My Left 4 Dead

The first time I saw promos of the new XBox game, Left4Dead, I thought it was some weird chapter of the Shrek franchise. Look at it... the font is kinda cartoony, with the ogre-green fingers... Sadly(?), I was mistaken.

My Rick Astley Sighting

By far, my favorite part of this year's Thanksgiving Parade. Rick-Rolled!

My IMAX Complaint

Since the popularity of IMAX films is blossoming, many theaters decided to install the giants screens in their facility. The only problem I have with it is that these new IMAX screens aren't really IMAX- at least not the ones that's been popping up in NYC (AMC Times Square, Regal Sheepshead, I'm talking to you). Perhaps the sound system and picture definition are to IMAX standards, but call me a size queen... those screens are maybe a third bigger than regular movie screens. Anyone else got this new pet peeve?

My Thanksgiving Pie

It's only 8:14am and I'm already in trouble. I've been assigned to make another sour cream peach pie this Thanksgiving the day before so I'm worried my ingredients will all be sold out. Also, I made an idiotic mistake of inserting a mini-DVD into Max the Mac so now it's stuck. 

But regardless of all that, I'm thankful this year for many things. Even when things aren't looking their best for me personally, I can always rely of friends and family for being there. So have a safe and happy Thanksgiving folks and try not to get run over at your local grocery store during your last minute pickups.

UPDATE: I had to go back to the grocery store because I forgot to get the pie crust.(!)

It's going to be a long day....

My Quickie Australia Review

Seeing how it is Baz Luhrmann's followup to 'Moulin Rouge!', it's no surprise I was eagerly awaiting 'Australia's release. While it's nowhere near the mastery that was his last work, Luhrmann's latest effort is nothing to pout about. The throwback to old Hollywood is evident and true, down to the over-the-top villain with the skinny mustache and it seems the mostly veteran cast understood that as well. Both Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman contributed to the Clark Gable/ Vivien Leigh dymanic while modernizing their performances for this century. The film even had chapters lining an overall, arching story similar to 'Gone With The Wind's story structure.

If there's one word to summarize the film, it's ambitious... maybe even overambitious, but I expected nothing less from Luhrmann. Afterall, he threw in an added bonus. Kidman sings a little, and that's always a good thing in my book. 

My Christmas List 2008

Yes. It's true. I need to make a list. I've been told numerous times I'm one of the most difficult people to shop for. So to avoid headaches, I've complied this list of gifts under $30 bucks.

- Mad Men Season One On DVD, because I am still in love with Peggy Olsen.

- Ikea Ribba Poster Frame (27.5' x 39.5'), it's for the... 

- 'Julius Caesar' (1953) Movie Poster, so it can match the other Brando madness in my room.

- Magazine Frame (8.5' x 10'), because I'm getting a magazine I want to frame.

- Green Woolie Flap Beanie Hat, because skating in Bryant Park made me want one.

- Playbill Yearbook 2007-2008 Edition, because I don't get one for free anymore.

- Whitest Kids U Know Comedy Sketch Tickets, because their humor is up my alley.

- Crocodile Dentist Game, I had one when I was a kid and always wondered where it disappeared to.

- Skinny Black Tie, because every guy this century should have one.

Not too shabby.

My Douchebag Hair

In one of the funniest articles about styles I've ever read, Details Magazine dares to ask guys the question rather or not they have "douchebag hair". And you know what? Without a single word of explanation, I knew exactly what they meant. Some celebrities they've honored with the DH includes Keith Urban, Zac Efron and the Gotti Boys. (Details)

My Dried-Eye Broadway Closures

New York Times, how I adore thee. As word of the new Mel Brooks Musical is closing in January, the Times managed to say what everyone not involved with the show is thinking. The "Oh well, moving on" attitude fits the very arrogant show's demise. Charging $450 for a ticket? Not reporting your grosses? Dumping St. James Theatre? (NYT)

My Bourne Sequels

Love it. On the heels of a dumbed down version of the supposedly revived James Bond franchise, Universal Studios (no association to 007) greenlit a few more of an action franchise that isn't just fireworks and no brainwaves to wet my tastebuds. The only bad news I can find in all of this reteaming of Nolfi (screenwriter), Greengrass and Damon is that the film is not scheduled to be released until Summer 2010. Boo. Oh, can you tell I wasn't a fan of that Bond flick? (Joblo)

My ABC Cancellations

Both my roommate's TV schedule has cleared up a little bit much thanks to ABC canceling 'Pushing Daisies', 'Dirty Sexy Money' AND 'Eli Stone'. How cutthroat. I've heard good things about 'Pushing Daisies' but have always thought the whimsical series would be suited better for one the big screen. I watched 'Eli Stone' for one whole season, but they've lost me once they introduced God and the diary that can tell the future. As for 'Dirty Sexy Money', I just never gave it a chance. 

Good thing my ABC shows are all safe bets. (EW) 

My Latest Subway Horror Story

We all have them, but my latest encounter with the NYC Subway involves a man begging me and my roommates for money before peeing 10 feet away from us, a obnoxious man yelling into this cell "I don't care if everyone is staring at me on the train, I don't give a fuck." and the train announcer talking like he's Mr. Moviefone. Okay, that last bit was actually nice and comforting. 

But c'mon, I knew last night wouldn't have gone well as soon as we decided to go see 'Quantum of Solace'. 

My 1958 Buffalo Bulls

Yes, I said the Bulls. 

ESPN's Outside The Lines usually showcases uplifting stories from sports history as a retrospective for the current generation of sports fanatics. While I use to think their niche is tiresome, I'll admit I've come around to adoring the '60 Minutes' of sports programming. In their latest installment, they tell the story of the 1958 Bulls from the University of Buffalo. 

I'll leave the elegant storytelling up to the experts, but the school declined their only invitation to a bowl game in 102 years because at the time the Orlando High School Athletic Association prohibited black players to be on the same field as white players. Since then, the University of Buffalo has not been invited to any bowl game because they haven't been eligible to play in one to the lack of wins needed to qualify.

Check out the rest of the top notch reporting over here. 

My Friday Night Lights Reaction (11/20)

Oh Jason, you sure know how to make a grown man cry. 

My Proposition 8 Protest Photo Blog

I was fortunate and proud to show my support (along with roomie Carl and buddy Vanessa) for those opposing Proposition 8 yesterday at City Hall. Here's my photo entry.

We were greeted with chants of malcontent once we got off the subway stop.

The crowd actually gathered a little further down from City Hall.

There was an apparent 4,000 (?) people at the peaceful protest.

Best thing about protests?  The homemade signs. The one above was my personal favorite. Another one we saw was a straight couple across the street with the wife's saying "Every man deserves a husband like mine." and the husband's saying "Every woman deserves a wife like mine." They were showered with "awwwws".

After the rally, sign owners "donated" their art to City Hall.

My Mini-Depression

That'd explain the lack of posts lately. So how do I get myself out of the dumps this time? 

(Note: The picture above is not me.)

My President's Gang Sign

I know what's going on here, but doesn't this picture look a little silly without a caption? (WhiteHouse)

My Will Chase Update

One of my favorite Broadway actors, Will Chase, is set to star in yet another musical next year. Since his very short stint in 'High Fidelity' a few years ago in which I was fortunate enough to see on opening night, I've been a fan. You can chalk 'The Story of My Life', a musical about the beginning and end two men's friendship, up along with the many other shows currently playing on Broadway I want to see when I have some dough to spurge. (Playbill)

My Monopoly Movie

In another sign in which Hollywood has gone to shambles, Universal Studios has greenlit an adaptation of the the famous Hasbro boardgame, Monopoly. If that news doesn't have you shaking your head, get this- Ridley Scott is directing it with a vision of 'Blade Runner' in mind. I'd rather drop my $12 at the Luxury Tax than pass 'Go!' on this disaster waiting to happen. (HollywoodReporter)

My Up Trailer

As elementary the premise sounds, the upcoming Pixar film 'Up' does have that endearing quality that has been all their films. As much as I can't wait to see this next summer, I can't help but wonder when Brad Bird is going to do another Pixar flick- because he's a genius.

My Friday Night Lights Reaction (11/6)

How this show will be better without Jason Street is beyond my comprehension. 

My Gay Short

Logo, MTV's LGBT Network, has premiered Daddy, a short film about a pregnant gay man. It's a little funny if you think about it... and if you look at the -4:30 mark, you might find someone familiar who appears to be preggers as well. Thanks Sid for the great time and getting me to step outside of my "comfort zone".

My Election Day Photo Blog

Unlike most of this nation, the only person who was in line at my voting precinct was this old lady.

Once inside, I looked at the vast amount of volunteers who were waiting for people to vote.

Once inside my secret booth, I looked at the balloting system my state has to offer. It looks confusing, but there has never been a problem with the knobs system.

See? No problem.

I even rewarded myself afterwards for being a good American by getting my complimentary Starbucks Coffee... which I proceeded to throw away across the street.

After waiting for hours for a result, my fist hits the air in jubilation much like the rest of this country, but not like most of my friends.

My Presidential Election

The day has finally arrived.... 

- Check out New York Time's video summarizing the two-year campaigns from both Barack Obama and John McCain. 

- CNN recaps the nation's first poll returns. 

- On a "lighter" note, MSNBC documents the new musical 'Obama: The Musical'.

Now go vote. 

My Simpsons Mad Men Parody

Okay, SNL did the funny bit, but check out this past week's Simpsons episode in which a Treehouse Horror skit reenacts the opening credits of 'Mad Men'. Pure genius. Check out the original above and then parody below.

<

My Halloween Costume Solution

Papa Smurf, y'all, Papa Smurf in the house.