O: A Presidential Novel
Well. Isn’t this fun? An anonymous author has penned a book on President Obama—or, rather, a presidential candidate only identified as “O.” The shrouded secrecy of the author, purported to be someone “who has been in the room with Barack Obama,” has created a rapid-fire guessing game around Washington. Could Robert Gibbs, Politico’s Ben Smith or even Rahm Emanuel really be behind this fictional tale set in the 2012 election season? Joe Klein was eventually outed as the author of 1996’s similar Primary Colors, so it’s unlikely for this political sneak to remain secret for long. The Releasing of the book on Tuesday, the day of Obama’s highly-anticipated State of the Union addresses, is a cute move, and while the account isn’t is dishy as lookie-loos might like, it’s still a quick, amusing read.

33 Variations, The Ahmanson Theatre, Los Angeles, January 30 – March 6
A Broadway favorite last year, Moisés Kaufman’s play about a Beethoven scholar made the long cross-country trek and will soon be playing again in Southern California. (It first opened in La Jolla two years ago.) Jane Fonda was splendid as the ill musicologist committed to researching the composer’s final days, and is thankfully reprising her Tony-nominated role. Apparently Fonda took well again to the stage; the 73-year-old hadn’t seen the Great White Way in 46 years. It’s her Los Angeles debut and Fonda’s decided to blog for the occasion. She recently wrote “I realized today that I will have to concentrate on re-learning my lines. I have no trouble with lines but, still, it’s not like they’re just there, waiting to be released.” Part music lesson, part performance (a live pianist is onstage throughout), 33 Variations reaches across centuries to create a surprisingly moving show.

Jim Nutt: Coming into Character, Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago, January 29 – May 29
There’s really no more appropriate place to display the work of Jim Nutt, the Chicago painter whose creative, culture-based paintings are as amusing as they are confusing. Nutt is a member of the Chicago Imagists, a faction of surrealist artists from the 1960s that shunned New York and exhibited mainly at Chicago’s Hyde Park Art Center. Among these imagists was a group called The Hairy Who, of which Nutt was also a member. His first major show was, unsurprisingly, at the MCA in 1974. His most recent works focus primarily on female figures depicted in a colorful, playful way and the museum is heralding them as changing the city’s art scene. Locals will appreciate the exhibition, and passers-by will love the new introduction to a truth-teller.

The 17th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards, TNT, January 30
The Golden Globes kicked off the nonstop awards coverage last week, but the race between all those shoo-in Oscar contenders is looking ever more muddled. Just this weekend, The King’s Speech topped The Social Network for the main prize—despite previous Golden Globe and Critics Choice Award wins. Now if history’s any indication, the stuttering king will conquer the nerds come Oscar night. (PGA’s best picture winner has gone on to win the best picture Oscar 21 years in a row.) But another way to anticipate the awards show night is the Screen Actors Guild Awards. Alec Baldwin, Hilary Swank, Amy Poehler and, yes, Betty White will present to the winners, one of which is almost certainly Colin Firth. The race is still a toss-up between leading ladies: Could Annette Bening upset newly pregnant and glowing Natalie Portman for the win? And will everyone please stop talking about Ricky Gervais?

The Roses by Will Ryman, along Park Avenue, January 25 – May 31
Despite the frigid temperatures and piles of dirty snow, greenery is blooming in the middle of New York City. A new public art installation will sprout on Tuesday between 57th street and 67th street. Will Ryman is the creative genius behind the infusion of the spring flowers, made to imitate the tiny tulips that typically line the streets. These 38 flowery creations will range from three to 25 feet with scattered rose petals in between. The only thing missing is the trash that usually litters vegetative surroundings, but the committees in charge of the artworks nixed the coffee cup and bag of Doritos that Ryman wanted to include—for fear of inciting litterers. At least thieves won’t be encouraged to swipe anything from the medians—each of the flowers weighs up to 250 pounds.

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Beatles Memorabilia Museum, Buenos Aires, Argentina, open now
Diehard Lennon fans have nothing on Rodolfo Vazquez. The Beatles aficionado has proved his loyalty to the mop-topped foursome by opening a museum in, of all places, Argentina, nearly 7,000 miles from the boys’ hometown of Liverpool. Vazquez has been collecting his curios for four decades, and he’s bought nearly 8,500 items, including a brick from their early hangout The Cavern Club and 64 boxes of Beatles chewing gum. Scoff all you want, but he’ll probably be laughing all the way to retirement—and collecting entrance fees for the some 2,000 guests who’ve already taken a peek at his wide-ranging private collection. And for Beatlemaniacs who want to celebrate their love of the rock band, Vazquez plans a “Beatle Week” each year.

The Australia Day Regatta, Sydney Harbour, Australia, January 26
Remember when Europeans set sail and conquered the little island of Australia? No? Ah, well, it was quite a long time ago, but that’s why the Australia Day Regatta takes place, to remind you of the white man’s colonization of the land belonging to aboriginal inhabitants. The sailing adventure is the oldest continuously-conducted sailing regatta in the world. Usually at least 700 yachts and vessels take to the water, but this year, at least one is more susceptible to spring a leak. The Weene, one of the continent’s oldest wooden ships, will try to float its 100-year-old racer self across the finish line in front of the cheering crowds.

Mission Bell
It’s a rare day when an artist regularly played at Starbucks actually warrants a spot on your own iPod, but Amos Lee has been churning out his blues-inflected soul music for years—and his fourth full-length album is no disappointment. Produced by the musical talents behind Calexico, Mission Bell is another hip-swaying masterpiece. On “Windows Are Rolled Down,” the album’s first single, Lee wails that he’s “fixin’ to die” yet there’s a twinge of joyfulness and hope swimming alongside those strumming guitars. Willie Nelson, Lucinda Williams, and Sam Beam of Iron & Wine drop by for a few notable tracks. Williams is in fine form on the slow burning ode “Clear Blue Eyes.” Pick up Lee’s latest Mission, in stores on Tuesday.

Silencing the Song: An Afghan Fallen Star, HBO, January 26
It’s doubtful this season of American Idol will spark an international crisis, but its Afghanistan reality-TV counterpart Afghan Star got in hot water last year for the supposedly provocative actions of a singer. Setara Hussainzada challenged gender norms by appearing on the show, where, much to the shock of viewers, she swayed to music. Naturally, female audiences loved her. But when Setara was booted off the show, her scarf fell off, accidentally letting her hair show on air and inciting widespread controversy in the country steeped in tradition. One detractor in the trailer even said she “deserves to be killed.” Well, consider this documentary her official response. Afghan Star’s director follows Setara during a difficult pregnancy and throughout her new role as a wife. “When you are not married you can do anything you want,” said Setara. Peering through the lens of reality TV is a challenging, interesting way to look at life in the post-Taliban regime. You’ll find yourself rooting for Setara once again.

Up Helly Aa, Lerwick, Shetland, Scotland, January 25
Baby, it’s cold outside. Warm yourself up at Europe’s largest fire festival taking place this week. It’s quite the presentation, with thousands of participants dressing up as Vikings for the occasion. Leaders named Guizer Jarls are elected and don silver helmets and brandish shields, daggers, and axes. A torch-filled march and visit to the Shetland Museum and the Town Hall ends in, basically, a big party with lots of dancing. Oh, and a ritualistic burning of a Viking ship. The whole thing’s done in the name of history—we think—but any excuse will do to drink the night away and set fire to a giant galley.

The Cresta Run, St. Moritz Tobogganing Club, Switzerland, December 20 – February
If you’re jonesing for the Winter Olympics, or just have a taste for the extreme, this Swiss ice run will give you the jolt you’re looking for. The three-quarter of a mile ice run is built every year for daredevils who slide headfirst down the track on small toboggans. It’s scarier than bobsledding—those man-made tracks have high corners; this run is made of natural ice and trickier to navigate. Now in its 125th year, the Cresta Run kicks off this week with races continuing for nine weeks. Beginners can take lessons and then try out the track. The very faint of heart can merely sit on the sidelines or watch the dizzying live webcam.

Paris Fashion Week, January 24 – 27
Well, we can guarantee the biggest topic of conversation on everyone’s lips at next month’s display of Spring/Summer 2011 collections. French Vogue’s editor Carine Roitfeld announced her resignation late last week—and now the blogosphere’s in a tizzy about whether she was actually pushed out by unhappy higher ups at Conde Nast. It seems unlikely—she injected the title with style and flair (if not a lot of controversy), not to mention hundreds of ad pages over her 10-year reign—but that won’t stop the gossip at the front rows of haute couture by Christian Dior, Givenchy, Valentino, and Jean Paul Gaultier.

Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art, Doha, Qatar, Opening December 30
This one-of-a-kind museum will soon celebrate contemporary art from around the Arab world, Iran, and Turkey in a palatial schoolhouse turned museum re-designed by French architect Jean-François Bodin. The first exhibition, Sajjil: A Century of Modern Art, showcases the evolution of art over the last century by looking at categories of nature, individualism, family, and more. One of the most fascinating aspects of the new museum, which houses over 6,000 works, is the lack of censorship on nudity or politically charged art. The space will also be home to a research center for students and scholars.

Somewhere
Sofia Coppola’s made a career out of dreamy, immersive films. Who didn’t want to go to Tokyo after watching Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson try to find themselves amongst the skyscrapers in Lost in Translation? Now, Coppola turns her eye towards California, and more specifically, Chateau Marmont, the hotel that doubles as a hideaway for stars who want to disappear and be seen at once. Stephen Dorff, who should have slipped into dramatic roles long ago, plays an action star careering into a midlife crisis when his young daughter (Elle Fanning) reenters his life. The hotel becomes their playground and a place of reconnection. This is a breakout role for both, and a return to form for Coppola, whose last film, Marie Antoinette in 2006, overdosed on sugary confections. Somewhere does the near-impossible, and makes Los Angeles just plain sweet.

The Louvre in the Age of Enlightenment, Louvre, Paris, France, Now – February 7, 2011
It doesn’t get more meta than this. A new series of paintings in the Louvre showcase its time during a small window throughout the late 18th century. It wasn’t a shining moment for the grand museum—during 1750 – 1792 the Louvre’s physical space was in a state of ruin thanks to Louis XIV, but it also doubled as home to royalty and anyone passing through, from staff to nobility and artists. It was a hodgepodge collection and hardly recognizable from the current space that over eight million people visit a year. This exhibition is one of four at the Louvre scheduled through the New Year that looks at its influence on the 18th century.

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Yalda Festival, Iran, December 21
This traditional Iranian festival takes place on the longest night of the calendar year, and began as a symbol of the battle between good and evil over 5,000 years ago. The winter solstice is also called Shab-e yalda—or rebirth of the sun. After the long night, the Zoroastrian God Ahoura Mazda (light) defeats the devil Ahriman (a representation of the darkness). This gives way to much celebration and happiness for the return of the sun, and Iranians now celebrate with bonfires at night—to help the sun battle against the darkness—and feasts of fruits and pastries.

E! True Hollywood Story: Sarah, Duchess of York, E!, December 21 at 10pm
Merry Christmas to the Royal Family’s biggest trainwreck! Poor Fergie now has the honor of a definitive guide to her missteps in the spotlight—from the toe-sucking incident so long ago to her most recent pay-for-access scandal that saw the drunk and slurring Duchess offer a News of the World reporter a meeting with her ex-husband, Prince Andrew. There’s plenty of dirt to be dished—the Royal Editor of the Brit tabloid shares his thoughts, and Fergie’s former financial advisor is also on hand to discuss how she blew through her money. Not exactly an uplifting hour, but delicious fun nonetheless.

Hyperlinks: Architecture and Design, Art Institute of Chicago, Now – July 20, 2011
The Windy City’s art haven is home to one of the largest spaces dedicated to architecture, and a new exhibition is marrying the worlds of technology with that of innovative design. Thirty new and highly varied projects are now on display—from the social mapping project Walkingpapers.org to a futuristic film subtitled “Domestic Robocop”—and aim to paint a broad new portrait of the relationship, or “hyperlinking” between design, science, transportation, and more. One of the coolest pieces that you could soon see coming to your own neighborhood is LightLane, which fastens to the back of a bike and creates a digital outline of a bike lane behind its rider. Safety and creativity—we’re in.

Easy A
It’s easy to dismiss this romantic comedy as just for teens seeing as plenty of people did when it was first released. But now the high school-set film is getting some extra notice. Its young star Emma Stone nabbed a Golden Globe nomination for her portrayal of Olive, a girl who pretended to have sex with her gay best friend Brandon so he would stop getting picked on, but then gets caught up in a Scarlett Letter-esque scandal. Stone’s immensely charming both onscreen and off (upon hearing she was nominated alongside Angelina Jolie and Anne Hathaway, she says she “lost her shit”) and the 22-year-old is also starring in the upcoming Spider-Man reboot. Catch Easy A on DVD this Tuesday, and when Stone hits the A-list, brag that you knew the sweetly conniving star back in high school.

True Grit
Joel and Ethan Coen, the brainy duo behind No Country for Old Men and, yes, The Big Lebowski, have headed to the Wild Wild West for their latest outing. They’re making a big fuss in film circles by claiming they never got around to watching John Wayne’s 1969 version of the film—blasphemous words for diehard Western fans. This Josh Brolin and Matt Damon vehicle, in theaters Wednesday, instead takes all its cues from the 1968 Charles Portis novel, infusing it with that signature Coen Bros dark humor. Damon’s right at home galloping around as a Texas Ranger, and newcomer Hailee Steinfeld shines as the young protagonist who wants retribution for her father’s murder. Finally, after soppy rom-coms and indies, a true contender for Oscar rears its head late in the game.

Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work
She may be the Comedienne of Mean, but Joan Rivers is also the hardest working woman in show biz—and she’s not about to let you forget it. Filmed two years ago during the throes of Celebrity Apprentice when Rivers could hardly book a show, this documentary (out on DVD Tuesday) reveals a surprisingly human side to the red carpet terror. Now 77 years old, Rivers fears being without work more than anything else—she flips through her datebook, each empty month a symbol of how far she’s come from her days seated next to Johnny Carson on the Tonight show. Luckily, this is one documentary with a happy ending—Rivers’ career was revitalized after Donald Trump deemed her the winner of his reality show, and she’s back to late-night appearances and sold out stand-up. Welcome back, Joanie. We hardly had a chance to miss you.

Norman Rockwell’s America, Dulwich Picture Gallery, London, UK, Opens December 15 – March 27, 2011
Norman Rockwell was able to capture the nuances and beauty of everyday life in America and now, with the opening of the first major exhibition in England, an entirely new country is getting a dose of his classic work. The span of his six-decade career is covered, including 323 photorealistic Saturday Evening Post covers spanning 1916 to 1963 and other illustrations and ads. Not to worry, for those who live stateside, two other shows of Rockwell’s work are still at the Brooklyn Museum and the American Art Museum in Washington D.C.

Michael
It may be two weeks before the end of the year, but one of pop music’s most-anticipated albums is here in the nick of time. MICHAEL, the first posthumous work from the King of Pop since his sudden death in June 2009, is comprised of unreleased songs he was working on up until his demise. If it seems a little thrown together, that’s because it is—Jackson’s label included outtakes and Michael’s brother Randy argues that his famous sibling isn’t even singing on some tracks. Reviewers are still calling it compelling work and who are we kidding—diehard fans are going to be rushing the stores for this one. Before its release on Tuesday, the entire album is streaming for free online at MichaelJackson.com.

Cirque Phenix, Pelouse de Reuilly, Paris, Now – January 10, 2011
They may not leap over tall buildings in a single bound, but the extremely lithe and talented performers of this circus act have other impressive talents. Fifty artists from all over the world gather for this show, a favorite in Paris. Over three million people have seen the Cirque Phenix, now celebrating its 10th year on stage. Russian trapeze artists share the stage with Ethiopian contortionists—and there’s even a little 3D effect thrown in for good measure. Its director Alain M. Pacherie is responsible for the global reach of the show and has expanded it this year with fireworks and accompaniment by the Phenix Orchestra. Beats a stroll down the Seine.

Andy Warhol: Motion Pictures, Museum of Modern Art, New York, December 19 – March 21, 2011
His actors don’t talk. The storylines don’t make sense. The images don’t flicker in color—and certainly not in 3D. Yet Andy Warhol’s motion pictures are nonetheless compelling, perhaps because they star some of his favorites from the worlds of art and Hollywood. Edie Sedgwick, Allen Ginsberg, Lou Reed, Dennis Hopper, Susan Sontag and others make cameos. Warhol shot his films during the height of his career in his creative studio The Factory. “Sleep,” “Eat,” and “Blow Job,” along with his longer works, were shot on 16mm black-and-white film at 24 frames per second, then slowed down to mimic earlier silent films. MoMA is showing the shorts constantly, the longer films are scheduled through the end of the exhibition. Oh, and did we mention they’re racy? The sound of silence is sexy again.

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The Paris Review Holiday Gift Set
With the holidays fast approaching, the pressure is on to find the perfect gift for that literary lover in your life. Here’s a present that’s thoughtful but not boring, smart but not snarky. The Paris Review has undergone something of a comeback in recent years—the New York Times called it “a thing of sober beauty” and writer Maud Newton says it’s “elegant, edgy, and surprising, an unusual but cohesive mix of writing characterized by intelligence and precision and, frequently, humor.” How often does a stuffy ol’ magazine warrant that praise? The set includes the magazine’s winter issue with interviews with Jonathan Franzen and Louise Edrich, a year’s subscription, a Paris Review shirt (by American Apparel, of course) and holiday card signed by the editor. Très bookish!

Ancient Egyptian Book of the Dead, The British Museum, Great Russell St., London, Now – March 6, 2011
Ancient Egypt was all the rage this year. A fascinating exhibit on King Tut is in its last days in New York’s Times Square, and in November, the British Museum opened a special exhibition honoring the Book of the Dead and the journey to the afterlife. The spells, printed on papyrus and linen, gave careful step-by-step directions on how to navigate the underworld and properly cross over to the afterlife after mummification. Other jewels, statues, and coffins—basically anything relating to death and eternal life—are also on display, making for a thoughtful examination of one of ancient Egypt’s most treasured tenets. First journey to London—and then journey back three thousand years.

Rabbit Hole, Opens in select theaters December 17
There are plenty of films, plays, and novels that mine the grief that bubbles up after the death of a small child. Families twisted apart, fractured marriages, rage. But few did it quite as well as Rabbit Hole, which began as a play by David Lindsay-Abaire that hit the stage six years ago. Thankfully, the playwright adapted his own script so the new film, out this week, avoids messing with a good thing. Nicole Kidman is swapped into Cynthia Nixon’s Broadway role and Aaron Eckhart takes the place of Mad Men John Slattery. John Cameron Mitchell, most well-known for his bombastic Hedwig and the Angry Inch masterfully directs this acting tour de force. And Dianne Wiest, on a bit of a comeback herself with a recurring stint on In Treatment, also stars as Kidman’s mother and look!—there’s Sandra Oh in her usual temptress role.

Mythbusters: The Green Hornet Special, Discovery Channel, December 15
The only superhero happening more anticipated this year than Spider-Man’s turn on Broadway is The Green Hornet, which is finally hitting theaters after years of turmoil. Seth Rogen is the unlikely hero, but he’s not debuting on screen until January 14. In the meantime, the Mythbusters team—still riding high from Obama’s appearance last month—is digging into two scenes from the film. Rogen, who also co-wrote the film, guest stars on the episode where they try to determine if a few scripted moments from the film could happen in real life. They recreate a scene in which The Green Hornet and his sidekick are buried alive in a car and bust out with rockets. In another, they crash into an elevator, which slices the car in half. Can either of these things actually happen—or are they the result of Hollywood magic? Rogen might be the first actor to debunk his own film.

III/IV
Ryan Adams is notoriously prolific—and obsessive—about his work. He’ll pump out two or three albums a year without breaking a sweat. The unclassifiable singer-songwriter—he’s a little bit folk, a dash of rock and roll—is back with his band The Cardinals for a new 21-track album that hit shelves Tuesday. Don’t expect any references to “Mandy” (Adams married actress Mandy Moore last year), these sets were recorded back in 2007 and didn’t make the cut for “Easy Tiger.” It’s hard to see why—Adams is at his best with this jangly folk-rock. And for those who like to take it slow, Norah Jones guests on the quiet track “Typecast.”

The Year of the Rabbit: The Playboy Collection, Christie’s Auction, December 8
Playboy is mostly known for its interviews and centerfolds, but the venerable men’s magazine is now auctioning off 124 photographs and prints from its huge archive for the right prices. There’s an outstretched Marilyn Monroe against a vivid red backdrop and a ‘60s shot of Brigitte Bardot for those looking to add to their pin-up collection. Major art aficionados are eyeing three works by Alberto Vargas and the 1966 watercolor “Playmate” by Salvador Dali, which, until recently, had the honor of hanging above Hef’s well-trafficked bed. It’s expected to rake in over $100,000. But the pièce de résistance is an oil painting by Tom Wesselmann, likely to go for two to three million. Nothing epitomizes the Playboy brand better than an open, red-lipsticked mouth.

Tron Legacy Soundtrack
Daft Punk goes Disney—this really is a brave new world. The Tron sequel is released this month after a 28-year holdup and the French electronic duo Daft Punk was co-opted to score the entire film. It’s a match made in futuristic heaven. Eight-five musicians banded together to produce the score, and some die-hard fans are saying it’s their best music in a decade. They’re unlikely to swipe the crowns held by such classic composers of John Williams and Randy Newman, but if Tuesday’s album release is any indication of Tron’s quality, the sci-fi hacker’s paradise is worthy of that $13 ticket.

2011 Pirelli Calendar
The tire company’s annual calendar has been an institution for over 30 years. Because yours was likely lost in the mail—it’s given only to a few lucky VIPs–leaked images online will have to suffice. This year, Karl Lagerfeld was behind the lens, shooting the Greek mythology spread in his impressive library, quite the step up from last year’s Terry Richardson portfolio. Julianne Moore, flawless on the cusp of her 50th birthday, is the most famous face—and body—to grace the glossy pages as Zeus’ wife Hera. Fifteen models, including Erin Wasson, and five bronzed men pull together the year’s most coveted calendar.

Peter & the Wolf, Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, December 11
Those looking for a very highbrow holiday need to look no further than the Guggenheim. The New York museum is hosting its annual performance of Sergei Prokofiev’s classic Peter & the Wolf, narrated by fashion designer Isaac Mizrahi. The Juilliard Ensemble performs, and Rei Sato of Takashi Murakami’s production company—think bold, bright, big colors—is adding a new twist to the art installation this year. The Russian composer wrote the story about a young boy in only four days, and it holds up well for being over 80 years old. Mizrahi calls his third time as host “one of my favorite yearly events. It satisfies the huge ham in me and it gives me something to do.” The ham is satisfied for only a little while—the event is a child-pleasing half-hour long.

William and Harry: Behind the Palace Walls
Already under royal wedding fatigue? There have been a glut of Prince William and Kate Middleton books rushed to shelves—The Sun’s royal correspondent finished his William and Kate: A Royal Love Story in about two days. With a long four months before the nuptials, we prefer to snuggle up with a new tome based on the other fascinating royal relationship—the one between Prince William and Harry. The two young men have had a strong bond since the death of their mother and Nicholl, who’s on the royal beat for the Mail on Sunday, scooped sources and contacts close to the Palace to paint a portrait of their lives thus far, from their princely duties to bravery at war. It all begs the question: Kate who?

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Inception
The summer’s trippy blockbuster is finally flying into stores this Tuesday on DVD. Those who spent more time ogling the wardrobes of Leonardo DiCaprio and Joseph Gordon-Levitt than following the dream sequences and twisted plot can rewind and rewatch to their heart’s content. Once again, Christopher Nolan proved he’s head and shoulders above other contemporary directors. Aside from raking in nearly $300 million at the box office, the mindbender also wooed the majority of critics. Throw in the expected Oscar noms, and you’ve got the film of the year.

A Charlie Brown Christmas, ABC, December 7, 8pm
It’s hard to believe it’s the 45th year on air for Charlie, the Peanuts gang, and Snoopy. Nevertheless, they’re returning this week, dragging that shaggy Christmas tree behind them. The story resonates even more with time: Charlie’s fed up with the tree-trimming, lavish gifts, and the spectacle of the holidays. He wants to do something capital-m Meaningful. As he tries to discover what the holiday is really about, there’s the obligatory reading from the Gospel of Luke, caroling, decorating the scrawny tree, and “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.” Ah, it’s finally beginning to feel a lot like Christmas.

Aziz Ansari Live!, Pearl Concert Theater at Palms Casino, Las Vegas, December 11
After a lengthy tour last year, Aziz Ansari, the funnyman who plays Tom Haverford on NBC’s Parks and Recreation, is heading out for four stand-up shows in Las Vegas, New York, Connecticut, and Atlantic City. If his hilarious Twitter is any indication, the show is a must for comedy fans. His stand-up touches on everything from clubbing with Kanye West to high thread count sheets. In addition to playing the witty straight man on Amy Poehler’s show, he’s also starred in Funny People, I Love You, Man, and Observe and Report. Anyone not able to head to Vegas on a moment’s notice can pick up his stand-up DVD Aziz Ansari: Intimate Moments for a Sensual Evening.

Standing on Ceremony, Largo at the Coronet, Los Angeles, December 5 & Monday nights in January
The Prop. 8 battle is still playing out daily on cable news shows despite the vote two years ago which struck down recognizing gay marriage in California. Who’s for and against? What are the biggest arguments? Anyone left to come out in favor of it? Now the fight is getting its time in the cultural spotlight in the coming months. The gay-themed short play collection “Standing on Ceremony” is returning to an intimate theater in Los Angeles with shorts by Neil LaBute, Doug Wright, Kathy Najimy, and more. There’s a dose of star power to go with the powerful message: Jason Ritter, Hamish Linklater, Camryn Manheim, Jean Smart, and more will star this week. And even better, profits from ticket sales go to the American Foundation for Equal Rights and Equality California. Fight on.

The Fighter
After a few career missteps (see: The Lovely Bones, The Other Guys) Mark Wahlberg is back with a boxing movie whose quality is more on par with The Departed than the box-office bomb Max Payne. He stars with an emaciated Christian Bale and Amy Adams in the drama based on the real life of boxer “Irish” Micky Ward. It’s gunning for noms come awards season and Wahlberg’s boy-makes-good boxer is the inspirational stuff Oscar voters eat up. Bale is astounding as his crack-addicted half-brother Dicky, who doubles as his inefficient trainer. Marky Mark also produced the film, Three Kings’ David O. Russell directs.

Plus, Neruda’s life gets the operatic treatment, a doc exposes Springsteen’s creativity, and a politician rocks on Broadway

“Turning the World Upside Down,” Kensington Gardens, London, Until March 13, 2011
Anish Kapoor’s career has been marked with highs: nabbing the Turner Prize, installations at Millennium Park in Chicago and Rockefeller Center, a solo exhibition at the Guggenheim Bilbao, and his nearly three-month takeover of the Royal Academy earlier this year. And now here’s another, courtesy of The Royal Parks and the Serpentine Gallery. Four of the Bombay-born sculptor’s works, including his polished stainless steel masterpieces, have been installed in the typically demure Kensington Gardens. The reflective surfaces somehow fit right in among the trees and foliage, giving the royal park an infusion of freshness and new perspective. And best of all, the exhibit is free.

The Promise: The Making of Darkness on the Edge of Town
There’s nothing that conjures up the ‘70s like a young Bruce in a tight white T-shirt and that signature defiant gaze. The Boss is back and in a reminiscing mood with this documentary, filmed under the skilled hand of Emmy Award-winning Thom Zimny. They dug up footage of the E Street Band shot between 1976-78 during their “take no prisoners” period, resulting in the instant classic Darkness on the Edge of Town. Bruce says now the record, his high pressure follow-up to Born to Run, was a meditation on “where you stand.” During its world premiere at the Toronto Film Festival, The Promise was well-received for its portrayal of the blood, sweat, and blisters that go into making a true rock ‘n’ roll record, and finally gets its cable play October 7 at 9pm on HBO.

‘Il Postino’ Los Angeles Opera, Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Through October 16
Happy anniversary, Los Angeles Opera! The venerable institution is entering its 25th year serving its highbrow material to Southern California, and what a way to celebrate—Daniel Catán’s Il Postino, based on the 1994 film, is a treat. Placido Domingo and his mind-blowing tenor take center stage playing Chilean poet Pablo Neruda, who while exiled near Sicily befriends his mail carrier and helps him navigate the ways of love through poetry. (What else is there in life, really?) Domingo, in his 134th role, has never been better, and supporting performances by Cristina Gallardo-Domas and Amanda Squitieri as the main character’s love interests round out the cast.

Hamptons International Film Festival, October 7 – 11
It’s too cold for the shore anyway, so here’s your perfect excuse to head indoors and zone out in front of the big screen. The 18th Annual Hamptons International Film Festival is invading East Hampton, Southampton, Montauk, and Sag Harbor with a star-heavy sked that, while still small, is gaining on Los Angeles and Toronto in street cred. James Franco is taking a break from his studies to turn out for 127 Hours, his film about Aron Ralston, the trapped mountain climber-turned-amputee, and to premiere his short film The Clerk’s Tale. Also screening is Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams’ Blue Valentine, already high on the Oscar shortlist this year, and Alec Baldwin, Isabella Rossellini, and the Coen brothers are all expected to hit the red carpet. Add to all that Natalie Portman’s surefire Oscar vehicle, the dark thriller Black Swan, as a perfect closer to the five-day fest, and you have a perfect marriage of Hamptons and Hollywood that’s not to be missed.

Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson, Open now through January 9, 2011
History’s never been hotter than with Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson, which has made the typically tough leap to Broadway from its Public Theater outing. Called the “best musical of the season,” the Alex Timbers-directed show suffuses the tried-and-true tale of the very first “maverick” to invade the political sphere with some much-needed pizzazz. Benjamin Walker plays the seventh president and this story’s hero, clad in skintight jeans our current president wouldn’t dare touch. He sings, he duels, he plays the guitar. If only all politicians were rock stars, then maybe our attention would have been held in history class. Make your way to the Theatre District—you won’t be sorry.

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Doo-Wops & Hooligans
Aside from Katy Perry, the only other unchallenged star of the summer radio waves was Bruno Mars, who burst onto the scene with featured spots on Travie McCoy’s “Billionaire” and B.o.B.’s “Nothin’ on You.” Now he’s finally headlining his own debut record, Doo-Wops & Hooligans, out this week. His first single “Just the Way You Are” is sitting nicely on top of Billboard’s Hot 100 for the second consecutive week, and as the musical guest on Saturday Night Live next weekend, the 24-year-old babyface wunderkind should be on top of the world—that’s if we ignore his recent arrest for cocaine possession. It’s the only bad news in a world of good for the immensely talented singer.   

New York Parties: Private Views
Was your invitation to the latest fall soiree lost in the mail? Not to worry. This new book, out Tuesday, will fill you in on how the A-list celebrates. Jamee Gregory, a contributor to Elle Décor and New York Social Diary, covers all the bases of throwing a private party—Michael Kors, Tory Burch, and Evelyn and Leonard Lauder are among the bold-faced names spilling their secrets. Whatever should you wear—and serve? Photos of terraces and lavish rooms might instigate your envy, but whether you’re toiling away in a studio or stuck in a mansion in Bridgehampton, these tips are appropriate for anyone. Peeking through the keyhole at how the other half lives isn’t so bad.

Tamara Drewe
It’s been a while since a sly comedy of manners was this captivating. Heaps of praise belong to Stephen Frears, the stellar Brit film director who earned Golden Globe and Oscar nominations in 2006 for The Queen. Gemma Arterton (of Prince of Persia) is the titular ugly duckling turned town beauty caught in the middle of old flames and new loves romping around the English countryside (that’s what one nose job gets you). Arterton is pitch-perfect and believable in her balancing act and Dominic Cooper is, as always, a dream. The film is actually the fourth iteration of the same story: first it was a weekly comic strip in The Guardian based on Thomas Hardy’s novel Far from the Madding Crowd, and was later turned into a graphic novel. Reason enough for it to feel half-baked, but there’s plenty of delicious fodder to go around.

Threadless: Ten Years of T-Shirts from the World’s Most Inspiring Online Design Community
Threadless was way ahead of the curve in crowd-sourced social media—for a decade the runaway site’s been printing user-generated T-shirts based on votes from its members, producing quirky apparel that actually still feels unique. Eager fans spent years scooping up super-soft tees before the dreaded “sold out” banner appeared on the most coveted shirts. Now with a book celebrating 400 of the best designs, Threadless provides a fantastic cultural barometer and time machine, not to mention a thoughtful love letter to its huge online community. Out October 10 from Abrams Books, it’s worthy of any artist’s attention.

Festival of Lights, Berlin, Germany, October 13 – 24
Cities always look better bathed in rainbow-colored lights, don’t you think? The sixth annual festival overtakes all of Berlin with gorgeous light displays later this month. The Berlin Concert Hall, Victory Column, Radio Tower, and Brandenburg Gate are among the landmarks to get all Christmas-y in autumn. Light-seeing tours and a light marathon are at the ready for the gung-ho Germans and visitors, while the rest of us will have to be satisfied with stunning photos.

Plus, Ben Harper’s new super group, a spellbinding John Lennon biopic, and London’s Fetish Weekend

Ronnie Wood: Spend or Expend, The Butler Institute of American Art, Youngstown, OH, Now through November 21
Surprise, surprise! Ronnie Wood’s a man who wears many hats. The Rolling Stones guitarist is also a painter and mixed media artist, and his first major exhibition has opened in Ohio. Before he wore those famous fingers down with The Bird, Faces, and The Jeff Beck Group, Wood was toiling away with a paintbrush. It’s evident now where his inspiration comes from—most of the lovingly crafted portraits are of his Stones bandmates. Who better to capture the wide mid-song snarl of Mick Jagger than the man who’s been standing next to him since 1975? Here’s the best of both worlds: a tribute to rock and a little insight into the mind of one of this generation’s finest musicians.

Onassis, Novello Theatre, London, In previews, Runs October 12 – February 5
Aristotle Onassis’ life has all the makings of a great tabloid drama: sex, power, and lots and lots of money. The Greek shipping billionaire wed former first lady Jackie Kennedy, bedded Maria Callas, and dodged the FBI. His life is finally getting the West End treatment with a new play written by Martin Sherman. Inhabiting the titular role is Tony winner Robert Lindsay, (Richard III, Oliver! and Me and My Girl) returning to the stage after a 25-year absence. Peter Evans’ hailed biography Nemesis provides all the juicy details of Onassis’ waning days, including some unfounded conspiracy theories—did he help finance RFK’s assassination? This one’s so good, critics are predicting it’ll hit Broadway next year. Go ahead, see it now in London—just be sure to hit up Greece while you’re over there.

Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk: A Modest Bestiary
Thank god David Sedaris is back, we were starting to enjoy life a little too much. The droll satirist returns September 28 with a new set of essays, only this time he’s traded life in London for hovels and litter boxes. All the stories are written from an animal’s perspective, and we have to say we’re grateful for a fresh take—even if the cats and toads are only there to shine light on human foibles. The titular furry couple is a sort of Romeo and Juliet driven apart by their close-minded family, and written with a healthy dose of Sedaris’ wit. Think of these tales as Aesop’s fables for the NPR set.

As I Call You Down
A Fistful of Mercy formed earlier this year, a big-name collaboration between the always delightful Ben Harper, Beatles heir Dhani Harrison, and the supremely underrated Joseph Arthur. The super group has been low-key so far, but their debut album finally drops October 5 on Harrison’s own record label before their 10-city trek across the country. Harper’s resonant blues combines beautifully with the trio’s soulful vocals. Plenty of acoustic guitars make this the perfect record to ease you straight into fall. It’s nice to see rock stars get a little earnest. Especially hypnotic is the track “A Fistful of Mercy.”

There Are Many of Us
For all those who found Where the Wild Things Are slightly disappointing, Spike Jonze offers up an extremely satisfying peace offering with the DVD release of his short film I’m Here. The Los Angeles-set love story between two robots was one of the best things to hit the web this year (seriously, venture off YouTube every once in a while and there’s actual quality out there). With the help of McSweeney’s, Jonze is releasing the film, its soundtrack, and behind-the-scenes insight into the making of the heartfelt tale that critics called “haunting, whimsical and overwhelmingly heartbreaking.” An added bonus: the lovesick boy robot is voiced by Hollywood “It” boy Andrew Garfield, star of Never Let Me Go, The Social Network, and our future Spider-Man. Buy this set, and say you saw him—or at least his android counterpart—when.

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Nowhere Boy
Billed as the “extraordinary untold story of John Lennon,” this skillfully well-done biopic is finally, finally getting its U.S. release starting in limited release on October 8 (coincidentally, one day before what would have been Lennon’s 70th birthday). Aaron Johnson (last seen in green tights in Kick-Ass) plays 15-year-old Lennon in his troubled early days forming the group The Quarrymen, and later The Beatles. A May-December romance was also started on-set between artist-turned-director Sam Taylor-Wood and Johnson, who’s 23 years her junior. Beware, cynical Hollywood: the couple just had a child together. But aside from the backstage drama, don’t take it on our word that the film is a must-see—even Yoko Ono turned out for last week’s New York premiere.

Hide/Seek: Difference and Desire in American Portraiture, National Portrait Gallery, Washington D.C., October 30 – February 13, 2011
Capitol Hill is finally going gay. Well…sort of. This massive new exhibition focuses on artists who defied gender norms and explored sexuality in their works, and art’s depictions of sexuality and desire and how they evolved over time. Heady stuff, to be sure. Among the 100 works are those by John Singer Sargent, Georgia O’Keeffe, David Hockney, Jasper Johns, and Andy Warhol. Few eminent New York museums have dared to touch on gay themes—and this one does include straight artists, too—so it’s refreshing that D.C. is finally linking artists’ sexuality to their often complicated relationships with society.

The Good Wife
Sure, you may turn up your nose at primetime TV not titled Boardwalk Empire or Mad Men, but here’s a reason not to. Julianna Margulies is back as a formidable headliner on September 28 for the second season of this addictive CBS drama. The first year saw her on a rollercoaster ride as the scorned wife of a cheating, corrupt politician (Chris Noth, still in possession of that mix of smile and smirk that made Mr. Big irresistible). Instead of wallowing behind a wall of paparazzi, Alicia Florrick goes back to work, and Jenny Sanford and Silda Spitzer finally have a worthy role model. But it’s not all dry courtroom drama—throw in a love triangle with her boss, and the Emmy winning Archie Panjabi as her brittle coworker, and The Good Wife is far more entertaining than any real-life scandal. Plus, you don’t feel guilty ogling someone else’s downfall. Remember, none of this is real.

International London Fetish Weekend, October 1 – 3
Come one, come all to “get your fetish fix” at the third annual Fetish Weekend in London, the self-proclaimed “fetish capital of the world.” The well-heeled fashionistas of London Fashion Week are nowhere to be seen, replaced this weekend by leatherclad, thigh-high boot wearing fans of S&M. For the uninitiated, there are plenty of workshops, including the enticingly named “Fire Play.” The headline event, Torture Garden’s Fetish Ball, takes place on Saturday—with, of course, a strictly enforced fantasy dress code. And on Sunday, you can’t miss the adult pajama party, complete with kinky fairy tales. Certainly not made for the meek, but head out if you’re adventurous.

The Kazanjian Red Diamond, American Museum of National History, New York, On display now
The gleaming cases at Tiffany have nothing on this scarlet beauty. Typically known as the “dinosaur museum,” the American Museum of Natural History recently received an infusion of bling with a new collection of rare diamonds. Among the highlights are blue-green, orange-yellow, and purplish-pink stones, but the must-see gem is the dazzling Kazanjian Red Diamond, sparkling “as vivid as a drop of blood splashed on a white diamond.” The 5.05 emerald cut was discovered in South Africa in the 1920s, then had a wild ride through Amsterdam, New York, Germany, and Bavaria, where it was mistaken for a ruby. Thankfully, its origins were straightened out and jewel-obsessed Manhattanites now have a new piece of eye candy.

Plus, Phillip Seymour Hoffman and Amy Ryan in Jack Goes Boating, Jazz at Lincoln Center travels to Cuba, and Oktoberfest takes over Munich

Museum of Everything, Exhibition 3, London, October 13 - December 15
If you haven’t already heard of the Museum of Everything, you’ve been hiding under a rock. It’s time you crawl out from whence you came and gear up for London’s Freize Art Fair. The fair is only a few short weeks away, and the highlight will certainly be Exhibition #3 from last year’s hit—the Museum of Everything. Dedicated to outsider, or non-traditional art, the museum, in London’s Primrose Hill, is preparing for its third exhibition. This year’s show is curated by the museum’s director, James Brett, along with formidable collector and founding father of British pop art, Sir Peter Blake. From the 60s to the present, Blake’s love of self-taught art, and his collection of random relics have informed and inspired his own work. In Exhibition #3 he will share his discoveries for the first time, forming the largest art installation ever created by the legendary artist. The exhibition will also recreate Mr Potter’s Museum of Curiosities, one of the greatest marvels of Victorian England. An eccentric and self-taught artist himself, Potter created amazing woodland dioramas of cricket matches, classrooms, weddings and clubs, all populated by a cast of dogs, kittens, squirrels and birds. Entrance to the museum is free, though donations are welcome. You’ll get your money’s worth, the museum is more like a carnival. Get to London fast, go to the Museum of Everything!

It’s Kind of a Funny Story
Don’t let the setting (psychiatric institution) and big-name stars (Zach Galifianakis) fool you: the latest movie from indie darlings Ryan Fleck and Anna Boden displays the same subtlety and humanist touches that gained them acclaim for their first two films. We would say it’s vintage Fleck and Boden, except that it’s practically vintage John Hughes, complete with a whimsical showstopping number evocative of the parade scene in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. Craig (Keir Gilchrist) is a teenage overachiever who, feeling overwhelmed, checks himself into a mental hospital, where he meets an array of colorful but heartfelt characters, including a suicidal man in his 30s *Galifianakis) and a disaffected teenager (Emma Roberts). Fleck and Boden, working off a young-adult novel by Ned Vizzini, straddle the line between comedy and drama, and with the help of their terrific cast, manage to tell an entertaining story that acts as a window into modern adolescence.

Sidewalks
Matt & Kim’s latest album doesn’t officially drop until November 2, but if their first single, Cameras, is any indication, this follow-up to last year’s Grand will find the Brooklyn party-starters a long way from their scrappy roots. Horns! Multiple synth lines! Syncopation! Animal Collective collaborator Ben Allen produces. Like what you hear? Matt & Kim are touring like fools, so get your tickets now. Fair warning: their music may be sweet and cuddly, but the giddy, hypercharged duo has one of the most ridiculously fun live shows on the planet. Somehow the crowd always whips up a frothing moshpit the instant the first song starts.

David to Cezanne: Master Drawings from the Prat Collection, Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney, September 22 - December 5
Oui, oui, it is considered to be one of the finest collections of its kind. The group of over 100 French drawings was put together by Véronique and Louis-Antoine Prat. The collection tracks art history from the 17th century to the late 19th century, and the exhibition focuses on works from the early 19th century to the dawn of modernism. Among the drawings included: David’s portrait of François-Eugène David and his wife Anne-Thérèse, 1825, the last he completed before dying, Delacroix’s Bucking Horse, 1826, once part of Degas’ collection, Ingres, Cézanne, Seurat, the list goes on… A 220-page catalogue supports the exhibition and includes an essay by Monsieur Prat, also a distinguished art historian. Now you folks down under don’t have to cross the globe to get a taste of la belle France.

Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra in Cuba, Havana, October 5 - 9
Has a Cuban renaissance begun? News that the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, the big band led by Wynton Marsalis, would travel to Cuba for a series of concerts and workshops with Cuban musicians came on the heels of an announcement that the American Ballet Theater would send its company to Cuba in early November for the 22nd International Ballet Festival of Havana. The group’s visit is the acceptance of an invitation from the Cuban Institute of Music, one which is designed to explore the deep connections between American and Cuban musics. The residency is being funded by the Mellon, Ford and Rockefeller Foundations, among others. It is the band’s first trip to Cuba. Can’t swing a trip to Havana? No worries, Cuban pianist Chucho Valdés and his band have New York concerts scheduled at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Allen Room on October 22 and 23.

Oktoberfest, Munich, September 18 - October 3
Bavarian beer, pork sausages, oodles of Germans, what more could you ask for? Blonde women in dirndls. Lots of ‘em. Each year, some six million visitors head to what’s known by locals as “Wies’n”, after the meadow, Theresienwiese, where Oktoberfest is held. Wies’n is a fantastic celebration that still clings to tradition, and only allows beer from Munich’s six select breweries to be sold in the official Oktoberfest tents. The extra fine beer is produced according to German Purity Laws decreed in 1516, so drinkers can safely knock back as much additive free beer as they can drink. For newcomers, in addition to beer, there are as many as 14 different tents to choose from, so pick carefully. The Hofbräu tent tends to be the most raucous. Seekers of more refined Bavarian guzzling should check out the Augustiner, Ochsenbraterei (ox-roasting) or Fischer-Vroni tents. When you get sick of beer drinking under a tent, remember Oktoberfest is more than just a beer bonanza. Traditional German amusements like the flea circus and crossbow competitions are not to be missed.

Marcel the Shell With Shoes On
Jenny Slate is not coming back to SNL next season, which is just unfortunate, but then again, what do you expect from a show that has sunk so low? She’s one of the few, young, smart, funny, female comedians out there. And now Slate has really cemented herself with her adorably hilarious viral video of Marcel the Shell. It’s hard not to find it amusing. Marcel is childlike and innocent. Marcel is a shell, with an eye and shoes on. He does weird things like wear a lentil as a hat and hang glide on a Dorito “for adventure”. The humor is simple yet imaginative. The whole concept is endearing, and thus hard not to like. Definitely an up and comer to watch. Don’t miss Marcel the Shell with Shoes On, or Jenny Slate.

Running Wilde
Keri Russell and Will Arnett are back, on the small screen, together. In the hands of Arrested Development creator Mitch Hurwitz. How could that not make for classic television magic? Wilde, which premieres Tuesday, September 21, is weird for weird’s sake, and Will Arnett is pitch-perfect as the spoiled little rich guy trying to win over his childhood love, Emmy (Russell). Rounding out the cast: David Cross as Emmy’s “eco-terrorist” boyfriend and Stefania Owen as Emmy’s daughter, Puddle, through whose eyes the whole story is told. Some speculation is to be expected; the show has already gone through extensive creative modifications—and it hasn’t even aired yet. It’s more darkly comic than laugh-out-loud funny, and the premise—that Wilde win back Emmy and not much more—is somewhat weak. Still, with a creative like this one, we can’t help but hope it will hit big. Tune in and see for yourself.

Jack Goes Boating
So many films got picked up at The Toronto Film festival last week that it’s hard to say which will actually be worth seeing. One thing we do know: what Phillip Seymour Hoffman does, Phillip Seymour Hoffman does very well. And he did double-duty for Jack Goes Boating—in addition to playing the lead role, he also directed the film, which follows slightly reclusive limousine driver who finds love on a blind date. Amy Ryan, The Office and Wire darling, portrays the comically shy telemarketer to Hoffman’s deadpan Jack. While their romance blossoms, the friends who introduced them, played by John Ortiz and Daphne Rubin-Vega, are drifting apart; the film climaxes with a disastrous dinner party. Jack Goes Boating, adapted from Bob Glaudini’s 2007 play, in which—surprise—Hoffman also starred on Broadway, first took off at Sundance. It opens nationwide on October 1.

Plus, hot springs in Germany, Paris Autumn Festival, and the latest greatest art scene in Beijing

Inhotim Cultural Institute, Brazil
An idyllic cultural haven located in the heart of Brumadinho, Brazil, Ihotim offers breathtaking views of the country’s natural foliage alongside a beautiful collection of man-made contemporary art. These two aspects work in almost perfect harmony, creating a complementary experience in which one feels submerged in the nature that has served as inspiration to countless works of art—and the results of man trying to capture said nature in art. The exterior spaces, primarily designed by Roberto Burle Marx, showcase a variety of rare tropical plant species and beautiful gardens alongside more wild areas, in which fauna is allowed to grow naturally. The permanent exhibitions feature works by Brazilian and international artists such as Tunga, Cildo Meireles, and Adriana Varejão. All told, Inhotim is well worth the visit.

Chan-Chan, Peru
Chan-Chan, which literally means “Sun-Sun,” is one of the most valued archeological sites in South America. Treasured in part because it is the largest city from the pre-Incan period, in part because of its breathtaking glimpses into the lives and values of its people’s culture, this former adobe capital of the Chimú is amazingly well preserved. To wit: the twelve-meter high walls with engravings of sea life—which demonstrate the importance the sea had in its once bustling culture—are still intact. Although some of the city’s centers have been ransacked (said ransackers believed the high-class Chimú might be hiding gold), Chan-Chan gives even the better-known Machu Picchu a run for its money.

Lee Friedlander: America by Car, Whitney Museum, New York, through November 28
With his most recent photographic undertaking, Friedlander creates a perversion of the usual “on the road” collection that every American photographer seems to undertake: there is not a single photo in the collection that is taken outside of his car. Instead he allows the various view finders of a car (a windshield, a window, and even a side view mirror) to frame every photograph. This technique offers wildly intriguing images where parts of his car serve to complement an exterior and oftentimes even intrude on it. Presented in his usual square-photograph format, these photos capture Americana in much the same way that most of us experience it, that is, from the confines of a car. 

The Tillman Story
Israeli filmmaker Amir Bar-Lev’s documentary has only been in theaters for a few weeks, but it is already a front runner for the Oscar. The film takes a look at how a once successful star of the NFL abruptly left his career to serve his country during the Iraq War; what makes it so smart is that it does not succumb into the neat tale of patriotism and love of country. Instead The Tillman Story focuses on how the U.S. government took a tragic death, which was the result of friendly fire, and spun it to create propaganda for a war whose unpopularity was already beginning to show. It’s a heart-wrenching story of one family’s search for the truth (and by extension, many of ours) amidst a time of uncertainty and forced patriotism.

Max’s Kansas City: Art, Glamour, Rock and Roll
This magnificent coffee-table keepsake is an adoring retrospective of Max’s Kansas City, a New York City club that proved to be a magnet for the cultural heavyweights of the late 60s and 70s.  What was originally the place of choice for Andy Warhol and his loyal band of factory workers—Velvet Underground even recorded there—gave way to the glitzy rock of the New York Dolls then gave way to punk; the club closed in 1974 for one year until its re-opening. It then became a home for punk as significant as its downtown contemporary, CBGB’s. Max’s Kansas City offers words from some of Max’s most well known attendants themselves, including Lou Reed, along with pictures taken there before its permanent closing in 1981.  The release of the book will be accompanied by a gallery exhibition at the Steven Kasher Gallery in New York City opening on September 15 and closing on October 9.

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Berg Hot Springs, Germany
This previously ignored rural town became a certified spa getaway once a hot spring was found 4,000 feet below it. Needless to say, since then, Berg has attracted the most visitors in the Bravenburg region short of Potsdam (which is only just edging it out for the number one spot). The springs have salt and mineral levels similar to those of the Dead Sea; the town contains a multitude of luxury hotels such as Spreewald-Therme and Zur Bleiche. Both opened their doors about five years ago, and offer expansive spa facilities. Next time you find yourself in a bustling German metropolis don’t be surprised if you hear the name Berg whispered amongst those who are in dyer need to de-stress.

The Paris Autumn Festival, through November
Founded by Michel Guy—with support from Georges Pompidou—in 1972, The Paris Autumn Festival is a four-month long love ballad to French art. Participating artists and performers are asked to produce new works solely for the festival, which makes the event a particularly strong draw for those looking to keep their pulse on contemporary French art. This year, expect plenty of film, dance, theater, visual arts, and music exhibitions. It is events such as these that make France synonymous with culture. 

Buchstabenmuseum, Berlin
This unusual museum—it’s dedicated to typography—houses a huge collection of signs old and new and displays them outside of their context so that the emphasis is on the character itself. This preservation of letter forms, as the curators call it, is intentioned to remind people of the inherent beauty found in the individual letter and not necessarily its context. They rely on large format signs because it recalls a time when creating a letter took time, thought, and effort, and a time where there was no such thing as highlighting everything and changing the font at the click of a button. Where else can you so closely examine the letter “a”? 

London Open House Weekend
For just one weekend, some of London’s finest buildings will open their doors to professionals and the public alike.  This special two-day affair offers quite a breadth of views—from the classic architectural feats of buildings such as Aspley House in Hyde Park to more contemporary examples in sustainability, such as the tiny Luxe Pods in South Kensington. Doors are opened throughout London’s vast neighborhoods, so carefully planning your visit is a must. But trust us—it will take you through a virtual evolutionary chart of London architecture through the centuries. 

798 Beijing Art Zone
This contemporary Chinese art space was once home to a bustling factory, but in recent years visionary artists took notice of the abandoned space’s cheap rent (and potential) and decided to turn it into one of China’s premiere art spaces. It now houses numerous galleries, art dealers, and shops from a young and upcoming generation of Chinese artists looking to shed and oppose the rigid culture in which they grew up—and put Beijing in the leagues of cities known for their artistic output. 

Plus, a new book about Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor’s torrid love affair, Best Coast’s latest and greatest LP, and non-traditional vacations involving tree hotels and biking along the Nile.

Laura Linney’s The Big C
Laura Linney is of the “it’s the work that’s important” school of celebrity. The Emmy-award winning (and Oscar- and Tony-nominated) actress returns to the small screen this month with Showtime’s The Big C, a half-hour comedy that follows Cathy (Linney) a dutiful, repressed, 42-year-old teacher, mother and wife in suburban Minneapolis who has advanced, incurable cancer. She decides against treatment, and more surprising, against telling anybody. So, as her priorities and behavior change, her tongue growing sharper and a rebelliousness taking hold, the people around her don’t know what to make of it, and both her transformation and their bafflement are played for laughs. (Yes, it’s a half-hour comedy.) Linney—who also serves as executive producer—plays the dueling tonalities to perfection. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that the ever-sexy Wire alum Idris Elba plays her love interest—Cathy’s husband is played in contrast by the remarkable Oliver Platt—either. Cynthia Nixon and Gabourey Sidibe round out the stellar cast, but the show, and nearly every scene in the show, rises and falls with Linney—if it stands up to her previous work, we expect something very, very good.

Burning Man, Black Rock Desert, Nevada, August 30 - September 6
If you haven’t heard of Burning Man by now, you’ve probably been living under a rock or on a cloud. Every year since 1986, people have been coming together in the Nevada desert to participate in the Burning Man experience. This is not your average festival, it is a participant driven event that has grown over the years into a community of over 45,000 people. Once a year devotees gather to create Black Rock City, dedicated to community, art, self-expression, and self-reliance. One week later the participants head back to their lives having left no trace of their weeklong revelry, but taking with them the lessons and experiences of life on the playa, as the pop-up city is called. While there, the sites and sounds are marvelous enough to impress even the most sophisticated aesthetes. Art installations, art cars, theme camps, outrageous costumes, and the best part of all, no cash to carry, everything is free but the $300 entrance ticket. First timers shouldn’t be fooled however, and are advised to read the survival guide, or face the consequences of being ill-equipped to endure the extreme conditions on the desert floor. Choose your passion and your poison, as well as your camp, camping gear, or rec vehicle carefully, and don’t forget to bring a bicycle, the chosen mode of transportation in Black Rock City. Stay a week or a day, and don’t miss the big event, when everybody gathers to watch the Burning Man go up in flames.

Crazy For You
Bethany Cosentino of Best Coast wears whatever she thinks is comfortable (not so much fashionable) and doesn’t smoke weed when she writes (or performs). True to form, her debut album with partner Bobb Bruno—a mix of Beatles-ish drums, Ramones-ish guitars, Phil Spector-ish vocals—is simple, catchy, and pleasure-packed. So the smart-ass, lovelorn lyrics never get much deeper than “Want to kill you but then I’d miss you,” but it’s modern and classic, full of girl-group tunefulness and alt-rock snarl, sixties- and nineties-sounding all at the same time. Crazy For You is the rare LP you’ll play on repeat—and your grandparents will love too.

Furious Love: Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, and the Marriage of the Century
There is perhaps no romance, live or fictitious, more compelling and tumultuous than that of Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor. Not that Furious Love is the first to chronicle said fascinating affair, but the new book does shed light on the lovers’ influence on our now-ubiquitous celebrity culture—and, more intriguingly, 40 of the many love letters Burton sent Taylor over the years. Authors Kashner and Schoenberger write that Italian film director Federico Fellini actually coined the term paparazzi (literally, insects) to refer to the hordes of photographers perpetually swarming around the two stars. But unlike, say, the reality stars today, Burton and Taylor weren’t so much famous for how they lived—but what they did, and how well they did it. Their love had an almost epic quality, in that it made their art better; sure enough, when they broke up, both stars were somehow diminished. Still their love lasted: In 1984 Burton—who had since remarried—wrote a final love letter to Elizabeth in Los Angeles. Home, he said, was wherever she was, and he wanted to come home. The next day Burton broke a long period of sobriety, got into a bar fight, and struck his head on the floor. He went to bed complaining of a headache, never woke up, and died of a cerebral hemorrhage. Taylor found Burton’s last love letter for her when she came home from visiting his grave; it has remained on her bedside table ever since. Say what you will, but it doesn’t get more tragically romantic than that.

Life During Wartime
A sequel of sorts to Todd Solondz’s satirically named film Happiness—that 1998 roundelay of murder, pedophilia, and obsessive masturbation—Wartime rejoins the characters a decade later to see if their lives have improved. They have not. In true Solondz form, in fact, Wartime is suburban horror at its finest. Working with an entirely new group of actors (a trick like the one he employed in 2004’s Palindromes, where he cast eight dramatically different types to play the female lead), Solondz reunites us with the magnificently screwed-up Jordan sisters, this time played by the terrific Allison Janney, Shirley Henderson, and Ally Sheedy. Like all of his films, Wartime teeters, sometimes excruciatingly, between emotional extremes. This tightrope can make audiences squirm with discomfort, but its creator is never deliberately cruel; Solondz assumes a degree of sophistication on their part that few directors dare to trust. Bleak and angry, this story has the power to slide into your psyche and be embraced or rejected according to how well it meshes with your own experiences. But rest assured: amid all the deadpan drollery and social unease, the sheer skill of the filmmaking comes as a welcome relief. Wartime was shot in Puerto Rico by the amazing Edward Lachman, who also photographed Far from Heaven and I’m Not There, and is spiked with moments of stunning beauty.

Ka-Pow! The World’s First Coffee Bar
Let it be known, Ka-Pow! The world’s first coffee bar is here, and queer, so get used to it. If you thought Starbucks had the monopoly on coffee to go, think again. Now you can get your java fix in a bar without the hassle of a cup, cup-holders, or scalding hot liquid. You can eat this puppy on a bike or a train, even a plane. This baby goes through airport security. Hell, you can munch on it all day, at the office, on a trek, or in a submarine. Gone are the days where you need to make a coffee run. Just stock up, and take it with you wherever you go. Don’t be fooled by its looks. This is not a chocolate bar, this is pure, single origin coffee. Made from Oregon’s finest roasters. One can choose from Stumptown Coffee Roaster’s Costa Rica Verde Alto, or Heart Roaster’s Brazil Sao Benedito, amongst a handful of others. So run out and get your Ka-Pow bar, you won’t be disappointed.

Egypt Bike and Sail
Curling up with a book on the beach might be one’s ideal vacation, but if you’re looking for something adventurous and unheard of, look no further—you can now bike your way down the Nile. Thanks to Doug Lofland’s determination to get through all that red tape and reverse Egypt’s antiquated rules, you can now see the nile—all of it—by bike. Fly from Cairo to Luxor International Airport, where you’ll meet up with your guide, get outfitted with a bike, and tour the sprawling Luxor Temple built in 1400 B.C., replete with Sphinxes, colossi (giant pharaoh statues), and the famous red granite obelisk. Over the next few days, you’ll hit the Valley of the Kings, Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, Colossi of Memnon, Edfu Temple, and Monastery of St. Simeon, among other unforgettable sites. Not a cyclephile or camper? Fear not. Rides are suited to your ability; groups are limited to five people per guide; and a support van stocked with food, water, and a medic (just in case) always trails along. You’ll rest easy every night aboard your home for the week: a gussied-up river cruiser with oversize cabins, queen-size beds, marble bathrooms, and two balconies overlooking the serene river.

Gainsbourg (Vie Héroïque)
The hype on this feature film based on the graphic novel by Joann Sfar, who also wrote and directed the film is on the rise, and well-deserved. Though Gainsbourg doesn’t have the following Johnny Cash or Ike Turner had, he certainly has global cult appeal, which might make this as big as Walk the Line was in 2005 for Cash. The release follows a slow posthumous (Gainsbourg died in 1991) rise in Serge Gainsbourg’s popularity in France and abroad. Starring Eric Elmosnino, Kacey Mottet Klein, and Lucy Gordon (who killed herself last year), Gainsbourg was released in France at the beginning of the year, and focuses on the much publicized relationship of the French singer songwriter with Jane Birkin.  The film can be cringe-worthy at times, but that’s what makes it so good. Of course, discovering the ordinary reality behind our icons can be a huge disappointment, but at the very least, one comes away from this film certain that Serge Gainsbourg was one of the most extraordinary artists of his time.

Blue Boy, Saint Remy de Provence, August 6
He’s been asked to make appearances in Singapore and Australia, but next week you can catch him in St Remy, France. His handle is Camden Town Blue Boy, and he attracts a crowd faster than the scene of an accident. The boy’s identity remains a mystery, and he hopes to keep it that way, though probably not for long, as the young thespian is exceptionally talented for his age. Blue boy’s routine was an accidental hit, but his appeal is gathering followers on youtube, and his dance moves are nothing short of mesmerizing. The act started when he wore his blue body suit to the newsstand, and people took notice. He then decided to take it one step further, wearing it out to his local market on a busy weekend. Whether or not we will ever learn the identity of Blue Boy remains a mystery, but this young man will certainly pop up soon in other guises on stage and screen. Stay tuned…

Tree Hotel, Sweden
What will they think of next? Now you can escape into Sweden’s new Tree Hotel next time you want to get away from it all, or simply get back to nature. Disappear into the invisible mirror cube hung from a tree trunk that only birds can see, or into one of five other hotel rooms suspended high above the forrest floor. The quirky eco-hotel launched this month with six rooms designed by five different architects, and turns your average tree house into a wholly wild experience. Not only has the Tree Hotel taken incredible measures not to impact the surrounding environment, coating the mirror room in an infrared film visible only to birds (to stop them from crashing into it), it has taken the concept of luxury design, and brought it to the natural world. Tourists eager to see the northern light or the midnight sun can take a holiday to this unique location in an untouched forrest not far from the arctic circle. Be sure to book ahead, there is already a lot of interest, and the other 20 rooms planned for the Tree Hotel have yet to be built.