Alexander Payne’s (About Schmidt, Election) Sideways will leave you chuckling to yourself for days. It’s the kind of movie that you have to convince all your friends to see. Due to the buzz being generated by word of mouth, this indie flick is now hitting theaters nationwide. Watch as Miles (Paul Giamatti) and Jack (Thomas Haden Church) embark on a final outing along the California coast before Jack’s impending nuptials. Between Miles explosive outbursts, waning confidence and wine freak tendencies and Jack’s playboy antics, you are sure to be entertained.

// www.imdb.com/title/tt0375063

Building on this year’s election buzz…if you are brave enough to become in-the-know about the America not talked about in grade school, Howard Zinn’s national bestseller, A People’s History of the United States (1492 – Present), has been expanded to include the Clinton presidency, the 2000 election and “the war on terror.” Told from the point of view of America’s women, factory workers, African Americans, Native Americans, working poor, and immigrant laborers, this book is becoming the hot read for hipster intellectuals. To hear a dramatic reading featuring celebrities Danny Glover, James Earl Jones, Marissa Tomei and Kurt Vonnegut, check out:

// www.informationclearinghouse.info

DS is redefining the way video games are played. With dual screens and touch-screen technology, wireless communication and built-in PictoChat software you have the power to draw, write and send messages wirelessly to up to 16 players!

// www.nintendods.com

Three words: gorgeous, chiseled and Brazilian! Rodrigo’s sultry good looks and sweet smile have made him a celebrity at home and now he is winning hearts in the U.S.—first in Love Actually and now starring opposite in Baz Luhrmann’s Chanel No.5 commercial with Nicole Kidman. If you haven’t discovered him yet, you will be saying “Who is that????” soon enough…

// www.imdb.com/name/nm0763928

Ever been caught “drunk dialing?” Apparently quite a few Aussie’s have. Virgin Mobile Australia’s new service prevents any disastrous late-night drunken calls to exes, favorite all-night pizza shops….or even your boss. Before going out for a night of boozing, they just dial up a number, type in any forbidden numbers and are “blocked” until 6am!

// www.virginmobile.com.au/dui

Coming to theaters soon, this film tells the inspiring story of real-life hero Paul Rusesabagina (Don Cheadle) and how he risks everything to save thousands of Rwanda refugees by giving them shelter in the abandoned four-star hotel that he used to manage.

// www.mgm.com/ua/hotelrwanda

For networking, promoting new artists (and of course, dating!), MySpace.com is becoming a favorite hot spot for meeting new people. Choose an intriguing photo, create a profile and watch the New Friend Requests pile in!

// www.myspace.com

All-cereal restaurants have opened at Arizona State University and now University of Pennsylvania. College students are loving the jammy-clad ambiance and the 30 cereal brands and 30+ toppings available at their disposal. At the Philadelphia Cereality, after filling up their bowls with Cocoa Puffs, Lucky Charms or old-fashioned oatmeal, patrons can watch cartoons on flat screen TVs or check their email via free wi-fi. A dozen more Cerealities are slated to open next year on campuses, airports and office lobbies.

// www.cereality.com

If you’re into customization, you will love these adorable hoodies! Besides a great fit, a variety of colors and the cutest boy and girl silhouettes, they are great for pronouncing your “one and only” to the world or for proud moms.

// www.deeshdesigns.com

Playing bartender for a night? Try the delicious Mango Lassie. Developed by StarChefs.com’s “Rising Star” Mixologist Joel Finsel of Astral Plane Restaurant in Philadelphia, this tasty libation pleases even the most unpredictable of palettes. The “Mango Lassie” will receive the spotlight in Cosmopolitan and Philadelphia Style in early 2005. To get the ingredients NOW (hint: it’s a 1/3 of each!), check out:

// www.theastralplane.com