It's My Dog's World: I Just Live In It

Yet another reason to love Zachary Quinto: a dog adoption short film comedy

2011-11-10T11:23:22-05:00

Besides the fact that he's from Pittsburgh, went to CMU, scared me as Sylar, crushed it as Mr. Spock, and did a dyno-mite job in the revival of "Angels in America."

Now: He and his rescue dog Noah (who appears to have a British accent) are starring in a short film about dog adoption. And the project, directed by Sian Heder (who! wrote! for Men of a Certain Age, my favorite series of late), is blowing up on Kickstarter, which will also raise awareness about adoption, and feature pound dogs. Enjoy, and spread the word.

In praise of courage, especially on reality TV: man terrified of pit bulls tries to conquer his fear

2011-10-24T21:53:06-04:00

Reality TV: not a big fan. I worked in television for too many years, trolling for "true crime" movies back in the day, to really believe that things can be "real" or "true" on television. (One thing I do know for sure, to use an Oprahism: Valerie Bertinelli is a really nice person and an amazingly hard worker.)

Still, this clip, from a new Animal Planet show about people overcoming their extreme animal phobias, just breaks my heart. It's a cliche, but it's not: a big tough-looking guy, terrified of ALL pit bulls. Which doesn't just mean that he avoids pit bulls. It means he avoids places where pit bulls MIGHT be...like dog friendly parks. Which means his time with his family outside is highly limited.

I identify. I was never quite as phobic as this guy...but I would cross the street, and I would never pet a dog. It made no sense to me at all. My shift took years and years, and more than one dog. This guy has a very good reason for being afraid of this breed, and I salute him for doing this at all---let alone doing it on TV. This is NOT about him creating a brand, or selling food, or showing up at openings for large sums of money. He's doing it to get part of his life back.

Gratuitous worship of Raul Esparza post

2011-09-22T19:16:00-04:00

Dear producers of Mad Men: please please please cast the smoke-tastic Raul Esparza as a troubled crooner. Preferably in Vegas. Your proof is here.

Every dog has its day: when dogs...fly!

2011-09-21T23:06:57-04:00

Every dog has its day.

Especially in the Coast Guard. In a HELICOPTER. (Other branches of government represented as well.)

Boyd the pirate beagle needs a home

2011-08-08T14:42:02-04:00

I wandered across this beautiful one-eyed boy at an adoption fair in Brooklyn's Prospect Park. He's a healthy little guy who's survived major surgery, and he's ready for you to take him home.

Reason number 10 to love NY

2011-06-20T14:38:38-04:00

The guy who was playing the piano said it had been a long time since he had played, and he could remember the name of the sweet, sad, song he was playing--he had learned it at school a long time ago. I told him that these pianos were all over the city, and he was really happy to hear it. After he was done, he scanned the QR code on the piano to learn more about the program. The woman in the background is his sweetheart...you can see how happy this made her.
I loved stumbling across this. It makes me love New York even more. And on Father's Day: it reminded me of my late father, who fell in love in New York and with New York so many years ago...and loved playing the piano.

15 Incredible iPhone Dog Photographs

2011-06-14T18:45:26-04:00

15 Incredible iPhone Dog Photographs .

Almost enough for me to get an iPhone.

Almost.

This is pure genius. Pure Zombie Genius.

2011-06-09T14:59:44-04:00

Operating under the same principle as "you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar," the Centers for Disease Control decided to raise awareness of disaster preparedness by using a pop culture topic, Zombies, to communicate some very important messages about getting ready for all kinds of emergencies.

Playful? Yes. Silly? Maybe a little. But I bet it made you look, and read a little.

Can't wait for the next Twilight movie, when the CDC will tell us what to do during a vampire infestation.

Robert Pattinson doing a PSA? Team Edward, ready for an emergency:? Oh. Yeah.

Alec Baldwin AND John Krasinski + adorable dog = <3

2011-06-06T17:00:17-04:00

Hope they paid the dog as much money as Baldwin got.

Yarn + Hell's Kitchen tree + impish creators = this

2011-05-31T09:16:01-04:00

Among the many reasons I haven't updated lately:

My colleague Gabe Stein and I made a short film about a delightful yarn project in Hell's Kitchen, NYC. The team calls themselves the Looons--please watch the film to see why. Luisa and Nicki, the owner of the three cats (the ooos in the name), say that the cats were instrumental in making the tree yarn sculpture you'll see here. Sadly, the cats were not available for filming. They were probably too busy playing with yarn. :) Yes, I do think dogs can contribute to yarn projects. Just not this one. Also, please go visit the adorable home store Luisa and Nicki run, Domus. It is eight tons of awesome.