Suhweeet Sighting: Jack McBrayer (Kenneth on 30 Rock)

One of the "suhweeetest" sightings I must say - riding next to Jack McBrayer in the Downtown 1 train on my way to a meeting. Didn't recognize him at first, but after we both winced at a guy trying to get out of the train at the last second and getting his arm stuck, I realized it was Kenneth from 30 rock.

Told him I work at ABC and he told me to get off the train. Funny dude. Tells me he is on his way to Macy's to furnish his new UWS apartment. Wished him luck on the next season, which he is in town to film during the fall. On his way out he told me, "It was nice meeting you Kenneth - hey that's who I play on TV!"

His character has to be one of the funniest ones on TV today.

Bar Masa: Ice Ice Baby

Have you ever heard of the idea of hand shaving an ice ball to fit into a liquor glass? It takes 15 min - 30 min. Try it sometime if you are really bored. Or just go to Bar Masa and order it. Shout out to P for hookin' it up.

Jeff Koons at the Met

Checked out a couple of exhibits at the Met today. I came to the realization I like pop art and landscapes. Sort of perfect since Jeff Koons was on the roofdeck of the Met.

Superheroes costume / fashion exhibit ends today and I'm glad to have caught it. Did I tell you I'm acting like a tourist this long weekend?

When I say India...you say....

My first trip to India was a blast. Spent a week in Mumbai through work and found the people and culture warm and fascinating. Despite the suffocating traffic and torrential downpours (it was Monsoon season), my experience was amazing.

Below is an area where they perform massive laundry. You can imagine my surprise that there weren't any Koreans there. (Hey, I can say that, you can't. I know it's not fair.)

Here is a Jain Temple. I wasn't allowed in b/c they didn't allow visitors that weekend. Bummer.

The famous Gateway to India. Was built when the British were booted out.

Largest train terminal. Looks like an ideal setting for a sci-fi movie. Lots of folks live in the suburbs and take the train into work. Real estate costs in Mumbai are higher than Manhattan. Generally over $1,000/sq ft. Ouch! The average person's yearly income in India is $490 USD. Hmmm...

Many British influences around town and traces of the Portugese, who ruled Mumbai first. It was a lot to take in. All in all, a great trip, would like to hit up Goa, Bangalore, and Delhi next time.

While I was there, the first Indian individual Gold Medal in the country's history was won. Congrats Bindra! Supposedly the dude is single. Ladies?

The Hills: Season 3 Update

As the 3rd season of the acclaimed reality TV series, The Hills, begins, we must ask ourselves what "reality" TV has become. TV series have catapulted no-namers who have been blessed by the gods to be chosen out of the millions of commoners to become celebrities in the loosest of terms. And yet our attention remains captive. (Just look at growth of entertainment news and info traffic online).

Why do these so-called celebrities remain relevant? It is due to the role of TV series that help define today's pop culture. Therefore, as a natural student of pop culture, it thus remains in my DNA to continue covering and reviewing such elements of today's society.

The premise of The Hills has inevitably become a bit tired. We continue following the lives of LC, Audrina, Lo, and the arch nemesis couple of Speidi (Spencer + Heidi). Pathetically, Spencer's sister has latched onto LC as a friend to gain greater TV exposure, because let's face it, everyone is out for self on this show. Even Heidi's sister is getting into some air-time. We can all smirk at the lack of genuine intentions from her exploratory salutation at moving to LA.

Doug is introduced as an old prom date flame that promises to suffice as a temporary solution to the doldrums of LC's non-love life. And you can bet he was licking his chops at the chance to become a C-list celebrity merely by throwing a few off-handed compliments to our heroine, LC.

The first episode lacked the usual punch and tense moments that made this series watchable. Let's all hope the MTV producers and editors can get off their high horse and get The Hills back to its old "reality" form.

Kanye West and Jay-Z!

Last night went to the Kanye West Glow in the Dark tour at Madison Square Garden. By far, the most creative and entertaining concert I've ever attended. (The best concert though is still U2's Elevation tour at MSG post-9/11).

N.E.R.D. opened first since they had to book it to Belgium, but they are the rap-rock / skater music that young kids like. Made me feel old.

Lupe Fiasco then came out and killed it. He has a ton of energy - and I've got love for him since he's from Chi-town. He had a great mega-mix of "Superstar" at the end.

Then Kanye's show - intergalactic set, mixed in mostly new songs with a few oldies but goodies. "Can't Tell Me Nothin" was powerful, and "Jesus Walks" was great to hear live.

About 10 min before the end, I said, "Wouldn't it be great if Jay-Z were here?" In fact, while people were chanting, "Kanye! Kanye!" I was chanting, "Jay-Z! Jay-Z!"

Well, imagine my surprise, when the following happened:




I was pumped, in shock, and most definitely await Blueprint III's release. Jigga what?

Suhweeet Sighting: Meredith Viera

After leaving my building due to an unexpected fire alarm, I saw Meredith Viera right behind me. I told her, "Meredith Viera! Did you pull the fire alarm??" She responded, "No I didn't!" while touching my elbow. She was in full "Today" show form. Much nicer than when she does the "Who Wants To Be a Millionaire" show, which is filmed in my building.

She was then whisked away in a towncar, turning down my offer to join my group for drinks. She must work a ton since she's gotta be up around 3am to get to the studio by 4 or 5am for the Today Show tapings.