With the writers' strike over, I was delighted to hear that for the very first week back on-air, Saturday Night Live was to be hosted by none other than Tina Fey! Of course, I made immediate plans to go see SNL .. well, live .. but due to prior commitments, I was unable to go; however, thanks to living in the wonderful age of the Internetz, I was able to see Ms. Fey's hosting skillz0rs.
Known as the first female head writer for Saturday Night Live from 1999 until her departure in 2005, Tina Fey is a "jack of all trades" type; an Emmy/Golden Globe/SAG winning writer/comedian/actress, she currently co-produces/writes/stars in the multiple award winning tv series 30 Rock. That's a whole lot to say for this little lady from Upper Darby, Pennsylvania.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Spotlight: Tina Fey
ABC to offer shows on-demand
ABC to offer shows on-demand
A testament to where television is heading, ABC announced on Monday that they will start offering their hit shows like Lost and Desperate Housewives over video-on-demand cable services for free through participating cable companies. Viewers will just have to sit through 2-5 minutes of commercials (which you can't fast forward through), but compared to the 17 or more minutes of ads for an hourlong program on regular live airings, it's a pretty good deal.
This is exciting because as anyone who has HBO/Cinemax/Showtime/premium channels knows, being able to watch a show/movie/program anytime you want is pretty darn awesome. With the advent of DVRs, networks are struggling to find ways to sell ad space where viewers will actually sit through commercials instead of fast forwarding through them. This seems like a winning solution for both the advertisers and the network, as well as for TV fans, who can now watch shows on their own schedule without having to worry about recording or catching an airing. No word on when this will go into effect or what shows they'll offer on-demand, but hopefully all the other networks will follow suit as well. The media landscape is rapidly changing, folks, and we're along for the ride.
Coming Next...
Gilly Hicks
I'm not a shopper, I hate malls, outlets, etc... However, being that it is a slow day for me, I'm shamelessly catering the shopaholics that read our site. Gilly Hicks is the underwear brand from clothing powerhouse Abercrombie & Fitch that is projected to give Victoria Secret a run for their money. Although stores are currently hard to find, Gilly Hicks will be opening a store in Garden State Plaza soon.
Gillyhicks.com
Be warned. NSFW. This site is a wardrobe malfunction away from being pornography.
I lost to THESE guys?
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Kosomi Trivia Challenge
Since most of the kids had half a day today and were done with their homework by the time I got there, I decided to buy a box of Kosomi and play trivia games with them. Yes, I still get paid for doing this. The following are some of the choice question/answers from the game.
Who hit the longest home run in Major League Baseball history?
-"Michael Jackson."
Me: "Not even close."
-"Oh, Michael Jordan!"
Me: "Oh boy"
What country is Christopher Columbus from?
-"Mexico?"
Who was the only actor to win two Oscars for Best Actor in the 1990s?
-"Is it a male?"
Me: "Yes."
-"Black?"
Me:"No."
-"Elvis Presley?"
Complete the line. Life is like a box of chocolate...
-"...if you eat too much, you get fat."
PS: Kosomi is a deliciously simple Korean cracker loaded with sugar.
Music: Jimmy Eat World - Chase This Light
Album: Chase This Light
Artist: Jimmy Eat World
Release Date: October 16, 2007
Genre: Alternative Rock, Pop Rock
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Book: Annie Leibovitz's A Photographer's Life
Title: A Photographer's Life: 1990-2005
Author: Annie Leibovitz
Release Date: October 3, 2006
Genre: Art, Photography
No. of pages: 472
Annie Leibovitz is arguably one of the most prolific, well-known photographers working today, and if you've ever glanced at a Vanity Fair or Vogue cover, then you've most likely seen her work. Every year that Vanity Fair has had their Hollywood issue fold out cover is every year that Leibovitz has photographed Hollywood's finest and brightest for the annual issue, which you can check out here.
Mythbusters: Can you increase the range of a car alarm remote with your head (and why)?
Have you ever walked away from your car only to forget whether or not you’ve locked your car?
Or how about being in a parking lot but forgetting where you’ve parked?
In both these cases, you’ve probably wanted to use your car alarm remote to lock your door or find your car. But if you’re too far away for the remote to reach, there’s a neat little trick you can do.
If you put the key fob under your chin, it will increase the range by a couple of yards.
There is no question of whether this is a myth or not. It is definitely true. Not only is there plenty of video evidence on the web, but it’s a simple enough experiment that you can try on your own car.
However, figuring out why this works is something there is less agreement on....
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
2008 Academy Awards Wrap Up
So I was 5-2 in my Academy Awards predictions, but it's all good because I'm thrilled that Marion Cotillard won Best Actress for her amazing performance in La Vie en Rose.
But of course, the Oscars are so much about the fashion. While I didn't love love love any particular dress this year, there were standouts. The colors of the evening were definitely black and red. I normally don't like black or white gowns (give me color!!), but it is the color of the dress worn by my pick for Best Dressed.
Look how pretty and feminine Jennifer Garner's Oscar de la Renta gown is, despite the dark color. She's perfectly accessorized (re: not overdone) in her elegant Van Cleep & Arpel choker and matching clutch. Well done, Jen Garner, you've come a long way.
More of the highlights, as well as my pick for the Worst Dressed, after the jump.
Monday, February 25, 2008
[Feature] 90’s Flashback: It’s All Downhill from Here
When I was a kid in the 90’s watching tv shows, I would watch these perfect characters and would just assume that the actors and actresses playing these parts were equally perfect.
In some cases, this was true – Winnie Cooper (aka Danica Mckellar) went on to graduate from UCLA and has created her own math theorem – but for others, success in the small screen has not translated to successes in real life.
Because I’m cynical and it’s generally more fun to read, here are the 90’s actors that have had less than stellar careers after their initial fame.
Friday, February 22, 2008
What Are You Doing This Weekend?
Forecast
Fri: 32°F, Snow/Wintry Mix
Sat: 30°F, AM Snow Showers
Sun: 40°F, Sunny
See
Be Kind Rewind (starring Jack Black, Mos Def, Danny Glover, Mia Farrow)
Charlie Bartlett (starring Anton Yelchin, Robert Downey)
Vantage Point (starring Dennis Quaid, Matthew Fox, Forrest Whitaker, Sigourney Weaver)
Do
Camelback Ski Area
Where: Tannersville, PA
When: Weekend
It's snowing, it's cold, it must be time to go skiing/boarding. I'm very much a classic sport (baseball, basketball, etc...) kid but I must admit snowboarding is pretty fun and a hell of an exercise.
Events
Concerts for those of you who prefer to stay indoors.
The Roots: The Apollo Theater, Friday at 7:30PM and 11:00PM, $31.50-$41.50
Atlas Sound: Mercury Lounge, Saturday at 11:00PM, $14
Strawberry Fields (Tribute to The Beatles): B.B. King Blues Club, Saturday a 12:00PM, $37.50
Snow Day Activities
If you're one of the lucky ones to have a snow day from either work or school, chances are, you're probably still in your pajamas, lounging around your room. Yes, it is pretty chilly outside. But that shouldn't keep you from being a hermit all-day long.
As a firm believer in not "wasting a day away," here are some semi-productive ways to go about your snow day.
The Weather Sucks by the Numbers
According to Weather.com for the next 10 days we're getting pretty crappy weather. If it's over 40 in any of the next 10 days it will be accompanied by rain. The average for precipitation for February is 3 inches. We've already had 6 this month. We've had 13 days of precipitation vs the 9 sunny days we've had. Bad weather has a very depressing effect on the human psyche so lets hope that in 2 weeks we can see some 50 degree sun.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Review: Country Pancake House
Restaurant Name: Country Pancake House
Cuisine: Breakfast
Location:
Info:
140 E Ridgewood Ave
Whenever I’m in the mood for some pancakes or breakfast in general, the only real choice there used to be around here was IHOP. And you know what? IHOP sucks. It’s overpriced and the pancakes are so spongy that they soak up all the syrup, which is not a good thing.
Luckily, I found Country Pancake House in Ridgewood, New Jersey. This little breakfast joint is the best breakfast place I have ever been to.....
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
While You Were Sleeping
Barack Obama Wins 10th In A Row
With victories in Wisconsin and Hawaii has won his 10th primary/caucus in a row. His lead over Hillary Clinton in pledged delegates is now 142. A victory in Texas and we can pack our bags ladies and gentlemen. If Barack is able to pull out what would be a stunning upset (Eli Part 2), it would be and indictment on a very well organized campaigns. Hillary deserved better campaign management.
As for the republicans, McCain wins and Huckabee is still in the race. Why? The world may never know.
New Government In Pakistan
The people of Pakistan have voted to oust for prime minister, Pervez Musharraf (left) out of office. Benazir Bhutto's Pakistan People's Party took a majority of the votes while the Pakistan Muslim League finished in second. Both parties have been very critical of Musharraf's government. This creates an interesting dilemma for the current US government who has had a very cozy relationship with the former Prime Minister.
Stock Market: "Help! I've Fallen And I Can't Get Up!"
Oil prices go up, stock prices and the US Dollar go down. Everyone's a loser! Except for Canada, Europe, Exxon, BP, Chevron... Theres a lot of reasons why the economy is struggling and I'm not going to bore you to death with the minutia of this issue. It's time to get innovative America. Lets please go to the forefront of the alternative fuel industry. If not for our planet, lets do it for our economy.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Spice Girls Concert Review
Monday, February 18, 2008. 8PM at Madison Square Garden, NYC.
First off, anyone who knows me can tell you that the last concert you'd expect me to review is that of the Spice Girls. But I'll be the first to admit it: yes, in my shameful 6th grade past, I enjoyed the girl-power jams by this power-pop group. I thought that I had left that dark part of my past behind me, but a surprise early birthday gift to see the 5 gals in concert left me with no shame at the end.
To Flouride or Not to Flouride?
British sink their teeth into debate over flouride
So my friend Vicki sent me this article last week, and I thought it was hilarious. Probably cause most of the US actively practice water flouridation (67% of American communities, to be exact) that we don't think twice about it, but some people in the UK are genuinely upset about the possibility of introducing flouride into their water. I see both sides of the argument, as nationalizing flouidation will cost the UK roughly $80 million over the next 3 years. But uh, as for it being a "fundamental human rights question," as John Graham, an opponent and a member of the National Pure Water Association, thinks it is, I think that's taking it a little bit to the extreme. I don't know, who am I to say that he's being ridiculous (but just a bit, no??), but this whole debate is very interesting.
Here are some more facts about water flouridation, courtesy of Wiki:
- 42 of the 50 largest US states have flouridated water
- in US cities with a population over 50,000 people, it costs $0.31/person, per year to have water flouridation
- 10% of the population of the UK and Spain receive flouridated water
- 70.5% of the population of Chile receive flouridated water
- high levels of flouride intake has been associated with bone weakening and even bone cancer (though evidence is considered weak)
- the growing use of bottled water over tap/drinking water has caused some bottlers such as Dannon to add flouride to their water
Monday, February 18, 2008
[Feature] Dear Hollywood, From Your Dissatisfied Lover
What was the last movie you ever watched in theaters? I bet you that chances are, you probably saw a remake of an older, successful film or an adaptation of some sort of literary work.
These days, amongst the sea of reality tv competition shows, it seems like America is always trying to find the next best thing: singers, dancers, models, apprentices, gladiators,…you name it, there is a chance that America is looking for the next top whatever. But even in the midst of trying to find something new, it doesn’t necessarily mean that we are trying to find the next innovative thing; rather, we’re looking for a fresher face that could represent the same thing. ‘Cause what worked the best in the past is the safest [and most lucrative] bet, right?
Friday, February 15, 2008
What are you doing this weekend?
Forecast
Fri.: 47°F, cloudy
Sat.: 33°F, mostly sunny
Sun.: 44°F, mostly cloudy
See
Opening this weekend:
Step Up 2 (starring: Robert Hoffman and Briana Evigan)
Definitely, Maybe (starring: Ryan Reynolds, Rachel Weisz, Abigail Breslin)
Jumper (starring: Hayden Christensen, Samuel L. Jackson, Rachel Bilson)
Events
Free skating at Wollman Rink in Prospect Park
Where: Wollman Rink (Parkside/Ocean Aves)
When: Friday, 15th, 8:30a-9p
Cost: Rink- free; Skate rentals- $6
Eddie Izzard Stand Up Comedy Show
Where: Union Square Theater
When: Friday, Saturday, 10:30p
Cost: $40
The Riches star and British comedian is doing stand up at the Union Square Theater this weekend, as well as this coming Tues-Thurs. It's ongoing until March 8. Tickets available through Ticketmaster.com
Barney's Warehouse Sale
Where: 255 W. 17th St
When: Feb 14-Mar 2
What: 50-75% off regular prices
Enjoy the long weekend! :)
The Power of the Internet: Free Magazines
Little known fact about me: I have a subscription to Maxim until the end of time, and I haven't paid a single cent.
How? All you have to do is visit deals sites (I personally use Slickdeals), which have forums dedicated to this kind of stuff.
If you're patient enough, you can find free subscriptions to lots of popular mags (Wired, EGM, Lucky, Nylon, etc) or extremely lower prices for expensive magazines (I got 1 year of Time for $5).
Oh, and if you're worried about these being scams, you have to understand how magazines make money. They don't make it off of readers, they make it off of advertisers. These companies give out subscriptions so the magazine can turn to an advertiser and say, "look, we have 300,000 readers, you should give us more money to put your ad in our mag." Thus, they want people to subscribe.
So help celebrate Life in Boxe's media month by subscribing to free magazines!
Thursday, February 14, 2008
V-Day
The history of Valentine's Day starts in the days of ancient Rome where a pagan festival that occurred in February once again involved people getting naked and doing all sorts of crazy things. In 270 AD, a Catholic priest named Valentine of Rome was executed by emperor Claudius II. The Church honored him on February 14 along with two other individuals named Valentine. There is no factual connection with their deaths and romantic ideals.
The first link between Valentine and love starts with Geoffrey Chaucer in a poem he wrote referencing the anniversary of King Richard II of England to Anne of Bohemia. Chaucer mentions Valentine's Day four times in his 699 line poem, The Parliament of Fowls. Problem is that their anniversary was on May 2. Chaucer was probably talking about some other Valentine's Day (there were multiple at this time). Readers got confused and eventually a long and elaborate myth about priest Valentine of Rome was started.
February 14 has now become Hallmark's bitch. Flower and Candy shops rake in on made up romantic history. I'm not impressed by most holidays (if you think Valentine's Day history is disappointing you should check out Christmas). I understand V-Day is what we make of it, I just question whether it is worth celebrating. I'm not a fan. Maybe I need a better story, maybe I'm just too cynical, or maybe you can only appreciate this if you actually have someone else to appreciate it with.
Maybe I'm just jealous?
Damn.
Happy V-Day ya'll.
[Mini-Feature] Best Love & Anti-Love Songs
Whether you love everything about Valentine's Day or loathe it, it's hard to escape what the holiday has become in our culture. In honor of your love or hate for Valentine's Day, Life in Boxes presents our picks for the best love and anti-love songs. You pick what you feel like listening to on this day (or any other day).
Jen's Picks:
Best Love Song:
Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Maps
Probably not a typical love song, but singer Karen O's pleas of Wait! /They don't love you like I do is desperate and heartbreaking. Anyone who has had to say goodbye to someone they love can relate to this song.
Best Anti-Love Song:
Kate Nash - Foundations
My favorite song at the moment, Foundations is super catchy and Nash is a fantastic storyteller. It's about being stuck in a relationship and not being able to get out of it- My fingertips are holding onto the cracks in our foundation / and I know that I should let go but I can't. Usually in songs like this the person realizes he/she's with the other one because of some redeeming quality; there's none here. This is an anti-love song at its finest.
Jorge's Picks:
Best Love Song:
Yellow - Coldplay
There's hardly a wrong answer to this. Love is not simple so depending on the situation there is a song for it. Like Maps, Yellow has the tempo and rifts that mirror heartbeats. While Maps struggles with saying goodbye, Yellow makes saying hello to your significant other feel new every time.
Best Anti-Love Song:
The Weakerthans - Left and Leaving
Wait for the year to drown / Spring forward, fall back down / I'm trying not to wonder where you are. A beautifully written song that cuts through you like a verbal scalpel. A sobering reminder that love ain't always grand.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
White Castle to the Rescue
Yep, so Valentine's Day is only a couple of hours away.....
What do you mean you forgot? Holy crap, man, what are you going to do? If you think you're going to get a restaurant reservation now, you're in for a rude awakening.
Actually, there is one place that probably still has some spots available....
White Castles all around the country are offering "candlelit, tableside feasts" from 5-9pm tomorrow. All you have to do is go to their website and make reservations.
There's no better way to say "I love you" than with flowers, chocolate, and a crave case of jalapeño burgers.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Enlightenment
Yesterday, I had a conversation with one of the fourth graders that I tutor. He asked me if I remembered the twin towers. I told him that I did remember and how different and weird it was not seeing the towers in the skyline during the months that followed 9/11. He then told me that it was because of all those Muslims that tried to kill us. I told him I didn't know what 9/11 was really about, but it was not Islam. He then asked me if it was true that Muslims wanted to kill us all. I told him no, and explained that the deplorable actions of a few individuals should not be used to scapegoat an entire religion.
Wow. I'm really not sure if I got through to him. All I kept thinking as he was talking was, "Holy crap, what are we teaching these kids?" They have no real recollection of what happened and honestly, my 10 minute explanation is not enough. I pray for a little more perspective for this world.
The Aimee Mann Christmas Trilogy: Part I
Pretty much everyone at my office knows how much I heart The Office - I guess my Dwight bobblehead, Michael Scott bobblehead, Dundie Award, and constant Office references gave it away. Anyway, a coworker of mine linked me to the viral video known as the Aimee Mann mockumentary, or the Aimee Mann Christmas Trilogy. The trilogy has three parts to it, but oddly, only the first part is available, whereas the rest are M.I.A (missing in action, not the [music] artist).
There are a bunch of celebrity cameos, including John Krasinski (my coworker knows me so well!), Patt Oswalt, Paul Tompkins, Weird Al ... whereas the other parts have cameos by Ben Stiller, Fred Armisen, and Will Ferrell.
Anyway, check out the first part .. if you find the other parts available on teh Internetz, let me know!
Monday, February 11, 2008
[Feature] 2008 Academy Award Predictions
I do this every year, but I make my predictions beforehand based on buzz, results of other awards shows leading up to the Oscars, and my opinions on who should win based on the films and performances I have seen. This year I feel pretty good about my picks, but we shall see how embarrassingly off I am on the night of the awards, because upsets are bound to happen. Here are, without further ado, my predictions for the main categories.
