Portland in mere hours...

I'm all packed, but I have the feeling that I forgot something. I think I always have that feeling, and usually it's true. I hope it's not something too important...

No high-five news yet, though I'm still trying to get some more people excited about it. It looks like we might have a Ryan Gosling and Anthony Hopkins interview coming up next month for Fracture. I'll keep you posted. And the most exciting news in my world- the new Harry Potter covers were released yesterday:





And now, off to Portland!

Portland in one day...

It's not only my hometown, it's also one of the best cities in the nation (and world?). But you don't have to take my word for it- magazines continually rank it in their "top tens" too. Some of the lists that Portland has graced include:

• Best Arts Cities (#10)
• Best Places to Live (#1)
• Best Walking Towns (#1)
• Best Cycling Cities (#1)
• Cities for Independent Moviemakers (#3)
• Cleanest Cities (#1)
• Sustainable Cities (#2)
• Best Big Cities (#2)

For more info on visiting Portland, click here.

In high-five news, there's no word on a sponsor yet though more people have expressed some interest. I've been seeing all those Dunkin Donuts commercials recently with the new slogan- Amerca Runs on Dunkin. It got me thinking- why can't America high-five on Dunkin too? Maybe I'll write to them today. Or maybe I should just get a whole slew of sponsors, and then I can get one of those jackets like those Nascar drivers. That guy to the left is sporting at least ten different brands on his jacket. Who knew Sharpie sponsored drivers?

It's now time for another entry from the Prospect Park camera phone photography files:

Portland in two days...

It's true- I'm off to Portland in a mere two days, and I'm pretty pumped. In fact, according to my wikipedia entry:

"I definitely see myself moving back to Portland in a few years...it's just so wonderful here, the best place on earth" said Frankel when asked about future plans.

I'm not sure if I really remember saying this, but it's in my wikipedia entry, so it's got to be true...

I saw The Lookout last week, and I really enjoyed it. I think the less you know about this movie, the better, so I won't say too much. It stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Jeff Daniels, Matthew Goode, and Isla Fisher, and is basically a sort of crime thriller with unique circumstances. The whole cast is awesome, and it had me on the edge of my seat for most of the film, (which doesn't really say much for me- I sort of can't take any suspense).

Also, here's a brief photo essay I compiled from two pictures I took on my camera phone in Prospect Park. I call it The Life and Death of Waterfowl:

The Last Mimzy: The Segment

I got a chance to sit down with the stars, (Rainn Wilson, Timothy Hutton, & Joely Richardson), of The Last Mimzy earlier this week, and here's what they had to say about the filming, working with kids, and my sweater:

There are a few more fun parts that didn't make the final segment, but look for those next week...

And now, a tribute...

Today is Public Service Announcement Mascot Day, (or PSAMD for short), so in honor of the occasion. I present the following three classic PSAs-

McGruff: (notice the size of those walkie talkes)


Woodsy Owl:


Smokey the Bear:


And yes, I did just make up PSA mascot day, but do we really need an excuse to watch these?

Great news!

Are you searching for a way to make your next graduation, retirement party, or special event even more memorable? Well, look no further. Now you can have Jaleel White as the featured speaker at your next event. Jaleel played Steve Urkel on the classic sitcom Family Matters, and according his bio he also "wrote and supplied story ideas for several episodes."

Each week he amazed audiences with his versatility and unforgettable characters including Myrtle Urkel, Steve's southern belle cousin, and Stefan Urquelle, Steve's suave alter ego. Urkel's popularity sent Family Matters into the television history books, making it one of few shows to reach 200 episodes. Family Matters also became a hit in Spain, France and other countries.

Now, White brings his experience on Family Matters to the podium, sharing unique anecdotes about making the show and writing for television. Also recounting his own story of trying to make it in the real world upon graduating college, White offers a down-to-earth perspective and advice on ways to find one's own voice in life and standing out in the crowd.

Jaleel can speak on a wide varity of subjects, though his suggested topics are "Steal the Show," and "An Evening with Jaleel White." I wonder if the latter includes a performance of the Urkel dance? You can click here for Jaleel's booking information.




If Jaleel's busy, I'm also available to speak on topics such as "High-Five Your Way to Success," "Portland: An Embarrassment of Riches," and "Behind the Scenes of Studio 7."

Look!

Mimzy loves Clips & Quips!

The Last Mimzy: The Junket Report

Just got back from the junket for The Last Mimzy, and I think this might be the most swag-filled junket ever. You can see all the goodies in the picture to the left. I got a T-shirt, (XL as usual...), a yoyo, a kaleidoscope, a launching spinny top, rock candy, the soundtrack CD, and my own "mimzy" toy bunny. They also had samples of the new Mimzy themed ice cream in the hospitality suite. Now to the interviews:

Rainn Wilson: So did he remember me? I was torn whether I should bring up our first interview, but I guess I didn't need to worry. The first thing he said to me was, "Hey, I remember you." So he definitely remembered the interview, which was one of the first interviews that he did to promote The Office along with John, Jenna, and BJ. We chatted about the film mostly; the appealing nature of the script, working with the child stars, and being directed by the head of New Line. I was able to fit in one Office question, but I didn't get a real answer. You'll see what I mean when I get the clip up. As I was getting ready to leave the room-

Rainn: So, a lot of people have seen that interview.
Boaz: Yeah, it's one of our most popular clips.
Rainn: We were pretty crazy that day.
Boaz: Well, we were stuck in that small conference room for about an hour with that strange foreign make-up guy.
Rainn: Yeah, I remember that. I think it's still up on youtube.

I told him to send my best to his castmates and my slot was up...

Bob Shaye: He's not only the director of this film, he's also the head of New Line. This film's been in the works for over ten years because he's been a little preoccupied running New Line. He was very friendly though. I told him how The Last Mimzy reminded me of Donnie Darko, and he said some other people had mentioned it as well, though he's never even seen all of Donnie Darko. He's clearly talked about this film a lot, and some of his responses seemed a bit cannned, but he did light up when I asked him about Brian Greene, (string theorist and author of The Elegant Universe and other books), who served as a consultant on the film and even played a bit part. It was important to Bob that even though it's a sci-fi movie, that it be based on some truth of physics and the universe. Bob said he even had dinner with Brian Greene a few nights ago...

Joely Richardson and Tim Hutton: Super friendly and definitely game for some joking around. We didn't even get to a movie question for two or three minutes into the interview. The woman giving me time cues seemed a little annoyed, but Tim and Joely were the ones doing the distracting. First, they were interested in the origin of my name and we spent some time talking about possible nicknames: Bo, Bozeman, Boflex, Boaxena Warrior Princess, (that one really confused Joely- apparently she's not familiar with that show). Then as I got ready to ask my first movie question, Tim interrupted me and and wanted to know about the little embroidered insignia on my sweater. "It's a lacrosse player," Joely explained. It's one my favorite sweaters from J. Crew, although to be honest, I didn't even know it was a lacrosse player until a few weeks ago. We discussed that for a bit before we eventually got on topic. They especially liked my question about trying to come up with authentic reactions when they were filming the CGI sci-fi scenes. They tell a funny story about Rainn and Michael Clarke Duncan, but I'll make you wait for that one till the clip's up.

So I think that's it. Any questions? Want any of my swag? Let me know...

Friday Fun-Bag

A few quick things- someone alerted me to this incredible article in the NY Times. I can't recommend it more highly. Also, I've seen this a number of times over the years, but I just can't get enough of Twiggy, the water-skiing squirrel. Apparently, they're on the fifth Twiggy now.


Coming up next week: A screening of The Lookout and an interview with the cast of The Last Mimzy.

I've been feeling a little mimzy...

I've been hearing about The Last Mimzy for a while. They had a special screening at Sundance, and a lot of people have been talking about it since it was directed by Bob Shaye, the founder and co-chairman of New Line. So yesterday I finally got a chance to see it. The Last Mimzy tells the story of siblings Noah and Emma, (who live in Seattle, a mere three hours from Portland!!!), who find a box of strange, magical toys that might actually be more than playthings. Their parents are played by Joely Richardson and Timothy Hutton, and Rainn Wilson, (The Office's Dwight Schrute), plays Noah's science teacher who gets caught up in the mystery.

The first thing that struck me about the film was that it's basically Donnie Darko for kids, (complete with a mysterious rabbit, though this bunny's a lot cuter). It deals with similar issues of time warps and the universe, and it's fun to try to put the pieces together. String theorist Brian Greene, served as a consultant on the film and even plays a bit part. The whole cast is great, especially the two kids who pretty much carry the whole film. The effects were pretty impressive, and really blended in seamlessly. The Last Mimzy seems a litte less thought out than Donnie Darko, though. There are a number of loose ends that just don't seem to come together by the end, (which might have something to do with the fact that the screenplay went through five different writers and nineteen drafts). There are also a number of product placements and brand mentions which really stick out like sore thumbs in the semi-fantasy world of the movie. All in all, I did enjoy it. And I can't help but wonder what the kids in the audience were thinking. Did they understand all the science stuff? Was it too scary? Either way, that girl and her bunny are so darn cute...

I love Paul Rudd, but...

I saw the movie Diggers, earlier this week. Haven't heard of it? Neither had I. It stars Paul Rudd, Maura Tierny, Lauren Ambrose, Sarah Paulson, and Ken Marino, (of Wet Hot American Summer fame, who also wrote this film), and imdb describes it as:

A coming-of-age story about four working-class friends growing up in Long Island, New York, as clam diggers. Their fathers were clam diggers as well as their grandfathers before them.

Sounds a little boring? Well, it is. There are definitely funny parts, but the ragtag clam-digging buddies, (the druggy, the ladies man, the angry husband/father, and the quiet artistic, depressed one), seem a little stereotypical and one-note. Plus, Paul Rudd's character talks to himself too much. There are a few fun and memorable scenes, but those are too few and far between. There's also a background story of the "big business" clam conglomerate taking business from the "little guy" clam digger, which comes across as a little tired and rehashed.

Apparently, David Wain was supposed to direct Diggers, but then Stella got picked up on Comedy Central and he had to back out. I wonder how it would have been different if he had been in the helm...

Also, I saw a great TV show on Food Network last night- Rachael Ray's Tasty Travels. I wouldn't regularly watch this stuff, but this was a very special episode from Portland, OR. They had some beautiful city shots, showcased a few great spots, and even featured a restaurant that's down the street from my house. I even recognized a friend of mine sitting in the background of a shot.

The quest for a high-five sponsor continues. The folks at Saturn are passing the idea around... I guess that's better than a "no."

Croonchy Stars: The Return?

In the late 1980s, Jim Henson and Post teamed up to create a new cereal inspired by the Swedish Chef. To jog your memory:


So they came up with this cereal called Croonchy Stars, which were basically these little cinammony, slightly-sweetened, stars. The cereal itself was great and I remember the box being especially awesome with lots of games and jokes. But within a year or so the cereal was gone from the shelves, never to be eaten again... or was it?

Recently I came upon this Dora the Explorer Cereal in the supermarket and noted the similarities in size and shape. Both cereals had small yellowish stars, (although the Dora cereal has a hole through the center of the star). So I bought a box, and sure enough, it was also slightly-sweetened with a cinnamon flavor. Generals Mills makes this cereal though, so it doesn't seem possible that it's the same recipe, but it is definitely very similar.


Any one else want to conduct a taste-test of their own?

Misc...

Why is it that when there's re-runs of everything else, there's still a new episode of Scrubs. I guess it's one of those mysteries that no one ever really understands... Or maybe they just have a weird production schedule.

Lots of people have been calling to have us cover The Last Mimzy. I don't know much about, (because I don't want to spoil it before I see it), but I do know that Rainn Wilson's in it. It looks like I'll see it sometime next week, and then I'll probably be interviewing Rainn. I wonder if he'll remember me from our interview two years ago? I think I may have been the first journalist to interview the cast of The Office. It was a few months before the show even launched. We were also so young and naive back then...

In high-five news, I'm still on the quest for someone to sponsor a high-five tour of the US. Any takers? I sent a proposal to Saturn yesterday, (the cars, not the planet), though I haven't heard back yet.

Current loves us again...

Well, I hope they do. It looks like they want to air our Ira Glass interview from Sundance. There's a rough cut of the abridged interview up on their site now. You should go over there, (by clicking here), and give us a "greenlight" to show your support. We'll add some nice transitions and pretty b-roll before it actually gets on the air, but you can get an idea...

I was pretty happy with last night's Lost episode. There wasn't that much new information but they did introduce some cool twists and I actually like the light-hearted stories they've been doing with Hurley and Sawyer. Thoughts?

Just When You Thought Things Couldn't Get Any More Official...

Wow. That was sort of a long blog title. To be honest, I thought of a few ways I might shorten it, but I thought it would lose a lot of the panache that way. After being separated from my certificate for a few weeks, we've been reunited and it's now hanging up in the living room. Now, any and all visitors to the apartment will immediately know that they're in the living space of a Guinness World Record Holder. I'm still on the look out for a high-five tour sponsor. So far I haven't heard a anything from Hershey's and Take 5. I also tried to contact Burt's Bees, because I thought it might be a cool tie-in for their hand salve. I was reluctant to believe it at first, but after an hour of intensive high-fiving my hand got quite raw and sore. Enter their hand salve and in a few minutes my hand's as good as new. But no word from Burt... Some other people have suggested Hi-C, Toyota, Best Western and other travel-related companies for sponsors. Anyone have an uncle/aunt/cousin/neighbor at one of their ad agencies? And for those of who are wondering when I'll get tired of this- I won't. When it comes to high fives, I'm truly indefatigable.

In other news, Rob Cordry's new sitcom, The Winner, premiered on Sunday. I felt sort of mixed on the first two episodes that aired. While there were some funny moments, the incessant laugh track was so irritating that it only made everything a little less funny. There were some original ideas and characters, but it there were also a lot of sitcomy jokes that fell flat. It's almost as though they took a unique idea and then awkwardly shoved it into the mold of a sitcom. If that's the case, then these TV execs really have to start being less pervicacious. Rob Cordry was always one of the nice ones when I was interning at The Daily Show, so I'll give it a few more tries. Did you watch it? Any thoughts? I mean, I don't want to start a donnybrook, but tell me what you thought.

There's a lot of stuff in the works now- both C&Q related and otherwise. Nothing definite to report yet, but you just wait...

Flossin' Friday

I'm all about the "blast from the past" these days, so here's another clip from the C&Q archives. Watch as a bright-eyed, bushy-tailed Boaz chats and flosses with Samuel L. Jackson and Eugene Levy.




Did you notice how Eugene wasn't interested in flossing, while Sam Jackson went for it? Anyone have any thoughtful conclusions?

Did Tucker give up?

This is already sort of old news, but a while ago Tucker Carlson got rid of his bowtie. We intervied Tucker over a year ago, and back then he had a very different attitude about the fashion accessory. He essentially implied that by not wearing the bowtie anymore, he would be giving up. So did he give up? You can be the judge...



Thoughts? Comments?