Conversation with Hill Harper

BUEG, the Brown University Entertainment Group, which I am a useless board member of, hosts this great series of "Conversations" where we bring in notable alumni who reflect on their journey from Brown to Hollywood Semi/Superstardom in a really intimate setting.

Notable "Conversations" of the past four years include: Lisa Loeb, John Krasinski, and Masi Oka - "Hiro" from Heroes - who, actually used to organize these events before he became a superstar.

It's always really inspiring, regardless of what you're attempting to do in life, because the common theme is always about having the passion and drive and commitment to pursue the things you love and succeeding against seemingly insurmountable odds.

Last night's "Conversation" featured Hill Harper, star of CSI: NY, and law school buddy/best friend of President Barack Obama.

Nina Daniels led the discussion wonderfully as Hill has served as a great mentor and inspiration to her over the past few years as a working actress.




He talked about life. And determination. And Obama. And passion. And following your heart.

One of the things that really struck me and reaffirmed the way I go about my life and business was (and this isn't word for word):

"If you call yourself artist, then constantly create ART. Don't worry about paychecks and meeting your daily 'rate'. Do any project you have time for. Be constantly evolving and improving. Some projects will pay and some will not, but if you call yourself something, whether it be a writer, actor, photographer, whatever, you should be doing that thing that you say you do every single day. Hell, I still agree to do student films if you catch me on a good day. "

He was really awesome.





I love Brown!



Nice work, Nina!




Oh...and then we conference-called the President.

BUEG Holiday Mixer

My birthday happened to coincide with the Brown Entertainment Group (BUEG) Holiday Mixer which I was tasked with hosting.

We held it at Formosa Cafe, which serves Chinese-ish specialties and caffeinated vodka.



Dinner consisted of Kobe Burgers and Seared Delicious Tuna.



And then there was mingling.



Racquel gifted me with the new Celine Dion CD.

It is SO GOOD.



And of course it isn't your birthday if you don't drink a lot and are surrounded by your special people.





And of course y'all haven't drunk enough if you don't at one point get a full beer knocked clear out of your hand and all over someone.



Or you don't dance around screaming...



Or you don't go to late night Bossa Nova and clear out a full plate of Pasta Arrabiata with Chicken plus Shrimp Bruschetta and Margherita Pizza oh god we are so fat




Get ready for Del's Saloon.

Blackout Wednesday!

Since I'm the new host of the BUEG mixers, I chose the first venue to of course be Q's.

People were slow to trickle in. And I'm not sure if it ever was a really full party. I think it was. Maybe.

But I am thankful to all my little buddies who made it out and helped me fill up the room.

You all are very special.

P.S. Christian has been abstaining from the buffets and is hot again! Yay!

YATTTAAAA!!!!

Last night Narns and I attended a BUEG (Brown Entertainment Group) Conversation hosted by Masi (of Heroes fame).



The funny thing is, he actually used to organize these things (the last one he organized was the one with John Krasinski from The Office) and he'd be the guy doing all the Q&A...but now that he's famous, he gets his own Conversation.

Weird how that works out.

.................

I want to host one.

Soon.

I heart Jim Halpert...

Last night we went to the BUEG Conversation thing with John Krasinski from the Office.



He IS Jim. A little more confident and talkative and out-going perhaps, but he is his character.

He was so nice, and so funny, and Rach, Bri, Kate, and Naia, and myself a little bit, were front-row center and giggling our silly little asses off at every little thing he had to say. We have no shame. Well...maybe enough shame to know that it would have been super tacky to ask for a photo. Especially since he might one day be my best friend. (Along with Jen Aniston, of course.)

We did, however take a super-dorky anticipatory picture...



Even odder though, Masi Oka (below, far left), who has organized these little BUEG (Brown University Entertainment Group) conversations for the past four years, has just gotten huge break, being cast on NBC's mega-hyped new fall show, HEROES.

He'll be the little Japanese dude who can stop time!



It's really kind of incredible and inspiring to see these guys get these enormous breaks at such young ages and be still so in love with their Brown experience.

I can't wait to be on that BUEG stage in a few years.

BUEG / Celebrities

Went to the Brown University Entertainment Group Mixer tonight. Hosted by Thesy and attended by many.

It was nice to see many people I don't get to see often as well as people I see way too often.

Spotted Adam Sandler sitting in a booth in the restaurant, very exciting. Apparently David Spade was around as well, though I did not get a glimpse of him.

Mike and Meghan brought their buddy Ryan Carnes (of Desperate Housewives guest-star fame). I guess that kind of counts as a mini-celebrity sighting. He was very cute and nice and I hope we all become best friends.



And also we will be best friends with Eva Longoria because she is little and feisty and most importantly...



EVA KNOWS SEAN FARIS!!!!!!!!!!

.....................................

Palmisano and I left early to head over to Q's where we proceeded to down a couple pitchers and were later joined by our new west-side buddy Mani. After the bar closed we stopped next door at McDonald's to eat a deliciously healthy post-drinking meal of McChickens and fries.

Decided that tomorrow (or today) will be Blackout Thursday.

Yay.