Friday, January 11, 2008

OffBeat News

Comedian and filmmaker Mark Malkoff had a dilemma — his New York City apartment was being fumigated for cockroaches and needed a temporary hideaway. His friend’s digs were too small and hotels were too costly, so what else would one do in his situation, but move into IKEA for a week?Mark unpacked his 2 suitcases into a spacious bedroom at the IKEA store in suburban New Jersey on Monday.

Once the store is closed at night, he said he’ll play laser tag with security guards and even plans to host a housewarming party.

”The fact that IKEA is letting me do this is mind-boggling.” said Mark, lounging on a bed in his new room. “There’s no way I’m going back. I love this way too much.”

IKEA will be allowing him to stay until the store closes at about midnight on Saturday.

Known for his 2007 video 171 Starbucks which documents his visits to all of the coffee chain’s Manhattan stores in a single day, Mark Malkoff works for Comedy Central’s The Colbert Report as the audience coordinator.

Mark contacted Julie Mott, the IKEA store manager about 3 weeks ago with his a proposal to move in. ”We thought it would be a lot of fun and interesting.” Mott said. “We’re not really sure what this week holds.”

But there are a few complications with the move-in — the sinks and toilets don’t work, nor the refrigerator, flat-screen TV or the washer and dryer. “Is anything real in this place?” he asked.
“He must shower in the staff locker room and will have access to the staff cafeteria to cook his own meals, if he chooses.” Mott said.

Fortunately for Mark, the IKEA display affords a more spacious living than his 2 bedroom Queens apartment.

“I feel like I’m on the set of ‘Friends.”‘ Mark said, adding that he has met a few new faux friends — customers who wandered into his new apartment.

His wife Christine is less than thrilled with his scheme and chose to stay with relatives in upstate New York instead. “For some reason, she doesn’t want to live in a store.” Mark said.

You can watch a video recap of his daily activities on his website Mar e Mark Lives in IKEA while he lives in the store 24/7 and will be eating all his meals in the restaurant — but he may order Domino’s take out once or twice.
Posted by Ajay :: 6:21 PM :: 0 comments

Post a Comment

---------------oOo---------------