is Dead." Stars is a Canadian local indie band that never got the proper recognition in the US, but are amazing in my opinion.
I sang this song in highschool with my friends band at Electric Gumbo and fell in love with it from then on. This song, hands down is EPIC as far as I'm concerned. Enjoy!

Sweets in the City

As if an average  restaurant wasn't awesome enough, my boss took me to Max Brenners Chocolate Restaurant in Union Square to celebrate my first week at work! Make a reservation the next time you're in New York, and I promise,  Max Brenner's will make your trip even sweeter!!!

Keep It on Repeat.

Beach House "Silver Soul"
Last week I met friends at "Terroir," a small wine bar in the East Village, and the Beach House album "Teen Dream"came on. Honestly the last time I listened to Beach House was freshman year of college, sitting on a plaid couch surrounded by stoners, beer cans and Radiohead posters. I knew I recognized the song, but couldn't for the life of me remember who the artist was. It always drives me crazy when I have a song stuck in my head and can't, for the life of me figure out who the artist is.... so one week later, I finally figured it out woohooo!!  I've decided to post this little blast from the past for all to enjoy. Cheers to the good old days.

Big Move Up To NYC!

One week after graduating from Auburn, I decided to take my chances and jump on a  Grey Hound up to New York City in search of a job(notice the 1 suitcase...impressive huh?!) Although I was scared as ever, the thought of being independent, and moving to a new place inspired me. I was excited for a fresh start and new opportunities in the Big Apple!

My wonderful and rather generous friend, Riley, invited me to crash with her in her apartment so of course, I had to accept the offer.  Below are pictures of our cute little apartment in the Theatre District...and Riley threw me a welcome home party!

Keep It on Repeat.

This week's song on repeat is Miike Snow's "Animal" remix.
 The video is totally absurd, but I can appreciate the production quality for sure!
What do you think?

Finally Finished My Reporter/Producer Reel!

I'm Featured in Tiger Tales this Month!

     Thanks for not forgetting about me Auburn! I'll see you in the Fall when our boys bring their A-game to Jordan-Hare Stadium. War Eagle! Tiger Tales Article!

     It's been 3 weeks since graduation, and although I may just be the luckiest girl in the world; landing a job working with MTV, Comedy Central and Spike TV in New York City, I can't help but miss those "War Eagle" moments on the Plains at Auburn University. "Out of sight, out of mind" was a concept I was not looking forward to as years accumulated as Auburn graduate, however, I was surprised to see a feature story in the Tiger Tales magazine issue this month

Carrie Williams for Your First Ever MTV TJ!

As some of you may know, I recently moved up to New York City in pursuit of a career in TV Production/ Journalism. Despite most opposition to my relentless desire to move the city, I stuck with it and moved up here anyways.



 It's been one week that I've spent in Manhattan so far, and I. Am. Obsessed.
I love the city, the hustle and bustle and the OPPORTUNITY just waiting for me at the beginning of each and every day.

 And opportunity is exactly what I encountered this afternoon. I came across a twitter update about MTV's new search for their first-ever TJ.

If you're wondering what a TJ is, it's basically a 2010 version of what Carson Daily was as a VJ (Video Jockey) for MTV in the 90's, but similarly, the TJ position places an emphasis on the world of social media.
Of course, you know me, I am going for it with no regrets. If all else fails, at least I tried right?

Here are 3 reasons why I believe I should be the FIRST MTV TJ:

#1. I am a true MTV girl.
Grew up with MTV as a kid. Watched the evolution of MTV throughout the years. I watched as "VJ's" captivated MTV audiences around the world, and now my dream, is to have that same influence on my contemporaries through the social media as MTV's first-ever TJ!



#2. Experience.

A) I JUST graduated from Auburn University, receiving my Bachelors degree in Broadcast Journalism and Public Administration.

B) I am a journalist, TV producer and social media fanatic.

C) I've worked for MTV before! Yes, that's right, I've been the few and lucky to actually step foot into the Viacom building, to eat in the ever-famous Lodge and work for MTV productions as a Production Assistant and Intern!



#3. I live in New York! 

Ironic as it may be, I JUST moved to my new apartment in Manhattan last week! I decided to move to the big city and take my chances searching for my dream job so who would have thought the MTV TJ job would be such a perfect opportunity to fall in my lap! It seems like it was meant to be right?!



Help me become MTV's FIRST EVER TJ!
 Follow me on Twitter @_CarrieWilliams

OR click this link http://tj.mtv.com/open-nom
ination/

MTV

Keep It on Repeat.

This week's song on repeat is the Feist/Postal Service "Mushaboom" collaboration.
This song is so catchy and unique. I. Love. It.
What do you think?

Been looking forward to this all year! AU Singers Summer Tour!

       Celebrating 38 years of tradition and musical-entertainment excellence, The Auburn University Singers set out on their East Coast Summer Tour to Washington, D.C. and New York City!

      The AU Singers will make their first stop to Washington, D.C. with an exclusive performance in the Senate building of the U.S. Capitol Monday, May 17th at 6 p.m. Thereafter, The AU Singers will perform for the wounded warriors at Walter Reed Army Medical Center Wednesday, May 20 at 12 p.m.

     Next up, the Singers set off to The Big Apple! Wednesday, May 19th at 7 p.m., The AU Singers will entertain New York City locals and Auburn Alumni at St. Malachy's Church on 49th St. between 7th and 8th. Tickets are $10 for Auburn alumni and $20 for general public.
      If you are in D.C. or NYC, be sure make time to see the Singers perform on their East Coast Summer Tour! You'll never be the same after a Singers show! For more information contact:

Jackie Holmes, JackieAU86@gmail.com (NYC Performances)
Carrie Williams, carrie@carrieleighwilliams.com (D.C. Performances)

My Newest Little Project. "Operation Hire Me Ryan Seacrest"

After a year and a half of writing Ryan Seacrest letters and cyberstalking the man in hopes of getting a job, I've decided to take the more public...interactive route, if you will. It's called the "Hire Me Ryan Seacrest" campaign. It's simple really, the overall goal is to collect enough web-based attention through social media sites and me just being outright obnoxious, and surely Ryan Seacrest or "his people" will hear about it and give me a shot to at least interview for a job...right? RIGHT!

So phase one of my campaign is complete. #1. Create a website. Check! HireMeRyanSeacrest.com  Hey, it may sound crazy, but at least some people 

seem to like the idea! Check out this article from the War Eagle Reader "Carrie Leigh Williams Dot Com's Her Dream"

Keep It on Repeat.

"No One's Gonna Love You" Band of Horses.
I saw this band perform in Grand Central the other week and they are just as incredible live as how they sound on their album. Love.

Guess I should have known what they were using my quote for...

For the record, I will be the one you'll see dancing around in my underwear at my 50th college reunion. Yes, perhaps this is an inappropriate quote for my college yearbook, but at least it wasn't the most cliche of quotes....right?

Taylor Swift Secret AU Performance!

      Monday began as one of the dreariest days ever; not sleeping from editing and working on projects the night before, then hiding underneath a desk in between classes to find at least 15 minutes of nap time (out of 48 hours of lost sleep). However, as I was huddled in a ball underneath that desk napping, I get a phone call from my best buddy/News Director of Eagle Eye, Bradley Green.

He whispered and hung up....so yeah, I was confused so I just went back to sleep.

"Taylor Swift is in Auburn. Meet me in the parking deck with a camera in 20" 

UHMMM JUST KIDDING!  I don't think I could have  crawled out from underneath that desk faster!!!!  WAHOO Taylor Swift, she's my girl...and plus, Auburn rarely has really ridiculously famous people around, I figured I had to cease the moment!

      Brad and I rushed up to the secret concert location, got in the press line (which went from 5 people to 500 in a matter of 5 minutes). no joke.

  Taylor Swift finallly came out and performed her private show, which was awesomeee. The fact that Taylor Swift actually flew down to visit Chris and Ryan to give them a hug, put on a secret concert AND showed up decked out Auburn gear makes her 100% LEGIT in my books. love her. Watch the full performance below.

WEGLEYE VEGAS TAKE OVER!

Last week myself, Eagle Eye TV and the WEGL radio station, attended the NAB-BEA conference in Las Vegas. Not only was this trip a complete blast (being in Vegas with 12 of my best friends), but wait....I actually learned a lot in Vegas too!!!

During the week of the conference I attended many of the NAB workshops which ranged from "How to Break into Broadcasting" to "Ethics of Producing Documentary Films." Needless to say, I walked away from each seminar with even more insight, respect and ferver for the industry I am about to pursue...so I am more psyched about it than ever. (except for the whole... not getting paid a lot and living in a garbage can in NYC...oh well. haha)

One event that I found particularly beneficial at the conference was 
Career Day. I visited tables hosted by CNN, ESPN, Cruise Lines, NPR, had the opportunity to sit down and meet with a career consultants and resume coaches, additionally, I was interviewed by Philip Dahlheimer, from Pinkslip.com, which is a career networking site structured to assist incoming students get discovered by employers in the TV-Film industry. Check out my interview!

My New Project. "Operation Hire Me Ryan Seacrest."

After a year and a half of writing Ryan Seacrest letters and cyberstalking the man in hopes of getting a job, I've decided to take the more public...interactive route, if you will. It's called the "Hire Me Ryan Seacrest" campaign. It's simple really, the overall goal is to collect enough web-based attention through social media sites...and me just being outright obnoxious,  and surely Ryan Seacrest or "his people" will hear about it and give me a shot to at least interview for a job...right? RIGHT!

So phase one of my campaign is complete. #1. Create a website. Check! HireMeRyanSeacrest.com 

Hey, it may sound crazy, but at least some people seem to like the idea! Check out this article from the War Eagle Reader 

"Carrie Leigh Williams Dot Com's Her Dream"

My Ultimate Marine Corps Challenge!

I have grown up a military brat my whole life. My father has been in the Navy for 27 year needless to say, my family and I have moved around more times than I can count. Although there's always been a chip on my shoulder growing up in the military environment, I sincerely respect, honor and value the men and women who serve our country...and you gotta love a man in uniform right ladies ;)

(I'm getting to the point I swear.) So ever since I came to Auburn, my Dad's been bugging me to visit the ROTC unit on campus and meet some of the military guys. Well, it took me about 4 years, and let me just say, I did more than just hang out with the guys... Hey! get your heads out of the gutter, I am referring to a little bootcamp, morning work-out Marine action people!

I decided to do a news piece on the few, the proud, the Marines! In order to really get an idea of what life is like to be a Marine and a full time student, I figured I'd have to suit up and put myself in their shoes...literally.


Check out my video where the AU Marines give me a run for my money in "My Ultimate Marine Corps Challenge"

My Newest Mission to Win $50K

Help an Auburn Student Win $50K
Student Entrepreneurs Get Paid for Their Passions
Help an Auburn student win $50,000. Most views wins. Carrie Williams' "story has been selected to move forward in the final round to win $50,000, however, in order to win" Carrie needs you to click this link and watch her video.
"Carrie Williams reports on Auburn's future up-and-coming entrepreneurs. With unemployment rates at 10.2 percent, these student business owners have ditched the suit and tie, nine-to-five, everyday corporate life-style and are creating their own employment euphoria. From owning a skate and surf company to creating unique jewelry pieces, all it takes is a little bit of determination and passion to prosper." Visit the Free Enterprise YouTube Channel.

NBC Interns Wins an Emmy!

This is What Happens When I Leave My Staff Alone in the Studio for 20 Minutes

While I was diligently studying for mid-term exams, my staff was in the control room creating this sweet little video of my show choir guilty pleasures... as if this isn't embarrassing enough, oh yes, they broadcasted this live throughout campus cable. Man I have great friends.

America's Best Dance Crew NYC

MTV Unplugged pt.3

MTV Unplugged pt.3
Working on the set of Vampire Weekend. This was the last Unplugged shoot I worked on this summer, I had a total blast. After all the hard work we poured into the production, the show went flawlessly and everyone had an amazing time. I even invited my friends and family to be part of the audience cast so, yeah I totally earned brownie points and won the "best cousin/friend" award that week!
Such an awesome experience. I posted a few songs they performed from the shoot, enjoy!

Vampire Weekend - Unplugged - New Music - More Music Videos

Vampire Weekend - Unplugged - New Music - More Music Videos

Vampire Weekend - Unplugged - New Music - More Music Videos

Baby Bieber.

One of my first major shoots as a PA for Justin Bieber's Discover and Download series on MTV. I was extremely excited, but nervous because this was the first opportunity I was given to co-produce and edit on the set for MTV. Thats me, "Camera Operator B"... I think I did pretty good. Who knew this kid would be the new teen pop-sensation? Justin Bieber...who?

Justin Bieber - MTV Shows

Working MTV Unplugged pt. 2

Katy Perry MTV Unplugged
Last week I had the incredible opportunity to work as a PA for the MTV Unplugged series, featuring Katy Perry. The entire experience was ridiculously cool. Although I was literally up at 5a and working until midnight for 3 days straight, I gained so much from working for the ever-talented, Emmy Award Winning  Director, Matthew Mills. Oh, and I met a lot of amazing people too, like Katy Perry!
I posted 2 of my favorite videos below from the shoot. In my opinion, Katy Perry's performance of  "I Kissed a Girl" is outstanding, Her radio single does not do her voice justice. Listen to how talented this girl is.

Katy Perry - Unplugged - New Music - More Music Videos

Katy Perry - Unplugged - New Music - More Music Videos

MTV Unplugged pt.1

My first experience working the MTV Unplugged shoots this summer was for the band, Paramore. All the members in Paramore were super cool with everyone on the set; by the end of the week after working night and day together, the whole production crew started to feel like family.
I posted Haley Williams' performance of "Misery Business" from the shoot because I am obsessed with this song ingeneral, and being there to hear it live was absolutely unreal.

Paramore - Unplugged - New Music - More Music Videos

This year for my big 21...I won an Emmy!!!

After work, I hauled it back to my apartment and quickly packed up my suit case for the Emmy Award Ceremony, I literally shoved random clothes in a suitcase. (A little Emmy background for you: The day before I had to move up to NYC, I got an e-mail from the Director of Promo. at NBC informing me that I would receive an "Outstanding Student Production" Regional Emmy Award for the show, "NBC Interns" I co-produced, directed, edited, filmed and starred in! Check out the articles:

GWU Student Wins Emmy Award
CentreView Times: Williams Wins Emmy
Tiger Tales: Student Wins Emmy

After an awkward 4-hour-long bus ride sitting next to a neurotic mother on the phone with her son who had an accident in his pants at school, I was finally back home in D.C., and excited to celebrate the Emmy's and my 21st birthday with my family! My parents and little brother Ricky picked me up from the bus stop in Vienna and took me to my favorite restaurant ever, Coastal Flats.

My parents, Ricky and I met up with my sister, Heather, and brother-in-law, Karl at Coastal

Flats; I realized then how refreshing it was to reunite with my family back home and take a little break from the craziness of NYC. In the event of my 21st birthday, I took a stronger interest in the exciting cocktails so I completely overlooked food menu. I began my drinking spree with a Key Lime Martini, followed by a Mango Martini, then a Mint Mojito and a refreshing Margharita....things got blurry thereafter...I'm thinking it was either the rum or tequila that made me a little tipsy...who knows, but I had an awesome birthday party with the fam.

21. NYC. Emmy's.

My 21st Birthday in NYC.
The first week I moved to the Webster, the girls I became friends with took me out for my birthday and we had the best time ever. We had cocktails in the backyard garden of the Webster, which by the way is an incredible place. No where else in NYC has a full on, legitimate garden

except Central Park so I feel very lucky to have that where I am staying. After keeping it classy and drinking wine in the garden, we set off to

Pink Elephant, an up-scale, elegant night club in West Chelsea. I was so lucky to have such a great group of people with me to celebrate my 21st birthday. My friends John Wafford & Mike Leigh from Auburn ended up coming and partying with me for my special day too, and we had the best time ever. The bar was extraordinary, the drinks were incredible and the great friends I was with made my birthday a night in NYC I will never forget!

The day of my birthday I had to work, but I had an incredible time so I really didn't mind it at all. That Friday I had a shoot for MTV's, "The 5" web segement.

The GS Boyz came

in to promote their summer album release and show me a thing or two about how to properly do "the stanky leg" and "the booty dew." After a successful shoot, Keely, the MTV office manager on the 17th floor, gave out MTV Movie Award cupcakes which A. were THE BEST cupcakes I ever experienced in my entire life, and B. seemed like the appropriate time to have a cupcake party...on my birthday!!

Big Move To NYC

I decided to start a blog! Wow, I never thought I'd one day become a "blogger," but hey this thing seems like it could be kinda cool! Where to begin,

So, in the event of my first experience moving, living and beginning my official NYC internship...

where to begin...

Day one: I drove from DC up to NYC; car jam-packed with a million clothes and best of all: 5 hours in a car with my parents...that's a whole other story for a whole other day. Finally, after the steriotypical parental fight over directions and a few detours later, I had made it to my little New

York apartment... home sweet home!!!

The place I am staying this summer is pretty sweet. I can't really complain. Overall pro's: home-made breakfast, lunch & and dinner; someone to make my bed and take out the trash (super awesome)!! Cons:

NO BOYS ALLOWED...or really...anyone. like, not even my parents (WTH?) Not even my Dad could come upstairs to check out my place...so this rule is re-freaking-diculous as far as I'm concerned!

About my Apartment/Room.... Well, In a nut shell, no, literally my room is literally the size of a nut shell. However, throughout the past week I have really gained a liking towards it. My room has a quaint, cozy kind of feel to it and plus I am in NYC so life doesn't get much better than this.

Well if you couldn't tell, I am still an inexperienced "blogger" so my first entry is not award-winning of course, BUT it's a start... and my entries will be EPIC by the end of this summer, mark my words. OK it's been a week and I need to unpack and make my apartment look like a civilized person lives here. I'll have later posts on my first week at MTV &anp; my Emmy Award experience!

Catch yall on the flip side!