This just in..Fire on West 3rd

A fire has broken out underground at West 3rd. BREAKING NEWS

David Wain

Boaz is in town and he asked me to help him film an interview with funny man David Wain during my lunch break. I couldn't refuse the offer and am really looking forward to getting back behind the camera!

WHAP! WHAP!

JUNO

Boaz saw a screening of Juno last night and it seems as though he really liked it! I can't wait to see it. I have included a link to director Jason Reitman's blog in my links section. Check it out!

Sundance

As of now, it looks as though I won't be headed to Sundance this year. The lineup has been announced and there are some great looking films. Maybe I'll be crazy and just book a flight out there.

Speaking of films, they were filming something in Washington Square Park this morning. They set up a platform and there were picket signs that read something like "Moms fighting fat" but don't quote me on that as I was still in a sleepy daze.

Just before I came across the filming, I was assaulted. I'm not sure the guy was completely homeless but he had a scar running across his entire face. I saw him approach someone else and tried getting to the other side of the street but he ran after me and attached himself to my arm. I picked up my walking pace and he wouldn't let go. Should I run? Scream? Hop? Skip? He was talking a mile a minute about my positive aura and how he was in a relationship and it didn't work out because the woman said he was too negative and god bless me and then he asked me for money. He let go first and then asked me for money. I told him I didn't have anything and then he walked away. It was weird. I kept my hands in my pockets so that he wouldn't shake my hand. So if you see him approaching....start jogging.

Don't you hate sitting all day at work? Me too! I try to get up out of my chair as often as possible and here's a reason why we should all just stand up!

'Tis the season to be Merry...I love getting holiday party invites!

You've Been Googled!

Kristen took a class
Kristen started a blog
Kristen wrote about St. Baldrick's Foundation not sending her an acknowledgement letter for her donation
A staff member at the Foundation had been googling
This staff member found Kristen's blog
The Foundation wrote her an email apologizing and letting her know that an email acknowledgement had been sent.
I'm sure that same staff member will be reading this blog entry today. Hi staff member.


In other news, four of us at work went in on a mega millions drawing last night. We didn't win the 60 million but we did win $3. Better than nothing!

The Nascar Victory lap parade is happening right now in Times Square and later on is the Christmas Tree Lighting where Al Roker usually is on hand to interview freezing tourists as they watch someone semi-famous push a red button. I'll watch from home thank you and use my clapper to turn some lights on and off for a similar effect.

I take the bus to work when I'm not staying at Elissa's and I get into work at about 7:50am. An hour and 10 minutes before I have to be there. Some call me crazy, but I like having some quiet time to get work done before people start coming in. I think they should give us an option to come in earlier and leave a little earlier. It makes it easier for those who have to commute into the city because even an hour makes a difference traffic wise. That's why I love commuting early! No traffic! 8-4! 8-4!

What else do I have to rant and rave about? oh.. I know, I caught them filming a new movie yesterday on broadway between 10th and 11th. It stars Michael Cera of Arrested Development and most recently, Super Bad and is titled, Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist. Bad title but it's based on a book.

"Playlist" is based on the novel by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan. Cera and Dennings will play a pair of broken-hearted teens who meet and fall in love over one night in New York City.

Indie film fans will be excited that "Playlist" will be directed by Peter Sollett ("Raising Victor Vargas") from a script by Lorene Scafaria.

I must mention that Peter Sollett is an NYU Alumnus! Maybe Peter will let me visit the set. Peter, are you out there, it's me, Evan.

Made in India

I don't know if you saw the article on the front page of the NY Times yesterday about Indian workers making manhole covers for ConEd and others. As you can see from the photo, working conditions don't look too great. Here's the article.

And here's an article on sex tourism...older ladies going to Kenya to pick up young men? Yikes!


The countdown is on for winter break. I can't wait! My birthday, the holidays, snow, gloves, Florida... Just a few more weeks to go. My grad school orientation is on December 10th and I am very excited. I don't quite know what to except so I will be sure to give a detailed report of what happens. Also going on next week, Arthur Frommer is coming to campus to do an alumni lecture. I'll have to ask him about the best nude beaches in france...kidding, just kidding.

I already told you about my crazy trip to Stew Leonards...well I was searching around on You Tube and found these videos. Enjoy!

I ate too much

Hey everyone,

I hope you had a really nice Thanksgiving and that you helped our economy by doing some holiday shopping. It's amazing how a four day weekend can feel so long. I could use a few more of these. My Thanksgiving was great because it was my mom's birthday, and I got to spend it with my family and Elissa. There was a lot of eating over the weekend and I'm ready to get back to the gym for my routine. 106.7 Lite FM has begun playing 24 hour holiday songs which makes me smile every time I turn it on. The window displays are changing, lights and wreaths are being hung...it's the most wonderful time of the year. On Saturday night, Elissa, Jon, and I went to see the new Coen Bros movie, No Country For Old Men, based on the novel by Cormac Macarthy. I still have mixed feelings about the movie, but the acting, directing, editing, sound, and score was incredible as they are in all of the Cohen movies. I love the way they use sound in their films. Everything from footsteps to a case of money being scraped to the creepiest murderer unscrewing a lightbulb...they are masters of their craft.

Thank You Elizabeth!!!

I'm Going To Disney World!!

Every year at this time, the President pardons a turkey. Well, this year the turkey is going to Disney World afterwards.

"...the winning Thanksgiving bird will get a first-class flight to Orlando on a United Airlines jet.

The bird will have a red-carpet entry to Walt Disney World. Visitors to Magic Kingdom can see the bird on Thanksgiving Day. It will also serve as grand marshal of the holiday parade before joining the resort's permanent live-animal collection.

This is the first pardoned turkey to be sent to Disney World. Two others have gone to Disneyland."

Does anyone else find this to be ridiculous? The turkey is being pardoned then leading a parade and then becoming part of the Disney "live-animal collection" as opposed to the "stuffed-animal collection". That turkey is going to get cooked at some point.



Happy Thanksgiving to all of my readers. I'll be off for the next few days but will be back on Monday with new exciting posts! Don't shop too much!

I'M IN!!!!!

I just found out that I got into Gallatin for grad school where I will be getting a masters in Entertainment Business. I'm so excited!!!!!

Ruby Tuesday

I hope you checked out the site for the Late Show Writers on Strike. I've been cheering them on and hope that you will go read the site and leave comments as well.

I can already taste the turkey, stuffing and cranberry sauce. mmm.mmmm.mmmmmmm. I can't wait for Thursday! I'm a bit tired this morning so I'm going to share with you some youtube videos I know you will enjoy. The first one is for all of you Mr. or Ms. Wizards out there.



The next video is from one of my favorite youtube series: Will It Blend...well, will it? Of course it will!!!

How Far Would You Go?

Let me start off by saying we got our first snow fall yesterday and I woke up to a white landscape and even took photos! (See Below). Are we in for a warm winter? Who knows! All that I know is that I love snow. It makes everything seem so clean and pure and we need that in NJ/NYC.

Today's question: How Far Would You Go??? On Friday, my coworker Kristen told me about Stew Leonards. I had heard of it before but had no idea what it really was. I looked at the website and at the cup of yogurt with fruit and granola she bought there and exclaimed, "I've got to go there". And so on Saturday morning, Elissa and I did just that. We drove an hour each way to go to Stew Leonards, a grocery store. This marks the furthest I have ever driven just to go to a grocery store. Now you may be saying, "But Evan, it's not just a grocery store, it's an experience." I'll agree, but I was hoping for more. I wanted more fun! More animatronic things...the chaquita banana was on vacation!!!! Now come on. We managed to pick up some goodies and I bought fresh Grouper which was very good. The soft serve pumpkin ice cream was to die for. So good. I took a few photos (see below). I think the next time I need lemons, I'm going local.

Last week I mentioned a movie in my blog called Paris Je T'aime. Well I watched it over the weekend and it has made it to my top 10 films of 2007. Very very good. I highly recommend that you watch it! You'll thank me.

Well, it's Thanksgiving week, gobble gobble. I know I'm excited. By the way, did anyone happen to get lucky enough to catch this?

Wireimage

Two years ago, Boaz and I made our first trip to the Sundance Film Festival is Park City Utah. Not only did we get to see lots of movies, but we were celebrities. People were taking our photos left and right and we even made it onto Wireimage, not an easy feat. I saw that these photos are still available so be sure to put in your order today!

Letterman Writers on Strike!

I came across this great blog by the writers at Letterman who are currently on strike.

I also just read that Dave seems to be helping those who non-writers who aren't on strike. Way to go Dave!

Just Who Is Katie Couric?

It's always fun seeing tv personalities in their element and not reading from a teleprompter. We have all heard horrible things about Katie Couric from staff members who have worked with her and this video gives us a better idea of what she's really like.



It's the friday before Thanksgiving and it seems as though many people have already taken off for their Thanksgiving destinations. The bus was empty this morning which was such a pleasure. I was able to slump down in my chair and take a nice little nap.

For those of you who know me, I'm Mr. Gadget. I love cool gadgets. I recently made an early Birthday purchase and got a Blackberry. That's right, now you can reach me at all hours of the day via email. I've been good about not getting addicted and can turn the power off at anytime without a problem. So far I am really enjoying it and it's fantastic for the commute. So start sending me emails!

What better than to celebrate Friday with a Hillary clip! Enjoy your weekend!

Paris Je T'aime

So it's very unlike me to promote a movie or book I have yet to see or read...but there's a first for everything so here we go. Paris Je T'aime is my pick for must see DVD this week even though I just received my unopened copy in the mail yesterday. We can watch it together over the weekend and then discuss it on Monday.

Fall in love with the most romantic city in the world…Paris, the City of Light. This critically acclaimed, box-office smash combines visions from the world’s top directors -- the Coen brothers (Fargo), Alexander Payne (Sideways), Gus Van Sant (Good Will Hunting) -- and some of America’s top stars -- Natalie Portman (Closer), Elijah Wood (The Lord Of the Rings), Juliette Binoche (Chocolat) -- who together create a panoramic portrait of this photogenic city. Find yourself transported and maybe transformed by these sexy, romantic, haunting, dramatic and beautiful stories. Paris Je T'Aime goes beyond the "postcard" view of Paris to portray aspects of the city rarely seen on the big screen, revealing its Parisian heart and soul and leaving you with a vision that will last long after the film is over.

Looks good, non?

NYU Journalism is making headlines this morning.


Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays and I am so looking forward to next week. And how could I leave you without something turkey related? Well, here you go!




*** Devang shared with me this story about a man who has tree growths***

Candy Cane Joe Joe's

That's right!!! Trader Joes has their limited edition Candy Cane Joe Joe's. They always sell out so run to your local store and pick up a box or two.

Sweatin To The Oldies

It appears as though someone has created gym classes for fat babies. That's right moms, think your baby is fat? Take them to the baby gym!

Last night I was so happy. This was partially due to the fact that the holiday commercials are starting to run. Sleighbells and all! It's the most wonderful time of the year. And while I'm on the topic of the holidays, I was so happy when I saw that Rev. Billy aka Bill Talen is coming out with a movie called What Would Jesus Buy? Boaz and I saw a short with him in it at Sundance and then saw him at Times Square. I went over and spoke with him and he is quite the character. He's like a Gospel version of Michael Moore.



Oh yeah, and NYU president John Sexton is raking in the big bucks!

Woweewow

Despite my being sick, I went with Elissa to the 2007 Tisch Gala last night at Town Hall. The event was a little well put together package of presenters, performers, and short video interludes which introduces the honorees. Chris Columbus (the director, not the explorer), Joan Tisch, Alec Baldwin, Ethan Hawke, Billy Crudup, and many others were present. It was fun and ran only a perfect hour and a half thanks to the help of teleprompters.

I missed the last NY Art show of Damien Hirst, but perhaps I'll head over the the Lever house to view his new show.

Tomorrow night, when the shrouding is removed from Lever House’s lobby at Park Avenue and 54th Street, viewers will confront a veritable Noah’s Ark of roadkill — 30 dead sheep, one dead shark, two sides of beef, 300 sausages, a pair of doves — that the British artist Damien Hirst describes as his most mature piece.

In addition to the art spectacle, illuminated 24 hours a day by fluorescent light, passers-by will also be able to gawk tomorrow night at an invitation-only party for some 2,000 art-world glitterati.

Perhaps I should be one of the bloggers on strike but I was on strike last week and have to please my readers who were angry that there have been no new posts.

Did you hear about the new $1,000 fine for feeding pigeons? It's about time they implement this law. Now the city can go around giving $1,000 fines to pigeon ladies who can't afford to pay up. Watch out Home Alone 2 pigeon lady! Watch out!

Boaz has a thing for ants and he celebrates Ant Day! I thought he might enjoy this article that says humans can learn a lot from the little insects.


HILLARY!!! WATCH OUT!!!

Coworker break

I'm BAAACK

Well, sort of. Sorry for the lack of posting lately but I've been really sick with a heavy cold. Unable to talk, sing, breathe...it hasn't been fun. Thanksgiving is around the corner and I'm already craving some turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce. This is my favorite time of the year because I can just feel all of the holidays and the new year around the corner. I've got a new toy and I love it! Okay, be sure to check in tomorrow for a very special post!!!!!!

The Birds

At the bus stop this morning I witnessed thousands of birds flying out of a tree and into the air. They separated and formed circles and then flew away. I tried capturing it by whipping out my camera phone but I couldn't get a clear shot. I can see how Alfred hitchcock came up with the idea for The Birds, a true classic.

I'm feeling sick today and hope I can make through the day. Occasionely I still receive review copies of books but none that interest me. Yesterday, I received a graphic novel that is really interesting and I thought I'd promote it here. It's called Shooting War and it's based on this website. Here's a blurb from their website about the book:

The Book
The year is 2011. The global war on terror is raging out of control. The American economy is deep in recession. The president is popping Prozac. When a suicide bomber blows a Brooklyn Starbucks to bits, hipster videoblogger Jimmy Burns is in the right place at the right time. His dramatic footage is picked up by Global News (“Your home for 24-hour terror coverage”) and Burns is transformed into an overnight media sensation. The next thing he knows he’s on a Black Hawk flying low and fast towards war-ravaged Baghdad. But Burns’ greatest dream – to become a war correspondent – quickly becomes his greatest nightmare. Everyone from his ratings-ravenous bosses, to a renegade squad of U.S. Army commandos, to a tech-savvy band of murderous jihadists all try to make him their pawn. But Burns has other ideas.

SHOOTING WAR began as an Eisner-nominated serialized web comic in May 2006 here on SMITHMAG.net. After receiving extensive media coverage, the story was acquired by Grand Central Publishing for publication in North America and in the UK by Weidenfeld & Nicolson. The full-color 192-page hardcover graphic novel will feature over 110 pages of new material, including all new plots twists and, by popular demand, more Dan Rather than you can shake a dead armadillo at.

SHOOTING WAR is written by Anthony Lappé and illustrated by Dan Goldman.

Click here to purchase a copy.





Because many of my writers are on strike, I would like to leave you with a wacky wednesday clip! Enjoy.

Weekend Activities

Below are some photos I snapped with my phone during some of the activities I participated in this past weekend. You will see a photo from the middle school version of Guys and Dolls that I saw...yes, middle schoolers playing gamblers and talking about marriage is quite funny. You will also see two photos from Devachan Salon where Elissa got her hair cut. They specialize in "embracing your inner curl" and you can see from the photo that even the branch decor is curly. The other photos below are of Lasagne/Italian Night which took place at the Puddingstone Club House. Lots of food, lots of neighbors...I had fun. Looking forward to Vermont this weekend!

Wakeup Call

Here's a way to gain voters and make sure people are at home when you call for their support.

It's 2 a.m. Do you know whom you're voting for?

That question confronted 3,000 voters across Peekskill, Cortlandt and Yorktown who were jarred awake by a campaign call for Democrat Domenic Volpe. Volpe is seeking to unseat county Legislator George Oros, R-Cortlandt, in Tuesday's election.

Way to go Volpe!

I'm so glad it's Friday. I'm so glad we get to turn the clocks back this weekend. I'm so glad THanksgiving is around the corner. I'm so glad.

Have you heard about Mighty Mice?

Scientists at Case Western Reserve University have genetically engineered mice that outrun, outlive, and out-eat ordinary mice while staying lean, light, and fertile well into old age.

Chalk it up to a change in a single gene.

That genetic tweak boosted levels of an enzyme called PEPCK-C in the mice's skeletal muscles, knocking mice's muscle metabolism into orbit.

"They are metabolically similar to Lance Armstrong biking up the Pyrenees," researcher Richard Hanson, PhD, says in a news release.

Yes, but can they fly? Who would have thought they would be comparing mice to Lance Armstrong.

November 1st

Happy November! Time to take down the inflatable ghost and put up the inflatable turkey. Also, ready, set, WRITE! Today starts national novel writing month. So sign up and start that novel!

I hope you had a great Halloween!!! I sure did and I even found someone who went all out with their haunted house. He had a mic system, graveyard, flying ghosts, and more. He wins the award for best haunted house in Madison, NJ.

Did you see that the army has been testing invisible tanks? So James Bond, check out this article! There's even a real life "Q"!

Nothing says fun like paragliding...especially on your 100th birthday!~ Peggy looks like she had a blast and happy birthday!



Happy Birthday also to Rachel who celebrates her birthday today! Who wants to go check out the Ocean Spray Big Apple Bog? I do!!!