EXPANDING MY SOCIAL NETWORKS: FROM MYSPACE TO FACEBOOK

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Internet, LOST, Social Networks

January 21, 2008

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I’ve had a MySpace page for almost two years now, and I’ve made some great virtual acquaintances who primarily share my interests in television, film, music and general pop culture. Like most people, I find MySpace to be fairly addictive; I constantly update my profile, subscribe to and read numerous blogs, and scroll through my friends’ pages. But here are the two main reasons I really enjoy MySpace: 1) a wider audience for my blog; I am able to post my entries there, and have added a large number of Lost fans to my distribution list as a result, and 2) many writers and actors from my favorite shows maintain their own pages and blogs, and that kind of accessibility is quite a treat for true fans.

Recently, my 17 year old niece suggested that I also create a Facebook page (thanks, Mags!).  I was initially hesitant because, in all honesty, I thought I was too old. However, after perusing various pages and noticing that far more of my college friends are on Facebook than MySpace, I decided to take the plunge. Besides, I love discovering fellow Lost friends from all corners, and Facebook provides me with new opportunities to do so.

Right now my Facebook page is under construction, and I’m not a fan of the layout and format just yet (at least compared to MySpace).  But I would love to add new friends to both Facebook and MySpace. If you’re a member of either and enjoy this blog and/or Lost, add me as a friend! I open every invite to see what we have in common, and only deny those that are obvious spam, porn or from a band/musician that isn’t up my alley (i.e. hair metal).

Facebook
MySpace

If you’re not on either social network or you’d like to be added to my Lost distribution list (to receive weekly Lost theories & thoughts following each episode, beginning with next week’s Season 4 premiere), simply send me an email to jo@jopinionated.com with the word LOST in the subject line.

I am curious to find out which of you have pages on either Facebook or MySpace, so don’t be shy. Go find and befriend me. I would also love to hear which you prefer, and why…

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SHAKEN, NOT STIRRED: IMMEDIATE REACTION TO ‘CLOVERFIELD’

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Film, LOST

January 19, 2008

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I just returned from a matinée viewing of Cloverfield. I am going to attempt to write a brief review, while processing why the film had such a strong physical affect on me. It was intense, and I literally fled the theater with a very uncomfortable knot in my stomach.

Cloverfield is an experience more than anything else, a visually violent ride that is not for those who are prone to motion sickness. Filmed entirely by handheld camera from the perspective of a group of friends in New York under attack from an unknown being, it is a tense, psychological adventure. But I certainly wouldn’t classify it as a horror movie; the film is more disturbing than terrifying (and not just because of the eerily familiar 9/11 NYC imagery).

I couldn’t begin to describe the actual ‘monster’ in Cloverfield, and I’m not sure that’s even an accurate word to characterize it. It did not resemble Godzilla or any other movie monster/alien hybrid we’ve ever seen before. When we were finally treated to a close-up of the nameless behemoth, my jaw dropped and I responded with a whispered “Oh, shit! Wow.”

Everyone involved with the creation of Cloverfield is connected to producer J.J. Abrams. The movie was written by Drew Goddard (Lost, Alias, Angel, Buffy) and directed by Matt Reeves (Felicity). I think it was a very bold choice to put Reeves at the helm of what must have been one hell of a production, and quite clever to equip the relatively unknown cast with cameras for most of the footage.

I’d heard rumors that there were a few subtle nods to Lost fans in Cloverfield, but the only one I noticed was the casting of Chris Mulkey (see photo below) in a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it role as a military lieutenant. He is the character actor who played the leader of the pot farmers in last season’s Locke-centric flashback (“Further Instructions”). He also briefly appeared as the jerk who replaced Coach Taylor on Friday Night Lights earlier this season.

Did I love Cloverfield? I’m not sure yet. This one will take a while to absorb. Would I recommend it? Yes. But not for young kids or even early teens. Or for the easily queasy. The Blair Witch Project was NOTHING compared to this. Not even close.

I’d love to hear what others thought of it. Feel free to share after you see it!

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WHAT TO DO UNTIL 1/31/08: SUGGESTIONS FOR THOSE WHO ARE ‘LOST’

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Film, LOST, Television

January 15, 2008

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Season 4 of Lost is fast approaching. Eight brand new episodes in a row, beginning January 31.

The countdown has begun, and the fanboys and girls are restless. So here are some fun suggestions for the Lost masses to entertain themselves in the meantime.

  1. Go see Cloverfield this weekend, and support J.J. Abrams. He’s like our L. Ron Hubbard, except far less creepy. And much more alive. 
  2. Throw a Lost theme party where character costumes are mandatory, and invite your favorite blogger so she can take photos and interview the guests (I’m talking to you, Jaime!).
  3. Channel your inner Martha; make and bake homemade Fish Biscuits and dream about shirtless sweaty Sawyer in the cage. Or dressed up and dirty Kate, who, according to the shirtless sweaty stud, tastes like strawberries.
  4. Rent or buy Season 3 on DVD, and host your very own marathon. The bonus features and commentaries are AWESOME, by the way.
  5. Catch up with Hurley in real life. Read Jorge Garcia’s blog.
  6. Watch a sneak peak of a scene from the new season AND a recap of all 3 seasons in the Hurley-inspired/numbers-cursed time of 8 minutes, 15 seconds here.
  7. Obsess about and overanalyze the new Lost promo (pictured above), which features the reflection of a modern city skyline in the water.
  8. Watch videos, follow clues and play along on Find815.
  9. Google the new Lost cast members: Jeremy Davies (Saving Private Ryan), Jeff Fahey (Lawnmower Man), Ken Leung (X-Men: The Last Stand), Rebecca Mader (The Devil Wears Prada), and Lance Reddick (The Wire).
  10. Create a Lost contest on your blog or at your office, and reward the person who can guess the exact number of times that Michael has yelled “Walt!” in three seasons combined. Bonus points for the person who correctly estimates how many times he wails for his son again after his return this season.

So update your calendars and set your TiVO or DVR, because here are the titles and air dates of all 8 new episodes:

  • Episode 4.1: The Beginning of the End (1/31/08)
  • Episode 4.2: Confirmed Dead (2/7/08)
  • Episode 4.3: The Economist (2/14/08)
  • Episode 4.4: Eggtown (2/21/08)
  • Episode 4.5: The Constant (2/28/08)
  • Episode 4.6: The Other Woman (3/6/08)
  • Episode 4.7: Ji Yeon (3/13/08)
  • Episode 4.8: Untitled/TBD (3/20/08)

Bring. It. On. Are you with me?

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NERD ALERT! GET YOUR ‘LOST’ FIX HERE

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Internet, LOST, Television

January 4, 2008

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I know I’m not the only one who geeks out whenever the new LOST promos air on TV. And I also know that there are thousands out there who are also counting down the days until Season 4 premieres on January 31.

So here are a few ways to entertain yourselves in the meantime…

Start by watching the video on Fly Oceanic Air. Then go to the interactive Find 815 site, where you watch another video and then follow the clues and story.

Apparently, there are actual Oceanic Air billboards up in Portland right now. That is an expensive marketing campaign, my friends. I am impressed.

Oh, and Oceanic Airlines put out a fake press release last week, announcing their return to service. The most interesting part of it is the list of new destinations (many of which are related to LOST survivors and flashbacks, and some of which probably tie into the new season): 

Los Angeles, CA
Tustin, CA
Ames, IA
Miami, FL
New York, NY
Portland, OR
Knoxville, TN
Seoul, South Korea
Sydney, Australia

In other LOST news, you can watch an 8 minute, 15 second review of the entire series so far on ABC.com, as well as every single episode of the first 3 seasons, now streaming in HD for free. But remember – the writers of those episodes do not receive ANY compensation for their work when it airs online (support the writer’s strike; boycott online viewing until it settles!).

Ok then, what are you waiting for?

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MY TOP 12 TV MOMENTS/EPISODES/CHARACTERS OF 2007

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Grey's Anatomy, LOST, Television

December 20, 2007

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In no particular order, here are the shows, episodes or characters which made my 2007 as an avid fan of the small screen. Please – feel free to leave yours in the comments section!

CHENOWITH & CHI OF THE PIE

These two are my favorite characters on Pushing Daisies; they get most of the best lines and laughs. I’ve always liked Chi McBride and am impressed with his great comic timing. But Tony-award winning pixie Kristin Chenowith steals the show, in my opinion.  She is perfectly cast in this quirky little series, and I look forward to her every week.

QUEEN POTTY MOUTH


 
In season one of Dexter, I was not a fan of Debra Morgan. But actress Jennifer Carpenter completely changed my mind in season two, and I have grown to absolutely love Debra and her penchant for foul language on every occasion. Like Deadwood and the frequent use of the word c*cksucker, it just seems natural coming from that source.

DANSON’S DAMAGES



Ted Danson deserves a Golden Globe, an Emmy and every other type of accolade for his astonishing portrayal of corporate monster Arthur Frobisher on Damages. Talk about a career resurgence.

MAD MEN & WOMEN: THE HAIR/WARDROBE/SET DESIGN

I could have watched the entire first season of Mad Men on mute, because the hair & makeup, wardrobe and set design were presented with stunning detail and accuracy.

30 ROCK GOES GREEN

 

The “Greenzo” episode of 30 Rock was my favorite of any sitcom this year. The only other half hour show that makes me laugh out loud as much on a weekly basis is The Office, but even that series could not live up to 30 Rock this season.

WONDER WOMAN, THE SCIENTIST


 
Watching Emily Deschanel attempt to act like her typically tightly wound self on Bones while donning a Wonder Woman costume was, in a word, awesome. The bonus was her little superhero spin move at the very end of the episode. Apparently she was up for the lead role in Joss Whedon’s big screen adaptation of Wonder Woman at one point, which makes me appreciate her effort just that much more. Of course Whedon left that project due to creative differences, so I’m happy that Deschanel won’t be a part of it after all.

LOCKE BOX

Most people would probably list the season finale flash-forward shocker as their top Lost moment of this year, but the reveal of John Locke’s dad in box on the island and the subsequent revenge that Sawyer finally tastes was my favorite story and resolution of the entire series thus far.

DON’T STOP…

It is an obvious choice, but I still believe that the finale of The Sopranos ranks second only to Six Feet Under‘s as the best ending to a series ever.

ONE OF THE BOYS

Welcome to Seattle Grace, Brooke Smith. You are one of the only reasons that I still watch Grey’s Anatomy, and I hope to find that that your character successfully avoids all of the hospital man candy after the writer’s strike has been resolved.

FUNNY & DRUNK: THE NEW BFF

Jennifer Esposito, who knew you had it in you? Your role as the inebriated sidekick on Samantha Who keeps me tuned in. I hope to see you in more scenes with the fabulous Jean Smart in future episodes.

HOUSE IS THE NEW SAWYER

Dr. House has given Lost‘s Sawyer a run for his money as the King of Nicknames. I was not a huge fan of the intern storyline on House this season, but I have to admit that I loved it when House referred to Dr. Cole as Big Love.

JUST JAN



Oh Melora Hardin, how I love thee. While others focused their energy on Jim and Pam at The Office, I stayed loyal to you this season. Because really, sister, you stole the show every time you appeared, and I admire your ability to keep a straight face opposite Carell.

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SAVE THE DATE: ‘LOST’ KICKS OFF NEW SEASON ON 1/31/08!

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LOST, Television

December 14, 2007

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Finally, some news that is music to my eyes this week. According to one of my favorite TV columnists, Kristin Dos Santos from E! online, ABC will air the first of the 8 completed episodes of Lost beginning on Thursday, January 31 at 9pm.

Yes, this will be a new date and time for our beloved show, and yes, that is a time slot where Lost would have to compete with both Grey’s Anatomy and CSI. But due to the writer’s strike, Lost will be a party of one for a while. I am very happy to be able to watch the show at 9pm rather than 10pm, and considering that it was rumored to be moving to Monday nights, I don’t mind the move at all. And as a special bonus, we will be getting the first episode of Season 4 a week earlier than previously announced.

I highly recommend revisiting season 3 of Lost on DVD, which features stellar performances from Elizabeth Mitchell and Matthew Fox, among others (no pun intended). I am hoping to post a lengthy blog with lingering questions from Season 3 as we enter Season 4, but it seems like a daunting and lofty goal at this moment in time. I will play it one day at a time, but have no plans to abandon my Lost obsession, nor will I ever grow tired of sharing theories about each episode.

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