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'Kite Runner' Author's Incredible New Book, 'And The Mountains Echoed'

2013-06-03T16:03:00.001-04:00

I first read Khaled Hosseini's The Kite Runner in 2008 and vividly remember being unable to stop reading, even wanting to sight-see while on vacation. I naturally gave A Thousand Splendid Suns a try, but was never able to get into it, never quite reading past page 40.

When I first heard Hosseini had a new book coming out, And The Mountains Echoed, I knew it'd be the top of Summer list and I ended up finishing the 400-page book in less than a week (a new record for myself).

My favorite character had to be Idris, who's inner-conflict is coming to terms with the contrast behind his fortunate lifestyle in the Bay Area with his visit to see refugees in Afghanistan. After coming back from his trip, he keeps thinking of a little girl in the hospital he had helped and promised to bring to the U.S. for a surgery. But then his busy American life got in the way. He began to feel guilt. Guilt for his two children's fortunate lifestyle, with screens in their car, and a newly planned surround sound system in his house. He ultimately never gets around to doing what he promised, and it turns out in a way, where he's undoubtedly going to be haunted by it for the rest of his life.

The most compelling character was Nila Wahdati, a restless Afghani housewife who finds herself buying a child, one of the main characters in the book, and ending up in Paris with her daughter. The story goes on as she ages and expands all the way to the point in which her daughter herself becomes old and has grandchildren.

The part that I wasn't crazy about was the Greek doctor and having to spend so much time in the Greek islands. It took away from the plot and distracted the main story. Prior to that, nearly every storyline was relevant to our two main characters, the siblings. Instead, I would have spent more time with Abdullah in the Bay Area as opposed to back pedaling to it through Pari's adult eyes.

One of the reasons I love Hosseini's work is the way he often juxtaposes the U.S. living standard with a place like Afghanistan. And if you read his Wiki page, you'll completely understand why he's inspired to do that. More interestingly, however may be how their quality of life changes throughout time. And how the decisions we make now, can effect not only us and our future generations, but people we could have never imagined, nor realized.

Surprisingly, this novel even has parallels to David Brooks' The Social Animal.

Six Reasons To Love NYC's Citi Bikes

2013-05-31T08:45:00.002-04:00

By: Alex D.

Mixed reviews have come out during the opening week of NYC's highly-anticipated Citi Bike Share program, but what's not to love?

1. In it's opening week, annual passholders exclusively get to ride. This means that no Joe Schmoe, or European tourists can simply swipe their AmEx and join you for a spin.

2. It saves you so much time. And I'm not just saying compared to walking. Many of my rides, I find myself ripping through the red lights (where there's obviously no oncoming traffic) as cabbie and other vehicles have to sit and wait. In only 3 days of riding, I've become absuredly spoiled with my expectations of getting around, sometimes biking as short of a distance as 6 blocks.

3. It's so frickin' cheap, costing only $95 for an annual membership of unlimited use. A monthly unlimited Subway pass will cost you $112. Now obviously, the subway can get you from the Bronx to Brooklyn (while the bike can't), however the bike share is perfect for those of us who haven't been to Brooklyn since 2012's Googamooga fiasco and are happy sticking to our Murray Hill comfort zone.

4. You get a lot of attention. From the tour groups pointing, to all the locals walking by in awe as you eject a bike from the rack. Although in my head, I think they're thinking "Wow, what a trailblazer," they may , in actuality be thinking, "What a moron."

5. After only being open for a few days, it's already stirred up romance. There's already more than a dozen Craigslist Missed Connection posts. And that's just a small sample of all the non-missed connections being made by others bonding over the blue frames on wheels.

BTW - one of my favorites:

citibike share dock on spring st - w4m - 25 (SoHo)

I was having trouble getting my bike out of the dock and you wished me luck. You were wearing shades, carrying a yellow bag and you looked like a nice guy. I was the Asian girl wearing a helmet.

6. Riding is so damn fun. For me, it's not about getting from point A to point B, cheaply, easily, and conveniently as much as it is a throwback to growing up on my neighborhood street and going on long bike rides in the Summer.

Do you like the Citi Bikes? Tweet us your thoughts @Eruptin!

Capture Your Life ... For A Year

2013-03-22T10:21:00.001-04:00

With just one second a day, 25-year-old Becky Krause captured her entire life in a 6 minute video. Easy enough right? Except it take a full year to do. She captures memorable occasions such as aging grandmother to news of her sisters' pregnancy, and world news such as the election and Hurricane Sandy. But there's plenty of "everyday moments" that make life exactly that. From subway riders to a coworker walking by her cubicle.

SuperBowls Best Commercials 2013

2013-02-05T00:17:00.001-05:00

By: Liza Dawson, Advertising Exec

Advertising agencies choose a target audience when they strategize creative. Football targets a mostly male audience: A beer-drinking, female-objectifying, male audience. Yes, the Super Bowl has evolved into a widely-received and celebrated, distinctly American event, but if ad execs still must choose a target, the safest bet would be the aforementioned males.

So, when a good amount of television commercials that air during the Super Bowl are made specifically for these guys, why do people act surprised? Sure, they appear antiquated what with women's rights and all, but not every demographic is as socially progressive or savvy as the advertising elite.

With that explanation, I attempt to not hate as freely as I am want to do, on SB47's ever popular commercials. I also will not comment on the unfair replay and delay of certain spots due to NOLA's power problems.

Adweek noted that the "humorous and emotional" ads won last night. Were they expecting many dramatic ones? I don't know. But I also liked the funny ones. The emo ones were nice, sure, but also kind of awkward. You could have subbed any profession into "Farmer" and elicited tears with moving stills, music, and VO. Jeep's salute to the military was overly powerful with Oprah's narration, but would I watch again? No. Here are some comical spots that I still remember, which hopefully means something; in no particular order.

Oreo. Unexpected plots always win me over. Whisper-fighting? Who has ever seen someone angrily whisper "I'm gonna call the cops"?

Taco Bell. Again, unexpected to have a cast of senior citizens. Unexpected to play a hit song, but in another language.

Best Buy. Only because Amy Poehler finally admitted what I've been feeling for my entire professional life. Yes, Amy, it does make us feel uncomfortable when people say the word "dongle." Every day when we present endless decks and pass these things around, and debate whether they are compatible with the projection system, I feel uncomfortable.

Sorry to say it because crowdsourcing threatens the creative business of advertising, but Doritos anthropomorphic goat was awesome. The scary panicky tone worked.

I am afraid I will never get the image of Bar Rafaeli and the "brains" makeout sesh out of my head. It is still singeing the deep recesses of my memory. So it goes in copywriting that your first idea is usually shit. This was definitely GoDaddy's first idea. A simple marriage of brains and beauty. Not even reinvented. And Bar is so, like, 3.5 years ago.

And now if I could put on my advertising professional hat for a moment, I would like to award Samsung's Next Big Thing with top honors for making light of the entire Super Bowl ad pressure frenzy while at the same time driving home their campaign without extremely overt demos or gimmicks. The online teaser spot did just that, and in the broadcast two minute, entire pod spot, I can truly say I was entertained and even forgot the Samsung was selling me something. I laughed not because I was supposed to. In filmmaking, directors often give nods to other films as an inside wink. This was a better version of that. Calling out the ridiculousness of these ads while at the same time, making a brilliant one. That said, I'll never trade my iPhone.

No matter what ratings the commercials received on Adweek, AdAge, USAToday, or CBSSports.com, it was the most-watched Super Bowl ever, which means that all of the advertisers got what they wanted: millions of eyes on their products. And when that happens, everyone is a winner.

That is, unless Beyonce's coma-inducing performance has sent you into shock and wiped your brain completely, male or female.

Lena Dunham Brings Diversity To 'Girls': Smoothly Done?

2013-01-23T11:42:00.000-05:00

Lena Dunham brought Donald Glover into a few episodes in the newest season, after being criticized for the show's lack of diversity.

She even addresses this in her interview following the episode.

But was the addition of his character smoothly played or poorly done?

Henry Kurusz, 29

Scientist

I think it was rushed, seemingly giving Donald Glover (the Gambino himself) only a two episode arc. However, just because it was rushed doesnt mean it was wrong. If this series represents her life, let her do it how she wants. She shouldn't have to create fake aspects of her life to appease the masses.

Katy Irwin, 27

Writer/Actor

Lena has been able to add diversify the show without comprimising the artistic integrity of the show, and for that I say bravo.

Brittany Breen, 24

TV Producer

While I was certainly glad to see ethnicity represented in the latest episodes, my problem is this: He's not just a black guy, he's a really good looking black guy. One that begs the viewer to wonder how does Hannah - an average-looking, "doughy", not-so-confident girl get with someone of that caliber. The fact that they didn't feel the need to explain the backstory is troubling. If an equally attractive white-guy was all of a sudden having sex with Hannah, the storyline would most definitely serve some sort of explanation/justification to the plot. But the fact that he was black and we never got such reasoning is almost worse than having an entire homogenous cast to begin with.

Alex Feldman, 28

Attorney

It was clear what Lena Dunham was doing when she incorporated Sandy into season two. She was reacting to the overly dramatic outcry from the extreme left regarding her lack of racial awareness. Heck- she even said so much in interviews post episode.

Only problem is that for someone so intelligent and independent, I would prefer inclusion on her own watch- not simply as a reactionary measure to the overly politically correct left. Is racial inclusion imperative when the very crux of a story is the replication of the real life drama of four 20-something white girls living in New York City? I’m sorry to say but I have seen this real life assemblage in New York before and it is rare for their associates to be anything but milky white. Lena may have been a distinctive feminist force before season 2. She is simply an ingénue now.

Liza Dawson, 26

Advertising Exec Assistant

Lena Dunham adding a black guy to appease critics who say the show lacks diversity : Hannah adding a black guy to her sex life to add diversity to her BK relationships.

Dunham addresses the superficiality of adding him in Danny Glover's tirade that says "I'm a white girl and I moved to New York and...gonna date a black guy." She is acknowledging it for what it is which is basically using him so she can check off the "diverse dating life" box on her vagina's bucket list.

The fact that she listened to the critics at all is disconcerting. Imagine if Michael Patrick King and SJP had inserted a man of differing ethnicity into Carrie's life JUST because of the critics. The plot may not have been original or organic. They did it with Samantha but it made sense in the storyline and for her character. The shows have to remain believable and yes, I'm sorry but biracial couples are still not the norm and may not always be believable for certain characters.

Artistic integrity will always make a better show than pandering to critics

Randi Charles, 26
Marketing Manager

I think the inclusion of Sandy seemed a little forced and somewhat pointless. It seemed like he was there so everyone could check off the "include a black character" box on their checklists. Instead of an obligatory token black guy that completely lacks character development, I would've rather met one of Lena's ethnically diverse friends (no preference on race) and watch them combat stereotypes in their own way as they navigate their post-college adjustment, the same way we watch Hannah's journey.

Do you agree with anyone above? Sound off on Twitter @Eruptin!

Girls Season 2: It's About Time

2013-01-17T19:21:00.001-05:00

By: Liza Dawson (@lizadawson)

There came a time when I stopped feeling so uncomfortable watching my awkward, more intimate moments played out on tv in the form of GIRLS, and started laughing about them. Or at least, reflecting on them.

GIRLS: EP 11 “It’s About Time”

I felt his eyes on the small of my back as I curled in from my splayed out frog-like position to crunch up my abs while perched in a plank. My trainer whispered “journey to the monokini,” and I heaved everything for one last push.

He tricked me into it. The whole act where a knowledgeable looking gym employee stands next to a white board with an intriguing question sprawled on it: “Want to learn how to burn calories in your sleep?” Um this is America. That sounds like a short-cut. Hello of course I do. Turns out we went to the same college, both had dogs, and I was due for a free assessment and training session. Sure I didn’t get the raise I was expecting, sure the cost of membership to my gym alone made my stomach turn and I shouldn't even be there in the first place, but sure why wouldn’t I take a free session? Which was of course, a ploy for me to purchase a whole pack of them.

During our get to know you chat, he tapped his pen, waiting for an answer to my “fitness goals.” I’m not sure I’ve ever really had “fitness goals” besides fit in my clothes and be able to outrun a predator. No jungle gym feats of strength competitions for me, thank you.

I went to an all-girls' school for 13 years where half the class was in rehab for eating disorders; so maybe my fitness goals were always inspired by keeping up with the Kate Joneses. Not that I ever did. But body image and weight were things I thought about and considered constantly; as part of my routine as texting.

I still needed a fitness goal, so I searched for an event. My sister was getting married but that was 18 months away. Bingo. Bachelorette party in South Beach in April. When he gently asked if I’d wear a two piece, I confessed that I had my eyes on a monokini, a suit that requires a better body than a simple two piece in my opinion because not only does it reveal your mid section, it highlights it. Yes I had seen a woman 200 pounds heavier than I in one last summer, but I still couldn’t stomach the vision of myself in one. Hence, our mantra “journey to the monokini" became my cue to push hard.

 After our first session together, he confirmed I would need to see him three times a week, with my days “off” in between doing cardio on my own. Three times a week!? At over $100 a pop, a different kind of sweat broke out on my neck. “For optimal results.” He insisted. Listen buddy, I know you’re a pro and all, but I’ve been working out on my own for over 10 years. And you just taught me a bunch of stuff “for free” which I'm sure I can repeat on my own.

But he was getting his masters and had hopes to return to his native Harlem and do good, so naturally I wanted to support his own goals and signed myself up for more sessions at my own expense. Hey thanks, Credit Card.

What was I doing, when I had just decided that a NY/NY* resolution would be to not to make unnecessary purchases nor be so overly critical of my physical imperfections nor? Here I was buying things and openly submitting myself to scrutiny—from strangers. Great start. This was supposed to be the year I would heed my wise friend Amanda’s advice and stop caring so fucking much about the 3 or 5 pounds that constantly consumed our minds. Make room for more worthy thoughts.

In her Golden Globe acceptance speech, Lena Dunham confessed that GIRLS helped her feel there was a space for her. I don’t know where my space in the world is, but I at least want a space for me within myself. A place where I can be fully accepting and at peace. Happy in a monokini or not.

As Lena securely walks naked, half-naked, or in a non- flattering dress as Hannah, her perfect in itself body slowly seeps into my subconscious. Kind of like the bodies of VS Angels do. It’s an amazingly simple thing really, but the impact is personally profound. With each episode, she is starting to look less fat and less imperfect, and more, dare I say, normal. I am becoming desensitized to normal. I forget labeling her as "bigger" last season. And I aspire to walk with the same self-assurance. Imagine where this could go.

And now for some specific comments on “It’s About Time.”

Hannah’s inner monologue word vomit to boy-toy Sandy (Danny Glover) that I attribute to Kristin Wiig’s plethora of characters who gave us the same construct of endearing crazy: funny and accurate syntax for these days. I definitely find myself doing the same. It’s fun.

Great one-liners:

-“Do you miss your hymen?”

-“I didn't even know there was a g train.” (Guilty of this line in real life.)

-“I’m tired of being insulted even before a compliment.” You know what I mean. People cut you down then leave you thinking they were nice to you.

Charlie looks really different with longer hair and sometimes I think it’s better and sometimes I don’t. His end scene with Marni was sweet but painful as usual.

Friends convincing each other they are ok when really they need to face it that their friendship is changing, has changed.

The party scene dynamic is very accurately NY: They cast their extras precisely. Every guy looks Jewish and the cutest one is gay.

Confession: Two years ago I sent a guy I was seeing an emoji text and was mad when he didn’t respond. It was an octopus.

Which brings me to my next point: Texting is ruining dating.

Adam is so unstable and spectrum, which is refreshing in a character.

Hannah on loving Adam:

"I changed my mind./I don't ever wanna see you again." That's how I felt about one of my boyfriends. It’s so shocking when you think there can be no one else for you and then a short three months later you would rather switch sexual orientations than have them climb on top of you again.

Marni’s mid-life crises mother: seen it before. A lot. But love Rita W.

Marni chiming in with drunk karaoke harmony. Perfect and realistic and funny every time, especially with Elijah’s response. Way to bring back a classic song.

On the Marni/Elijah sex scene:

This did not need to happen. It was predictable. She is desperate. And it's a little unbelievable that she would do that to Lena, in their friendship’s already fragile state. “How am I supposed to get hard if you're rolling your eyes?” was funny and the whole thing exposed their immaturity and drunk instincts late at night. People get needy and handy yes, but this was lame and gross. And when Elijah said “You know how hot you are. That's why you're such a little bitch.” Um. There is too much to say so I won’t say anything at all. But this dude has some issues.

Allison Williams has to have a no boob clause because of how carefully this was shot. Reminds me of SJP. Respect.

Thought: Having sex w a gay man must be awesome because they are so toned and groomed.

Jemima is so annoying even though she wasn't even in this episode and I only saw her on the preview for next week's.

*NY/NY: New Year’s/New York

-LD

Eruptin Night Out Sunday

2013-01-16T10:35:00.000-05:00

Your Guide To Choosing Which Monopoly Piece To Save

2013-01-12T08:45:00.001-05:00

It's time to clear the way for either a robot, ring, cat, helicopter or a guitar as Monopoly announces they'll be getting rid of one of the token pieces. But before you decide who to vote in, you may just want to make sure you're "go-to" piece isn't the one getting booted off.

It might have been awhile since you're last game, so here's our breakdown on how to remember exactly who are you:

1. Car - You were the popular kid in 4th grade, always getting what you want, convincing others you deserve first dibs on piece-pick. You're probably an only child, or at least the youngest, perhaps even the mistake, and your parents always let you win but you're still in denial.

When you'd go to the neighbors and the mom made you all roll the dice to choose the order of picking your piece, you'd confidently just reach over for the Car and say "or we could just make this easy," effectively not only getting your dream piece, but unofficially informing the others you will also be winning this game.

2. Thimble - If you were dragged into a game, you'd abide simply to take a break from sitting alone in your room. You'd spend most of the game hoping you'd go to jail, just so you could spend 3 turns in a row without having to extend your arm. You'd gladly auction off your property or trade with the person vying for your New Orleans, mainly so you don't have to worry about property maintenance and figuring out how much to charge the others when they land on your proprety.

3. Boot - You were a middle child, never particulary enjoyed playing Monopoly, yet it was simultaneously imperative that you'd have to win. You made fellow players tense, making them try to remember why they ever proposed playing. Games would often start with a fight over which piece you'd get and end with you overthrowing the board after you rolled a 7 and realized you're heading straight to a hotel on Boardwalk and since half your properties were already in mortgage and you'd profess, "this game is stupid anyway," as you walked away from the mess.

4. Scottie Dog - You always cared more about the social aspect of the game than the competition. To you, it didn't matter if you passed "Go" or landed on Electric Company as long as everyone was enjoying the popcorn and fresh-baked cookies you made.

5. Battleship - Despite being a self-proclaimed "free-spirt," the game always gave you anxiety. You needed closure in your entertainment, but Monopoly never quite provided that. You'd spend everyone elses turns, playing out how your life would be effected with each of the hypothetical number of spaces you'd roll next. "But if I roll a four and land on St. James place, I'll buy it, just so that I can lure Alex to trade it from me for Park Place, then I'll be able to start building houses, and in three rounds, if I generate enough income, I'll turn them into hotels and...."

6. Iron - Your favorite part of playing was being the banker. And if someone ever beat you to it, you'd spend the entire game convincing yourself that you would have been a better, more dynamic banker. You knew all the rules-- even common, unofficial ones (money in the pot = free parking). As a math nerd, you always completed transactions quickly and accurately as you delivered service with a smile. You had no problem going bankrupt and losing your properties, for it meant you could devote your full attention to banker.

7. Hat - You usually forgot that the money is fake because you loved making it so much. You'd slyly went one spot past the number you rolled just to skip out on going to jail. You'd call out the banker before the game even started, "doesn't everyone know you get SIX $20's, not FIVE?"

8. Wheelbarrow - You never quite understood the point of Monopoly. Even at age 7, you pondered the purpose of rolling a dice only to move around a piece only to give $17 to spend the night at a fake hotel. At least when you played Life, you could have a few career changes, a spouse or two, and as many kids as you could fit into your car (6 was it?). You'd try and remind your fellow players that there is no actual "end" to the madness and if you decide to go based on the "rulebooks," you could be here for years.

Vote To Save Your Monopoly Piece And Vote For The New!

'1600 Penn' Doesn't Deserve A First Term

2013-01-07T09:00:00.000-05:00

In NBC's newst sitcom, "1600 Penn," a typical American family move into the White House, where despite being a father who is also the leader of the free world -- has the same set of problems as your next American family.

The show is deemed NBC's answer to Modern Family.

Sure, it may be modern - you have a step-mom and a total of four kids living in a .... mansion.

But the believability of this type of family living in the White House is too unrealistic that ultimately makes for an awkward show.

The main character isn't the Dad/President as you might expect, but rather the eldest son, Skip. Think Van Wilder, except a total loser - very annoying and not in a "I wouldn't want to be his friend" kinda way, but more like a "god, does someone that irritating actually exist?"

The "First Lady" comes across as trashy in her desperate attempts to make herself look good in the public eye and win over the affection of her step-kids.

The sitcom attempts to focus on the family-aspect much more than politics, but how can viewers actually relate to average problems affecting a family that is the most-protected family in the world?

The truth is the nature of these "everyday" problems when placed next to the image of what we think as America's first family are like water and oil.

The plot and screenplay is neither witty nor funny, but just silly and mildly irritating, feeling more like a Disney Channel sitcom (Cory in the House, anyone?) than the network who invented "Must See TV."

Are you going to watch 1600 Penn? Sound off on Twitter @Eruptin!

2013: New Year Resolutions

2013-01-02T15:59:00.000-05:00

What are your New Year's Resolutions?

Blair Stelle, 26, Graphic Designer
New York, NY

This year it's all about crushing FOMO for me. I plan to take advantage of all the amazing things right here in New York City. Finally see Sleep No More, go to the Bronx Zoo, visit MAD on a Thursday night, try an unlimited lunch in Curry Hill & kayak in the Hudson... to name a few.

Aaron Field, 28, New York, NY

Attorney

1. Eat more chocolate

2. Hide my snacks better in my apt.

3. Manage my own expectations for how weak my roommates are when I buy appealing snack food.

Katy Irwin, 27, New York, NY

Actor

I resolute to take responsibility for everything in my life I dislike, stop sweating the small stuff, and be thankful for everything I have. And I resolve to find a way to amuse myself other than acting crazy and picking pointless arguments by making bombastic claims just for the pleasure of observing other's reactions. In short, this year, I want to just be the organic, all natural me, fertilized by compost, and sans additives and preservatives. In fact, I've already started: you should see my armpit hair. ... wait..uh... D'oh!

Eruptin 2012 People Of The Year

2012-12-13T13:14:00.000-05:00

By: Eruptin.com Editorial Team

10. Jeremy Lin

Jeremy had quite the banner year, exploding in both New York and Houston. For those who were living under a rock in 2012, don't worry; there's a documentary about his story that will premiere at Sundance this year. - Randi

9. Fred Armisen

He was hilarious on Portlandia and really helped SNL have a strong first half this year with their loss of some major players. We love comedy. And we love Fred. - Katy

8. Brian Williams

Last year's #1 person of the year is still on our list this year as he's had a strong year hosting Rock Center, has an up-and-coming daughter, Allison Williams in HBO's Girls and covered this year's election with integrity. - Brittany

7. Beyonce & Jay-Z

From having your first child to opening your own stadium, 2012 hasn't been too shabby for Jay-Z and Beyonce. But don't let recording music, caring for a child, and opening up Barclay's center make you feel overwhelemd, they still had time to throw plenty of fundraisers for Obama's reelection. - Aaron

6. Jennifer Lawrence

After seeing Silver Linning's Playbook, I'm convinced Jennifer Lawrence is the next big thing. While her crude, seductive style may limit the amount of Hollywood roles she'd be fit for, I certainly look forward to seeing much more her on the big screen in 2013. - Aaron

5. Michael Bloomberg

He stepped up in times of chaos for Hurricane Sandy, maintained his exposure and wasn't even afraid to try and use his Spanish and let the world laugh at his accent. And now their's rumors he's going to buy the Financial Time? Oy vey, who ever invtented the 3-term limit on mayorships? - Randi

4. Joseph Gordon-Levitt

Sure he fell from #2 to #4 on this year's list, but JGL is still on our list because he had an explosive year starring in that biker movie (what was it called, again?) and more importantly Dark Knight and Looper. He also had a book come out and continues to maintain his artistic collaborators website, HitRecordJoe. - Aaron

3. Lena Dunham

The only reason she's not #1 on our list is because of our jealousy for her talent. I mean to be an Executive Producer, Actor, and Writer of a critically acclaimed HBO show all before you even turn 26? She's set the bar high for herself, and more importantly, for our generation. - Katy

2. Bradley Cooper

By the third good movie he did, I liked it, but by the tenth I have no choice but to hugely respect him. He had some major films come out and his diverse ability and talent never seem to continue surprising me. My favorite of his movies this year was "the Words." - Katy

1. Jon Stewart

This year's #1 person goes to the man who made news fun again. In an election year, Jon Stewart continued to find creative (and hilarious) ways to not only present news and humor his audience, but challenge the status-quo. And for that he's 2012's Person of the year. - Team

What Do You Mean You Don't Have An Assistant?

2012-11-29T13:27:00.001-05:00

As we opened our menus, I told my friend Brittany about two separate friends who recently got their own virtual assistants.

One of these friends had recently forwarded me an email from his virtual helper named Courtney, (U.S.-based) who provided us with directions for getting from New York City to a hotel in Long Island that we'd be going to for a wedding.

In the email, I had scrolled down and saw how much my friend had to type out to ask for simple directions and wondered how much faster it'd be to go to Long Island Railroad's website to look up the directions himself.

I expected Brittany to laugh and make fun of him the way I had, but by the time our appetizer arrived, Brittany had just used her iPhone and, for $98/month, hired JoAnne.

"Can she send flowers to my mom for me?" she asked me.

"I think so?" wondering if I should set her up with my friend while questioning how much her and I really have in common.

But don't get me wrong: I'm all for assistants. I often fantasize about having one of my own, mostly for all it represents. To have an assistant is to not only say to the world, "I've made it," but it specifically translates to: "my time is too important to be filled with menial, everyday tasks that peasants must do for themselves."

What is with our generation and why are we so keen on self-importance? Have we become so self-centered because we've spent the past 8 (or so) years on Facebook or have these qualities been ingrained in us by Baby Boomer parents and Disney movies and Facebook is just the outlet for them to grow?

It's now 11:54 in the morning and I've had three separate friends ask me to put something on their Facebook wall.

Brittany emailed me two photos of herself sitting on a tie-died, vintage couch asking me to post on her Facebook wall because if she did it herself, it'd look "so arrogant".

Jeff asked me to post a BuzzFeed article.

And Alex asked me to like his status.

There's some famous quote that says when you're 20, you care what people say about you. When you're 40, you decide you don't care and when you're 60, you realize no one said anything about you anyway.

And if this saying is true, how far must we go to be content.

Forcing me to wonder: Am I a traditionalist for thinking I need to wait until I'm in my 40's sitting in a corner office to have my own assistant? Maybe I do need someone to make a reservation for me and my friends during Restaurant Week? And maybe it would be nice for someone else to divide up my electric bill by three so I know how much to charge my roommates each month.

My friends will continue to defend themselves saying that their assistants are necessary and provide major convenience to their lives.

And who am I to really judge?

I just hope that now, Courtney and JoAnne are the ones they call on to post on their Facebook walls.

An Open Letter To SNL's Lorne Michaels

2012-11-12T15:04:00.000-05:00

By: Liza Dawson (@Liza_Dawson)

I am a committed SNL fan. I have grown up with the show and a reverence for the skill of the cast, writers, and producers.

The show is now in its 36th season and, like anything that has lived that long, inevitably has its transitional periods. This is most certainly one of them.

With veterans like Hader, Sudeikis, and Armisen left to carry the show with not-so new Moynihan, Killam, and breakout star McKinnon, mixed in with the not-yet-baked newcomers, the motley crew are churning out subpar skit after subpar skit in an effort to find their groove.

Sandberg left in the middle of one summer night and took his Digital Short powerhouse of Lonely Islanders with him. A non-branded short was presented this week in the same vein as Jon Hamm's saxophone wielding Sergio, but sadly fell short. Wiig passed the torch in the last 2 episodes of 2011 to Kate McKinnon, and boy has she run with it. She's the strongest female by far. In stark contrast with Cecily Strong who so far, only has presented two characters. The stereotypical "crazy girl" who talks too loudly and a similar girl who can't bother to finish forming the end of her words. I mean if the girl-talk-ish sketches aren't resonating with me, their demo, then who will they appeal to?

Of course the others are talented but they need to either fight for their skits at the table read or develop characters with their popular castmates. And quick.

This week's episode was highly anticipated by devout fans. Anne Hathaway hosting and Princess RiRi as musical guest is a sure win combo. I remember individual skits that Anne performed in years past (Mary Poppins for example), so was excited. Opening monologue was solid. Anne's voice is beyond impressive for someone whose main chops are in acting. Unfortunately I didn't think the sketches allowed her to shine comedically as in years past. There's always the 4th time hosting.

The Ellen sketch was good but where was the Tom joke in the Katie Holmes part? We were all waiting for it so give it to us or give us something better that makes us forget we wanted it.

Flaritin spoof-mercial was relatively good for our low expectations and if that's all the digital content we'll get it will pass. Obvi it's no "Mom Jeans."

Rihanna's vocals are always strong but she was definitely high in her first performance (see: Instagram feed for confirmation). Rihanna can I please see your eye balls? The psychedelic special effects were cool but distracting. I guess this is the only opportunity for them since the art of music videos are essentially dead (sorry Uptin). If you need crazy effects it's often a sign that the music needs it. Also chill w the overt drug references already just a thought. At least her smile makes up for her in-humility a little. 2nd performance: Killed it.

My bets are on Moynihan and Tarran and Kate McKinnon who had more than a taste of the old crew or the old vibe and hopefully can help turn things around. Hader breaking is the best part of the show. Meyers' Weekend Update is the most reliably well-written. Also the fact that he still rocks a ski-slope hairstyle reminiscent of 6th grade is freaking adorable

Lorne, I get it. You're in a tough spot. But you've been there before. I mean I'm still going to watch so please figure it out once again and restore the glory. Hosting is an honor and needs to be kept as such. At least pull in some old all-stars for some cameos? Or an all-star reunion show??

Hurricane Sandy Leaves Behind Five New Terms

2012-11-12T08:00:00.000-05:00

Sandy's come and gone, and while the damage has been severe for some New Yorkers and non-existent for others, here's some terms she left every Manhattanite:

1. NoPo - You've heard of South of Houston (Soho) and North of Houston (Noho), and now comes "North of Power" and "South of Power". Even though you might think people in NOPO had it best, even after the Hurricane, most suffer from mild forms of Survivor Guilt and general FOMO for not getting their peer's experience of sitting by candlelight in a post-apocalyptic eating frenzy.

2. SoPo - anyone who lived in SOPO is considered a true survivor who endured walking up staircases in pitch black, before evacuating to the Upper East Side to their friend's luxury doorman building.

3. Sandy15 - Remember the freshman 15? Pretty much the same except instead of it being characterized as a term for Freshman, it just means overeating in the dark. (The worst part of getting power back was having to see how many tubes of Pringles I consumed in the dark.)

4. Pre-Sandy - Recently, my friend texted me that she started getting into "Breaking-Bad pre-Sandy". And why shouldn't she have added in "Pre-Sandy". Our lives were different then. It was a time where we took hot water for granted. #ThirdWorldProblems.

5. Post-Sandy - This term is to be used when describing how you've changed, grown and evolved since the blackout. Like for example, "I've been trying to lose weight post-Sandy." "I've been drinking a lot more downtown post-Sandy to help the small businesses who lost revenue."

Send your own newly-minted term on Twitter @Eruptin!

Growing Pains: What's In A Business Card?

2012-11-09T15:02:00.000-05:00

"Do you have a business card?" she asked in between sips of her red wine.

I reached into my pocket but as I pulled my wallet out, I wondered if I had any on me. I heard the words come out of my mouth: "Let me see. I don't know if i have any on me."

ME? NOT HAVE ANY BUSINESS CARDS ON ME? WHEN DID I BECOME THE GUY WHO DIDN'T KNOW IF HE HAD ANY BUSINESS CARDS ON HIM?

To me, a business card used to mean an excitement of buildup that started with designing them and anxiously awaiting for their arrival, followed by contemplating if 500 would actually be enough. I'd lie awake at night nervously bouncing back and forth between thoughts of fear that I'd run out and excitement of opening the box to look at them for the first time.

I'd imagine preparing for landing on a flight from New York to LA and reaching for a card to give that fortune 500 CFO.

In reality, I spent my first few years out of college distributing them proudly to close friends at the end of a happy hour and putting them in fish bowls at Chipotle, not so much ever expecting to win a free lunch, but maybe more for the idea of being part of the "inner circle" of other dynamic New York professionals, who also have their own business card.

And now...here I was at a college alumni event talking to a current student and saying the words my younger self never could fathom when I'd see them come out of someones lips.

"I dont know if I have any on me." "You don't know if you have any one you!?" When did you become another schmuck who isn't excited about a business card and who cared more about your profits & losses, balance sheets and 401K?

In the end I did find one last business card for the girl. It was in the secret tab of my wallet that I put just in case for emergencies. Emergencies unlike this.

Election Night's And A Search For Passion

2012-11-07T17:14:00.003-05:00

Walking to work this morning on the sidewalks of New York City didn't evoke the energy and excitement of 2008.

In fact, it was nothing even close to what I even expected from a Presidential election.

Maybe it was because I already knew how likely it was that Obama would win.

Or maybe it was because I was exhausted from working past midnight and waking up early this morning.

Or maybe it was just the lack of enthusiasm from disillusioned voters at this year's election.

This morning, I stumbled upon a HuffingtonPost article showing the front covers of today's papers of 64 newspapers from around the nation. I skimmed until there were none left to see before realizing my hometown's Reno Gazette-Journal wasn't on the list.

It inspired me to visit their website -- a place I haven't gone too in a few years -- and was unexpectedly taken to a place I hadn't been in close to 10 years. They displayed the local winners of the election. Almost every seat took me back to the teenage me when I was becoming fascinated and passionate about politics.

Then it hit me: though I genuinely think that the difference between Obama and Romney is pretty distint, there's only so much that affects me. What first got me interested in politics wasn't George Bush or anything related to national politics. It was local government. My community was where I saw the ability to make immediate change and this was the very start of my passion for politics that has been -- dare I say lost-- but perhaps, just shifted over the years.

As I sat at my desk, I went through each of the winners of different seats in Reno, recognizing few of them...like seeing a new set of teachers in your high school when you went back to visit a few years after graduation.

Dean Heller, winning 46% of the U.S. Senate race brought me back to 2000. I was a freshman in high school and my brother had to volunteer for a local for at least 10 hours. I begged him to take me with him to Senator John Ensign's campaign office. He took me one day and as he dreaded having to skip hanging out with his friends on that Friday afternoon, I had been counting down the minutes til this moment.

In 2003, during my Fall high school internship for Senator Reid's office where I interned from the federal building in Reno, I felt so high up being on the 10th floor, one of the tallest floors in town (I now work on 29). I'd stop from a filing assignment to stare out the window across the street at another "skyscraper" that had the sign of an insurance company largely displayed: "New York Life," and I'd daydream about my New York life -- a time when I had never even been to New York City.

58% for U.S. house seat Mark Amodei. I'm taken back to the BBQ I attended at the house of U.S. Congressman Jim Gibbons and feeling so excited to be part of the "inside circle."

No mayor's race this year, but I'm reminded of the Saturdays I went door to door canvassing for Mayorial candidate in Reno, feeling a sense of pride. I look back wondering what inspired me to spend so many hours doing that. What issue did I care about so much? What made it so exciting to me? Maybe just the feeling of importance?

59% Oscar Delgado City Council - Ward 3 Seat. This evoked perhaps the most emotion. When I got to serve as a member of the Youth City Council and as the Chair of the Youth City Council. I remember asking the election office if someone has to be 18 by the day the petition is turned in or by election day as I seriously contemplated defer my college admission at 18 to run for local city council seat. I remember entertaining the idea of minutes at a time and imaging myself with my very own office at city hall and a roster of constituents to represent.

2004
As a college Freshman, I walked down Virginia Ave with my absentee ballot feeling a sense of pride as a first time voter, yet overwhelmed from being inundated from political activism on campus for months. An election year in Washington, DC made me disengaged from the bureaucracy of federal government so I became more interested in business. After all, some of the most successful politicians had backgrounds in business, I had reasoned.

2008
After moving to New York City several months earlier, I got off work that afternoon working as consultant and walked around Rockefeller plaza. Maybe --unaware to me at the time -- but I knew I wanted to be apart of it. My friend took me on a tour of his office at CNN where the excitement of being behind the scenes had me lightened up more than voting or any sensation I had felt recently.

On Obama's inauguration day in January 2009, I sat on the couch and watched the entire event -- I had nowhere to be, no job and was terrified for my future. It was cold. Watching the inauguration was inspiring but unsettling. I was part of the 2.6 million Americans laid off that month.

2012
I voted at 6am in my neighborhood and made my way into work. I felt both excited and honored to get to work in a news setting of an election day. Neither politics nor business, but to me, this was a hybrid of two passions. Sitting at the news desk, every time I became stressed, I took a breath and realized that this is supposed to be fun and it was something to be enjoyed.

2016

While my passions have certainly shifted in the past 12 years (I kept declining my friend who said to go to Pennsylvania to go canvas for Obama), part of me wonders if the course of my life bench-marked by election years represents a lack of focus and inability to be decisive in my pursuits. Part of me wonders if staying passionate is possible in just one field. And if curiosity is an integral part of passion, (which I believe it to be) how does one keep themselves constantly discovering?

Who knows where I'll be for the 2016 election. I can't say hopefully this, or hopefully that, because if there's anything I've learned since graduating college, it's that while having goals is important, if it's anything more strict than a blueprint, we blind ourselves to other opportunities that arise that we never could have have predicted.

Life On The Dark Side: A Tale Of Two Cities

2012-11-01T16:00:00.002-04:00

Living without power for a few days is our generation's version of blazing through the oregon trail. Instead of dying of dysentery, our smartphones batteries are dying because we uploaded too many photos of us "roughing it" in scented candles.

But there's nothing as "exciting" about going on the third day of having no power as the fact that I'm only a few blocks from the powered zone.

Last night, after sitting alone in my room starring at the wall in silence and eating pringles in the dark, I went out to get pizza.

Dark silhouettes roamed around the streets in a creepy-like fashion as if you were camping. hearing voices, getting close to bodies, feeling unsafe, but having to trust what you're not used to trusting.

I approached the lit up area, and crossed one street to enter the area that still had power. Couples laughed in restaurant windows as they drank wine. Moms and their kids exited the grocery store with grocery bags in their hands. Within a few feet, my world had changed.

Entering the pizza shop I realized something was different about me. I was holding my shoulders down and looking at the ground. My hood was on.

I was almost unknowingly acting as if I came from the slums and was in the affluent, wealthy part of town. As though I didn't belong and was sneaking "into" their area.

Everywhere You Look...

2012-10-22T21:29:00.004-04:00

While leaving Comedy Central's "2 Many Stars" event on Sunday, I was overwhelmed with excitement as I saw big names in TV, movies, and news making there way off the stage.

As I made my way toward the exit, the adrenaline in me was itching to break out of the line to meet and get a picture with any one of them.

I looked to my left and saw Paul Rudd getting ready to leave his seat and several feet away was Jason Sudeikis.

Thought process:

"Ok. You can meet one of them but you won't have time for both. Who is it going to be? I love you man? SNL? I love you man? Mitt Romney. Which will get more Facebook likes. Who's more famous? Who makes more money? Who's been around longer? Who will be around longer?"

As my thoughts raced, the next thing I knew I was handing my cell phone over to my friend with my left hand and putting my right hand on Bob Saget's shoulder.

It wasn't that he was closer or walked by me. No, in fact he was further away but amidst trying to decide what I should do, before I consciously realized what I was doing, I headed over to my childhood obsession's main man: Danny Tanner.

As the old saying goes, "True character comes out in times of stress and chaos." This was no different. As I sat in a cab at the end of the night, attempting to rationalize my decision, I realized, it's true, all I really wanted was a picture with America's favorite father and San Francisco's favorite morning show co-host.

So You Wanna Do A Tough Mudder?

2012-10-21T16:25:00.001-04:00

By: Brittany Breen (@OMGitsBritBreen)

When I first signed up for the Tough Mudder challenge, in addition to knowing it'd be one of the hardest things I'd ever do, I would have never guessed it was going to be one of the most fun.

From crawling in mud, to diving into ice buckets, the challenge gave me the chance to do things I've never dreamed of, nor even realized how fun it would be to dream of them.

The Tri-State challenge took place October 20th and 21st in New Jersey bringing thousands of mudder participants and making it the largest in it's history.

Of the 24-obstacles in the 12-mile course, mine were crawling in the trenches, jumping off a 30-foot ledge into water, and crawling up more than a dozen mounds of muds, only to fall back down them.

This was the first race or competition of the sorts that I've done, proving that if I can do it, anybody can do it.

If you're on the fence about competing in a Tough Mudder, jump off and into the mud, because it's one experience you'll be glad you did.

Why 'Argo' Falls Short Of Epic

2012-10-18T21:02:00.003-04:00

Argo had a lot of great things going for it. Incredible cinematography. Strong acting. On-par pacing.

But the movie was missing one major thing. And that's heart.

While the storyline was strong, the character development was extremely weak. The hostages for instance were really just glorified extras. We barely got to know anything about them -- both their personal lives, but even their current circumstances. Where were they sleeping at the Canadian ambassador's house? How did the actually feel to be there, besides what we can assume to be terrified?

Sure, the film is centered around a CIA agent and his role, decision and persistence, but we barely even got much out of him. His character only revealed mild things about himself -- his son, his life, but we didn't get much to what was at stake in his life.

By the end of the mission, there's less relief and leses emotions as the viewer because we didn't get to know him very well.

For the film to have really been epic, the screenplay should have focussed less time on Hollywood producers and more energy on the six hostages. This is where the heart of the story truly was and the CIA agent's relationship with the hostages could have if nothing else, evolved, rather than being consistently stale.

Presidential Debate: What We Want To Hear

2012-10-15T08:49:00.001-04:00

This week, the panel debate issues candidates should bring up in Tuesday's upcoming Presidential Debate and the impact of their style in helping them gain momentum in the last few week's of the election.

Dating's Real Communication

2012-10-09T10:42:00.000-04:00

By: Katy Irwin (@Katy_Irwin)

From online Jdates to long-term relationships, we're always trying to make sense of the dating scene, but nothing quite captures the juxtaposition between our thoughts and actions quite like this video we stumbled upon recently.

If only our communication could be this open...

Support A Good Cause ... Stop Diabetes

2012-09-11T12:47:00.002-04:00

You may already know someone who has been affected by diabetes and you know how important it is to stop this disease. By making a donation on your behalf, you will be helping the American Diabetes Association provide community-based education programs, protect the rights of people with diabetes and fund critical research for a cure.

With your help, we will fight for a future where a parent does not have to hear that their child has diabetes. A future where an adult does not have to face the uncertain times ahead after receiving a diabetes diagnosis. A future where you and I will know that we had a part in making this possible.

Please help in the quest to prevent and cure diabetes once and for all by clicking on the link at the bottom of this to make a donation.

'The Words' Reflects On Your Own Life

2012-09-07T23:20:00.001-04:00

Grade: A-

He's got quite a range, starring in everything from "The Hangover" to "Limitless." In Bradley Cooper's latest Hollywood film he once again shows his acting diversity.

In "The Words," a very Limitless-esque film (there are no pills in The Words), Cooper's character is a desperate writer who comes to terms with the fact that he may never make anything of himself. And in a moment of fate, he has an opportunity to become famous.

This movie was one of my favorite movies of the year...but not in a mind-blowing, trippy, time-travel, Inception-type way. In fact, most of the plot is subtle, but the characters are well definited and their relationships so sharply established, that it's actually highly character-driven.

It's one of those movies that--by the way in which it's told-- has no beginning, middle, end, and as a viewer you have no idea how far along in the plot you are in.

The part that is most compelling is the theme -- while I won't give anything away -- you're quite oblivious to the major theme that will emerge from the film until the closing scene, which ultimately leaves you to reflect on your own morals.

What'd you think of the film? Let us know on Twitter @Eruptin

'New Normal' Depicts Today's Modern Family

2012-09-05T16:56:00.000-04:00

Eruptin's Fall TV Preview Week

Grade: C-

By: Katy Irwin (@Katy_Irwin)

It's almost funny how similar the new NBC pilot is striving to ride off the success of ABC's "Modern Family," but watching the pilot for "The New Normal" is hardly funny.

The characters are brought together through a very unrealistic, and highly contrived method that hardly warrants an entire series of its own.

The contrast between 'Grandma' played by Ellen Barkin and 'Mom' Georgia King does play out for an interesting and semi-humorous dynamic, but one that seems that could get annoying and boring by mid-season.

Justin Bartha (The Hangover) and Andrew Rannells (Girls) play a gay-couple who are trying to have a baby.

It would be nice to have more characters. And I'm not talking about Nene Leakes who ultimately has no real purpose in the show, except to attract a wider-net of fans who watched her in Real Housewives. Oh and just hoping to spice up the show, which it unfortunately fails to do.

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