Through The Screenwriters' Loving Eyes: The Screening and Discussion of Black Panther With Joe Robert Cole

Photo by Olga Lalo

On what would have been a regular Wednesday evening, The New Yorker generously invited its faithful subscribers, on a rather short notice, to a special screening of Black Panther at BAM Rose Cinemas, followed by a Q and A with the movie's co-screenwriter, Joe Robert Cole. This was a unique opportunity to not only watch an amazing film that everyone must see, but also to get a peek behind the curtains for an insight of how the film was made and how the screenwriters Ryan Coogler and Joe Robert Cole collaborated to make it happen. 

Since one of the main themes in the movie was choosing the common good over personal ambitions, it is interesting to know that the screenwriters had a similar approach to their script. Focused on the story, they can no longer tell who came up with some of the audience's favorite lines. Black Panther is a product of selfless teamwork by people who had their minds and hearts invested in the story. With a medley of action, love, politics, philosophy and other themes it explores, the film is thought-provoking, engaging and relevant to all types of audiences. 

Based on the comic book story by writer/editor Stan Lee and writer/artist Jack Kirby, Black Panther takes place in a fictional African nation, Wakanda, which is technologically advanced and hidden under the guise of a third-world country. Having in possession one of the most powerful minerals, vibranium, the Wakandans are cautious to keep it a secret from the rest of the world. Concerned with their country's safety first, they nevertheless can't help wondering how much good their technology could have done to the world, which introduces one of the main conflicts in the movie: isolation versus globalization. How much can we give without hurting our country? As one of the characters, W'Kabi, rightfully notes, "If you let in refugees, they will bring in their problems." It is a moral question that resonates with the current political situation in the world and cannot be answered unanimously. The king of Wakanda, T'Challa, chooses people's lives over politics again and again, driven by his heart rather than powerlust. Yet, his choices are not met with 100% approval. 

Torn by their own moral dilemmas, many characters in Black Panther are complex by design, which makes them all the more interesting. Turning the villain Erik Killmonger into T'Challa's cousin, whose father T'Challa's father had to kill, the writers make him an orphan literally and figuratively, as an African-American, whose ties with his roots are severed. Both of these losses make him bitter and angry, moving him to hurt others for what was done to him. Though his anger is justified, it ends up destroying him, while also affecting T'Challa, inspiring him to make positive changes in his own royal policies.

Discussing the setting of Black Panther during the Q and A session, Joe Robert Cole explained that they had intended to portray Africa independent of the European lens, explore the dialogue between Africans and African-Americans and root the modern world in African culture. Hence, the film depicts Africa through the screenwriters' loving eyes. Committed to staying truthful and respectful, they conducted extensive research on African traditions, and their Wakanda is a contemporary version of paradise that encompasses beautiful nature and high-tech health care and infrastructure. With different tribes peacefully co-existing under the rule of the same king, who can be challenged for his throne in a fair fight, Wakanda is strongest in its unity, when it doesn't allow outside influences to corrupt its citizens and turn against one another for political reasons.

Having superior technology, compared to the rest of the world, Wakandans neither imagine themselves better than others nor entertain the idea of conquering other nations. On the contrary, Black Panther advocates for inclusivity and diversity, inviting us to love our neighbors, regardless of their origin and cultural background. As T'Challa says in his UN address to the world in the end of the movie, "We have more similarities than differences." When we focus on our differences, fights arise and wars begin, and when we concentrate on our similarities, we forge friendships and set in motion a circle of goodwill. In the end of the day, we shape the world we live in, and it's our responsibility to keep the toxicity of biases and hatred out, or else it will poison us and prevent us from enjoying life and the company of other people. 

A Jersey Fresh Experience at Alstede Farms

Though a few of my friends had told me about the opportunity to gather fresh fruit and vegetables at local New Jersey farms, only this summer did I get to try it out. Choosing from close to 100 farms, I picked out Alstede Farms for two reasons: it offered all produce I was interested in, and the farm's website was clear and informative, so I knew exactly what to expect when it came to assortment, activities and prices (some of the other websites I visited suggested to call them for prices and availability). As it turned out, I made the right choice. I went for a ride in a hay wagon, filled my containers with fresh fruit and vegetables, petted donkeys, goats and rabbits, saw other farm animals, babies and adults, shopped at the farm store, tried homemade farm food and even brought some recipes home! In other words, in addition to a car load of fresh produce, the trip also left me with great memories of an authentic farm experience.

As soon as I arrived at the farm, I paid the admission fee ($6.99 / per person on weekends) and had my containers weighed for picking. The website recommended to bring containers from home, and I did so, although they did sell quarts for 10 cents and boxes for $2 in case visitors didn't come prepared. After checking in, I was free to wander around the farm or get right to picking. The farm's staff was welcoming and helpful, answering any questions with a smile. There was also a table with homemade foods to taste for free near the entrance. All the samples I tried were delicious and came with recipes. Thus, not only did I have a good time, I also learned something new. 

Off the hay wagon!

Having snacked on the offerings, I lined up for the hay wagon ride. It was not just entertainment, as I had thought. The hay wagons took visitors around the farm, so they did not have to walk around the fields. Every stop had different crops the drivers announced beforehand. I cannot imagine getting around without the hay wagons. I would have gotten lost and most certainly felt tired, which would have spoiled my overall impression. Another great idea on the farmers' part was to leave metal carts around the farm. At first I thought they belonged to other pickers, but since they were often left unattended, I helped myself to one, especially that my containers were getting heavier with blueberries, raspberries, peaches and tomatoes I gathered on my way. 

Picking up raspberries, in particular, reminded me of my maternal grandfather. When I was little, he would often take me raspberry picking in his garden. He would always remind me to break up each berry to make sure no worms were hiding inside. Visiting Alstede Farms, I thought of my childhood and of all children who grow up in big cities and never experience nature, never know what raspberries are supposed to look and taste like. I also thought that even if one lives in a big city, he or she can always create opportunities. Nature is all around us, and, if we make the slightest effort, we can touch, feel, taste and smell it. 

Though picking was supposed to end at 6 pm, according to the farm's schedule, we were politely warned in advance that the last wagons are picking people up at 6:30 pm. With that said, the staff was pretty lenient about dropping visitors off at picking stops close to that time, so we did not feel pressured to leave. 

Having paid for all of my picked goods by pound (the prices for their stuff are pretty good, considering that one is buying organic, locally-grown produce), I still had time to walk around, take colorful pictures and buy a few more things in the farm store. In addition to fruit and vegetables, they also sold homemade jams, maple syrup, fresh eggs, milk, and even homemade wine from a nearby winery. Hence, I did all my grocery shopping for the following two weeks in one place and felt great about it, especially because I got to pick up most of it from the ground and the trees myself. 

To sum it all up, I'd recommend visiting Alstede Farms for a number of reasons. Eating organic, natural-sized foods would be the main one. Some of the peaches were thick-skinned, but they were the juiciest I've ever tasted. The flavor of raspberries reminded me of my childhood, the taste I had been looking for - in vain - in a box of Driscolls, even organic ones. In addition, whether you had been on a farm or not, you might still experience something new, like petting a rabbit, or sitting on a pile of hay. And, finally, it is always good to simply reconnect with nature and, through getting your hands dirty, feel liberated and more appreciative of the food you consume and the world you are living in. 

Holtzman Gallery: An Art Haven in the Heart of Atlantic City

Image Credit: http://claridge.com/atlantic-city-art-gallery/

If you're visiting Atlantic City and you have curiosity - if not passion - for art, you should definitely visit Holtzman Gallery, located inside the historic Claridge Hotel. Though it seems tiny from the outside, the gallery occupies three levels (all of them wheelchair accessible) and exhibits a great variety of art works, including, but not limited to paintings and sculptures. 

As you walk inside, you're immediately captivated by portraits of famous people, recreated on canvas from photographs by the gallery's owner, David Holtzman. Bold colors the artist uses highlight the features of his subjects, among whom are Marylin Monroe, Muhammad Ali, Woody Allen and many others. There are two portraits of Marlon Brando, one in blue and one in pink. Though they're based on the same photograph, the use of different colors affects the impression each picture makes on the viewer. 

Having enjoyed these unusual portraits, keep walking - you're in for even more treats! The gallery's art collection includes giclées (digital prints of art works made on inkjet printers), abstract paintings by an 8-year-old boy from India, framed portraits of famous people done in pencil on matchboxes, paintings on Biblical themes, realistic landscapes, a couple of paintings in the style of French impressionists, some interesting sculptures and even works by John Lennon. In other words, there's something for every taste. Moreover, you're likely to discover at Holtzman Gallery at least one type of art you've never seen before, or, if you are an art collector, a fascinating piece you would like to hang in your house or apartment. 

For example, if you're into realism, you'll enjoy paintings by Marcos Monteiro. Among his pieces exhibited in the gallery are breathtaking seascapes and portraits of animals. Originally from Rio de Janeiro, Monteiro gained first-hand knowledge of the ocean and its inhabitants through diving, fishing, snorkeling and studying marine biology. Bright colors, attention to detail and the portrayal of life precisely as we see it in real life attract the viewers to his paintings. 

Another painter of realism exhibited by Holtzman Gallery is John Dzedzy, who was a student of Holtzman's when he began studying art. His oil-on-canvas portraits of Native Americans are based on personal research. Portraying his subjects, the artist aspires to stay true to Native American culture and history he has studied for years. Dzedzy also designs a unique frame for each of his paintings. The frames are grandiose and antique-looking and make the paintings resemble family portraits of rich landowners. 

If, however, realism doesn't appeal to you, check out Jon Allen's works. By painting on metal, Allen takes abstractionism to another level. Described on the artist's bio page on the gallery's website as "a marriage of industrial technique and visual grace," his paintings look modern, colorful and mysterious at the same time. Allen's work has been exhibited in over 200 galleries all over the world and will definitely be one of the focal points of any personal collection. 

Featuring a great number of artists who cannot leave the viewers indifferent, Holtzman Gallery also has Francis Mesaros Panctures. A combination of painting and sculpture, Mesaros's works are impossible to pass by, due to both their large size - they will surely occupy a large chunk of your wall - and the artist's unique technique. His abstract seascapes seem to be constructed of hundreds of painted seashells. In consequence, not only do we admire the final product, we are also amazed by the effort put into creating it. 

In addition to paintings, the gallery also displays photographs, sculptures, and even guitars, lovingly painted with lacquer or shellac by Peter Cree. As we learn from this section of the exhibit, painting guitars is more difficult than it seems, since it can negatively affect the instrument's sound, and the process takes "an average of 100 hours per top." Thus, Cree's art also overlaps with science and brings together painting and music. 

As you can imagine, the list of unique art works Holtzman Gallery has to offer can go on and on. Unexpectedly found in the East Coast's gambling capital, it is truly a gem for art lovers. If you consider yourself one, you should definitely check it out next time you're around Atlantic City. Visiting the gallery might just be the jackpot you've always wanted to hit! In the meantime, look at the gallery's website for the list of exhibited artists and examples of their artwork. 

5 Reasons to Start Juicing

Image Credit:
http://www.supernutritionacademy.com/juicing-benefits-debatable/#.V55YOmUbZok

If you are, like me, not a vegetable lover and feel concerned with your diet, you should consider juicing as a path to a healthier you. Note: by juicing I mean adding fresh juice to your diet, not replacing all of your meals with it. Here are 5 reasons why you should be drinking fresh fruit or vegetable juice:

1. It's nutritious. Fresh-squeezed juices have all the same nutrients fresh fruit and vegetables contain, but your body absorbs them easier and quicker. Drinking one large glass of juice equals eating all of the fruit it was made of (for example, two grapefruits, a kiwi and an apple). What's even better, as opposed to cooking vegetables, juicing preserves all the nutrients, so you don't miss out on anything.

2. It tastes good. By means of mixing various fruit and vegetables, you will be able to consume products that you don't like. I can't even think of eating beets, but if I add some beet juice to my fruit and veggie drink, I don't taste it and don't mind it.

Also, taste is a matter of habit. Even though you might not like the taste of fresh juice at first, you'll love it once you get used to it.

3. It is easy to prepare. Once you have your first juicer and you learn how to take care of it (cleaning etc.), you don't even need recipes to prepare your juices. Choose your fruit and veggies according to your taste.

Don't forget, however, that fruit contain lots of sugar, so make sure to mix them with some vegetables for even better nutrition.

4. It charges you with energy. Even if you decide to eat nothing and only drink juice all day, you will not feel hungry. Remember that drinking the juice equals eating all of its ingredients, so don't feel like you're depriving yourself of food. Quite the contrary, you're giving your body what it needs, instead of processed food and fats. Fresh juice is all natural, and it serves you better than a five-hour energy shot. After a while, you will see your nails become stronger and your skin glow, and you will feel less tired in the end of the day.

5. It speeds up your metabolism. When I was first introduced to juicing, I drank fresh juice for dinner and ate whatever I wanted for breakfast and lunch. As a result, I felt hungry every 3 hours. I felt that my body was processing food quicker. I'm sure that was the consequence of juicing. In combination with exercise, I was able to lose weight quickly and without giving up food I liked.

With all these aforementioned benefits, the only downside is that you need to buy a juicer, suitable for both fruit and vegetables. If you feel that it's too much of an investment (the one I have costs around $150), try buying fresh juice by glass first, but make sure they're squeezing it in front of you. Ideally, you need to drink the juice no later than 15 minutes after it is squeezed; otherwise, you will lose out on some nutrients. Buying fresh juice is also expensive, approximately $5-6 for a 16 oz. glass. Still, it's a good start if you're not sure you enjoy juicing as much as I do. 

Water Tubing? Thanks, But No, Thanks.

Image Credit:
https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/06/73/e4/a8/delaware-river-tubing.jpg

Have you ever thought of trying water tubing? Perhaps, you should try it to find out you won't like it much. Having enjoyed it on the lazy river at Six Flags Hurricane Harbor, I thought that water tubing on Delaware River would be even more fun. However, it turned out to be a long, exhausting journey and quite a bore as well. 

What I expected when I booked this "adventure" at Kittatinny Campground's Adventure Center was a relaxing trip down the river. I even though 3 miles was too short of a journey, though the description did say it would take 2-3 hours. Well, it took me much longer than that. Overall, the current was pretty slow, and I often felt that the tube was not moving at all. In addition, since the river was quite shallow, my tube got stuck on the pile of stones every once in a while. 

But, perhaps, the most frustrating part of this "activity" was that I had little control over the tube. I could easily make a 360 degree turn, but I struggled with directing the tube wherever I needed to go. Using my hands and arms as paddles, I battled with the current, which brought me to one bank and then the other, while I wanted to stay in the middle and relax. In the meantime, people were passing me by in kayaks, and I felt like I chose the wrong transportation mode.

Clearly, part of my misery was that I didn't know what to do with the tube. In my defense, the adventure staff did not help, either. We were dropped off on the river bank and given our tubes without any instructions, except for, "In case of emergency, the best way to get help is to walk towards the road and find someone there." By emergency, they probably meant that, if we got bored and decided to quit, the road was over there. 

As I was leisurely brought forward by the slow current, I kept wondering if I got unlucky. Maybe on other days the current was faster, and the trip really took 2 hours only. Maybe I needed more practice, and I would learn to control my tube eventually (though even Google does not have any good tips on how to maneuver a water tube). Maybe the trip should have been shorter, in terms of distance. There were, indeed, a lot of pleasant moments on the way. At some point, the current sped up, and I was moving faster towards my destination. I also got to sunbathe on the water and enjoy some beautiful views.

Hence, if you do decide on going water tubing (which I probably never will), make sure the distance you go is no longer than a mile and a half, especially if it's your first time. An hour on the water is enjoyable no matter what. You get to see if you like this kind of activity and if you'd like to go for a longer trip. Additionally, ask if the company that provides the tubes can give you a paddle. That will make your trip faster and give you more control over the tube. Also, do not forget to wear sunscreen. They say you get tanned faster when you're in the water, and you won't be able to reapply your sun protection until you arrive at the finish point. And finally, if you like to be active and are not used to lying down for hours, you should go kayaking or canoeing instead. 

9 Most Common Sleep Enemies

Image credit: http://m.huffpost.com/uk/entry/3827606.html?edition=uk

If tossing and turning becomes your everyday routine, don't run to a doctor thinking there is something wrong with you. There are a few "sleep enemies," eliminating which can help you fall asleep quickly and stay asleep:

1. Caffeine. While drinking coffee or soda in the morning helps you get a shot of energy for the day, it may keep you awake late at night.

2. Alcohol. A common belief that a beer or a shot puts you to sleep is a myth. Like caffeine, alcohol is a strong stimulant, and it is more likely to keep you awake than make you sleep.

3. Heavy dinner. Despite feeling sleepy right after a meal, you will not sleep well if you eat a lot right before bedtime. You need to give your body at least 2-3 hours to digest food before going to bed. Otherwise, it won't be fully relaxed and ready for wholesome sleep. Same applies to the consumption of liquids. If you drink a lot of water before bed, you will have to take bathroom breaks in the middle of the night.   

4. Hunger. This is another extremity. I don't like eating a lot late at night. At the same time, it is annoying to wake up hungry. Therefore, I try to eat something light, like yogurt or fruit if my stomach growls before bedtime. That usually ensures that I sleep better.

5. Irregular schedule. When you wake up and go to bed around the same time, your body gets used to this routine. You feel sleepy during the same hours. For this reason, having an irregular schedule is bad for your sleep because your body will not be able to quickly adjust to your ever-changing hours. Try to maintain a regular sleep schedule, and you will sleep better and deeper overall.

6. Uncomfortable temperatures. If your room is too cold or too hot, or your blanket is too thin or too thick, you have to make adjustments. There are even special blankets for couples that allow them to set temperatures on each side to help people who have different heat/cold tolerance from their partners sleep better. 

7. Worries. These are the hardest to get rid of. They often keep us tossing and turning. Try meditation or any other relaxation technique to put your worries aside. Tell yourself that you will take care of your problems when you get up. 

8. A snoring partner, or any other type of noise. If you're sensitive to noise and cannot stand hearing your neighbors' pillow talk, use earplugs. I prefer silicon ones, those that swimmers use. They cover your ears completely and isolate most noises. 

9. Lights. This might be a problem if you sleep during the day, or have a street light right by your window. If that's the case, try getting blackout blinds or an eye mask to keep the light out.   Keep in mind that you might not be sensitive to all of these sleep-disrupting variables. Therefore, you should listen to your body, take a note of what bothers you the most and work on eliminating it. Only you know what is the most comfortable environment for you, and it is up to you to set it up for better sleep. 

The Wondrous Power of Thank You

Image Credit:
http://www.awards4u.com/blog/difference-between-appreciation-and-recognition

Why is it that while we are growing up, we are consistently reminded to say "please" and "thank you," and when we become adults, we are so quick to forget these important words? A thank-you letter in response to one of my reviews (the first one I've ever got) made my day. It expressed gratitude for the time I invested into seeing the play and writing about it and touched upon a few things that worked well in my review. Consequently, it reminded me that I'm good at what I do and that what I do matters. Why are those pleasant moments of appreciation so rare?

If you ask me, I think it is because we tend to perceive criticism as a guide for improvement. Hence, we criticize freely. In many instances, we mean nothing bad. We just want the other person to look better, to achieve more, to polish his or her skills, and so on. When someone does something well, there is no need for improvement, and we feel that we have nothing to say. Except "thank you." Sometimes. Have you ever wondered why there are many more negative Yelp reviews than positive ones? Liking a restaurant encourages the customer to come back, while disliking it leaves no other option but complaining.

It is a shame, however, that we do not take advantage of the wondrous power of "thank you" and other words of appreciation. They do magic. They inspire people and bring them closer. They bring meaning into people's actions and put smiles on their faces. An employee who feels appreciated at his or her job will put in more effort and be more productive. Neglect and fear of failure often disable a person's talent, for he or she will be afraid or reluctant to go the extra mile, to make suggestions or put their soul into work. It damages both the employee and the employer.

Therefore, do not hold back the words of appreciation. Say "thank you" for good deeds and words that come your way. Elaborate on what it is that you find especially useful, well-done, or efficient. It is so easy and so harmful for everyone involved to make someone feel taken for granted. Do not hold back the power that will unleash the magic - and wait to see how much good comes out of it. 

Shakespeare in the Park: "The Two Gentlemen of Verona"

A light-hearted comedy about two friends who almost became enemies because of love, William Shakespeare's "The Two Gentlemen of Verona" engages audiences of various ages and backgrounds. Like many other Shakespeare's plays, it has cross-dressing and plenty of intrigues. As the plot unravels with a great deal of humor, the characters mock and trick one another, making the viewers burst out laughing.

It only gets better under the direction of Hamilton Clancy for the Bryant Park Shakespeare series.

Preserving the classical verse and plot, the director makes a few memorable additions, introducing modern technology and New York City elements. For example, Silvia (Kristin Piacentile) videotapes her suitor's serenade on her cell phone, and banished Valentine (Andrew Gombas) takes South Ferry from Milan. These additions, like sprinkles on a cake, adorn the performance without taking away the play's essence.

Moreover, the characters wear modern clothing, and the way they dress indicates their social standing. For instance, while Proteus (Brian Patrick Murphy) and Valentine resemble typical Midtown waiters in their white shirts, black pants and black aprons with front pockets, the Duke (Ernest Mingione) appears in a suit and carries himself with the air of a mafia boss. Similarly, Julia (Tori Ernst) wears pants and flats, and Silvia, the Duke's daughter, walks around in a summer dress and high heels. In other words, they are as diverse as the crowds wandering the city's streets on a daily basis, and could easily blend in with the rest of New Yorkers.

As far as the setting is concerned, the crew does a good job switching locations without confusing the audience. By merely turning around the sign, which says "Cafe Verona" on one side and "Milan, the Emperor's Court" on the other, they teleport the characters back and forth. And when banished Valentine boards the ferry, he has the picture of the World Trade Center area in the background, which makes those viewers who recognize it laugh out loud.

Furthermore, due to the enormity of the space, actors come out from all directions and sometimes even walk between the rows of seated spectators. In the meantime, the city life goes on. Passers-by hurry to their destinations, occasionally stopping to take a picture or a video of the performers. And when one sees a man with the poster "Jesus Loves You," he or she instantly remembers that this is New York, a city where nothing surprises anyone - not even a classical play staged in the park.

Finally, not to forget the best part - the show is free and open to the public. Seating is limited, although there are usually enough chairs for everyone. Hence, the only thing one has to invest in the play is time, so if you have some on your hands, you should definitely give Bryant Park Shakespeare a shot.

Check out this video for the snapshot of the May 30th performance:

Good-bye, "Breaking Bad"!

Image credit: sharocity. com

We have reached the end of the "BB" spree!

Heisenberg is dead. Jesse's finally free. 

Will he look for Brock and adopt the kid

To repair the damage he - not on purpose - did?

Hank has been avenged, and so has been Drew:

Walter murdered Jack and his entire crew. 

Eliot and Gretchen will go on in fear.

They, like all of us, hold their lives too dear. 

They'll donate the money; Flynn will never bother

To suspect that it was given by his father.

Aunt Marie's a widow. Skyler's got her life 

Back from being a drug dealer's wife. 

Lydia is poisoned; she is not a liver.

That cold-blooded woman! God, would you forgive her
For the hits she put on so many men

(Well, for all we know, there were more than ten)?

Holly will grow up cheerful and unhurt. 

Everyone has got what he or she deserved. 

Only for the fans there's no happy end: 

What will we be doing without "Breaking Bad"?

Comedy Central in Central Park

Gabriel Iglesias, the host of "Comedy Central Stars Under the Stars"

Having attended "Comedy Central Stars Under the Stars," the stand-up show that took place last night in Central Park as a part of the annual NYC-wide Summer Stage festival, I once again saw that LOL is not just something one puts in the end of his or her text message. For the most part, the comedians did a great job entertaining the crowd and connecting with it, and the warm after-rain air served as a wonderful setting for a fun night out.

Excited about listening to the famous Comedy Central stand-up performers, no one minded standing in a mile-long entrance line. As a result, the place was packed, and lots of people who showed up late and could not get in stood behind the fences. Yes, many Summer Stage events are free, but one needs to come as early as possible to get good spots. Aside from the VIP area with white folding chairs, there was lots of room on the ground. Experienced Summer Stage visitors made sure to bring blankets or towels to sit on. Beer and wine were sold at the event to those over 21 with a valid ID. In other words, it was a mass picnic with live entertainment in the heart of New York City.

As the crowd was consuming cold beer and yummy-smelling food sold on site, the show began with an opening set by Dan Soder, who talked about New York and the ways of surviving in the city. As the crowd learned, the best way to avoid being mugged and beaten in a shady neighborhood was to fake a Russian accent because no one would dare to mess with a Russian. His witty jokes got the crowd into the laughing mood right away. Sadly, his performance ended soon, and he was followed by the host of the evening, Gabriel "Fluffy" Iglesias. 

Of all the comedians, Iglesias did the best job communicating with the crowd. He constantly picked on the AT&T crowd located to the right from the stage and addressed the first rows, whom he warned that were he to fall down from the stage, they would have a smashing 3D experience. A Mexican-American from Los Angeles, Iglesias told a lot of hilarious jokes about different kinds of Latinos. According to him, the word "Latino" appeared in order not to insult a Puerto Rican by calling him a Dominican, etc. He also demonstrated his ability to laugh at himself, his appearance and adventures, which the crowd definitely appreciated. 

When it was time for Iglesias to get off the stage, he announced the next comedian, the "Workaholics" star Adam DeVine who did not get as much applause as the previous performers. His jokes could be divided into two categories: stories about himself being recognized in the street for the first few times and the "bad ideas your beer whispers into your ear as you are drinking it" that sounded like extracts from anti-drinking commercials. But even with all that, he would undoubtedly be funnier if he did not say the word "stupid" after every other joke. 

In contrast to DeVine's "beer talk," the following comedian, John Mulaney, announced up front that he was a recovering alcoholic, and therefore, a non-drinker. He also told stories about his life, and his monologue was charged with positive energy. For instance, when he talked about an unsuccessful stand-up show he had in Tennessee, he admitted that one of the audience members called him off the stage so eloquently that it could have been a line from a poem, "The silence would be more pleasant than the sound of your voice." Mulaney ended his performance with the analysis of the saying "Why buy the cow if you can get the milk for free?" in which he discussed, in a funny and loving way, a few good reasons why a man would want to get married.

As the evening progressed, live entertainment became more diverse. The next comedian, Jeffrey Ross, not only talked, but also made fun of twelve volunteers from the audience who were courageous and fast enough to get on the stage. In addition, he sang, played the guitar and danced. His monologue relied heavily on sex, and he was pretty fresh with the female volunteers, and even with a teenage couple, who should not have been listening to him, let alone come up on stage (Iglesias, who said a few words before and after every comedian, asked the parents of the children not to press charges and assured the crowd that Comedy Central did not share any of Ross's opinions). Jokes aside, Ross's humor, overall, was good-natured and not insulting to anyone. The brightest note of his performance was the last song, "Have a Blessed F-ing Day," which gave the audience another charge of positive energy. 

Finally, the last comedian of the night was Amy Schumer, the star of Comedy Central's new series, "Inside Amy Schumer." She happened to be the only female performer, and her humor dealt mostly with women and topics that interest them: relationships, sex, appearance, self-confidence etc. She was quite funny, but the crowd did not receive it too well when she said that Blacks stole everything from Native Americans. She also appeared a little too self-centered, compared to her colleagues. 

Even though some jokes and comedians turned out to be more memorable than others, the audience remained positive and supportive throughout the evening. Laughs and applause were heard from all directions, and people eagerly whistled to express love for their favorite stars. There is really nothing to lose attending Summer Stage: if you like it, you'll have the time of your life, and if you don't, you paid nothing for it, so you can leave any time and do something else. My favorite part about living in New York is that something is always going on. All we have to do is to learn about it and find time to attend it.