Hi Again: A Very Random Pop Culture Update

JOpinionated — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 02:17:00 +0000

I owe you an apology, again. Every intention of updating this site on a much more frequent basis has fallen victim to time, travel and Lost over the last several weeks. But this site is my real baby; my original blog of almost 5 years, and what will continue to be home base once Lost ends forever in May.

Because I have been negligent for far too long, I thought I would briefly address what has been going on in my pop culture world and provide appropriate links if you’re interested in additional details.

I just returned from a weekend in Buenos Aires and week in Santiago, Chile (visiting family; see video at bottom of post). To escape thunderstorms one afternoon, we went to see An Education. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it, particularly the performance of Carey Mulligan. While I believe that she completely deserves her Best Actress nod, I don’t think that she stands a chance against Meryl and Sandra this year. And to be honest, I do not agree with the film’s inclusion as a Best Picture nominee. But don’t get me started about the fact there are now 10 in that category…

At the end of January, I went to Oahu for the Lost Season 6 premiere on the beach, interviewing cast and crew while reporting for TVovermind.

While on the red carpet, I had the opportunity to interview Michael Emerson’s wife, actress Carrie Preston. Stay tuned for audio from that conversation, as we discuss her role as Arlene in the third season of True Blood!

I am currently hosting a Haiti relief fundraiser on my Lost site, giving away memorabilia to those who donate $10 or more to Partners in Health (in conjunction with Mo Ryan from the Chicago Tribune, who is also auctioning off various TV items for the cause via eBay).

In anticipation of new episodes of the stellar series Southland (beginning March 2 on its new network: TNT), here is a look behind the scenes of the show. I will be receiving a screener shortly and plan to preview it here for you before it airs.

To celebrate the new movie The Crazies, a reinvention of the George Romero horror classic starring Timothy Olyphant (opening on February 26 in theaters), I will be giving away a set of limited-edition The Crazies comic books very soon!

Thank you to those of you who entered the Secret Diary of a Call Girl DVD and book giveaway; I will ship out the prizes to the winners this week.

One of my favorite new shows of the last several years, Nurse Jackie, returns for a second season on March 22. Here is the trailer. Jump on board; I guarantee you won’t regret it. Twilight fans, you will love Peter Facinelli in this series – check out Dr. Coop’s Video Diary.

And here is your first look at the sophomore season of my other favorite new show in recent memory, United States of Tara. Joey Lauren Adams joins the cast, and the series also returns on March 22.

Thank you for your patience, whether you are fairly new to this site or have been visiting for several years. I look forward to hearing from YOU; feel free to leave comments and/or feedback below!

Own House’s Cane, Attend Family Guy Table Read & More: Bid Now! Emmy Auction Benefits Education

JOpinionated — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 14:05:00 +0000

House fans, now is your chance to snag a custom cane, autographed by Hugh Laurie. Family Guy enthusiasts, you can bid on the very unique opportunity to attend a cast Table Read. These are just two of the many television-related items and experiences up for grabs in the Emmy Auction currently taking place on eBay through September 3:

Autographed memorabilia from cast members of Breaking Bad, The Cleaner, Damages, Grey’s Anatomy, The Mentalist, The Office, Rescue Me, Saving Grace and more
Emmy dresses designed by Christian Siriano and Lauren Conrad
Front Row Seats to the Emmy’s Red Carpet, and Red Carpet Bleacher seats to the Screen Actors Guild Awards
Set Visits to The Bold & The Beautiful, Medium, Melrose Place, Monk and Young & the Restless
Tickets to Emmy Awards + HBO After-Party
Tickets to the So You Think You Can Dance Finale
VIP Tickets to The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, The Jay Leno Show, Jimmy Kimmel Live and The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien
VIP Tickets to the Tournament of Roses Parade

One hundred percent of the proceeds from this auction benefit the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Foundation, which develops and sponsors educational and archival programs. As both a professional archivist and huge fan of the television industry, I am very happy to support this non-profit organization.

Bid early and often; the auction ends next week! The 61st Primetime Emmy Awards air on Sunday, September 20.

TV Write Now » Charity

Hi Again: A Very Random Pop Culture Update

Own House’s Cane, Attend Family Guy Table Read & More: Bid Now! Emmy Auction Benefits Education