An Actor Prepares to Play Lincoln

Daniel Day-Lewis is famous for totally immersing himself in roles, and his Oscar-winning turn as Abraham Lincoln was no exception. After last week's ceremony, Day-Lewis opened up about his process, which reportedly included the following:

◆ He and Sally Field, who portrayed Mary Todd Lincoln, addressed each other only as “Mother” and “Mr. Lincoln,” as the couple did in real life.

◆ He even sent text messages in character.

◆ He built his own log cabin out of rails that he split himself.

◆ Wore a stovepipe hat for a whole year, even to bed and while showering. Made the hat himself from a real stovepipe (even though he was told that stovepipe hats were not made out of stovepipes, they were just called that because of the shape). Made the stovepipe himself, as well as the wrought-iron stove the pipe was attached to. Mined the iron ore by hand and cast it in a foundry, after learning the mining and metalwork trades.

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Art, Andy Kaufman, & My Vagina Video!

A couple years ago, I submitted a video called “My Vagina Monologue” to the Andy Kaufman Award. This week, it will be featured as part of the Maccarone gallery exhibition “Creating Reality, by Andy Kaufman” (read NYTimes article), which includes a series of events at Participant, Inc. So, here’s a chance to revisit the video (beautifully directed by Michelle Walson), embarrass my family one more time, and let everyone know it’s now officially art!

EVENT DETAILS:

Andy Kaufman’s 99cent Tour
Thursday, February 21, 8:30 p.m.
Participant, Inc.
253 East Houston St. (btw. Norfolk & Suffolk), NYC
FREE 

An evening observing Kaufman's impact on contemporary comedy, hosted by Al Parinello, executive director of the Andy Kaufman Award. Featuring performances by Andy Kaufman Award winners, and favorite video submissions. 

WATCH THE VIDEO (NSFW):

"Lovemaking Song" by MODERN BEAST

Check out the first song by the new band I'm in...we're called Modern Beast, and you better watch out for us! Released for Valentine’s Day, “Lovemaking Song” is a soulful, erotic experience.

PARENTAL WARNING: The lyrics aren't explicit (unless you consider the word “erection” explicit), but the song is 99% sexual innuendo. You might say it’s out-uendo. In-your-face-uendo! Crank it up and enjoy...

Credits: Tim Ellis (lead vocals, guitar), Phil Y (lead guitar, vocals), Graham Nalle (drums), Ben Rader (keyboard), Tony Mancebo (bass). Recording engineer: Orion Keyser. Song written by Tim Ellis.

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Winter Storm “Nemo” FAQs

Why does the storm have a name, when snowstorms for millennia haven’t had names?

So that the TV news can create cool graphics and comedians can write jokes based on the name. Also, #Nemo is an easier hashtag than #BlizzardOf2013.

Why is it named Nemo?

No reason.

Who named it Nemo?

The Weather Channel.

Does the Weather Channel have the authority to name storms?

Not really. They are either confused about their job, or just got bored. Their job is supposed to be reporting the weather, not naming it.

Did anyone ask the storm what its name was?

No.

Is Nemo its real name?

The storm is a meteorological phenomenon, so does not have a self or any need for a name. However, some say it answers to Keith.

How much did Disney-Pixar pay to have the storm named Nemo?

They could not be reached for comment.

Is it OK to recycle my jokes from Hurricane Sandy, which were recycled from Irene, for Nemo?

No.

Will all storms from now on, even non-hurricanes, have names?

Yes. This is what is called a paradigm shift. After today, we won’t be able to remember when storms didn’t have names. Sort of like it’s hard to remember when weekend box office receipts were not reported every Monday. It’s just something that has to be done from now on. Someday, when the final history of the world is written, the naming of Nemo will be cited as the point when humanity went off the deep end.

Is the historic blizzard Nemo related to Global Warming?

Yes.

As a species, what are we doing to stop Global Warming?

We are giving storms names.

Construction Outside My Window Song

My recording session this morning didn't go as planned, but at least I got something out of it...

Awww, So Cute...Wait a Minute!!!

(Click photo to view larger.)