Je Laisse L'Amour Entrer

Our Zombie in Her Tu-Tu, Photo Courtesy of Joanna Li 

Singing, dancing, acting, and a zombie ballerina...what more could you want in a evening?  The Tisch Studio Playwrights is having their annual Spring performance.  And if your in the City tonight, change your plans because you wont want to miss it!  Loosely based on the ballet La Sylphide, Je Laisse L'Amour Entrer is the story of a boy who falls in love with a zombie ballerina.  The only problem is he's engaged.  Of course, to add to the drama, the boy's best friend is in love with the fiance, but he's in a relationship too.  The plot's a little hard to follow, but it's more about the experience of seeing the show and less about understanding the characters' actions.

My friend and fellow Laf RA, Vanessa Koppel, plays the zombie ballerina.  She did quite the job of staying in her creepy character throughout the play's duration.

Word to the wise, the play is a bit experimental.  There were a few moments when I had absolutely no idea what was going on.  And, it's probably not the sort of theater you'd want to take your grandma too.  But it's definitely the best student show I've ever seen.

There closing performance is tonight at 8pm on the 3rd Floor of 440 Lafayette Street.  You can reserve you tickets here or show up early for standby seats.  At only $5 a ticket for students, it's the perfect remedy if your broke but want to do something fun.  Plus, the runtime's only one hour ten minutes, so there's still time to go out after the show.

Painting with Pintura

They Have 3 Types of Paint:
Acrylic, Watercolor and Oil Based

I've officially discovered the best remedy for a super stressful day...painting.  I'd just finished writing a paper on the US-Japan interdependent relationship and had two hours to kill before Wednesday night's staff meeting, when I picked up a paintbrush and joined Pintura.  The NYU club promotes fine arts, and their monthly meetings always have an arts and crafts theme.

Obviously, I'm no great artist.  But from the supplies I was working with last night, you'd think club members were created the next Mona Lisa.  My friend and fellow RA, Joanna, heads up their events.  So, if you find yourself in need of a break as finals approach or just want to spruce up your apartment with an original work, send them an email (pintura.club@nyu.edu) for information on how to join their listserv.

My Finished Masterpiece...It Currently Rests on My Window Ledge 

"This is ART!" says my friend Swara with her Unique Piece 

Zou Bisou Bisou

If you watched Mad Men's Season Five Premiere, you know exactly what I'm talking about.  After 17 long months, fans of the uber popular drama were reintroduced to Don and the shenanigans of Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce.  The AMC original curbed our craving for 1960s nostalgia with a two hour episode, but I was just glad to see the characters instead of writing about their products.

Banana Republic has a Mad Men themed clothing line, and Estee Lauder's latest pretty powder packaging is reminiscent of a 1960s design.  Even dictionary.com had an article critiquing the show's use of the word pantyhose-apparently, until the 1970s, it was only proper to call them stockings.

No teasers, trailers, or previews could be found on Youtube before the big day.  But, according to the show's creator that's just part of the charm.  Unlike the short-lived Playboy Club and Panam, the show understands there's more to the the 60s than mod dresses and vintage tunes.

Much of the fascination of Mad Men lies in the sub-text and there desire to accurately portray the time period.  It prides itself on being authentic.  But do you think they got it right?  

Here's a few original pictures from New York in the 1960s:

Click here to see the Daily News' Complete Collection! 

Because Life's a Little Sweeter with Sprinkles

For this week's floor program, Michael and I took 11th Floor residents to Soho's newest sweet shop, Georgetown Cupcakes.  The Washington fixture made its New York debut this February, and their 111 Mercer Street location couldn't be cuter!  Pastel pink boxes line the wall, and each table is adorned with a beautiful flower arrangement.  They even had a hot pink bejeweled mixer!  But, it's their to-good-to-eat-designs found inside the display case that keeps their line long.  With their generous swirls of icing, you're sure to find a crowd pleaser cupcake amongst their daily 18 flavors.

For my first Georgetown treat, I tried the mint cookies and creme.  It's a madagascar bourbon vanilla cupcake topped with a mint Oreo crumble-infused buttercream frosting.  If the description alone doesn't make you want a bite, as a cupcake connoisseur, I'd say it was probably one of the yummiest desserts I've ever had.

The Most Magnificent Mixer in the World!

Their cupcakes are a little expensive, but don't let its $2.75 price tag keep you away.  Follow Georgetown Cupcakes Soho on twitter to find out what their flavor of the day.  If you ask for it by name at the register, they'll add that cupcake to your take out box FREE OF CHARGE.  But it's only while supplies last (usually around 1pm).  So if you're on your way to an early morning class and craving a cupcake, it's definitely worth it!

Do you have a favorite cupcake place here in the City?  Be sure to leave a comment, and I'll give it a try!

Yumtastic! 

New QB for the Denver Broncos

Today was the Spring Equinox, so it’s official...my heavy winter coats are going into storage until next year.  Regardless of what the morning thermostat may tell me, for the next week I refuse to wear anything but flip flops.  But the warmer weather brings more than just a change in my wardrobe.  Baseball’s opening day is just around the corner, and March Madness is narrowed down to the Sweet Sixteen.

Basketball may been on everyone’s mind, but today brought quite a shake up for the NFL.  According to a 3pm press conference, Peyton Manning will be next year’s quarterback of the Denver Broncos.  After Manning’s first meeting with the Broncos on March 9th, rumors of a five-year, $95-million contract were heard.  But no official numbers have been released.  With the Manning deal complete, Denver is now hoping to trade former QB Tim Tebow.

But for Tebow’s many fan, I don’t think you’ve seen the last of him on the football field.  According to ESPN, the New York Jets have already been in contact with the young player, and other teams are sure to follow suit.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

St. Patrick's Day is serious business here in New York City. Even those who haven't a drop of Irish blood in their pedigree wear green, drink Guinness, and watch the St. Patrick's Day Parade.  Unfortunately, my three holiday duties were all reserved for the second half of Spring Break, so I spent most of the day writing papers and preparing for an upcoming French Exam.

But knowing that I'd spent way to long in the building, the RA on Duty was nice enough to give me a short reprieve this evening.  So, I of course went to a local bar and drank a beer.  It was actually pretty funny; by far my friend and I were the youngest people there.  Somehow we'd managed to mingle with the 30+ crowd.  All I'm saying is I plan on being a mom by the time I'm there age, so if I'm still bar hopping please put me out of my misery.

I did, however, get to see highlights from the Knicks game.  In the sports world, March 17th is a day for teams to have a little fun with their uniforms.  Teams who don't usually wear green find their Irish roots and usually auction off the jerseys to raise money for charities.  Of course, I took note of Jeremy Lin who looked especially cute in his green #17 jersey.

Here's to another holiday on the books.  I'm sure your festivities were much more exciting than mine.  Feel free to share your St. Patrick's Day plans, so I'll know what to do for next year! 

Book Review: The Shadow of the Wind

Few things leave a deeper mark on a reader than the first book that finds its way into his heart.  Those first images, the echo of words we think we have left behind, accompany us throughout our lives and sculpt a palace in our memory to which, sooner or later-no mater how many book we read, how many worlds we discover, or how much we learn to forget-we will return.  

The first chapter of Carlos Ruiz Zafon's The Shadow of the Wind concludes with this paragraph.  Instantly, I was hooked.

Opening in 1945, Barcelona is a city slowly healing from the wounds of the Spanish Civil War, and Daniel is a bookseller's son who mourns the loss of his mother.  He finds comfort only in words.  As the young boy's eleventh birthday approaches, his father takes him to the Cemetery of Forgotten Books.  In this secret labyrinth each book waits for someone's choosing.  Drawn to its fancy binding, little Daniel picks a novel titled "The Shadow of the Wind," by an obscure Spanish writer, Julian Carax.  But when he sets to find the author's other works, he discovers someone has been destroying every copy of every book.

My Take on the Cemetery of Forgotten Books 

With one fateful turn of a page, Daniel begins an adventure that will unravel another man's tragedy and solve one of Barcelona's darkest secrets.  The past is an epic story of murder, madness, and doomed love. Quickly, Daniel realizes that if he doesn't find out the truth about Julian Carax, he and those closest to him will horribly suffer.

The Shadow of the Wind is a dazzling novel about the power that one book can exert over the right reader.  Don't let its thick spine (it ends at a whooping 488 pages) turn you away.  The many chapters and numerous subplots ultimately reveal a love letter to literature, intended for readers who are as passionate about storytelling as its young hero.  If you're half as much of a book nerd as me, I'd certainly suggest it!  Also, I can't help but wonder is there's a mystery maze of forgotten titles right here in New York City?

My Rating:  *****

Would You Like Your Oreos Plain or Fried?

Everything's Better Fried, Just Ask the Townspeople of Forsyth

For me, each trip to Georgia is all about re-embracing my Southern roots.  So when my mom suggested we spend the  afternoon at the Forsythia Festival, how could say no?  Visitors to the yearly jubilee are guaranteed country music, big hair, kitschy crafts, and fair food.  The town may claim the weekend's devoted to their yellow flower, but really it's just an excuse to party.

The smell around the square was a weird combination of elephant ears, deep fried pickles, boiled peanuts, turkey legs, grilled corn, and rib sandwiches.  Basically, it would be a calorie counter's worst nightmare and Paula Deen's dream land. The first go around, we resisted the urge (but only because we were headed to the Girl Scouts' tent).  With our box of Tagalongs and Samoas in hand, we examined the vendor tents for a while.  There was the usual pottery, ornaments, and monogramming stations.  But, one that really caught our eye was the Rumtastic Gourmet Cake sellers.  They lured us over with free samples,  so of course we had to buy a little loaf.  Then there was the Fried Oreos stand.  They were only two for a $1, and it supported the  Marching Band, so I feel like that was a good investment.

Please Hang up Your Horseshoes 

The Monroe County Horseshoe Competition was the main attraction for the afternoon. We literally stood their for 30 minutes as two retired gentlemen battled to see whose name would be added to the winner's sign outside Lee's  Haircutting.  They were quite serious with their throwing.  Both men had these handles that could pick up their horseshoes, so they wouldn't have to bend down in the dirt after each round.  And, we think that whenever a competitor was eliminated  from the competition, the announcer said "it's time to hang up your horseshoes."  Ultimately, local Dan Sanders came out the winner with Charles Mathis at a very close second.  As for their prizes, both men received a case of bottled Coke and a plaque for their victory.  I'm just wondering what's the best place to hang your winner's plaque?  Does the horseshoe champion hangs his in the office, or does it belong in his  wife's kitchen?

Does your home town have any crazy yearly celebrations? 

 Feel free to leave a comment, sharing your most exciting  memories! 

You may Have heard of Winning a Fish at the Fair, well in Georgia, you can Bring home a Bunny!

Subways are Upping their Artwork

My dorm's in Chinatown; my school's near Washington Squre; my internship's on 42nd, and my job's in Brooklyn.  Needless to say, I spend a lot of time on the subway.  Usually, my ride between stations is reserved for fun reading; for those 30 minutes on the F Line I leave the school books in my bag and just relax.  Of course, there are some days when the crowded cars prevent me from escaping in the pages of my latest ficiton endeavor...and that's how I discovered Sophie Blackall. 

Each year the MTA turns subway stations into modern museums, showcasing pieces from up and coming artists.  The Brooklyn-based artist was commissioned to do a poster of subway riders for their annual Arts for Transit initiative.  Even though they're made up character, you'd certainly find Blackall's figures on a typical commute.  Plus, it's so bright and cheerful.  How can I not immediately smile whenever I find myself in a subway car with one of her creations?

Blackall is also gaining notoriety for her new book Missed Connections:  Love Lost & Found.  In it, she depicts real Craigslist "missed connections" from city dwellers searching for a mate.  One illustration features a couple wearing curious outfits.  The man is in a fury bear costume, and the women wears its head.  Its title:  "We shared a bear suit at an apartment party Saturday night."

 For more information about her amazing illustrations, be sure to check out her blog.

I'm No Giuliana Rancic

I can't believe it's already March 6th and I haven't made a posting this month.  Please forgive me; it's been one busy week.  Between writing papers, booking Spring Break flights, and having the most perfect date (only to find out he'll be moving to Korea in two days), believe me when I say I've had a lot on my mind. But tonight I've finished class a little early, so here's what's up.

Tuesdays are my one and only super long day of classes.  One class meets for six hours straight.  Granted we do write, produce, edit and air a complete newscast, but it's certainly a lot of work.  Well, for  the past two weeks I've been the entertainment correspondent.  Last Tuesday that mean I'd still write all the sports pieces for the show then read what other reports wrote during my block.  Today, our professor came up with a new rule though.  She said I actually had to write my gossip stories.  I've officially come to the conclusion that I would much rather be in a sweaty locker room than a swanky red carpet.  Entertainment reporting just isn't my fortei.  I'll leave the latest updates on the Kardashian sisters to E! and gladly saunter back to my basketball updates.  Regardless, here's the top stories I reported on today:

We Remember Famous
Songwriter Robert Sherman 

Talk about ending on bad terms...Jersey Shore star, Nicole Snooki Polizzi, is rumored to be pregnant and ex-boyfriend, Emilio Masella, isn't too taken with the idea of the reality starlet becoming a mother.  TMZ broke the story that Maselle hopes Snooki "has a miscarriage" to save her from a pregnancy  she just isn't prepared for.  The comment didn't sit too well with Snooki's lawyers, who already served Masella with a cease and desist on February 1st.  Her lawyers are currently reviewing their legal options.

The writer of Disney's most famous songs has died  at the age of 86.  Robert Sherman was the man who brought us "It's a Small World," and Mary Poppins favorites like "Spoon Full of Sugar" and "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious."  He composed scores for films like The Jungle Book, The Aristocats, and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.  His top career achievements included two Academy Awards, a Grammy, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.  His death was announced by Sherman's son on Monday.

The Muppets are moving forward without the star who brought them back to the big screen.  Jason Segel has confirmed rumors that he will not be returning for the sequel.  Many were surprised to hear the star who passionately championed Kermit, Miss Piggy, and the rest of the gang was unattached to future flicks.  Segel says his How I Met Your Mother schedule and desire to work on other projects are to blame.  But, he's not upset that Disney decided to move forward with production.

Because winning six Grammy's just wasn't enough, Adele's "Rolling in the Deep" is the best selling digital download by a female solo artist in history after 6,679,000 people purchased it online.  The British singer beat Lady Gaga's previous record holder "Poker Face" while the Black Eyed Pea's "I Gotta Feeling" still remains the best-selling digital download ever.  She may be over a million short when it comes to a single, but her album 21 is still the best-selling album in digital history.

You've seen him in The Artist, now watch Uggie take on the small screen.  This award winning pooch is riding his fame into the role of Nintendo's new spokesdog.  In the new advertisement, Uggie plays Nintendogs and Cats on a pink 3DS.  But, his "ruff" days of movie making are over.  According to his trainer, Uggie's been fighting a mysterious neurological disorder and has officially retired.

Well, that's all the entertainment news we had for today, but be sure to turn into NYU Tonight in two weeks.  And, enjoy your Spring Break.