Movie Review: The Social Network

Raychel and I decided to walk home from work together on Friday night and along our way we figured, "Why not stop for a bite and a movie?"  After consulting Raychel's Blackberry for movie times, that's precisely what we did.  After a glass of wine and a cheese plate at Academia di Vino, we went to the theater to see The Social Network to learn all about how Facebook came to be.

The movie was great.  True, it does not paint Mark Zuckerberg in the best light, but it was cool to see the picture at all.  It is unbelievable to realize that Mark Zuckerberg and I were in college at the same time, but while I was doing goodness knows what at UGA, he was drunkenly creating the greatest social media site of all time.  The impact Facebook has had on all our lives after only being in existence about 7 years is incredible.  The fact that it was so easy, even more so.  The cutthroat piece of it (Did he steal the idea?  Is he that nerdy and still that mean?) just ads a nice little zip.

Happy at Hecho

After Blood Manor, I headed to the East Village to celebrate Matt's 26th birthday.  When it comes to your best friend, missing a birthday is simply unacceptable; so although I would be late due to the previously mentioned haunted house and bar activities, I knew this was something I couldn't skip out on.  I was right but not just because it was important to be there for the b-day celebration.  It was necessary I go to dinner so I wouldn't miss a great restaurant and the opportunity to tell y'all about it.

Hecho en Dumbo is sort of a misnomer because the restaurant is no longer in Dumbo and now resides at 4th and Bowery.  I had heard nothing but good things, so I commended Matt on his choice.  The menu is not overwhelmingly large, yet it was still difficult to make a decision because everything looked so good.  Thankfully I had consulted the menu online while at work, so my mind was already working on a decision.  We ordered a few apps for the table.  All were good.  Please don't make me choose a favorite:

• Picaditas de Jaiba: corn cakes topped with crab, avocado, and jalapeno oil
• Tostadas de Ceviche: Halibut ceviche on crispy corn tortilas 
• Queso Fundido de Huitlacoche: served with tortillas 

For my entree I went with Mole Coloradito de Pato (duck in mole sauce).  The duck was cooked to a perfect medium rare with a nice crust and I was happy to find tortillas on the side for mopping up the extra sauce.  I also really enjoyed the risotto I found under the duck.  It was filled with duck confit and squash and reminded me that we are officially on the Fall season.

After experiencing it for myself, I am happy Hecho en Dumbo decided to migrate to the better borough.  Now that it's easy to get to, I need to make another trip to try the lunch menu that Matt claims is different but equally awesome.

Blood and Beer

Halloween is probably my favorite holiday.  I always get into the costumes and parties, but this year is markedly lamer than others.  Everyone is going out of town and there are no big celebrations to speak of, but that doesn't mean I'll throw all celebrating out the window.

On Thursday, Emily, Wendy, and I went to Blood Manor, the city's main haunted house.  Now, I don't watch horror movies and I am easily startled, which means I love Halloween minus the fear factor.  I was terrified to go through a haunted house, but I pulled it together so I could say I did it (albeit by gripping Wendy's arm the whole way).

This haunted house is serious.  At one point, we were handed 3D glasses - for just one of the many themed rooms.  By the end, I realized it was more fun than scary and a definite must for Halloween.  If you're smart, not only will you visit Blood Manor next year, you'll go grab a drink at nearby Half King, my go-to bar if I'm ever all the way over on the West side.

Gleecap: Diva-meter - 10/26 Episode

Rocky Horror Picture Show is one of my favorite Halloween traditions.  Unfortunately, I don't think it made for the most diva of all Glee episodes, but there were still some great bits so let's get into this week's recap:

• Why is Mr. Shue always eating cookies he brought from home in the break room?  No grown man eats that many cookies out of ziplock baggies.  -1
• Brittany is going to be a peanut allergy for Halloween.  +1
• Mr. Shue already assumed Artie would play Dr. Scott because he's in a wheelchair.  +2 because he probably just made Artie feel really bad about himself but doesn't care - very diva of him.
• +1 because Finn didn't get Inception.  
• Sue's Corner is back!  +2  According to Sue, without fear children will try frenching grizzly bears and consider living in Florida.  Plus another +1 because Florida is just as heinous a place as Sue insinuates.
• Barry Bostwick and Meatloaf!  It wouldn't be Rocky Horror without them so +1.  However, -2 for not giving them anything to sing.  John Stamos' Hot Patootie was cute (he's come a long way since Jesse and the Rippers), but the Meat's original version was much more Rock and Roll. 
• +2 for the local news guys being most scared of Mexicans overrunning the town.  That probably would be an Ohioian's biggest fear.
• Overall song review: +1 They did a great job performing the songs (especially Finn in "Damnit Janet", Kurt and Quinn in "Time Warp", and Mercedes' re-invention of "Sweet Transvestite"), but for some reason I just wasn't blown away.  Perhaps it was because very little plot was advanced this episode and it seemed like they did it just so they could say they did a Rocky Horror episode.
• Why does Artie only use 2 lb weights?  -1 because his legs may not work, but that doesn't mean his arms have the strength of 7 year old girl.
• Why is it ok for half the cast of Rocky Horror to be teachers and people who don't even work at the school?  -2 

Total --> 5.This episode is the diva equivalent of Mandy Moore.  Back when she was singing "Candy" and trying to be all diva but was eclipsed by the other up-and-coming stars of the time.

Unanswered Questions: Gossip Girl Recap - 10/25/10 Episode

The end of tonight's episode had me screaming WHAT?!  But this whole Colin the Cab Stealer turned teacher being behind everything is one humongo unanswered question that I can't really begin to tackle.  For now, let's work on those confusing moments that I can at least begin to wrap my head around:

• Why were none of my professors that hot?
• There's a prison literacy program?  And Nate believes this?
• Since when does Rufus name-drop a restaurant like Babbo instead of suggesting game night and waffles?
• All that time away and Jenny didn't get a toned down sense of style?  You finally come back and that's what you decide to wear for your big re-entrance?
• Holy boobs!  No question there just...wow, Serena.
• Can you just call a prison and ask about inmates?  I feel like when you're dealing with hardened criminals, the rules are not so lax.
• When did universities start leaving their buildings open that late?

I'm hoping we'll get a few more answers next episode though the teaser says it's all about sex, which I can't really complain about.

It Ain't Over til the Fat Lady Sings

Yesterday, I received the news that Sarah will be moving back to Atlanta in a couple weeks.  Great for Sarah because she's got a new job she deserves; sad for me who will miss her terribly.  After delivering the shocking blow, she told me about her bucket list.  She doesn't have much time in the city but wants to make sure she leaves no stone unturned before moving back to Georgia.  Topping her list was a trip to the Opera.  I told her I would be game to join her because I had never been.  A few hours later, she and I were getting all dolled up to head to The Met.

Going to the opera was a special experience.  It was refreshing to see that everyone still gets all dolled up.  The glitz and glam of the outfits were matched only by The Met itself.  The theater is grandiose - from the fountain out front to the opulent chandeliers and red staircase.  It is a Manhattan sight to see.  The Opera may seem out of reach, but we managed to get our tickets for $27.  Granted, they were standing room only in the nosebleed section of the nosebleed section, but it was worth it.  Tip: wear flats or bring a pair in your bag because you'll be on your feet for three hours.

We saw La Boheme - a perfect choice because we had seen Rent together on Broadway.  It was also a good pick because, as a rent-head, I am very familiar with the story.  I knew Rent was based on this opera but I had no idea just how closely it followed the storyline.  Freakily (is that a word?) similar.

True, each person has their own subtitles  on a mini screen in front of them, but that's a lot of work.  It was in Italian and all the songs seemed to run together.  I think I need to see one in French so I don't have to focus quite as hard on the subtitles.  No matter, the performers were so unbelievably talented.  I can't believe they can produce those sounds from their diaphragms.  There were no fat ladies, but there were some serious divas and their arias were divine.  The sets were also over-the-top.  At one point, they walked a real horse across the stage.

The whole thing felt very glamorous and "old New York".  Opera may not be up everyone's alley, but it is definitely something that should be tried.  I will leave you with one of the most memorable opera quotes, from Pretty Woman, of course:

Old Lady at Opera: Did you like the opera, dear?
Vivian: It was so good, I almost peed my pants!
Edward: She said she liked it better than Pirates of Penzance.

Let's Hear It for the Girls

A big thank you to Sarah Rabin for making me aware of this vid. We all thought the "Jizz in My Pants" SNL Digital Short was cute, but I'm a big fan of the ladies' response: "Puke in My Mouth". It's remarkably well done and the lyrics are great. Sometimes a guy is not quite as fly as he thinks an it causes a little vom to creep up. We've all been there, am I right gals?