It Won't Save the Print Industry, but Not Too Shabby

I'm an unexpected convert to the Kindle. I love how easy it is to carry several books at once. I love how I can read one-handed on the subway. I love that I don't have to worry about losing bookmarks. I love the built-in dictionary to look up confounding words. And I love that if I forget my Kindle, it's synced with my iPhone, and I can pick up reading at the exact place I left off.

But the Kindle is far from it's ultimate ideal, and the Kindle's current state isn't fantastic for reading magazines or newspapers. I believe the print magazine industry is in for a big hurt, and all the dreams of locking out Google, and paywalls and tablet-versions aren't going to save it -- in whole. But Sport Illustrated's new demo does show how magazines can have a compelling digital life on a tablet, or Kindle-like device.

We'll Now Hear from the Esteemed State Senator from Staten Island

Diane Savino, the NY State Senator from Staten Island gave an impassioned speech earlier this week in support of the gay marriage bill that was brought to the senate floor, and ultimately failed. Worth 7 minutes of your time ... hope to hear more from her in the future.

Bizarre, Fascinating New Bob Dylan Christmas Video

I know we're not even postmortem on Thanksgiving yet, but just stumpled across this odd, amusing and catchy new video for "Must be Santa" from Bob Dylan's new Christmas album. What's up with his hair?

A Decade of Layoffs at AOL... Boo Running Man

Not so fun... This has been going on fairly consistently every Nov-Dec for almost 10 years. Thoughts go out to those effected today.

There is No Excuse for This Being Created

I'm a huge fan of the Etsy, but some people really must put their talent, or lack thereof, to better use. A blog called Regretsy, catalogues the most unfortunate items for sale on Etsy. The list of recent tragedies include a Lolita-like stuffed cat, Michael Jackson organic catnip toy (no, i have no idea why so many bad ideas are cat-related), and a crocheted "party sweater". Oh my.

Best Slide Deck Ever Explains Health Care Debate with Napkin Doodles

or so they say. it's actually pretty darn good at explaining the health care debate in crisp pictures and words, without taking too heavy handed of a side. worth a gander.

Healthcare Napkins All

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My Worst Nightmare...

Scientists discovered this new giant rat in Papua New Guinea. Actually, my real worst nightmare would probably be if this giant rat and a black squirrel had a baby devil spawn vermin.

I'm A Sucker for Time Lapse Videos

And this is no exception - plus it has a good soundtrack from the Kingpins, who I've never heard of before. Check out this crazy German chap who decided to walk a gazillion miles over the course of a year. Blimey.

The Longest Way 1.0 - one year walk/beard grow time lapse from Christoph Rehage on Vimeo.

How Do You Know If You've Given Your Cat A Good Massage?

Does your kitty like her fur disturbed? Is your cat a talker? Use cat massage to bring out her best Meow best. Brought to our attention by our good friends at The Hose, find out how to give your cat a great massage. Oh my!

Even Hamptonites Are Saving their Dough

So Zagat's was nice enough to offer a list of "affordable" eats for the summering set. I've reposted them below. Hmmm... La Fondita.

The Hamptons on a Budget

Dig into a $30 prix fixe at Rugosa.

Photo: courtesy of the restaurant

When you think of Hamptons dining, visions of overpriced lobster salad and long waits for tables (if your name isn’t Stephen Spielberg or Martha Stewart) come to mind. Bargain meals? Not so much. But if you know where to look, prix fixe deals and gently priced meals can be found across the East End.

Barrister’s: At this Southampton American, it’s two-for-one night on Thursdays, when the higher- or equal-priced second entree is free. Choices include a $21 roast chicken, a $24 salmon and a cattleman’s cut of prime rib for $26.95 (631-283-6206).

Blue Parrot Bar & Grill: The celebrity factor may be high at this fun Mexican joint owned by Ron Perelman, Renée Zellweger, Larry Gagosian and Jon Bon Jovi, among others, but the prices can be low. Margaritas are just $9, dishes start at $6 and Tuesday evenings have been designated “Dirty Bird Tuesdays,” when beers are $4 and burritos are $10 (631-324-3609).

Blue Sky Mediterranean Lounge: Newly opened this season, this Sag Harbor seafooder offers a huge paella with a whole lobster in it for a mere $24 (631-725-1810).

Fresno: Wednesdays at this New American, a $28 three-course prix fixe offers options like grilled center-cut pork chops or pan-seared loin of lamb, and every bottle of wine is 30% off (631-324-8700).

Georgica: On Mondays, from 9–11 PM, this happening newcomer helmed by a Hell’s Kitchen vet offers a $25 three-course prix fixe with dishes like crab- and lobster-stuffed Chilean sea bass with tomato scampi cream and pesto mashed potatoes (631-537-5603).

Harbor Bistro: At this East Hampton New American, you can watch the sunset while digging into one of two prix fixes – $19 and $29 – served nightly from 5–6 PM (631-324-7300).

La Fondita: This neighborhood Mexican restaurant offers $10 daily specials like chile-rubbed beef ribs served with rice, refried black beans, tortillas and avocado salsa. Steamed lamb tacos go for $3, and huge burritos are just $8 (631-267-8800).

Matto: The new pizza bar at this cozy Italian spot (now run by two Cipriani veterans) has a huge range of bruschetta for $3–$4, panini for $10–$12 and pizzas for $9–$14 (631-329-0200).

Oso: Every night in August, this surf ‘n’ turfer inside the Southampton Inn is offering a three-course prix fixe for $29 from 5:30–7 PM, and all night on Thursdays. The chef focuses on fresh local ingredients, and meat, fish and vegetarian options are always available (631-283-1166).

red bar brasserie: One of the most hopping spots in Southampton offers two prix fixes, $26 for two courses or $29 for three, available from 6–6:45 PM every night except Saturday. Among the options is a truffled chicken breast with wild mushroom risotto and french beans (631-283-0704).

Rugosa: A half pound of mussels prepared in traditional garlic, butter wine and parsley, or with a curry sauce, are a mere $5 on Sunday nights at this newly opened American. Additionally, a $30 three-course prix fixe is offered nightly from 5:30–7 PM, except Tuesdays, when the restaurant is closed (631-604-1550).

Townline BBQ: It’s just $14.75 for a combo plate with two meats and two sides at this Sagaponack ’cue joint. August also features a daily happy hour, when mason jar cocktails go for $4 from 4–5 PM, $5 from 6–7 PM and $6 from 7–8 PM; accompanying chicken wings are 25¢, and jalapeño poppers and fried mac ’n’ cheese bites cost 50¢ (631-537-2271).

Trata East: Normally very expensive, with fish billed by the pound, this eastern branch of the popular Manhattan Greek now offers a $25 prix fixe all night long, Sunday–Thursday. Appetizer choices include stuffed grilled calamari and spinach and feta salad, while entrees range from jumbo shrimp with fresh tomatoes to grilled sirloin (631-726-6200).

– Beth Landman

Just Left Home...

Well, actually I've been here heading on nearly 8 years now, but NYC is so vast, I don't think I can ever uncover all it's secrets. But this guy has culled together an impressive list of digital links to make NYC living a breeze. Muy bueno. Just Left Home

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As If D.C. Weren't Painful Enough

DC residents may take umbrage, but I certainly had no love loss for our nation's capital during the 2 1/2 years I spent there. The only thing the city had going for it - in my usually outnumbered opinion - was free museums, good running trails, a decent music scene (all hail 930 Club and Black Cat) and a precious handful of approachable bars (and of course, the proximity to family, and a handful of amazing friends). But now, seems as if the "real" residents of MTV's "Real World D.C." (the 23rd season mind you, lord have mercy) have decided to ruin the handful of authentic bars. Maybe a new spate of bars will crop up in defiance, and all-good-things Obama!

Men Are Such Children

The web leads us to the most disturbing images at times. Not to be flippant in a time when Iran is going to hell in a handbasket and I heard the most disturbring piece about minority Muslims in Burma this morning, but this site is seriously freaky. ManBabies.com will make you laugh out loud, or maybe it won't.

GET MORE AT ManBabies.com!

Dining - and Drinking - Al Fresco in NYC

Shameless stealing from Manhattan User Guide, but thought I'd share below in any case. Also, this week's issue of Time Out New York has a list of the best outdoor drinking spots. Not tha

Image by wallyg via Flickr

t it matters lately with all this infernal rain, but there's always July.

Agnanti
Astoria, Greek, seafood

Applewood
Park Slope, American, local farmers

Aurora
Williamsburg, Italian, mellow garden, cash only

Back Forty
East Village, Peter Hoffman (Savoy), burger/roast chicken

Bobo
West Village, American, upmarket

Buttermilk Channel
Carroll Gardens, comfort food, separate vegetarian menu

Convivio
Tudor City, Italian, special occasion

Double Crown
Noho, British/Asian, AvroKO (= gorgeous)

Dumont
Williamsburg, burger, garden and treehouse (!)

Gnocco
East Village, Italian, nice vibe

The Good Fork
Red Hook, American (w/ Asian touches), hidden find

Palo Santo
Park Slope, 'Latin market' food, South American wines (excellent values), rooftop herbs/veggies

The West Branch
UWS, Tom Valenti, meat

Yo, NoVA Raps!

Yeah, yeah, I know it's been awhile since I posted any of my mind-blowing videos or random thoughts of the day. But I really couldn't let this Friday go by without sharing with you why I think Northern Virginia is so cool.

Matthew Fox Is A Gorgeous Man, Jimmy Kimmel Maybe Not So Much

Now this is what I call a staring contest.

My Not Quite Definitive Guide to the LES

Decided to check out this new site Nextstop - a combo Yelp, Google Maps mash-up. Pretty cool. Check out my first "guide" to my very own Lower East Side.

Viral Video Your Way to a Job

Was interviewing people this week for a content dev jobby job, and found out how out of the loop I am (this week at least). Posting a sampling below:

1.) Popeye's Got No Chicken! Heard this one time and time again. Controversial local news clip from Rochester, NY about Popeye's running out of chicken and closing down after a special promotion. Besides being a lame story, smacks of being a wee bit racist? yes, no?




2.) "Stand By Me" Around The World. As part of a documentary, filmmakers mashed up singing the classic "Stand by Me" around the world. They have a couple of other songs... well worth watching.



3.) Human Beatboxer - A young Japanese teen struts out his extraordinary beatbox skills... hard to believe those noises are all coming from his mouth! Whack!



4.) Swine Flu PSA: Flashback 1976 - Despite what Michele Bachman says, the last swine flu breakout was in 1976 when Gerald Ford was president. And the lovely networks created these very informative PSA. Also, they're hilarious.

Standing Next To The Hottest Girl Ever, But I'm Too Terrified To Say Anything

The folks at College Humor decided to explore a world where people actually shouted out loud - in public - all their inane twitters.

See more funny videos and funny pictures at CollegeHumor.

That's A Lot of Legal Copy

Another amusing Mac vs PC commercial, this time making fun of all the disclaimers companies - and PCs manufacturers - have to make about their products and services. Why am I not tired of these commercials yet? Surely not solely because I live next door (practically) to Justin Long and shop with John Hodgman (who has an incredibly cute daughter, btw). I'm probably just a horrific white person.

Breaking News: Vanity Fair Actually Funny

Vanity Fair posts this actually amusing intro to an otherwise dry online-delivered Editor's Letter. Does anyone else think big (and little) Graydon Carter should consider changing his Bernie Madoff hairstyle?

Surprise Singer Wows... Famous at 47?

Something completely unexpected from a singer on Britian's Got Talent. YouTube or someone awful has disabled most good embeds of the video, but worth checking out. So stunning!

Yeah, Boyee.... Southwest Takes Manhattan

Southwest Airlines announced today that they're going to start new routes in/out of La Guardia Airport. Rejoice, rejoice. What Jet Blue did to make JFK bearable, let's hop

Image via Wikipedia

e Southwest can bring to pitstop LGA.

Not Sure Where the Wild Things Are, But I Want to Find Out

Check out the new trailer for Where the Wild Things Are, one of the best books of all time. Plus, the trailer has a kick ass version of an Arcade Fire tune, and is directed by Spike Jonze. Do I have to have a kid to go see this? So cool.

Welcome to the Twittersphere... Don't Summon the Fail Whale

In case you were still wondering what Twitter was... of course you care whether other people know about what you're doing? Don't you twitter-stand?

Auto-Tune in the Office

Clearly, every office should have an auto-tune mike. Thanks, MKM for sharing this brave new discovery!





Auto Tuning from Casey D on Vimeo.

Stewart vs. Cramer Smackdown

It was everywhere all week, and now it's happened, but still worth 12 minutes on your lunch break to see Jon Stewart eviscerate Jim Cramer, and Jim Cramer just take it like he needs it. Jon Stewart is mad as hell and he ain't gonna take it anymore. I'll just leave you at the Moment of Zen, but definitely check out the whole enchilada.

Best News Ever! Heather #1 Just Looked Right At Me!

I might not be the biggest theatergoer, but I'm for sure going to head up to the Great White Way for this one... Heathers is making the leap to Broadway. F*@k me gently with a chain saw, do I look like Mother Theresa to you? Can this count as a Culture Event?

YouTube Funky Mashup

So this dude decide to make an album mash-up of dozens upon dozens of unrelated YouTube clips and turn it into one rockin' album (with ready made videos). Check it out.

Pela Rocks It

Great show at the Mercury Lounge last night. Pela showed up all fired up and ready to try out tons of songs from their upcoming album. They sprinkled in standards like "Tenement Teeth", "Waiting on the Stairs" and "Good Foot on a Bad Doorstep", and brought the house down with a rambunctious recital of the title track from the new album (I don't remember the name offhand ... something about rising tides). Pela definitely was influenced by the likes of Bruce Springsteen, and I heard a little Hold Steady (which itself is a major Bruce knock-off), but they can also bring it down a notch with some great acoustic sets, and some major indie rock cred. (My guys and gals at KEXP are big fans). The new horn player - Handsome Bill - was a great addition that brought a new richness to the songs. The lead singer, Billy McCarthy, ain't so hard on the eyes either. An easy manner -- B thought he looked like Colin Farrel, I thought he looked like a retired QB-cum-sportcaster. Either way, they brought it. Enjoy the tunes.

JFal, I Haven't Foresaken You

Despite the mixed reviews, I for one will keep giving Jimmy Fallon the time of day (though not sure he's earned a spot in the DVR-queue). I mean, he got my boy Justin Timberlake for the series premier, so you know at least he won't get caught with his Dick in the Box. And tonight, he's reunited with SNL Weekend Update buddy Tina Fey (yes, I'm a fan girl).

This Is My Friend, Rob from Michigan. He's a Teenager.

Rob Riggle may not be on The Daily Show anymore, but you can still enjoy him in a handful of PSAs about teenage driving safety. Worth checking out, because I too can "talk about ponies all day long".

Naked Seth Rogen

Vanity Fair filmed the cover shoot for their latest issue Comedy Issue, featuring Seth Rogen, Paul Rudd, Amy Poehler, Jason Segal and more. Me likey.

Time to Gloat

After having been ranked second for many years in a row, University of V

Image via Wikipedia

irginia has officially gained its rightful spot on top of the undergraduate b-school rankings. Business Week has rated UVA el numero uno because we rock and stuff. Wahoowa! Private schools can eat donkey :).

Bobby "The Page" Jindal

You weren't the only one who thought that Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal came off sounding a little more Kenneth "The Page", then 2012 Presidential candidate. He's got time.

The East Coast of Berkeley

Excellent NYT profile about "The Gourmet Ghetto" of NYC. Brooklyn's got pigs, pickles, beer, coffee and chocolate. What more could a foodie ask for?

The East Coast of Berkeley

Here are ways to find the Brooklyn artisans and merchants in the article.

BEDFORD CHEESE SHOP 229 Bedford Avenue (North Fourth Street), Williamsburg; (718) 599-7588 or bedfordcheeseshop.com.

BLUE APRON FOODS 814 Union Street (Seventh Avenue), Park Slope; (718) 230-3180.

BROOKLYN BREWERY 79 North 11th Street (Wythe Avenue), Williamsburg; (718) 486-7422 or brooklynbrewery.com.

BROOKLYN FLEA 76 and 81 Front Street (Main Street), Dumbo, through March; starting in April, Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School, Lafayette Avenue between Clermont and Vanderbilt Avenues, Fort Greene; brooklynflea.com.

BROOKLYN KITCHEN 616 Lorimer Street (Skillman Avenue), Williamsburg; (718) 389-2982 or thebrooklynkitchen.com.

CUT BROOKLYN cutbrooklyn.com.

FINE & RAW fineandraw.com.

GORILLA COFFEE 97 Fifth Avenue (Park Place), Park Slope; (718) 230-3244 or gorillacoffee.com.

GREENE GRAPE PROVISIONS 753 Fulton Street (South Portland Avenue), Fort Greene; (718) 797-9463 or brooklyn.greenegrape.com.

MARLOW & SONS 81 Broadway (Berry Street), Williamsburg; (718) 384-1441 or marlowandsons.com.

MARLOW & DAUGHTERS 95 Broadway (Berry Street), Williamsburg; (718) 388-5700 or marlowanddaughters.com.

MAST BROTHERS CHOCOLATE 105A North Third Street (Berry Street), Williamsburg; (718) 388-2625 or mastbrotherschocolate.com.

MCCLURE’S PICKLES mcclurespickles.com.

PRIME MEATS STORE 187 1/2 Luquer Street (Court Street), Carroll Gardens; (718) 254-0327.

SALVATORE BKLYN salvatorebklyn.com.

SIXPOINT CRAFT ALES 40 Van Dyke Street (Dwight Street), Red Hook; sixpointcraftales.com.

SPUYTEN DUYVIL GROCERY 218 Bedford Avenue (North Fifth Street), Williamsburg; (718) 384-1520.

STINKY BKLYN 261 Smith Street (Degraw Street), Carroll Gardens; (718) 522-7425 or stinkybklyn.com.

URBAN RUSTIC 236 North 12th Street (Driggs Avenue), Williamsburg; (718) 388-9444 or urbanrusticnyc.com.

WHEELHOUSE PICKLES wheelhousepickles.com.

Phoenix Decending

Joaquin Phoenix rambled out a incomprehensible, but trainwreck interesting, performance last night on David Letterman. Heroin or a quick nitrous hit? You decide.

Fatty Fatty Two by Four

I guess someone else was as disturbed as I was by the nub-legged, porkers being carried around on hover scooters in Wall-E... we're not too far from that reality. This is Why You're Fat is a new web site showcasing fried pizza, sloppy joes on a donut and more. One of my favs - the Double Bacon Hamburger Fatty Melt. Yum.

Brad Pitt is a Basterd

Okay, I'm ready to forgive Brad Pitt for his maudlin turn in "Benjamin Button". I'm ready to see some Inglorious Basterds.

Barack Obama is tired of your motherfucking shit

I'm re-posting a fab little find (thx, MC). Presidents cursing is always funny.

Re-post: Barack Obama is tired of your motherfucking shit

If you’ve ever read President Obama’s Dreams From My Father, good for you. I couldn’t get past the foreword.

I wish I had. Because today I discovered that there’s a fairly juicy little subplot in the book, involving one of Obama’s high school friends.

Ray, a fellow classmate of Obama’s, was also bi-racial, and also trying to define himself. But what set him apart was his colorful manner of self-expression. Ray cursed like a motherfucker.

This would all be snickerworthy enough, but it turns out that Obama actually read the audiobook version of Dreams From My Father.

And that means he read Ray’s quotes.

And that means you’re about to hear the President of United States using language that would finish Cheney off once and for all.

***

NOTE: I didn’t actually make these recordings. I found them in an mp3 sharing thread yesterday and uploaded them for your bi-partisan pleasure.

This shit's getting way too complicated for me [0:02m]: Hide Player | Play in Popup | Download

Ignorant Motherfuckers [0:03m]: Hide Player | Play in Popup | Download

That guy ain't shit. Sorry ass motherfucker [0:05m]: Hide Player | Play in Popup | Download

Sure, you can have my number baby! [0:02m]: Hide Player | Play in Popup | Download

You ain't my bitch, nigga. [0:03m]: Hide Player | Play in Popup | Download

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