These are the only rules for the meme: share 7 facts about yourself (some random and/or weird) on your site, and then tag seven people at the end of the post by leaving links to their sites.

It was a challenge to think of seven vaguely pop culture related experiences (my choice; not a requirement) to share, but here are mine:

1. Close Encounters of the Celebrity Kind
Random celebrities I’ve met in person include poet Maya Angelou, pitcher Bert Blyleven, 3rd baseman Aaron Boone & catcher Bob Boone, author Max Brooks, singer Shawn Colvin, E! reporter Giuliana DePandi, actress Vera Farmiga, actor Michael Keaton, author Doris Lessing, singer Matt Nathanson, Rosie O’Donnell, actress Lori Petty, singer Bonnie Raitt, The Apprentice season 1 winner Bill Rancic, Olympic gold medalist Mary Lou Retton, actress Katey Sagal, Heroes artist Tim Sale, 1/2 of the Indigo Girls – Emily Saliers, pitcher Fernando Valenzuela and singer Suzanne Vega. I’m sure there are more from my days in Southern California, but I’m having trouble recalling right now.

2. One Time, at Band Camp…
I played the clarinet briefly.  After junior high l I thought I was too cool to be in the band, so I quit (only to realize that being part of the drama club wasn’t much of a social climb up from there). Thankfully, being on the varsity soccer team and a member of student government improved my status over the years.

3. Extra, Extra!
One summer during college, I worked as an extra on the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers near Los Angeles. I had to keep 10-12 different outfits in my car every day, none of which could conflict with the 5 leads; Red, Yellow, Blue, Pink, Black and Green were not an option. I spent a good deal of time standing around as a ‘friend of the Pink Ranger’ and she (Amy Jo Johnson, who would later star on Felicity) almost ran me over once in the parking lot on set. I’m pretty sure it was inadvertent.

4. Bonds, Barry Bonds
We were at PacBell Park in 2001 when he hit homerun numbers 71 and 72, breaking the single-season homerun record. One word: electric.
 
5. Prom Princess
Somehow, I was elected to the Prom Court during my senior year of high school. Yes, me.  To this day I’m convinced that it was some kind of practical joke.

6. I’m (So Not) Going to Disneyland
Growing up, our house was so close to Disneyland that we heard their fireworks every night at 9:30pm. I don’t miss that or the proximity. And FYI, we never referred to where we lived as The OC.

7. Screenings at Pixar
I have attended two education fundraisers featuring screenings of The Incredibles and Cars (before they premiered in theaters) at Pixar Animation Studios, both of which rank high among the greatest pop culture experiences of my life thus far.

I look forward to the day when gay marriage is simply referred to as marriage, when I have the opportunity to wed the love of my life and refer to her as my wife. Until that time, all I can do is educate and encourage.

So if you’re registered to vote in California…as you fill out your absentee ballot or when you get into that booth in a few weeks, all I ask is that you consider mine among the many perspectives about this proposition. 

For more information, please visit the official No on 8 site.

Thanks for ‘listening’ on the rare occasion when the personal supersedes the pop culture.

- Jo

And I wanted to thank you. Yes, you. For leaving comments, referring your friends, listening by reading and returning time and again. Without you I would quite literally be talking to myself on paper.

I realize that it can be a huge commitment for some to read blogs, let alone two of them. There are millions of others out there, thousands of which cover pop culture and Lost. I truly appreciate every set of eyes upon these pages.

Clearly, I’m feeling rather sentimental. In addition to the day’s online milestones, I decided it was time to share something of a more personal nature.

Without getting too detailed and entering TMI territory…in a few weeks I will be having major surgery to remove a non-cancerous mass that is 7.5 cm wide (imagine a small, filled water balloon) and obstructing essential areas. My friend Jaime has aptly assigned it a name – Fiona.  She is my ogre, and once we’ve parted ways, my life and health will greatly improve. I’ve never been a fan of Cameron Diaz anyway…

So I will be home for 4-6 weeks starting in early November; stay tuned for very random movie reviews and blog entries written while under the influence of (prescribed) meds. Once again I will turn to you for DVD recommendations, from fabulous indies to guilty pleasure comedies!

You all rock and allow me to roll. Thanks again, and see you soon.

- Jo

 
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!

There have been several hot button political issues, people and songs in the spotlight recently, and due to the frequent nature of inquiries directed my way, I thought it was time to address them all. Here and now. Why the hell not? I rarely delve into the personal, but I’m feeling particularly snarky and honest today.

Question 1:
Are you getting married now that it is legal in California?

Answer:
Perhaps. We’ve been together for over 11 years, and don’t want to get married just because we can. That being said, I cried when I saw this video of Ellen & Portia. So beautiful.

Political side note: please vote No on Prop 8 if you are a registered voter in the state of CA.  You may not know me personally, but why deny me the opportunity to finally marry the woman who shares my heart?

Question 2:
What do you think of the song “I Kissed a Girl” by Katy Perry?

Answer:
In college we had a term for what she is boasting about – LUG (lesbian until graduation).  It has become as common as the Freshman 15. Yawn. Although I will admit that the damn song is quite catchy.

Question 3:
Why don’t you write about Lindsay Lohan & Samantha Ronson?

Answer:
For the same reason you will never see me discuss hotel heiresses and the like; because I do not cover celebrity gossip, nor do I have any interest in perpetuating rumors about people. There are plenty of other sites out there to satiate such curiosities.

Question 4:
What do you think about Sarah Palin?

Answer:
As if you have to ask. Although her official stance on gay marriage and benefits for same-sex couples is vague at best, I’m not an idiot. She and McCain will eviscerate the path which people like Ellen and Bill Clinton paved for so many.  And don’t get me started with Palin’s offensive and egregious views on myriad other issues. This is not a political blog, so I’ll stop there.

—

So there you have it, a completely tangential entry which I’m sure I’ll regret in retrospect.

It’s been some time since I posted an update documenting the growth of my hair for my friend Jackie, and for Locks of Love. As requested, here is the current look:

From faux hawk to Wolverine to floppy awkward to…pre-Beatles/Dorothy Hamill in just under three months? Awesome. But I’m not complaining; I’m honored to grow my hair out for Jackie after she donated her own.

Tomorrow she embarks upon another very challenging journey as she begins treatment for what remains of Turk the Jerk (the tumor). Thoughts, prayers, virtual hugs and every other form of well wishes are directed Jackie’s way.

If any of you are interested in making a donation toward the cure for brain cancer (and all other types), please consider Stand Up To Cancer, an organization which she supports.