My Celebrity Crush Of The Month (10.3.9)

January: Rebecca Hall, for being the heart as Vicky and the longed for as Varya.

February: Will Chase, for being Thomas Weaver in another short-lived musical.

March: Joseph Cotten, for a screen presence that's still vibrant after all these years.

April: Nora Arnezeder, for making my jaw drop with her angelic voice.

May: Ellie Frederickson, for capturing my heart in the mere minutes she was onscreen.

June: Roger Federer, because I cried as much as he did when he won the French Open.

July: Jake Silbermann, because I'm a sucker.

August: Melanie Laurent, for being dangerous and beautiful while fighting Nazis.

September: Brett Gardner, for being a speedy, scrappy player.

My Derailed Olympic Bid

I was a firm opponent of the New York Olympic bid 4 years ago and couldn't be more enthused that Chicago has failed to clinch the United State's first Olympic bid since Atlanta in 1996. Reasons are simple and non-political. Granted the current economic climate, does this nation really need to pour over $10 billion dollars in for the event? Is the trade off of having an "international unity" in Chicago really worth the additional debt that city will face for a decade after the game exits?

Look at the last four Olympic hosts. Atlanta is STILL recovering economically after the 1996 games and anyone who has visited the city in the last decade can tell you it's a very slow process. Sydney's (2000) tourism actually saw a decline since their games, Athens (2004) is still struggling to come up with a solution to $7 billion euros, the remainder of their debt and well, the Chinese government would never reveal anything that would shame them so we'll probably never know what kind of hit Beijing took last year.

The granddaddy of them all? The Montreal games of 1976. They've just paid off their debt 2 years ago- three whole decades after the games.

So is it worth it?

My Asian Politician

Asians in politics is a rarity. First, a sad truth- not many Asian Americans care enough to partake in the system. Second, even if they are interested, it's nearly impossible to break through the race barrier. Enter John Liu.

After winning the democratic run-off for City Comptroller last week, Liu is poised and heavily favorited to win the general election this election day. If he does pull out the victory, he'd be the first Asian American to be elected into public service in the New York. Quite a feat if you ask me, considering the only other elected Asian officials I know of are all based in California. Should I vote based on race? No, probably not- but it certainly nudges me to do more research on Liu and his republican opponent Joe Mendola. (Newsday)

My Soap Opera Madness

Reason #901 Why I'm Not Badass: After a 10 year absence and with the assistance of Youtube, I've once again been sucked into a soap opera.

My Thursday Glee Reaction (9.24.09)

And we haven't got to the Beyonce-dancin' football kicker yet.

My New York City Transit Museum

With a Sunday afternoon slowly wasting away, Wendy and I decided to make an impromptu visit to the New York Transit Museum. I haven't been there since I won a drawing contest in junior high school (don't laugh), and have always wanted to go back to ride some old subway trains and buses.

Thank goodness they got rid of the wicker seats. I hate wicker.

If Wendy's that terrified of driving a bus, wait til she sees the faces of the pedestrians.

This car reminds me of jail.

Missing a stationed train.

I prefer this price for a train ride.

Also, this ad in one of the train cars definitely got its point across.

My Upcoming Stage Plays

In an obvious move to corner more of that teeny-bopper audience, a stage musical version of 'Bring It On' in now in the works. It makes sense since there's already tons of dancing it in already. Ten bucks says Jerry Mitchell is jealous he didn't think of it first. (Playbill)

Onto something with a little more artistic value, 'Next Fall' will make the transfer from Off-Broadway to Broadway in the upcoming spring. I'm super, uber-excited about this transfer and hopes it translates well. For a second there, I thought it was going to be another one of those topical plays I'll never get the chance to see. (Playbill)

My Racist Baby

Probably.

My TIFF Experience

I don't know why I don't attend these things more often, but I seem like enjoy most of the film festivals I have attended in my life. Perhaps it's because I know that I'm in the company of fellow film enthusiasts who are just as excited to see what the top filmmakers of the world have to offer. Whatever the reason is, the result is the same- people are just giddy to be there.

I had the chance to travel up north to Toronto a couple of the weekends ago to check out a few flicks with longtime buddy Eric and short time buddy Jordan. It wasn't until then that I realized how great of a town Toronto really is. It's clean, people are friendly and everything is easily accessible.

So what exactly did I see? The studio release of 'The Informant!' with Matt Damon and 'Fish Tank', a BBC funded grit drama. And even if the genre of the two films couldn't be anymore different, the mere experience of watching them in a great environment resulted in the same bliss.

How's that for an ambiguous film review?

My Miss New York 2009

In another sign that most of the Asian community just doesn't care about western pop culture, how is it possible the news Tracey Chang, the first foreign born Miss New York, not even make a blurb in the papers? Anyway, Chang went on to lose in the Miss USA contest earlier this year. Maybe it's just me, but I'm still haven't a tough time separating beauty pageant contestants and Stepford wives. I think it's the smile... how either of them never stop smiling. It creeps me out.

My Serena Meltdown

Oh Serena, what happened? What happened to the poise you've always shown on court even though we all know you were a firecracker inside? Were you just frustrated from the two sets earlier and everything just built up to that inexcusable outburst? Not that I was ever a fan of yours, but US Tennis is already in disarray- we certainly don't need you to drag it down even more. (ESPN)

My Thursday Glee Reaction

I love cutaways. I love laughing at desperate people. This clip from last night's AMAZING episode of 'Glee' gave me both.

My Derek Jeter Hit Parade

Well, he's only one away. One hit away from having the most hits in New York Yankee history. If you think about the history that comes along with this organization, it's pretty remarkable how current Yankee fans have the opportunity to witness such a moment. When Derek Jeter undoubtedly get that next hit, the Yankee captain will be showered with praise and jubilation. I don't think it a Yankee more deserving.

My iPod Nano

Great. Another toy from the folks by Apple I don't need but want. What is otherwise a lackluster presentation by Steve Jobs, the hottest product to emerge form yesterday's speech is that the new iPod Nano that contains but video recording (much like the new iPhone 3GS) and a FM tuner. Pricing at $149 (and $179 for the 16gb) , it definitely gives me an alternative to upgrading to the 3GS.

My Glee

Much like I did last season with 'Mad Men', I'll be doing weekly reactions to 'Glee' episodes all year long. It's been nearly four months since the sneak peek premiere and a new episode FINALLY airs tonight. I so cannot stinkin' wait.

My Mad Men Season Three Update

I'm still uneasy about this current season of 'Mad Men'. While dramatic things are definitely happening, I'm still waiting that switch to turn off much like seasons one and two where all the stories kick it up a notch. One thing is for certain though, Matt Weiner and company are definitely giving Peggy Olsen some fun and silly stuff to do.

My Gay Clooney Fan

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Not sure what I loved more about this video. The reporter's full throttle attempt to embarrass himself by professing his "love" or Clooney's quick witted reaction.

My Night at the US Open

Granted, the matches themselves were a bit of a bore, but when Novak Djokovic summoned John McEnroe to the court and the two played two points, it was a uproarious. Along with buddies Mark and Cheryl, we enjoyed the cool breeze of the unofficial end of summer.

The gang had more fun eating waffle fries than watching the second match.

A new exhibit letting attendees tryout their tennis skills.

8 dollar cheeseburgers and the before mentioned waffle fries.

Oh... I served a disappointing 77 mph.

My Free Ice-Cream Sandwich

While at my local Toys-R-Us here at Caesar's Bay with a few friends to pick up an underrated boardgame known as Dicecapades, we were told we got free sandwiches for every $20 we spend there. It's a bit of an odd promotion but I ended up walking out of the giant toy store with an delicious ice cream sandwich bar. Just a heads up for my fellow Brooklynites looking to score a deal for frozen treats.

My Top Shop

After getting bargain deals shopping at Top Shop yesterday, I'm still having mixed feelings about the British import. All my female friends who went there were not impressed with the women's selection and the price of the clothes, but the same cannot be said about the guys' department. Some things were as cheap as they are in Walmart. I bought a pair of jeans and 2 new t-shirts for $10 each. That's kinda insane considering Top Shop is located in SoHo. You'd think I'd fall head over heels for this place but the main turnoff? This sign saying how they have fashion consultants (or 'Style Advisors') on premise to tell you what not to buy. I overheard an employee telling a guy "to put those flare jeans back because he doesn't have the package to fill out the front." No joke.

My Hilarious Gruesome Murder

Because there's nothing funnier than a man charged with chopping up his wife.

My iPhone Dilemma

Please don't make me upgrade... please.

My Dinara Safina Complex

I guess I'm just hating on the ladies today. Dinara Safina, the current number one ranked female tennis player in the world, struggled through another grand slam match. Under immense scrutiny for her top ranked status without winning a single career grand slam, the pressure definitely showed. I haven't been impressed by any of her matches since she arrived on the WTA tour. She never looks comfortable, always nervous and about to break down and cry at any given moment. Not to mention every victory she pulls out, it seems as if it's relief more than joy she displays. So just how is she #1? Is the rest of the women's tour doing that bad?

My Horrible Pop Song

I've never truly acquainted myself with the controversial and tween idol Miley Cyrus mainly because I don't care to. But man, when my car radio decides to invade my ears with her latest "hit", 'Party In The USA', I felt like someone was raping my ears. I couldn't believe that one, this was an actual song and two, that it is a hit. I was never fan of pop culture references in my music and this namedrops like there's no tomorrow.

My Awful Facebook Fail

It doesn't get anymore embarrassing than letting your friends know about your sex life via Facebook. People's inability to use technology is always good for a laugh. FAIL.

My Santa Rosalia

Taking a note from Brian over at BK Southie, I went to this year's Santa Rosalia fair in the neighborhood for the first time in years with a few friends. Though there seems to be plenty to do, the main themes are food, games and very loud music.

Street festivities are a lost art.

The Greeks came out to celebrate as well.

No, I didn't bet my rent money.

A rotating meat grill. Intense.

We lost skeeball race derby... to a five year old girl.

Trying my first deep fried Oreo cookie... I spit it out right after.

My Ten Straight Thumbs Up Movies

It's a rarity I don't complain about the films I watch. Either I've become numb and dull to films nowadays or I'm just liking everything I've been seeing- it's hard to tell. It wasn't until this past weekend when a reader mentioned to me how I liked the last ten films I've watched that I realized I haven't seen a bad film this summer. Granted, I opted out of the obvious missteps of 'G.I. Joe', 'Transformers 2' and 'Year One', but still... it's quite a feat. Here are my one-sentence reactions to those ten films:

1. Taking Woodstock- Signature detached emotions from Ang Lee with Woodstock nation as its backdrop.

2. Inglourious Basterds- My new favorite QT film is also the easiest of his films to be adapted to a stage play.

3. The Time Traveller's Wife- Just like 'The Notebook', cheesy, over the top but somehow still got me.

4. (500) Days of Summer- Best romantic comedy in years.

5. District 9- A better version of 'Cloverfield'.

6. The Hurt Locker- Will easily occupy the independent film slot at this year's Oscars and deservedly so.

7. Julie and Julia- I'm not sure who was more fun to watch- Streep over the top as Childs or Adams as a mopey wannabe.

8. Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince- Full Review Here

9. The Hangover- Easiest laugh I've had all summer.

10. Up- Pixar predictably scores again.

My 90210 Theme Song Retrospective

I'll be the first to admit to watching ALL ten seasons of the original 'Beverly Hills, 90210'. Even when the show got horrendously bad during the last few seasons, I kept watching. I mean, c'mon, how much fun is that theme song? My love for the original teen drama even got me to start watching the current impostor airing on The CW.... but that ended quickly as soon as they told Kelly had a kid with Dylan. Ugh, go Team Brandon!

My Restaurant Makeover

I'm not so sure if renovating the famed 'Tavern On The Green' is such a good idea. Let's face it, people don't go there for the overpriced food. They go for the atmosphere and the incredibly rich interior design. Changing the Crystal Room into a "conservatory dining room"? Way to take the fun out of splurging. (Daily News)

My Poisoned Pancakes

Welcome to the ridiculousness of Daytime Television. Death... by.... pancakes! This clip from 'All My Children' is as ridiculous and silly as the time Marlena was processed by demons back in the 90s except this doesn't like as fun. That's right... I know some stuff about 'em soap operas.

My Mad Men Commentary

With the new season of 'Mad Men' started up again a few Sundays ago, I went ahead and rewatched season two in its entirety so that I can fall back into the world of Sterling Cooper. Loaded with special features I'll never get the time to check out, I've decided to check out the audio commentary for one of my favorite episodes from that season titled 'Three Sundays' in which Colin Hanks begins his season long guest appearance as Father Gill.

To my surprise, the audio commentary featuring Colin Hanks and Elisabeth Moss is not only informative but extremely entertaining. They joked about everything from "one take wonders" to Pete Campbell's short shorts while letting viewers know about the almost relationship writers had in stored for their characters. I highly encourage all 'Mad Men' fanatics to check it out.

My Favorite Actors

In another interactive blog section started by Nathaniel over at The Film Experience, I've carefully created this Bingo board of my all-time 25 24 favorite actors. I cheated a little though and included not only screen actors but stage actors as well- I just can't let Patrick Wilson and Matt Cavenaugh fly by when there's a Peterio's Favorite Actors list involved. Yes, they're a bit vanilla and a bit Yankee, but I can't help who I love. So in no particular ranking order... who wants to play Bingo? There's no losing here.

My Unpopular Name

So it appears Peter is not as popular of a name as it once was. According to the new lists of popular baby names, Peter is ranked 183th in the United States when it was 57th during my birth year of 1982. The most popular in 2008? Jacob and Emma. Just check out how popular (or unpopular) your name nowadays with new parents here.

My Desperate Promo

Even if the show has been lifeless since its inaugural season, ABC has always been on the ball when it comes to promoting 'Desperate Housewives'. Case in point, this hilarious and satirical poster for the upcoming season is brilliant and completely portrays the campy ongoings of Wisteria Lane. If only other networks follows ABC's lead.

My Glee Gold Digger

Oh Matthew Morrison, you're slowly climbing the chart as the new face to watch for to the rest of the world. Of course, us Broadway junkies already adore you. I SO cannot wait for this show to officially kick off. You can download 'Gold Digger' in its entirety FOR FREE over at iTunes.

My Skins Remake

A British adaptation of a successful show to be broadcasted on MTV? That's a recipe for disaster if I know it. While the British adaptation has worked rarely in the past, there were definitely more fails than wins. Let's hope the grit of shock and awe translate States-side in Baltimore, Maryland for a show that captivated my attention. (Zap2It)

My Morning Away From Roger

As a promotional event for the upcoming US Open (which I have tickets to on Labor Day), the top ranked players are doing some good ol' fashion PR at Madison Square Park. While it was one of the most unorganized events I've ever attended, I did manage to get a glimpse of the greatest tennis player EVER who happens to be my celebrity crush for the month of June.

My Craigslist Posting (8.25.9)

I hear forking yourself in public is the new Twitter.

My Latest Rudy Giuliani Politic Bid

After that miserable strategy for the GOP Presidential bid last year, former NYC mayor Rudy Giuliani is thinking a step smaller and is weighing his options for the New York governor position currently held by David Patterson. It's a good move on Giuliani's part. Say what you will in regards about the resident Yankee fan, but he's still one of the mayors this fine city has ever seen. Rather of not I'd vote for him if he decides to throw his hat in the race is still in question- I have plenty of time to mull that over. (NYTimes)

My September To Travel

With some cash saved up this summer and my irresponsible urge to spend it right away, I've decided that I'm going to be taking multiple trips this upcoming September to fulfill my urge to get away from the city. Here's my quickie itinerary for my birthday month:

- Toronto, CA (September 11-14), for the Toronto International Film Festival and catch up with a childhood friend who just had twins..... twins!

- Auckland, New Zealand (mid-September for upto 10 days), because I keep saying how I want to visit every year and never do. Might as well take advantage of that Delta discount while I still can. I'm 90% certain this trip is finally happening.

- Tallahassee, FL (September 25-28), might be pushed back to mid-October depending on other alumnus's schedules, to catch my annual FSU Football game at the Doak.

Care to join me?

My Celebrity Crush Of The Month (v.8.25.9)

January: Rebecca Hall, for being the heart as Vicky and the longed for as Varya.

February: Will Chase, for being Thomas Weaver in another short-lived musical.

March: Joseph Cotten, for a screen presence that's still vibrant after all these years.

April: Nora Arnezeder, for making my jaw drop with her angelic voice.

May: Ellie Frederickson, for capturing my heart in the mere minutes she was onscreen.

June: Roger Federer, because I cried as much as he did when he won the French Open.

July: Jake Silbermann, because I'm a sucker.

August: Melanie Laurent, for being dangerous and beautiful while fighting Nazis.

My Baseball Nonsense

Someone please tell Buck Showalter he's insane. 'Baseball Tonight' completely indulged in his pet project of campaigning to realign major league baseball is rather ridiculous. Are the programming looking for material to put on air? Because there's plenty of material going on during this summer season.

Abandon the century old tradition of American and National leagues? Contracting BOTH Florida teams simply because they have spring training there? Putting the Yanks, Mets, Phillies, Rays and Red Sox in the same division? Are we really going back to the argument of rather of a DH should be used? I guess Buck just has a lot of time on his hands.

My Month Is Over

I apologize. I've been exhausted.

After a six-week feature that included a tornado, a blizzard and a live dead corpse, I've finally recovered and am ready to let my blogging juices flow. To make it brief, what has changed in my life since that last entry? Hmmm... in one simple word- Nada, but I AM feeling as energized as that guy above.

My Disastrous Movie Set

Over a week ago, I've reported that the current film I'm working on was delayed due to a freak tornado and hail storm that touched down on the filming location. Here's are some pictures I took a few days afterwards when we returned to work. It felt like we walked onto a set of another movie.

Poor Catering Truck.... a tree branch went through its roof.

Yes, this was one of the camera vans. Luckily, they brought the Panavision camera in the night before.

The sound guy pulled his hair out because of all the chainsaws cutting down trees.

I guess God decided we were making 'Twister 2'.

Lamp post on the ground- it's sorta normal.

Oh, that's why I haven't been posting much as of late. Production is now set to wrap August 5th, so no life for me until afterwards.