The Tangent

By Pete Catapano

He’s more famous for painting his face, not canvases, but for years Paul Stanley, frontman for the legendary rock band Kiss, has been making the move from huge arenas to small galleries. Stanley, 57, will be in New Jersey this weekend for two art shows featuring his paintings and sculptures. The native New Yorker filled us in on his art:

When did you start painting?
About eight years ago. I’ve probably done 26 shows in the last year-and-a-half. Usually once a month I’m in some city in America doing an art show and this weekend is no different.

How would you describe your art style?
The one common thread to everything is color. I look upon painting as a challenge in terms of depicting emotions and feelings. So as far as “a style,” I don’t find at this moment there is a particular style as much as there is a point of view about color.

Do you have any training?
No ... I went to the High School of Music and Art, now the LaGuardia School of the Arts. I went there for art. I was one of those people who had the dubious distinction of failing art. That had more to do with having a problem with authority figures.

Do you still have that?
Um, thankfully I looked for a job where the authority is me. [Laughs.]

By Kara Warner

Jerry Seinfeld is heading back to prime-time television — though not in the way most of us may have expected. He’s producing a reality TV show for NBC.

The series, called “The Marriage Ref,” will feature a real-life couple involved in a domestic dispute, to be “refereed” by a team of celebs who will provide commentary and give the final verdict on which spouse is right or wrong.

Seinfeld stressed in a statement that it is a comedy show, not a therapy show. No details were given on whether Seinfeld will appear in the show or when the series will start, but, according to The Associated Press, producers are shooting for it to debut next season.

Crossing Over
2 stars
Written and directed by Wayne Kramer
Starring Harrison Ford, Ray Liotta, Ashley Judd, Jim Sturgess, Cliff Curtis, Alice Eve, Alice Braga, Summer Bishil, Justin Chon

By Mina Hochberg

Watching “Crossing Over,” directed by Wayne Kramer, you can’t help but compare it to “Crash.” Like the Paul Haggis movie, it’s set in L.A., stars an ensemble cast and interweaves story lines in which personalities and cultures clash. Unlike “Crash,” though, “Crossing Over” probably won’t be winning any Oscars.

Harrison Ford plays a conscientious immigration officer who raids garment factories and then feels bad for the people he buses out.

Ray Liotta is a cubicle drone who approves green cards for the government, a power he decides to abuse when he runs into a beautiful Aussie (Alice Eve) who will do anything (read: sleep with creepy cubicle drones) to become a legally working actress in Hollywood. His wife (Ashley Judd) is a defense immigration lawyer, whose clients include a Muslim teenager (Summer Bishil) who gets shipped back to Bangladesh when an essay she writes about 9/11 puts the FBI up in arms.

Examined Life
3 stars
Documentary by Astra Taylor

By Mina Hochberg

Prepare to be alternately dazzled and overwhelmed by “Examined Life,” a compendium of short yet expansive interviews with nine superstars of contemporary philosophy, from Judith Butler to Cornel West.

Filmmaker Astra Taylor conducts all her interviews while walking (or in one case driving) against the backdrop of urban settings. With the hustle and bustle of midtown Manhattan behind him, West, whose boisterous personality and dandyish looks have made him as close to a celebrity as philosophers can get, advocates that we push aside notions of perfection in order to “evacuate the language of disappointment.” Butler, strolling around San Francisco’s Mission District, deconstructs the meaning of “disability,” stripping it of pejorative value. Peter Singers waxes on about the ethics of spending as he wanders down Fifth Avenue, while Slavoj Zizek ponders humanity’s supposed relationship with nature amid a sea of trash heaps.

By Julie Gordon

It takes a lot to rattle tough guy Ice-T, but even he gets shaken up by the outrageous, ripped-from-the-headlines plots on his show, “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.”

“I just kind of look at the s--- and go, ‘OK. What do I say?’” he said of the long-running police drama that focuses on sex crimes. “But it’s real. That’s what makes it scary.”

The rapper-turned-actor, whom we recently caught up with at Chelsea club Cain Luxe, predicts the next news story to make it to “SVU” will be U.S. Airways pilot Chesley “Sully” Sullenberg’s landing on the Hudson River in January.

“You didn’t know that while that plane was crashing, somebody be getting [attacked],” the 51-year-old said.

The fashion cops v. a TV cop

Playing a cop on TV doesn’t give Ice-T an automatic pass with the fashion police, but he said men have it easier anyway when it comes to red carpet critiques.

“I could show up at the motherf------ Oscars in a T-shirt and the magazines would go, ‘Wow, innovative,’” he said. “They don’t destroy men in the magazines."

Wow. This tape of Phil Harman auditioning for SNL has surfaced on the internet today. He was a remarkably assured performer, even at the start of his career, this tape shows. Also, hear the laughter in the background? It's apparently quite rare for the producers to laugh during auditions, so that's really something.

Nadya Suleman, left, talking to Ann Curry on "Dateline," which aired on NBC on Feb. 9 and 10. (AP)

By Julie Gordon

Adult film company Vivid Entertainment is offering Octomom Nadya Suleman $1 million plus a year of health insurance to star in one of its movies. Suleman should receiver her offer today, a rep for Vivid told us.

"We've had many single mothers work with us over the years and their income from Vivid has been very important to them," Steven Hirsch co-chairman of Vivid said in a statement. "We would schedule production so that the movie could be shot in less than one week."

Hirsch said Suleman would have her choice of partners, including "Octodad."

The film would be released under Vivid-Celeb, which released the famous Pamela Anderson and Kim Kardashian videos.

By Emily Hulme

I don't know why it is that the best books I've read recently are children's books, but the fact stands. Last night I finished "Nation," by Terry Pratchett. Of all the dorky interests I've copped to on this website, this might be the absolute dorkiest: I am a huge fan of Pratchett's Discworld fantasy series.

Mickey Rourke thanked Queens resident Bettina Wassermann for sending him a necklace with a picture of his deceased chihuahua, Loki.

By Julie Gordon

It was doggone good luck for Flushing's Betina Wassermann when Mickey Rourke wore a necklace she made to the Oscars last Sunday to honor his deceased chihuahua, Loki.

“I recently lost a dog myself,” Wassermann told us. “I just wanted to do something nice for a fellow dog lover who is heartbroken.”

The 44-year-old designer sent a pendant to Rourke’s publicist and to her “complete amazement,” the actor, who was nominated for his comeback role starring in the “Wrestler,” called the next day to thank her.

“I’m just a chick from Queens selling my jewelry at flea markets and craft fairs,” she said.

"Mr. Rourke actually took time out of his busy schedule to call and thank me personally. I was shocked,” she said. “Imagine how busy he must have been with the Oscars around the corner. I honestly do not believe that would have happened if it had been anyone other than Mickey Rourke."

Wassermann, who wears a similar necklace around her neck with a picture of her Chinese Crested dog, Igor, said the Loki pendant — two one-by-one-inch images soldered between glass (front and back) — is not being reproduced. However, custom styles are available for $30 at wickedworld.etsy.com.

"This was meant to be a token of love from one dog lover to another," Wassermann said.

By Emily Hulme

Jeffrey Tambor talks "Arrested Development" to America's Radio Sweetheart Jesse Thorn. Sounds like it's a go.

Well, here's the real truth of it: we are going to do it. It's very, very probable. The script is not finished yet, and when the script is finished, we will go into production. I'm positive.

You can read and hear the whole thing at the above link. Tambor also sounds confident that Michael Cera will be on board.

MTV.com has this clip of Silk Spectre II and Night Owl subduing a prison riot. You can't judge a film by a three-minute clip, but now I've gone from excited to kind of worried that this movie will suck.

Podcast HippoJuice has an interview with cartoon actor extraordinaire Billy West, where starts the rumor that Fox might be picking up a sixth season of "Futurama." It's funny to hear West's normal speaking voice — he does Fry (who you can clearly hear), Professor Hubert Farnsworth and Zoidberg, among many, many others.

The last installment of the 4-part DVD epic that represents season five, "Into the Wild Green Yonder," drops on Tuesday. I'm a big fan of the series, but I haven't been totally in love with the movies. (Here's a brief explanation of why movies, not episodes.)

By Emily Hulme

If you only know Russell Brand from his MTV VMA appearance last fall, you are missing out. Although if you were remotely offended by his act, and/or felt indignant on behalf of the Jonas Brothers, this isn't for you anyway.

But for comedy fans, Brand's forthcoming special on Comedy Central (March 8) looks like something to watch. From the two previews up on the site, it seems like he's dialed his act back a bit (he may still be feeling the heat from the Andrew Sachs episode a few months ago) — he's a little less manic and a little less profane. But still quite funny.

I've got the screener, so I'll let you know more next week.

My favorite line: "Without fame, this haircut just looks like mental illness."

By Emily Hulme

In what seems like it could be pretty cool, MTV is airing the second episode of its quarterly series "Spoilers" on Saturday. "Viewers will also be treated to interviews with the films all-star cast and watch exclusive clips from 'Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen,' 'Star Trek' and 'Land of the Lost,' – plus, footage from MTV’s visit to the set of 'Harry Potter & the Half Blood Prince,' ” according to the press release. Also, they'll have a first look at "Watchmen" -- this is what I'm excited about.

Website here.

By Robert Levin
Special to amNewYork

A movie could not have more personal significance for its maker than “Must Read After My Death” does for director Morgan Dews. Culled from hours of audio recordings, eight millimeter home movie footage and letters left behind by his grandmother Allis after her death in 2001, the film tells the story of her difficult, dysfunctional relationship with her husband Charley and their children, and the various forces that pulled their idyllic 1960s suburban household apart.

With Allis’ candid, harrowing testimony and recorded conflicts with Charley and her children providing the soundtrack to the happier footage, the filmmaker puts together a genuine, heartbreaking American horror story, without any sensationalizing. He spoke to amNewYork about the film, which opens at the Quad Cinema tomorrow.

How did your background in history influence your decision and desire to make this film?
There’s a strong connection. One of the reasons I never really pursued history after undergrad was that I didn’t want to be writing so much. But one of the things I love the most about history was the respect it has for firsthand material. One of the great things about social history, one of the things that makes it relevant to this particular [project] is that you only really get to know how people used to live when you find journals and things like that. That does become the real firsthand evidence of what really went on.

By Emily Hulme

Another home run episode! And this one almost completely off island.

Before we get into it, I just want to point you to TheMisfitIsHere, a great blog run by a crazy man. He misunderstands everything, refers to everyone by the wrong name, and interprets photos of cast members in other projects as bizarre spoilers for "Lost." It's hilarious. Just be careful. Every once in a while he slips some correct advance information in there, and you're accidentally spoiled, although you wouldn't know it until after you see it happen on the show.

By Margeaux Baulch Klein
Special to amNewYork

Jeff Lewis, "Inloveness Revisited," 2006, 14"x11". $50 at 20x200.com>

Posters may be cheap, but after the age of 20, those unframed images of movie stars and motivational kittens can lose their zeal.

However, ditching the dorm-room decor and upgrading to original artwork doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune. For those looking to purchase their first piece of art, Lisa Hunter, author of “The Intrepid Art Collector: The Beginner’s Guide to Finding, Buying, and Appreciating Art on a Budget,” recommends they explore photography.

“Works on paper are much more affordable than paintings and sculpture because they’re sold in multiples,” Hunter explains. “Plus, you don’t need to take an art history course to understand whether a photo works or not. We look at photography all of the time; it’s part of our culture.”

By Emily Hulme

Designer Richie Rich and Pamela Anderson at last night's show. (Getty)

Last night's Richie Rich show was the first Fashion Week show I have ever attended. My style criticism thus far in my life has consisted of: "I like that," or "These shoes suck." So keep that in mind as you read the following.

I have been to parties before, however, so I'll start there ...

Because the show was first and foremost a party. Before the models hit the runway (and one hour after the show was supposed to start), the audience was treated to several performances, including Kat De Luna and a troupe of shirtless ballet dancers (not together).

De Luna (who looks about 12, btw) gave a game performance of "Unstoppable." You could tell that she was really singing, because her earpiece microphone kept slipping down. Having to fix that understandably distracted her from her dancing a little bit, but the whole thing was a lot of fun.

By Julie Gordon

Brad Pitt and sons Maddox and Pax had some male bonding time in Las Vegas before heading off to the Academy Awards.

The trio stayed at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Wednesday night. At one point, three Nintendo Wii's were delivered to their hotel room, a source on the property dished.

A string-dance-off!

A little gem from Current.tv

I love the narrator's voice.

Benji Madden and Katy Perry seem to be the newest Hollywood couple. The Good Charlotte member and “I Kissed a Girl” singer spent Valentine’s Day together at club Lavo in Las Vegas. According to our source, the two were talking closely, and Perry “only had eyes for Benji.” The couple was also spotted canoodling at Vegas' Wasted Space inside the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, another spy said.

By Emily Hulme

Jorge Garcia, Hugo "Hurley" Reyes from "Lost," has posted photos of a very special cake on his blog.

It was made by the Ace of Cakes crew for the 100th episode of "Lost." It looks delicious, and as complicated as the island itself. There are more close-ups on Garcia's blog, which is worth a read.

By Emily Hulme

I went to Barry Manilow's induction into the Friar's Club yesterday. It was an interesting glimpse into the workings of the club, but not as exciting as you might guess. I know!

First of all, Queen of Mean Lisa Lampanelli gave a heartfelt speech on how Manilow was the soundtrack to her life; she even teared up a little in her earnestness. It was sweet, but roasty? Not quite.

Manilow himself had a nice zinger though. He thanked Lampanelli for being kind, saying, "I've been roasted everyday of my life since 'Mandy' came out." It was the high point of the event. There you go, now it's like you were there.

"Family Guy" for the win.

This is unedited with a million curses, so be careful.

By Emily Hulme

Thursday's "30 Rock" was a McDonald's friendly episode, to the point where Tracy Jordan even made Jenna do a Michael McDonald impression for a blind girl. Ever since Yacht Rock made him a hipster star, everyone love that marble mouthed crooner. More, I say. Let's have more.

By Emily Hulme

The A.V. Club talks to John Lee and Vernon Chatman, creators of the gleefully offensive "Wonder Showzen." (Seriously, don't click on the link if you have a delicate sensibility, or any sense of right and wrong.) They're back with a new project for Adult Swim called "Xavier: Renegade Angel" — the second season started Thursday.

The interview is really funny. The interviewer doesn't so much ask questions as provide jumping off points for crazy tangents. They some how get to talking about the cancellation of "Wonder Showzen," which leads to the following exchange:

JL: I don’t know if we told you this story about Wonder Showzen season one, but this is emblematic of how the plug got pulled. When we finished season one, we got sent a gift from the executives. When we opened it up, it was rotten fruit and a juicer. We knew right then that it was a threat, and we were done with.

VC: Doesn’t that sound like something the mafia would do? If an executive sends you rotten fruit, you only have one season left.

And, yes. That guy has a snake for a forearm.

To celebrate their new HD style, "The Simpsons" has changed up the title sequence we all know and love. It breaks tonight.

Confessions of a Shopaholic
1.5 stars
Directed by P.J. Hogan
Starring Isla Fisher, Hugh Dancy, Kristin Scott Thomas, Joan Cusack, John Goodman

The bar for respectable chick lit adaptations was set by “The Devil Wears Prada,” and “Confessions of a Shopaholic” falls abysmally short of that bar.

Isla Fisher, who has yet to match her hilarious performance in “Wedding Crashers” several years ago, stars as the annoyingly alliterative Becky Bloomwood, a shopping addict with her sights set on working at the glossy, high-fashion Alette magazine. To achieve this goal, she lands a job writing a money budget column at a less-glamorous magazine owned by the same publishing conglomerate.

By Emily Hulme

We celebrated a little early, discussing Darwin with scholar Mark Pallen. But today is Charles Darwin's actual 200th birthday. Hooray!

Comedy Central has posted some clips from the "Daily Show" on Evolution.

If you want something more serious, Wired has a timeline of Darwin's life.

By Emily Hulme

Let's talk "Lost" after the jump. It's spoiler-tastic.

By Emily Hulme
• 'It Is What It Is: Conversations About Iraq' is at the New Museum through March 22.
• Find supplementary material and a full schedule of participants at the project's Web site.

Artist Jeremy Deller, center, and participants Esam Pasha, right, an Iraqi citizen, and Sgt. Jonathan Harvey, an Iraq war veteran (AP)

Jeremy Deller’s “It Is What It Is” at the New Museum is thought provoking, but visually spare. That’s because the installation consists mostly of people talking.

Subtitled “Conversations About Iraq,” the show facilitates intimate discussions among members of the general public and journalists, soldiers and Iraqi nationals sharing their experiences of the country.

At the press preview Wednesday, Sgt. Jonathan Harvey, an Iraq war veteran, discussed life on his base. One surprising detail he shared with reporters: There was organized entertainment every night for the soldiers on base, including a “Guitar Hero” tournament — but he was usually too tired from the day’s activities to participate.

My odd afternoon with actor-turned-rapper Joaquin Phoenix (press day for his movie "Two Lovers") didn't even prepare me for his strange appearance on "The Late Show with David Letterman." I won't even begin to describe it -- just watch the above clip.

Below, watch how different Phoenix was the last time he was on Letterman's show (Juuly '06).

Joaquin Phoenix in October 2007, left, and November 2008 (Getty)

By Julie Gordon

Makeovers usually turn ugly ducklings into stunners, but in the case of Joaquin Phoenix, it’s the complete opposite — and it seems that his recently acquired scruffy look is here to stay.

At a Manhattan press event for his film “Two Lovers” Wednesday, the once clean-cut Oscar nominee walked into the room looking unkempt, lit Camel cigarette in hand.

And he was more than ready to defend his October declaration that he’s quitting the film business in favor of a rap career.

“I don’t f--- around. I only do s--- I really mean,” Phoenix said.

By Ed Condran
Special to amNewYork
• Tracy Morgan is at Carolines on Thursday through Sunday.Tickets: $52.75

Tracy Morgan insists that he has metamorphosed.

In some ways, the comic-actor, who is a vital part of the critically acclaimed NBC sitcom ’30 Rock’ is on the money. Over the last year, Morgan says he has become clean and sober. He also split up with his wife of 23 years.

“I’m a much more responsible and mature person,” Morgan says while calling from his Midtown apartment. “I now see morning, noon and night. Before it was just night. It’s all changed now that I’m 40.”

The Cosby Show: Ray Charles - Click here for this week’s top video clips

I just learned that the actor who plays Cliff's dad, Earle Hyman, was also the voice of Panthro on "ThunderCats." Hear an interview with him here. The "ThunderCats" stuff is toward the end.

By Emily Hulme

Boing Boing has been all over this the past few days, but "How's Your News?" has come to MTV as a regular series. "HYN" started out in 1999 as a documentary following a group of developmentally disabled people doing man on the street-style reporting across the country. The MTV series chronicles their recent adventures.

As the HYN website says, "Humor is an important part of life with a disability (and life in general!), so we'd like you to know it's okay to laugh at some of this material. We're laughing right along with you."

I first heard about this project on This American Life, but what I learned from the press surrounding the MTV series launch is that South Park's Matt Stone and Trey Parker have been executive producers since the beginning. They kind of kept their involvement under wraps at the beginning because: "Me and Trey thought for a long time that we should keep our name off of it, not because of us, but because of them. How's Your News? is sullied by its association with me and Trey and its association with MTV," according to Parker in an interview with The TV Squad.

Anyway, it's an interesting and genuinely funny show, and you should check it out.

"Lost" has rocked so far this season, and it looks like tonight's episode will be no different. Above, Jin and the French crew go toe to toe with the smoke monster. Here's something I've always thought: The smoke monster sounds like a New York City cab printing out a receipt. It's a weird sound association and I make it every time.

By Emily Hulme

I watched the first two episodes of "Important Things" last night, and I love it.

Each episode is divided loosely into the jokes part, the sketch part and the more jokes but this time with a song and/or some time at the sketch (different kind) pad. Martin's specials have been much less structured, almost stream-of-consciousness rambles, but for a weekly series, it helps to have a framework. And the sketches give Martin a platform to show off a different side of his humor. More than just observational one-liners, the sketches are relatively mundane situations taken to absurd extremes, such as the club kid who's way to early for a rave, or the actor who only gets convincingly angry when the cameras stop rolling.

There are few big laugh-out-loud moments; Martin's humor is too subtle for that. This is different, though, than saying it's not funny. Every moment will put a smile on your face, and Martin is a charming entertainer. Also, he has very nice eyes.

ETA: Demetri Martin talks about his process with Alan Sepinwall here.

By Emily Hulme

So I wrote up a brief review of T&E's season 2 DVD for tomorrow's paper. It's mostly bewildered, and includes the phrase, "The show is not so much funny as just plain weird." Truthfully, I found some of it a little hard to watch, but I have a feeling I'm not their target audience (which I suspect is made up of 22-year-old boy stoners who like to fart on each other). But I do love the segment "Brule's Rules," featuring John C. Reilly.

Be prepared, ya turkey!

By Scott A. Rosenberg

For a guy who only entered the comics field a few years ago, Matthew Sturges is incredibly busy.

Just a few years ago, Matthew Sturges joined up with Bill Willingham, author of DC Comics/Vertigo title “Fables,” for a new spinoff, “Jack of Fables,” starring the ubiquitous Jack of countless fairytales. Since then, Sturges has branched off to a slew of other comics for DC, like “Shadowpack” and “Salvation Run.” He’s about to start “Justice Society of America” with Willingham, and he recently revived another property, “House of Mystery,” beautiful drawn by Luca Rossi, which just had a collection of the first five issues published.

The book centers on the mythic House of Mystery from DC Comics lore, and stars a group of people who are trapped in the house. While there, they are often hanging out in the bar, where strange travelers stop by for a drink, paid for with a story. These stories – some written by Sturges, some by Willingham” – are given a guest artist and fit in well with the creepy nature of the book.

amNewYork spoke with Sturges about the comic.

By Kara Warner

We can't quite believe it, but America's Sweetheart Jennifer Aniston turns
the big 4-0 Wednesday.

To celebrate, the former "Friend" and "Marley & Me" star's boyfriend, John
Mayer, has reportedly written a tune for his leading lady.

"He did write a special song just for her for her birthday," a source tells
People magazine. No word on where he'll perform or present the song, or if
we'll get to here it on an album someday (though knowing Mayer's penchant
for self promotion, we're betting yes).

Aniston's official celebration was held last Saturday at her new home in
Beverly Hills. VIPs in attendance included: Oprah Winfrey, Courteney Cox,
David Arquette, Tom Hanks, Rita Wilson, Tobey Maguire and his wife, Jen
Meyer.

Those interested in more Aniston b-day fun should check out People.com's
celebratory/time-wasting "Are you Jennifer Aniston's Biggest Fan" quiz.

By Scott A. Rosenberg
• ‘Mortified’ is at Comix Wednesday. 8 p.m., $20.
GetMortified.com
• Valentine’s Day Personal Media Mixer is at Housing Works Bookstore on Saturday. 8 p.m., $15; $50 for VIP tickets

So that holiday is coming up.

Yeah, the one where if you’re single, you’ll be sitting around miserable and lonely, and if you’re in a relationship, you’re crushed by unreal expectations. You just can’t win. Valentine’s Day is a cruel, cruel mistress.

But, you can commiserate.

By Emily Hulme

E!'s Watch with Kristin has some news about HIMYM.

Yeah, everyone's pregnant. Laura Prepon is going to be on. But more importantly, we're getting back to the stinging red palm that makes this show awesome ... the slap bet. Slapsgiving was the last delivered slap, but there are TWO MORE LEFT!

(Also, I ran into Josh Radnor at a party last week. I never spot celebrities (or, rather, I'm usually totally oblivious to their presence), so this was pretty cool.)

They've gotten the band back together! Read the full interview here.

What about groupies? What would you say is the average age of a Spinal Tap groupie in the year 2008?
Smalls: It’s not the age, it’s the circumference that’s worrying.
St. Hubbins: For some reason, because of a certain song, we do attract the larger south end.
Tufnel: Once in awhile there’s a granddaughter of someone from the original days, and that’s always interesting. The typical age: I would say between 50 and 70.
St. Hubbins: But we’re talking a young 70 and an old 50.
Tufnel: We have a code when we’re doing a show—backstage, if some women come back. We’ll look at each other, with a sly look, and David will say, “Six.” And that’s the number of teeth they might have.

Here they are in younger days:

I'm just sayin', it looks like newsie's taking tips from everyone's favorite Kiwi band manager.

By Julie Gordon

The uncertain future of NBC’s “Lipstick Jungle” upset star Lindsay Price so much, she temporarily swapped living in New York, where the show was filmed, for Los Angeles.

“We’d pass a restaurant or a store, and it was almost like getting broken up with or dumped. It was too painful,” Price told us at a party for MAC Cosmetics’ Hello Kitty collection Thursday.

The series’ last episode aired Jan. 9. Reportedly, “Jungle” may air on one of NBC’s sister networks or on DirecTV and then on NBC (à la “Friday Night Lights”) to save money.

Variety is reporting that a "Candy Land" live-action adaptation is in the works. Seriously?

By Emily Hulme

Above is a short animation by Henry Selick, the director of "Coraline," called "Slow Bob in the Lower Dimensions." According to Pop Candy, this was a pilot made for MTV in 1991, starring "a guy named Bob who's pretty geeky in the real world but then becomes a superhero in the 'lower dimensions.'" It's totally weird.

Push
1.5 stars
Directed by Paul McGuigan
Starring Chris Evans, Dakota Fanning, Camilla Belle, Djimon Hounsou

By Mina Hochberg

The half-baked action flick “Push” clangs with so many distracting bells and whistles, it’s easy to forget a scene 10 minutes after it happens. The story centers on a population of men and women who look normal but possess special powers. Some see the future (watchers), some move things with their mind (movers), some plant lies in other people’s heads (pushers), some shatter eardrums by screaming really loudly (not sure what these guys are called, but they’re silly).

Why is Steve Martin wearing those glasses, though?

By Emily Hulme

Like I said, Demetri Martin's new special debuts on Comedy Central Feb. 11. But the man himself is at the Apple Store Soho tonight! It's at 7 p.m., so you still have time to go home and catch "Lost" after stalking your favorite comedian. Which is not something I'm doing. I promise.

By Emily Hulme

I've linked to him before, but I just want to take this opportunity to say that I wish I had Jeff Jensen's job, and I wish I could do it half as well. He's on the "Lost" beat for Entertainment Weekly, and his pre-caps, recaps and everything he does are thoroughly smart and entertaining. This season, he's even launched a video series, "Totally Lost," consisting of interviews, previews and outright speculation. This week's video is here.

What I love about this season is all the durn answers we're getting. What the heck is up with Sun? Who's going after Aaron? Where's Claire?! ... OK, that last one won't be addressed until season 6, but I'm confident we won't just drop her, like we did Libby two seasons ago.

(Courtesy: St. Ann's Warehouse)

Theater fanatics — and even those who dabble — have only days to catch "Disfarmer," the most recent production at DUMBO's "St. Ann's Warehouse." Its run ends on Feb. 8.

The play focuses on the lonely life of Mike Disfarmer, a small-town photographer with an irrational fear of tornadoes. It drags a bit — after all Disfarmer's life is not meant to be exciting, but masterful puppetry, a spirited soundtrack and the weaving-in of photographs keep the audience engaged.

The New York Times and Gothamist liked it for the most part. It's worth checking out.

— Emily Ngo

By Emily Hulme

Gawker's Richard got his hands on an unofficial list of TV pilots the networks have purchased for next season. And it includes: "Untitled Mitch Hurwitz Project, CBS." The description sounds sort of familiar: "Dysfunctional family comedy revolving around adult siblings and their parent who are over-involved in one another’s lives. Hybrid." But I don't mind.

By Emily Hulme

While I'm posting extended interviews from stories that have already been published in the paper, here are some excerpts from my interview with Graham Linehan (producer/writer of "The IT Crowd").

What happened with the American version?
They did a pilot that was exactly the same as the first episode but with one or two minor changes. It was disappointing to me because they didn’t really think to speak to me about it, and I felt that we made a lot of mistakes in the first series that I could easily have told them how to avoid. But instead they just made a carbon copy, and imported all our biggest problems.

I think the actual theme of the show and what the show is about would translate very well to the American setting, but the style the show is in is a very specific style of British comedy. There’s a kind of heightened surrealism that you don’t really see as much of in American comedy, especially mainstream American comedy. I felt that in trying to ape it, they were kind of going away from what’s best about American comedy, to my mind.

By Emily Hulme

For this week's book page, in honor of Charles Darwin's 200th birthday (Feb. 12) I emailed with professor Mark Pallen, the author of "The Rough Guide to Evolution." Unfortunately, due to space restrictions, only the answer to my last question ("How do you read "Origin of the Species?" you'll see it below) made it in the paper.

But the internet is limitless! So below is a full Q&A between Pallen and me.

I really enjoyed the mix of hard science and casual language and pop culture references. What led you to tackle the project in this manner?
For the last five years, I have run a Darwin Day symposium in Birmingham, England, which has exposed me to the wide range of Darwin’s impact on academic life and popular culture. ... One year, we even had a celebration of Darwin’s Origin of Species as a reggae album (something I threw together with a Jamaican colleague, Dominic White). So, when it came to writing "The Rough Guide to Evolution," it seemed perfectly natural for me to explore the impact of Darwin and evolution outside biology — on other sciences, on religion and in popular culture.

By Emily Hulme

So CH is sometimes spot on funny and sometimes not funny at all. This video, Sayid doing stand up comedy, starts out like the latter but ends up the former, improbably enough. Like all things "Lost," if you're not a fan, you won't get it, but there are lots of in-jokes for believers.

My one quibble is that real Sayid would rather gnaw off his own arm rather than crack a joke, but whatever, it's a CH video. Also, the Hurley kicker at the end is awesome.

By Margeaux Baulch Klein
Special to amNewYork

Get a life-size cut out of Fabio here.

Despite dwindling sales and massive layoffs, one segment of the publishing industry may prove to be recession-proof: the romance novel. In 2007, romantic fiction accounted for the largest share of the consumer book market in the U.S. with more than 1.3 billion in revenue. And with more people staying home and searching for cheaper sources of entertainment, insiders are betting on romance novels to weather the economic storm.

“With the economy crumbling, we’re all looking for the lighter side to life,” says Amy Pierpont, a senior editor at Grand Central Publishing. “And romance novels are about women and men overcoming obstacles - not just with their relationship, but in life - and coming together.”

And while much of the success of the genre can be attributed to their trademark happy endings, the affordability of the books, as well as their availability at mass merchandise chains, doesn’t seem to hurt either.

Spinal Tap, the fictitious — but awesome — band that was the star of the 1984 rockumentary by Marty DiBergi (AKA Rob Reiner) is reuniting for a new CD, according to starpulse.com.

"It'll be for download as well as on conventional media later this year. We've never recorded the song we did at Live Earth, 'Warmer Than Hell,' and I think they (Spinal Tap) are trying to revisit their old success," said Harry Shearer, who plays bassist Nigel Tufnel. "Not that they were ever popular, maybe in their own universe."

And now for your viewing pleasure, the "Hell Hole" video:

By Emily Hulme

Artist Christoph Niemann blogs over at the New York Times about missing NYC and recreating his beloved city out of Legos. Above, is his facsimile of a sidewalk full of newspaper boxes, including amNewYork! We're free and we're awesome!

Here's another favorite of mine:

By Emily Hulme
• “The IT Crowd” airs Tuesdays at 11 p.m. on IFC.

The BBC’s “The IT Crowd” centers on three co-workers and friends: Roy and Moss are two socially awkward IT nerds, and Jen is their flaky but adorable manager. Together they help each other through life, finding themselves in new wacky situations weekly.

If that seems like a somewhat traditional sitcom setup, that’s because it was meant to be. In a television landscape where our half-hour comedies have turned into witty meta-commentaries, producer and writer Graham Linehan (“Father Ted”) wanted to see if the old way could still be entertaining.

“ ‘The Office’ [BBC version] was such a success that everyone thought that was the way it was going to go,” Linehan says. “I just felt that I didn’t want to see the death of the studio sitcom, so I really wanted to see if I could keep it alive, you know?”

By Emily Hulme

Here's something I never thought I'd say, but this Genny_Spencer Twitter is really neat. It's line-by-line diary entries from someone who lived through the Depression. It reads kind of like a game of Oregon Trail in its delivery.

You can read an full explanation here.

By Emily Hulme

So this week's episode has me worried.

Blair vs. the teacher ... we just did that in the last episode. Although I guess it's nice that they're continuing a plotline through more than just one episode.

But Chuck's whole "Eyes Wide Shut" experience seems a little ... unbelievable? And that's coming from someone who has stuck with this show through, well, now.

Dan and the teacher, though ... we saw that coming, but it totally works for me. Dan would fall in love with an English teacher, and they show has already set her up to be young and stupid and willing to get involved in her students' lives.

Bonus: more Dorota!

By Emily Hulme

If I had an NES controller still, I would play this all day. It's Guitar Hero as adapted to NES, complete with 8-Bit renderings of your favorite tunes, including "Sweet Child Of Mine" (above), "The Way You Make Me Feel" and more. I love 8-bit music and Guitar Hero, so this is obviously the best thing ever. Download the ROM here.

By Robert Levin
Special to amNewYork
• “The Panic in Needle Park” is at Film Forum through Feb. 5. 209 W. Houston St., btwn Sixth Ave. and Varick St.

On paper “The Panic in Needle Park” — a romantic drama about two drug addicts living in and around Sherman Square, known in the early 1970s as Needle Park — should never really have worked.

When it was released in 1971 director Jerry Schatzberg was known primarily as a photographer. The screenwriters, Joan Didion and John Gregory Dunne, were essayists and novelists. They cast as their leads unknown stage actors named Kitty Winn and Al Pacino.

Now Film Forum is reviving the film. amNewYork spoke with Winn, long since retired from acting, about her memories of the production.

How did “The Panic in Needle Park” come your way?
I was performing in George Bernard Shaw’s “Saint Joan” at the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco and the producer Dominick Dunne came up and saw that production and then came back afterward with the script. He handed me the script and asked me if I would read it and I did.

By Emily Ngo
• “The Spy Factory” is on “NOVA” 8 p.m. tomorrow on PBS.

Amid swirling speculation about how the Obama administration will change surveillance policy comes “The Spy Factory,” a documentary about the National Security Agency and its wasted potential to prevent the 9/11 attacks.

The NSA, a secretive group with seemingly limitless surveillance capabilities, is charged with amassing wiretapped information about the hijackers, then failing to collaborate with the CIA and FBI. “The Spy Factory” is a fascinating look into “turf wars” of intelligence agencies.

Interview subject Mark Rossini, a native New Yorker and former FBI agent, was barred from sharing intelligence on two 9/11 attackers as he monitored them in Nairobi, Kenya. Rossini told amNewYork he would always regret his decision not to break the rules, leak the information and help to prevent the horrors of 9/11. “There is not a day in my life that I do not think about it,” he said.

Communication has improved since 2004, when Rossini co-founded the National Counterterrorism Center, but still up for debate are the ethics of warrantless wiretapping. Rossini said in the documentary: “The possibilities are endless once you can peer into somebody’s life.”

By Emily Hulme

In support of their forthcoming album, Flight of the Conchords is going on tour. They play Radio City Music Hall April 14, which is the same day the album drops. Tickets are on internet presale right now and they'll be available to the general public Friday on Ticketmaster.

Also, last night's episode finds the boys going back to their Hiphopopotamus/Rhymenoceros roots (above), with a new song, "Hurt Feelings." Much better than "Angels."

By Emily Hulme

So last night's special super-size "Office" was pretty funny. It suffered from the same sort of drag that the hour-longs usually do, but there was also a lot of good stuff in there. It was nice to see Dwight and his weirdness taking center stage -- especially the part where he cuts the face off the CPR dummy and wears it, Hannibal Lecter-style.

Also, the roast scene was fantastic. I really liked how everyone was funny about Michael, but in a way that would totally fit their character.

My other favorite part of the show is how they handled the "fabulous guest stars!" by shunting them off to a show-within-a-show C-plot. I like Jack Black, but I don't see how they could have actually written him into the show without disrupting the carefully balanced world of Dunder-Mifflin.

Watch the full episode here.

Gavin Creel (Claude) from "Hair" (AP)

By Julie Gordon

We’re pretty sure President Barack Obama’s social calendar is booked solid, but hopefully he’ll consider this plea from a cast member of the upcoming Broadway revival of “Hair.”

“I’m going to hang [Obama’s] picture on my mirror and stare at it every day and will him to come to the show,” actor Gavin Creel (Claude) told us at a meet-and-greet with the cast on Friday. “Then I’ll invite him to my dressing room for a glass of wine and we can talk about marriage equality and things that are important to me.”

Hair, dubbed "The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical," opens on March 31, with previews starting on March 6.

Psychic and medium Chip Coffey works on A&E series "Paranormal State." (Courtesy Chip Coffey)

By Emily Gordon

A&E’s bone-chilling series “Paranormal State” follows the Paranormal Research Society on its mission to explain severe and crisis-oriented paranormal cases around the country. And Monday’s episode — “Church of the Damned” — is just as creepy as its name suggests.

With the help of psychic and medium Chip Coffey, the State College, Penn.-based group worked to rid a Catholic church of the spirits haunting it.

“It was a very frightening ordeal there,” Coffey told us. “It was one of the most negative places I have been in my entire life.”

Though some people are skeptical of the occurrences in the show, Coffey said even he is a healthy skeptic, not just assuming a paranormal element will be part of a case he is investigating.

“I know that I know but I don’t know how I know,” he said.

By Emily Hulme

The hilariously misinformative BBC Comedy series "Look Around You" is now airing on Adult Swim. A parody of educational films, it's very subtle and very dry, and probably only funny if you know things like "mafibulation" is not a word, and that germs did not originate from Germany.