Third Tralier for The Dark Knight Rises

Fans around the world. participating in a viral campaign for the film, unlocked a new trailer for the Dark Knight Rises on Monday. Which hits theaters in July  Like the past two trailers this trailer seems to be bit grim and builds alot of tension. However, more action scenes are shown. Including a bridge explosion, a fight between Batman and Bane, and Batman fighting thugs alongside Catwoman! What do you think of the trailer?

Book Review: The Hunger Games

Two issues, one cultural, one technological, led me to this book. Ever since The Hunger Games film was released earlier this year, it has been a blockbuster success and pop culture phenomenon. Naturally, I was intrigued by it, but was always indecisive about seeing the movie. In addition, a member of my social group had read the book and said that, although the story itself wasn't bad, the writing and certain aspects of the plot just didn't seem logical.

The technological issue runs a little bit deeper. For a long while now, I have heard about, and been involved in, the debates between traditional literature formats and the rapid rise of e-readers (Kindle, Nook, iPad, take your pick). I'd long been reluctant to try my mother's kindle (I just didn't think I'd get the same feeling as actually holding a book in my hands), but when a friend loaned her the first volume of Suzanne Collins' trilogy, I figured "why not?", and finally took the plunge into e-reading.

As a book, The Hunger Games was not exactly groundbreaking, but certainly not the worst thing I've ever read. In a dystopian future United States, 24 young men and women are chosen by annual lottery to compete in "The Hunger Games" (basically, they are made to fight to the death on national television and the winner gets honored with lifetime wealth and glory) as punishment for a past rebellion against the government. One of this year's competitors, Katniss Everdeen, however, is unlike any previous tribute and gives the country a show they'll never forget.

A few aspects of the book make it noteworthy in spite of its somewhat cliche plot line. First and foremost, the story is told in first person from the perspective of Ms. Everdeen, so the entire plot is almost like a psychological analysis of this one main character in relation to her surrounding environment. I've read first person narratives before, but this focused so specifically and intensely on Katniss' thoughts and emotions that it seemed like you were literally seeing the world through her eyes.

Another intriguing feature of the book dealt with themes of tyrannical government and propaganda. While the Capitol city has more food and luxury than it knows what to do with, many people in the districts (and Katniss' district in particular) are on the brink of starvation and living in squalor and poverty. Also, the games themselves serve as a reminder to the people that the government has absolute power and can take away their freedom and their lives at will. As a history buff, these themes really stuck with me and, although heavily caricatured  and "cartoon-ized", could serve as a mirror for dozens of totalitarian and oppressive regimes the world over.

Collins also does an excellent job describing the imagery of the various items, characters, locations and events throughout the story and linking them to the views of Katniss Everdeen. To put it simply, the book contains more than its share of colorful moments.

At this point, I'm still a little unsure about seeing movie, but regardless, I am interested in looking at the second and possibly third book in the trilogy, as the first volume left off on rather a curious high note.

CHECK OUT MY COMPARISON TO THE FEATURE FILM

Restaurant Review: Boat Basin Cafe

One of the best features of New York City is that, despite the bumper-to-bumper buildings, there are plenty of green park spaces to unwind, exercise and generally escape from the streets and noise. Although Central Park has the bigger reputation, Riverside Park has always held the more important place in my heart (though this obviously biased, since I grew up less than a stone's throw away from it). If you know where too look, Riverside Park holds many delightful secrets. Since the weather was so absolutely gorgeous today (4/8/12- strong sun, cloudless sky, perfect breeze, the whole nine yards), my parents and I took a walk in the park and ended up at the 79th Street Boat Basin on the Hudson River. I had passed this cafe several times before, but never tried it. In the end, we gave into temptation.

Although the menu at the Cafe was somewhat limited, the food itself was perfectly scrumptious, and it more than made up for a small menu in location, location, location. As you can see from the image to the left, the terrace is set above and right beside the river, providing a fresh breeze (albeit a little too strong on this particular day) as well as perfect exposure to however much sun each patron desired.

The second layer of the restaurant (right) was directly behind the terrace and separated by heavy plastic screens. It contained a vast open space with a full bar, plenty of tables and, of course, big screen TVs. Despite the fact that it was Easter Sunday (when I assumed most people would be at home with their families), it was a full house with patrons shouting and cheering at whatever game was playing (although honestly it got a bit annoying after a while).

The most unique layer of the restaurant was the furthest in (left). For those not familiar with the area, 79th Street & Riverside Drive is notable for its large traffic circle leading to the Westside Highway, and the third layer of the restaurant was sunk directly into the circle (that curving path on top of the arches is what the cars drive on)! Aside from offering the most sun for any interested patrons, this third layer is a pretty cool spot.

If fancy food is not your preference, but you love outdoor seating and a casual environment, then this is place for you. Drop by on the next sunny day. http://www.boatbasincafe.com/