New and Improv

UCB, Neil Strauss, and more media picks

September 6, 2005

See It: A.S.S.S.S.C.A.T. Improv Special
You know that one TV commercial you actually laugh at every month or two? It probably stars a member of improv juggernaut Upright Citizens Brigade (SNL's Amy Poehler is the fourth-funniest member). Thursday night at 11 on Bravo, watch ‘em match wits with guest stars Rachel Dratch, Tina Fey, Horacio Sanz, and Andy Richter. Also worth noting: The Simpsons return for a 17th—yes, 17th—season. We feel old too.

Hear It: 50, Seu Jorge, The Pulses, and Big Mama Thorton
Tired of overblown rappers-cum-media-machines? Skip 50 Cent’s latest, The Massacre, and introduce yourself to Seu Jorge, the Brazilian actor/philosopher whose Portuguese-inflected Bowie tunes nearly saved The Life Aquatic. His first LP, Cru, is also out today. Two other releases worth a listen: Gather Round and Destroy All Our Records from Seattle garage trio The Pulses, and Arhoolie Records drops In Europe from dearly-departed blues belter Big Mama Thornton.

Read It: Salman and Strauss
One survived a fatwa, the other a night with Courtney Love. Both know a thing or two about the ladies. Salman Rushdie’s latest novel, Shalimar the Clown, is out today. As is the latest from Neil Strauss, the deservedly hyped pickup manual The Game. Not that you need the advice.

Click It: Fantasy Football Insurance
We’re not kidding. Fantasy Player Protection will insure your virtual team’s real players against both injury and pot-fueled sabbaticals. Speaking of Ricky Williams, $15 up front gets you a $52 payout if he misses 12 to 15 games. Seems like a safe bet to us.