tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-190335882011-11-27T20:48:53.513-05:00One bitch of a poplogBenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666567410107229218noreply@blogger.comBlogger731100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19033588.post-92106694122080964962008-10-17T03:11:00.002-04:002010-03-03T21:13:01.958-05:00

This blog doesn't exist anymore. I've moved to LA, and you can follow my adventures on:www.unfrancaisahollywood.comThank you.

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666567410107229218noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19033588.post-38539592715389520702008-08-13T00:13:00.003-04:002008-08-13T00:16:37.997-04:00

As much as I hate posting stuff from other blogs without any added value on my part, this is too huge to pass:

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666567410107229218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19033588.post-3126541424379416052008-07-21T16:29:00.003-04:002008-07-21T16:48:43.139-04:00

Some good news, courtesy of the good folks at tvwatch.com.A court decision has thrown out the $550.000 fine that was imposed on CBS for broadcasting the famous 2004 super bowl incident.Good, you all know how pissed I am when I hear how much people feel insulted by the sight of a woman's nipple, but can watch murders, rapes, and other crimes in prime time without being so much as tingled.The best

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666567410107229218noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19033588.post-30426151776653024372008-07-19T21:43:00.003-04:002008-07-20T12:50:52.817-04:00

Well, "The Dark Knight", Christopher Nolan's latest Batman film with Christian Bale and the late Heath Ledger, opened this Friday, July 19th, 2008, and is on its to way to breaking all records.On its first day, it took more than 66 million dollars, breaking three records:- Best Opening Day- Best Day- Best FridayAll three records were held by Spiderman 3, with 60 millions dollars when it opened

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666567410107229218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19033588.post-36723752769770856072008-07-16T18:36:00.006-04:002008-12-11T02:51:03.293-05:00

Well here it is, finally, an appreciation of Wall-E.Why an appreciation, you ask, and not a review?I don't like the term review. Certainly, you can't review everything about a movie - and it would be a waste of time to try anyway. What's interesting in so-called reviews? For the guy who writes it, to share his thoughts, whether good, bad, or both. For whoever reads it, to learn a little bit about

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666567410107229218noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19033588.post-23119300582830309432008-07-08T21:35:00.004-04:002008-07-08T22:04:20.912-04:00

Well, I've decided to share a little bit about my job search here on the blog. The experiences are fun (sometimes) and time-consuming (always). Maybe it'll give some of you an insight into the Entertainment world. Or someone can benefit from my experience. I might sound like those "I had cereal for breakfast" guys, but in any case, here it is.As some of you know, I'm a producer in NY. I've worked

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666567410107229218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19033588.post-86626613892539953762008-06-17T18:37:00.006-04:002008-12-11T02:51:03.683-05:00

Ante-Scriptum: The following comments have been exaggerated to make a point. Although I don't love France, I don't pray for an English invasion. Not every day.I've never tried to hide the fact that I detest France. I hate the French attitude. I despise French people. Should I remind you? I'm French...I was born in Paris, and sure, I respect its long history. I recognize the magnificence of its

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666567410107229218noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19033588.post-88762898248999194672008-04-04T17:37:00.003-04:002008-12-11T02:51:03.946-05:00

If you don't know what xkcd is, you don't know what you're missing.Thank the gods, I'm here to help you out. The cartoon web series is, as its author put it: "A webcomic of romance, sarcasm, math and language".There a little for everyone, whether you're a James Bond fan, a loving geek or just a hopeless romantic . And my personal favorite.Here you go, loose your entire day on the website and the

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666567410107229218noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19033588.post-67912670463828282572008-03-21T12:46:00.004-04:002008-03-21T12:58:20.024-04:00

My friend Sarmad is Iraqi. He left his country after the American invasion, and moved to the US where he got a Master in Journalism from Columbia University in New York. He's now a reporter at the Wall Street Journal, where he writes a blog.I find his articles fascinating. To be able to read the thoughts of an Iraqi who lived there when the war began, what he thought of Saddam, how he lived

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666567410107229218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19033588.post-61256364785181130842008-03-14T10:32:00.009-04:002008-12-11T02:51:04.371-05:00

Indeed, good morning to you from the great state of NY. The empire state.Well, let's be honest, lately it's been mainly the empire of morons, thanks to our dignified leader, Governor Eliot Spitzer. Let me ask you, who pays $4400 for a hooker for one night, when my Mexican friend over at ***** Street Pizza tells me it's only $120 here in Brooklyn? ("It was good", he says).You won't hear anyone

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666567410107229218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19033588.post-40625462861729444492008-03-13T10:54:00.002-04:002008-03-13T10:56:27.354-04:00

The last Harry Potter book, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" will be adapted into two different movies.All the fans of the world rejoice, as JK Rowling final masterpiece deserved no less.That's all for today...

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666567410107229218noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19033588.post-3132094386649514752008-03-10T12:59:00.008-04:002008-12-11T02:51:04.676-05:00

If you want to know the latest in French News, and if you speak French, I have to recommend Martin Vidberg's new blog, "L'actu en patates".Although I disprove of hosting this fantastic blog on the very socialist-oriented Le Monde website*, I can only applaud the finesse** of the observations from Martin, also known as "Everland"."The democrats' campaign gets tough""UMP" is the name of President

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666567410107229218noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19033588.post-3379708789640793902008-03-04T12:31:00.005-05:002008-03-04T12:55:48.133-05:00

Today, props to Bjork, the fantasicelandic singer, for shooting "Tibet, Tibet!" during her concert in China. Incredibly controversial, and right in your face. 100% pure Bjork.As a reminder, I worked on one of the latest Bjork Video.Here are a couple of pics I like...First the slate of the shoot:Then Michel Gondry directing, and Bjork performing:This one I like a lot: Michel Gondry alone behing a

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666567410107229218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19033588.post-62144983523864282292008-02-29T15:19:00.007-05:002008-12-11T02:51:05.447-05:00

Beijing (also known to some as Pekin), the chinese capital, has a new terminal for its airport. It's supposed to welcome the tourists for the Olympics this summer.Its size is totally insane. Yes, I read that it's the equivalent of 170 soccer fields, but you get the idea only when you actually look at it.Here is a picture of Paris, taken on Google earth, from 5km high (click for bigger view):Now

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666567410107229218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19033588.post-51448679771478198322008-02-25T12:57:00.004-05:002008-02-25T13:33:15.851-05:00

Bravo to Marion Cotillard for her win yesterday. And if you're smart enough to come to this blog, you knew already "No Country for Old Men" was gonna win, even though "There Will Be Blood" was the better film.A category nobody usually cares about is animated short. It's too bad, it's always beautiful, it doesn't take much time to watch, and the visuals are often stunning. So I thought I'd post a

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666567410107229218noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19033588.post-4286163089169951232008-02-21T16:03:00.005-05:002008-02-21T16:44:30.188-05:00

As some of you know, I was tapped last summer by Michel Gondry to be one of the shooter, during Daft Punk Alive 2007 Tour.The point was to shoot their Brooklyn concert with an amateur dv camera, from the crowd. More than 100 of us were there, and it was to be edited by Michel into a double-DVD of the concert shot "a la youtube".Turns out, the final result is a music video for "Harder, Better,

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666567410107229218noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19033588.post-82325534271833721402008-02-20T16:45:00.003-05:002008-02-20T16:47:36.357-05:00

Time for me to check if anyone is interested in this blog.Would you like me to save BenZona and start posting again?If so, you can either enter the Oscar poll (right here ->)or comment here.Thank you!

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666567410107229218noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19033588.post-40432013508727191642007-11-09T00:58:00.001-05:002007-11-09T01:01:11.412-05:00

Visit United Hollywood.com and watch this video:

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666567410107229218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19033588.post-88522735187759616412007-08-19T11:10:00.001-04:002007-08-19T11:26:33.986-04:00

I was reading the new blog of an old friend this morning. He just arrived in Philly from France. And it made me think about my own arrival, 4 years ago (see post below - and the link section and the right for a permanent link to Raph's blog).Back then, it took me 5 months to create a blog (it took him a week, which proves the blogosphere has come a long way). Anyway, here's a link to my first day

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666567410107229218noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19033588.post-54767826392090723922007-08-13T16:07:00.000-04:002007-08-13T16:24:42.678-04:00

Today I celebrate my 4 years in the United States.I arrived on August 13th, 2003, on a memorable CDG-PIT-CVG-LAN flight (that's Paris - Pittsburgh - Cincinnati - Lansing for the rest of you).That day I visited 3 different US states! An amazing gift to who figures out which...

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666567410107229218noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19033588.post-15110271164017862412007-08-06T15:42:00.000-04:002007-08-06T15:43:03.152-04:00

I would like to denounce here the FCC, the MPAA and their stupid rules. As everybody knows, movies are rated here in the US by a panel of a few secret members, the Motion Picture Association of America. They decide who should or should not watch such and such movie. The same goes on TV. Even though ratings are not very famous on the small screen, the FCC fines frequently TV Networks (or, to be

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666567410107229218noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19033588.post-64649002617958788862007-07-28T22:57:00.000-04:002007-07-29T00:06:55.600-04:00

It's almost 11pm on a saturday night, and I'm watching Florida - Giants on ESPN. Barry Bonds has 754 home runs now, only one short of Hank Aaron's record. When he finally ties then breaks it, which is bond (haha) to happen soon, it's gonna be a biiiiig day, something baseball fans will remember for all their life. For several reasons.First, breaking the HR record is a big deal. It's a record

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666567410107229218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19033588.post-70648056616423477932007-07-26T23:44:00.000-04:002007-07-26T23:46:19.430-04:00

Tomorrow opens The Simpsons, the movie. I bet it will break all records. More than Harry Potter, more than Spiderman, etc, etc.

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666567410107229218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19033588.post-13005389006881395532007-05-18T11:47:00.000-04:002007-05-18T11:48:19.211-04:00

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666567410107229218noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19033588.post-73153056422090063232007-03-12T22:04:00.001-04:002007-03-12T22:04:56.521-04:00

What do Brad Pitt and Kal Penn have in common?You have until I'm bored to answer. A couple of hours or of days, who knows?

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666567410107229218noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19033588.post-7444964325429709422007-02-26T01:19:00.000-05:002008-12-11T02:51:06.111-05:00

OK, even though I'm incredibly happy for Martin Scorses, I have to say, THIS YEAR"S OSCARS SUCKED. SUCKED BIG TIME.It was long, it was boring, Ellen was BAD.Here's what was worth saving:- The last 15 minutes with wins for Martin Scorsese and the Departed, presented by Steven Spielberg and FF Coppolla, two of my idols (let's forget the bearded jerk in the middle. Yeah Lucas it's you).- Beyonce and

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666567410107229218noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19033588.post-52972500604105932062007-02-06T20:22:00.000-05:002007-02-06T20:29:21.644-05:00

I just watched a young texas girl, named Baylie Brown, perform her audition on American Idol. She's super pretty, an awesome singer, and has a great personality. Like Simon Cowell said, born to be a pop star.Here's what I think: even without American Idol, there's no doubt she would have become a pop sensation right away. And the thing is, she's only 16. Meaning she was 11 when the show debuted.

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666567410107229218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19033588.post-44559736090937671992007-02-01T17:16:00.000-05:002007-02-01T18:05:30.373-05:00

YEAH! It's February! My favorite month of the year after whatever month of the summer I go somewhere under the sun..Why, will you ask? For most people, February means cold temperature and short days.Well, let's see, first, I love winter. I love snow. We haven't had a good snow storm here in New York yet, and I miss that. Also, I usually get to ski. It might be only for one day this month, but

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666567410107229218noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19033588.post-40142976524408953802007-01-23T12:09:00.000-05:002007-01-23T12:45:25.440-05:00

That's it, the nominations are in. A few notes - stuff you won't read anywhere else (coz who cares Meryl Streep is in for the 14th time?).- I did pretty well yesterday, with 13 out 15 correct! Including 5 out of 5 in Best Actress (getting Penelope Cruz in there, which wasn't a sure bet).- I could not have predicted Dreamgirls out of the Best Picture category. It's utterly stupid as it's leading

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666567410107229218noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19033588.post-48739790057724076112007-01-22T14:39:00.000-05:002007-01-22T14:40:54.155-05:00

Tomorrow morning, at the FANTASTIC hour of 8:38 am, oscars nominations will be announced. Why FANTASTIC? Because I usually wake up at 8:30, get in the shower at 8:45 to leave for work at 9:15. Therefore, 8:38 is the time when I'm finally awake and usually checking my emails (eagerly awaiting every morning the blogspot email announcing the number of comments I received during the night. I then

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666567410107229218noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19033588.post-35228016211676727782007-01-18T21:54:00.000-05:002008-12-11T02:51:06.572-05:00

Here we go again. The new season of American Idol has started this week, and for the next 4 months, it will be impossible for an American to open a newspaper, a news or entertainment website or listen to the radio without being hammered with AI news and predictions.This is a little like the World Cup in Europe. You might not be interested in it, you'll hear about it anyway, in stereo and

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666567410107229218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19033588.post-18202509929284623642007-01-17T16:12:00.000-05:002008-12-11T02:51:08.090-05:00

Here we go, my favorite films of 2006! Except this is totally not-interesting if you don't comment with your own favorite movies! Come on, do it now!No 5: Letters from Iwo Jima (Clint Eastwood)I'm in absolute awe of Clint Eastwood, 76 years old and still making 2 movies every year. And what movies! After winning the Oscar 2 years ago with "Million Dollar Baby" (not deserved if you ask me), he

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666567410107229218noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19033588.post-20108362781889997282007-01-10T18:27:00.001-05:002007-01-10T18:27:48.692-05:00

Hello Children.Finally, it's time to reveal my top 2006. No, this is not a top ten. This is simple a list of the great movies of 2006. Not the good, not the enjoyable, the great. Those who were way above everything else. And honestly, it was a freaking good year.No 12: Dave Chapelle's block PartyEveryone know I love ex-boss Michel Gondry, and some that I admire Dave Chapelle greatly. I'm happy to

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666567410107229218noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19033588.post-32361156887273669592006-12-22T10:25:00.000-05:002006-12-22T10:26:10.888-05:00

Happy Birthday!

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666567410107229218noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19033588.post-73911057327483312422006-12-21T23:56:00.000-05:002008-12-11T02:51:08.535-05:00

I'm not sure if you followed that story, but a few days ago, it was announced that Miss USA, a very pretty 21 year old, would keep her crown. She had been spotted in bars, drinking when she was only 20, which is forbidden in the USA (as a reminder for our foreign readers).Well, it turns out Donald Trump owns the "Miss USA" beauty pageant, and he declared she deserved a second chance. The

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666567410107229218noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19033588.post-73352681747322433952006-12-20T13:31:00.000-05:002008-12-11T02:51:09.048-05:00

Haaa, do I love lists. Yes, I do. Even when there's only two items on the list, as for this "Worst movies of 2006" post. It doesn't mean that most movies were great this year, far from it. It probably means I can spot a bad movie before watching it!For example, I haven't seen Santa Clause 3: The escape clause, and I don't plan to.(sorry)But let's move on to the list:- Miami Vice (Michael Mann)

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666567410107229218noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19033588.post-85583410370699662162006-12-19T17:29:00.000-05:002006-12-19T17:31:36.614-05:00

Quick word to let you know I've started a new blog, in French. It's not gonna replace this one, it's more like a diary, with stupid and un-interesting comments. Its main goal is to channel people to here, so don't feel like you've got to visit it. And speaking french might help :-) http://benjhinny.blogspot.com

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666567410107229218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19033588.post-59288942658274613702006-12-14T14:51:00.000-05:002008-12-11T02:51:09.223-05:00

We interrupt this program, with an exceptional second post in one day (!!!!) to tell you about what happened in Belgium yesterday night (Thanks to Gregg for the heads-up).At 8:20 PM, heart of prime time, Belgium most important French-speaking TV Network, the RTBF, interrupted their programs with a "urgent news alert", saying The Flandres, the Flemish-speaking part of the country, had proclaimed

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666567410107229218noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19033588.post-9783377262662611522006-12-14T13:50:00.000-05:002006-12-14T13:56:14.930-05:00

Alright, we're gonna have a little fun, and I'm going to incite you guys to post comments!Very soon, you'll find here the list of my top movies for 2006 - the ones I thought stood above all else, and my bottom movies for 2006: those I thought were some of the worst I've ever seen! While I'm (not too) seriously thinking about it and catching up on what I haven't yet seen, I would love to hear what

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666567410107229218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19033588.post-80423292748882238172006-12-10T12:34:00.000-05:002008-12-11T02:51:09.448-05:00

I HAVE to share this. Yesterday, I saw The Fountain, by Darren Aronofsky. It's the most staggering movie I've ever seen. I'm in complete shock, and awe. And since there's no way I can describe what is so good, or why it's so good, I'll just stop here.

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666567410107229218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19033588.post-39289330617182579422006-12-05T20:12:00.000-05:002006-12-07T15:41:48.783-05:00

I don't have enough time right now to say all the good I think of Aaron Sorkin and his "Studio 60 on the sunset strip". Yesterday's Christmas episode (which was also kind of an anti-Christmas episode), was funny, moving and smart at the same time. The way little things within an episode or season connect is absolutely fantastic. Yesterday was the fall finale, and it is clear that it was written

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666567410107229218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19033588.post-1162419497673428882006-11-01T17:01:00.000-05:002006-11-01T17:23:26.606-05:00

You know all those controversies that rock the art world when a creator has died and someone tries to take over his work, usually for the worst?It happened for Blake & Mortimer, and it should have happened way earlier than it did when Uderzo tried to script new adventures of Asterix, after its original writer, Rene Goscinny - one of the world's greatest genius, passed away.Well, I'm now convinced

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666567410107229218noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19033588.post-1161110721358513882006-10-17T14:41:00.000-04:002006-10-17T14:46:11.940-04:00

Exerpt from an online conversation between my friend Baril and myself*:Baril (2:14): lolBaril (2:15): Shit I wanted to type "lol" and I typed "lost" insteadBenjh (2:15): lostBaril (2:15): lolBy the way, you can read the amazing "blug", by Baril, by clicking right here!* The following has been translated from the french for your reading convenience.

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666567410107229218noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19033588.post-1160675926524475772006-10-12T13:48:00.000-04:002006-10-12T14:07:09.733-04:00

SPOILER ALERT: Do not read this if you haven't watched the second episode of the third season of Lost.Hi, I'm Ben, the other one, the not-other.Confused? Read on...GENERAL IMPRESSIONLet me say right off the bat: The beginning of this new season of Lost is absolutely fantastic. Not only do we learn a lot about the others, the episodes are also masterfully written and directed. I feel like the

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666567410107229218noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19033588.post-1159896919125435042006-10-03T13:29:00.000-04:002006-10-03T13:35:19.143-04:00

Let's start today with a few new shows I hadn't had time to blog about last time.First and foremost:Heroes (Monday, NBC, 9PM).Let's get this straight: this new show can be awesome. The pilot WAS awesome.For those of you who haven't watched, the concept is the same as X-men. Due to some genetic crap, some people find themselves with super powers. A blond and busty cheerleader can't be harmed. A

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666567410107229218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19033588.post-1159495960475844732006-09-28T22:12:00.000-04:002006-09-28T22:12:40.486-04:00

... IS ER USUAL CREDIT MUSIC????GOD DAMNED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666567410107229218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19033588.post-1159226442073541242006-09-25T19:03:00.000-04:002006-09-25T19:20:42.103-04:00

Well, 'tis the season. I've watched about 10 pilots last week, so here's the skinny on the good and the bad, according to my gospel.6 Degrees (Thursday, ABC,9).Let me be clear: this show is completely stupid. Here, I've said it. The concept is that anyone is connected, so we meet 6 people living in NY city, and by the end of the pilot. 1 knows 2 who knows 3 who etc, until 5 know 6. Oh my God,

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666567410107229218noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19033588.post-1158168957471954332006-09-13T13:34:00.000-04:002006-09-13T13:35:57.486-04:00

OK, I gotta say a word about this new Survivor. As you may or may not know, I'm a huge Survivor fan. And when I say huge, I mean huge. I never miss an episode. Actually, you'll usually find me on Thursday nights, standing on my bed, jumping and screaming like Tom Cruise on Oprah, professing my love for the show. I will sing the beginning credits (something like: "ooooheeee ohhaaaa oheee oheee

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666567410107229218noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19033588.post-1155860234815482132006-08-17T19:58:00.000-04:002006-08-17T20:21:30.213-04:00

I knew there was another world, a world of fancy hotels, first class flights and little paper umbrellas in a glass of Tequilla sunrise. But I did not imagine what I'm experiencing now in my wildest dreams (ok, maybe in the wildest).I'm today leaving NY for TLV (that's Tel Aviv for you non-flyer people), and flying Continental, of course, the airline I'm a frequent flyer of. Thanks to the guys at

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666567410107229218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19033588.post-1154581861923109762006-08-03T01:02:00.000-04:002006-08-03T01:23:44.560-04:00

I'm coming back from a reading by Stephen King, JK Rowling and John Irving, at Radio City Music Hall, which was absolutely fantastic. I actually did it twice: yesterday and today. Where also present, as guest stars, Whoopy Goldberg, Kathy Bates, Tim Robbins & John Stewart.A few pics for now, and a video of Stephen King reading.Maybe more later...

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666567410107229218noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19033588.post-1154549101528784402006-08-02T15:26:00.000-04:002006-08-02T16:07:41.840-04:00

Instructions: Bold all of the following TV shows which you've ever seen 3 or more episodes of in your lifetime. Bold and Italicize a show if you're positive you've seen every episode of it. If you want, add up to 3 additional shows (keep the list in alphabetical order).To make it easier, I just left those bold and italicized... and I organized it, therefore transforming this game, from "compare

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666567410107229218noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19033588.post-1154410554082813662006-08-01T01:29:00.000-04:002006-08-02T14:23:22.570-04:00

Once in a while someone crazy appears in the world of pop-culture, who is also a genius (Think Freddy Mercury, Michael Jackson, Quentin Tarantino). I discovered recently Gnarls Barkley, the alternative band with the best name ever, but also the best music and absolute, total crazyness. If you're doubting me, why, just check out their video for "Smiley Faces" their new single. It features, not

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666567410107229218noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19033588.post-1154394422388514262006-07-31T21:04:00.000-04:002006-07-31T21:07:02.410-04:00

No news = good news? I don't know, but while I work at the next post, I'll let you read the latest answer I got on www.flyertalk.com to one of my stupid question (the question doesn't matter, really). The worst might be that I understood half of it :-)Re: 2500 miles in a middle seatThe best is $110 from BWI to PVD, both Southwest markets, but that is a "TL", not a Y. You can note that it STILL

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666567410107229218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19033588.post-1153176736970297332006-07-17T18:50:00.000-04:002006-07-17T18:53:28.030-04:00

Dovster lives in Israel, in a Kibbutz on the border with Lebanon. BEYFlyer lives in Beyrout.They're both veteran members of an internet forum, Flyertalk.com, where frequent flyers from around the world meet, chat, and exchange their best tips to earn miles, and the best way to use them.They've never met and have "a long standing agreement" to meet for a drink sometime on the Lebanon-Israel border

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666567410107229218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19033588.post-1153110705877038322006-07-17T00:27:00.000-04:002006-07-17T00:33:51.840-04:00

I've discovered recently FlyerTalk where people all around the world, frequent flyers, give advice on plane travel.One of them lives in a Kibbutz, on the Israeli-lebanon border. Another in Downtown Beirout. They've started a thread giving people news about where they are and what's up.The thread turned into an incredible exchange of messages between friends, where you realize people live there

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666567410107229218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19033588.post-1152571487215068622006-07-10T18:32:00.000-04:002006-07-10T21:42:56.376-04:00

[If you're only interested on my comment on Zidane's headbutt yesterday, skip directly to the 5th paragraph, starting with "back with the story".] In the world of soccer, French captain Zinedine Zidane is somebody. Lots have already been said, and a lot more will, about last night's game, the 2006 FIFA World Cup Final between France and Italy. In the world's most watched event, in front of more

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666567410107229218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19033588.post-1151805904368953372006-07-01T21:53:00.000-04:002006-07-01T22:05:04.380-04:00

Once again, this is not pop-culture related, but then, the world cup dominates the world's stage, and should invade even the most remote and unread blogs.Today, France beat Brazil to advance to Semi-final against Portugal Wednesday (the other semi is set to take place Tuesday between Germany and Italy).Even if you're American and don't care much about soccer, you should know that this win is

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666567410107229218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19033588.post-1151643678190233542006-06-30T00:59:00.000-04:002006-06-30T10:40:20.060-04:00

The question of the objectivity of art has been asked for centuries, and never really answered. I used to be very careful to say "I didn't like it" instead of "It was bad" to make sure not to offend people who liked "it" (whatever "it" is - you can find it on ebay). But then, I also used to seat during credits at the end of movies.Let's face it, nobody really wants to seat during those credits,

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666567410107229218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19033588.post-1151211839003681842006-06-25T00:38:00.000-04:002006-06-25T01:03:59.016-04:00

So, after 6 months of delaying it, I finally saw Crash (by Paul Haggis). I already wrote about why it got best picture (in a few words, it takes place in LA), now I know it didn't deserve it.This is the perfect example of a mediocre movie, of a wasted good idea. It should be shown to movie students, to illustrate how you can use lots of good actors, writing, not to mention money, to go absolutely

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666567410107229218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19033588.post-1151033193560798682006-06-22T23:16:00.000-04:002006-06-22T23:26:33.573-04:00

Earlier today, as I was writing (typing? pushing? dialing?) a text message, I pushed 1 three times, hoping my cell's smart system would recognize :-) Instead, :-( appeared on my screen.It's official, Either T-Mobile or Motorola wants its user to feel depressed. Why? Maybe cause depressed people talk more, calling all their friends to tell them about what's gone wrong. Or don't go out, therefore

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666567410107229218noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19033588.post-1150314295511282652006-06-14T15:35:00.000-04:002006-06-14T15:46:07.550-04:00

I know, it's a lot of soccer for a blog dedicated to Pop Culture. But after all, the World Cup is the biggest event of them all. Is that not pop culture?For info, the NBA Finals are watched by an average of 20 millions people. The Superbowl, 90 millions.Wow, good job americans! Now listen to this.The final of the World Cup will be watched by approximately 1.3 billions people. Thats 1300 millions.

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666567410107229218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19033588.post-1150172685703952892006-06-13T00:22:00.000-04:002006-06-13T00:27:38.396-04:00

The terrible loss the US Soccer team suffered today in the hand of the Czech Republic was the best thing that could happen to the future of American soccer.Two weeks ago, as the US played Jamaica in North Carolina, ESPN aired a short "behind the scene" clip, showing players and staff members talking in the locker room. The lack of organization was obvious everywhere, from the coach saying "let's

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666567410107229218noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19033588.post-1150077150689467052006-06-11T21:24:00.000-04:002006-06-11T21:52:30.710-04:00

OK, I promised to myself that the re-beginning of my blog would not suffer from the world cup. It's gonna be tough.Living the world cup in the US is kind of weird. Everyone acknowledges and informs its neighbor that this is the greatest sporting event in the world, yet no-one really cares.What's missing from the experience is not the broadcasts (each game airs live, either on ESPN or ABC), but

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666567410107229218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19033588.post-1149637400433951742006-06-06T19:42:00.000-04:002006-06-06T19:45:35.013-04:00

As you all know, today is a big day. Today is the day Satan is supposed to rule the Earth, daemons come out of darkness, and the work of the devil will be complete.Today is June 6th, 2006, today is 6/6/6.Today is also the day "The Omen", the remake of the great horror movie from the 70s, is released. The Omen feature Julia Stiles, Liev Shreiber , and Pete Postlethwaite, the greatest character

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666567410107229218noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19033588.post-1149472296455433042006-06-04T21:41:00.000-04:002006-06-04T21:53:46.843-04:00

Yes, I know, you can't believe it. Benzona is back. After a false start, this blog is definitely under way.I don't promise super long posts every time, or insanely smart comments. But, at least a few times a week, a note, a thought, maybe not much, but something.To start with, some amazing pictures I've taken in the Brooklyn neighborhood I work in, DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass)

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666567410107229218noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19033588.post-1143949191725873352006-04-01T22:37:00.000-05:002006-04-01T22:39:51.776-05:00

It's my great pleasure, on this April fool's day, to present you number 29th on my list: Contact.It's no joke, although some of you will be quick to criticize this blockbuster's place among the world's finest film (that is, if anyone reads this).After talking story with Nueve Reinas, I'd like to introduce one of the other great thing I love about movies: Escapism.Escapism describes the power a

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666567410107229218noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19033588.post-1142605562127986982006-03-17T09:22:00.000-05:002006-03-17T09:26:02.153-05:00

The first film in my top 30 (the 30th, really), is for me the perfect example of the power of cinema. It's what has been largely forgotten in this era of special effects and fancy directing: the power of a story. Thank God for smaller countries, and smaller budgets.Thanks mainly to Fabien Beliensky and Argentine, who made, in 2000, "Nueve Reinas", known in the US as "Nine Queens".Oh, I know what

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666567410107229218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19033588.post-1142480426919916722006-03-15T22:34:00.000-05:002006-03-15T22:51:26.853-05:00

Before going to the point, here's a little thing, in case you didn't notice:Every title in this blog is a reference to a movie, book, comic, etc. A point to who finds it for every post. When this blog will have brought me money and fame, whoever has the most point will win something. Promise! And don't forget to go back to past posts, there's plenty of points to take there too. Haha, that'll

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666567410107229218noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19033588.post-1142208467284254902006-03-12T19:07:00.000-05:002006-03-12T19:07:47.300-05:00

Most of you know during the summer of 2004 I worked, as an intern in production, for director Michel Gondry ("Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" and some of the best music videos and commercials ever).In the end of September, as I was preparing to leave, Michel and his assistant, Raffi Adlan were preparing a new movie with Dave Chapelle. At the time, I didn't know exactly what it would be. I

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666567410107229218noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19033588.post-1141960062734562522006-03-09T21:58:00.000-05:002006-03-09T22:12:46.113-05:00

Have I already told you what I think of reviewers? Well just in case, let me do it again. In my opinion, there's nothing worse than telling people what they should or should not watch, what is good and what is bad. Whenever I read a review that says: "this film is crap, don't go", I stand up and yell (except if I'm reading already standing and singing Barbra Streisand, in which case I seat down

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666567410107229218noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19033588.post-1141415509914626212006-03-03T14:48:00.000-05:002006-03-06T01:30:44.886-05:00

I got lots of things on my to do list. One of them is to write a post about the obsession of America with Pop culture, entertainment and celebrities. One thing is for sure: all those elements come together once a year for the biggest event of all: The Oscars (r) - or, as they're officially called, the Academy Awards (r).Much has been said about the futility of watching multi-millionaire

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666567410107229218noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19033588.post-1141252202186390412006-03-01T17:04:00.000-05:002006-03-02T18:20:48.626-05:00

In the last scene of "Batman Begins", Gordon tells Batman: "I never said thank you". Never mind the fact that he never said please either, the dark knight answers: "And you'll never have to".This new blog works the same way. It's the vigilante of blogs, always awake when everyone else sleeps, watching over the world of pop culture, striving to put right what once went wrong and hoping each time

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666567410107229218noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19033588.post-1132257621537683992005-11-17T15:00:00.000-05:002005-11-17T15:00:21.546-05:00

This is my first post.

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666567410107229218noreply@blogger.com0