What To Add To Your Netflix This Week...

Corpse Bride (2005)

Set in 19th-century Europe, Tim Burton's animated tale centers on Victor (voiced by Johnny Depp), a young man who, just as he's about to wed Victoria (Emily Watson), is sucked into the underworld by the Corpse Bride (Helena Bonham-Carter), who desires Victor for herself. Victor is fascinated by the Land of the Dead, but nothing can stop him from trying to return to his true love. Albert Finney and Christopher Lee also lend their voices.
Starring: Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, MoreDirector: Tim Burton, More


For some scary images and action, and brief mild language

Happy Chinese New Year!

It's year of the dog, so go party like a pug. :)

OK...Enough of Iraq - Another Silly Roadsign For You

As a thank you for putting up with the Iraq blurbs, Z. Madison is proud to bring you another silly sign approved by a community board in some bullshit red state, I'm sure...

It's a Fucking 3 Ring Circus...

I hope you've had the chance to follow the Saddam trial (another Iraq blip, I know...). It's more entertaining to me than the Michael Jackson/OJ/Flava of Love trainwreck rolled up together.

Snippet of the latest insanity that happened in court...

In the opening moments of the proceedings, which had been delayed five days while two new judges were seated, Rahman told the court that "political speeches" would not be tolerated. Hassan, Hussein's half brother and former chief of intelligence, began to challenge the court's legitimacy, calling it the "daughter of a whore."

"I will not allow you to insult this court," Abdel-Rahman said.
After an exchange, Hassan was dragged from the courtroom. Several defense team lawyers stood, and one attorney began screaming at Abdel-Rahman

The judge had the attorney removed from the court, leading the rest of the defense team to say they were leaving.

Hussein protested after Abdel-Rahman brought court-appointed defense attorneys in. "I don't want these lawyers, and if they insist on staying here, they are evil," he said.

Abdel-Rahman told Hussein he could leave, but if he did not, he would be thrown out.

Hussein walked out.

Seriously, this trial is turning into a fucking 3 ring circus with people being dragged out, the court being called a Whore's Daughter, everyone walking out...It's ridiculous.

God only knows what tomorrow will bring...

Pull Through, Guys

To hear that Bob Woodruff and his cameraman were involved in a roadside bombing, was disheartening. I like Bob and think that not only was he a good choice to replace (with Elizabeth Vargas) Peter Jennings, who I adored, but that he is an excellent reporter.

I won't get up on a soapbox to lambast the reasons I think we should never have attacked Iraq (where are those elusive WMDs, W?), but now that we're there, we've gotta see it through. I'm grateful that the brave reporters/cameramen/journalists are able to be embedded with troops so that we can truly see what is going on. We all know it's a hotbed of danger over there, and I salute all those bringing us a daily wrap-up.

So, here's hoping these guys pull through and are able to keep doing the great, and important job they do so well.

The F Train Follies

You've probably heard about the Hispsters' gripes about the L Train lately. It seems that for 6 straight months there's construction planned on the line and our mullet/fullet wearing friends can't get around...A few of the better conversations overheard regarding their dilemma lately...

Guy #1: We goin' uptown or downtown?
Guy #2: Nigga, we goin' sideways.
--L train

Girl: I went to Boston this weekend. Mostly just to avoid the L train.
--Williamsburg

Guy: I can't believe I was cockblocked by the L train.
--Union Square

PS - Here's your update for this weekend's construction:
Rockaway Pkwy-bound trains skip Sutter Av All times, 12:01 AM Sat, Feb 4 to 5 AM Mon, Mar 27

No trains between Broadway Junction and 8 AvWeekend, 12:01 AM Sat to 5 Am Mon, Jan 28 - 30

Shuttle buses replace trains between Rockaway Pkwy and Broadway JunctionWeekend, 12:01 AM Sat to 5 AM Mon, Feb 4 - 6

Reason Why Brooklyn Rocks #4,285

Store girl: Here's your receipt and have a happy holiday!
Store guy: The holidays are over.
Store girl: Valentine's Day is coming up.

--Mazzone True Value Hardware, Carroll Gardens
Overheard by: Rob

From our friends at www.overheardinnewyork.com

I'm obsessed with this site. True slice of nyc life...

Do Not Fuck With Oprah

I haven't read A Million Little Pieces by James Frey. I should state that upfront. But, I feel bad for the guy. Here is, undoubtedly, a great story. It's been hailed as a piece of literature that has resonated with all types of people trying to overcome an obstacle in their lives. It's based on his beating the addiction to alcohol and crack; his voyages through rehab and sobriety.

Now, I don't know about you, but there's some black spots through my college years and other debaucherous evenings that are a bit hazy. And that's just alcohol.

This man did CRACK.

Of course not everything that happened is going to be ver baitum in his book. Isn't the essence of his story what's important? Flipping through it, I did find the style with which he wrote to be refreshing - it appeared to be a constant stream of thought, like he was telling you a story.

But, then again, I am not all powerful Oprah. O doesn't like to made a fool of. And man, was she pissed at Frey today.

She blasted his character and made him call himself a "LIAR" at least 10 times. Every time he tried to explain that he embellished in parts, she stopped him and deadpanned, "NO - you LIED - SAY IT!". O was taking no shit. The poor guy looked like he wished he'd he'd be calling a crack dealer for a fix as soon as the show wrapped. I won't even go into describing the toolbags who rained their superiority complexes in a shit storm gleefully arranged by O herself.

Now readers, I ask you - Was it an inspirational book? Was it meant to be taken as 100% truth? Should the poor guy be run out of town like a dog with its tail between its legs? Should O have cut him a little bit more of a break?

Another Questionable City Council Approval

Sorry, I just couldn't help myself...

Bumpwatch 2006

Updated Angie and Gwen photos for you...US Weekly and In Touch are at war over the sex of little Brangelina Joile-Pitt's sex (US = boy/IT = Girl) and the rumor du joir is that JLo's preggers. She's been spotted in Barney's buying an arsenal of designer baby duds...

Apparently, They'll Give These Things Out To Anybody

The Hollywood Walk Of Fame Stars are world renowned as recognition of a film or tv star's iconic status. Lately, there's been a few ceremonies that have called the legitimacy of these concrete slabs into question. But, today's recipients take the cake.

Those bad boy self admitted man-whores of Girls, Girls, Girls fame today received the 2,301st star. That's right - Motley Crue is on the walk of Fame. WTF?

At least their slab was positioned in a fitting location (across the street from the Erotica Museum and Fredrick's of Hollywood...

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/P/PEOPLE_MOTLEY_CRUE?SITE=1010WINS&SECTION=ENTERTAINMENT&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

PS - If the VHI Behind the Music Special didn't fully scratch your Crue itch, be sure to check out this biography, The Dirt ...

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0060392886/ref=sib_rdr_dp/104-5550947-5536738?%5Fencoding=UTF8&me=ATVPDKIKX0DER&no=283155&st=books&n=283155

What To Add To Your Netflix This Week...

Newly released and recommended by Z. Madison....(and no, it's not because there's a pug on the movie poster - and you know I love me some pugs!)

The Aristocrats (2005)

From comedians Paul Provenza (who directed) and Penn Jillette (half of the notorious Penn & Teller duo) comes a fascinating documentary that opens a window on the world of the working comic, offering unprecedented backstage access. The premise is simple enough: More than 100 comedians (including big-name stars and lesser-known talents) tell the same raunchy vaudeville joke more than 100 times -- with about 100 different results.
Starring: Robin Williams, Sarah Silverman, MoreDirector: Paul Provenza

Unrated. This movie has not been rated by the MPAA.

www.rottontomatoes.com gave it a 79% fresh rating!

http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/aristocrats/

What idiots have seats on this community's city council?

And more importantly, how can I get my own "EZ Street" approved and posted?

Long Live THE HOFF

For some reason those crazy Germans just love themselves some David Hasselhoff...For those of you that don't know, The Hoff is a solo vocal superstar (in Germany - where else) and did a remake of "Hooked on a Feeling" a few years ago that apparently was a big hit in spots across 'the pond'.

Z. Madison's uncovered a link to the video thanks to our friends at www.Dlisted.com

To quote them: "This is seriously some of the weirdest shit I've ever seen. It should be in MOMA or something, because it's so fucking bad it's avant garde. My favorite part is when David flies through the air with two angel children. [Watch this piece of shit!]"

Yankees fans are the best...Reason #3,861

Remember when a drunken David Wells was sucker punched by some pissed off guy at a deli at 6am on the Upper East Side? Well, the puncher had his day in court today. I'm loving the news coverage of his appearance:

"Rocco Gracious (Is that his pimp name or seriouly for real???), who came to Manhattan Criminal Court wearing a dark blue, cotton velvet, athletic warm-up suit, didn't have much to say. "I'm not in a very good mood today,'' he replied when asked how he was doing."

http://1010wins.com/topstories/local_story_023130357.html

Now, die had yanks fan that I am, should I have encountered the drunk orge that is Wells in the wee hours after a few too many myself, (hell should I have found myself - gasp - on the UPPER EAST SIDE in the wee hours of a sat/sun morning) might have taken a swing at him too...but come on - show some self respect. A track suit and your plea is "I'm not in a very good mood today"???

Then again, what a class act that Wells is...A burly, tattooed left-hander whose mother once dated the president of the local chapter of the Hell's Angels, Wells is a tough pitcher with great control, a love of heavy metal music, and a flair for the unconventional. Upon joining the Yankees in 1997, he unsuccessfully petitioned his new club for Babe Ruth's number "3" (long retired) and later in the year was chastised for wearing one of the Babe's caps during a game. He often annoyed managers with a reluctance to get in shape and various off-the-field antics, including a broken finger suffered in a bar brawl before the 1998 season. Despite the injury, Wells didn't miss any action; in fact, he made history that May when he became only the second Yankee ever to throw a perfect game. In front of a packed house (most lured by the promise of free Beanie Babies) Wells became only the second pitcher in history to throw a perfect game at Yankee Stadium. Until then, Wells had never allowed fewer than three hits in a game as a starter. His secret? "I didn't take creatine," Wells revealed in an interview with Penthouse published the following year. "I drank beer, and I had a career year." Despite the storybook season, Wells was dealt back to the Blue Jays shortly after reporting to spring training in February 1999. Shocked and dismayed at leaving New York, Wells hurled expletives at reporters and raised his middle finger for photographers while taking a physical at Toronto's spring training camp but insisted he held no bitterness towards his former team.

Kinda makes it hard to root for either guy doesn't it?

Drew Boobgate Update

Now see, this is why I love the girl...she went on SNL this past weekend to spoof herself, and her uh 'golden globes'...

http://www.youtube.com/w/Drew-Barrymore-No-Bra-SNL?v=cnMHlRiyIbk&eurl=

The F Train Follies

(Technically, not the F train, but MTA nonetheless...)

Picture yourself going about your normal commuting routine on a Friday Morning. You step onto a Northbound Q train and at around 14th street/Union Square, you notice something amiss. As the cars hooked a curve and the idiot driver accelerates, everyone on the train lurches uncontrollably. Everyone, that is but the guy slumped sleeping in the seat across from you...

http://1010wins.com/topstories/local_story_021064550.html

Karma's a Bitch...

Did you hear about this guy?...During a Browns/Steelers game last week, a rowdy fan ran onto the field, was tackled by a Steeler player and arrested. He was sentenced to 3 days in jail - and here's where karma becomes a bitch and the presiding judge becomes my comic hero - the 3 days are over Superbowl weekend. He will be denied any media access during the big game. Municipal Court Judge Joan Synenberg also ordered Mallett not to attend Browns games in Cleveland or any other city for five years as a condition of his probation. Sucka!

http://www.cnn.com/2006/US/01/18/fan.jailed.ap/index.html

Be sure to watch the clip of the Steelers' linebacker body slamming the fool...

He did it his way...

Sadly, our 5-ton curious traveler has not made it back out to the North Sea.
Here's hoping he's now enjoying all the city sites in that big ocean in the sky.

http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/europe/01/21/britain.whale/index.html

What to Add to Your Netflix this week...

DVD newly released this week that Z. Madison Recommends:

Enron: The Smartest Guys In the Room

Based on the book of the same name by Peter Elkin, director Alex Gibney's documentary takes a behind-the-scenes look at the powerful energy company whose downfall forever changed the landscape of the business world. With a blend of fascinating footage, fast-paced interviews and a wealth of information, this film is a serious lesson in the potential trappings of dishonesty and unethical behavior dogging corporate America today.
Starring: Peter Coyote, Gray Davis, MoreDirector: Alex Gibney


Rated: R, For language and some nudity

Rottentomatoes.com gives it a 97% fresh rating!

http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/enron_the_smartest_guys_in_the_room/

Dumpwatch 2006

As a compliment to Bumpwatch 2006, Z. Madison is proud to bring you Dumpwatch 2006, where we will place bets on which tabloid fodder twosome will be next to head to Splitsville. Suggestions are welcome...

Z. Madison's guesses:
TomKat

Reese and Phillipe
Fergie and Josh (that hottie from the show Vegas)

Britney/KFed and Paris/Anyone were too easy...

I thought Chicago was supposed to be the Windy City?

Love of God, I almost got blown over trying to get my lunch. Be careful out there kids!!!

From our friends at www.1010wins.com : "Winds gusting up to 68 mph per hour caused commuter havoc Wednesday morning, affecting railroads, bridges, ferries and airports, and leaving thousands in the region without power."

Upate: Seriously - this wind is deadly:

http://1010wins.com/topstories/local_story_018065701.html

Why Drew Why???

Such a pretty and talented girl...Such a ghastly outfit to wear to the Golden Globes...

The F train Follies

If you're like me, the MTA makes you feel like its bitch at least 3x a week. The next time you're late for work or utterly flabbergasted as to why you encountered one billion 'red signals', take out your revenge by creating your own mock MTA Service disruption sign.

www.whereandy.com

Fun Fact Of The Day

The first man-made object to break the sound barrier was a whip.

Have fun trying this at home kids...

Bumpwatch 2006

Something's in the water...All of Hollywood is abuzz about these bumps. As recent baby name trends show, our celebs tend to go out-of-the-box when it comes to naming their little ones. What are your best guesses for these famous-kids-to-be?
Gwyneth Paltrow Gwen Stefani Angelina Joile