Hugh Jackman - Do the Pound Right!

Hugh Jackman pounds...and misses!

New MTV Show this Fall: The Alexa Chung Show

New MTV Shows were announced recently. I was interested in The Alexa Chung Show because I thought she was some sort of Asian person. But I guess not? Unsure.

Press Release:
"British television personality and model, Alexa Chung will host this daily one-hour live entertainment show which includes a large dose of viewer interaction. MTV will partner with Twitter offering viewers instantaneous input opportunities with Alexa, celebrity guests, or their own friends watching the show. The show will also feature a RockYou Live video sharing application, allowing viewers to submit their favorite viral videos and those they shoot themselves. From Reveille."

Richard Monroe Civil Trial against Snoop Dogg

Richard Monroe is suing Snoop Dogg for $22 Million for getting the crap beaten out of him when HE jumped onto Snoop's stage and tried to beat up Snoop.

huh?

What exactly do you expect will happen to you if you jump on Snoop's stage during a rap concert? That you will be gently escorted aside by Snoop's security?

He must have really been hurt in the head during the melee to think he will be getting any money. The trial is still ongoing.

I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here - to star Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag

NBC's upcoming new reality competition show will include The Hills' villains, Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag as contestants. It's still unclear whether they will compete as Speidi or separately. Personally I think they should be three contestants:

1. Spencer

2. Heidi

3. Heidi's blond hair

Also starring will be John Salley, former NBA star and Sanjaya - the American Idol castoff that could have single handedly taken down the whole show by being the worst singer to win.

Summer Fridays?

Does your company get Summer Fridays? If you do get them, when do they start?

And what does this mean? Every other Friday is an off day? Or every Friday at 3pm?

Suhweeet Sighting: Joe Girardi

While the Yankees stumble out of the gate after spending $441 million on 5 players in the offseason, their highly criticized manager was spotted at Blondie's on the Upper West Side last week.

Sporting relaxed fit light washed jeans that taper (I bet he doesn't know that this look has finally, finally come back), Joe was seen shaking hands and taking in the Rangers NHL Playoff game with a few huge friends.

The Yankees most recently were embarrased at Fenway Park getting swept by the hated rivals, the Red Sox. Much has been made of Jacoby Ellsbury stealing home plate, but I think hitting grand slams in the clutch is more impressive. C'mon, Jacoby runs a 4.2 40 yard dash!!

Suhweeet Sighting: D.L. Hughley

D.L. Hughley, who has his own show on CNN (for just a little while longer) was spotted in Tribeca, entering the Affordable Housing entrance of S.O.M.'s residential building at 101 Warren. He was unloading his Range Rover (cliche vehicle of the stars) and chatting up the doorman (who clearly had no idea who he was) about the NBA playoffs. I wonder why he was entering in from that entrance and not the other one?

Suhweeet Sighting: Jeremy Irons

Jeremy Irons, the star of underrated TV series, Brideshead Revisited, was seen in Viacom's headquarters earlier last week. I'm unsure why he was heading into there, but I guess we'll have to wait and see if he is the new star of Dora the Explorer or Rock of Love starring Jeremy Irons.

Cristiano Ronaldo Xerox Commercial

Mad Skills by Cristiano Ronaldo of Manchester United fame.

But check out the old guy at the end!


Cristiano Ronaldo Fuji Xerox Commercial - The funniest videos clips are here

100 Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It) - Only in London

Have you seen this? Part of a promotion for Trident gum and Beyonce. 100 British ladies in Piccadilly Circus, dressed like Beyonce in the video, dancing the same moves as her!

Architecture Tour: 3-story renovated Tribeca apartment

Yesterday, I was invited to take a tour of a top-secret 3-story apartment renovation occuring somewhere in Tribeca. Before yesterday, I did not even know a 3-story apartment was possible in Manhattan!

This thing used to be Robert DeNiro's 2 floor apartment and then the bottom floow used to be Harvey Keitel's apartment. Badda bing! All in, about 6,000 sq ft, $15M price tag with another $15-20M in renovations and fees.

I guess the purchaser bought both apartments and is connecting them to make one huge pimp pad.

Some features include:

15 foot glass doors

Indoor Basketball Hoop

Winding staircases

Extraordinary finishes
Feeling really really rich

Now I am not an architect. In fact, I can't believe I spelled that correctly. But I really appreciated the use of space and the "theme" throughout the massive apartment.

For some pics, see below. Oh, and the landscape photos are from his roofdeck (so I guess technically he owns 4 floors).

When you first walk in and look up, you'll notice this amazing skylight with reflective materials. Trippy.

Here we are in the kitchen. A special metal material was treated in a way to create the graphical effect on the walls. This theme is throughout the whole apartment. You can tell from the top of P's head how high the ceilings are. (15 ft)

Here is the view from their ample rooftop. 360 degree view, nothing blocking the awesome views.

This feature I thought was really cool. It's a skylight with a motorized reflective mirror so that you can actually get a view of the city or water from inside the apartment. It is motor-controlled. I was more excited about this than a lot of other things.

Here is one of two chandeliers. The other is just on the other side of the massive kitchen. Classy.

Here is a shot of the ceiling. It's actually a square block. These are everywhere in the apartment - a play on using volume consistently throughout the space. I believe the wood is white cedar.

Finally, the kids (yes they have kids) have their own bathrooms. I really liked these faucet handles.

Bravo announces the return of The Rachel Zoe Project

It's official folks. Rachel Zoe, Taye, and all the drama of watching a human stick dressed in a monstrous fur jacket is returning. Here they are spotted recently in NYC. Taping maybe?


Bravo is having a stellar year thus far, and plans on expanding its Real Housewives series into New Jersey. Badda-Bing!

The Hills Update: Blondes vs. Brunettes Battle

We should really rename The Hills to “The Worst Couple on TV Ever.” Yes, last evening, the whole show seemed to revolve around our Barbie and Werewolf, aka Heidi and Spencer Pratt.

But before we dive into that car wreck, we need to turn our attention to teeth. Kelly Cutrone’s teeth. They look like they have not been brushed in a few years. Maybe the last time she brushed them was when she realized that she didn’t need to shower anymore either. She has started to morph more and more into an extra in the background of a Metallica video circa 1990. You know, “Wherever I May Roam”-type thing.

Stephanie comes floating into People’s Revolution to interview for an internship. Upon meeting Kelly for the interview, Stephanie shuddered, but luckily passed it off as being “nervous for the interview.” Nice one, Steph! The best part is when she hands over her resume in a plain white envelope, like she was handing over her mail.

On to the Blondes vs. Brunettes! Spencer and hired wingman (already forgot his name), head to a new hot spot while Heidi and Stephanie hit up Glendale’s hottest spot, Katsuya. Warning - Producer moment: Stephanie somehow figures out the one place Spencer will be on a Tues night with his nameless friend. Heidi storms in like a blinding hurricane of blondeness and confronts her equally blonde werewolf as to why he is on a double date with Gina Gershon-wanna be aka Bar chick. The one thing I took out of this scene was that LA chicks get catty! Gems included “Do you even own pants?” and “Are you wearing fur? You’re such a whore.” Brilliant.

Enough with the Pratts! Let’s get a cameo for Whit.

Funny or Die's Quiet Asian Syndrome

QUIET ASIAN SYNDROME - watch more funny videos

ESPN launches local sports sites - starting with Chicago

Well, if local newspapers weren't feeling it enough, ESPN has now entered into the online space, threatening players such as the Chicago Tribune and recently bankrupted Chicago Sun-Times.

http://espn.go.com/chicago

One could argue that this is the icing on the cake as the advertising sales team that is so used to selling such a large site as ESPN.com could make more on their advertising inventory than Chicago Tribune's ad sales teams. It all has to do with the scale of the inventory that they could package. Even run-of-site ads could then include this new local version.

Ideally, advertisers would see the value of this local site and then pay a higher CPM for getting on an ESPN branded local site.

Suhweeet Sighting: Tyra Banks

Walking back from a birthday brunch in Tribeca, when lo and behold, a really tall person with an even taller boyfriend. It's Tyra Banks! My friend, J, kept on hitting me on the shoulder, and I said, "Oww! Why are you hitting me?" but I spotted them as well.

Tyra has been getting a lot of heat lately for being the choice talk show that Palin's kid's baby daddy wanted to be interviewed on. Uhh, what about Oprah? So you think some payoff was involved? Tyra Banks show denies such charges, but pay-to-say is always happenin in media.

The Hills Recap: LC is lame, Speidi is lamer!

Well, we were blessed to get a double dosage of The Hills this week. The (not-so) triumphant return of LC gave us quite a few moments, while others were focused more on the virus known as Speidi.

First, let’s figure out who’s idea it was to get a bunch of rich LA kids together on a boat? Did MTV foot the bill here? How does that work exactly? For some odd reason, Heidi has self-invited herself to this party. (ok, we are all now a teeny bit more knowledgeable about “reality-TV” which must mean that the producers somehow coerced her to go and make a fool of herself).

Sidenote: Is Heidi’s hair a wig?

Meanwhile, Spencer has somehow decided to hit on a squeaky sounding bartender who has no problems taking down the patron. Flirting ensues, and I was a bit disappointed that Jamie Foxx’s “Blame It” didn’t play during the scene. She was clearly planted there as well.

Spencer has no friends – as obvious in his creepy 70’s-stached friend at the bar. I think he was randomly just sitting there and the post-editor wrote a fake name and “Spencer’s Friend” underneath it.

Cameron texts his ex (for some reason) who reminds me now of Brooke Hogan. Heidi then calls Spencer, and Spencer in a drunken stupor, REALLY wants to show everyone how he can beat up a Tobey Maguire look-a-like at a bar called Dice. “Just touch me man!” Hmmm, he does give him a good pop on the chin. Never saw a head snap back like that on TV. Remember before you fight someone to look them in the eyes. If they look as crazy as Spencer’s you’d best duck first.

I think this represents a new low to this show. It has now revolved around two people we all can’t stand, while rumors of Audrina getting HER own show have been confirmed. It’s a bit too much now. Sort of like the Bravo-approach to a successful show. Oh, people liked Project Runway? Hmm, how about Top Chef? How about some Top Model show? How about some hair cutting show? How about an interior design show? REALLY? Why not stop with The City and leave it at that! (Same thing with the Real Housewives of (fill in the city). I’m boycotting once they decide to film The Real Housewives of Cincinnati).

Previews for following weeks proved to be intriguing, but seriously, can we get The City II back and cut The Hills short this time around?

Michael Jordan vs. Magic Johnson

Ok - that is not really happening tonight, but can you imagine? I know we all saw this in the 1991 NBA Finals, but let's face it, MJ was still jumping over people and Magic was definitely on his slide downwards to retirement.

From the wires:
Super fans Jordan, Magic expected at title game April 6, 2009
Associated Press
DETROIT (AP) -- Magic vs. Michael for the title again?
It was suggested Monday that if the national championship game were tied after overtime, Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan should decide the outcome with a game of 1-on-1.
Both Hall of Famers -- Jordan was elected Monday -- won national championships for their teams and are expected to be in the stands cheering on their schools. Jordan's jumper from the left wing lifted North Carolina past Georgetown for the 1982 title. Johnson led Michigan State over Larry Bird and Indiana State three decades ago.
Jordan got the better of Johnson in the NBA, leading the Bulls to the first of their six titles with a five-game victory in the 1991 finals.
Talk of a rematch brought out the trash talk in the notoriously competitive Jordan.
"You really think he can beat me?" Jordan said. "He couldn't beat me in the finals at all."
------
EMOTIONAL BOOST: Michigan State's run in the NCAA tournament has provided a welcome emotional boost to the economically struggling state, Gov. Jennifer Granholm said Monday.
"Not to put more pressure on them of course, but they really have become a symbol for our state," said Granholm, who wore a green Michigan State sweat shirt under her dark business jacket Monday at the state Capitol in Lansing. "You know, a symbol of what can happen when you work really hard. As (coach) Tom Izzo says he's got a blue-collar team, and all they do is work, work, work. It's a great statement about them, certainly. But it's a great, uplifting moment for us."
Granholm said the Final Four will have an economic benefit to Detroit but that the overall benefit to Michigan -- which had the nation's highest unemployment rate in February at 12 percent -- is hard to quantify in dollars and cents.
"I think really, this is so much more for us about a psychological impact," Granholm said. "I know that I speak for 10 million Michigan citizens in saying thank you to this team, thank you to coach Izzo, for really being Michigan's team and Michigan's 'uplift' during this very, very tough time."
------
NEXT GENERATION: Michael Jordan took a moment to greet Ty Lawson after the North Carolina junior won the Bob Cousy Award as the nation's top point guard.
"You ready?" Jordan asked Lawson, putting his hand on his shoulder.
Jordan said he wouldn't speak to the team before the game, noting that he didn't do so before the Tar Heels beat Illinois for the 2005 title.
But if he were?
"These are the games that are a lot of fun because the expectations are a lot higher," Jordan said. "The stakes are a lot higher. But that's what you live for. That's what's fun about it. I'd tell the guys just go out and be who you are and have fun."

More Bears News: Orlando Pace now a new Chicago Bear

This is so awesome. I can't believe the Bears are spending like this to bring on some talent!

Very excited about upgrading the offensive line with Pace. Now we need to sign up a few wide receivers (Marvin Harrison still out there) and we'll be much better!

Twitter is the hot thing - but not as hot as YouTube

Check out this growth chart of some of the latest, hottest social media companies

Now one could argue that it's not about unique visitors. It's all about the number of "tweets" whereas YouTube is truly a destination site. Eventually you build a community, then you need to figure out how to make money. Hopefully, Twitter figures it out quicker than Facebook (still searching) and YouTube (still searching too).

Jay Cutler Traded to the Chicago Bears

It's true! Jay Cutler has actually landed to the Bears, in exchange for 2 first round picks and Kyle Orton. I am so PUMPED for the upcoming season. Now we need to find some decent receivers. Don't really see Hester being a real threat this year.

Thoughts?

Scary Personalities: Suze Orman

Suze Orman, financial guru, sure has a lot of great things to say. But just watching her in action is really quite scary. Maybe it's the (fake?) tan thing, or maybe it's her hair cut with blonde streaks. Maybe it's her relentless energy. Just can't put my finger on it. Can you?

Final Four: Predictions?

First, let me state what conferences remain:

Big East, Big Ten, and ACC. No Pac-10, huh? Hmmmm...i'm not surprised.

Now, we have to predict some winners (even though my bracket is completely busted. I had Oklahoma beating Wake Forest. Wow, was I wrong!).

UNC (They are playing so well with their inside-out game. Lawson healthy, hittin' treys.)

Michigan State. (They're undefeated as a #2 seed in the NCAA tournament - don't ever doubt the Mighty Izzo.)

There. Now let's see if I'm right. Don't know why you would believe me though given my track record this year.

The Black Mullet

Yesterday, I saw a really interesting haircut. What may be considered a black mullet. Well, really, it was a head shaved, except for the back of the head, where long strands were braided.

This photo kind of reminded me of Me Phi Me from back in the day. Anyone remember him? He had just one long braid coming out of his head.

Actually, come to think of it, Kanye West went mullet-y recently. As did I.

Suhweeet Story: I'll take a slice of pizza...and a kilo of cocaine

Only in New York...

A couple of weeks ago, I stumbled into a pizza shop where nobody was eating pizza, and yet was full of "customers" hanging out at all the tables.

Overcome by my hunger, I ordered a slice of pizza and sat down at a table across the table of two patrons who proceeded to stare back at me while I ate the pizza.

Then three tourists came in and ordered pizzas, looked around to find seats, and realized the only seating available was in a dark upstairs level. They went up there, then quickly sprinted down the stairs, grabbed their pizza and left. Shortly thereafter, two people came down from the upstairs level. Hmmm. Shady.

While munching on the crust of my pizza, I figured - something was amiss. Even B, and W told me they never ever go into this place for pizza, no matter how hungry they are. And they work across the street.

Well, watching the news today, I see that at another pizza shop in the Bronx, they indeed serve pizza, calzones....and cocaine. Not only that, but you can have it all DELIVERED! I wonder if you get a discount for buying in bulk?

From 7online.com
BRONX (WABC) -- Six people have been arrested on charges of selling cocaine out of a Bronx pizza parlor. Special narcotics prosecutor Bridget Brennan says investigators seized nearly 20 pounds of cocaine, about $20,000 cash and four guns.

Brennan said the criminals concealed drugs in pizza boxes - and even offered delivery or takeout.

The prosecutor said Wednesday that the gang packaged varying amounts of cocaine at the pizzeria.