Because Greenpoint looks so much like a pre-deluge destroyed Ninth Ward in New Orleans, it makes perfect sense that HBO would choose the Brooklyn nabe to film scenes for an upcoming film. And I guess I can agree with HBO's observation if I squint my eyes real tight and cock my head to the side. HBO plans on transforming "parts of Meserole Avenue, Jewel and Moultrie Streets into Nola's Ninth this weekend, when they'll film scenes for Treme, a story of Ninth Ward residents' attempting to rebuild their lives after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina." According to a sign in the area, the filming will take place Friday to Saturday, from 7 p.m. to 8 a.m., and will involve characters walking and talking on the streets," Gothamist reports.

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In a bit of politics/public speaking 101, Fight Back NY is doing what makes sense: Get a famous person to speak slowly and persuasively to explain politics and raise awareness. The organization is using famous lady Cynthia Nixon, who lots of women (and their gay friends) see as their smart, confident, successful, older gal pal due to Sex and the City, and having her explain how her own personal rights and freedoms are being subverted by New York State lawmakers. 

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The abortion debate continues! Thank Village Voice film critic J. Hoberman for unleashing his minions to go dig through the New York Public Library archives, looking for New York Press clips (it's all there on microfiche, remember that?), to uncover the original offending material. Bloggers and commenters have been referencing an old review by Armond White in regards to a little-watched Baumbach film. But while the accusations have been flying, at least the old guard remembers there are reference materials that don't involve Google (our online archives begin in late 1999). Hoberman had his interns or students or some assistant find the White review of Mr. Jealousy and has posted the piece on his blog, so that now we can all read the "retroactive abortion" line that so incensed Baumbach (or at least the way Leslee Dart has re-cast it in her PR spin).

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If a bosom for a pillow is what we all need, Sharon Osbourne’s the perfect person for some pillow talk thanks to two breast augmentations. And while folks across the pond praise Osbourne as a pillar of plastic surgery done right, the reality star and Ozzy Osbourne’s other half got candid recently with Britain’s New! Magazine to discuss how a botched boob job left her breasts feeling less like pillows to lay your head on and more like flotation devices in a strong ocean current.

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Miss those eclectic artist-led events that made you glad you decided to struggle to make it in New York City? Take refuge tonight and tomorrow from the corporate art world shenanigans going on around town with the big-shot gallery guys having their way throwing parties and schmoozing at the art fairs by heading to the 92Y Tribeca. Indie songstress Shara Worden, aka My Brightest Diamond (backup singer and pals with Sufjan Stevens and others in the Brooklyn indie firmament) has curated a two-day event, Diamonds, Teeth and Yarn, celebrating the diversity of the way people create. The community space’s nooks and crannies will be filled with all sorts of oddball artist-led events and activities and performances, from the crafty—Dena Verdesca will be sewing; Tim Fite will be leading a bookbinding demo—to the musically inclined: chamber-pop band  Edison Woods , the chamber ensemble yMusic, a cappella group Black Sea Hotel and, of course Shara Worden herself.

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Playboy turns 50 this week, surely making it twice as old as any of its creator's girlfriends. Sadly the magazine's golden anniversary is shadowed by the fact that the porn industry is limper than we assume Hugh Hefner to be without the help of Viagra. And in honor of Playboy’s milestone, The Wrap, like a superhero with a capital P on its chest (or rather on its crotch), came up with a list for saving the sex industry by pumping some blood back into porn.

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The indie film world may be crumbling, but there's still a film festival somewhere for you to partake in the creativity of those who still want to strike it big with their on-screen visuals. The 2010 Tribeca Film Festival begins April 21 (with Shrek Forever After, a new 3-D version of the DreamWorks tale) and continues through May 2 and, if you're not able to afford the price of a ticket, maybe you can pull yourself away from hours of Chatroulette and trade some of your free labor for the price of admission. The Fest is looking for enthusiastic folks to assist us in all departments. And just in case you're wondering: By volunteering at the Tribeca Film Festival, you'll have the chance to meet fellow film lovers, get free giveaways from our sponsors and gain access to films for free. In addition, you will also receive an invitation to the exclusive TFF Volunteer Wrap Party.

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After the Vancouver Olympics closed with a parade of inflatable Canadian stereotypes (cue moose and beavers!), Jerry Seinfeld previewed his new show, The Marriage Ref. And it was immediately apparent that this show had serious problems. 

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Simon Cowell is leaving American Idol after this season and another Brit wants to replace him. Steve Lillywhite is a New York-based, Grammy-winning music producer who has worked with U2, The Talking Heads, Morrissey and The Rolling Stones. Lillywhite tells us about his campaign, Howard Stern and why he won’t be dressing like Simon.

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Judge Judy just celebrated 700 consecutive weeks as the top court TV show in the land, but she doesn’t think it’s because of her looks.

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