Things that make me happy... Homeland

Things that make me happy... Homeland on Showtime

Homeland is a TV drama that follows a CIA agent named Carrie Mathison (played by Claire Danes) as she investigates a rescued prisoner or war named Nicholas Brody (actor Damien Lewis) who she suspects is a terrorist turned by the enemy. The Showtime series just finished its second series and is the plot is still going strong. Homeland won six Emmy awards in 2012 included TV Best Drama, Best Actor for Lewis, and Best Actress for Danes. 

 The show has the feel of Kiefer Sutherland's 24 but with more suspense since in season one there are so many unknowns and multiple plot lines to follow. But Danes character is more complex because she doubts her sanity at times due to a medical condition. She consistently follow her instincts despite the rules which puts her at odds with her superiors in the Agency.

The character Brody is played to perfection by Lewis as a war hero returned from capture but with the subject of Carrie's suspicions. But by the end of the Season when much is revealed there is still doubt in this character which sets up the second season.

Pros

1. The team that brought you "24" is responsible for this high paced drama. It delivers.

2. Plot twist and great lead cast. Danes and Lewis are top notch in this series.

3. The relationships that evolve in the series are well develop for this type of thriller drama. You get invested in characters along the way.

Cons

1. This series is on Showtime... So it is time you order it. It's just one of many shows worth watching including Dexter, House of Lies, and Weeds.

2. The subject of this series is terrorism in America. It is a bit disturbing to think that art may be imitating life. This series may touch a bit close to home for some in a post 911 world.

S.F. Guru

Things that make me happy... Breaking Bad

Things that make me happy... Breaking Bad on AMC

Breaking Bad has been on TV since 2008 on AMC and was one of the best kept secrets on TV. But the secret is out... if you pay attention to the Emmy awards. Much like Battlestar Galactica on SciFy or Madmen on AMC, its a great show on a cable channel with limited viewers. But there is no doubt that it is one of the best dramas on TV over the past 4 years.

Bryan Cranston stars as Walter White, a high school chemistry teacher that becomes a Crystal Meth drug dealer.  Aaron Paul is Jesse Pinkman his former high school student, a drug user, and his partner in their criminal dealings.  What makes this series work is the realism and dark humor of trying to run an illegal drug operation while hiding this from your friends and family.  The series is filled with awkward moments, amateur mistakes, and tragic misunderstanding as they build their criminal empire.

The writers explores the morality of criminals and whether ends justify the means. The supporting characters add dramatic depth to the series and round out this outstanding ensemble cast. But the stars are Pinkman and Cranston both give their best performances and drive the series at a frantic pace.

Too funny.. But you'll get the point of the series.

Breaking Bad Tribute (Story Line summary - Spoiler Alert)

I am the one who knocks...

Pros
1. Excellent drama. Great Plots. Gifted Actors.
2. The style of storing telling is amazing.
3. The progression of the main characters. Each season they change.

Cons
1. Very dark drama. Its extremely violent and not for kids or those with that are faint of heart.
2. Its on AMC... If you know the channel number by heart... I'm amaze.

If you want to catch up on a great drama, Breaking Bad is worth a watch.

S.F. Guru

Things that make me happy... Silver Linings Playbook

Things that make me happy... Silver Linings Playbook... the movie

This Oscar season is well underway and filled with another set of star studded movies. Silver Linings Playbook stars Bradley Cooper as Pat Solitano, a bipolar husband whose wife has left him after he was committed to mental health hospital for eight month. Jennifer Lawrence costars as Tiffany, a recent widow and sister of a friend's wife.  They develop an interesting relationship is both heart warming and chaotic as they help each other cope with the challenges in their lives.  But the funny thing about life... there is always a silver lining.

First of all, this movie is smart, funny, and quite heart warming. But it also deals with the realities of families that must cope with mental illness. Robert De Niro stars as Pat Solitano Sr. and gives a great performance as a father struggling to deal with his son's condition. To round out the cast, Chris Tucker is Danny's friend the hospital and Tucker brings is controlled maniac comedic energy to the big screen in this great comeback role and hopefully this is a sign of a more to come in the future for this talented comedian.

The story is definitely a romantic comedy full with ups and down and several dramatic scene that will be sure to get it some consideration for awards. But more importantly, this movies explores how people deal with love, life, and loss. The film is a dark comedy and Cooper is wonderfully charismatic and funny... he still has his Hangover comedic skills at work here. Lawrence is the real surprise of the movie. At first someone may think this is role is miscast, but watch the whole movie and judge for yourself. She holds her own with De Niro and Cooper in several scenes and she might even get a nomination for her work.

Chris Tucker... First film in forever.. and he's good in it. There is potential for more serious roles.

Film Trailer...

Pros
1. The cast is excellent in the movie, but especially Jennifer Lawrence a very unexpected performance from young a surprisingly talented actress. Her she might of stolen the movie in her first scene.
2. The plot of the movie is familiar but the treatment of the mental health is done warmly and with heart. It shows the funny and sad sides of this condition that affects so many families.
3. The "Parley"... Love the word.... and better use to drive the plot.

Cons
1. The Solitanos are Eagle Fans... Okay we will have to ignore this sad fact.
2. This is an art house film so it may not be in many theaters so you might have to look for it. But its a Weinstein film so you know it will get Oscar marketing post Golden Globe.

SF. Guru

Things that make me happy... 9 year old Football Sensation Sam Gordon

Things that make me happy... 9 year old Football Sensation Sam


New Internet Superstar Athlete... Sam Gordon. She only 9 years old and destroying all the guys in her league. 2012... I thought it was the year of the female senator. But obviously this is just the beginning. Go Sam!!

S.F. Guru

Things that make me happy... Men Who Built America

Things that make me happy... Men Who Built America series on the History Channel

The History Channel has featured a amazing mini-series called Men Who Built America this fall.  The eight hour docudrama focuses on the lives of five legendary business giants. The series is broadcasted in four episodes and is available on demand currently.

But first... Test your knowledge of history with this quick trivia quiz at the link below.

http://www.history.com/shows/men-who-built-america/interactives/men-who-built-america-trivia-quiz

What is interesting about this documentary is how we delivers the history lessons using special effects, dramatizations, and interviews to tell the story of how America was built through the lives of key business leaders in American history.

So know you've taken the quiz...

The series starts at the end of the civil war in as the country starts to rebuild. The first titan of industry featured is Cornelius Vanderbilt. Vanderbilt became the most powerful man in the country as he built his railroad empire.  The next titan, John D. Rockefeller, takes over the top spot as founder of Standard Oil and creates a oil monopoly with the control of all refinement and distribution of oil in the US.  In the second part of the series Andrew Carnegie builds his steel empire and transform the skylines of America forever. In the third part the fourth legend of industry, J.P. Morgan, becomes the most powerful banker in the US, partners with Thomas Edison to electrify the world.  Lastly Henry Ford brings wheels to the masses as the industrializes the automotive industry. Other historical figures are featured in the series including Westinghouse and Tesla to name a few.

All in all and fan of business history will get a kick out of this documentary that was featured at the Toronto Film Festival this past September.

History Channel Trailer

Vanderbilt Clip

Henry Ford

Pros
1. The story is compelling and keeps your interest for all 8 hours... really!
2. Really cool special effects used. And the the director is very good.
3.  JP Morgan and Rockfeller are total gangsters... Great casting.

Cons
1. The business mogul interviews were not that insightful and kind of boring.
2. Its on the History Channel. Good luck finding it on your cable network.

S.F. Guru

Things that make me happy... Capitol Steps Political Satire

Things that make me happy... Capitol Steps Political Satire Comedy

Its election season. No better time to get your laugh in. The Capital Steps is a political satire comedy troupe that is touring this year in a city near you. The show mocks our political parties and the colorful characters that make up our various branches of government.

Capitol Steps founded in 1981 is celebrating there 30 year of performances. They have produced 30 comedy album and have performed on radio and TV shows. 

1st Presidential Debate Redo...

Barack performs - Disney's Under the Sea

Perry and Bush skit

You can find out more about Capitol Steps at http://www.capsteps.com
Includes listing of their live tour dates and locations.

Pros
1. This is funny as hell. A must if you like political humor.
2. The sketches are set to music. They are quick and clever.
3. These performers are funny and can sing... This format works for them.

Cons
1. Not a big stage production. Don't expect special effects or lighting here.
2. A bit hard to find since they play in small venues with limited marketing. Listen to your local NPR station for a show near you.
3. This is not for the "Fox News" fans unless you have a politically neutral funny bone. Then you will enjoy anyways.


SF Guru

Things that make me happy... Esperanza Spaulding

Things that make me happy... Esperanza Spaulding

She composes, she plays, she sings, and she scats... my newest musical crush has to be Jazz performer Esperanza Spaulding.

Now I didn't grow up in any of Jazz's legendary periods like Big Band, Bebop, or Avant Garde, but I've been a fan of Jazz for the past 20 years (yes... I've got the achy bones to prove it.) But the good news is that Jazz has continued to evolve. Today its infused in the music of hip hop and soul artists like Q-tip, Outkast, Eryka Badu, and Jill Scott. But Spaulding is a new voice that updates the classic sounds of pure Jazz with a contemporary spin that is bring new fans to this American musical art form. Esperanza's music contains many influences. Most notably -- the music of Brazil, which is prominently featured  on her 2009 self titled album.

New Music Alert:: Radio Music Society
So much happening on this album... Its part Jazz, part Pop, all Esperanza!!
1. Radio Song - The theme song of the album. Fun beat and playful to sing along. "if like to.. Because you need toooo..."
2. Cinnamon Tree - Classic Jazz ballet... One of my favorites.
3. Crowned & Kissed - R&B infused Jazz. Tribute to those everyday "kings and queens"
4. Land Of the Free -
5. Black Gold - Great song... More classic R&B sounds
6. I Can't Help it - Back on the Jazz sound...
7. Hold On Me
8. Vague Suspicions
9. Endangered Species
10. Let Her
11. City of Roses
12. Smile Like That - More vocals on some great instrumentals

The 28 years old bassist got her first major award under her belt -- the 2011 Grammy for best new artist. A first for a jazz musician. But at the pace she's going. It won't be the last. And as Jazz finds a new generation of fans, Esperanza Spaulding will be leading the new Jazz revolution.

Black Gold...

At the White House... Overjoyed!!! She rocks this performance.

Crowned and Kissed Video

Little Fly Video

Pros
1. Great musical talent. Her fresh vocals aren't even her best talent.
2. Jazz music is still classy
3. R&B and Jazz fans will find a song to like

Cons
1. Its Jazz... not everyone's cup of tea
2. A few songs are inspiring. But no can get it right all the time.


SF. Guru

Things that make me happy... NYC Food & Wine Festival

Things that make me happy... NYC Food & Wine Festival & The Food Bank of New York City

http://www.nycwineandfoodfestival.com

This is the 5th year of the NYC Food & Wine Festival and it kicks off on Thursday October 11th. The festival is a celebration of food and spirits and features celebrity and local chefs at venues all over the city throughout the weekend. Similar to their sister festival in Miami, this festival supports hunger relief programs. This year's festival proceeds go to the Food Bank of New York and Share our Strength charities.

One of the best events of the weekend had to be Thursday night's Shake & Bake event hosted by Whoppi Goldberg and sponsored by Whole Foods. Guest DJ, Questlove took a night off from his regular gig with Jimmy Fallon to DJ the event and was in top form spinning tunes from classic funk, R&B and some deep house music. The event was at the Yotel hotel in midtown area.

If this was a Iron Chef battle the main ingredient would have to be Chicken!! Each of the 20+ chefs made there signature chicken (some did desserts) for the hungry crowd. In addition, several signature cocktails and wine were available for those that attended the event. After all the food was sampled, the night ended with a dance party to work off the calories consumed during the event.

Menu

Buttermilk Fried Chicken and Collard Greens
chicken thigh marinated in a blend of herbs and spices and submerged in buttermilk and braised collard greens in smoked ham stock

Bell Book & Candle, Chef John Mooney

Deep Fried Chicken Thigh Burger and Harvest Salad
deep fried chicken thigh burger with spicy aioli and salad of seasonal ingredients

Barbuto, Chef Jonathan Waxman

Backhendl and Potato Arugula Salad
golden fried chicken and potato arugula salad

Blaue Gans, Chef Kurt Gutenbrunner


Liquid Klondike

covered with chocolate and potato chip crunchies,

devils food cake, and chocolate potato chip cookie

Catch, Chef Thiago Silva

Buttermilk Dipped Fried Chicken

Dirty Bird To Go, Chef Justin Crooks

Sherry Glazed Fried Chicken and  Sugar Snap Peas and Potato Cream
crispy chicken coated in a sweet and sour sherry glaze and marinated and julienned sugar snap peas with fingerling potato cream

Edi and the Wolf, Chef Edi Frauneder

S'mores Pie
Graham Cracker Crust, Milk Chocolate Custard, Homemade Toasted Marshmallow

First Prize Pies, Chef Allison Kave

Buttermilk Brined Fried Chicken & Waffles with Ancho Honey Butter and Maple Syrup

Hill Country Chicken, Chef Elizabeth Karmel

Buttermilk Fried Chicken and Joanne's Pecorino Waffle
buttermilk fried chicken and waffle, Pecorino cheese, crispy Salumi, Burton's Farm Maple Syrup

Joanne Trattoria, Chef Art Smith

Matzo Meal Crusted Drumsticks and Buttermilk Biscuit
drumsticks coated in Matzo meal and spices and house made buttermilk biscuits served with wildflower honey butter

JoeDoe & JoeDough, Chef Joe Dobias

Fried Chicken and Mac & Cheese
buttermilk & honey fried chicken and Mac & Cheese

Ken & Cook, Chef Richard Diamonte

Fried Chicken and Kimchi Coleslaw
Korean style fried soy garlic or spicy chicken and Korean pickled cabbage salad

MONO + MONO, Chef Myung Jin Chung

Korean Fried Chicken Tacos and New Potato Salad
Korean fried chicken tacos with Gochujang salsa, cabbage slaw and potato salad with roasted corn, red onion, caper Aioli

Richard Sandoval Restaurants, Chef Richard Sandoval

Fried Yard Bird and Auntie's Slaw
a Red Rooster take on an American Classic and Auntie's Slaw

Red Rooster Harlem, Chef Marcus Samuelsson

Pumpkin Spice & Gluten-Free Candied Yam Cookies
An autumnal duo -- Pumpkin cookies with cranberries, fall spices and a maple buttercream frosting & Gluten-free sweet potato cookies with pecans and cinnamon, topped with toasted marshmallow

Schmackary's, Chef Zachary Schmahl

Seersucker Fried Chicken with Carolina Benne Seeds & Kentucky Soy-Sorghum Dipping Sauce and Late Summer Slaw
chicken thighs with Carolina benne seeds and Kentucky soy-sorghum dipping sauce and Carroll Gardens Greenmarket seasonal vegetable slaw

Seersucker, Chef Robert Newton

Brûléed Sweet Potato Pie
sweet potato pie with a brûléed candy top served with spiked brandy whipped cream

The Blue Stove, Chef Rachel McBride

Fried Chicken & Waffle Cone
hand made waffle cones rolled and stuffed with mashed potatoes, shredded cabbage, fried chicken and topped with heavenly burnt onion chow chow and black pepper honey

The Brooklyn Star, Chef Joaquin Baca

Fried Chicken and Potato Latke with Jalapeño Apple Mash and Maple Syrup

The Smith, Chef Glenn Harris

Malay Fried Chicken and Cucumber Salad
coconut fried chicken with spicy Sambal and spicy and tangy home style pickled cucumber ribbon

WONG, Chef Simpson Wong

Jalapeno, Cheddar Cornbread with a Maple Bacon Bourbon compound Butter served with Butternut Squash Soup garnished with Crème Fresh and Sage

Whole Foods Market

Pros
1. Sampling of various dishes was fun.. check out the menu above...
2. Drinks included and they were awesome. Lots of stuff to try.
3. The music and DJ - Questlove... nuff said.
4. The venue and the organization was perfect. Inside and outside space with plenty of room to mingle. No trouble or hassle getting into the event.

Cons
1. A little pricey for some, but money well spent especially for such a good cause. over $1M raised last year to end hunger. Can't be made at that.
2. If you feel a little guilty about enjoying such good food while some people are struggling with hunger... You can always do something about it. Volunteer or donate... http://www.foodbanknyc.org

This made me think a little about a quote I heard about food and hunger...

"One cup of food a day changes Fabian’s life completely. But this morning, about a billion people on Earth — or one out of every seven — woke up and didn’t even know how to fill this cup. One out of every seven people.” - Josette Sheeran

Check out her out... http://www.ted.com/talks/josette_sheeran_ending_hunger_now.htmlEnding Hunger Now


But this was a great event for a worthy cause. If you get a chance to check out one of the many events at the Festival... I think its worth doing something to help to end hunger now.


SF. Guru

Things that makes me happy... Detropia the Movie

Things that make me happy... Detropia a documentary film by Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady.

A "collage of Detroit" is what best describes Detropia, a insightful film about the current reality facing the once thriving city of Detroit.  This film is for anyone that is from, visited, or cared about Detroit and the many other cities like it that have experience the effects of lost (good paying) jobs in a ever changing business landscape.

Detropia won at Sundance Film festival for best editing in a US Documentary and will be featured on PBS in the near future. The directors Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady spend over a year in the city meeting its people and capturing the ever present decay of the city.  They show the city council debates around redistricting, impact on the lower income residents, and the drought of middle class jobs. The movie addresses the racial overtones of the cities demise by tiptoeing around the exit of the white middle class over the past 50 years to the suburbs. The lack of investment and the lost of the automobile jobs help to accelerate the urban collapse.

What the film does not do is following a typical path of this type of story where the there is a clear path of hope in the end. It ends with a question for the audience... If this can happen to Motown, can it happen to any main street city?

Movie Trailer...

Interview with director

Interview with Directors...

Pros
1. Great editing and cinematography and handles the dire subject with respect for the people and and the city.
2. Tommy Stephens the owner of Raven Lounge. As charismatic as he is wise is the heart and soul of the film.
3. This is a suspense movie... Will Detroit survive? If so how?
4. A great intellectual vitamin for those that aren't aware of what is happening in many towns across across America.

Cons
1. No solutions... don't expect a Cinderella Story... This city still got problems.
2. Tough stuff to watch... a not so pleasant side of modern "main street".


SF Guru

Things that make me happy... Bike Vermont

Things that make me happy... Bike Vermont

Since the summer starts with a bike ride (5 Boro NYC Bike Tour) it makes sense to end it with one.  Vermont is not just a great destination for skiing in the winter, it is also a great destination in the fall for biking, checking out New England, and checking out some fall foliage.

Bike Vermont http://bikevt.com/index.aspx is a great bike tour company that focuses on delivering a safe and enjoyable riding experience. If you use them ask for Frank and Toni as guides (they are awesome!!) For anyone that haven't ridden in a while no fear, Vermont is fairly flat with some small hills spread around a beautiful landscape. The ride is all about you and you can take the van anytime you want (no shame). A typical day one ride is about 35 miles (with an optional 11 mile addition for those wanting more). Day two is about 25 miles. They also have multi-day tours available locally or in other cities around the world.

 Vermont is picturesque in the Fall. In late September the daytime weather is about 70 which is perfect for riding. Its not too crowded and the roads are biker friendly. There are plenty of small towns to visit while riding. Woodstock, Plymouth, and Quechee (to name a few) are great for stopping for food and shopping.

 Dam it!! That's darn pretty.

 Glass Blowing Artist...

No hot air jokes here... he's working.

If you need a place to stay -- October Country Inn

Great times, great people.

 Scenic views for days...

 Nice foliage... Fall is coming.

 Going to check out Coolidge's crib...

Yes... this is New England...

If you want take a local trip for some cool site seeing, Vermont is a great destination.

Pros
1. Bike friendly roads
2. Great New England town with lots of Vermont cheese and maple syrup sample and buy.
3. Bike Vermont is a great tour company. No drama... easy going with great support and nice guides
4. World class Bed and Breakfast type inn. Meet new people from all over.

Con
1. About 5 hours from NYC... Not a bad drive tho...
2. Vermont is not a party scene... things close down early


S.F. Guru

Things that make me happy... Electric Zoo Festival

Things that make me happy... Electric Zoo Festival

There are so many things to do in NYC on Labor Day weekend, US Open, West Indian Labor Day Parade on Eastern Parkway, and for those able and ready.... the Electric Zoo Festival.

I've done all sorts of music festivals in my life, but Electric Zoo (aka the Zoo) is definitely one of the most unique events for those that want to sweat and dance to the beats of Electronica under open sky.

The Electric Zoo Festival is a three day event on Randall island that feature top dance music djs from around the world. This year featured David Guetta, Pretty Lights, Axwell, Benny Benassi, and the international sensation Tiesto. Watching 90k plus people sweating it out with the NYC skyline in the background is one of the best ways to spend a long weekend. This year Tiesto was the feature DJ on the main stage on Sunday and night and rocked the crowd to many of his favorites.

Tiesto

The best parts of this year show had to be the 4 venues with live music and the energy of the crowd. No drama... just people have fun. All ages, all types moving to the same beat... almost.

David Guetta Opening Night

Tiesto Closing Night

Skrillex - Promises

Some random video from the Zoo...

Pros
1. Great Music - and the best open air music system I've ever heard.
2. Fun venue - Randall Island
3. Fun people watching and the best outfits

Cons
1. Better be ready for a crowd... When the music is pumping the crowd is jamming.
2. Be ready to sweat... It's hard not to dance to this music.... and yes dubstep rocks!!

So for anyone around next Labor day weekend and want to check out something different... Check out NY other famous Zoo... on Randall Island.

SF Guru

Things that make me happy... Horsin' Around Stamford exhibit

Things that make me happy... Horsin' Around Stamford exhibit

One of the best ideas I've seen cities do to add culture to the downtown areas are public exhibits in the streets. Stamford CT has done this for many years and is a fixture during the summer season. This year's exhibit is called "Horsin' Around." There are 40 painted horse sculpture exhibits by 29 artist all around downtown stamford. Its great for walking around town to view the different artworks and grab a lunch or some ice cream somewhere.

Link to map and exhibit description...
http://www.stamford-downtown.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=124

Every city should have a Hospitality Horse - Welcome to Stamford

Not every horse can be a Trailblazer

 Don't be a One Trick Pony...

Poseidon Creation proves that some horses can swim

This Sea Glass Horse is watching traffic

One lap around the Winner's Circle for this horse.

 Don't get stung by Horse and Buggies... A young art student.

One of the prettiest horses Fire meets water and night merged with day... Entwined

Who has this horse Chasing Windmills?

I don't get this one... Good luck with Horse Fleye

Don't get caught by the cops with The Skate Horse

 Rockin' Horse at Alive at Five.

 The Shimmering Stallion shines in daylight.

It don't know much about growing this Foal of Flora

 Salute to the city's own Freedom Horse...

There is nothing better than a Midsummer Neigh's Dream

No better view than Soaring over Stamford...

Downtown has a new leader Equus Ceasar

Who left this Maremaid in this fountain?

Solar Power Horse (Day and Night)

Midnight showing off in midday

Our country tis of thee... Nothing better than an American Beauty... Sweet Land of Liberty

Who doesn't love a Crazy Horse..

Every beautiful bridesmaid needs a Groom's Mare at their side

Horsepower... Clever

Even horse have their own Diva Gait

Things of fairy tales... My Knight in Shining Armor

 One of my favorites... Book Ends. In front of Ferguson Library.

Not the most efficient way to be a Globe Trotter... Planes are better.

Every nerd childhood dream to own The Ion Horse (correct spelling)

Come play some Horseshoes with me...

Before you leave check out the Mane Attraction... downtown Stamford at its finest.

Great idea for an fun game of art bingo. Print our list of names and see if you friends can figure out which horse they find. Give a 1 hour time limit and see who finds and guest the most. Winner gets free drinks from the loser... And you get some exercise in the process... about 1.5 mile walk to find all horses.

So who said getting a little culture, viewing some pretty good art, and getting some exercise can't go together. Exhibit disappears after Labor day so check it out before they are gone. Enjoy Horsin' Around in Downtown Stamford!!!

SF Guru