It’s 8:29 as I write this. Billy Crystal is rewriting his opening joke for the 643rd time, Jonah Hill is trying really hard to look serious, and Sasha Baron Cohen is silently praying that when he wakes up in the morning it’s 2005 and he’s funny again. And about 80 percent of viewers are turning off the TV now that the most important/fun part has drawn to a close — the red carpet.

Sure, some people get a kick out of listening to Billy Crystal spend 18 minutes singing a song composed of painfully obvious Best Picture Nominee puns to a stone faced Anjelina Jolie. But most of us JUST. WANT. TO. SEE. THE. CLOTHES. So, let’s discuss, shall we?

First, a few trends. I thought gold stood out as the color of the night. It’s not so much that it permeated the red carpet as it just made such a statement on those who did wear it. Stacy Keibler’s Marchesa gown is so stunning that you almost believe Clooney won’t dump her in three months. The 80′s reminiscent rosette on the side is structural genius. Jessica Chastain is rocking gold as well, in a medieval looking strapless gold and black patterned dress by Marchesa. Ellie Kemper’s copper Armani Prive is simply stunning to look at and Meryl Streep is wearing a Grecian gold Lanvin.

White is another popular color tonight, as worn by J. Lo, Gwyneth (who is also donning a long cape) and Rooney Mara. Black gowns are few and far between, but Angelina and Rose Byrne are keeping it classic. Anna Faris, unfortunately, chose a black dress that pays homage to movie The Matrix.

Statement necklaces are a thing of the past, as single strands take center stage. Long sleeves are another trend, one embraced by the old and young alike. Twenty-two year old Shailene Woodley is a perfect column in a vintage Valentino and Streep is wearing long sleeves as well.

Now let’s talk best dressed. Sandra Bullock, Michelle Williams, Gwyneth Paltrow, Ellie Kemper and Octavia Spencer all topped my list. While I’m finding it hard to pick one woman who really stands out, my best dressed pick ultimately goes to Viola Davis. The custom emerald Vera Wang absolutely sings. Those arms! That hair! Every part of her ensemble underscores her natural beauty. It’s a winner.

Now, for the fun part: Worst dressed! Where do I start? J. Lo’s see-through dress looked trashy, Rooney Mara’s couture just didn’t seem to fit right and Penelope Cruz’s powder blue gown belongs at the prom in 1959. But my number one pick for worst dressed makes me want to cry a little bit. Let me preface this by saying that she isn’t the worst looking actress on the red carpet tonight. It’s just that she could look so insanely beautiful, young and hip. Emma Stone is so gorgeous, so smart and usually so stylish. But tonight, her red Giambatistta Valli dress didn’t make the cut. The high neck and oversized bow aged her while the bright color washed her out. Her hair was boring and her figure was completely lost in the draping. Sigh.

But, we all have our opinions when it comes to fashion on Oscar night. What’s yours?

Taylor Momsen performs with The Pretty Reckless

Former “Gossip Girl” star and all-around bad girl Taylor Momsen announced today that she is officially retiring from acting so she can focus on her music career and her band, The Pretty Reckless. Her only notable work includes the CW show and the part of Cindy Lou Who in 2001′s “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” To put that in perspective, it would be like if you got a job at McDonald’s and retired after serving five Big Macs and a couple of Happy Meals.

But, if you’re a semi-famous cute girl who dresses slutty and had a stint on a popular teen show, you can pretty much do whatever you want. She told Elle magazine, “I quit acting. I quit ‘Gossip Girl’ and now tour and am in a band. That’s pretty much all I want to do. Hopefully, I’ll be able to only do that for the rest of my life.”

Still, we think this is pretty reckless of her.

Actor and football great Aaron “Bubba” Smith died Wednesday in his Los Angeles home. He was 66.

For most of the Blast readers out there, Smith’s football career, which spanned the 1970s, probably isn’t what you think of when you hear his name. You’re more likely to be familiar with his hilarious turn as Cadet Moses Highwater in the Police Academy movies, which began in 1984. Smith played a gentle giant in all six movies.

But his acting career didn’t start there. In 1979, he appeared in a now iconic commercial for Miller Lite and its “easy-open can.” For those of you who don’t remember, his giant hands just ripped the top right off.

After the Police Academy Series, Smith showed up in cameo roles throughout the 1990s. He appeared on everything from Married with Children to MacGyver to Family Matters and even Sabrina the Teenage Witch. Talk about versatility!

Of course, his athletic career was impressive as well. The 6-foot-7 Smith played on three teams throughout his career: the Colts (1967-1971), Raiders (1973-1974) and (1975-1976).

Officials believe he died of natural causes.

Football player Bubba Smith was known for his role as Cadet Moses Highwater in the Police Academy Movies

By now, everyone knows that Ashton Kutcher will be replacing Charlie Sheen when the most popular sitcom on television, Two and a Half Men, returns this fall. But until now, CBS had been tight-lipped about Kutcher’s character.

On Wednesday, Entertainment President Nina Tassler finally opened up about the series revamp while on a press tour in Beverly Hills. Kutcher will be introduced over the course of the two part season premiere. He will play Walden Schmidt, a billionaire with a broken heart. Aww, poor Ashton!

Wait: A rich, single guy taken in by Duckie and the kid who got uglier as he got older? Perhaps it won’t be much of a revamp after all. Not to alienate any readers out there, but it’s not like the show could get any worse. Even if the biggest difference is a smokin’ hot lead actor instead of a wrinkly, pathetic old man with no comedic talent whatsoever, it’s a step up.

Said Tassler, “Who could have predicted that we would be here six months ago?” Um, everyone, pointed out one reporter.

The season premiere is ready to be shot this Friday, but don’t expect to get any more hints before the show airs. Tassler would not confirm the rumor that the season begins with the funeral of Sheen’s character, Charlie Harper.

If Kutcher can’t breathe new life into the show, it too may soon be dead and buried.

Kutcher joins the cast of Two and a Half Men

J. Lo is a "hopeless romantic"

Jennifer Lopez told Vanity Fair that she initiated the split from husband Marc Anthony. The news of their divorce last month was a surprise to the industry and fans alike

Said Lopez, ”It’s not that I didn’t love myself before. Sometimes we don’t realize that we are compromising ourselves. To understand that a person is not good for you, or that that person is not treating you in the right way, or that he is not doing the right thing for himself if I stay, then I am not doing the right thing for me. I love myself enough to walk away from that now.”

She added that she is a “hopeless romantic” and that Anthony “will always hold a special place in my heart.”

After days of silence following an abrupt exit off stage in the middle of a show and the subsequent cancellation of their U.S. tour, Kings of Leon lead singer Caleb Followill told TMZ.com “I’m just trying to get better.”

Followill has been the topic of great speculation since he walked off stage in Dallas last Friday saying, “I have no voice. . . I have no idea what’s going on. . . I’m gonna go backstage and I’m gonna vomit.”

While a spokesperson for the band said that the singer is suffering from voice problems and exhaustion, there have been indications that more is going on. Band member and Followill’s brother, Jared, tweeted, “I love our fans so much. I know you guys aren’t stupid. I can’t lie. There are problems in our band bigger than not drinking enough Gatorade.”

When cameras followed Followill as he walked with his wife, Victoria’s Secret model Lily Aldrige, he spoke about the possibility of the tour being rescheduled saying, “I don’t know. We’ll see how it goes.”

When reporters asked how he plans to get better, Followill answered, “Try not to do interviews.”

Okay, just because the Patriots aren’t in the Superbowl this year doesn’t mean you have to sit around and sulk all day. This Sunday represents an opportunity to drink, eat and drink some more. You’re probably good to go on the drinking front, so I’m going to focus on the food. Superbowl Sunday is a day for guilty pleasures and meat; just try serving 12 guys screaming at the TV a nice steaming bowl of eggplant parm. Instead, try one of these ideas. They’re all super easy to make and won’t require you to miss a minute of the big game. And guys, don’t wait for your girlfriends to whip up these tasty treats. They’re all man-proof and easy as can be!

(Media Credit/Marshall Astor via Flickr)

Pulled pork

There is nothing more delicious and easy than a pile of tender, barbecue flavored pig. It takes just these simple steps:

• Buy a big pork butt.
• Toss it in a slow cooker with about 3 cups of water and a ton of BBQ sauce.
• Cook on high until pork pulls apart easily with a fork (6 to 8 hours).
• Slap it on some buns and watch it disappear in minutes.

Chili

The great thing about chili is you can throw pretty much anything you want in there. Here’s what I do:

(Media Credit/Andy Melton via Flickr)

• Put a big pot on the stove over low heat and pour in a big can of crushed tomatoes and a can of spicy chili beans.
• In a skillet, saute garlic and chopped fresh hot peppers (I use a lot; it just depends how spicy you want it) with ground beef or turkey. Throw in a little salt and pepper.
• When the meat is done cooking, put it in the big pot with the tomatoes. Let the flavors mingle for as long as you want, or serve it right away with cheddar sprinkled on top.

Fool-proof, right?!

Cocktail wieners

These are just as easy as the previous two but slightly more time consuming. Here’s what to do before people arrive:

• Buy a can of easy homemade croissants, like the kind Pillsbury makes. Unroll the triangles of dough. Cut each triangle into three strips (they will be slightly different sizes). Spread mustard lightly on each strip. I like to put a small piece of cheese inside as well.
• Roll up a cocktail wiener in each strip, along with the cheese or relish or whatever little bit of deliciousness you can fit in there.
• When the game is on and you’re ready to eat them, stick them in the oven for the time given on the croissant can. Serve with BBQ sauce or ketchup.

CHARLESTON, S.C. — There are some things Bostonians are just not accustomed to: Palm trees, $3 beers and mushy green beans, to name a few. But head to the Lowcountry and you just might find yourself foregoing Maine lobster for some Carolina crab.

Charleston could be considered the Boston of the south. With a rich history, a growing culinary scene and renowned universities, the similarities are clear. Still, the city recently closed down due to a dusting of snow and you’re more likely to hear someone drawl “Park the car, y’all” rather than “Pahk the cah.” But if you consider yourself a die-hard Yankee (not the baseball kind, of course) then Charleston might be your perfect southern getaway.

Historically, Charleston has a lot to offer. Most notably, the first shots of the Civil War were fired in the city, and the bombardment of Fort Sumter took place here as well. Once the largest city in the south, Charleston still holds the title of The Holy City, due to the numerous church steeples that dot the skyline.

Charleston also gives the Boston intellectuals a run for their money. Home to The College of Charleston (the 13th oldest university in the country), Charleston School of Law, Medical University of South Carolina, The Citadel (a military institution) and more, you’ll fit right in with that Harvard sweatshirt — even if it’s tied around your shoulders (Charleston’s fashion scene is surprisingly preppy).

The two major areas to check out are downtown and Folly Beach. Old houses and cobblestone streets lie adjacent to King Street, the major shopping destination downtown, boasting mostly high-end shops. But head to the North South Market and you’ll find all kinds of things your wallet will appreciate. Once there, check out the variety of hand-woven baskets, but be prepared to shell out the big bucks. And make time to stop in at the Market Street Winery for five tastings for five dollars, plus a souvenir glass. Afterward, take a walk along the Battery to take in the million dollar waterfront mansions.

Folly Beach is beautiful and the neighborhood is a little bit classier than the typical resort area. Walk the super-long pier, which extends about 1,050 feet into the ocean and which dolphins often swim alongside. The beach is perfect for everyone; college kids, relaxed adults and families each stay in their own little areas. For a bite and some beer, the outdoor, oceanfront Blu bar is paradise on the water.

Now on to the good stuff. Southern cooking takes some getting used to, but the rich flavors, though admittedly unhealthy, are fantastic indulgences. You’ll find shrimp and grits on practically every menu, from upscale to down-home. But the crab is where it’s at. Crab legs, crab balls, deviled crab, fried crab – it’s all here. Head to The Crab Shack on Folly to try them all.

Charleston is also known for great barbecue. At Jim ‘N Nick’s on King St., you’ll find a loaded baked potato smothered with BBQ pulled pork alongside $3 margaritas. A few other southern favorites include pimento cheese, southern style green beans (mushy, salty goodness) and refreshing sweet tea.

If you’re looking for a fancy dinner, Cypress will surely impress. The friendly and accommodating waitstaff sound like culinary experts and the food, such as expertly prepared pork belly and salmon wellington in a silky, to-die-for sauce, is exquisite. And, for an upscale restaurant, the prices dip well below five-star Boston joints.

The nightlife in Charleston doesn’t disappoint either. The Market Street Saloon is the type of place you’d find in Faneuil Hall – scantily clad college girls with hammered frat boys, all watching the Coyote Ugly-type dancers shake it on the bar. Charleston Beer Works is a little more low-key and the Red Sox decor will make you feel right at home. But a walk down King Street and side streets nearby will offer you a wide variety of laid-back Charleston style bars.

For a tourist-y good time, visit the stunning gardens of Magnolia Plantation. The grounds are breathtaking and romantic. You can tour the house itself, and don’t miss the gift shop – they have great souvenirs that far surpass the tacky keychains and t-shirts you’ll find at Folly. If you’re looking to relax, the slow boat tour will guide you around the swamp where you’ll see alligators galore. It’s not the most exciting ride (the average age of tourists on the boat seems to be about 70), but the scenery is beautiful.

So when the Northeast serves up those dreary spring days, head down south to Charleston where the food is indulgent, the beach beckons, and the Yankees are finally far enough away.

Six months of rent money will be sucked out of your bank account if your dog develops a very common knee injury. If you’re looking to use new stem-cell therapy to aid your ailing kitten, that will cost you a couple of years of car payments. The surprising part? Pet owners are more than willing.

While people are still facing financial losses, being laid off and limiting expenses, the pet population is faring rather well.

As a country, we spend $45 billion a year on our animals and that number is expected to rise by 5 percent this year, according to Fast Company magazine.

The reason? One explanation may be the new and expensive medical treatments available at animal hospitals:

• Interventional Radiology circumvents the need for surgery by using catheters and stents in a minimally invasive procedure. “You’re closing something that ought to be open or you’re opening something that ought to be closed,” said Dr. John Berg, a small animal surgeon at the Foster Hospital for Small Animals, a Tufts veterinary school teaching hospital in North Grafton. But it’s not necessarily cheaper than surgery. You can pay up to $2,500 for the implant, anesthesia, the procedure itself and lab work.
• Dialysis, which can cost up to $20,000, is another popular new treatment. When an animal’s kidneys aren’t working, a machine does the job for them. Armelle De Laforcade, part of the Emergency and Critical Care Team at Fosters said the hospital dialyzes about 25 pets a year, often because the animal has ingested a toxin.
• Mood-altering drugs are now available for dogs with conditions such as separation anxiety. Berg said they are certainly helpful in certain situations, but that “the danger is that the drugs could get overused.”
• Stem-cell therapy, not yet approved for human use, is now available for small animals. Vet-stem, the company that pioneered the procedure, has had over 1,000 vets take their online certification course since January, according an article in Time, which places the total cost between $2,000 and $4,000. Cells taken from the pet’s fat are injected into the site of an injury, repairing it much faster than surgery would.

But these new procedures aren’t the only expensive treatments on the market. Knee injuries in dogs are very common and cost $3,000 to fix with surgery.

Orthopedic surgery for horses can run over $100,000 while cancer in dogs and cats can cost up to $10,000 to treat.

Paying for pets is undoubtedly a burden, but it’s one many are happy to carry for the animals they love. So, how can PEOPLE deal with these often unforeseen expenses?

“They’re not just going to die of old age. Your pet will get sick,” said Berg. He recommends saving about $5,000 for when that time comes. He said that pet insurance will only pay off in the event of catastrophic illness and that saving is the better choice.

De Laforcade disagrees. “In general pet insurance seems like a good idea,” she said, “as it will offset some of the cost for something like a broken leg.”

According to Berg, only about three to five percent of his patients have pet insurance.

But they also see owners who can afford to treat a pet, but don’t. Said De Laforcade, “Occasionally we see people who can afford the care but choose not to pursue it, and if the pet has a bad disease that is very much understandable. If the pet is very fixable it is harder for us to deal with. In these cases sometimes we have no choice, and sometimes someone will adopt the pet and give it the care it needs.”

Said Berg, “Sometimes people shouldn’t get animals. They should have expectation that at some point they’re going to pay veterinary bills.” He added that for most people, veterinary care is very affordable.

Despite the fact that the exact same machines and treatments are used on humans, medical care for animals is much cheaper. “If you want to know how much medical care costs,” said Berg, “look at veterinary medicine.”

According to Berg, medicine for humans is jacked up because of forces not present in animal medicine. These include malpractice lawsuits, bureaucracy and insurance.

But expensive or not, most owners are willing to pay to keep their pets healthy. “I think if there’s an ‘oh wow’ factor to that, it’s how much people care for their animals,” Berg said. “If people didn’t care so much, this hospital simply wouldn’t exist.”

Thomas Edwards tells me that I’m beautiful, smart and intimidating. So, naturally, I like the guy.

It’s a good thing, too, because likability, charm and confidence are vital to his career. Edwards’ job as "The Professional Wingman" is to guide his clients to a happy and healthy social life or relationship — and he’s good at it. He can’t help it. The second I hit the stop button on my recorder, he effortlessly slides into asking me questions about my own love life … and I begin to divulge the secrets my best friend doesn’t even know. "I’m only telling you this," I hear myself say, "because you’re a professional."

And professional he is. He is 24 and already he owns a successful business, and he’s doing what he loves.

"I’m not in it for the business, I’m in it to help other people," Edwards said. "It just happened. It wasn’t like I raised my hand in class and told my teacher that I wanted to be a (dating) coach."

Curiously, Edwards’ story isn’t much different from a date doctor you may be more familiar with — Will Smith’s character in the popular romantic comedy, “Hitch.” After being cheated on and dumped in college, Edwards wondered what he was doing wrong. He wanted to make himself more attractive and appealing to women so he could hurry up and find "the one." Being the disciplined hard worker that he is, Edward’s spent his time researching what makes people engaging and efficient. He eventually started a blog about his life, but it was his musings on dating and relationships that really sparked an interest in people. A career was born.

Edwards appears to have all the qualities you want in someone guiding one of the most important aspects of your life. He’s handsome, intelligent and funny. He’s charming in a way that makes you want to hang out with him, even if it does come with a hefty price tag. He’s stylish and he knows the Boston singles scene like no one else. I met him at MiniBar in the Copley Square Hotel, the ultra-suave lounge/bar were he meets his clients. He even knew what to order — the mini Kobe beef burgers were his delicious suggestion.

On top of all this, he is a sensitive guy who can charm you stupid while shoving a burger down his throat (in a very gentlemanly way).

"I do it because I have been there. I know what it’s like to think that you’re giving everything to someone that’s really special to you and losing that," Edwards said. "I want people to feel empowered. I want people to feel confident, and I want people to feel as though they can get someone they know that they truly deserve."

In his quest to find you someone you truly deserve, Edwards will meet you for a free consultation where he will begin by questioning you about the history of your love life. "It’s not about the path that lies in front of you, it’s the path that’s behind you," he said.

Edwards has worked with 50 clients, but turns down the ones who are just looking to get laid.

"I’m all about people who want to improve their lives and improve their lives with someone that they want to spend a significant amount of their time with,” he said, “You don’t really benefit from having 24 hour relationships.”

But, for those of you wondering (and I know you are), he does touch on the topic of sex with his clients. He talks about what makes you sexually attractive, as well as how to create a mood that will induce sexual arousal. But after that, he just says no.

"I can only teach so much. After a certain point, you’re kind of on your own. I can’t really do that part for you."

But there’s a lot he can do, according to Ben Margolis, one of Edwards’ clients.

"Everything he says is simple and optimistic,” said the 26-year-old software developer. “There are no routines that he has you memorize; instead he boosts your confidence and makes you realize how to think.”

And it works.

"Thomas changed me for the better. I can walk up to anyone without fearing an awkward situation," Margolis said. "With women, I used to be a hopeless romantic, always trying to impress her with stuff. Now I know that I’m the catch."

Margolis initially hired Edwards for one night out to see if he was the real deal. "My first interaction was a fail since I committed the crime of doing the one two punch of asking ‘how are you doing’ and ‘where you guys from?’ People don’t go out to be interviewed! The temperature went down to 10 degrees so I had to leave the women," said Ben.

But his next move was better. "Thomas coached me right there and convinced me to use less questions and talk about myself; naturally the partners in conversation will talk about themselves. A few minutes later, he left me alone again and I ended up approaching again, this time comparing my taste in cocktails with two women, which was far more successful."

Although Margolis has yet to find Ms. Right, he’s built confidence and plans to continue working with Edwards.

Edwards, on the other hand, has found his perfect woman. "We’re pretty devoted to one another. I am totally crazy about her. And it took me a while for me to find that person that I could honestly say could be the one," he swooned.

They’ve been together for three months.

"I am a hopeless romantic, believe me. My sister will even call me a sap because I care so much and I’m so loving," Edwards said.

Once his clients are in a relationship of their own, they often still seek out Edwards’ advice. "My whole theory is: once you get the girl, you gotta know how to keep her," he said.

Attached guys ask what they should buy their girlfriends for Christmas and how to deal when things are moving too fast.

"Women would read Cosmo to find out great, interesting ways to keep their men sexually aroused — what’s the difference with me giving advice of what would be a great gift idea?" he asked.

Speaking of women, Edwards does coach a few. So far he’s worked with three, but women do make up about 40 percent of his requests for service.

"More and more women have been recently approaching me, asking me about the service. But they just tend to take longer with pulling the trigger," he joked.

For women out there who want to know what advice Edwards would give them, I picked his brain for a good hour. He’s overflowing with tips and tricks for both sexes, so guys, you listen up too.

Next page

For the ladies

Tip 1: Guys are lazy and nervous. Don’t give them extra work — make yourself approachable when you’re out.

"You’re at the bar, your back is turned, and he knows you’re absolutely gorgeous, there’s no chance in hell he’s gonna walk all the way over here, through a crowded place to approach you because it’s too much. It’s too much buildup to that moment," said Edwards. He suggests making yourself open and receptive. Sit somewhere that allows you to look around, like in the corner. Don’t sit with your back to the room or in the middle of a crowd of girlfriends.

Tip 2: This one is an oldie, but Edwards stresses that it works. "Be a little flirtatious," he said. Touch his shoulder or arm. "It shows you want to break the physical barrier and he’ll know he can touch you back."

Tip 3: Play hard to get — a little. "In any beginning stage of a relationship, there needs to be a cat and mouse chase because as a woman, you want to make sure a guy is worth it," Edwards said.

Tip 4: If he’s just not that into you, move on. "When it comes down to it, if a guy is interested in you, he will make it known."

For the fellas

Tip 1: "It’s all about effort." Period.

Tip 2: "You don’t need a pick up line to start conversations with women," said Edwards. "All you have to do is say, ‘Hi, I’m insert your name here.’" But, he warns, it won’t work every time.

Tip 3: Don’t be afraid to approach a woman you like, no matter how hot she is. "If you like her let her know. Women like confidence."

Tip 4: If you’re not looking for a committed relationship, be honest about it. Women appreciate it and might be looking for the same thing. Said Edwards, "I don’t know why guys go through all these round-about ways to get there when there’s a straight line."

Now, ladies and gents, Edwards has some oh-so-helpful tips when it comes to a problem all Boston singles face: where can I meet people?

For you young party animals, Edwards quickly lists off the best bars for flirting: MiniBar, Vox, Alibi, places with Happy Hour appetizers, Match on Thursdays (Ladies’ Night), the Financial District between 4 .p.m and 7 p.m. (to meet successful professionals), Rumba, Houston’s, restaurant bars like Legal Seafoods and places that have specials, such as wing night, like The Draft in Allston. Whew.

However, Edwards agrees that it can be hard to meet your next serious relationship when your fourth cocktail has you drunk texting your exes. "Use the whole day," said Edwards.

Be aware when you’re doing everyday activities like grocery shopping, waiting in line at the bank, or even walking down the street.

"Being social doesn’t mean going to bars or going out at night. Being social is having a personality that allows you to interact with other people. And you can be social 24/7. That’s the great thing about it," he said. "You gotta figure out a way to put yourself out there. Being shy is no longer an excuse."

Use your hobbies and things you like to do to meet people with similar interests. Go to wine tastings, go ice skating on the Frog Pond, head to events on the Common. Take cooking classes, yoga classes, salsa lessons, or rock climbing classes.

Great advice, but remember: "One time is not going to turn everything around. It’s gonna take several hundred times."

Edwards’ honesty is one of the many things that make him successful. Margolis would argue that it’s Edwards’ charisma that made him the number one wingman. "Look at the last few elections and you can’t help but realize how much charisma means to people. If John Kerry or Al Gore were more in touch with the American people they might have won the elections. Bill Clinton and George W. were the kind of guys you’d imagine being belly up to a bar with," said Margolis, whose bellied up to the bar with Edwards on many occasions.

"He’s actually a man of few words, and that makes people want to get stories out of him. He’s one of those rare people that can draw out the good parts of the others around him."

And that’s why he does it. Edwards just wants to help people find the love they deserve, but he knows he’s just a facilitator. In reality, it’s up to you to find your own happiness.

Asks Edwards, "How bad do you want it? How far are you willing to go to make it happen for you?"

Special thanks to Vox Populi for being the backdrop of the Blast cover photoshoot.

Winos flocked to the Seaport World Trade Center this weekend for a truly intoxicating time as the 2010 Boston Wine Expo took over town. Over 1,800 wines were available for sampling, along with mouth-watering bites to soak up that oh-so-addicting alcohol.

Experts were on hand to teach seminars such as Wine Spectator’s "Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Wine, but Were Afraid to Ask," and "The Wines of Loire Valley." The Culinary Theater boasted live demonstrations by some of Boston’s hottest chefs. It was truly heaven for all food and wine enthusiasts.

Blast’s favorite wine expert, Kevin Zraly, was also in the crowd. What featured vinos did he delight in the most? "Nada," the author of “Windows on the World Complete Wine Course,” admitted.

But, he corrected himself; one winery did stand out. Chateauneuf Du-Pape pairs perfectly with Dan Brown’s new thriller, “The Lost Symbol.” That’s right, this wine doesn’t need to be enjoyed with a light fish or a flank steak. Rather, Zraly recommended curling up with a good book when sipping this wine.

"To me, everything is about a story," he said. His new suggestions match a glass of wine with a book you can enjoy while drinking. The Lost Symbol is a good match here, he explained, because of something to do with the Pope. Frankly, the story was too complicated for us buzzed Blasters to follow…but we were willing to taste test the wine (shocking!). The verdict? Just as we suspected, Zraly is The Man.

But he wasn’t the only celeb wine-ing away at the expo. Believe it or not, Blast was lucky enough to chat with Germany’s very own Wine Queen (she was happy to correct us when we mistakenly referred to her as a "Princess").

The Wine Queen has been a German tradition for 50 years. Each of the 13 wine regions has one. Anna Saum was in Boston after beating out hundreds of hopefuls for the title of "Frankische Weinkonigin 2009/2010."

She travels the world drinking wine and looking beautiful, and she does it way better than Paris Hilton. She’s beautiful, smart, funny and charming — all qualities the Wine Queen must possess. When we practically forced her to let us take a picture, she didn’t forget her royal duties for a second. "Let me get my crown," she said.

We found some favorites and learned a bit about the local talent, but you’ll have to stay tuned for all that. February’s Put A Cork In It wine column will be full of expo info, and special articles are to come. For now, sip slowly and dream about being a Wine King or Queen. "It’s a pretty good job," Saum said.

Um, duh.

Blast editor John M. Guilfoil contributed to this report

CAMBRIDGE — If the name doesn’t pique your interest, the food certainly will. Lord Hobo (92 Hampshire St) is the new Cambridge restaurant that replaced the hip B-Side Lounge. Chef Matt Bailey of Teatro is serving up a mouth-watering palette of kinda-fancy American fare. We highly recommend you stop in for a bite.

Located just past Inman Square, Hobo plays up its too-cool-for-school vibe right from the get-go. The restaurant is located on the corner, but there’s no sign to tip you off. Instead, look for a bouncer slouched against the wall outside. Half restaurant, half bar, the place is surprisingly 21+. We were ID’d and then ushered in through a red velvet curtain.

Once inside, the atmosphere feels hipster-industrial, with bare, low hanging lights, exposed pipes crossing the ceiling and typical Cambridge professionals in their mid twenties to early thirties at the bar. The tables are slightly too close together, but we didn’t mind since our neighbors were kind enough to let us try their truffle fries.

Ah, the fries. Nearly every table in sight had ordered one of the three tempting options: curry chips, gravy chips, or truffle chips. We (me and my culinary educated friend, Meredith) chose the curry chips ($7). Both of us are used to the beyond delicious curry served with fish and chips in England and Ireland, and oh-my-God, this was just as good. The truffle sauce was equally enchanting, and we’re heading back soon for the gravy fries (the neighbors to our left were not as share-happy).

For our second appetizer, we opted for the Maine lobster mac and cheese ($12). The sauce was delicate and mild, allowing the flavor from the lobster to permeate nicely. The pasta was just a little less than al dente and the lobster was a little lacking (but, then again, you can never have enough lobster, especially when it’s drenched in cheese). All in all, a nice starting dish, but not the best thing on the menu.

Our third course was a salad of frisee and duck confit, which seems to have disappeared from the menu. However, it was simple and elegant, and very hard to stop eating, so we’re assuming the two salads ($9, $10) now listed on the menu will be as well.

Entr©e number one was house made gnocchi with oxtail and squash in a Parma cream sauce ($18). The gnocchi was a little too doughy for Meredith’s liking, but the oxtail was pure heaven. Reminiscent of short rib, it was tender and juicy. The sauce was a nice complement.

I had a hard time deciding on my entr©e. I was originally excited for the gnocchi, but Meredith was already schooled in oxtail, so I let her get it (I had no previous oxtail experience, but won’t hesitate to order it again). I was tempted by the hanger steak and fries, but something about the half roast chicken ($19) called out to me.

I haven’t been a huge chicken fan lately, always opting for a giant steak instead. But the dish seemed so simple — served with carrots, celery, chippollini onions and roast potatoes — that I figured it would give me a good base for grading the food. As I waited for it to arrive, I was beginning to regret my hasty choice. Why hadn’t I chosen the steak or something a little more unique, like the pan roasted skate? I decided to look forward to sampling the oxtail and tried to ignore my potentially poor choice.

When the chicken arrived, it was huge. I recruited Mere to gobble up the entire leg and pushed it over to one side of my plate. Then, I dug in. I carefully cut off a nice slice with some bad-for-you-but-oh-so-good skin on top. I swirled it around in the gravy and popped in my mouth. Then, it happened. My eyes closed and a shiver went down my spine. This was, without a doubt, the absolute best chicken I had ever tasted. Ever. The meat was juicy and succulent and the skin was as indulgent as it should be. And the gravy — oh dear God, the gravy. Creamy, buttery and just plain heavenly, it elevated the dish from delicious to absolutely fantastic. I practically binged on the meal. People around me were probably staring, but I wouldn’t have noticed. Perfection.

Okay, now that my unabashed praise of the chicken is out of the way, let’s get to the cocktails ($9). After conferring with the waiter to ensure that I wouldn’t choose anything too fruity-sweet, I went for the Cat Wagon (vodka, Chambord, Lillet Blonde, fresh lemon and Proseco). It tasted like a cherry Jolly Rancher. It wasn’t the usual sugary, more than one will make you sick cocktail. It tasted like candy and childhood (well, childhood if your mom was a raging alcoholic). It’s one of my new favorites.

Mere ordered the Triple C, which is also a no-show on the online menu. It tasted like a cherry pina colada, and we’re hoping it’s still available.

After we drained our glasses, we each ordered a glass of the 2007 Mitolo Jester Shiraz ($12). The wine list offers a nice variety, but it’s the beer lovers who will return again and again. Boasting over 40 draught beers and 38 bottled, you’ll have to head to Hobo 78 times before you’ll be truly satisfied.

In addition, the service was very good. Our waiter was knowledgeable and happy to give his opinion. He didn’t hover, but the entrees did seem to take a little bit too long to come out (most likely not the waiter’s fault).

Lord Hobo opened November 18 and has since been getting "crushed" just about every night, according to the manager, Daniel Lanigan. It’s easy to see why. The food is definitely in the A range and the drinks were clearly expertly chosen. It’s a fun place to be, offering great food and drink and the opportunity to people watch (and sometimes eavesdrop). It’s not a romantic place, but it still fits the bill for a great date or a birthday dinner with friends. Don’t pass this one by, it totally deserves a try.

Wine has been around for a long time, and I’m not talking about that half-consumed bottle of Merlot you’re still saving for when your current love interest kicks you to the curb (have some confidence!). We don’t know when wine was first made, but we do know that it has been enjoyed by everyone from the Greeks to the ancient Egyptians to the Babylonians, who even ran a type of wine shop. But only now is wine becoming as popular in the U.S. as it deserves to be. It’s time for everyone to educate themselves about something so rich in history — and flavor — since it’s quickly becoming a part of American culture the way it always has been in Europe.

This month, Blast asked Julie Bonaventura, the creative director of Busa Wine and Spirits, to help us get down to the basics of vino.

Lesson One: Choosing and buying a wine

"All you have to do is just sip and see what you like," said Bonaventura. It’s that simple. Once you’re aware of what flavors you tend to like, let the experts take it from there. Most stores, like Busa, have educated wine experts on their staff who are happy to help. Tell them what flavors you enjoy, specific wines you like, and your price range.

"Say, ‘I don’t want red wine.’ Then you’ve eliminated half of the search. Then let them know, ‘I like spicy’ or ‘I like fruity.’"

If you choose to go it alone, consider trying different wines from one brand you know you like, suggests Bonaventura. They’ll most likely carry a range including a pinot grigio and a chardonnay and then move to red with a Shiraz, a Merlot and a Cabernet. This way, you’ll be comfortable with both the brand and the price.

When picking out a bottle, don’t be sucked in by a sexy label. "People tend to go for a fun label or something that they know, and really the best thing to do is just flip that bottle around and read the back, because the back is going to tell you what it goes well with and what kind of flavors the wine will bring to you," said Bonaventura. She noted that if you’re shopping for a dinner party, make sure you have a sense of what you’ll be serving so you can pair the food and wine accordingly.

If you’re picking out a gift or something for a holiday party, go for a nice neutral wine. Bonaventure especially loves the Coppola’s line — as in Francis Ford. They have a nice variety with nothing too overbearing. She raved: "I love his movies, and I love his wine!"

Also, be sure to look at the points a wine has been given. Many stores advertise the wine rating. Only buy wine with a rating of 90 or above — you’ll be able to find every price range.

"I don’t feel you have to be an expert to buy wine; I don’t feel you have to be an expert to buy the best wine either,” Bonaventura said. “The best wine is whatever you enjoy. You don’t have to buy a $40 bottle of wine to think it’s the best. You might buy a $50 bottle of wine and not enjoy it.”

Lesson Two: Drinking at dinner

When you’re serving wine at home, be sure you’re serving it properly. A white wine should be chilled for at least 20 minutes before you serve it. A red wine should be decanted right before your guests arrive. "It’s breathing, just how you and I breathe," said Bonaventura. "Air is going in and air is coming out." You can buy a decanter at places like Crate and Barrel, Pottery Barn, and HomeGoods.

Before you sip, cleanse your palette. You don’t want any other flavors interfering with the taste of the wine. Water works fine. Then take a sip and let it sit on your tongue. It should tingle and taste all the different flavors. Never gulp your wine. Next, take a bite of food and then another sip of wine. "If it’s a perfect pairing, you’re actually not even going to notice a change,” said Bonaventura. “If there’s a difference in the wine — if it strikes you differently — then that’s a negative reaction."

When pouring wine for your guests, only fill the glass halfway. Red wine glasses are made bigger and rounder so the wine can breathe, with the intention that it will not be decanted.

One last tip for your holiday parties: Red wine spills can be tough to battle. So what’s the one thing that always gets out red wine? White wine! Just get to it right away.

Okay, so now you’re the perfect host, but you’re still overwhelmed when you crack open the extensive wine list at your favorite restaurant.

Remember: Go with what you know you like and take your time ordering. Asking your waiter is the best way to navigate the list. One thing you should always do is ask for a taste. Most restaurants offer tastes of any wine offered by the glass. "There’s nothing wrong with doing it. It’s perfectly free, and more people need to take advantage of it," said Bonaventura.

But, go for the bottle over the glass. There is a massive markup on wine in all restaurants, so you’ll get more for your money this way. Don’t think you’ll drink it all? No problem — most places will re-cork the bottle for you and let you take it home.

Most importantly, consider your meal when ordering wine. Ask your waiter what pairs best and check to see if the menu offers suggestions for each entr©e. "I think a lot of people don’t realize that wine can actually ruin your food, too,” said Bonaventura. “If you choose a wine that’s not complementary to the food, the wine will change its flavor. So, you might think the wine has gone bad, but really it’s not the best pairing."

Lesson Three: Rules are made to be broken

It’s extremely important to pair wine and food accordingly. You’re probably familiar with the old “white goes with fish, red goes with meat” rule. Disregard it completely. Nowadays, it totally depends on the wine. Many whites are heavier and can nicely complement something with cream or meat. Reds have so many different varieties these days, and many lighter ones pair beautifully with fish. Try a wood smoked salmon with a heavy, oaky chardonnay, then try it with a medium-bodied oaky red. Both will pair nicely. "I definitely don’t think those rules are valid anymore, and rules are always made to broken — especially with wine," said Bonaventura.

Other rules to ignore?

One of the biggest misconceptions about wine is that it always gets better with age. In fact, most wines are meant to be drunk within a couple of years. A great example of a wine that breaks all the rules is Beaujolais Nouveau. This wine is released annually on the third Thursday of November and offers a glimpse at the European vintage (this simply means the year — in this case, 2009). It’s bottled as soon as the grapes are squished. Beaujolais Nouveau is recognized around the world as a fantastic wine. This year, especially, it is being praised. Head to your local liquor store and pick up a bottle for about $8.99. Yup, you can get a wine lauded by connoisseurs for under $10. This red wine also pairs nicely with a salad or fish. "It’s great tasting, it’s really, really fresh, and you can taste that in your glass of wine. I don’t think for beginning wine drinkers that it’s important to look at the date or to see when it’s bottled. They really need to focus on what they like," said Bonaventura.

Another rule some people blindly follow is to throw out a bottle when the cork breaks. Bits of cork floating in your wine do not mean the bottle is “corked.” It’s fine. An actually “corked” bottle of wine means the wine has been contaminated with something called TCA — and you’ll smell it. (Don’t worry about what TCA is. It involves fungi and mold — ew.) To avoid corked wine, winemakers are using plastic corks and screw tops more and more. These don’t mean the wine is cheap or crappy. You just don’t have to worry about your bottle being corked!

More winemakers are also doing boxed wine. Again, this doesn’t mean the wine is of poor quality. When wine is boxed, it’s vacuum sealed so the flavor is locked in and your wine lasts longer. It’s also not breakable (perfect for those out-of-control wine ragers).

There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to wine. As the industry evolves, everything changes. Not sure what to believe? Comment below and we’ll de-mystify the myth.

Lesson Four: Learning about wine

Taking a class is, of course, a great way to learn. But if you’re looking for something a little less expensive, you can’t go wrong with wine tastings. They’re free to attend. You can go online to find out when their next tasting is. Experts are always on hand to answer any questions you have.

Bonaventura also recommended keeping a wine journal. Tear off labels and paste them in your book. Record your thoughts on the wine — how it tasted, smelled etc. Many wines have easy tear-off labels for this very reason.

There you have it! Now that you really have the basics down, we’ll step it up a notch next month. Happy New Year. Cheers!

Busa Wine and Spirits has six independently owned and operated locations in Salem, Reading, Woburn, Burlington and two in Lexington.

Fire, air, water, earth … Captain Planet? Nope, these four basic elements are what guide your relationships, according to Dr. Craig Martin, spiritual counselor, relationship expert, and author of the book “Elemental Love Styles.”

"Grouping personalities into four types of allows those who study human behavior to better understand how people operate in the world and in relationships with one another,” says Martin.

To help you discover your "love styles," the upcoming book includes a quiz that will tell you which element — or elements — your personality most closely resembles. Once you know your element, Martin shares insights into your personality that are meant to help you succeed in your relationships.

So, is all this bullshit, scientific fact or something in-between? I took the quiz to figure it out.

There are 44 easy-to-answer questions that are a little too reminiscent of a Facebook quiz. Examples:

My motto would be:

1. No guts, no glory
2. It’s all good
3. Music calms the savage beast
4. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure

If I were a game, I would be:

1. Charades
2. Trivial Pursuit
3. Clue
4. Monopoly

Yes, they’re a little annoying (personally, I like to think of myself as a Twister), but if you get through them, you might be surprised at what you learn.

My score indicated that I am an Air Style, which is categorized as "intellectual." (fire style is creative, water style is emotional and earth style is practical). As far as I can tell, the analysis is pretty much dead-on, except for a few minor bits and pieces.

True to my personality, the book says that I am a thinker and communicator, that "laughter is the soundtrack to (my) life" and that I could have a career as a journalist (let’s hope so). It also claims I’m a sucker for dirty talk, but I’ll decline to confirm or deny that one thank-you-very-much.

All in all, an interesting analysis, though its assertion that I share many similarities with Luke Skywalker left me more than a little confused.

If you’re just dying to figure out which element matches you the best (and I know you are), you’ll have to buy the book and take the quiz yourself. You might just be lucky enough to find that you’re a Fire and that you share many similarities with The Fonz. Yup, the guy from “Happy Days.”

Aside from your personal elemental love style, the books uses touchy-feely words and the usual Dr. Phil type analogies in chapters such as "Intimacy and the Road Trip of Love" to set your relationship on the right track.

Kinda lame, kinda fun, like most relationship books out there. Hey, it’ll make a great Valentine’s Day gift for your single friends — it hits shelves February 2.

NATICK — No, this is not your favorite sex position, but keep reading anyway. “Girl on Top” is best-selling author Nicole Williams’ new book about how to reach those career goals you’ve had since you quit scanning bananas at the ‘Basket and moved out of your parents’ house.

“No,” says Williams, they are not impossible — in fact you already know the rules. Williams’ book takes the tried-and-true laws, rules and truths of the dating world and applies them your career. Why? Because you should go after your dream job the way you went after that yoga instructor who moved in next store. She explains, for example, how the old "don’t give away the milk for free" mantra your mom used to whisper in your ear while you slept pertains to landing your dream job. Miller says that it’s just as important not to make yourself so available when hunting for a job as it is when hunting for a mate.

"Just like our tendency is to throw out the rule book and call, and call, and call, and call the super hot dude you can’t help but imagine is ‘the one,’ you’re going to come across the job, the boss, the client you can’t imagine yourself living without, and it’s exactly here where you need play the game," Williams says on her website.

Williams was at the Limited store at the Natick Collection last night. Over 100 women attended to network, sip free wine (yeah, they gave out red wine in a clothing store. Stupid, or genius?) and enter a raffle for a $250 shopping spree to the store. Early arrivers also left with a gift bag that included Tarte eyeliner and a super cute makeup bag. But the highlight of the evening was Williams’ motivational speech and a killer fashion show. Williams was witty and frank — just like her book. If you’re looking for a new outlook on the old job hunt, Girl on Top may just be what you need. Either way, you’ll totally be brushing up on those dating tips.

So does her advice work? That’s up to you find out. We’re ready to give it a shot.

OK, so you have endless gifts to buy for everyone from your best friend to your parents to your boyfriend. It can be a lot of work finding the perfect gift. Lucky for you, we here at Blast have compiled a list of only the best stores in Boston. From the unique to the cheap to the luxurious, this guide will point you to the shop you need. Don’t settle for a gift card, pair of boxers or a bottle of wine. Boston has way more to offer!

Black Ink (Beacon Hill: 101 Charles St. and Harvard Square: 5 Brattle St, Cambridge)

If you’re looking for something truly unique for that impossible-to-buy-for person, Black Ink should be your first stop. Hawking everything from a koi chopstick rest set to a space-agey magazine rack to a charcoal essence infused body towel, you can pick up cool kitchen utensils and old-school toys in the same fun to wander through store.

J. Press (Harvard Square: 82 Mt. Auburn St, Cambridge)

For the boyfriend, brother or even dad who is always dressed to the nines, J. Press in Harvard Square will outfit him perfectly (and, P.S., we’re jealous). They carry a wide range of ties for under $60, as well as classy cufflinks, sweaters, belts and other accessories. Consider it the new J. Crew for guys only.

Looney Tunes Records (1106 Boylston St.)

Those uber-hip Berklee kids duck into Looney Tunes for old LPs and every CD you could wish for. A little bit chaotic, but a music junkie’s dream, Looney Tunes is perfect for that friend who never takes off his headphones. Bonus: a lot of cheap finds are to be had.

Poor Little Rich Girl (Davis Square: 255 Elm St, Somerville and 166 Newbury St.)

This vintage and consignment store is where to go for your best girl friend, your girlfriend, or your eternally cool grandmother. Stocking designer dresses, vintage clothes and accessories from the 1940s-80s, classic apartment furnishings, contemporary stores’ clothing and more, there is no girl who won’t find a treasure here.

Oak (245 Newbury St.)

Consider this your one-stop shop for pretty much everyone on your list. Oak is an eclectic store with goods ranging from classy to crazy. We love the sterling silver scrabble letter necklace and the gin and tonic soap as well as the mix tape pillow and the Apple command key ring. Shop here for your techie boyfriend, glamorous girlfriend, parents, siblings, you name it. You can also find one-of-a-kind gifts for the kiddos in your life, like crocheted hand puppets and make-your-own plush monster kits. Plus, if you somehow don’t find what you need at Oak, you’ve still got the rest of Newbury at your disposal.

Formaggio Kitchen (244 Huron Ave, Cambridge)

If you haven’t been to Formaggio Kitchen yet, you’re so not our friend. Nationally known as a distinctive and delicious gourmet cheese shop, Formaggio is the perfect place to spend afternoon hours or to pick up the perfect gift for your favorite foodie or holiday party hostess. Here you’ll find hundreds of imported cheeses from around the world, as well as local favorites. They sell freshly made (and astoundingly delicious) baked goods as well as crackers, wine, jams, chocolate, produce and more. The shop is small, so try to duck in on a weekday afternoon to avoid the shoulder to shoulder crowds.

Blue Cloud Gallery (Ball Square: 713 Broadway, Somerville)

Looking for something artsy and unique? Blue Cloud has it. Carrying works by over 90 artisans, many local, this shop is perfect for someone like mom, who really deserves something special (especially if you still do your laundry at home). They stock beautiful pieces of pottery and glass blown decorations. Pick up some stunning photo tiles to give as coasters or a piece of handmade jewelry. Either way, pick something up here.

Know of any other great places to find holiday gifts? Comment below with your favorites and help other Blasties navigate the holiday minefield!

Last month’s column established a major point regarding our wine knowledge: we don’t have any. But, like all good semi-alcoholics, I crave understanding about my hobby as much as I crave the magical elixir itself. In order to gain some basic knowledge, Blast spoke to international wine expert Kevin Zraly, author of the eternally best-selling book “Windows on the World: Complete Wine Course.” He wants us all to know a thing or two:

1. Taste what you like

“The biggest thing I learned in my early days was that no one tastes anything alike. There are no standards, so to speak, of taste,” Zraly said. He stressed that following the tastes you like will lead to a better appreciation and understanding of wine. Drink the type of wine you think simply tastes the best. Go with whatever region you like.

“Whatever you like, you like. If you like white wine, stick with it. If you like red wine, stick with it.”

Zraly also noted that 95 percent of taste is smell. Your sense of smell peaks at around age 32, so consider these your rookie wine-tasting days. You will get better. Even Zraly, who just finished touring the world and visited over 100 wine regions, tasting 5,000 wines, admits he still can’t discern all the flavors in a sip of wine.

2. Know your terms

But don’t get bogged down in useless lingo. There are four major components in a bottle of wine that you should be familiar with: fruit, acidity, sweetness and tannins. Obviously, you’re looking for that fruit flavor. You can taste acidity off to the side of your mouth and sweetness on the tip of your tongue (though most wines don’t have much sweetness at all).

Tannins are important. They come from the skins, pits and stems of the grape, as well as the oak barrels the wine is aged in. Certain kinds of oak give off more tannin, such as French versus American oak. Newer and smaller oak barrels create more tannin, which are often more prevalent in expensive wines.

If you’re looking to be super savvy, know that the best new value wines are coming from Chile and Argentina these days. Zraly also counts South Africa as a current hot spot.

3. There’s a lot of good and not much bad

Just don’t call them cheap. Value wines combine quality and a good price — and a connoisseur can appreciate them just as much as we can. According to Zraly, the best value wines are within the ten to 20 dollar range. There are $20 bottles out there that taste like a good $50 bottle. “There are some masterpieces in that 10 to 20 dollar range,” Zraly said.

So what makes a wine bad? It’s obvious. “Poor wine making, start with that. If you want to go further, bad grapes.” In addition, if a wine smells oxidized or like vinegar, it’s “corked,” which means the cork is no good. It doesn’t have anything to do with bits of broken cork in the wine. “I very rarely come upon what I would call ‘bad wine’ anymore. I think that the modern technology of stainless steel fermentation tanks have saved the day,” Zraly said.

If you’re looking for good, yet basic or cheap wines, Zraly has one tip: “The best suggestion is to find the best retail store. I would say that’s like you’re finding the best grocery store. You’re going to the best place they cut your hair. Put your faith in the retailer. Now, 20 years ago I wouldn’t have said that. Twenty years ago they didn’t know what they were doing. But today’s wine retailer is much savvier than they’ve ever been.”

4. Wine is food. Eat!

“I grew up starting with wine as a food,” said Zraly. “It is a food. Wine is a food and it deserves to go with food. Wine will make food taste better and food will make wine taste better.” We’ve heard this before, but is it true? We’ll test all the wine-with-food rules in an upcoming column, but for now, take Zraly’s word for it. “If I went to a bar, I’d probably have a beer, but when I have food, I’m always having a glass of wine or two,” he said.

Don’t put so much pressure on it. Wine isn’t as complicated as you think. You don’t need to buy expensive bottles and put them away for years. In fact, only about ten percent of all wines should be kept for more than year. You should drink 90 percent of what you buy right away! Sure, it’s fun to savor those few special bottles, but don’t worry about that now, says Zraly. “Most people in their 20s, they’ll drink the wine. In their 30s, they’ll start thinking about putting it away because now they’re getting more disposal income.”

5. Relax, it’s just wine

Wine is wine. Even Zraly isn’t a wine snob, so we certainly don’t need to be. “Have a good time. Don’t get caught up in all the lingo. It’s just a bottle of wine. 86 percent of a bottle of wine is water to begin with, so now you’re left with 14 percent of other good things,” said Zraly.

“Good things.” We like that. More good things? Taking wine classes — something that Zraly highly recommends. Check out The Cambridge Center for Adult Education or Boston Wine school. Visiting wineries will also help you learn what you like, and Mass has around fifty. The Coastal Wine Trail of Southeastern New England offers a variety to visit. Check out coastalwinetrail.com for more.

“The more that they do (visit wineries), the more fun it will be, the more educated they will be, the less money, in essence, it will cost them to get a good quality wine. And of course tell them to buy my book,” Zraly said. So, yes, buy it. And be sure to flip to the back for an extensive list of cheapies that taste better than you’d expect. Zraly’s wine journal is a great way to keep track of your tastings. Save your labels and paste them in the book, along with your rating.

So, there you have it fellow winos. Thanks to Zraly’s expertise, we can enjoy our next bottle with a little more knowledge of what, exactly, we are pouring down our throat (not that it really matters).

Here at Blast, we all have one thing in common: Class.

Because nothing says classy like primate sex, porn parodies and cocaine.

So maybe we are lacking a little bit in the area of sophistication, but that’s about to change. This new column is about one of my favorite things. It’s classy, sophisticated and delicious. I’ll drink it by the bottle, by the box — hell, I’d drink it by the can if I had to (again, class all the way). But, I’m actually pretty clueless about it, and I’m guessing many our age are as well.

We’re talking about WINE.

Now, I’m not looking to become a wine snob. I just want to fully appreciate my favorite alcoholic beverage. What should I drink with my favorite dish? How do I properly taste wine? Where is Bordeaux?

So, here is what most of us probably already know (or think we know):

• Red wine goes with meat. White wine goes with fish.
• We know which wines we generally like. For me, it’s Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling and Chardonnay
• We know whether we like our wine sweet, dry, fruity, etc.
• We know much we can afford to spend on a bottle (Trader Joe’s two buck chuck, anyone?)
• We know which countries produce our favorites (though some of us may still be hazy on this)

I’m right there with you, but that’s all about to change. Just for you, I’ll spend as many months as it takes sipping (okay chugging) wine and learning all there is to know (you can thank me later, it’s a tough job). We will be novices no more!

Coming in November, Blast has an exclusive interview with international wine expert and best-selling author Kevin Zraly. There is no one better to teach us about delicious vino.

So buy a few bottles, invite a few friends over (or don’t, we won’t judge) and get a taste for your favorites!

Cheers!

Do you have a burning question about wine? Comment below, and I’ll ask Kevin Zraly your question.

Drew Barrymore absolutely oozes the no-fear attitude she so easily portrays on-screen. From her jet black tipped hair to her inspiring career moves, the 34-year-old actress, producer and now director is one intelligent, daring and classy lady. And that’s saying a lot these days.

“I’m just not one of those people that can sort of watch everything happen and be off in La La Land daydreaming about something else,” Barrymore said in her recent interview with Blast while she was in Boston.

She explained shy she has finally taken her seat in the director’s chair after a lifetime of acting and 15 years of producing. “I wanted to do it when I felt like I was really ready and really understood how filmmaking works on every single level that I possibly could.”

Whip It, in theaters October 2, stars Ellen Page as a Texas teenager who finds an outlet from her loathed life of pageantry in the world of women’s roller derby.

Barrymore took a risk in choosing a movie about a relatively unknown sport — that even she knew almost nothing about — as her directorial debut.

“I love to see girls do what boys do, especially not male bash while they do it,” she said.

Barrymore said it was important to her to create a movie that encourages women and girls to go after their goals. “Take from your inspirations, but don’t imitate them. Become your own individual,” she said.

Clearly she has no problem inspiring women, herself. “And still (directing is) the biggest challenge and, you know, it’s gonna knock you sideways on a daily basis no matter how prepared you think you are,” she said.

And boy was she prepared. Barrymore, along with Page and co-stars Kristen Wiig and Juliette Lewis, spent painstaking hours learning to skate and getting in shape for their many rides around the rink.

“You bond and you injure yourself together and cheer each other on to get it right or to celebrate when you learn a new trick,” Barrymore said.

Now she’s practically a pro. Though her role in the movie, as badass derby girl Smashlee Simpson, is fairly small, it’s obvious that she sank her teeth into her role as both actress and director, taking it upon herself to learn everything she possibly could about roller derby. “The game is real, the girls are amazing,” she said. “They’re these great little tribes. There’s great competitiveness and capability and athleticism.”

Another reason she was drawn to the sport was its propensity to include people from all walks of life. “I also think that it’s a very welcoming sport in that you can be any age or size or ethnicity or economical background and it’s a very come one come all, open hearted sport and party and I like that.”

Derby certainly does look like a party, with an always excited crowd and hot girls in tiny outfits swearing at each other and getting in fights. But did Barrymore portray roller derby realistically? “The only intention I had was to celebrate it and allow people to be let in on something if they don’t know about and celebrate the people who are involved in it,” she said. “I honored the derby world entirely.”

As for the critics? “You can’t please everybody so you’ve gotta get over that, like, as soon as you come out of the womb,” she said.

No she can’t please everybody, but she can sure try. And try. “I’m sort of surprised when people go, like, ‘why did you want to direct’ or ‘do you think you’ll direct again.’ I’m like, ‘Do you know me?’ I’m film obsessed. I do nothing but work. I wish I had more of a social life,” admits the workaholic.

Barrymore is unabashedly proud of her movie, but modest in a decidedly un-Hollywood way. “I think you don’t have to be a certain age or gender in order to be a storyteller. I think you have to risk being personal and exposing yourself and investing in your characters and driving great performances out of people,” she said.

She is also proud of the real-life derby girls who are able to kick-ass on and off the rink.”What these girls do is have these great little alter egos and they’re one thing by day and another thing by night,” she said.

So does Barrymore have an alter ego? If you remember her stripping on Lettermen’s desk and partying all night long, you may think so. But in reality, Barrymore has grown into an inspiring woman.

“‘Be your own hero’ is the tag of our movie and that’s a big theme for me in life,” she said. “I just think you have to be your own little hero.”

If you like Twilight enough to wear the apparel, then we’re hoping you’re under the age of 15.

If you’re not, well, we won’t judge you (OK, maybe just a little bit).

But, we all have embarrassing clothes shoved in the back of our closet — acid wash jeans, an old JTT t-shirt, maybe even a rogue pair of overalls.

In the spirit of “whatever floats your boat” check out these New Moon tees, celebrating the new flick.

Show off your “Team Edward” or “Team Jacob” pride, because we know you 20-something Miss Blast Readers (and your moms) are really excited for these.

The shirts are available exclusively at Nordstrom.com on October 1 and in stores October 15.

With New York City a mere four hours away, Boston is often overlooked in the fashion department. What a shame, considering the abundance of talent in our fair city. In this new monthly column, the best of Boston’s local clothing, jewelry, handbag and shoe designers, as well as local boutiques, are showcased. NYC, eat your heart out!

Nettie Kent Jewelry — Leather, copper, silver and gold leaf bracelet — $148

Leather, Copper, Silver and Gold Leaf Bracelet

Looking for the perfect bracelet that will go just as well with your sexy red dress as it will with jeans and a t-shirt? Look no further than Martha’s Vineyard designer Nettie Kent’s leather, copper, silver and gold leaf bracelet.

The first leather bracelet style she created, no two are ever the same. Silver is melted over copper and the flow creates a unique design each time. Kent then paints with gold leaf to highlight different areas. “The process brings me back to my roots as a painter,” she said. “It’s just a really fun and unrestricted way to use metal.”

Kent collects her leather from old belts, purses, even cowboy hats. Old copper flashing used in the jewelry is gathered from houses on the vineyard. “The sea air and salt water patinas the copper with beautiful colors and I think it looks like landscapes, almost like paintings,” said Kent, who studied painting at Hampshire College.

Blast is obsessed with the preppy leather cuff paired with the boho look of mixed metals. We guarantee compliments when you strap on this bracelet for a night, or day, on the town.

Get it now at Turtle in the South End, or visit www.nettiekent.com.

Nirva — Katya Dress — $650

Katya Dress

New England winters may inspire you to wrap up in cozy cashmere, but Lexington based designer Nirva Derbekyan looked to the even harsher winters of Russia to inspire her autumn/winter 2009 collection. Weather this cold never looked so good.

The gorgeous fuchsia fabric was Derbekyan’s inspiration for the Katya dress. She also noted that the wool gabardine is perfect for manipulations, prompting her to create a bright, fun colored dress with a conversely harsh structure. “Contrary to the tailored look, I wanted to add a bit of fluidity and geometry at the same time,” Derbekyan said. She added the front drape and the movable cap sleeves to keep this unique dress in line with her signature style.

Blast is just dying to wear this dress to a formal fall event, but how special would it be for New Year’s Eve? We dare you to keep it in your closet that long.

You can buy the Katya dress when it goes on sale at Stil Boutique in the Prudential Center at the end of the month. Visit www.nirva.com to see the whole collection.

Twigs and Heather — Sterling Silver Dangle Twig Necklace — $125

Sterling Silver Dangle Twig Necklace

The summer weather beckons us to enjoy nature; what better way than to put it around our necks? Twigs and Heather, headed by twin sisters Heather and Kerry Alice Collins, cast sterling silver one-of-a-kind pieces plucked right from the Atlantic Northeast.

The dangle twig necklace reminds us of playing outside in the woods as kids, but without that child-like look. The particular twig pictured is a winter twig, and the changing seasons is the twins’ biggest inspiration.

“It’s pretty amazing the subtle (and not so subtle changes) that occur in the trees year-round. Plus, the sentimental feeling that the twigs evoke in our customers is very special to us,” Heather said.

The dangle twig is a popular item, and because each necklace features a different twig, they each have their own personality. Blast thinks this necklace is the perfect gift for the nature girl or the city girl who wants to get back to her, um, roots.

Order it online at www.twigsandheather.com or www.etsy.com. You can also pick it up at Turtle in the South End and MagPie in Somerville.

Sea Bags — Medium Anchor– $110

Sea Bags Medium Anchor

If we were millionaires at Blast (as we someday hope to be), we would certainly own a large sailboat perfect for party cruises and romantic dinners. But, for now, we’ll happily settle for the Anchor Bag by Sea Bags of Portland, Maine (not super-local, but how could we resist?).

All the bags are made out of recycled sails, and we especially love the Anchor Bag (available in navy or red) for its ability to catch the eye of a hot sailor on leave (not yet tested, but we’re assuming).

Sea Bags are environmentally conscious and preppy at the same time, which is more than we can say for that Abercrombie model you dated.

Owned by Hannah Kubiak and Beth Shissler, Sea Bags are designed by Stephanie Moran and her team.

To own a bag inspired by all things nautical, visit www.seabags.com.

Lillian Asterfield — Sea Lillian Necklace — $35-$65

Lilian Asterfield Sea Lilian Necklace

If you used to rummage through your dad’s closet and play dress up with his ties, the Sea Lillian necklace is your dream come true. Nicole Deponte’s Lilian Asterfield pieces are made completely from recycled and up-cycled products, such as old vintage ties, t-shirt yarn and plastic curtain rings. We love this necklace because it is one of the most unique out there.

Each Sea Lillian necklace is different, but we chose to feature this particular one because we couldn’t take our eyes off it. Sadly, it’s recently been sold– but never fear; Deponte takes special orders.

Her jewelry was recently shown at Lucky Gallery during an exhibit featuring artists who focus on sustainability. You can buy her pieces at Turtle in the South End or at www.nicoledeponte.com.

Read, set, SHOP!

If you thought you were satisfied with your sex life, you were wrong.‚  A new survey found that Boston ranks 10th out of 10 major US cities in sexual satisfaction. But it’s not all bad news.

Trojan’s States of Pleasure Survey found that when it comes to getting it on, Boston ranks ahead of Chicago, Dallas, Philadelphia and San Francisco.

So what’s the problem? It seems we prefer quantity over quality. Trojan is attempting to raise the pleasure factor with Trojan Ecstasy,‚  a new condom that will up the‚  “sexual pleasure and satisfaction quotient” in America.

The survey also found that‚  over half of all men and women wish they were having MORE sex and a whopping 71 percent of Americans are looking to increase their satisfaction.

To end on a not-so-happy note, one in three Americans are dissatisfied with their sex lives. So next time your significant other praises your – ahem – talents, blow him or her away with that stat and cross your fingers…or get a FREE Trojan Ecstasy condom here.

Miss Universe, Miss America, Miss Boston?

On June 27, Miss Boston 2009 will be crowned at club FELT. Miss Boston 2008, Alida D’Angona and MTV Real World Alum Randy Barry will host the competition in which five Boston natives (seven others were eliminated in round one) will vie for the honor.

The five lovely ladies are Adelina Keshishian, Alexandra O’Hara, Carly Marciano, Cyann Ribeiro and Kristin Phelps. These brave women even donned a swimsuit on stage! One will win, among other things, a tropical vacation, a spread in Upscale Living magazine and exposure as the “Face of FELT” for 2009.

After the show, FELT will host a celebration after-party with celebrity DJ Freddy B from Las Vegas.

The event, which starts at 10:30, is free for you with an RSVP. Tell them you read about it on BlastMagazine.com! We’ll be there. Come say hi!

If you think rock and roll and cuddly animals have nothing to do with each other, think again. In bizarre news, PETA has asked the band Phish to change its name to … wait for it … Sea Kittens.

Ashley Byrne, PETA’S Sea Kitten campaign coordinator, said in a press release, “If Phish became Sea Kittens and the band’s legions of fans started calling fish ‘sea kittens,’ fewer of these gentle animals would be violently killed for food, painfully hooked for ‘sport,’ or cruelly confined to aquariums.”

We wonder what frontman Trey Anastasio thinks, but we’re betting he’s not having “Sea Kittens” tattooed on his shoulder anytime soon.

In a letter to the band, PETA requested that the name be changed for their June 20 visit to East Troy, Wis.‚  in the hopes that it will stick.

PETA said that “sea kittens” not only feel pain, but are affectionate, intelligent animals who communicate with each other.

Their Sea Kitten campaign is aimed at changing the animals’ name for good.

Check out their website and let us know if you’ll be swearing off the eating of sea kittens for good, or if you’re just as ready as ever to tuck into that smoked salmon.

It’s been about three weeks since “American Idol” announced Kris Allen as the season eight winner, and most of us are already yearning for some classic Simon insults. Well, guess what, Bostonians? Season nine auditions begin tomorrow (Sunday, June 14) at Gillette Stadium. Registration continues today, so get down there and sign up! Blast wants your pictures and videos, so bring your camera!

Good luck to all you hopefuls out there; just promise Blast an interview when you’re rich and famous! And, hey, if worse comes to worst, you might just hear those insults from Simon after all.

If you like movies involving extreme and rather insulting caricatures of old people, Canadians, slutty divorcees, and American tourists, among others, as well as lame pranks and poop jokes, and/or you’re a 12 year old boy, then “My Life in Ruins” is the movie for you.

Nia Vardalos, writer and star of “My Big Fat Greek Wedding,” stars in this romantic comedy. Stuck in a rut, Georgia (Vardalos) works as a tour guide in Greece. The movie follows her adventure with a crazy group of tourists and a hot bus driver, who, of course, she falls for.

The movie starts off slow. So slow, in fact, that if not for the buttery bag of popcorn holding your attention, you may be tempted to slip out. Really bad jokes and ridiculous stereotypical tourists make the movie feel like a family film you’ve dreaded taking the kids to.

About half way in, however, things turn around — sort of. The movie starts to move along. Richard Dreyfuss takes the plot from silly and laughable to cheesy and cute. It’s definitely a step up.

While the first half of the film is perfect for the kiddies, the second half seems to turn, well, dirty. Oddly, there’s a lot of sex and dirty jokes. You may as well send the kids in at the beginning and take their seats halfway through.

Another suggestion: don’t go on opening day. If the theater is packed, there will be people who actually — amazingly — find the movie hilarious. Beware of the most annoying people who go to the movies; people who clap when they laugh. Not okay. You’ve been warned.

The best part of the movie is the beautiful scenery of Greece. You’ll wish you were lying on a sandy beach, slowly turning a golden brown color instead of sitting in the overly air conditioned theater (aren’t they always?). The romance is cute, too, so at least you can imagine yourself on a seaside cliff with a hot, hairy Greek. Of course you’re now $8.50 further from being able to afford that plane ticket.

Don’t see it in the theater. Wait until it’s free on demand, pour a glass of wine and try not to fall asleep in the first half hour. You’ll find yourself enjoying it somewhat as the plot thickens. If you do see it at the cinema, at least you’ll be in a feel-good mood when the credits start to roll, if you can ignore the fact that you gave up a comfy night on your couch to see the movie.

If not for the charm of Vardalos, the movie could have gone straight to DVD. She has the ability to make you smile in spite of yourself.

If you loved “My Big Fat Greek Wedding,” don’t expect a repeat. This movie doesn’t touch it, but it’s somewhat entertaining nevertheless; it just feels like they forgot to edit out the crappy parts. Do yourself a favor and edit yourself right out of the theater.

You so wish you were lounging by the pool at your beach house in Malibu, right? Well, you may not be able to live like the stars, but you can drink like them! Below, four delicious summer cocktails that some of the chicest ladies are drinking to stay cool (recipes courtesy of Three Olives).

Madonna: Pomegranate Martini

1 1/2 oz. Three-O Pomegranate Vodka
1 oz. Pom Wonderful pomegranate juice
1 1/2 oz. fresh blackberry puree
1 oz. cranberry juice

Shake well with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass.

Paris Hilton: Cherry Bomb

1 1/2 oz. Three-O Cherry Vodka
4 oz. Red Bull

Mix in a highball glass filled with ice and garnish with a cherry.

Lauren Conrad: Blackberry Vodka Collins

2 oz. Three-O Berry Vodka
2 slices lime
3 fresh blackberries
1 oz. simple syrup
Splash of soda water

Muddle the lime, blackberries and simple syrup, add the vodka and shake with ice; serve on the rocks.

Megan Fox: First Class Punch

1 1/4 oz Three-O Vodka
1 oz Domaine Canton Liquor
1/2 oz agave nectar
1/2 oz fresh lime juice
1 strawberry
4 basil leaves

In a mixing tin, muddle the strawberry, basil, and Agave nectar. Add the rest of the ingredients, shake very well with ice and strain into a glass. Garnish with a strawberry.

Now don your cutest bikini and soak up the sun like your fav celebs!

For those of you who love Jerry Seinfeld and have always wanted him to put down that cereal, kick off his sneakers and make sweet love to… someone, check out the Seinfeld porn parody teaser trailer just released by New Sensations:

The film is set to be released on June 22, but if you’re under 18, “No porn for you!”

For the six people in America who missed the Wednesday night season finale of American Idol, the winner was Kris Allen.

The adorable underdog beat out Adam Lambert, the heavy favorite from the beginning. Lambert was praised by the judges throughout the season for his unmatched voice and, despite a scandal involving his weekend escapades dressed as women, many were shocked by his loss.

The of course, didn’t happen until 9:58 p.m. The rest of the show was dedicated to a performance by past contestants, as well as performances by Rod Stewart, Queen and Steve Martin, among others. The finale also included the usual inane bantering, lame and unbearable “Golden Idol Awards” and about 45 minutes of commercials.

Allen didn’t know what to say when he was handed the new American Idol trophy, but he was kind enough to announce that Lambert was more deserving of the win.

There you have it, a dramatic and surprising show.

But, was America right? Comment below.

NCM.com just released a new “hypertrailer” for “Angels and Demons.”

There are also clips and red carpet movie premiere coverage here.

“Angels and Demons,” the best-selling thriller from Dan Brown, author of “The Da Vinci Code,” stars Tom Hanks as Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon. Langdon is called upon by the Vatican to counter an apparent threat by the Illuminati, an ancient brotherhood bent on revenge against the Catholic Church. Langdon joins forces with a beautiful Italian scientist and together they begin an adventure down the 400-year-old Path of Illumination in a quest to save the Vatican.

“Angels and Demons” also stars Ewan McGregor, Stellan Skarsgard and Israeli actress Ayelet Zurer. Ron Howard directed.

Sony pictures is releasing the movie on Friday, May 15, and Blast attended a special screening Wednesday and will have a review shortly from John Guilfoil.

Best three-way sex scene, best group sex scene, best oral sex scene — these were some of porn star Sasha Grey’s highest accolades until she was scooped up by Steven Soderbergh to star in “The Girlfriend Experience,” a mainstream movie chronicling the career and love life of an upscale escort.

“It’s a really great film to throw into contemporary American theater,” said Grey, looking more like the girl-next-door than the girl-doing-the-guys-next-door in a t-shirt and jeans. Grey sat down with Blast during an appearance in Boston.

Born in Sacramento, California, the 21-year-old entered the adult film industry in 2006, shortly after she turned 18. Since then, she has appeared in more than 80 films. “The Girlfriend Experience” is her first mainstream movie, and the work she is most proud of.

“It felt really natural,” she said of making the movie. “I felt completely in my own element.”

For a girl whose element is usually much raunchier, Grey found herself totally invested in “The Girlfriend Experience,” researching the role and even creating her character’s back-story.

She read blogs of real-life escorts and met with them as well. Her character, Christine (alias Chelsea), is guided by personology books and writes in her journal after every date, things Grey picked up from the escorts she met and thought would flesh out her character nicely.

Grey, who is engaged, said she doesn’t have a lot in common with her character.

“It’s quite different because I don’t have to go onto an adult set and pretend to be somebody’s girlfriend like Chelsea does, you know, I don’t have that intimacy with the people I’m having sex with,” she said.

But now, Grey is hoping to parlay her experience in “The Girlfriend Experience” into a mainstream acting career.

“It’s an uphill battle, so I know that,” she said. She has a few film offers and plans to get a casting agent soon.

“Even though I come from adult films, I’ve always felt highly respected from my peers and from my fans,” she said. “I have no problem having sex on camera but that doesn’t mean I have to look a certain way or act a certain way and if you want to hear my opinions, that’s great, and if you don’t, that’s fine too.”

She said working with Soderbergh was a new and thrilling opportunity for her. Grey praised his talent and direction. “There are the 10 probabilities of how the scene is going to be shot and he would come up with an eleventh one,” she said.

But working for the man who directed “Sex, Lies and Videotape” and “Traffic” could be nerve-wracking at times. Said Grey, “You go back to your hotel and you’re thinking, “God I wish I would have said this differently or done this differently.’”

Surprisingly, there weren’t any sex scenes in the film, though it was about a high-class hooker portrayed by a porn star.

“It would have been too easy to say, ‘hey we have a porn star, let’s put her in a sex scene’. Bqut most importantly what I think really distinguishes it is that this is a film about a certain type of prostitution. You have the cream of the crop women who are there for more than just the sex; they are there to create this fake bond where the client feels as if it’s real,” Grey said.

Hearing her wax poetic on the meaning of her film, it’s almost hard to believe a quick Google search will turn up video after video of Grey doing things your grandmother can’t imagine. But she’s a confident chick who has her reasons for her career choice.

“I’m in ultimate control, you know, I’m in control of my destiny whether it be adult films, music, acting, writing, anything. I would not be happy sitting at a desk nine to five,” she said.

Grey says the worst thing about her job is having to pick your battles and learn when to let things go, but she certainly seems to pick her battles well.

“Sometimes you might have strict guidelines and sometimes you might not, so I think that’s a really liberating thing as a young woman and as an artist,” she added.

Busy and loving it, Grey is launching her own adult film production company and plans to begin directing. She’s been promoting “The Girlfriend Experience,” working on her website, writing a sex philosophy book and she has an adult novelty line coming out this summer. “It’s non-stop,” she said.

Why is she working so hard? “I’m pretty proud of this but I try not to rest on my pride and I try to always challenge the last thing I’ve done,” Grey said.

Grey is trying to prove she is not just a porn star: she has a brain, an articulate voice and interests beyond sex.

“Music, writing, art, I really don’t have a limit, as long as it keeps my juices flowing. No pun intended.”

The star of “The Girlfriend Experience” looks a little bit like a young, sultry Demi Moore, but this movie is much more “Indecent Proposal” and not so much “Ghost.”

Sasha Grey, an adult film actress (read: porn star) leads this Steven Soderbergh movie about an upscale Manhattan escort and her relationships — both with clients and her committed boyfriend.

The most surprising — and most interesting — thing about the flick is that there is no sex in it.

None.‚ 

No sex.

A brief flash of female full-frontal is all they give you. There isn’t even any wriggling beneath the covers. Though you will somehow feel a little dirty watching it, it seems Soderbergh intends for us to read between the lines instead of peek between the sheets.

With a significant amount of the dialogue chatter about the state of the 2008 pre-election economy, a big theme in the movie is capitalism and the working life. While Chelsea (Grey) spends time and money trying to take her business to the next level, her boyfriend is seeking to do the same. It was a fairly interesting aspect of a movie featuring a porn star, but it wasn’t the most thrilling.

We are invited to be voyeuristic, and everything from the red lights to the long, intense conversations while the camera sits still and keeps one shot makes the audience feel they are invited in to spy on the life of a woman whose job is mysterious to nearly everyone (except for that creepy guy sitting in the back row who has clearly obtained similar services). And, let’s face it, that’s fun.

Although the movie never crosses the line into boring, there is a lull in the middle that might tempt you to run out for more popcorn.

As for the acting itself, the luscious Grey turns in a surprisingly deft performance. Her acting is understated and subtle but stands out among an otherwise so-so cast-with the exception of funny-guy Glenn Kenney, who plays the rather offensive escort reviewer, “The Erotic Connoisseur.”

Chelsea comes off strong and confident, but lurking behind all that is a woman who can’t let people in. She keeps everyone at arm’s length and it seems as though she can’t admit she needs anyone, while so many need her.

Thanks to Soderbergh’s direction, the movie takes on a bit of a suspenseful feel. Things are revealed slowly, and the movie moves back and forth through time making it more compelling than it otherwise may have been. It keeps you interested and focused and keeps a simple plot intriguing. It’s also got a few laughs tucked in there. But it’s the way the characters are slowly revealed that will keep your mind on the movie long after it’s finished.

The last scene will floor you. It’s odd and awkward, and without giving too much away, it brings the movie to a perfect point reminding us that we all need companionship in ways we don’t even understand.

“The Girlfriend Experience” felt similar to the movie “Closer” with its dark exploration of human relationships. It’s a little exciting, a little naughty and a little bit of a character study.

Don’t expect a thrilling, fast-paced plot or witty one-liners here. If you head into the theater looking for something a little bit different, maybe a little bit gloomy, but somewhat deep and revealing, you won’t be disappointed.

Way too awkward for a first date, bring friends you can chat about the movie with. Afterward, hit up a swanky bar for dirty martinis to get your high-class on.

In the end, the obvious and expected theme that everyone is a little insecure and lonely doesn’t feel cliche. Chelsea’s job is not as dirty as it seems-she is simply giving people what they need most: companionship.

Men may generally be considered more tech savvy than women, but a new study shows that these days, women know gadgets, and its the men who are behind the curve.

A new study conducted by Retrevo, a company that matches consumers with compatible electronics, found that although men are confident about the latest gizmos, women are actually more astute when it comes to deciphering tech lingo and devices.

“There’s a myth that men are more technical than women,” said Andrew Eisner, Retrevo director of content for Retrevo. “Now we’re finding in consumer electronics that more women are carrying the ball.”

Debunking the long believed myth, only 17 percent of women who were asked what “1080p” meant answered incorrectly, while 25 percent of men did so, according to the study.

1080p is the abbreviation for a high definition video mode.

Educational programs like the Women in Technology Project, at Vermont Technical College, are committed to encouraging young women in middle school and high school to study math, science and technology. (Media credit/Vermont Technical College)

The study revealed that only 55 percent of women consider themselves “extremely tech savvy”, while a whopping 79 percent of men believe they are.

More women than men in the study knew that “MB” stands for megabytes.

This new trend may affect who the industry targets, according to Vipin Jain, president and CEO of Retrevo.

“Every single component of the CE industry has been affected by the recession and is trying to figure out how to make money in the new economy. Our Gadgetology report suggests that women might be the answer,” he said in a statement about the study.

Indeed, the study also found that more women than man would give up caffeine over their computer.

Said Eisner, “Anecdotally we hear about women being the keepers of the camcorder and camera and the laptop.”

Although Retrevo found that more women than men think tech jargon makes it more difficult to shop, the data clearly show that those same women are buying and using gadgets at least as much as men are.

“Advertisers would be very wise to direct advertisements at women,” Eisner said. “So go get ‘em.”

A student’s alleged drunken tirade against Korean students at Tufts University has led to an outcry from the school’s minority students, calling for swift action by administrators.

On April 9, students in the Korean Students Association said that another student, a white freshman said to be from Weston, mocked, accosted and assaulted the students, who were in a dormitory common area practicing for a cultural show.

Korean Students Association members, in interviews with Blast Magazine, said that the freshman drunkenly stumbled upon them around 1:45 a.m., while they were practicing a cultural dance routine.

The student allegedly exclaimed “(This is) the gayest shit I’ve ever done.”

“After the dancers asked him several times to leave, he responded by saying, ‘Fuck you. Fuck you. I could take all of you. I’ll kill you all,’” said Tufts student Jenny Lau in a statement. “He began spitting on each of the five male dancers whom he had been imitating, and shoving one of them.”

Lau said the student attacked the group, ripping members’ shirts and cutting one person’s forehead. A fight ensued, during which the Korean students pinned the white student down and put him in a headlock until he complained that he couldn’t breathe.

As the student’s friends came in and dragged him away, he allegedly shouted to the Koreans, “Fuck you all, you fucking chinks, go back to China! Go back to your fucking country, you don’t belong in this country.”

The Korean Students Association offered up the name of the student, but Blast is withholding it because neither police nor university officials would confirm it. The student also did not respond to our requests for comment.

The alleged attacker did offer a statement, through his friends, to Tufts Daily, the student newspaper, saying that he was attacked first:

“Severely physically hurt, highly emotionally charged, scared for my life, I yelled obscenities at the group,” Tufts Daily reported from his statement.

The students notified a resident assistant about what happened. Campus police also investigated.

Tufts Police Department Captain Mark Keith called it “an isolated incident,” saying no formal charges have been brought against the student and that he will be dealt with by the school’s internal student judicial system.

The incident left the Asian-American community at Tufts calling for increased administrative response to incidents of bias.

Bruce Reitman, Tufts’ Dean of Students, sent out a university-wide email April 10 stating, “The Office of the Dean of Students is currently investigating … Many differing accounts of this incident are circulating within the university community…While we cannot comment on an incident that is currently under active investigation, we want the community to know that we take seriously our responsibility to pursue this incident and to ensure a safe and supportive environment on campus for all our students.”

Administrators would not comment further nor would they say if the student would face punishment.

Reitman said the school was reaching out to the students affected by the incident, but that’s simply not enough, several students said, and they’re angry.

“Despite the fact that this freshman male made death threats to the 13 members present during the incident, he still walks on this campus,” said Jennifer Kim, the vice president of Korean Students Association.

“It wasn’t alleged. It happened, and it was a hate crime,” said Jenny Lau, a junior at Tufts who helped plan an April 16 rally against racial bias, which was attended and supported by the university’s LGBT and African American communities. City Councilor Sam Yoon, Boston’s first Asian councilor and a mayoral candidate also attended.

To many of the school’s minority students, this incident is part of a larger problem. Said Kim, “It seems that currently, the administration is emphasizing only the violence part and downplaying the race part.”

In a letter to the administration, students said the purpose of the rally was to “Call on the administration to make effective institutional changes towards ensuring that all students at Tufts have a safe environment in which to pursue their education.”

In their letter, the students are demanding that the school do more to promote awareness of Asian Americans and to dissuade racial stereotyping. The students also want the school to develop a protocol to swiftly respond to future incidents.

“This affects the overall campus climate,” Lau said. “This definitely shouldn’t have happened.”