‘Premium Rush,’ an action film starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt delivered to theaters Friday, August 24, 2012, had a charm of its own despite not being of traditional action caliber. Although the cast isn’t bursting with well-known actors and actresses, they pack a punch in character and witty jibes.

Written and directed by David Koepp, known for ‘Jurassic Park’, ‘Panic Room’, and ‘Spiderman,’ ‘Premium Rush’ is a $35 million movie that opened at $6 million. Critics were not too impressed with the underrated action film.

Wilee (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) is a New York City bicycle messenger whose reckless behavior earns him the reputation as an adrenaline junkie. His bike has no brakes, allowing him to hone his abilities to imagine and execute multiple escape routes, reminiscent of Sherlock Holmes’ (Robert Downey Jr.) ability in the ‘Sherlock Holmes’ movies.

On one of his jobs, he unknowingly picks up a valuable delivery from his ex-girlfriend Vanessa’s (Dania Ramirez) roommate Nima (Jamie Chung), who sports a blatantly fake Chinese accent. This catalyzes the explosion of action as he is chased by not only what seems to be a crazed stranger in a suit demanding he hand over the delivery, but a bicycle cop who witnessed him breaking a few laws. Confused at the danger of the secret package, Wilee heads back to campus to confront Nima about what he’s carrying.

It wasn’t the plot that held intrigue—although the storyline format unfurled similarly to ‘Vantage Point’ peaked curiosity—but the characters and tone of the overall film. The dry and sometimes violent humor of the characters, circumstances, and events added a complexity to the film rare in other action movies.

It is rare when action films have time to flesh out the characters, however ‘Premium Rush’ does that with Wilee’s voice overs and interactions with other characters. Michael Shannon, the actor that plays dirty cop Bobby Monday, was particularly impressive. By including competitive, romantic, and compassionate qualities to the main characters, ‘Premium Rush’ creates a very real society that comes to life on screen.

Had it not been for David Koepp, director and writer, revealing the storyline in a way that piqued curiosity, the plot would have been predictable and redundant. The characters and their respective backgrounds were pieced together like a puzzle sporadically between gripping action scenes that left little time for the audience’s attention to wander. Combined with the dry humor the movie offered, ‘Premium Rush’ delivered high-quality entertainment.

Overall, ‘Premium Rush’ is a delightful surprise that offers much more than action. Though not bound to win awards anytime soon, it is remarkably different than other blockbusters, combining comedic wit and tragic elements that culminate in a satisfied sigh at the film’s end.

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Amor Towles’ debut novel is an amazing glimpse into the late ‘30’s lifestyle in New York City. This novel encompasses all of life’s obstacles and triumphs including love, death, despair, independence, success, and failures. Towles knows what he is writing about, especially jazz and literature, and is able to connect people around the two components.

The majority of the book is a story of where one year takes the three main characters, and whom they turn into after the one year. All of the characters hold a residual impact on the world they live in; yet, New York City is the most influential part of the novel. Everything that happens is done by the city in a way that shows the true impact of the melting pot during this era.

Towles’ writing technique allows the reader to truly feel the emotions the characters endure, and finds various ways to still catch the reader off guard. Although there are chapters throughout the book, there are broader sections by season, which really puts into perspective how time passes and the environment the characters are placed in.

A great addition to the text is all the references of greatly talented and iconic people in a way that helps the characters describe or internally overcome their circumstances. Just to name a few, Towles includes Billie Holiday, Henry D. Thoreau, Ernest Hemingway, Agatha Christies, Mark Twain, Picasso, and Charles Dickens. The literature impact to the novel creates a deeper interpretation and emphasis to the culture of both the era and New York City both then and now. To tie with the literature component, jazz is also another central element to the novel. Jazz is almost always a way for the characters to connect throughout. Again, Towles strong points are definitely jazz and literature.

The title of the novel plays a very unique role throughout the story line. The Rules of Civility is actually a novel by George Washington who wrote the piece when he was around 16 years old. The 110 rules teach one how to live the proper life, and ultimately gain status in society. The list is very influential throughout the characters of the novel, yet Towles keeps it as underlining component. Rules of Civility is a perfect title and critical theme for the novel.

The novel is a very addictive and enticing story that takes you to a different world, yet allows you to appreciate the impacts of the late ‘30’s in today’s time. So put on your favorite jazz album, and enjoy an evening of great literature that will take you on an adventure that is sure to get you wishing you saw the golden age of New York City first hand.

Image Courtesy of  Amor Towles

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By the end of 2011, over 10,000 New York State healthcare providers had enrolled into a federally subsidized program that will help them transition from paper to electronic medical records, continuing the effort to improve the quality and coordination of care for all patients across the state. Federal and state data has long shown that health information technologies measurably improve healthcare and reduce its cost.

Called Regional Extension Centers, the program instructs doctors and nurses how to implement EMRs and teaches them how to achieve the federally defined “Meaningful Use” of them, which qualifies them for reimbursements. The program supports mainly primary care providers and small practices, who often struggle with the transition.
New York has two entities that administer REC programs throughout the state. The New York City Health Department, through its NYC REACH program, covers the five boroughs. The New York eHealth Collaborative, a federally designated public private partnership, oversees the rest of the state including Long Island.

Both entities created individualized programs while working closely together on shared goals. By the end of 2011, the REC programs combined had enrolled well over 10,000 providers, with each REC meeting its goal (NYeC goal: 5,107; NYC REACH goal: 4,543).

“Ten thousand is a big number, and we’re proud to have worked closely with our partners at NYC REACH to achieve it.  Of course, enrollment is just the first step, and now we are focused on helping all of these providers reach the Meaningful Use of these technologies.  That’s what will really help providers and their patients,” said Paul Wilder, director of the NYeC REC.

“In New York City, we’ve seen how health IT can help doctors. EMRs let them see which patients are falling through gaps in our health system and help practices set priorities to improve population health,” said Jesse Singer, DO, Assistant Commissioner at the NYC Health Department. “We are excited to help more doctors understand how to use data to improve the lives of their patients.”

“As a physician in a small practice, I can say I greatly appreciate what the NYeC REC has done for us,” noted Eugene Heslin, MD, owner of Bridge Street Family Medicine in Saugerties, NY. Dr. Heslin is also on the NYeC board of directors. “I’m excited to say that all five physicians in our practice have just attested to Meaningful Use.”

“Our practice made the decision to become a member of the REC in 2010.  Although we had successfully integrated EMR in 2006, as a busy OB-GYN practice, we realized that any resource we could tap to expedite achieving Meaningful Use would be a wonderful time management tool and stress reducer,” said Louise West, Practice Administrator at Myrtle Street Obstetrics & Gynecology, PC in Saratoga Springs, NY.

“In March of 2011, our practice was among the first in New York State to achieve Meaningful Use.  I would recommend membership to any practice wishing to achieve Meaningful Use, regardless of their current EMR status.”

“I am proud to be working closely with the extension center,” said Sumir Sahgal, MD, of Essen Medical Associates in the South Bronx. The practice has been working with the NYC Health Department during every step of EMR adoption, and now delivers state-of-the-art care to patients in one of the most underserved areas in the state.

“With more and more organizations adopting EMRs, I am looking forward to even more connectivity and having a full picture of my patients’ health at my fingertips.”

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VH1′s hit series ‘Mob Wives’ started off 2012 with a ratings bang on New Year’s Day. The second season premiere episode at 8 PM averaged a 1.4 in the adult 18-49 demo – a +56% increase over the first season’s premiere episode – and ranked as the #1 telecast on basic cable in its 8 pm time period slot among adults 18-49, women 18-49 and women 18-34.

The 8 PM telecast on January 1 was seen by 2.4 million total viewers. The premiere episode attracted 3.5 million total viewers when combined with its 9 PM encore.

‘Mob Wives’ generated heat on social media platforms that evening with 11 trending topics on Twitter, including #MobWives, as well as for the wives themselves: Drita, Carla, Renee and Karen and new cast members Ramona and “Big Ang.”  In addition, VH1′s Mob Wives page on Facebook saw tremendous activity resulting in more than 10,000 new “likes.”

The second season of ‘ Mob Wives’ picks up where the first left off – with each cast member dealing with major personal life issues. The rift between Karen and Drita is far from over – will they ever be able to “bury the hatchet?” Renee goes under the knife for major plastic surgery that may have some unexpected consequences, while also contemplating her future with her ex-husband Junior.

Drita is considering her options when it comes to leaving her husband Lee – while Carla’s relationship with her estranged husband Joe may take an unexpected twist. And, of course, everyone wants to know what’s in Karen’s soon-to-be-released book – the one she moved back to New York to write!

Last season, ‘Mob Wives’ gave viewers an unfiltered look into the closed-door society of Renee, Karen, Carla and Drita, four struggling “allegedly” associated women who have to pick up the pieces and carry on while their husbands or fathers do time for Mob-related activities. United by a bond which few understand, the women are all struggling with their identities and their futures as they raise their kids as single parents in the New York City area.

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New York City is getting a boost in its economy all thanks to the entertainment business. A recent surge in movies and television shows being filmed in New York City over the past few months is said to add 100,000 new jobs for New Yorkers as well as $5 billion to the city’s economy.

There are now 23 prime time television shows being filmed throughout New York City, which is an all time record in the metropolitan area. This number has skyrocketed over the past five years. In 2006, there were only nine television shows filmed in New York City. Recent hits on the small screen call New York City home, including HBO’s Emmy Award winning show Boardwalk Empire.

The prohibition-era Atlantic City set is recreated in Brooklyn’s Steiner Studios. Located at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, Steiner Studios is becoming one of the most important movie studios in the country. Understanding the positive financial impact movie and television production has on the local economy, New York City has invested $28 million in the expansion and renovation of Steiner Studios.

Along with private investments, Steiner Studios is receiving a large upgrade and is attracting more attention as a prominent movie studio on the east coast. Thousands of jobs have been created for the expansion of this studio. It is projected to be the biggest movie studio in all of New York City.

ABC’s recent hit, Pan Am, is also filmed at Steiner Studios. Set in the 1960’s, Pan Am is a newly debuted prime time television show that focuses on the lives of Pan Am stewardesses. The interior of the plane’s cockpit and cabin are recreated in Steiner Studios. Also filmed at this Brooklyn studio recently was Will Smith’s Men in Black III.

Not far from Steiner Studios is Silvercup Studios in neighboring Long Island City, Queens. Silvercup Studios is also a famous movie and television location and is host of shows such as Gossip Girl and A Gifted Man. NBC’s popular show, 30 Rock, and newly debuted show Unforgettable are also filmed in Queens.

The rise in television production on the east coast has shown that New York City is growing popular among the entertainment industry, rivaling Hollywood. Along with television shows and movies filming within indoor movie studios, New York City is famous for being the backdrop to hundreds of movies and shows every year.

The Law and Order series is widely known to shoot on location throughout New York City, when they are not filming at their indoor set in Chelsea Piers. Shows like Pan Am, Gossip Girl, Blue Bloods, Nurse Jackie, and Unforgettable have been spotted filming on the streets of Brooklyn, Manhattan and Queens.

The uniquely characteristic streets of New York City can be seen on both the small and big screens. Local businesses benefit from the recent increase in film production throughout the city. There are over 4,000 businesses that assist in the movie and television production.

Although many residents in local neighborhoods don’t always appreciate street closings and restricted parking spots, the film industry has been able to boost the city’s economy tremendously.

Songquan Deng / Shutterstock.com

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Metal fans are in for a treat as the Big 4 prepare to take the stage at the Yankee Stadium on the 14th September. The former quarreled bands have put aside their differences and plan to rock out to a seven-hour performance.

Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth and Anthrax have already reunited in California and the response was abysmal: “Obviously, this thing should play more places in America,” Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich told Rolling Stone Magazine. The legacy and perseverance of everyone involved have cleared any signs of a feud.

The Big 4 will celebrate their thirtieth anniversaries in 2011 and hope to bring the success of their European Tour to New York. Even though metal bands receive little to no media attention, the underground heavy metal movement is far greater than what anyone could have foreseen: hundreds are expected to attend the metal fest in New York City, with no sign of ever slowing down.

Anthrax’s upcoming studio album Worship Music, the first featuring Joey Belladonna since their nineties album, Persistence of Time, is expected to hit the shelves in the U.S. September 13th. The band plans on showcasing some of their new songs to an eager crowd on the 14th.

According to Rolling Stone, Anthrax guitarist Scott Ian is hoping for a metal mayhem: “I think back to my heyday of going to concerts as a kid in New York from the years of like ’79 to ’83, and I remember going to see Judas Priest on either Screaming For Vengeance or one of those sold-out Madison Square Garden shows,” said Ian.

“There was an energy level at shows like that that was just out of control. I don’t mean this in a bad way, but I remember being in the Garden for Judas Priest in 1981 and actually feeling scared sometimes because it was just so intensely rowdy and nuts and people were just losing their mind.”

Scott Ian hopes that New Yorkers can gather all that buzz again. “I would love to feel that energy again at this Yankee Stadium Show, like the old-school New York energy that I used to feel at gigs back then,” he says. This show also has great meaning for drummer Charlie Benante, whose father was scouted to play professional baseball but was told he couldn’t do it.

In a recent Rolling Stone interview, Benante opens up about what this show really means to him: “My dad died when I was five so he never really got to see how far I’ve come in my career,” he says. “I just know if he knew that I’d be playing Yankee Stadium he would be fucking going nuts to find that his son did this and achieved this goal.

Here I am playing Yankee Stadium and I know in some way he’ll probably be there with me.”
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