Twitteleh: Twitter For Your Jewish Mother

Here's a Rosh Hashananh gift for all of you from the brilliant minds of writer Reg Tigerman (C'07, Mask and Wig) and director/editor DT favorite Matt Johnson (C'99, Mask and Wig).  The piece also co-stars another Penn alum Dov Kogen (C'07).

Reg and Matt put it up this past Monday expecting 10 people to watch it. They're now up to 20,000 after Demi Moore tweeted it last night, and now, barring breaking news, it was supposed to be featured on CNN's Situation Room in the 4PM hour, eastern time (1PM west coast time.)

You should watch it, enjoy it and wear a sweater.

Wishing all of you a happy and sweet new year!

(...If you enjoyed the clip above, then you'll also love THIS clip!)

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This Locust Walk Video Reminds Me of The First Mask and Wig Bit I Ever Starred In

In continuing my "Delicious Leftovers" week, the following 2 videos were submitted by Kiera Reilly (C'93, Director, Alumni Travel, Associate Director, Global Alumni Network) about 2 years ago and somehow they slipped through the cracks.

In the following clip, Phi Kappa Sigma raises money for Leukemia on Locust Walk via a bike "ride-athon".  How many of these "-athons" have we all been a part of in one form or another on Locust Walk?

This actually reminds me of one of the first bits I ever starred in for Mask and Wig when I was a freshman. It was called "Gamma-Lam Read-athon".  The premise of the bit had sorority sisters trying to draw attention to their "readathon" (guy on rocking chair sleeping).  After several "Gamma-Lam Readathon, check it outs" and "any spare change will do", a guy walks by and pulls out his kidney and puts it in the money jar.   The bit ended with "organ donors get no respect".  I realize as I'm writing this that this doesn't exactly translate, but it was funny.

Speaking of Locust Walk, check out this "Fall" nighttime video:

More Locust Walk shenanigans HERE!

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His Green Products Are In Over 5,000 Stores Nationwide!

In late April, I featured a TV News clip of Brian Yanish (C'95, Mask and Wig, Friars) talking about his Scrap Kins children's character property.

For all of you with kids out there and are doing some back to school shopping, Brian's "The Scrap Kins" recycled paper stationery is already on shelves in your neighborhood.  His pocket folders feature "Green Tips" on the back and his spiral themebooks give instructions for a recycled craft project kids can make using recyclables found at home.

Support Brian by choosing "Green" for your back to school supplies.

He has pocket folders ($1.29) and spiral themebooks ($2.49) at these stores nationwide: (Click on each name to locate a locate a store near you.)

• Rite Aid (They're also carrying Brian's soft lunchboxes).
• Albertsons
• ShopKo
  
• Duckwall-Alco

Brian's limited edition stationery is only in stores for a Limited Time through Labor Day, so get these collectibles before they're gone!

And this just in! Scrap Kins Recycled Plush dolls (made from recycled polyester (fabric spun from plastic PET bottles (soda & sports drink bottles) are planned for release in Spring 2010. Congrats Brian!

Follow Brian on Twitter:
http://twitter.com/ScrapKins

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The Mask and Wig Club Tradition Referenced in Warner Brothers Film & Why This May Be My Favorite Post So Far (VIDEOS)

This could be one of my favorite "Now and Then Thursdays" series posts thus far...

There is a 1937 film called Varsity Show which references Penn and The Mask and Wig Club (thanks Anthony Maggio C'09!). As you'll see in the short somewhat hokey clip above, the group of band players chant Mask and Wig's age old song, "There's Only Room For One."  Of course I have a particular appreciation for this as I was in Mask and Wig myself.

That said, watch the tradition continue with the following video clip I also got my hands on thanks to Neil Radisch (C'86, Mask and Wig)....a video of the 1985 Mask and Wig group's rendition of the same chant!  The clip was from their annual show of "Irreverance Of Things Past".

As you may recall I once compared 2 Mask and Wig videos before from 1994 and 2007 (see the post HERE). As you'll note in both sets of videos in this post, it's fascinating to me that while traditions are maintained, each generation takes that tradition and makes it their own.

...Speaking of how things don't change, check out my other favorite Now and Then Thursday post:
My Dorm Room 15 Years Later (side-by-side photo comparison!)

Other Penn traditions caught on video HERE

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3 Penn Alumni Win Facebook Competition With Their Free New Web Service

More news of Penn alumni working together.

If you're ever overwhelmed by all the email you get and have to check different accounts multiple times a day, the following 3 Penn alumni have solved the problem with NutshellMail:

• Mark Schmulen (left), Co-Founder and CEO (C '03, SAM/Theos Fraternity, SCUE),  
• David Lyman (center) Co-Founder and COO (Engineering '03, SAM/Theos Fraternity, Penn Engineering in Ghana)
• Nirav Batavia (right), VP of Business Development (Wharton and Engineering '03, Mask and Wig, Penn Engineering in Ghana)

How?

Nutshellmail is a free web-based service that enables users to manage and access all their email and social networking accounts through any email inbox. NutshellMail is designed to help you manage your online life through the place where you spend most of your computing time - your primary inbox. The solution works by sending recurring email updates to any email address on a schedule you choose. Each update provides a snapshot of new messages and activity in your Facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn, and email accounts. Through the Update, a user can retrieve any message directly into their primary inbox without having to access their account provider's website. In addition, the solution is designed to provide a compliant way for employees to retrieve messages when restricted from email and social networking sites at work.

Also, these guys have a popular Nutshellmail facebook app HERE which helps you to keep up with all your Facebook activity including status updates, friend requests, messages, birthdays, and much more directly through your email inbox. It's so popular that it was selected as one of the winning companies of the Facebook Fund competition and have received an investment from the fbFund and are now in Palo Alto participating in the fbFund REV incubator program for 10-weeks.

Per Mark,

"We also closed on our Series A financing. With a healthy balance sheet and an incredible opportunity to work directly with Facebook, David, Nirav and I are very excited about our prospects."

Visit www.nutshellmail.com

Other great Website Wednesday posts

New to DT? 14 easy suggestions to get started!

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Hanging Out with Todd Lieberman at His Very Engaging Hollywood Premiere of The Proposal

This past Monday, I attended the Hollywood premiere of Producer and good friend Todd Lieberman's (C'95, Mask and Wig, AEPi) film The Proposal at Hollywood's El Capitan Theater.  (Photo to right (l to r): Todd and I)

Before I get to the actual Hollywood "scene" of this premiere, I have to say that I really enjoyed this movie and it feels good to know that a guy I call one of my best friends is glowing at the response of having a hit movie on his hands.  The casting was right on the money with Sandra Bullock, Ryan Reynolds, and Betty White (plus a great scene stealer from "The Office"'s Oscar Nunez). Not only were there many funny scenes due to the pleasantly awkward tension between Bullock's and Reynolds' characters, but there was some great heart to the film as well. Definitely a great date movie. 

Here's a good summary summary of the movie (per Yahoo Movies):

"When high-powered book editor Margaret faces deportation to her native Canada, the quick-thinking exec declares that she's actually engaged to her unsuspecting put-upon assistant Andrew, who she's tormented for years. He agrees to participate in the charade, but with a few conditions of his own. The unlikely couple heads to Alaska to meet his quirky family and the always-in-control city girl finds herself in one comedic fish-out-of-water situation after another. With an impromptu wedding in the works and an immigration official on their tails, Margaret and Andrew reluctantly vow to stick to the plan despite the precarious consequences."

Now onto the afterparty...

Some highlights included catching up with other Penn alumni including Todd's wife Heather (Zeegen) Lieberman (C'94, SDT), and actress Elizabeth Banks (C'96) and her husband and film producer Max Handelman (C'95, AEPi).

And then I saw a bunch of celebs, but decided to approach only two.  And before I tell you what I said, I fully acknowledge the awkwardness in my attempt at conversation with some of these celebrities, yet in the following 2 cases, I felt the need to approach them:

• I said hello to Jesse James and complimented him on how well he performed in this past season's "Celebrity Apprentice". He was very nice and thanked me. While his wife Sandra Bullock was right beside him in another conversation, I decided to save my "you were great in the movie" comment and walk away with my dignity.
• I had to say hello to "Golden Girl" Betty White. She was extremely nice and approachable and I thanked her for all the years of laughter she brought to me (I know this sounds really cheesy, but it was sincere). She was very gracious and agreed to take a picture with me.

The Proposal hits theaters on June 19.

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Star Trek Has Beamed Up Penn Alum Dave Baronoff to New Hollywood Heights

Last January I wrote a post on how Dave Baronoff (C'99, L'02, Mask and Wig) went from lawyer to producer for JJ Abrams.

I am happy to report that Dave is doing extremely well.  This year, not only was Dave the Associate Producer of THIS popular movie, and has appeared on the cover of Ad Age, but come this weekend, you'll see his name taking up the whole screen under the "Associate Producer" credit at the end of the new Star Trek film.

In an interview Dave did earlier this week with a Philly newspaper, Dave tells us why everyone's going to like Star trek:

'“I liked ‘Star Trek’ (growing up), but I was never obsessed with it,” says Baronoff, admitting he was more of a “Star Wars” guy. “What’s amazing about this process is I’ve been converted. What J.J. and the writers have done is to create a new way into the franchise and taken characters beloved by so many and found a way for the rest of us to connect with them.”'

On Monday night I was fortunate enough to see an advance screening of the new Star Trek movie and it was really great. If you like JJ Abrams other works including Cloverfield, "Fringe" (you'll see similar title treatments and special effects in the movie), "Lost" and "Alias", you'll also love this movie for its attention to contemporary story telling and character development. You'll also appreciate the clever incorporation of some of your favorite Star Trek classic lines. Be sure to check out the movie when it comes to theaters this Friday!

Read an interview Dave did earlier this week with a Philly newspaper HERE

Learn more about Dave and his journey in Hollywood
(great for anyone considering a career change or career in Hollywood)

On a related note, if you haven't seen the documentary Trekkies, you must see this to truly understand the Trekkie culture out there!  You'll be amazed!

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These 4 Penn Friends Want You To Lend for Peace

What happens when 4 Penn alumni come together to raise money for a good cause? Ask (l to r in pic in left) David Fraga (C'07, Mask and Wig, Sphinx Senior Society, Performing Arts Council), Allam Taj, (Law '09), Sam Adelsberg (C'10), and Andrew Dudum (C'11).

In February, these 4 created LendforPeace.org, a non-profit microfinance platform focused on the Middle East and was recently featured on Fox Business (see interview clip above featuring David Fraga).

LendforPeace.org was founded by these four Penn students (two Jews and two Palestinians) on the premise that grassroots economic development through microfinance may help increase stability in the Middle East. While the founders disagree about a lot of things, it is hard to disagree about a mission of poverty alleviation and job creation.

Supported by such institutions as the Clinton Global Initiative and Ashoka (the largest association of social entrepreneurs in the world), Lendforpeace.org was launched on February 5th at an event on Penn's campus.

Visit www.LendforPeace.org and their Blog HERE

Other great Website Wednesday posts

New to DT? 14 easy suggestions to get started!

 

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He Beatboxes In The Internet Symphony That Went Around The World (VIDEO)

On this happy Cinco de Mayo day, I have a fun, music filled, Penn related, celebration treat for all of you...

Did you catch the Youtube Symphony project that was going around the web a couple of weeks ago?

If you watch closely in the video above, at minute 4:07, you would have found Adam Matta (C'96, Mask and Wig) beatboxing the "brake drum and snare" parts in the Mashup Video.

Adam has gone international with his beatboxing recently:

• He headlined the Human Beatbox Convention in London, at the Southbank Centre. 
• Was in Austria the same week, rehearsing with Nihan Devecioglu, who will be a guest artist at the show at BAM Cafe in June.  More info about the BAM gig HERE

Some of Adam's amazing performances (this guy has serious talent!)

More Penn musician posts here

Click to see what other 1996 Penn grads are up to

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He'll Have You Turn Trash Into Treasure with the Scrap Kins

Eco-advocate and illustrator, Brian Yanish (C'95, Mask and Wig, Friars) has combined his talents and passions to create The Scrap Kins, animated characters that live in a recycling center and build their world out of the things people throw away.

Over the past 2 years DT has been following Brian as he has been developing out the Scrap Kins and we are happy to report that he has not only had successful meeting with some major publishers, but his his characters will be on children's notebooks and folders in Rite Aid stores across the country in over 4900 stores!

In the recent Los Angeles news segment from above, Brian shows us how he teaches kids to use their imagination and turn household scraps into crafts.

Happy Earth Day everyone!

Visit Brian's website HERE

Follow Brian on his Twitter page HERE

More from my "Pinching PENNies" series

Find out HERE how Penn has been going green!

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Mask and Wig Closes Fling With Some Clever "D#ck" Jokes (VIDEO)

Another Fling, another year of cheers and hisses over some clever "dick" jokes from Mask and Wig.

Watch above to find out how the group incorporated Canada and other popular references into this year's (2009) Spring Fling "Nude Bit". (for those Friars and Sphinx members out there, stick around for the last joke!)

...If you watch the first exchange, you'll hear the following dialogue:

"Excuse Me Noah, I think you put that shoe on wrong"
Reply: "It's because I have a foot dick"

Can you come up with a better reply line?  
...Tweet me HERE with your response!

Check out coverage from the 2007 and 1993 Mask and Wig "Nude Bit" HERE

Videos of Flings from past and present HERE (including a video from this year's Akon SPEC concert performance)

Thanks to John Berweiler (C'11) for the above video!

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Two Mask and Wig Alumni Film Producers With A Bunch of New Hollywood Movies

This week here are some tidbits of some upcoming films from some Mask and Wig alumni film producers:

---

Norm Golightly (C'94, Mask and Wig) will be producing The Sorcerer's Apprentice for Saturn Films.

Per Variety,
"The plot centers on an average college student (Jay Baruchel), who is unwillingly recruited to work for sorcerer Balthazar Blake (Nicholas Cage). The sorcerer gives him a crash course in the art and science of magic to prepare him to fight the forces of darkness, including the evil magician Horvath (Alfred Molina), in modern Manhattan. Teresa Palmer will play Baruchel's love interest."

Norm's other Nic Cage movie Knowing comes out in theaters on March 20.

My past post about Norm here

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Todd Lieberman (C'95, AEPi, Mask and Wig) will be producing a remake of The Man With the X-Ray Eyes.  .

Per Variety,
"The original starred Ray Milland as a scientist who is near a breakthrough in X-ray vision technology when his funding is cut off. Desperate to show results, the doc applies eye drops that eventually cause him to lose control over his growing powers."

Todd also has a great looking movie coming out in June called The Proposal. Per Yahoo movies, the synopsis is as follows:

"A book editor (Sandra Bullock) is forced to marry her male assistant (Ryan Reynolds) in order to stay in the country. When they travel to Alaska to meet his family, the new couple has to fake their way through a surprise wedding thrown by his parents. "

Check out the trailer below:

Also, Todd's Beverly Hills Chihuahua movie also just came out on DVD

My past posts about Todd here

---

My past Hollywood Bits and Pieces stories HERE

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You'll Never Guess What He Set a World Record For

Looks like Nicholas Fritzhand (C'06, Mask and Wig, Sphinx) recently set a world, or rather "universal" record for a very unique talent.

Regarding the video above, per the URDB.com site,

"In an impressive showing of speed, dance, and sychronicity, Nicholas Fritzhand, Ronnie Gensler, and Jon Heilman complete 63 triple time steps in one minute, a new world record.

The performance took place at a World Record Appreciation Society event in New York City on January 7, 2009."

Nicholas has been tapping since he was in third grade, choreographed and danced with mask and wig, and made guest appearances with arts house dance company while at penn.  After graduation, he spent a couple months professionally dancing in barcelona with Tapeplas.

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