I have created a few related quizzes for the occasion, with gift cards and cool Lost and Comic-Con prizes to give away (as well as Matt Nathanson CDs and merchandise). 

So grab a friend and come on down to the 55 Degree Wine cellar lounge to say hello on October 16, have a glass of vino and chat with other people who speak our pop culture language! Light snacks will be provided, and there will be a no-host cash bar for the wine.

If you’re planning to attend, please RSVP to jo@jopinionated.com. I look forward to seeing and meeting you!

Although I have not seen all of his films, these are the ones in which I remember him fondly (most of which were not considered ‘hits’)…

Absence of Malice [1981]
Directed by and co-starring Sydney Pollack, this is easily my favorite Newman film of all time. An intense newsroom thriller; his chemistry with Sallie Field is incredible. Newman received a Best Actor nod.

Harry & Son [1984]
I have no idea why this father-son drama touched me so much when I was younger, but I watched it every time it aired on cable. Co-starring Robby Benson.

The Hudsucker Proxy [1994]
An underrated Coen Brothers film. And the one where serious thespians Newman, Tim Robbins and Jennifer Jason Leigh were actually…damn funny.

Road to Perdition [2002]
I’m still not sure why this one wasn’t more successful at the box office.  Newman received a Best Supporting Actor nomination for his role in this dark tale of family loyalty. From director Sam Mendes, co-starring Tom Hanks and Daniel Craig.

Empire Falls [2005]
A very well produced HBO miniseries with a stellar cast (Newman & Woodward, Ed Harris, Helen Hunt, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Robin Wright Penn and Aidan Quinn).  Newman received both an Emmy and a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor.

Of course he was more well known for and fantastic in Cool Hand Luke, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Sting, The Color of Money (for which he received his only Oscar – Best Actor) and Cars (as the voice of Doc).

But perhaps the most impressive characteristic of Paul Newman was his amazing generosity. Long before the days of well publicized celebrity adoptions and financial contributions to various causes, Newman created a very successful company (Newman’s Own) whose profits are donated entirely to charity. His philanthropy was unprecedented and his spirit will be missed.

After you watch the Season 2 premiere, come back and let me know what you think!

Thursday, September 25

UGLY BETTY
ABC
8pm

THE OFFICE
NBC
9pm

GREY’S ANATOMY
ABC
9pm

[Sidenote: I wrote about Callie & Hahn after the season finale, which clearly touched a nerve; the number of hits and emails were surprisingly high. I stand by my initial reaction and support of their relationship, even though that does not appear to be the popular consensus.]

Sunday, September 28

DEXTER
SHO
9pm

BROTHERS & SISTERS
ABC
10pm

Ok, Reality TV Host Emmy:

Emmy: Jeff Probst – wow! Kind of a surprise, but he’s been hosting Survivor for so damn long.

He doesn’t seem in the least bit surprised.

Mary Tyler Moore, there is no one like you. I loved watching her and Carol Burnett.

Has she always been that skinny?

Betty White looks exactly the same!

I also loved watching the Golden Girls because each of them reminded me of my very cool grandma.

Comedy Series:

Curb Your Enthusiasm
Entourage
The Office
30 Rock
2.5 Men

Emmy: 30 Rock. It’s a sweep! Fey and Baldwin, now this. So great!

Tom Selleck. The ‘stache is intact.

Drama Series:

Boston Legal
Damages
Dexter
House
Lost
Mad Men

Emmy: Mad Men!  It’s nice to see the cast in real clothes.

Nicely done, AMC.

This season is SO much better, so my  beloved Lost has serious competition again next year.

Wow, an awards show that ends on time?

Overall, kind of a yawner and few surprises but I always enjoy seeing my favorite shows nominated and their casts and crew in person.

As for Lost, shut out again. Big sigh of sad face.

Thank you SO much to those who actually read these rambling live-blogs!!

Feel free to leave comments of your own with thoughts about the show and winners.

This is fun and it certainly helps the three hours pass, but I’m starting to feel delusional.

Conversation with self:

Me; Hi, is this interesting to anyone but you?
Me: What, the Emmys or your blogs?
Me: Your blogs.
Me: No idea.

And we’re back to the show.

Hi Kiefer. Your name rhymes with reefer.

Actor in a Drama Series:

Byrne, In Treatment
Cranston, Breaking Bad
Hall, Dexter
Hamm, Mad Men
Laurie, House
Spader, Boston Legal

Emmy: Cranston! NO Way. This is a HUGE night for cable television. Good for him! Wow. Tim Goodman at the SF Chronicle is going to be SO happy. He has been rooting for Cranston for this win since day one.

I really wanted Hall to win for Dexter, but I think it’s great and obviously need to start watching Breaking Bad.

AMC is thrilled right now. It’s not just about Mad Men anymore.

Brooke Shields and Craig Ferguson. Riiight.

Actress in a Comedy Series:

Applegate, SW
Ferrera, UB
Fey, 30 Rock
Louis-Dreyfus, Old Christine
Louise-Parker, Weeds

Emmy: Tina Fey! Not a surprise, and she deserves all of these accolades.

Jimmy Kimmel. Where’s Matt Damon?

Oh crap, Reality Show Host time.  YES, we get it, it’s a new category.

Emmy: um really, announcing it after the break??