And he'll be happy for an hour. Make a New Yorker laugh and he'll be happy for a lifetime! Improv Everywhere have the right idea...
Via Color Me Katie
Katy Perry's got some major competition! I really think that this version of 'California Gurls' is far superior to the original. In my opinion, dropping references to LOST and Star Wars is just so much cooler than shooting whipped cream out of your brassiere.
Anthony Bourdain is a straight shooter. His first book Kitchen Confidential recounted his downtown adventures and missteps as a cook in pre-Giuliani New York. In his sophomore book, Medium Raw (hitting shelves tomorrow), Bourdain doesn't shy away from the honesty and attitude that has made him a culinary rock star. When a man can eat poop shoot and live to tell the tale while seated in a lovely trattoria alongside Mario Batali, you know he can do no wrong. He's even dined with Bill Murray - and we all know how difficult Mr. Murry can be. They're like two peas in a sarcastic, curmudgeony pod. So go get Bourdain's new book, and maybe next time when you're out to eat you'll take a leap of faith and finally realize what you've been missing.
After the disappointment of the finale, I have to admit that I was angry. I didn't think that the episode was awful, but my mind swiftly dismissed any emotional satisfaction replacing it with resentment. The time I've spent mulling over theories with co-workers and friends seems to have been in vain. We didn't even get one solid answer. Although a small minority enjoyed the way the series ended (and in turn have produced some compelling recaps), I'm glad the guys at College Humor seem to feel the same way I do. At least I had my Dharma beers to help dull the pain.
By the time I write my post for Monday, the final episode of LOST will have aired, and I will be in the grips of a deep depression. My LOST withdrawal will most likely take two forms: theory discussion withdrawal, and hot man withdrawal. In preparation for that depression, New York Magazine conveniently created this video showcasing the glorious bodies of our beloved LOST men. Seriously - best idea ever! Now it's time to sit back and drink it all in:
This was a hard week for LOST fans. A collective "Nooooooo!" was heard across the blogosphere, so I was surprised to find this ridiculously silly video courtesy of ABC and the Cuse/Lindelof camp. I don't really get why the Muppets were necessary, but I guess I should stop asking for answers at this point. Regardless, it's worth taking a peek at, if only to dull the pain of our loss.
I've been meaning to blog about this for a week now, so I figured I'd stop hoarding all the comedy and start spreading the laughter. You're probably familiar with Kristen Schaal from her role as Mel on Flight of the Conchords, but Schaal was pretty well known on the NYC stand up comedy circuit before she hit the boob tube. As 'Kurt and Kristen,' Schaal and her buddy Kurt Braunohler produced some pretty ridiculous sketches. Now they've crossed the pond and will be gracing England's Channel 4 with their brainchild Penelope Princess of Pets. What really put the icing on the cake for me, is an additional character played by The Mighty Boosh's Julian Barratt. As sad as I am that the show wasn't picked up by an American network, I'm excited to hear how it's received overseas. Now I just have to find a way to see the episodes. Internet don't fail me now!
Although I read about the Uniform Project when it first launched almost a year ago, I haven't been diligent about checking back with Sheena's progress. Now that the project is almost over, it's incredible to see how much money she's raised for the Akanksha foundation. The concept was simple, since May 2009 Sheena's been wearing the same dress as an "exercise in sustainable fashion," and as a tool to raise money for education in India. Read all about it on her site, and watch this adorable video explaining the project:
Is that really you Christina? You look hot as hell but not quite like yourself. I think the fellas over at Esquire may have done some tweaking, because you're looking suspiciously like a curly haired Jessica Rabbit. Not that I'm complaining. I've been reenacting the following scene since I first saw Who Framed Roger Rabbit when I was little. I even had Ms. Rabbit stickers, and an awesome WFRR poster on my bedroom wall. Those redheads get me every time.
Both Quentin Tarantino and the Cohen brothers have created films that span genres, and stoke controversy. Their films are character and dialogue driven, and usually peppered with sex and violence. Though often bloody creations, both Tarantino and the Cohen brothers explore thematic elements that dig deeper into the human experience. But sometimes you push that aside to sit back and watch the chaos unfold. Leandro Braga did just that when he spent thirteen days watching Tarantino and Cohen brothers films. He's collected 500 scenes in the following clip - now that's what I call a cinephile!
The days of drinking at the office are long over, but that's not to say that things can't get a little crazy after hours. Office parties are always a great idea in theory, but the consequences of mixing alcohol and professionalism (or lack thereof) can lead to some awkward situations. Regardless, these communal drink-offs often end up turning into great moments of unity and bonding. It's pretty much guaranteed that if you put some beers, tunes, and co-workers together, you'll get one hell of a karaoke party. An internal video leaked today from the set of Mad Men, and in it we get a glimpse of cast and crew throwing a couple back while bidding adieu to the third season. It's great to see some of the cast out of character, and even better to see Peggy texting and Roger in a wig. Enjoy!
We all know who Thomas Edison is, so why is Nikola Tesla such an unfamiliar name? Tesla was an inventor who's creations were just as groundbreaking as Edison's, but he never attained the same kind of notoriety as his competitor. Although rarely a source of actual historical information, I love Funny or Die's Drunk History, and the latest episode might be my favorite. In it we learn the story of Edison and Tesla's reported feud, as played by John C. Reilly and the amazing Crispin Glover.
There's some serious talent coming out of Berkeley, California, and The Morning Benders are leading the pack. Their latest album Big Echo was released earlier this month, and on it the band embraces a new fuller sound that truly puts their older work to shame. Sure their last few albums were easy on the ears, but they lacked the drama and passion that's evident on Big Echo. If you don't believe me, take a look at this live video of their first single 'Excuses,' featuring other West Coast luminaries like Girls' Christopher Owens.
Even though everybody now knows him as "that guy from The Hangover," in my mind Zach Galifianakis is still that awkward bearded wonder working the NYC stand up circuit during my first summer living in New York. The crowd would go either way, you either loved him or you just didn't get it - I felt sorry for those who didn't get it. I've mentioned his Funny or Die show 'Between Two Ferns' before, and his latest installment is an interview with Ben Stiller. I don't think I've written this much about Mr. Stiller... well ever, but the following clip is well worth the key strokes. Watching Galifianakis and Stiller spar is like watching an old episode of Seinfeld: you can sense they're on the brink of losing it, but they somehow muster the self control not to laugh themselves to tears. Watch it and weep: