They first caught my attention with their discussion regarding scholarships. I was impressed that these freshman, possibly sophmores, of all different ethnicities were so focused on scholarships, how much money they offered, and how many students could receive one.

Then it turned out that these students were in the arts, they started putting themselves in the shoes of the people offering scholarships and tried imagining what those people would most likely be interested in; whether it was thier looks, performing Shakespeare, their range of characters, a playwright, or a combination. They wondered if they were accepted into Julliard, would a progressive school like Julliard help them in filmmaking?

I mean really, how cute is that?

Their discussion changed into types of performances, and the difference between television actors, studio actors, independent film actors, and theater actors.

They began discussing their opportunites in independent film and how this is what they wanted to do and what they believed in...you can imagine the tears of joy which were swelling up in my eyes.

They all agreed that they were willing to continue their life without riches, being poor and working "skeevy" jobs in order to work in the arts.

They compared American Univerisities with Univerisities in Italy and other parts of Europe and weighed the pros and cons of working in film here and abroad.

I kept wishing I had a video camera and could have filmed their conversation, I would have went home and played it over and over again. There was something about these kids; they were smart, creative, well-spoken, excited, passionate and ready.

I finally broke down and joined thier conversation after they spoke about writing and re-writing scripts, directing, acting and how they were ready to join the world of bartending and waitressing in order to live as an artist.

I told them that they knew more than most filmmakers.

In all honesty, if I had the money to finance a film then I would hire a good producer to work with these kids and hire a filmmaker to document them making a movie.

In case anyone is interested, I did get their email addresses. So if anyone knows someone who is looking for a subject to document...look no further.

Here are some friends from Los Angeles who rented a bus and drove down to San Diego to see U2.

Here is a list of 6 films which you have most likely seen, but "double check" because if you haven't then definitely rent them.

1. The Station Agent (2003) by Thomas McCarthy
2. The Five Obstructions (2003) by Jorgen Leth and Lars Von Trier
3. Since Otar Left (2004) by Julie Bertucelli
4. Vanilla Sky (2001) by Cameron Crowe
5. De-Lovely (2004) by Irwin Winkler
6. Good Bye, Lenin! (2003) by Wolfgang Becker

The crystal ball has been dusted off, let's see if this thing will work and predict the predictable 2005 Oscar Awards.

Crystal Ball predictions...

Best Picture: The Aviator (Marty Scorsese)

Actor: Jamie Foxx (Ray)

Actress: Hillary Swank (Million Dollar Baby)

Supporting Actor: Morgan Freeman (Million Dollar Baby)

Supporting Actress: Cate Blanchett (The Aviator)

Song: (the ball just turned black and died)

If the decision were left up to me, given the same nominees, the 2005 Oscar winners would be...

Best Picture: Sideways

Actor: Paul Giamatti (Sideways) oh wait, he wan't nominated...so, Jamie Foxx

Actress: Sandino Moreno (Maria Full of Grace)

Supporting Actor: It's a tie between Thomas Haden (Sideways) and Morgan Freeman (Million Dollar Baby)

Supporting Actress: Virginia Madsen (Sideways)

Song: (I plea the Fifth)

I missed 'the Big Bowl' to see a night of improv comedy with my cousin.

We caught up with my favorite local comedy troupe and shortly after arriving I was in pain from laughter. Amy Poehler (Saturday Night Live), Horatio Sans (SNL), Seth Meyers (SNL), Jason Bateman (Arrested Development), Julie Brister, Brian Huskey, Seth Morris, Justin Purnell and Paul Scheer were hilarious.

The best part was when attending these shows, you never know who is going to be performing, so we were extremely fortunate to have so much fun seeing these guys.

One of my favorite parts was when one of the scenes developed into a pitch meeting with Harvey Weinstein and Miramax. You could tell these comedians were all too familiar with the scenario, especially when Horatio Sans was impersonating Weinstein, his cigarettes, his Diet Coke, his speech and all.

It was really great!

Did you ever notice that your least favorite article of clothing is always the first to fall? I believe the floor of the Laundromat is a magnet for your worst laundry. Without fail, whenever I'm switching from the washer to the dryer or from the dryer to the folding table, I always drop an article of clothing and it's usually something like my oldest sock, the one that will never again look clean no matter how much bleach it soaks in, you know the one that was meant to be thrown out a year ago but because you have the pair...it stays.

Understanding that nobody actually sees the sock hit the floor, and if someone did see, they would care less, but for some reason I pick up the sock as fast as humanly possible and jab it in the middle of my folded pile.

Then I become embarrassed for no reason and think to myself "I should have thrown that out long ago", as if I need to justify this to myself. Maybe it could be that I'm subconsciously reminded of the things my mother used to say to me as child, "always wear clean underwear because you never know, you may end up in the hospital and you'll be pretty embarrassed if the 'young' doctors see you in dirty underwear."

(it's the same idea)

But just once I'd love for my very new, very cool bra to fall and I could enjoy a moment of sheer pride in the Laundromat.

Don't get me wrong, the positives of laundry day definitely outweigh the negatives. I’ve always found the Laundromat very therapeutic...maybe it's the gentle heat combined with the scent of fabric softener?

Not to mention, you’re surrounded by guys who share an interest in clean underwear and god knows how often that happens in NY.

I was sick as a dog at The Reel Roundtable's weekly screening on Monday (but went anyway -- couldn't miss the fun), anyway, my friend Hillary (an actress) was at the screening and strongly recommended that I invest in some 'Oregano Oil'. She promised I'd feel 100% in a day.

Not wanting to delay my return to good health, I took her advice and picked some up after work on Tuesday. I admit I had my doubts...but to my surprise, I felt 100% today.

Hillary said the stuff cured her 6 month long sinus infection.

If anyone is in need, it's sold at all health food stores. Take 5-10 drops without water a few times a day. The stuff is pretty strong.

Not to mention, I had just gotten my wisdom tooth pulled, so your ultra sexy voices, exciting outdoor concert and amazing music eased all of the pain and helped me forget about the blood-soaked cloth sitting in my mouth.

And I understand the dumbass was re-elected, but it wasn't our fault. We tried, we really did! New York was completely blue...not even a smudge of red. We're 100% with you guys.

So what's with the $165 concert tix?

Here is a list of 6 films which you have most likely seen, but "double check" because if you haven't then definitely rent them.

1. Dogville (2004) by Lars Von Trier
2. Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter ... and Spring (2004) by Kim Ki-duk
3. Step Into Liquid (2003) by Dana Brown
4. The School of Rock (2003) by Richard Linklater
5. Before Sunset (2004) by Richard Linklater
6. The Door in the Floor (2004) by Tod Williams

Kathleen McKinnis had her first year as festival director with Slamdance, Peter Baxter began working on the Slamdance Distribution side, Dan Mirvish and Paul Rachman are the glue & the personalities that keep the festival together, Skyzz in his 11th year as the perfect projectionist, Dave is the brains behind Slamdance.com, Vanessa the super-duper publicist, Howie with events, Sarah with the filmmakers, on and on.

When at Slamdance, it's a comfortable, ego-less trip, simply enjoying the wonderful films made by creative directors...two of which were bought this year and many of which will continue onto a full year of festivals and fun.

The Slamdance closing night was a great time as always, singing and dancing with Dan Mirvish to the sounds and sight of the one and only Funk Legend George Clinton at the helm of the mic. He had the place rockin as he charmed young and beautiful girls on stage with his sexy P-Funk rhythms.

This surprises me, especially since the days are long, working daily, happy hours beginning at 3pm/ 4pm and nights are neverending.

Especially the Four Eyed Monster parties, if you can get through those...you can get through anything. Their first party was rough, and their second party must have been equally as rough and twice as long. I understand that I missed some exciting moments that evening...everyone (Holly, Carl, Matt, Kathleen, Craig, Bill) naked in the hottub...that's what happens when you pass out in the sauna (I was never the sharpest tool in the shed). Thankfully someone turned the heat off.

I have to admit that I saw things at the Four Eyed Monsters parties that I've never seen before at Sundance; at both parties people brought full home-cooked trays of food. I know the actors are skinny, but it never occured to me they are too too skinny?

For now, time to detox.