JOpinionated2008-12-01T23:31:55Zhttp://blog.jopinionated.com/atom.aspxQuick BlogcastThanks & Giving: 2008 in Retrospecttag:blog.jopinionated.com,2008-11-26:02fcb14f-b1f4-4cb0-b5c3-37787ce169a3JOpinionatedjo@jopinionated.com2008-11-26T16:19:51Z2008-11-26T14:15:00Z I'm a sentimental sap at times, and the holidays are no exception. This will be one of those rare entries where pop culture does not play a role.
Here is a look back at 2008 from my rear view mirror; what I am thankful for and what we have been able to give back.
THANKS
Family...
My mom & dad, brother, 98 year old grandmother, my NY aunt & uncle and cousins, my mother & father-in-law, 5 sisters-in-law, 4 brothers-in-law and 11 amazing nieces & nephews.
Health...
My 30 year old friend Jackie was diagnosed with a brain tumor this summer and after surgery, emerged from radiation and chemo with few side effects and a positive outlook. She has already returned to work. Her courage, strength and spirit are incredibly inspiring. We are very thankful for her health and to have her in our lives.
The gigantic 8.5cm mass that I had removed 3 weeks ago today was non-cancerous. I am almost fully recovered, and return to work myself on Monday.
Job...
I feel lucky to have one, and many of my co-workers will be friends for life.
Love...
Though we are very disappointed by the passage of Prop 8 here in California, we are thankful and blessed to have shared over 11 years with one another, and look forward to spending the rest of our lives together.
Passions/hobbies...
If I were not able to write and share, my life would not be the same. Thank YOU for being interested!
GIVING Every year we designate a few charitable and non-profit organizations to contribute to; we did not let the current economic climate affect our decision this year. Below are the ones we chose to support. I encourage you to explore and do the same in your area if at all possible before the end of the year, in any amount.
ARF (Animal Rescue Foundation) Rescuing and finding loving homes for abused and abandoned cats and dogs, as well as providing programs which bring the healing touch of animals to at-risk youth. Founded by former MLB coach Tony LaRussa.
CaringBridge Free, personalized websites that support and connect loved ones during critical illness, treatment and recovery.
GLAAD (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) Dedicated to promoting and ensuring fair, accurate and inclusive representation of people and events in the media as a means of eliminating homophobia and discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation.
Make-A-Wish Giving hope, strength and joy to children with life-threatening medical conditions.
Stand Up To Cancer Founded on the belief that there is now sufficient knowledge of the basic science of cancer and that technologies are available to allow the practical application and translation of even more basic science knowledge to patients with cancer; the successful application of this knowledge will result in more rapid advances in the treatment of patients and the prevention of cancer in those individuals who are at risk.
Writers Guild Foundation Industry Support Fund Provided members of the industry affected by the WGA Strike with emergency assistance for food, housing, transportation and medical expenses.
Happy holidays to you and your family.
Thank you for continuing to visit and read; I appreciate each and every one of you for doing so.
- Jo
]]>Gift Guide: Pop Culture Presents for $20 or Lesstag:blog.jopinionated.com,2008-11-25:7e8f94f6-cf8f-4f49-b2a0-fbc581dea933JOpinionatedjo@jopinionated.com2008-11-25T17:36:11Z2008-11-25T16:02:00Z We are all feeling the effects of the economy right now, and the holidays will be particularly challenging for some with regard to gift giving. So I have compiled a list of cool and affordable gifts for your favorite fanboy or girl, TV addict or film buff. Obviously there are thousands of choices out there, but here are just a few suggestions.
[Unless otherwise noted with a link, you can find all of these items on Amazon. Keep your eyes peeled for great online coupons from Borders and Barnes & Noble as well.]
APPAREL & ACCESSORIES
Dr. Leo Spaceman T-Shirt (30 Rock) $17.95 He's a fine doctor, and a pretty good dentist!
Edward Cullen's Replica Wristcuff (Twilight) $19.99 Seriously. You can purchase this man bracelet for your swooning daughter or girlfriend.
Top Chef logo cap $14.99, Bravo Shop For the top chef in your own kitchen or life.
BOOKS
The Bro Code Barney Stinson (How I Met Your Mother) $12.98, CBS.com I believe that the cover photo says it all.
Dead Until Dark (Southern Vampire Mysteries, No. 1) Charlaine Harris $7.99 Get to know Sookie Stackhouse and the other cast of characters from Harris' series, on which the new HBO show True Blood is based.
Heroes, Volume 1 Illustrated by Tim Sale $13.59 Regardless of how you feel about the television series now, this compilation of online comics that accompanied the first season is very cool.
Lost Ate My Life: The Inside Story of a Fandom Like No Other Jon Lachonis & Amy J. Johnston $13.57 If you or someone you know has ever posted on a Lost message board/forum or spends hours analyzing and discussing every episode, this is the perfect gift for them; a fantastic behind-the-scenes perspective about how one show has inspired an entire online community.
Roasting in Hell's Kitchen: Temper Tantrums, F Words and the Pursuit of Perfection Gordon Ramsay $11.16 Even if you haven't seen any of Chef Ramsay's shows, this is quite a fascinating autobiography.
Watchmen Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons $11.99 One of the most celebrated graphic novels of all time; you do not need to be a comic book aficionado to appreciate it. The film debuts next year - read this first.
DVDs
Can't Hardly Wait (10th Anniversary Edition) $17.99 One of the best 'guilty pleasure' teen movies around, featuring an ensemble cast of future television stars and character actors: Lauren Ambrose, Eric Balfour & Freddy Rodriguez (Six Feet Under), Selma Blair (Hellboy), Clea DuVall (Heroes), Jenna Elfman (Dharma & Greg), Ethan Embry (Sweet Home Alabama), Peter Facinelli (Dr. Cullen in Twilight), Donald Faison (Scrubs), Seth Green (Family Guy), Melissa Joan Hart (Sabrina the Teenage Witch), Jennifer Love Hewitt (Ghost Whisperer), Breckin Meyer* (Robot Chicken), Jerry O'Connell (Crossing Jordan), Chris Owen (American Pie trilogy), Erik Palladino (ER), Jaime Pressly (My Name is Earl), Sara Rue (Less Than Perfect), Jason Segel (How I Met Your Mother) and Sean Patrick Thomas (Save the Last Dance).
* Pop culture sidenote: Breckin Meyer is married to Can't Hardly Wait writer/director Deborah Kaplan.
Friday Night Lights $10.49 The excellent film that preceded the stellar television series, both of which are based on H.G. Bissinger's book of the same name.
The Office, Season 1 $19.98, NBC.com Watch Jim watch Pam, from the beginning.
Pushing Daisies: The Complete First Season $18.99 This gem of a show was recently canceled, but it is destined to become a cult classic.
MUSIC
Matt Nathanson: Some Mad Hope $10.99 I never pass on the opportunity to promote Matt's music. Even if he wasn't a very good friend of mine, I would own this CD. His songs have been featured on Eli Stone, Men in Trees, Private Practice and Scrubs.
OMFGG No. 1: Gossip Girl Soundtrack $14.99 An upbeat compilation with tracks from The Killers, Phantom Planet, The Ting Tings, Junkie XL and more.
TOYS & GAMES for Grownups
The Dude Abides: a Big Lebowski talking keychain $11.99 Clip this bad boy on when you go bowling or to the bar when you order a White Russian.
LOST Dharma Be@rbrick $15, Meltdown Comics What LOST fan wouldn't want this cute little Dharma bear figure on their desk?
Sex and the City Trivia Game $16.99 We all know someone who knows entirely too many details about Miranda, Charlotte, Carrie and Samantha. This should be right up their Manolo alley. --- And of course, here are a few items on my personal wish list of pop culture gifts:
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone - safe travels!
]]>Can't Fight the Twilighttag:blog.jopinionated.com,2008-11-23:ba43e6eb-874d-49b4-af2f-7efcb984f982JOpinionatedjo@jopinionated.com2008-11-23T11:38:49Z2008-11-23T10:30:00Z
We didn't intend to see Twilight last night; we wanted to see it eventually, but avoid the throngs of shrieking girls that would accompany this pop culture phenomenon during opening weekend. When I arrived at the theater early yesterday afternoon to buy us advance tickets for Quantum of Solace, I was surprised to see that none of the Twilight times had sold out (granted, we live in a sleepy suburb - but there are plenty of teenagers here!). After hearing that the lines weren't long to wait for good seats, I took a chance and purchased tickets for Twilight instead.
To our surprise, they allowed early birds in the theater an hour before the film started rather than making everyone wait in a line outside. And that's when it began...the palpable excitement emanating from gaggles of girls, proud and loud exclamations about Robert Pattinson's eyes and whether they prefer brooding vampire Edward or the cute and mysterious Jacob. Swoons and sighs. Giggles of glee. And I sat there absorbing it all, sharing occasional eye rolls with the parents who were chaperoning in large groups of tween BFFs.
Many people have asked me if reading Stephenie Meyer's first book of the series is essential before seeing the film. The quick answer is no. That being said, the movie is a very faithful adaptation of the book and I found myself looking forward to certain scenes because of how they would translate from page to screen.
PROs I was pleasantly surprised by the direction of Catherine Hardwicke (Thirteen, Lords of Dogtown); she was able to establish and maintain lead character/narrator Bella's surreal perspective throughout the film. We walk in her shoes through the dream state that her life becomes upon meeting Edward Cullen.
Everyone can attest to the fact that high school is an awkward time, complicated by love at first blush and unfamiliar lust. If there is one element that Meyer and Hardwicke both nail with great success, it is the blundering interaction between Bella and Edward...which account for a few appropriately cheesy and inadvertently funny moments on film.
Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson were perfectly cast and share an indisputable chemistry. I loved that Pattinson chose to portray Edward in a way that it was always unclear whether he wanted to kiss or kill Bella. However, my favorite relationship was actually between Bella and her father (played with quiet, understated grace by Billy Burke).
Without giving away a key scene, I will say that the confrontation between vampires toward the end was very well choreographed and executed, and it was easily the best sequence in the movie.
CON Honestly, the hair and make-up used to distinguish the Cullen family from the rest of the town was distracting - it was more Halloween costume than naturally pale vampire (in unflinching close ups, the caked on white powder was painfully obvious). It was announced that they are moving forward with the sequel (New Moon), and I have no doubt that they will improve upon this look.
Overall, Twilight was exactly what I expected and what it was billed as, a PG-13 love story for teens. There is no sex and very little violence; it is the antithesis of True Blood, the fantastic new HBO series. If you are forced to see it (whether escorting your teenager or being dragged by your friends), I think you will at least appreciate the in-theater enthusiasm and on-screen angst.
]]>ABC Minus 3: Dirty Sexy Money, Eli Stone & Pushing Daisiestag:blog.jopinionated.com,2008-11-20:493ffe47-4d25-4a81-9eee-bb468f0ae5d2JOpinionatedjo@jopinionated.com2008-11-20T19:29:26Z2008-11-20T18:26:00Z
It is not a great surprise, but I was very disappointed to learn that Dirty Sexy Money, Eli Stone and Pushing Daisies were all canceled today, according to many online entertainment news sources (including Ausiello and Kristin).
Of the three, my heart was firmly planted with the cast, crew and creative team behind Pushing Daisies. The show was far more than whimsical; it was a series with soul and great spirit.
I enjoyed Dirty Sexy Money for exactly what it was - a late night soap blessed with a fantastic ensemble cast and intriguing stories that successfully intermingled dysfunctional families with politics. And although I was a fairly late convert to Eli Stone, I thought that the series offered a unique and quirky blend of drama, humor and music.
Sigh.
My favorite show of all time (Lost) and several others that I TiVO every week (Brothers & Sisters, Grey's,Life on Mars, Private Practice, Samantha Who, Scrubs, Ugly Betty) are on ABC, so I'm not about to boycott an entire network. And I realize that the current financial situation affects the production costs of television shows. However, I am entitled to be
disgruntled with ABC because of beloved show cancellations and poor
decisions (how/why they fired Brooke Smith). So I am.
Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to have a slice of pie in honor of Bryan Fuller and his amazing show.
]]>Exclusive Preview 3: The Write Environment with Phil Rosenthal (Everybody Loves Raymond)tag:blog.jopinionated.com,2008-11-20:ac7dc85e-832d-4e17-9d7a-c0116f6b0a9fJOpinionatedjo@jopinionated.com2008-11-20T17:54:16Z2008-11-20T16:53:00Z
For my third sneak peek at the DVD series The Write Environment, I was very entertained by the interview with television writer/producer Phil Rosenthal.
First...a little background about Rosenthal, who is best known as the creator, executive producer and writer of Everybody Loves Raymond (1996-2005). He was also a series writer on Coach, and has been a contributing writer on several charity events for television (America: A Tribute to Heroes, Shelter From the Storm: A Concert for the Gulf Coast). He is married to actress Monica Horan, who played Amy MacDougall Barone on Everybody Loves Raymond.
Rosenthal graduated from Hofstra University with a degree in theater; he originally wanted to be an actor, and makes occasional appearances in small roles and cameos on TV and in film. In addition, his autobiography (You're Lucky You're Funny: How Life Becomes a Sitcom) was released in 2006.
Given that he won 2 Emmy awards and received 12 total nominations for his work on Everybody Loves Raymond, I should not have been surprised to learn that Phil Rosenthal is damn funny; I found myself laughing out loud several times while watching the DVD. It is definitely a change of pace from the interviews with Lindelof and Whedon, and Rosenthal offers an enlightening perspective about the nuances between writing comedy and drama.
Although Everybody Loves Raymond was based on Ray Romano's life, you can't help but notice the similarities between Romano and Rosenthal; comedic timing, facial expressions, sense of humor. To a certain extent, the openly neurotic Rosenthal is Larry David to Romano's Seinfeld.
His particular writing space is very different from the other writers thus far; Rosenthal prefers to write while on the couch or in bed, using a laptop and tray. His primary location to do so is a guest house that he had built for his parents, on whom he based the characters Marie and Frank Barone. But unlike Lindelof and Whedon, there is no pop culture memorabilia in that space; only the table and chairs that Marie and Frank used on the set of his show.
Rosenthal discusses his approach to writing jokes, his comedic influences and favorite contemporary series' (30 Rock, The Office). He also emphasizes the importance of writing from personal experience and incidents from your own life.
He is quite an engaging interview subject, infectiously enthusiastic and sincere about his craft and sitcom history. The DVD is available now through the official site and Amazon, and it is a must-see for all writers who endeavor to work in comedy.
An for a good laugh, make sure to check out this great video that he wrote for some guy named Bill Clinton.
]]>Exclusive Preview 2: The Write Environment with Joss Whedontag:blog.jopinionated.com,2008-11-19:e9b86d22-9d0b-48e8-b88e-eed2b6480dfeJOpinionatedjo@jopinionated.com2008-11-19T17:09:40Z2008-11-19T16:09:00Z
For my second sneak peek at the DVD series The Write Environment, I really enjoyed listening to and learning more about television and feature film writer Joss Whedon in Jeff Berman's one-on-one interview.
Before I delve into the content of the interview, I want to offer Whedon's chronological career timeline...
1989: story editor/writer on Roseanne 1990: co-producer/writer on Parenthood (1 season-sitcom; co-produced by Ron Howard, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, David Arquette, Ed Begley Jr. & Thora Birch) 1992: screenplay, Buffy the Vampire Slayer 1995: screenplay, Toy Story (collaboration w/3 others including Andrew Stanton) 1997: screenplay, Alien: Resurrection 1997-2003: creator/producer/director/writer, Buffy the Vampire Slayer (series) 1999-2004: co-creator/producer/director/writer, Angel (series) 2000: screenplay, Titan A.E. (collaboration w/2 others, including John August) 2001: treatment, Atlantis: The Lost Empire 2002-2003: creator/producer/director/writer, Firefly (series) 2004: creator/producer/writer: Buffy the Vampire Slayer: The Animated Series 2005: director/writer, Serenity 2007: director, The Office (2 episodes) 2008: director/producer/writer, Dr. Horrible's Sing Along Blog (3-act online series) 2009: creator/producer/director/writer, Dollhouse (series debuts on 2/13/09) 2009: co-producer/co-writer: Cabin in the Woods (film slated to premiere in October 2009, directed & co-written by Lost producer/writer Drew Goddard) 2011: director/screenwriter, Goners
I will start by confessing that I was merely a casual viewer of Whedon's shows (Buffy, Angel & Firefly), all of which have achieved cult status thanks to his notoriously loyal fans and new legions who have discovered them on DVD. That being said, as a sci-fi and huge Lost fan, I can certainly appreciate why millions of people have such fervor for all things Whedon.
For the uninitiated, I refer you to Whedonesque, which is a fantastic and organized fan site and online community; it is both sanctioned and visited by Whedon himself.
The beginning of Berman's interview with Whedon begins in similar fashion to the one with Damon Lindelof that I reviewed yesterday; a casual introduction to the writing space that Whedon has set up for himself. In this case, he has designated a small house rather than a single room or office [it is not stated, but I assume that this house is entirely separate from where he actually lives]. It is a cozy little home with great natural lighting and bookshelves filled with reference and history books. The walls are adorned with comic book art and a top secret white board/story board. it is exactly the type of idyllic cottage that one would imagine a writer to have.
As I have stated before, I do not wish to recap the entire conversation. This 60 minute DVD is available now through the official site and Amazon, and I have no doubt that all fans of Whedon's shows and films would love to watch and own this themselves!
From start to finish, Whedon provides fascinating insights into his multi-tasking mind, from a typical day-in-the-life to his approach to scripts. That he is a proud fanboy, sci-fi and musical theater geek only adds to his charm and my respect for his body of work.
This is not an original revelation by any means, but it occurred to me while listening to Whedon discuss the first script for the Buffy movie that his vampire vision preceded the current craze by over ten years; without Buffy the series, I'm not sure that the Twilight books/film and True Blood would be half as popular as they are now.
Whedon clearly identifies with all of his characters on the small and big screen, and has a collaborative relationship with the actors who play them. Although he sets goals for a season of episodes, the mythology cannot be locked in; he lets go and allows for surprises.
When asked about his preference for writing a film versus a television series, I absolutely loved his response: "TV shows are a question, and movies are an answer." He enjoys creating a moment, which is easier to do in serialized television.
And now, for a few teasers. Whedon addresses the fate of Ripper, the story behind his Wonder Woman film scripts and working with/trusting FOX again with Dollhouse after the cancellation of Firefly.
So order the DVD now for yourself or a fellow fan friend. The in-depth, entertaining interview will give both Whedon acolytes and aspiring writers a unique perspective into the mind of this very accomplished writer and artist.
]]>Exclusive Preview: The Write Environment with Damon Lindelof (LOST)tag:blog.jopinionated.com,2008-11-18:bebdd85b-a70c-4269-91de-39bc8f4d5978JOpinionatedjo@jopinionated.com2008-11-18T15:43:07Z2008-11-18T12:11:00Z
I am thrilled to have the opportunity to present a preview of the new DVD series called The Write Environment, a series of one-on-one interviews with very talented and recognizable writers from your favorite television shows. Created and hosted by screenwriter Jeff Berman, who co-founded UnitedHollywood during the writers strike, I highly recommend these DVDs for any aspiring writers who are interested in and inspired by television and pop culture. Not all are available for purchase yet, but all DVDs will be sold via the official Write Environment site and Amazon.
Tomorrow I will review the interviews with Joss Whedon (Buffy, Firefly, Angel, Dollhouse) and Phil Rosenthal (Coach, Everybody Loves Raymond). And I hope to provide reviews in the near future of the interviews with Tim Kring (Heroes), Doug Ellin (Entourage) and Sam Simon (The Simpsons).
But of course I have to start with Damon Lindelof, writer/co-creator/co-executive producer of Lost.
The interview was shot like an intimate, well-produced home video and gives us a very cool glimpse into Lindelof's office; the comfortable space of his actual writing environment, surrounded by Lost props and various pop culture toys and posters.
Without giving away too many details, I can tell you that Lindelof discusses both his writing process and details about his vision for Lost from conception (the pilot) through completion (the last episode of Season 6). He talks about how the serialized storytelling and character-driven elements of comic books influence him and also gives advice to those who seek careers as writers.
This may be old news to some, butLindelof is writing scripts for the Ultimate Wolverine vs. Hulk comics and is producing the new Star Trek film (directed by Lost co-creator/executive producer J.J. Abrams), in addition to writing and producing episodes of Lost.
I believe that aspiring writers and Lost fans alike will really enjoy this 48-minute DVD; it is well worth your $10.99. Lindelof touches upon the island as a character, the end game and mythology of the show and even Jack's infamous Thailand tattoo episode.
You can pre-order this DVD right now; it will be released on November 26, and would make a great holiday gift or stocking stuffer!
]]>Geeking Out in Warp Drive: J.J. Abrams' Revamped Star Trektag:blog.jopinionated.com,2008-11-17:3bd11504-3f34-4b1a-91b6-3f7ad923c603JOpinionatedjo@jopinionated.com2008-11-17T21:11:18Z2008-11-17T14:05:00Z
I know that the new Star Trek film does not debut until May 8, 2009, but it's never too early to get your geek on when it comes to revamped franchises like this. And yes, my nerd fever is elevated because Lost's J.J. Abrams is at the helm.
Make sure to bookmark and visit the official movie site, because it's far too much fun and should prove to be an excellent procrastination activity.
While you may not recognize the new cast immediately, some of their names will ring familiar. From left to right in the photo above: Anton Yelchin (Alpha Dog) as Chekov, Chris Pine (Smokin' Aces) as Captain Kirk, Simon Pegg (Hot Fuzz) as Scotty, Karl Urban (The Lord of the Rings) as Bones McCoy, John Cho (Harold & Kumar) as Sulu and Zoe Saldana (Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl) as Uhura.
And of course, Sylar Zachary Quinto (Heroes) as Spock:
Also appearing in the film are Eric Bana, Leonard Nimoy, Winona Ryder, Jennifer Morrison (House), Rachel Nichols (Alias), Bruce Greenwood (John From Cincinnati), Ben Cross (Chariots of Fire), Clifton Collins Jr. (Capote) and Faran Tahir (Iron Man), among others.
It's early...but are you in?
]]>And the Oscar (Finally) Goes To...Kate Winslettag:blog.jopinionated.com,2008-11-16:88d66d04-e0a3-41f0-8fbd-e73c71f08ff2JOpinionatedjo@jopinionated.com2008-11-16T12:49:55Z2008-11-16T11:45:00Z Last year, Cate Blanchett was the recipient of dual Oscar nominations for Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress. This year I believe that my favorite actress of all time, Kate Winslet, will receive two Academy Award nominations as well.
At only 33 years old, she has already been nominated 5 times:
Sense & Sensibility (1995, Best Supporting Actress)
Titanic (1997, Best Actress)
Iris (2002, Best Supporting Actress)
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004, Best Actress)
Little Children (2006, Best Actress)
Winslet stars in two films that debut next month, just in time for awards consideration. In The Reader with Ralph Fiennes (directed by Stephen Daldry of The Hours), she plays a mysterious woman on trial for Nazi war crimes.
And in Revolutionary Road (directed by her husband, American Beauty's Sam Mendes), Winslet is a malcontent suburban housewife in the 50's married to Leonardo DiCaprio. Fair warning to Titanic fans...this is NOT going to be a pleasant reunion of Jack and Rose.
That Kate Winslet has yet to win an Oscar is inexplicable, but at least the Academy recognizes her talent time and again. I still contend that one of her best performances to date was in her very first film, 1994's Heavenly Creatures. If you have not seen this fascinating and aesthetically pleasing little indie gem from Peter Jackson, I highly recommend that you add it to your Netflix queue immediately.
]]>What I Didn't Do This Week: A Recaptag:blog.jopinionated.com,2008-11-15:ab829794-8ad7-4c54-badf-61db5a3f3b5cJOpinionatedjo@jopinionated.com2008-11-20T12:42:27Z2008-11-15T02:04:00Z By now, most of you know that I had surgery last week and am recuperating at home for a few weeks. I had huge plans; fun, lazy, dreamy ideas about days consisting of naps, multiple film viewings and blog posts.
I can't drive until later next week, so I should be taking more advantage of this 'free' time. I am failing miserably. Except for the nap part.
Here is what I wanted to do instead, in no particular order:
Watch Casino Royale again, to get in the Bond/Daniel Craig mindset
See Quantum of Solace
Catch up on entire current season of both Desperate Housewives & Survivor online
Share angry open letter here to ABC re: the firing of Brooke Smith
Finish reading New Moon, the 2nd in the Twilight series
Write/review, post, repeat...every single day
So what have I been doing, besides sleeping? Time-sucking activities like perusing new people to follow on Twitter, responding to status updates on Facebook and watching bonus features on DVDs.
Movie-wise...I tried to get through In Bruges but could not, endured 30 Days of Night even though Josh Hartnett is painfully miscast as a leading man once again, enjoyed the highly recommended/cheesy awesome Boondock Saints, gave M. Night's Unbreakable another look and loved Iron Man even more upon a second viewing.
TV-wise...I attempted to watch The View but wanted to flick Hasselbeck in the head, finally had time to watch and appreciate Rachel Maddow, painfully giggled at Ellen on a daily basis, sat through my first ever episode of Dancing with the Stars with and on behalf of my parents, was pleasantly surprised by Heroes, rediscovered It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia online, and loved Life, Dexter, Brothers & Sisters, Bones, Eli Stone, and 30 Rock (except for Jennifer Aniston). The Office was a bit stale but I really liked Andy and Oscar's banter. I am secretly disappointed that Lipstick Jungle was canceled, and am anxiously awaiting word on the future of Pushing Daisies. I also decided to stick with Grey's Anatomy, but only because of my affection and respect for Sandra Oh and Sara Ramirez (who, I admit, made me tear up this week during that ER scene).
On second thought, I did do more than just nap. Sweet.
And on tap for next week:
Dual interview w/the authors of Lost Ate My Life (Jon 'DocArzt' Lachonis & Amy 'hijinx' Johnston)
Advance review of new television writers series on DVD
Belated review of Clint Eastwood's Changeling
Kung Fu Panda & Son of Rambow from Netflix, followed by Wall E & Tropic Thunder
TiVO 1997's Lost Highway (recommended by DocArzt) on cable, as well as Across the Universe and The Diving Bell & The Butterfly
Apparently the key to inspiration is to nap too much, then stay up and write at this hour. We'll see if that continues.
Thanks for reading an absolutely rambling mess of an entry. Good times, and good night!
