While the uncertainty continues to swarm around more than a handful of NFL franchises as the final games of 2015 are played out, New York Giants co-owner John Mara made sure that the head of his team remains entrenched- at least for next season- following a disappointing 6-10 campaign.  With news that both head coach Tom Coughlin and General Manager Jerry Reese will return, there is at least some structure in place for an organization that’s been in steady decline for two straight years.  But news of defensive coordinator Perry Fewell’s departure- once the organization’s crowd jewel of coaching- has begun the rumor mill campaigning for former coordinator Steve Spagnuolo to return Big Blue to defensive dominance.  That coaching hire is just one of the lingering offseason questions that plagues the New York Giants, a team that rattled off three of four wins to close out the season following seven straight losses in the middle of their schedule.

The 2014 campaign will prove to be significant for one reason: the unearthing of New York’s next big star.  Rookie wide receiver Odell Beckham, Jr., exploded on the scene to the tune of 91 catches, 1300 yards and 12 touchdowns despite missing 12 games.  Fans will undoubtedly be drooling at the prospects of Beckham torching cornerbacks in 2015 alongside Victor Cruz who missed a good portion of the season with a serious knee injury.  But there’s no guarantee that Cruz will be able to return to form, despite a positive prognosis thus far in early 2015.  Time will most surely tell.  Injuries aside, there’s plenty of decisions that the team needs to make to return to glory in the NFC East.

GM Jerry Reese’s biggest decision comes in the form of the team’s biggest defensive playmaker.  Jason Pierre-Paul, a disappearing act of a difference maker is an unrestricted free agent and one that rose to prominence in his rookie season, attacked opposing quarterbacks for nine sacks in this past season’s final five games, and did little of note in between.  Although the Franchise Tag is certainly in play, after seeing names like Strahan, Tuck, Umenyiora and Kiwanuka leave town in recent years, the team would be best suited to lock up the 26 year old Defensive End to a long term, if not overly onerous deal.  With a lack of star power currently on the defensive side of the ball, keeping JPP in town is likely priority number one- and short of luring Ndamukong Suh to New York (and paying his likely $20 million tab) aside, it would be a big blow to have Pierre-Paul donning a different jersey in 2015.

Since the Giants aren’t stocked at every position- can you name their starting linebackers for next season?- they’ll have to restock the roster through careful free agent signings and shrewd low-cost options.  Selected the 9^th pick of the 2015 NFL Draft will surely be a boon.  While Suh would certainly find a home here stabilizing the defense, it’s doubtful that the team will be able to succumb to his salary demands.  The same goes for cornerback Darrelle Revis.  The list of unrestricted free agents though does offer up some hope.  Could the team take a shot on Greg Hardy, the Panthers defensive end suspended indefinitely for domestic abuse?  Could big name linebackers like Justin Houston (gulp!), Brian Orakpo or the more affordable Brooks Reed be brought into town?  Couldn’t you see Chargers running back Ryan Mathews taking handoffs from Eli Manning next year?  Or Knowshon Moreno at the right price?  Once the coaching carousel finishes spinning many of these questions will be answered- and swiftly.  But for now, let’s enjoy the speculating- anything to take our minds off of that dreadful 6-10 season, which I predicted accurately here.

My 2014 New York Giants Prediction: 6-10

- Tim Sachs

(Editor’s Note: This column was filed prior to the Giants’ 30-20 victory over the Atlanta Falcons, bringing the team to 3-2)

What are we to make of this roller coaster ride that is the four month NFL regular season, where each week talking heads and avid fans are either walking their way into the playoffs or walking off of a bridge with each win and loss? What are we to make of a New York Giants squad coming off of two ugly losses to open the season, followed by two convincing victories against a potential playoff team and a division rival? Or of a new-look offense that looked more lost than found just a few weeks ago before turning into a scoring juggernaut in weeks 3 and 4 (And 5!) with back to back games of 30 points or more? Is it possible all that the Giants needed to do was to take Aaron Rodgers’ advice and simply ‘Relax?’

More often than not a team lives and dies with its quarterback play, but although Eli Manning has played mostly mistake free football against Houston and Washington, he’s not entirely the reason for the team’s success. That would fall on the team’s defense who opened 2014 in pedestrian fashion before holding the same two teams to under twenty points in back to back weeks. The tale of two teams continues when you consider that the Giants faced the likes of Ryan Fitzpatrick and Kirk Cousins in weeks 3 and 4- not exactly the Rodgers and Bradys of the world after posting losses to likely playoff contenders Detroit and Arizona to start the season. But formulaically, the team does appear to be setting itself on the right track by not turning the ball over and by holding teams to stops where it needs to- the methodical means by which most teams find success in the NFL.

While the road to week 5 does seem to have been a bit windy at 2-2, the weeks ahead will prove pivotal to unearth where the 2014 New York Giants are headed. And unfortunately, this schedule is not getting any easier. The explosive Atlanta Falcons might prove to be the easiest of the team’s upcoming games- beginning a slate of back to back road games with NFC East adversaries- first at 3-1 Philadelphia and then at 3-1 Dallas, both of whom looked poised to be competitive in December and January. The week 8 bye will likely be just what the doctor ordered before another challenging foursome against the Colts, Seahawks, 49ers and again against Dallas- an absolutely brutal schedule for any team to encounter.

Help is most certainly on the way though for the Giants. After the lengthiest hamstring related hold out in the history of sports, first round draft pick Odell Beckham, Jr. plans to suit up this weekend and MLB Jon Beason shouldn’t be far behind. With the emergence of tight end Larry Donnell and a rejuvenated receiving corps, Manning has completed more than 70% of his passes over the last two weeks, an encouraging upward trend based on the quarterback’s own lofty preseason goals. The run game meanwhile has looked equally impressive with free agent signee Rashad Jennings rumbling for 176 yards against Houston and, paired with rookie running back Andre Williams, the twosome worked for for 111 yards in the 31 point blowout in Washington.

It’s tough to say definitively whether the Giants have turned the corner- it’s much too early in the season and the schedule dictates that the team’s most difficult challenges are yet to come. But I am most certainly impressed by the way their defense has responded after a rough start and Manning looks to be adapting to new offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo‘s schemes after some shaky performances to open the year. If the Giants can manage to take down the Eagles and Cowboys before their bye-week, then we can start considering the potential of what may come. But for now, at 2-2 I still have my doubts that this team can hang with the big boys in the NFC. We’ll certainly have a better feel for Big Blue come November.

My 2014 New York Giants Prediction: 6-10

- Tim Sachs

Listen to my offseason interview with New York Giants’ free agent signee Walter Thurmond III here.

It was an offseason of change for the 2014 New York Giants, where a 7-9 season finished off the team’s worst regular season since 2004 and just a touch below my own initial 8-8 prediction. In the months since last season’s conclusion, the team waved goodbye to stalwarts like offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride and team veteran players Justin Tuck (Raiders) and Hakeem Nicks (Colts) in free agency- but time will tell if their replacements actually make this team any better in the short term. In the meantime, we’re given a look at their 2014 schedule, which has the team tasked with inter-conference games against the NFC West, predicted to be among the league’s finest and with games against competitive teams like Detroit, Atlanta and Indianapolis, there aren’t many gimmes on Big Blue’s slate this year.

The Roster Makeover

Let’s start first with the good news. The team’s defensive backfield was immediately strengthened with the signings of cornerbacks Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Walter Thurmond III, both of whom should solidify a strong corps of players with Prince Amukamara and Antrel Rolle already in place. First round speedster Odell Beckham should take away some of the sting of Nicks’ departure coupled with continued improvement from Reuben Randle and the return of Mario Manningham at receiver, joining salsa-shaking Victor Cruz at the other wideout spots. Despite running back David Wilson’s inability to return from the neck injury which forced him into retirement early in camp, the trio of the returning Peyton Hillis, draft choice Andre Williams (Boston College) and free agent signee and presumed starter Rashad Jennings have looked good enough this offseason to put any worries to rest.

Those worries are still very much in play for an offensive line that continues to look shaky this preseason following a battering of their quarterback in 2013. 39 sacks and 27 interceptions were the result of a leaky line, poor decision making and bad receiver play last year- numbers that will need to drop drastically should the team have any hope of competing in 2014. The arrival of new offensive coordinator Bob McAdoo should help to settle Eli Manning down some and return him to potent form, but a revamped line with free agent signees Geoff Schwartz, J.D. Walton and John Jerry for depth, coupled with draft choice Weston Richburg might not necessarily inspire the fanbase. Defensively, problems upfront and in the linebacking corps were not exactly addressed much. The return of MLB Jon Beason who played well in 2013 highlights what’s going on in the team’s base defense, where the hops remains that defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul plays out of his mind enough to invigorate a Giants pass rush that has been non-existent since their last Super Bowl win. Robert Ayers (DE) and Jameel McClain (ILB) punctuate the team’s free agent arrivals on defense, both of whom are not expected to be game changers on that side of the ball.

The Division

The NFC East might not feature many real contenders outside of Philadelphia, but the four teams always manage to play tough games against each other. Washington‘s overhaul continued this offseason with the arrival of new coach Jay Gruden and receiver Desean Jackson from the Eagles, but their success begins and ends with quarterback Robert Griffin III and his ability to bounce back from an inconsistent sophomore season. More of the same in Dallas where owner/GM Jerry Jones did little to improve a porous 2013 defensive unit and quarterback Tony Romo‘s slow recovery from offseason back surgery doesn’t inspire much confidence that the team can ascend much higher than a .500 record. Meanwhile, the rich get richer in Philadelphia, where the Eagles have made Jets’ also-ran Mark Sanchez into the second coming of Ron Jaworski- and he’s only their backup. Nick Foles, Lesean McCoy and the newly acquired Darren Sproles should make the Birds the far-and-away favorite in year two of the Chip Kelly era in Philly.

The Outlook

It’s going to take a lot to go right in 2014 for the New York Giants to right the ship that was headed in the wrong direction last year. Despite a strong second half finish, on paper it doesn’t appear as if the team has improved enough to make a marked improvement in the standings. Shaky line play on both sides are sure to lead to inconsistency in the running and passing game and whether or not Manning and company will have the time and the patience necessary to recover from these struggles is perhaps the team’s most looming question mark. Can the team run the ball effectively enough to keep defenses honest in the passing game? Can their linebacking unit match up with faster spread offenses? Can Tom Coughlin perform well enough in this transition year to stick around for another? My guess is a resounding no and with that, I predict that this is the last year we see ole red cheeks managing the sideline for Big Blue as the team falls to their lowest point since he took over during his incredible run as head coach.

My 2014 New York Giants Prediction: 6-10

- Tim Sachs

Check out Tim Sachs’ Preseason Preview here and see how the team is stacking up against his predictions.

When we last left the New York Giants, the team had piled up back to back wins following an 0-6 start, giving just a faint glimpse of momentum to an otherwise lost season. With three victories in their next four games, the Giants proved that despite a slow beginning there was plenty of fight left in this team- probably a fight that had been there all along, but had been plagued by mistakes, turnovers, and outright under-performing. Today we sit three quarters of the way through the 2013 regular season with the team sporting a 5-7 record, two games back in the loss column of both the Dallas Cowboys and the Philadelphia Eagles, at least one of whom appears primed for a playoff run.

Realistically, chances remain slim for the Giants to reach the postseason as the team will likely need all 9 wins to get them there. With remaining games against the playoff bound Lions and the Seahawks, perhaps the league’s best team this year, along with a visit to San Diego this weekend which is no gimme- even winning outright hardly guarantees them the four seed and a home playoff game during Wild Card weekend.

Where We’ve Been

Despite going 3-1 over their last four games, it certainly hasn’t always been pretty. The team snuck by the lowly Oakland Raiders 24-20, beat a Green Bay Packers team absent of their starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers, lost to the Cowboys in the game’s final seconds, and needed an officiating snafu in the remaining seconds of the game to beat their division rival Redskins by a touchdown. All that said, there have been some bright spots following their dismal start and the team has gotten solid production from some unlikely sources. The return of running back Andre Brown from a broken leg has injected the running game with some new life as he has amassed three touchdowns and a couple of two hundred yard games over his last four outings. Meanwhile the tandem of Brandon Jacobs and Peyton Hillis has proven to be a solid change of pace, despite not being on the roster as the season opened. In the receiving game, we are still waiting on the contract year emergence of Hakeem Nicks, who to date has still not caught a touchdown pass. Although Nicks is almost certain to be elsewhere next season, second year wideout Reuben Randle has emerged as the team’s secondary wideout, having caught 35 balls and 6 touchdown passes from Eli Manning thus far on the year. Manning to his credit has cut down on his turnovers over the past 4 weeks although his production has dropped off performance-wise from years past as he’s currently saddled with more interceptions than touchdowns (18-15) and no 300 yard passing games since week 5.

Much of the credit of the team’s bounceback has to go to the defense who has worked to keep opponents at 20 points or below in 5 of the previous 6 games, of which the Giants are 5-1. No surprise here. But what’s really come on of late is the team’s pass rush, averaging upwards of three sacks per game over the last 4 outings led by Justin Tuck who seems to have found his footing this late in the year. Jon Beason, deemed expendable by the Carolina Panthers at the trade deadline has proven indispensable to the Giants linebacking corps. Even when he’s not filling the stat sheet, Beason has been a lightning rod for the team, making tackles all over the field. And the secondary has come together in accordance, fueled by Antrel Rolle‘s 5 interceptions and 2 sacks and cornerbacks Prince Amukamara and Terrell Thomas who have buckled down in pass coverage in recent weeks, a likely result of the team’s increased aggressiveness in their pass rush.

Where We’re Headed

A lot of pieces will have to fall in place for the Giants to complete their Cinderella season. Their poor start has likely put them far enough back that a run at the playoffs is out of reach. But as we stand today, all hope is not lost. The Giants will need to win their final four games as any additional losses are likely to eliminate them from contention AND both the Eagles and Cowboys need to lose three of their final four games in order for the Giants to make a run at the division title. It’s not impossible, but Big Blue fans would be best served to root even harder than usual against their two NFC East division rivals during the season’s final month. They’ve got two games at home and two on the road and it starts on Sunday in San Diego where the Chargers similarly won’t die in the AFC West. My preseason prediction is still in tact, but with the momentum the Giants have had, I can’t say that I feel great about a .500 finish.

My Preseason 2013 New York Giants Prediction: 8-8

- Tim Sachs

Check out Tim Sachs’ Preseason Preview here and see how the team is stacking up against his predictions.

Well. I certainly don’t mind being right but I do hate to say I told you so. I did predict that the Giants would struggle in the 2013 campaign, but in light of what’s actually happened with this team, I’d say that struggle was an understatement. For a team that hasn’t had a season under .500 since 2004, Big Blue certainly seems on their way there. Despite claims that the team is ‘one game out’ and that a certain defensive back (see Rolle, Antrel) thinks that they can ‘run the table,’ the Giants need to prove that they can win a game before they go spouting off about winning the NFC East. 2013 has proven that our biggest fears for this year’s team were in fact true, and has even uncovered problems where we previously thought they didn’t exist. And as we stand today, not only is the team in last place in the division and the conference, but they sit behind even the team with whom they share New York. Unheard of! Let’s take a look at where they’ve been and where they’re going.

Where They’ve Been

Where to begin? The 2013 campaign has been a disaster in all facets of the Giants’ game. The team ranks 30th in points per game (15.2), 23rd in yards per game (325.5) and 30th in rushing yards per game (57.8). Their quarterback is leading the league with nine interceptions and the team has given the ball away nine more times than they’ve taken it. The offensive line can’t open up holes for the run game nor protect its quarterback it seems, yielding 14 sacks in just 4 games thus far. The team’s pass rush has been nonexistent to the tune of just four total sacks and the defensive backfield ain’t much better with just four interceptions, both of which have led to a massive deficit in time of possession, where the team is averaging ten minutes less than their opponents with the ball in their hands.

The lone shining star to date has been Victor Cruz, whose shiny new $43 million contract looks like the best move the Giants could have made in the offseason. Cruz leads the team with four touchdown grabs and 425 yards receiving but alot of that is the result of the Giants being forced to pass the ball toward the end of games because they are trailing and because their running game is virtually nonexistent. The mid-week trade for Carolina linebacker Jon Beason, who just lost his starting job to former Giant- Chase Blackburn- may refresh the underwhelming linebacking corps, but is unlikely to provide the jolt necessary to get this team off the schneid.

Where They’re Going

So what can we expect from this team moving forward? Unfortunately, it’s likely to be more of the same. The last two weeks have been considered must win games for the Giants. And with their backs against the wall, with desperate times calling for desperate measures, and every other ‘need to win this week’ cliche that you can think of, what did the Giants do? They got blown out by a margin of 69-7. With the next four games bookended by their rivals in Philadelphia, a game in Chicago against a dangerous Bears team, and home for the Vikings, it’s certainly conceivable that the Giants find themselves in a 1-7 rut heading into their Week 9 bye.

Fortunately though, with the parity of mediocrity that sits in a surprisingly poor NFC East, all hope is not lost. The team will have to cut it’s turnovers and put up some points over the course of the next month, which is indisputable, especially against this schedule. But with the Cowboys atop the division at 2-2 (who face the superhuman Broncos this week) and the Eagles and Redskins hardly looking unbeatable at 1-3, somehow, the Giants are STILL in this thing. Although in all honesty, with so much having gone wrong already, it’s hard to imagine this team all of a sudden beginning to open up running lanes, protect quarterback Eli Manning, control the clock, force turnovers and sacks, stop turning the ball over, and (gulp) actually win games. The team needs to turn back the clock to fundamental football if they have any chance of salvaging the 2013 campaign. Time will tell if the impossible is possible as there has never been a team to begin the year 0-4 and win a Super Bowl. While we’ve learned not to ever count out a team coached by Tom Coughlin, odds are that this team will be choosing in the top ten in next year’s NFL Draft. The Giants need to take the remainder of the season one game at a time. And it starts at home this Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles.

My Preseason 2013 New York Giants Prediction: 8-8

- Tim Sachs

While their stadium mates have commanded the much of the collective attention of New York for most of the offseason, the New York Giants were hardly ho hum in the time between the conclusion of their playoff-less 9-7 finish and the conclusion of this summer’s training camp. Much of the talk revolved around the contract situation of breakout wide receiver Victor Cruz, put to bed with a five year, $43 million extension in July. But the ‘will he stay or will he go’ Cruz was hardly the sole question mark looming over a team that sputtered to a 3-5 finish after a strong 6-2 start. Inconsistent play on both sides of the ball as the year wound down marred an otherwise promising start as the offense failed to generate much on the scoreboard and the defensive front disappointed with their lack of a pass rush. But the team’s recent success overall cannot be overlooked as the Giants haven’t had a losing season since 2004- head coach Tom Coughlin’s first season and the last before starting quarterback Eli Manning took over. Despite the team’s end of season struggles, an above .500 record in the parity-laden NFL is nothing to sneeze at, and although some injuries this offseason have certainly provided certain setbacks, the team remains poised for another run at the NFC East.

The Roster Makeover

Before we look ahead though, it’s important to take note of the how the team’s roster has changed year over year- and unfortunately, it’s not good. Two of last season’s offensive weapons- running back Ahmad Bradshaw (Indianapolis Colts) and Martellus Bennett (Chicago Bears)- both of whom had career years in 2012, have departed. The latter has been replaced by Oakland Raiders’ pass catching tight end Brandon Myers, a suitable substitute certainly, but hardly the playmaker that Bennett had been. Defensively meanwhile, the team added Cullen Jenkins to a defensive line whose starters managed just a combined 20.5 sacks a year ago. Otherwise, the 2013 Giants seem to be relying on their in-house options to emerge.

5’10″, 205 pound Running back David Wilson becomes the full time workhorse in a backfield that for years has relied upon as many as three different running backs to share duties. His backup Andre Brown suffered a broken leg in training camp and begins the season on injured reserve, but he’s able to begin practicing with the team after six weeks of inactivity and healing. The team’s receiving corps return mostly in tact with Dominik Hixon replaced by former Oakland Raider Louis Murphy, as does both the offensive and defensive lines, and in the secondary. The biggest changeover comes in the linebacking unit as two of the Giants’ leading tacklers from last year Chase Blackburn and Michael Boley have been replaced by the likes of Dan Connor (Cowboys) and Spencer Payslinger, neither of whom is expected to revolutionize the position. The team’s biggest blow happens to be to another Brown on the other side of the ball as safety Stevie Brown whose 8 interceptions last year led the team, was lost in training camp and placed on injured reserve with a knee injury.

The Division

Although coaching is certainly the Giants’ strong suit, the remainder of the NFC East isn’t getting any weaker. In fact, it’s conceivable for each team to make a legitimate case for itself winning the division, expected to be among the league’s most competitive. The Redskins welcome back star quarterback Robert Griffin III for his second season, following offseason knee surgery; the Eagles and first year head coach Chip Kelly of Oregon will bring an entirely innovative offense to Philadelphia with quarterback Michael Vick seeking a return to form and back at the helm; and the always dangerous Cowboys led by Tony Romo, who had nearly 5,000 passing yards a season ago surrounded by perhaps the league’s most offensive weapons, each have variables that make them potential favorites heading into 2013. Big Blue however, has remained less flashy, staying true to form, indicative of their militant head coach, and poised to continue their pattern nearing a decade long of winning.

The Outlook

With less firepower on offense, the 2013 New York Giants have to hope that their stud players – Manning, Wilson, Cruz, Hakeem Nicks, and Myers – all stay healthy and perform as expected. Because of the team’s dearth of depth, anything less will lead to a disappointing season and another missed playoff run. Judging by the team’s schedule though, the NFL surely isn’t doing them any favors. With out of division match ups against 2012 playoff teams like the Seahawks, Broncos, Packers, and Vikings, plus tough road trips to Kansas City, Carolina and Chicago, the New York Giants certainly have their work cut out for them. We’re willing to give the team the benefit of the doubt in their division and give them a 4-2 record but just 4-6 the rest of the way as the team plays down to the level of some of their lowly opponents, losing games that they should win outright. Be prepared for a year of ups and downs Giants fans.

My 2013 New York Giants Prediction: 8-8

- Tim Sachs

Arts & Culture

All Weekend Long – Listen folks. It’s the Holiday Season and you live in the greatest city in the world. Take each free moment you have this weekend to explore the boroughs and be the tourist you secretly keep hidden away. Take in a Broadway show during the day, and check out the Rockefeller Christmas Tree at night.  It just doesn’t get much better then that. 

Sports

Sunday, December 9th – Can Eli and the Giants blow out the New Orleans Saints again this year? Or with the boys from the gulf coast surprise us all and crush big blue. Only one way to find out! (New York Giants)

Music & Entertainment

Friday, December 7th – Movie release day. Quiet night tonight? Check out these two easy going flicks coming out today! First up, Gerard Butler stars as a down on his luck former soccer player in, “Playing for Keeps” (PG-13). The romantic comedy also stars Jessica Biel. America’s favorite funny man, Bill Murray returns to the silver screen in a completely different role in, “Hyde Park on Hudson” (R). This time around the former Ghostbuster plays President FDR. We can’t wait for this!

Friday, December 7th – You know it’s that time of year when the teeny bopper’s head to Madison Square Garden for the Z100′s annual, “Jingle Ball” concert. This year’s performers include Justin Bieber, Taylor Swift, The Wanted, One Direction, Jason Mraz, and more! (Ticketmaster)

Nightlife

Saturday, December 8th – It’s the, “Holiday Glitter Collection” by Pamela Quinzi fashion show and party at DUO Restaurant & Lounge. Admission is free with RSVP to degoffice@gmail.com (DEG Production)

Other

Friday, December 7th – Celebrate the winter season in style while saving lives! Join Friends of St. Jude for the 6th Annual St. Jude Winter Gala and support St. Jude in the fight against childhood cancer, the search for cures and the passion for saving children. (St. Jude Winter Gala)

Saturday, December 8th – It’s time to shop, at night! Yes you read that right. It’s the, “Gowanus Nite Market” an extremely unique venue for shopping, eating, drinking and partying! All of this fun kicks off this Saturday night, and then will continue on the second Saturday of each month. Click over to their website to RSVP. (Gowanus Nite Market) 

And as Always, Droid users- make sure to Download the official LocalBozo.com App for FREE from Google Play (formerly the Android Market)! Get all the information we can fit onto your smart phone, NOW!

Arts & Culture

Saturday, November 3rd -”Looking Glass” by Allison Rufrano  is a solo exhibition of color photographs, where the artist captures subjects she has encountered on the busy streets of her favorite cities including New York, Boston and Venice, Italy. (Foto Foto Gallery)

Sports

Sunday, November 4th – Eli and the Giants head home to Metlife Stadium this Sunday to take on Big Ben Roethlisberger and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Will, “Big Blue” keep their streak alive? Buy, the ticket take the ride! (New York Giants)

Music & Entertainment

Friday, October 26th – Movie release day. Quiet night tonight? Check out these two flicks coming out today. Robert Zemeckis returns to live action direction after a decades long hiatus on, “Flight” (R). The film tells the story of an airline pilot (Denzel Washington) who saves a flight from crashing, but an investigation into the malfunctions reveals something troubling.

Saturday, November 3rd – Once Eric Clapton gives you a pass you’re cool in my book. In record time, Gary Clark Jr. has exploded onto the soul guitar scene like none other. Start your November out with some sick licks to help you forget about Sandy. (Bowery Ballroom)

Nightlife

Saturday, November 3rd - La Zarza will be hosting a Hurricane Sandy relief benefit with music by DJ Ian Hamilton and Section 1. All proceeds will support areas affected by the storm. (La Zarza)

Other

Saturday, November 3rd – Join the fight against AIDS with the Red Ribbon Foundation’s latest biennial, SAFE sex, drugs & rock n’roll, featuring a performance by rock luminaries Cheap Trick and honoring longtime Howard Stern producer Gary Dell’Abate and renowned AIDS researcher Dr. Jeffrey Laurence. Chaired by Jen Danzi. (SAFE)

And as Always, Droid users- make sure to Download the official LocalBozo.com App for FREE from Google Play (formerly the Android Market)! Get all the information we can fit onto your smart phone, NOW!

Arts & Culture

Friday, October 19th – Once the rain stops falling it’s time to get your culture on! Make your way to the free,”Empire State of Mind Art & Fashion Event.” Acclaimed artist, ErocksNY will unveil her 2012 collection while designer Talia Tyree-Clark Fashion Launch! (DEG Productions )

Sports

Sunday, October 21st – The G-Men return to MetLife Stadium on Sunday to take on the Washington Redskins. Do Eli and the boys have what it takes to crush this almost evenly matched team? (New York Giants)

Music & Entertainment

Friday, October 5th – Movie release day. Quiet night tonight? Check out these two flicks coming out today. It’s a frightful weekend at the cinema loaded with ghosts and murder! The found footage horror continues with, “Paranormal Activity 4″ (PG-13). Critics are saying it’s the scariest one yet, or maybe they are simply whistling through the graveyard! Next up, “Alex Cross” (PG-13), a murder-mystery starring, “Madea” himself Tyler Perry. Might have to skip that one. We will see you at the movies!

Sunday, October 21st – Do you believe in a thing called love? If so, you need to be front row center this Sunday at Terminal 5 when glam rock revivalists, “The Darkness” tear the roof off the joint! That’s right, singer Justin Hawkins is back and they are kicking serious butt! Arrive early and check out NYC favorites, “The Dirty Pearls.” (Terminal 5)

Nightlife

Saturday, October 20th – Myspace, which still exists apparently hits NYC in a major way this Saturday with a show featuring Chromeo and Questlove performing DJ sets. (TriBeCa Grand )

Other

Saturday, October 20th – Roll out the barrel, its, “Das Best Oktoberfest” at L.A. Venue right here in NYC! That’s right for one day, ticket holders will have the choice of two sessions (afternoon and evening) to consume unlimited beer from around the world, purchase authentic German Brats, and dance the day away to toe tapping Oomph music! But unless you were the lucky LocalBozo.com reader who won our tickets today, you’ll have to purchase any of the remaining passes in cash at the door cause this puppy’s almost sold out. (Das Best Oktoberfest)

Sunday, October 21st -After nearly a week of marrying eating and movies together the highly innovative, “NYC Food Film Festival” comes to a close. Dry your eye, because Sunday’s, “The Lowcountry Oyster Roast” ends the festivities on a very high note! Guests will enjoy five cool films while chowing down on all-you-can-eat Bulls Bay oyster roast and a sideboard of Classic Lowcountry Dishes by Chef Robert Stehling of Charleston’s Hominy Grill. (NYC Food Film Festival)

And as Always, Droid users- make sure to Download the official LocalBozo.com App for FREE from Google Play (formerly the Android Market)! Get all the information we can fit onto your smart phone, NOW!

Arts & Culture

Saturday, October 6th – Sunday, October 7th – The annual architectural and interior design extravaganza, “Open House New York” in which landmarks, townhouses, businesses and sewage treatment plants open their doors for you to explore all weekend long. Brooklyn will open the doors of the classic Kings County Distillery for guided tours. (Open House New York)

Sports

Sunday, October 7th – The New York Giants face the Cleveland Browns at Metlife Stadium this Sunday. It’s the 48th regular season meeting between the two teams. Does the baby faced bruiser, Eli Manning have what it takes to pull off a win? Head to the stadium and find out. (New York Giants)

Music & Entertainment

Friday, October 5th – Movie release day. Quiet night tonight? Check out these two flicks coming out today. Liam Neeson returns as retired yet extremely deadly CIA agent Bryan Mills in the much anticipated follow up, “Taken 2″ (PG-13). This time around it’s Mills himself who is kidnapped. Let’s see if he can make it out of this pickle! Cult director, Tim Burton returns with a updated version of his classic, “Frankenweenie” (PG-13). This odd ball yet family friendly flick is sure to pack in the cinemas this weekend for some goofy frights just in time for Halloween!  

Friday, October 5th – In 2012 legendary alternative rockers, The Afghan Whigs reunited to much fanfare. Needless to say most of the corresponding reunion tour is totally sold out including tonight’s performance at Terminal 5. Don’t worry the venue is surrounded by a ton of scalpers who are more then happy to help you out! “The Whigs” will have the equally awesome Eagles of Death Metal as the opener. So if that’s not reason enough I don’t no what is. (Terminal 5)

Nightlife

Saturday, October 6th – “The Journey Begins” at Pacha NYC on Saturday night! Line up early or make a table reservation right now to lose your mind when Victor Calderone and very special guest Nicole Moudaber get behind the wheels of steel to unleash their intentional flare on the Manhattan dance fiends. (Pacha NYC)

Other

Friday, October 5th – Halloween month is finally upon us! And in keeping with our tradition of telling you about spirited events all over town, may we recommend tonight’s performance by world renowned Mentalist, Marc Salem in “Mind Escape.” Step right up to midtown’s magic headquarters, “Fantasma” to witness Mr. Salem display his unique talents in this exclusive interactive show! (Fantasma Magic)

Saturday, October 6th – It’s sophomore year for the Village Voice’s, “Brooklyn Pour!” For the second triumphant year over one hundred craft brewers will gather at the historic Skylight One Hanson building to serve thousands of beer aficionados! The best craft brews of the tri-state area and beyond will be represented, along with demonstrations, meet & greets, beer talks, food court and more. (Brooklyn Pour)

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