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Making a Great Couple: Wednesday Surprise

by Filed Under: Film/TV, New York, To Do Out Leave a Comment

Surprises, I believe, are the lifeblood of relationships. Wouldn’t the worst thing be to find your love’s every action and word expected and “the usual”? There’s something comforting about knowing someone – through and through – and not being on a roller coaster ride of emotional twists and turns — but at the same time, that can be boring. And I think boring is very bad. Of course, not that this needs to be said, there needs to be a balance of stability and surprise. 

From the very beginning of our relationship, Nick and I have been surprising each other. A random delicious dinner in a neighborhood we’d never explored, cupcakes from my favorite bakery, whatever. Eventually (because Nick is the master of perfectly naming things), we started calling this phenomenon “Wednesday Surprise”. 

Wednesdays, the middle of the week — hump day, if you will — has now become to us, as exciting as a Friday or Saturday night. We take turns surprising each other, depending on who simply has an idea! It always evens out. 

Below, I’ll highlight a few of the great Wednesday Surprises we’ve been on — and hope it inspires you to try the same! Whether you’re in a relationship, or not, surprise someone in your life! You’ll both be happier on Wednesday. 

Nick’s Surprises

Live Salsa Dancing + Lesson at Hudson River Park 

This was silly and fun, and a definite surprise. It’d be more something I’d surprise Nick with than the other way around, which is why it felt so special. We danced with hundreds of other people on the Hudson River, and then went to a Spanish restaurant nearby. A perfect night. 

 

Smalls Jazz Club

Sometimes Nick and I just walk through the neighborhood and walk into establishments we’ve never noticed before. This is how Nick and I found our way down the stairs into this unbelievable underground Jazz spot. Jazz is close to our hearts, since it was the first place he took me out on a date (we went to Zinc Bar, also West Village). 

 

Awaiting beautiful bouquet of flowers at home

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This. This perfect thing. Everyone should do it. It is an instant mood CREATOR. Uh, love. 

 

Grocery Trip + Zoodle Dinner

Ah, yes, how romantic — a grocery trip, right?! Really, right. Grocery shopping when it’s made into an “event” is actually so much fun. Plus, after picking up all your ingredients, you can have a fun cooking night together. We tried out a new zoodle maker, and it was a blast. We cheated our bodies into thinking we were eating carbs and it was lovely. 

 

My Surprises

Oh Hello! on Broadway

Last night, Nick and I went to go see Oh Hello!, the new show starring Nick Kroll and John Mulaney. It was hysterical. Highly, highly recommended. I grabbed Nick’s hand, dragged him on the subway to 42nd street (Yeah, Times Square!!…), grabbed drinks and some appetizers at a random place nearby the theater — and then made him stare at the sidewalk until we were right in front of the theater. When he looked up in actual shock…that’s when it’s all worth it. 

 

Dinner + a movie at Nitehawk Cinema in Williamsburg

I’ve raved about Nitehawk in a million other blog posts — but doing it for a Wednesday Surprise was especially fun because Nick didn’t realize he was leaving one borough, and entering another! Gotta love cross borough Wednesday Surprises. 

 

A Trip to the “Will Ferrell Bar”, Stay Classy New York

This was especially fun, because I figured Nick had at least heard of this Will Ferrell bar, but he hadn’t. Double surprise win. 

 

It’s less what you actually do, and more that you’re doing it. Think about that for a second. You could not be telling the person you are with that you care about them anymore.

You are telling them that you: 1) Thought about them that day. For sure, you did. That’s amazing. 2) You care enough about them to give them your limited free time and energy with some sort of activity. 3) You flex your creativity muscles for them — coming up with something you think will make them happy. It’s selfless, while also being a win/win. 

I’d recommend planning your Wednesday Surprise by asking yourself the following questions: 

  1. What does the person you’re thinking about love to do? Hobbies, skills and what they do when they want to unwind are all great options to think about. Because likely, they’ve had a long day of Wednesday-type work, and they don’t want to do put too much energy into their night activity. 
  2. What’s going on around you? Check local park activities, restaurant specials or happy hours. Look for free events — that way there is no pressure financially on either of you!
  3. Think small, big or whatever feels right. Coming home to flowers unexpectedly could bring me as much joy as two tickets to an opera. Truly. What it says: He wants to make me happy. That’s all I need. Grab them their favorite cupcake from the bakery around the corner, or pick up the book you heard them talking about. They are little costs — but they mean oh so much on a Wednesday. 
  4. When in doubt, do something that celebrates art. Film, bookstore readings, off-off-broadway plays, cabarets, live Jazz — do something that gets the two of you talking! And the memory will last forever.

 

Enjoy and have a wonderful next Wednesday! 

Things to do at night that don’t involve drinking

by Filed Under: Film/TV, Food, Health/Fitness, New York, To Do Out Leave a Comment

Drinking. Intoxicating yourself. Alcohol is…poison. You know this. I know this. But, look, don’t get me wrong. I enjoy (I mean, I really enjoy) an imaginatively crafted cocktail as much as I love a crisp beer as much as I love a warming glass of red wine on a Tuesday night. That being said, I think we could all stand to eliminate one or two nights of drinking from our repertoire. Think about it. We all feel literally, physically better the morning after we don’t drink.

I don’t know. This is obviously a tricky subject to navigate. But either way, the idea I wanted to expand on today was: you do not have to drink to have fun. I know, I know. That is certainly not a new idea. But you’re reading this, so maybe it’ll cause you to think about it for half a second, and re-evaluate how you even feel about drinking. How do you feel about drinking?

Remember when you were a kid and everything was STUPIDLY fun? Like, off the charts hilarious and ridiculous and perfect and FUN? Were…you drinking alcohol? I did not think so. Be a kid. We all say we miss those ‘no responsibility’ days, right? So act the part and have fun. Fake it till you make it.

Now, every activity I mention here could potentially be made more freeing, laughable and whatever else with the addition of alcohol. But just don’t. See what you like, what makes you uncomfortable, how you feel about the people you’re with. Make some observations. And then go home, tuck yourself into your bed with a clear mind, and wake up looking and feeling gorgeous tomorrow.

1. Go see a film that you can’t see at any old theater

With your friends who can then chat over late night diner eats about what you just watched. I’d recommend any of the following theaters in NYC:

Nitehawk Cinema (where you sit between tables and eat during the film – also widely known as heaven.)

My Picks for what’s playing this weekend: Don’t Think Twice (takes a look at the world of sketch comedy, and starring Keegan Michael-Key of Key and Peele, so yes, good stuff), White Girl (all the v v bad things we get into, apparently), and Super Fly (a 35 mm presentation, and playing as one of Nitehawk’s ‘after midnight screenings’ so you know you’re cool)  

IFC Center (in the heart of beautiful Greenwich village, perfect for night strolling later) 

 

My Picks for what’s playing this weekend: The Beatles: 8 Days A Week – The Touring Years (“All shows from Thu Sep 15-Thu Sep 22 include a 30-minute concert film of The Beatles’ legendary 1965 performance at Shea Stadium, with digitally remastered sound and a restored 4K image!”), Cameraperson (what does it mean to film someone? One filmmaker reflects on the footage she’s gathered over the years),  The Devil’s Dolls (an artsy AF horror movie – think serial killer curses in backwoods Mississippi, and it’s NR), and The Thing (because when it’s playing, go see it). 

Sunshine Cinema

 

My Picks for what’s playing this weekend: Operation Avalanche (did NASA fake the moon landing?), Demon (I can’t describe this better than they do, so here you go: “At his wedding reception, a groom’s behavior becomes increasingly erratic as he becomes possessed by the spirit of an ancient figure from Jewish folklore.”), and A Tale of Love and Darkness (I just really want to support Natalie Portman’s writer/director/+++starring debut). 

Film Forum (Old classics that remind you to take a breath and remember that everything is cyclical) 

My Picks for what’s playing this weekend: Elevator to the Gallows (lady tries to kill her husband, doesn’t work out), La Notte (a marriage was really suffering one night in 1961), and Command and Control (a film from actually 2016 (!!) about a weapon of mass destruction almost blowing up in our own faces). 

The Paris Theater

It’s one film at a time, folks! Just like the real old days! 

 

Come What May – What looks like a World War II two story from the vantage point of a small french village, and a family fleeing their home. 

 

2. Do Something Active!

Walk The Highline (check out all of their events here), go rock climbing (a bunch of places are open until late), walk across the Brooklyn Bridge (which also has events), play laser tag, play shuffleboard in Brooklyn like an old person on a cruise, and go iceskating in Bryant Park. It opens on October 30th — which is insane…

3. The Brooklyn Museum 

It’s open until 11 p.m. on the first Saturday of the month! And until 10 p.m. on every Thursday. Mark it down, folks. Museums are super cool at night. Also, if you’ve never been to the Brooklyn Museum, go. It’s sweeping and amazing. 

4. Go “24-Hour Restaurants Hopping” 

From Katz’ to Veselka to Coppelia to Cafeteria and Empanada Mama — jump from place to place trying a little bit of everything. You have all night. 

5. The Empire State Building

The observation deck doesn’t close until 2 a.m. — just sayin’. How amazing would it be to go there when no one else is there? *Heart Eyes* 

6. K2 Friday Nights at the Rubin Museum

“Museum admission is free every Friday night from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. during K2 Friday Nights. During K2 Friday Nights, Café Serai becomes the K2 Lounge, offering a special pan-Asian tapas menu to accompany the evening’s DJ and programs.” Tapas and DJ’s in a museum? We’re sold. 

 

7. The Russian Turkish Baths

Hear me out on this one…if you want a night, a night NIGHT, go to these bathhouses. You’ll 100% come out with a story, and a renewed sense of what bodies really look like. And for something a little nicer: Go here. 

8. Escape the Room!

For a little brain teaser, sign yourself and your friends up for a night at Escape the Room. It’s all about getting out of a room that has no obvious exits, if you didn’t already hear about it. And it’s hard. And sounds scary. I would not go into one of these rooms without my Sir Nick. Also, feel like a boss when it’s you that cracks it. 

 

There you have it! If there’s anything else you like doing in New York at night, please comment below! 

Great Books and Their Best Movie Pairings

by Filed Under: Books, Film/TV, To Do In 1 Comment

The books listed below are all books I’ve read in the past 3 months or so. I loved some, liked others, and teetered on despising others. This got me thinking. After each one of these reads, what film would I pair it with? To either keep the beautiful mood planted within me, offset an unsettling (or terrible) read, or simply watch an adapted version of what words just floated through my mind for several days (or weeks).

Below are the books I’ve most recently read, and their movie pairings. Because if you love art, why not get it in every medium you can? 

Author’s Note: All book/film pairings would also pair nicely with a full-bodied cabernet. Cheers. 

 

Up in the Old Hotel by Joseph Mitchell (1992)

Paired with…

A Bronx Tale (1993, directed by Robert De Niro)

New York is so stunningly portrayed in both Mitchell’s collection of essays and this coming-of-age story in A Bronx Tale. Also, De Niro — is there anyone better? 

Up in the Old Hotel was one of those books I mentioned above that spread a warmth through my bones and made me feel very, very lucky to live where I live and love. 

 

Before The Fall by Noah Hawley (2016)

Paired with…

Flight (2012, directed by Robert Zemeckis)

Perhaps a bit on the nose, but you cannot beat the beginnings of both this novel, and this film. All I’ll say, is there was a bit of an oopsy on planes in both. Sort of more than an oopsy. 

However, after the explosive beginnings of both these works of art, I fell off a bit. Still happy I finished, though. And the opening scenes are worth sitting through the rest of both! 

 

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child by J.K. Rowling (2016) 

Paired with…

Stand by Me (1986, directed by Rob Reiner)

Struggling young boys go on an adventure in both of these stories. If reading the quick play by J.K. Rowling didn’t wet your whistle enough for a great “kids figuring themselves out and in turn, solidifying their friendships forever” story, turn to the forever perfect Stand by Me. 

 

Maestra by L.S. Hilton (2016) 

Paired with…

Dirty Dancing (1987, directed by Emile Ardolino) 

THIS BOOK WAS SO UNBELIEVABLY BAD. I am not, in any way, shape or form, telling you to read this. In fact, this is a warning to never step near it. I feel sad that I spent money on this. It’s supposed to be sexy and kind of dark — but really it’s just gross ( I swear) sex scenes with a horrible main character that thinks she’s a “bad girl” when she’s really just straight up murdering people. Also, L.S. Hilton, stop trying to be cool like J.K. Rowling. You are not J.K. Rowling. 

Dirty Dancing, on the other hand, is the exact kind of palette cleanser you need after this garbage. Dirty Dancing IS hot. And Baby is kind of a badass. And Patrick Swayze is the dreamiest dream boat in history. 

 

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie (1926)

Paired with…

And Then There Were None (1945, directed by René Clair) 

My as well pair one of Agatha Christie’s best books, with one of the best film adaptations of another one of her books! Can you tell I love Agatha Christie? Also, the recent BBC mini series on And Then There Were None is also AMAZING. I love you, Phillip Lombard (even though you’re kinda a bad guy). Watch both! 

In terms of this book, The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, it’s basically widely accepted as her best mystery. You will be surprised. I promise. 

 

The Man in the High Castle by Philip K. Dick (1963)

Paired with…

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004, directed by Michel Gondry) 

The strangest, but also most thought-provoking movie I can think of. Because what did I even sit down and read when I read The Man in the High Castle? Boring at times, INCREDIBLE and shocking at others, and really leaves you questioning everything. Maybe that’s all we can ask for in a piece of literature? Then, once you watch the brilliance that is Gondry’s film, watch the Amazon adaptation of Man in the High Castle to get a better understanding of what you read. Let some bright filmmakers make sense of it for you. 

 

In Cold Blood by Truman Capote (1966)

Paired with…

Monster (2003, directed by Patty Jenkins) 

All we’re doing here is swapping out a few crazies. What I think Truman Capote does so beautifully in his work is somehow make us sympathize with these truly sick murderers. How? How did I feel bad for Perry Smith? But I did. And this is a true story!! Insane.

Monster, on the other hand, also plays into the idea of perhaps doing something horrible for the right (?) or maybe, understandable, reason. But really — watch it for Charlize <3 

 

The Likeness by Tana French (2008)

Paired with…

 

Old School (2003, directed by Todd Phillips) 

Oh, this book. The plot of The Likeness was super eerie, complicated and fascinating. A bunch of intellectual, private “hiding something” college students living together with a doppelgänger posing as “one of them”. You have to read it to understand. I really enjoyed it.

After reading this book, I was sort of in the mood to remember that college is not all secret cults and murder, and is often filled with idiots binge drinking! That’s where Old School comes in. Funny, ridiculous – and completely the opposite of The Likeness in the best way. 

The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger (1951)

Paired with…

Ordinary People (1980, directed by Robert Redford) 

Kids suffering inside themselves, with seemingly no answers on the horizon, is never an easy subject to read or see on screen. But these two masterpieces paint that suffering in such a beautiful, and comforting way that leads us to understanding, perhaps, someone in our own lives. They reach out and squeeze your heart. Don’t walk through life without knowing these stories and taking them into yourself. 

 

Dylan’s Elegance: Batman Vs. Superman

by Filed Under: Film/TV, Serials, To Do In Leave a Comment

Dylan, my wonderful brother, is back with another installment of his film reviews. The name of this series is Dylan’s Elegance because his thought process is really unlike any other person I’ve ever met. And there’s really no other word that does his beautiful mind justice, but elegance. 

Dylan will be reviewing the critically unclaimed, Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice. It made Dylan think a lot of negative, but incredibly insightful, thoughts. My favorite part may be his unpacking of Ben Affleck’s body in this film.

Enjoy some of his best thoughts below. Also, it’s his 24th birthday today! Happy Birthday, Dylan Barry. I love you.

What movie did you pick to review today and why?

I picked to review Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice because it was an absolutely horrendous piece of shit that people need to know about.

What was catastrophically wrong with this film in three words?

In three words? That’s not even possible. To sum it up… I would need at least 10,000 words.

Can you give it a shot?

Uh, yes. Swing and miss.

Were there any performances that you thought could’ve saved it?

Like performances that someone did already that kind of helped? Or performances that could’ve been added in to help?

Anyone in the movie already.

If there was anything about the movie that was not terrible, it was actually the acting. That guy Henry Cavill, who plays Superman, he’s not the best actor, but, ya know, he wasn’t terrible. He plays a decent Superman. Ben Affleck didn’t look the part as Bruce Wayne or as Batman, but he portrayed them decently and both are equally as important because Batman is both people. Whereas with Superman, it only matters how he portrays Superman. Clark Kent is just his alter ego. Bruce Wayne is Batman’s second super power almost.

Bruce Wayne is a real person.

Right. Whereas Clark Kent is just a reporter he’s hiding as. Bruce Wayne, he actually takes part in, and sets up a lot of the things that Batman does. You can’t be Batman without being a good Bruce Wayne. You can be Superman, and do a really shitty job as Clark Kent.

For what reason did you stay to finish the film? (In which Dylan answers by re-telling the version of the film he watched)

Uh, it actually took me three times to actually even start to finish the movie. Three sessions, because I just couldn’t. The beginning was…there was so much going on…so many characters being introduced, so many situations being introduced. I just needed a break after that. Then I started again, and they just threw more at me. More introductions, more attempting to build more of a plot and then, almost like the flip of a switch in the middle of the movie, they just said ‘forget the buildup’, now we’re just throwing twists and turns and betrayals at you. That relationship between the audience and the characters…there was none, because they didn’t develop it at all.

Who’s this chick that’s supposed to be Wonder Woman? Batman finds her stealing something. If she’s Wonder Woman, why is she stealing? Somehow everyone knows who Bruce Wayne is? Second half of the movie was like, who’s even on who’s side? You haven’t even seen Batman fight yet!

And you’ve got Superman who’s supposed to be Superman, but he has no morals. It was like, he didn’t even believe that he was a good guy, really. They actually made him seem like a bad guy. Basically, I just finished it because I was curious if it was ever going to turn around. It never did. It only got worse.

It’s like, who was the girl from Fast and the Furious who played Wonder Woman? She just comes in and next thing you know she’s on Bruce Wayne’s case, hinting she knows who he is. Trying to Lex Luthor him.

And also, Lex Luthor is doing what exactly? What does he do? Why is he Jesse Eisenberg? He was just annoying.

Then you’ve got Batman fighting in a jacket in the desert in what looks like a Halloween-quality costume. And Ben Affleck is just fat, but then when they show him working out, he’s all ripped. I don’t know if that’s photo shop or just his body type, but just weird.

Then you got Lex Luthor trying to blackmail Batman into killing Superman, right? And the only reason Batman doesn’t do it was because, coincidentally, Superman’s mother has the same name as Batman’s mom. That was enough to stop him? I mean that sort of doesn’t make any sense.

Then you’ve got the Hulk abomination thing come out. At that point, it was palm in my face. They are really winging this thing. They just threw in the Hulk. Was it really necessary that Superman has to charge in with the kryptonite spear and stab him with it? Was there any other way or any other person that could’ve done that? Batman has the gun that shoots the kryptonite gas – why not make kryptonite bullets? I’m sure he had the resources to make that. Instead he makes some sort of medieval spear.

Don’t even get me started on how many corny lines there were in the movie. I almost threw up when Batman says to Superman’s mom – after batman saves Superman’s mom — he says “I’m a friend to your son” and she says, “Yeah I figured. ‘The cape’.” Like that. And I was like oh my god, I just threw up in my mouth.

Was there a specific scene that feels mention-worthy? Either because it was so awful or because of something cool?

One scene that stuck out (shakes head, thinking). No I really can’t think of much of anything.

What I will say is that it was cool how they kind of brought together the DC universe – like having Gotham City across the bay from whatever city Superman is in. And they gave reference to Wonder Woman, obviously, and Lex Luthor. I think one guy was supposed to be The Flash. They gave a hint to what I think Is DC’s version of The Avengers. Which is League of Justice or Justice League.

What would your suggestion be for the next film they make in this Super Heroes movement?

I would want to see all the characters. But more importantly than just throwing all the characters at me, I want character development, and plot development, audience and character relationships. I want to care about what’s going on. Not only care, but understand. I could follow it, it’s not rocket science, but it’s too confusing when you want to just sit and watch a movie. I’m not watching a mind bender movie here, it’s Superman vs. Batman. It’s not hard to follow.

It was not a movie full of any substance. It was a little bit of action, but not enough to make up for the fact that you didn’t really care about what was happening. All of a sudden, Wonder Woman is sitting on the plane, and next thing you know she’s like “I guess I’ll go fight to save the world”. That was like her third time on screen. Am I supposed to be like oh yeah, here she comes to the rescue! No. Where is she going? She’s going to miss her flight.

Another time, she chops off the Hulk things hand, and it grows back just a bone, not even the rest of the hand. Like, how convenient. It doesn’t grow back its hand just long enough and sharp enough to stab someone. If it’s growing back, why not grow back your full hand?

Then, they shoot the nuclear warhead, and they’re like ‘god help us, we’re going to kill Superman’. You can’t kill Superman. Why are you even getting upset about this? You’re nuking Superman, and he’ll be fine. And you’re not going to kill the other thing either because you can’t kill Kryptonians. What don’t you guys get? You live in a world with Batman and Superman. You guys should know you’re pretty much just sheep here.

18 Serious Thoughts on the Finale of The Night Of

by Filed Under: Film/TV, To Do In Leave a Comment

1. For my boyfriend, Nick, who has been my partner through this tumultuous show, and who’s shoulder has been painfully bitten in times of my distress: Could I have said “this is so dumb” any more times than I did?

2. I may as well start off on a positive note by saying my favorite part of the finale was Hardass Mama Lawyer telling The Worst Lawyer Ever to “pack up your fucking desk”. YES! Chandra, I liked you at first, but you just slowly became the worst person on this television show. From here on out, you will be referred to as Terrible Lawyer.

3. Nice dig at Law & Order at the copier shop, even though this show really did not do enough amazing storytelling to separate itself from a solid ass program that’s been starting television careers for decades. 

4. Getting into the trial…. why, for the love of God, didn’t the defense team ever bring up the fact that Nazir (Naz) would have had WAY more blood on him if he stabbed this girl 22 times? He had a few scratches on his back from some wild sex and no blood anywhere else…can we connect dots people?

5. Follow Up: Why did the defense not bring up 8 million other things that could’ve made them the slightest bit more convincing? Fails all around. Poor Stone had to sit there and watch Terrible Lawyer screw everything up. Though, I’m not sure he had the confidence to do much better.

6. Was it just the way they edited the show or did Terrible Lawyer actually only ask like 3 questions that made the witnesses they were trying to make look bad look basically harmless? You made psycho undertaker look like a normal guy! How? Also bringing up how he scared you is…definitely not the right move I’d assume. Terrible Lawyer, you looked so smug and annoying every time you were interviewing someone, even though you were hammering the nail into Naz’s coffin. 

7. Naz….so many questions for you. Why are you an actual dumb person? I get that you had to smuggle in drugs in order to survive, but WAS IT really necessary to get SIN and BAD tattooed on your knuckles? Don’t get me started on your crown.

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8. Could Naz not have thought of himself, or at least had his lawyers coach him into saying that perhaps he ran away when he found her dead body for multiple reasons such as…

A) He was shocked and scared by the first dead body he’s ever seen. (Yeah, he kind of said this one, but shittily). 

B) He was effed up on a whole cocktail of drugs and maybe didn’t trust what he was seeing, and therefore didn’t call 911 right away

C) PERHAPS THE KILLER WAS STILL IN THE HOUSE AND HE WAS AFRAID FOR HIS SAFETY? No one ever think of that one, eh?

9. How happy do we think Terrible Lawyer is that they didn’t bring out her “other” tape with Naz?

10. Writers of the show: why do you sway my opinions of some of these characters to dangerous levels of despisement (word?) in which I actually have to stand up and walk around the room because I am so physically angry at their decisions? Some of these instances included:

a. WHEN NAS SAID HE DIDN’T KNOW IF HE KILLED ANDREA ON THE ACTUAL STAND in front of the actual jury. Nice one. But I did love seeing Terrible Lawyer tear up and Stone looking very “well, goodbye forever kid”. Also, Terrible Lawyer, maybe you could put a tiny bit of effort into rebounding and try to undo a smidge of what Actual Good Lawyer did? Instead of just sitting there feeling bad for yourself and saying “no more questions”.

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b. I HATE YOU, JUDGE. You are everything that’s wrong with the system. Even though I definitely saw how everyone in the system is terrible. But I am most angry at you. You have way too much power, dude.

c. When the prosecutor said she had “more on the kid” when the cop came to her with perfectly fine evidence on the psycho financial handler. Ouch.

11. Look and act guiltier at the bar, murderer. Little obvious.

12. Speaking of the financial handler, how was he not dug into more? How did this NYC cop, who is not supposed to be doing the level of serious investigating that the defense is supposed to be doing, find not only a withdrawal of a legit PILE of money ($300K) but also video of where the girl was just moments before getting in Nazir’s cab where she’s having a literal fight with a man and ALSO FOUND A PHOTO OF HER IN A BIKINI WITH HIM ON A BEACH? How? How did no one else discover any of this? This is where the show really unravels for me.

13. Why couldn’t there have been a better, bigger twist? I was quite disappointed by the culprit being this finance guy. Who even is he? Did he know Naz was in the kitchen or what? How’d he get in the house? So many questions left unanswered about the actual murder. My dad and I wanted it to be the mother. Stretch, but maybe not? Crime of passion for sure, could’ve been. Plus she was all weird throughout. 

14. Helen, though, you sort of rock. Why isn’t all of this show you talking to someone on the stand? I’m obsessed with your voice. 

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15. It makes no sense whatsoever that there was a hung jury. The defense did such a shit job (apart from a pretty fantastic closing argument from Stone) that every reason pointed to Naz being the murderer. I even thought he was guilty for large portions of this show.

16. Also, how is it ok that if a jury is hung they can just let someone walk free? Half the jury was convinced he was a murderer…so it makes total sense that he can just leave…

17. I am very sad that Freddie has to lose his “brain care package” 🙁 I know he’s bad and all, murdering people and such, but, I liked him. 

18. Is Stone just over his cat allergy? Or is he trying to self-sabotage? Can Stone and Naz stay friends? Where is Stone’s hooker girlfriend?

That is all.

Dylan’s Elegance: Mad Max

by Filed Under: Film/TV Leave a Comment

My brother, Dylan, has a lot to say about movies. Here are his thoughts as they come naturally out of his mouth. They will be short, to the point and the world will have the opportunity to get to read the hilarious and ridiculous commentary that can only come from The Dylan Scott.

This week, Dylan will be elegantly reviewing the summer apocalyptic reboot, Mad Max: Fury Road. 

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What was your overall opinion on Mad Max?

Well my first thought when I watched the movie was…well, I definitely liked it. The visual effects were good. But I was really confused. I don’t know if that’s because I didn’t see the original or what. I’m pretty sure it’s a sequel to the first one. That’s just my guess. I know Mel Gibson drove the post-apocalyptic Firebird or Camaro or whatever. In this one, Tom Hardy drove the same thing. It played a little part in the beginning. He turns around and he’s like, “Hey that’s my car” because one of the guys is chasing him in his car.

Editors note: All re-quotes may not be reliable

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The movie was very…intense…with very little dialogue, which was impressive. To be able to keep up the suspense for such a long period of time without one word being spoken and then it’s quiet…and you’re like holy shit! That was half the movie! And you like just breathed for the first time. 

Thoughts on Tom Hardy? 

Tom hardy is a fucking thug. He mastered it perfectly. He’s one of my favorite actors so I don’t know if I’m biased…but he is a phenomenal actor. Charlize Theron was pretty good too – not my favorite of her roles but good. I’ve seen her all the way back from Mighty Joe Young. That was the first movie I cried at. I think the only one. I didn’t cry at My Dog Skip but I cried at Mighty Joe Young.

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Do you hold a special place in your heart for Charlize Theron then? 

No, no…not necessarily. I didn’t even recognize her until mom was like ‘what did you think of Charlize THERON’ and I was like oh…that was her? Then the second time I paid more attention to her role because I realized it was her.

On the more serious themes of the movie…

The whole half life/half blood thing was very confusing but what was cool about it was they gave you just enough information to understand what was going on to fill in some grey areas and some blank spots. I did not understand any of this the first time I watched it though. I liked that whole post apocalyptic, desert, Borderland – it’s a video game, look it up; it’s super popular. But it’s literally like the video game of Mad Max.

Speaking of video games, did you see the Mario Kart mash-up with Mad Max?

NO…and I’m so pissed I didn’t see that because I’m waiting for them to spoof the shit out of it on South Park because there’s no doubt that’s not gonna happen.

More on Tom Hardy…

If I had to say…was Tom Hardy better as Bane or Mad Max? You know, Bane – I just think they’re incomparable. But those roles – those types of roles with Tom Hardy just make the movie. Tom Hardy’s career is gonna blow up. He’s gonna be cast as some sick roles. From The Drop to Warrior to I don’t know, what else has he done? Just fucking phenomenal actor. He’s British too. Who would’ve thought? Pretty good American accent and his voice sounds so cool. After The Dark Knight, I always hear a little bit of Bane in his voice. He can’t stop it…or that’s just how it sounds now. I don’t know.

Tom Hardy attends "The Drop" premiere on Monday, Sept. 8, 2014 in New York. (Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP)

Tom Hardy attends “The Drop” premiere on Monday, Sept. 8, 2014 in New York. (Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP)

He only said a couple of lines in the movie – but one of the lines…I could’ve sworn if you weren’t looking you would’ve thought it was Bane talking. There were some corny-ass lines but some of them did make me laugh, I won’t lie. That chick in the back was like “Hey, don’t damage the goods” and it’s like you don’t even live in a generation when you know what that line means. What are you talking about? At the end they’re like, “We can go back to find water!” and one of the girls was like “Aw, I thought he wasn’t crazy anymore”.

Any other standout cast members?

His name – I always forget – from Warm Bodies and About A Boy – that guy – he was also casted really well. I recognized him right away. You get into that age where he’s starting to cast better or get better roles or something cause he was good in it too. You always know that someone’s a good actor if you don’t realize it’s them at first.

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 12: Nicholas Hoult attends a photocall for 'Jack The Giant Slayer' at Hampton Court Palace on February 12, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Danny Martindale/WireImage)

LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 12: Nicholas Hoult attends a photocall for ‘Jack The Giant Slayer’ at Hampton Court Palace on February 12, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Danny Martindale/WireImage)

Did you have a favorite special effect?

Oh yeah. FOR SURE. The guitar. The guy playing the guitar on the bungee chords or whatever the hell they’re doing. By far the coolest effect in the movie with the flame thrower guitar and all the crazy amped up speakers and there’s just straight up war going on and that guy doesn’t even care. And in 3D it looked FUCKING SICK.

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Were you surprised by anything?

That’s a good question. I can’t say that I was or wasn’t surprised because I really didn’t know what to expect throughout the whole movie. So I don’t know if you want to say I was always surprised. I pretty much just watched it.

What would you change if you could change anything?

I thought the movie was extremely well done and that’s hard to do especially for long movies like that. I would’ve liked to see a few things – but I think that would’ve put the movie over the edge. It would’ve been cool if Tom Hardy was in his souped up car with the crazy blower, and go into a little more of his past. But I think you were supposed to know that already with the previous Mad Max. They said he was a cop…and then this fucking lizard right off the bat…talk about breaking you into the movie.

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Do you think the film got any special message across about society?

I mean it was a sci-fi movie, Jordan. I don’t think you can take so many lessons from a movie when the world is already ended and it’s completely corrupt. But I don’t know. Maybe you can. I didn’t necessarily think it was that deep of a movie. It was pretty much just taking over an evil tyrant and liberating all these poor starving people who don’t have water.

And you see no correlation to our current situation in the real world?

Go send Mad Max and Charlize Theron out there and they’ll solve the problem. Yeah that’s right — if you want to solve war and world hunger, you have to have a massive car blowout chase and send Tom Hardy and Charlize Theron out there.

Any critiques? 

There is one thing I will critique. They didn’t develop the fact that Tom Hardy started to care about Charlize Theron. He just kinda didn’t care. And then all of a sudden, was like fuck it. Let’s go back. Maybe he likes Charlize Theron? Maybe they had a little bond? The more that Tom Hardy talked, I think the more it would hurt the movie because Mad Max is supposed to be a mysterious, quiet character who’s crazy. So I actually take that back. The opening scene was just so sick and the villain looked really cool. That definitely took some imagination.

You were impressed with their imagination? Do you want to make some phone calls?

Huh?

Do you want to call the screenwriters?

Oh. I’m sorry Jordan, I don’t really understand what you’re asking.

You said you were impressed by the imagination of this film. Do you think you’d like to call and give props to the people who wrote the script? 

Give me their numbers. I’ll let them know. I’m sure they’ll be so happy to hear from the elegant Dylan.

Any final comments? 

Oh yeah. I really liked when he wouldn’t stop for anything and then she was finally like “You want that thing off your face?” and he turns and looks at her like “Yeah, get in, just you” and that was like the third line of the movie. So logical, like “just you” (laughing). I think it was his first full sentence and it was jut to tell Charlize Theron to get in the truck or whatever. His first line was “Watch my head” or something like that. His second line was “Water” and his third line was “You can get in”. Tom Hardy is badass. Who knows, maybe he’s not even acting, maybe he’s just a badass. I hope he gets casted as a Bond or something in the future. So much rather that than fuckin’ Ben Affleck or someone. Daniel Craig is good though. Uh Tom Hardy can’t be Batman because he plays Bane! Tom Hardy doesn’t necessarily fit the Bond role but he has the talent, the looks, the voice to be something special. I’m a big fan and that happened pretty quickly I feel like.

And lastly…

Anybody into cars would just automatically love this movie. The cars are more like machines. ‘You can’t trust machines’. That was a Terminator reference.

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Wednesday Wonders + A Big Announcement!

by Filed Under: Film/TV, Internet Finds, My Writing Leave a Comment

Hey everyone! Here is my weekly roundup of favorites around the thing Al Gore invented #NeverForget. 

It’s a special edition of Wednesday Wonders this week because I have a big announcement!

I have dreamed of saying this for as long as I’ve watched television. So here goes! I’m preparing to finish my education at NYU, graduating in December and starting the early freak-out process of what I’m supposed to do and all of that cliche-ness. I knew I wanted to have a solid final internship that I could truly feel was a culmination of everything I’ve done so far. And of course in these last few months before I’m a real adult, I wanted to intern somewhere that I respect, and admire and am proud of. And lastly, I wanted to be somewhere that I really could see myself being successful.

I am so beyond all emotion because I will be interning at NBC as a liaison between The Today Show and Nightly News with Lester Holt in the News Partnerships Division. It’s surreal and I haven’t stopped smiling since I received the great news. I am in complete bliss to be living the idea that if you love what you do, you never work a day in your life. Thank you to mom and dad for telling me that every day. It’s the next step, and I’m excited, nervous, giddy, breathless and all of that — but first, this is Today on NBC.

(Always wanted to say that). And now, back to reality! Here are my favorite links for you all, plus the quote of the week. 

“You cannot find peace by avoiding life.” – Virginia Woolf

 

 

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For those of us who want to be famous podcast stars (I want to start one on all the questions I have about Pretty Little Liars)…check this article out from Contently on how to get it done. 

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I love this list of 10 movies that will re-invigorate your love for New York City. My favs are definitely Big, When Harry Met Sally and Coming to America. 

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Hey fellow writer friends: they say the best writers are great readers. Here’s a list of what magazines you should be reading.

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How to have a good morning. I want to write one of these posts. I love the morning. Bom dia! 21 is super important. 

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5 stories of women taking risks and #WINNING. Yes, Refinery29. Thank you. 

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Plan your fall TV schedule NOW! I compiled this list of air dates for Yahoo and I could not be more excited for Scream Queens and Walking Dead and Project Greenlight and and and can it be September already? 

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YES Sharon Stone!!! 

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Cool post on the benefits of drinking vinegar. I love red wine vinegar, so I’m down for trying this.

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Dress Your Tech on DesignLoveFest is maybe my favorite corner of the internet. I think a clean desktop background can make or break how productive you are. Click through to find one to support your productivity! Mine is currently “It’s A Great Day To Start”. 

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Something I’ve been meaning to do for a while — selling some clothes! It’s always a great idea to purge your closet and to make room for the new. These are some great tips for selling your threads. 

 

Thanks for reading. Hope you have a great rest of your week!

The Best Shows To Watch This Fall

by Filed Under: Film/TV, To Do In Leave a Comment

Fall television is arguably the best season for TV-lovers there is. We’re settling back into cold weather, the laissez-faire attitude of the summer is dissipating and we’re ready to burrow down into some serious dramatic (and laugh-out-loud rather than cry in the cold) TV. With Netflix, Hulu and Amazon all coming out with their own original programming (and seemingly less commercialized and mainstream because of it) we are in for really beautiful, un-wrestled over words spoken aloud on a screen (of any shape and size) come September. 

Ahead, the top 10 new shows I’m looking forward to this fall. (Synopsis’ are from all around the ‘net) 

1. Hand of God (Amazon) 

A morally-corrupt judge suffers a breakdown and believes God is compelling him onto a path of vigilante justice.

2. Project Greenlight (HBO)

Project Greenlight is a documentary series about filmmaking from executive producers Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. The series will be a revealing and uncensored look at the challenges facing a first-time director as cameras roll from pre-production and casting through principal photography and post-production. This show used to be on — and so awesome, then they took it away and now it’s back — YAAS!

3. Moonbeam City (Comedy Central)

The show follows the exploits of Dazzle Novak, an idiotic detective who commits more crimes than the criminals he tries to lock up. With the glamorous, tyrannical, chief Pizzaz Miller barking orders and Red Cunningham. His obnoxious rival, stopping at nothing to destroy him, Dazzle has a lot on his plate. He teams up with the only competent police officer, Chrysalis Tate to protect their beloved neon-soaked metropolis.

4. Minority Report (Fox)

Ten years after the end of Precrime in Washington D.C., one of the three Pre-Cogs struggles to lead a normal life, but remains haunted by visions of the future.

5. Scream Queens (Fox)

After a 1995 sorority pledge gone wrong, someone is out for vengeance when a college campus is rattled by a series of murders at the twentieth anniversary of the crime.

6. Little Big Shots (NBC)

A comedy-variety show featuring children that will be executive produced by Ellen Degeneres and Steve Harvey, and hosted by Harvey. The series, which has received an order for eight one-hour episodes, will feature “the world’s most talented and extraordinary kids,” the network said. Here’s hoping that we get another ‘apparently’ kid. 

7. Wrecked (TBS) 

Described as Lost meets It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia, an ensemble comedy also created by then-up-and-comers, Wrecked chronicles the aftermath of a plane crashing on a remote island. Two best friends, along with an extremely diverse group of survivors, must adjust to life in a dangerous new world that poses unique threats.which they mostly bring upon themselves. Danny and Owen, who weren’t quite killing it pre-crash, are given the chance to finally be the kind of men they’ve always wanted to be. No longer plugged in, they become the unexpected leaders of this new society devoid of such comforts as social media, wi-fi, indoor plumbing and fast food restaurants. (Description from Deadline) 

8. Rush Hour (CBS) 

 A reimagining of the hit feature film franchise, Rush Hour is a buddy-cop drama about a maverick LAPD detective and a by-the-book detective from Hong Kong who knock heads when they are forced to partner together.

9. Crazy Ex-Girlfriend (The CW)

A young woman abandons a choice job at a law firm and her life in New York in an attempt to find love in the unlikely locale of West Covina, California.

10. Wicked City (ABC) 

And finally, the classic whodunnit: 

A pair of LAPD detectives track down serial killers terrorizing the Sunset Strip.

 

 

Dylan’s Elegance: Review of Poltergeist

by Filed Under: Film/TV, To Do Out Leave a Comment

My brother, Dylan, has a lot to say about movies. Here are his thoughts as they come naturally out of his mouth. They will be short, to the point and the world will have the opportunity to get to read the hilarious and ridiculous commentary that can only come from The Dylan Scott.

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Dylan wants this section of the blog to be called ‘Dylan’s Elegance’ where he elegantly gives his thoughts and opinions on films.

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What’d you think of the movie, Dylan?

Poltergeist with Sam Rockwell. And other people I didn’t know the names of. Well. I was entertained…because….of the movie theater environment and the fact that it was a remake of a movie….and I was seeing all the connections from the first one — and that part of it was cool. And it’s always cool to see a horror movie in the theater. But other than that, it was just ridiculously cheesy lines. And, nothing really original. At all. And if it weren’t for Sam Rockwell making a few little comments that made you laugh, the movie would’ve seemed a lot longer I think.

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They literally did nothing new. They didn’t even make it interesting. It was just like the girl goes in, they throw the rope, everything works. There’s gotta be a bigger problem.

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The whole thing got real freaky real fast. It was less believable. The transition just went from everything being pretty normal and the kids kind of seeing shit, to their parents coming home to their kid being swung around by a tree and their daughter flipping shit, and they immediately decide they’re not going to call the cops and their daughter is missing. It must be paranormal activity. Next thing you know they’ve got ghost busters in their house, with all these wires and shit but its not till the end of the movie until Sam Rockwell says he’s fully committed to it. Heh? 

Mom comment from the kitchen: Why would Sam Rockwell do such a stupid movie?

 Dylan: Because they paid him enough.

Anyways, they had this other kid, the son, who’s scared of everything and we don’t know why really, but when the ghosts appear, suddenly he’s braver? It just didn’t make sense. When the older daughter goes to Sam Rockwell “I’m sorry I’m such a bitch to you dad” right when they’re trying to get out of the crazy house – it’s like what the…? Actually, Jordan, I could see you saying that to Dad. Maybe that part was believable. 

They didn’t have the little lady with the big glasses in this one. They should’ve had her. “Caroline, don’t go into the light! My child. My child…”

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Special effects? Eh. Nothing special, whatsoever. It was even in 3D. Eh, some parts were cool because of the 3D I guess. It should’ve been in IMAX. Every movie should be in IMAX.

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Wednesday Wonders

by Filed Under: Books, Film/TV, Internet Finds, Serials Leave a Comment

One of my favorite television shows is Downton Abbey. And one of my favorite characters on that show is Anna, played by the incredibly talented Joanne Froggatt. She is so beautiful. Weirdly enough, here is an interview with her from The New Potato where she talks about spray tanning and loving up on Mr. Bates. It bothers me a little bit that she’s so glamorous as a real human being. 

How often are you shooting out emails? Refinery29 came up with a super comprehensive list for email etiquette. Love their tip on response time. And I’ve interned here — they’ve got their email game down pat. 

Calling all podcast lovers, book lovers, and human-being-story lovers! My dear friend, Angela Ledgerwood, who I had the honor of working with at Cosmo (she was the books editor among other things) has started a new podcast called The Lit Up Show. And it’s amazing. Every book lovers dream. They talk to authors. They talk about life. They talk about why literature is so beautiful and important and comforting. You have every reason to download it from iTunes and listen on your morning commute. 

I am dying to go to this occult store called Enchantments (which happens to be right by NYU) this weekend. It’s the oldest occult store in NYC! I imagine it’s where Sabrina the Teenage Witch would’ve hung out if she went to NYU. 

A new book reviewed by Huffington Post’s ‘The Bottom Line’ called The Harder They Come by T.C. Boyle is next on my list. It starts with a bang 😉

A cool piece on how one freelancer stays organized — for all you writers. Also, I don’t know about you guys, but I literally get a racing heartbeat looking at this beautiful photo below…

Guys guys guys! I made these! I literally followed this recipe for Elvis Peanut Butter Pancakes and they were GOOD. Make them. YUM.

And if you didn’t get hungry enough from the pancakes, these dark chocolate fudge brownies have me salivating. 

And lastly, my dream buy of the week is this gorgeous Game of Thrones book set. Was I a little book heavy this Wednesday Wonders? I guess you can tell where my head is at. Wanting to be in a beautiful, made-up world. By the way, what have you guys been thinking of GoT so far? Enjoyed the premier for sure — but the follow up episode was just so/so. Can Jon Snow just take over all of the kingdoms now? Thank you and goodbye.

 

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