Scoop Monday

Hello, dearies. Apparently, I have to make a public announcement before starting. Before you set your TiVo/DVR/VCR this week, let me let y'all know that UPN's schedule for Veronica Mars is as follows: Reruns (until 11 April) will be shown on Tuesdays. Afterwards, I think it's doing a switcheroo. So, if you want to see Rapes of Graff this Wednesday, tape the show on Wednesday. It will be reran Tuesday next week. Now, if you're stuck with a VCR and can only tape one show, I'd say tape Bedford Diaries Wednesday and watch VM live. How does that sound?

On to further topics of discussion...

I have a strong feeling that this rumor posted on Kristin's E!Online boards is the pedophile I've just blogged about a couple of days ago. What do you think? Bueller? Bueller??? Post your guesses.

Okay, I've postponed the inevitable. Scoops from E!Online's chat tonight. Thanks, Kristin!!!

From benji: Thanks for the info about the Prison Break number in this week's column! Now, can I have Wenty's real digits?

Sweetie, I keep that for my own booty calls, sorry. For those who missed the info in the column, if you call 312-909-3529, you will get a recorded message from Luca (she lives on the second floor, she lives upstairs from you, yes, I think you've seen her before). You can also email Lincoln at LJ@ign.com. Oh, and I missed it, but earlier in the season, producers also dropped an actual email address used by Lincoln's son, LJ Burrows (Marshall Allman). Send an email to the address LJ@ign.com and you'll get a coded response back.

From Avery: Wait! Hold. On. Did Logan and Hannah actually have sex?

More importantly, someone's dying. Soon. Like, next week.


From rainbofly: Someone is dying? Like, a current character or a newbie? Oh, good lord, the stress!

A current character. Breathe. In. Out. It's going to be okay!


From jeannie: Re: VM Death. Is it a main character?

No. But it is someone integral to this season's second-biggest mystery.


From emily0717: Is it Hannah who will die?

No.


From Amy: I just started watching Veronica Mars. Is Duncan ever coming back?

There are no plans that I know of.

Chasing Veronica

Veronica Mars' new episode 'The Rapes of Graff' will be shown this Tuesday. TUESDAY. UPN says that the time change was supposed to 'help' its audience get used to the show being on Tuesdays, AGAIN, right after Gilmore Girls.

Excuse me?

It's not that I am glad that the show will be following GG, which is what is planned once UPN and WB merge, but hello, has anyone told UPN that GG and VM at this point AREN'T in the same Channel. YET.

The change will make it easier for me to tape and watch GG and VM back to back and tape Bedford Diaries on Wednesdays. However, how far is this bait-and-switch going to go? TV strategists should realize that people are not going to take their crap anymore. TiVo and DVR are getting into households and are here to stay. Maybe they should take a cue and realize that with the plethora of TV channels out there, competition for our attention is important.

Get a clue.

Anyway, here's what you can expect from the next episodes of Veronica Mars:

Episode 2.17: Plan B
Airdate: April 5, 2006

03/23 - Weevil believes that Thumper killed Felix and he asks Veronica to help him prove it; Logan wins an essay contest and gets to intern for a week with Mayor Woody Goodman; Keith examines a video that was taken, apparently by a stalker, inside of Woody's house; Wallace goes to the schoo's Sadie Hawkins dance with Jane; Mac asks Veronica for advice on how to improve her less-than-romantic relationship with Beaver. Source: TV Guide Online

Episode 2.18: I Am God
Airdate: April 11, 2006

03/23 - A restless Veronica is plagued by dreams in which the students killed in the bus crash confront her. Meanwhile, Logan and Weevil are paired together for a physics project that neither is enthusiastic about, until they discover that their success might help Veronica receive a scholarship. Later, when a large number of students are diagnosed with a medical ailment that gives them the right to postpone school tests and projects, a concerned principal Clemmons hires Keith to investigate the validity of the disorder. Source: UPN

pisode 2.22: Not Pictured (Season finale)
Airdate: May 2006

03/24 - Veronica tries to cheer Wallace up as he is not in a good mood due to Jackie leaving. We see Jackie in her new element... Vinnie and Keith talk about the bounty put on a man and consider teaming up to work on this case. Veronica keeps analyzing evidence from the bus crash case. Kendall meets a lawyer about Phoenix Land Trust. Beaver and Mac also appear. Source: SpoilerFix.com

For those that are afraid that Troy will get between V and Logan? Fear not. Rob Thomas said that Troy is not returning as Veronica's love interest.

Remedial Classes: for those who aren't are still trying up to speed with the importance of this upcoming episode, here's the tutorial as to whom Troy Vandergraff is and what he means to Neptune.

Oh, and yes, we'll get to see our favorite high school sleuth graduate... Maybe in a prom, too. Hmm, when?

Oh Really???

I took the test Amy posted on her blog and this is what I came up with. I think the site was on crack when I took it because all I did when I received my "results" was giggle.

Go figure.

Hello, Shop Elsewhere!!!

Okay, so this really bugs me. What is worse than breaking up? Answer: your former significant other picking up their latest love interest in the same place you work.

Apparently, some people like Chad Michael Murray really don't care. Surely, you're going to be closer with those you work with, but come on! Sophia Bush wasn't that bad, was she?

Wouldn't this chickadee know by now that once a cheater will always be a cheater?

Just food for thought.

Calling Wentworth Miller

Please tell me y'all have bought this week's Entertainment Weekly magazine. Flipping through the pages made me feel like a teenager looking through the latest teen mag... Only better. With the Prison Break gang welcoming you in the first few pages, I felt like Monday could've not come any sooner... The PB marathon didn't help either. I was too giddy to wait for the newest installment of suspense to get out of the prison.

Anyway, not to lead you any longer...

To those who drool over Michael Schofield in Prison Break, these numbers are tatooed on his arm: 312-909-3529

It's akin to the time Luke gave his phone number to Lorelai (when you call it you get the Baltimore Pediatric Foundation in connection with John Hopkins). I won't tell you what you'll hear on the other end. Just DO IT!

Anyway, here's a little VM Spoiler:

Episode 2.17: Plan B
Airdate: April 5, 2006

03/22 - Weevil enlists Veronica's help to finally prove who killed Felix and bring that person to justice. Meanwhile, Logan wins an essay contest and gets to intern with Mayor Woody Goodman (guest star Steve Guttenberg) as his Honorary Deputy. Also, love is in the air at the Sadie Hawkins dance as sparks fly between former couples. Tina Majorino ("Napoleon Dynamite") returns. Source: UPN

BTW, I have Jason Dohring's address and phone number. Don't ask me how I got it. I just do. Creepy what you can do over the internet, huh?

10 Things You Don't Know About Me

This is from K who stole it from someone, and which A had done and I'm assuming J will be doing this, too, sometime...

So here's mine:

1. I first declared to be a Socio/Anthro double major when I was a senior in high school. In retrospect, I am glad I didn't.

2. I detest the circus. Clowns and midgets scare me. (No pun on the height. I know I am teased with the nickname Midget but the real deal bugs the crap out of me.)

3. Nilly was the only person I dated that was under 6 ft tall.

4. I am ambidextrous, with a general left hand tendency. However, I write with my right hand.

5. I have prehensile toes.

6. I can bend the first joint from my fingertips without aid.

7. First song I sang as a kid (or so my family tells me) was Strawberry Fields Forever.

8. My little brother gave me a white Gund seal for Christmas ages ago. We put an earring on its tail shortly after its arrival. I baptized it Mikey. Fastforward: now, I have a hubby, as white as my seal, has earrings and is nicknamed Mikey, only by me.

9. I can talk for hours with my older brother on the telephone. It makes up for the months I don't get to talk to him.

10. I hate The Simpsons.

Shameless Advertisement

I toldNilly that I dropped him from the "Cool Crowd" to the "Rarely Updated But Sometimes Fun Reads" section of my blog.

Whoowee, was he upset.

Well, he was disappointed that I downgraded him. I said, "If you rarely update, you should be put in a category where people won't expect you to be updating frequently." Thusly, the section.

So he updated. He ranted. He raved. He knows that the Ickle Gals occasionally reads his posting (remember the Paris/Paris blog or the Baby Ho drama he wrote about Britney before she gave birth?) and now is upset that his "fans" are not clamoring for more of his writing.

Maybe the demotion would actually get him back to writing.

God knows he's got the skills to make anyone pee in their pants.

Moving Right Along...

Here's the important (to me) stuff from Kristin's E!Online chat. Of course, Veronica Mars drama, Prison Break drool and Gilmore conniption...

From kelly: I'm so happy Veronica's finally back. What else did Harry Hamlin say?

He was defending Aaron Echolls! He seemed pretty optimistic that Aaron is going to be acquitted, saying, "[Logan] needs a dad. Obviously [Aaron] was in the wrong with Lilly Kane, and it was on videotape, but if I remember, I think those tapes were all burned up in a fire, so unless there were some backup copies or something..." He talked about what a great show Veronica Mars is and how he hopes for a third season, mentioning the onus of being up against Lost.


From brinigirl: Did Harry talk about the rumors that his wife, Lisa Rinna, would take over as cohost of Dancing with the Stars?

According to Harry, it is completely untrue: "That was a rumor that ran in Page Six, but Lisa has not been asked to do the show. We're in talks with ABC right now for other projects, and we asked [the network executives], and they have no idea where that rumor came from. Lisa is embarrassed, because she thought Samantha [Harris] did a great job and didn't understand why people would say she was taking over for her. It is a possibility, but no, at this point, she hasn't even been approached about it." Apparently, there is still a chance we'll see her on Veronica Mars again. Harry told me, "I asked [UPN president] Dawn Ostroff if there was a final word on if [Lynn Echolls] was really dead, and she looked at me, paused and said, 'We never found the body...' So, you never know."

From lola: What were the ratings like for the latest Veronica Mars episode (Mar. 15)? Everyone was going on how this was a crucial night for some reason, and that everyone had to watch this week if they wanted it to get picked up by the CW. So, how did it do?

Well enough that a CW source tells me it's "96-percent sure" Veronica will make it to the new network next season. Party at your place or mine? Or better yet, Logan's?

From braon: Is Keith gonna keep working for Terrance now that Veronica found those explosives in his garage?

I'm not sure, but I do know Keith doesn't wait too long before going to Sheriff Lamb with the news.

From mary: Give us the answers to the Prison Break spoilers! STAT!

But of course, mon chéri! For you who haven't seen it, the Prison spoiler riot is in the column. Now, the breakdown. The following storylines are true:
1. Michael and Lincoln's father is alive.
2. Abruzzi is alive (and loves his Volkswagen).
3. Someone else is alive (and who it is will shock you!).
5. Michael and Lincoln's father reappears.
6. Lincoln is in prison because of Michael. (You will find this out in the flashback episode--the reason he got into trouble originally has to do with Michael.)
7. Lincoln gets out of Joliet Prison and leaves Wentworth behind. (You'll have to see how and when that is true!)
And bragging rights for the first person with all correct answers is... Cemur!!


From andy: So the rest of the PB numbers are false?

Yes, although number 10 is kinda sorta true--from what I hear, a Bristow-esque person may be involved. And of course, number eight or nine could end up being true, depending on whose good karma pays off first.

From lancy: When is Gilmore Girls coming back? This week is another rerun--booo.

The next new episode airs Apr. 4. I hate waiting too, but there's a lot of good stuff coming up next month: Lane's wedding (and we're gonna meet her grandma, who makes Mrs. Kim look sweet and kind), the return of Jess, an unfortunate turn of events for Logan and Rory spying on April's mom. And speaking of April, Lorelai will finally get the chance to bond with her future stepdaughter during her birthday party at Luke's diner.

Here are the short spoiler updates from Spoilerfix:

GILMORE GIRLS

Episode 6.17: I'm Okay, You're Okay
Airdate: April 4, 2006

03/18 - Logan pleads his case to Rory and asks her to come home with him; Luke tells Lorelai that April has asked him chaperone her math team's trip to Philadelphia for a national contest; Zack asks Mrs. Kim's permission to marry Lane, but she has a demand he must meet first; Rory shops at Anna's store to see what she's like; and Lorelai hears some disturbing news about a big step her parents are planning. Anna: Sherilyn Fenn. Source: TV Guide
02/06 - Rory drops by Anna's store. Kirk's job-of-the-week involves real estate. He takes over the Inn's living room with his papers. Lolerai is somewhat annoyed by Kirk especially since he refers to himself as "Kirk." Zack also appears. Source: SpoilerFix.com


Episode 6.18: The Real Paul Anka
Airdate: April 11, 2006

03/17 - Lorelai has a bizarre dream in which singer/songwriter Paul Anka has a cameo role. Meanwhile, although Rory and Logan are back together, Logan is miserable knowing that Rory hasn’t really forgiven him, and he takes off with his friends for another stunt with the Life and Death Brigade. Rory accepts Jess’ (guest star Milo Ventimiglia) invitation to attend an open house at his new book store/art gallery/publishing house in Philadelphia. While there, she is surprised to run into Luke, who is accompanying his daughter April (guest star Vanessa Marano) on an academic field trip. Back in Stars Hollow, Lorelai is horrified to find that Richard and Emily have been looking at real estate in her town. Keiko Agena, Liza Weil and Sean Gunn also star. Source: The WB

VERONICA MARS

Episode 2.16: The Rapes of Graff
Airdate: March 29, 2006

03/16 - Veronica runs into her ex-boyfriend, Troy Vandergraff (Arron Ashmore), while visiting Hearst College with Wallace. The next day, Troy is accused of raping a girl on campus and then shaving her head, and Veronica reluctantly agrees to help him. Also, Logan tells Hannah that they can't see each other any longer, and Keith finds Cliff handcuffed to a bed in a hotel room. The woman who left Cliff there stole his briefcase, which contained files concerning Logan's now dismissed murder case. Source: TV Guide Online

A Review: V For Vendetta

Starring: Hugo Weaving, Natalie Portman
Directed by: Wachowski Brothers

Remember, remember the Fifth of November.

In futuristic Britain, totalitarian government rules. The people are scared and government likes it that way. Until V came. A masked vigilante, V, on the eve of Guy Fawkes Day, he saves Evey. Throughout the movie, Evey is convinced that this crazy masked man may actually be the face of change.

I went into the movie theater wanting this movie to actually convince me it's better than the reviews it got on magazines like People's Magazine and other gossip rags that know nothing about movies.

Thank goodness it did.

Not only did I find the movie interesting but I found the movie worth talking about.

Have you ever thought about society's apathy in regards to government and the absence of social action? Have you ever felt like you're paralyzed to act upon something you know is right and yet feel like you'd be ridiculed if you did it? Alone?

This movie pushes you to make a difference and not be paralyzed by fear or mediocrity. Each person is a catalyst for change and it's only when you've convinced yourself that what you're doing is right will you be able to justify yourself as a human being capable of wanting better than what is spoon fed to you.

Definitely, this movie does not follow the conventional comic style ala Sin City. This movie wills you to think, to immerse yourself in self-preservation and acceptance of faith in mankind.

Please, don't watch this movie if you plan to be plainly entertained. That's what Failure to Launch is there for. But if you want to challenge your brain and your conviction, give this movie a go. You will not be disappointed.

Grade: A-

Being Amy's Sister

Well, I am connected to all my Ickle Gals. They are my sisters in spirit and they will always be part of my sounding board, my leaning shoulder, my support system. However, today, I can honestly say that Amy IS my sister.

After almost 10 years of putting it off, I have finally pledged and been sworn in as a Phi Theta Kappa member.

Today, my new brothers and sisters are:

Apollo 13 Astronaut Fred Haise
Forbes Magazine Publisher Rich Karlgaard
Businessman and Political Figure H. Ross Perot
New York City Opera Conductor Gerald Steichen
Actress Sela Ward
Olympic Ice Skater Michael Weiss
Country Musician Trisha Yearwood

Alrighty, just don't ask me to sing the song.

Gasping for Some Sense

So how could a baddie like Aaron Echolls think that he can pull an OJ? Huh? I mean, the concept is great and all but geez, Aaron, give Troy Vadergraff the attention next season! (Okay, so I am biased. Lilly's case is closed. I don't want to see Logan and V go at it again. It's getting a little frustrating.)

All kidding aside, part of me wants this season to play out like a marathon. I want them to tell me who did the kids in on that bus crash. I want Hannah's dad to go to prison. I want the Fitzpatricks brought down. I want Weevil to be on my screen again. I want Logan and V together before Troy makes his return. Oh well. I know I cannot WILL them to do so but at least here's a preview of next week's dealings.

Borrowing the TV Goddess' analysis (or red herring, whichever you choose to argue) Scooby ability of deduction, why would someone like V overlook Jackie's statement? Comments, anyone?

On a personal note, I just wanted to say thanks to all those who have supported my friend, Vu, in all his artworks and whatnot. Sadly, my Asian Princess has finally left our little Podunk Town for something better and more scenic. Nope, not New York (although he should have! He had a great show at the Tribeca selling 98% of his collection) but for another Podunk Town 2 hours away from us. Vu, Sweetie, the Genghis and I miss you. The workplace needs you. Even Stalker Guy and Army Boy and Butt Picker don't seem as interesting without you around to give a commentary. You better make sure you're making an appearance at my pool party. I need at least someone who'd like to get brown with me and wouldn't burn to a crisp like my Nilly.

That's it for now. Have a great Friday.

Defending the Coupling

Thanks to Kristin and Ausiello, we've gotten some info in regards to the GG debacle:

Question: OMG! Please... tell me more about Lorelai taking Christopher as a date to Zach and Lane's wedding on Gilmore Girls! — Taylor

Ausiello: It's not as bad as it sounds. Chris was actually her third choice. Her first, Luke, was on that bonding retreat with April and therefore unavailable. And her second, Michel, had tickets to see Celine Dion. Only after Mrs. Kim demanded that she show up with a date did Lorelai ask Christopher. That should make you feel a little better, right?

So there's the explanation. Who's buying it? Again, it's only me and like 5 other people that are rooting for a Chris/Lorelai pairing. The Luke/April thing is getting old. Okay, so I do understand that it's overwhelming to find out that you have a 12 year-old daughter but you can't put your life (or the people around you) on hold because you can't cope. So much for the LL wedding.

BTW, there's a show that is on the brink of being cancelled/not part of CW. I won't mention what show it is, but DON'T SIGN THE PETITION!!! I'll give you a clue: for a whole season, nobody played basketball despite the fact that it circled around basketball.

Hope y'all have a great day. VM's on tonight. DON'T FORGET!!!

Another Television "Why Not"?

It is pretty sad when I watch this Veronica Mars trailer just to get a VM fix that isn't a rerun. This month so far had been LONG without it.

Plus, the month being a full-time rerun for GG doesn't help either.

So, here I am, scouring the boards once more for stuff related to my shows that I consider relevant.

First off, here are a few things I passed on to K and A earlier this week. The source of course is the Ask Ausiello boards:

Question: We will send you a one-of-a-kind Smurf if you give us a very good piece of scoop on Gilmore Girls! — Mollie and Sarah

Ausiello: The spring wedding AS-P has been hinting at all year long is definitely Lane and Zach's. But that's not the Smurf-worthy scoop, this is: Lorelai will be bringing Christopher as her date. Please mail the Smurf to TV Guide's New York headquarters c/o me. (Hey, you didn't say it had to be happy scoop. You just said it had to be good. There's a big difference.)

Question: Your spoiler last week about Lorelai and Luke taking a "turn for the worse" is causing some major mental breakdowns in the Gilmore Girls world. Really. It's like everyone's channeling Mimi. How worried should we be? — Rebecca

Ausiello: Depends. Does the thought of Lorelai attending Lane and Zach's wedding with Christopher scare you?

Question: Did Milo Ventimiglia make any comments about Jess' return? — Sam

Ausiello: Did he ever. Milo spoke to my Entertainment News successor Matt Webb Mitovich last week about Bedford Diaries and I forwarded him a few GG questions, including the loaded, "Who's better for Rory: Logan or Jess?" This was his answer: "I really used to like Logan, but he's been kind of an a--hole. I think it has to be Jess or somebody else." Here are some other bon mots from the interview:

How did his April 11 return come about?

"It fit with my schedule. They asked if I wanted to come back, I said sure. I had two days to pop out an episode. It's always fun to go back and see the crowd."

What's the purpose of Jess' return?

"Does Jess ever really serve plot points? I think he did a little last time [when he] got Rory thinking about her ex-boyfriend. This was a nice little guest-star thing. I had a nice scene with Scott Patterson, I had a good scene with Rory."
Would he ever go back full-time? "I wouldn't do it. It's not that bad to go back and forth once or twice a year, but I couldn't go back to [being a] regular."

And as Ausiello promised, he did an interview with AS-P. I am cringing right now at her response. Sound off if you responded the same way I did.

Now that's off my chest, E!Online's Kristin was more forgiving. Other than giving us loads of yummies from Grey's Anatomy, she also has a video segment of the Supernatural boys.

Have a great Friday!

Another Year, Another Milestone

Yep, the moment had passed. I've gotten another year older... I still don't know if I'm wiser but I'll let y'all know if the smart stick actually hits me.

This year's arrival was a lot smoother than last year's. This time, I didn't mope. I actually welcomed it. Anyone who said that once you're over the age of 25 you'd want to stop counting. My friends, I am way over the quarter life crisis and I am just glad that my clock is still ticking.

So, what did this Shop Owner do for the big celebration?

Nilly and I went to the Philadelphia Art Museum.

LOVE IT.

We're total nerds in this category. With the Wyeth exhibit coming to town, we decided to put down a couple of dollars for a yearly membership to the arts. That, and the opportunity to pull a Rocky (you know, running up the steps that's facing Ben Franklin Parkway?) when Nilly and I don't have aching joints. Would've loved it if we got to see the Dali exhibit but again, I won't lament what had been missed.

I can honestly admit that I am skipping the exhibit at the Franklin Institute. It's entitled "Body Works". It's actually an interesting exhibit but it definitely isn't for the weak at heart. With corpses lying around and the faint scent of formaldehyde, the stuff emanates death, if you know what I mean. Not my idea of fun.

Anyway, I just got sidetracked there for a second...

Rocky... Yeah. I was so hoping to get a chance to see Milo Ventimiglia. Of course, I don't but Nilly said that the reason I didn't mind walking the cold and windy streets of Philly is because there might be a slim chance I can bump into Jess. Sadly, no such luck. But hey, I tried, right?

The Ickle Gals were so sweet to send me lovely e-cards and greetings. Camilla was sweet enough to record me a birthday message. Love ya, lady! And ooh, my friend, Albertina, sent me the cutest card and greeting. I miss my hometown girls. Getting a message from her and Jardin made me wish they were around physically.

The PILs also got me some liquid assets to get me new running stuff. I told you I was an oddity. Instead of asking for jewelry or pretty stuff, I ask for torture equipment. Now, I will be styling at the gym.

The parents also were nice to give me a call, a lovely card telling me I'm still their baby. My brother? Sent me a book I've been wanting forever for, some Filipino music to jam to and a necklace he got for me when he went to visit the motherland.

All's good. Can't ask for more.

I hope everyone would have as much love and friendship around them when they reach a milestone. It's worth the investment.

Friday Musings

Are you all calm and collected now you've seen Ed Hermann's wonderful (or odd) photo? Good, I am not reposting it. I am glad y'all got a good giggle out from it.

Well, today, I will post 2 things. The first, of course, is from Kristin's E!Online weekly report on Gilmore Girls. Here it is in its edited form:

A Gilmore's Best Friend: He has sold more than 51 million records, and he wrote Frank Sinatra's "My Way" and the Tonight Show's theme song. So, is it wrong that when I hear the name Paul Anka, I immediately think of Lorelai Gilmore's dog?

Apparently, I'm not the only one. "I got a lot of calls when I was on tour," Mr. Anka says on the set of Gilmore Girls. "Everywhere I'd [go], the younger demographic [would yell], 'How's the dog?!' so every week I would kinda peek in and check out [the show]. It's cool." So cool Anka (the human one) couldn't resist working with his canine counterpart on an upcoming episode of Gilmore Girls. "I have a dream that Paul Anka and Paul Anka meet," explains Lauren Graham. "It's very surreal," Especially when he sits on Babette's (Sally Struthers') lap.

Lauren insists there's no underlying meaning to Lorelai's dream. It's just an excuse to get her idol into a scene, and she defends her mutt's moniker. "Lorelai loves Paul Anka. Like, why is Jennifer Garner's dog named Martha Stewart? It's your opportunity to pay homage to people you're a fan of."

Thankfully, Paul Anka's first encounter with the canine Paul Anka went well. "I met little Sparky today. It was a very warm moment. He started to lift his leg, and the drama was deep, but I just kinda went with it."

Here's the second. Ausiello is all over this show, Heroes, which would probably be the next show I'd be taping once Bedford Diaries is retired off the WB. Here's a truanced editorial (by Ausiello no less) from his weekly column:

Is Heroes the Next Lost?

... I just finished reading a first draft of the script for Heroes, NBC's fall pilot about everyday folks blessed with superpowers, and, well, to answer the question I posed in the title, yes, I believe a new Lost-like phenomenon is about to be born. And here's why:

THE CAST ROCKS: In addition to one of my FFPOTP Greg Grunberg, the ensemble boasts Gilmore guy Milo Ventimiglia and teenage wunderkind Hayden Panettiere. The show's behind-the-scenes pedigree is equally as impressive. Dave Semel, whose credits include directing the American Dreams pilot, has just signed on to helm the Heroes pilot. And while I may not deem Crossing Jordan FauxVo-worthy, I'm suddenly a big fan of its (and Heroes') creator, Tim Kring.

I'M ALREADY OBSESSED WITH THE CHARACTERS: Just as Lost isn't really a show about a haunted island, Heroes isn't a show about crusaders, caped or otherwise. It's about people — albeit ones with extraordinary quirks. "I kind of want to stay away from the superhero aspect," says Kring. "It's about very ordinary people all over the world who literally discover that they have special powers, and it's their dealing with that." The superheroes, er, ordinary people include a 30-year-old male nurse who believes he can fly — and, unlike R. Kelly, really can; a 28-year-old junkie who has the ability to paint images of the future; a 33-year-old Las Vegas showgirl who can do incredible things with mirrors; a 24-year-old Japanese comic-book geek who literally makes time stand still; a 31-year-old inmate who can transport himself through walls (eat your heart out, Michael Scofield); and a 17-year-old cheerleader who defies death at every turn (think of Bruce Willis in Unbreakable, only with blonde hair and big pom-poms).

I CAN RELATE: You didn't hear? I, too, was born with unnatural abilities. All kidding aside (wink, wink), as Kring points out, "It's pretty grounded in reality. Part of what makes it really feel very real is that these people's lives should mirror your own; you should be able to see your ordinary life reflected on screen."

IT'S ALL ONE BIG PUZZLE: And you know the deal with puzzles. "It's a big interconnected saga," says Kring. "They're all drawn together towards a destiny of saving the world." And not to OD on the Lost parallels, but Kring adds, "It's extremely serialized."

IT'S SCARY: What would an extremely serialized show about superheroes, er, ordinary people (I have to stop doing that!) be without a creepy antagonist? Heroes' big baddie is described as a "Max Von Sydow-type" whose trademark accessory is a pair of horned rimmed glasses. And although his intentions aren't made crystal clear in the pilot, one thing is certain: He wants to get his hands on some of that super DNA.

ONCE AGAIN, IT SENT A SHIVER DOWN MY SPINE: "It" being the final scene. Provided Kring doesn't tinker too much with the script — I can't stress enough that I read an early draft — the climactic sequence, as inevitable as it may seem, will make you stand up and shout, "It's my new Lost!" And the next words out of your mouth better be: "Ausiello was right!"


SO NOW I AM POSING THE REQUEST:

Anyone who would have a preliminary draft or clip of the show, share!!! It's my birthday anyway and I love presents! :D

Have a great day.

Richard Won't Be The Same Again

So, for anyone who hasn't seen this week's Gilmore Girls, please do not read. Spoilers upon spoilers are going to be discussed and I don't want to be accused of ruining the "moment" for you.

With that being said...

OH. MY. GOD.

First, let's start off with the periphery, Lane and Zach.

I am still trying to scrape my jaw off the ground.

How cool was that? Honestly, I thought when Zach told the guys that he'll take care of Lane (coming back to the band, of course), I thought he was just going to tell her, "Dude, that poster of yours in the music store is not so cool." The fact that he PROPOSED to her in the most Zach way was just perfect! I mean, I didn't see Lane getting engaged in some room filled with flowers (not so Zach and Lane by any stretch of the imagination) so the fact that the whole diner witnessed the event was just perfect. Even Luke trying to correct all of Lane's order mistakes (is that what you call it when you're being served your meal?) and not pointing it out to her just goes to show that Luke's a softie.

Mayhap Luke should get a cue from the lovebirds that he should step the romance notch up a bit with Lorelai, hmm?

And of course, Gil playing and singing "Holler Back Girl". Eep! From "18 and Life" to playing "Jesus Christ Superstar" on Broadway to covering Gwen Stefani songs. Will he ever take himself seriously? I mean, even his new reality TV show on VH1 with Ted Nugent and other has beens in rock is not going to ever make up for the Stefani event.

Next, the Paris/Doyle Incident. Alright. They hyped the living crap out of this ep. So what did I miss? Anyone? Someone? Bueller? Bueller?

Christopher, Lorelai and Gigi making three. WOW. If there was a brat ever created to be the anti-Rory, Gigi is the one. How could someone run amuck like that? Apparently, Christopher's denial of his daughter's misbehavior is just unforgivable, even if it's to make up for Sherry's absence. Lorelai stepping up to the plate only shows one thing: Christopher will always be her true love. Maybe she'll be happy with Luke but her Dawson to her Joey is Christopher. (Okay, stop throwing popcorn at me now!!!)

Lastly, Logan and Rory.

Where do we start?

The part where they're pulling the whole Jessica Simpson/Nick Lachey thing?

Let's start with this survey:
1. When do you consider being "broken up"? What are the ground rules for being "broken up" to be applicable?
2. Is it possible to be broken up if both parties have not agreed to the situation?
3. During any cooling off period, are you allowed "booty calls"?
4. What kind of friends does your sibling(s) have if they sleep with you? What kind of friends are they to each other if they sleep around with the same person ESPECIALLY if you're the sibling they slept with? Six degrees of separation, hmm?

So, this episode is actually one of the more realistic episodes in this season. The whole dynamic of Rory feeling let down was really felt. The sentimentality of her, falling for Logan's charm and actually questioning his loyalty (and love) was honest and reasonable. There need not be any lashing out. The fact that she walked out stoic was more heartfelt. The fact that Logan didn't deny the affairs, was manly of him, if not, proving that he certainly doesn't "think" with his head that carries the brain.

If you were in Rory's shoes, would you ever take the cad back?

Questions, questions.

Well, on a side note, here's a little something that was picked up from E!Online. I hope you find it humorous like the other Ickle Girls did. I definitely won't see Richard Gilmore the same way again.

Jumping Too Soon

Okay, so I need this off of my chest.

Did Grey's Anatomy jump the shark?

If you haven't watched yet and are going to watch it, please do not let me spoil the show for you. However, I need to get this off my chest.

WHY???

Okay, I like Meredith, despite her psychosis, being in lust with Dr McDreamy.

I like Madison, despite her cheating on her ex hubby, Dr McDreamy.

I am in love with McDreamy although he can't decide whether he is supposed to give his ex a second chance or allow himself to love again by being honest with Meredith.

I also love George; sweet and loveable George. He's the one character in the show that is a doofus that actually is human.

HUMAN, I say.

He has been in love with Meredith since day one. And what happens? Meredith literally screws him when she was drunk and he was being brave.

Although I know this happens in real life, having this happen this early in this show makes me want to puke. Not that I would like George to have unrequited love for Grey but I want him to actually be a person of character. Someone who won't give in to stupid acts of carnal feelings like Alex and Izzy do.

I hate it.

Someone, please, tell me this isn't GA's highest point.

The Whirlwind Named "Milo"

So this is what I've gotten so far from Ausiello this week:

Question: Why is Milo Ventimiglia coming back to Gilmore Girls this time? As much as I love Jess, why can't he just leave well enough alone? Rory went back to Yale, fixed things with her mom and fixed things with Logan. — Maria

Ausiello: Actually, this time it's Rory who can't leave well enough alone. After hitting another rough (and possibly permanent) patch with Logan, Rory decides to attend the opening of Jess' new 'zine/bookstore/art gallery in Philadelphia.

~Could this actually be? Amy? Jackie? Hints! I know K and I would always take this as good news.

Question: What's going on with The Bedford Diaries? — Christine

Ausiello: Considering that Milo Ventimiglia just joined the ensemble cast of Heroes, NBC's pilot about normal folks who possess superpowers, I think it's safe to say Bedford is dead. Heroes, BTW, is the same project that Greg Grunberg is attached to. In other words, I think I'm ready to proclaim this my new favorite show of the 2006-07 season!

~What? I can't believe they're actually giving up on BD even though NO ONE has watched it (except for a few of us that were privy to the pre-show). BOO! But then, apparently NBC loves this boy so I will give Heroes a chance. Strangely, the last show I really showed love for that was one of the big 3 was CBS' Joan of Arcadia.

DeAnn, here's the article about LG's disappointment on how ASP handled the Rory/Lorelai separation. I think LG was talking in the theoretical "mother" role.

Also, not to be a downer but I am crushing more Firefly dreams. Sorry, D! I pumped and hyped and all, and now the Big Dog, Joss Whedon had finally spoken.

More VM Updates and the Gilmore Argument

How sucky is it that UPN postponed the new VM episodes because South Beach is dragging it down? I was so bummed. So what do I do now that VM is on hiatus? Watch out for spoilers.

So here's what little information Ausiello parted with from his boards today:

Question: Please tell me more about Veronica Mars' new love interest. — Claire

Ausiello: Well, I wasn't going to reveal this because I thought it was supposed to be a surprise, but since it's already out there, what the hell. Veronica's new love interest is actually an older love interest. Remember Veronica's bad-boy beau, Troy Vandergraff (Aaron Ashmore), from last season? He's returning in the March 1 episode and, no surprise here, Veronica is less than pleased to see him — even though he claims to be newly reformed. It doesn't help his case that (stop reading spoilerphobes!) he stands accused of raping a student at Veronica's future alma mater, Hearst College.

And yes, DeAnn, Troy may be a dork but there was something about him that made being mischievous cool. I'd take Ice Twin any day. Heck, if I can have Ice Man in tow, I'll have me an Ashmore sandwich and be in heaven.

Here's also the ditty the Ickle Gals were talking about. Lauren Graham was a little disappointed with how ASP handled the Rory/Lorelai confrontation earlier this season.

Question: I am dying for some Luke-Lorelai dirt! — Susie

Ausiello: How 'bout some Lauren Graham/Amy Sherman-Palladino dirt? According to an Associated Press story that ran last week, Lauren and AS-P butted heads over this season's whole Rory-Lorelai separation plot. The story also reveals that the Palladinos' in-the-works comedy is officially dead, a casualty of the WB-UPN merger. Click here for all the juicy details.

Question: Do you have any new Milo-Jess news? — Annie

Ausiello: Just got an airdate for his episode: It's April 11.

Picking and Choosing, Yay! Yay!

I bet Ames would've told y'all how jazzed I was when I heard this news via Kristin at E! Online:

From bellu: Logan! The boyfriend returning on Veronica Mars is Troy, right?

Right. Troy Vandergraff (Aaron Ashmore) who was Veronica's boyfriend in the first four episodes of the first season will be returning for four episodes, according to Rob Thomas. He said he'd also love to have Max Greenfield (Deputy Leo) return, but Max is off doing the WB show Modern Men right now. By the way, MM premieres this Friday, and it's...not bad. Jane Seymour isn't the best match for this show (though I love her), but the boys are pretty cute and there are a few laugh-out-loud moments.


From tbriscoe: In your UPN interview (it was great, by the way), Rob Thomas told you that Kristen's boyfriend from the beginning of season one, Troy Vandegraff, will be returning. That was oh so long ago. Refresh my memory, do we like him?

He is not Logan. Need I say more? And no, I'm not guessing you all will dig him.

How could you not LOVE the bad boy Troy? I mean, he was a smooth talker. I don't know if he could get back into Ronnie's pants but I would LOVE to see Logan give Troy-boy a serious beating. Would've loved it more if Duncan was there for the beat down but I'll take what I can get. And no, Troy was never put in prison because he pushed drugs and ran back to his horny girlfriend... And no, I wasn't referring to V.

From tinyblondeone: Jason Dohring--not a big secret though. So, will we have some VM LoVe this season?

Rob says we're going to have to wait awhile. Booo hooo. Apparently, Miss Hannah will be around for at least a little while. And another little LoVe tidbit: Guess who else is looking for a valentine? Keith Mars! I'm hearing he's gonna be going on a few blind dates very soon.

LOVE Evan Rachel Wood... Don't love the fact that her dad is the one implicating Logan as Felix's killer.

And this is for DeAnn:

From junglejen9: Firefly. You gotta spill it if you have any additional info, please!

I've heard the CW is considering bringing it back as a series, miniseries or movie for next season. Hurrah! For you who missed my message board posting, on Tuesday, Nate Fillion, Summer Glau and Gina Torres were seen coming out of one of the exec buildings at Paramount, where they are putting together the new CW unit.

So lady, are you feeling the Firefly love yet?

Anyway, check out Kristin's board if you still want to get information on Gray's Anatomy, Everwood and Prison Break.

Don't Let Me Go On Breaks Alone

You know what happens when I go on my evening breaks alone? I get into trouble. I read magazines that should've been thrown away eons ago but are too scared to offend the person who placed them there in the first place.

So, what did I encounter? An article that was written last October that I apparently missed. Maybe you can all tell me what your thoughts are once you've read it (or have heard of it). I, personally, have issues with it.

The article? iBreasts. Yep, you heard me right. I mean, doesn't this show how crazy technology has become?

Nilly and I were talking about it on the way home from work. Imagine this: what would happen if you're breast feeding your child to Britney Spears. Will the child have an avulsion for your breast because it plays Britney Spears or would it just have better (or worst) taste in music after being exposed to mediocrity?

Can the volume or music change if the nipple is tweaked? Will there be interference if you use an underwire bra?

Can you swim?

If you download music, where do you plug it in? Will it be firewire or USB?

Can the system be obsolete?

Questions, questions.

Bracing the (Snow) Storm

Of course, Nilly has to love snow.

Of course, it's my weekend to work.

Of course, I am hating life as we speak because snow and work are in the same sentence.

There is nothing worse than thinking about the inevitable. I should be happy that I was able to run around and do some errands while everyone flocks to the grocery store for 500 gallons of milk and 3000 loaves of bread for a snow watch that is calling for 6-10 inches of accumulation. People, it's only going to last for 1 day.

So while everyone else was falling in line in the grocery store, what was I doing?

Actually, not much.

Went to the library. Got into an argument with a wretched librarian. I acted like a mega-b*tch but the librarian's attitude was left to be desired. I've been going to the local library religiously every week (which is a better record than my church attendance currently) dropping off my returns and picking up current ones. Well today, apparently, was not going to be a borrowing week. I did my usual routine of checking out the latest bin of movies, music and books, and then perused the older movie and music selection. So, not having a great selection this week, I picked up a CD and headed to the counter. I presented her with the loot I was returning and the CD I was checking out.

The conversation goes:

L: I need your library card.
Me: Uh, you already have my stuff. The other girls don't ask my card.
L: Well, that should never be done. I need your photo ID and library card.
Me: I will if you tell me the logic behind you, holding on to the items I am just returning, proving that they are mine, and the fact that showing you my library card and my ID will not make the transaction void or faster than it currently is.
L: Well, it's the law

Knowing I have less than 10 minutes to drive away and head on to my appointment at the University, I just gave her a patented smile and said, "You know what? I don't need the CD that badly. You can have it."

She snorted and gave me the evil eye. The other 2 librarians I knew flashed me a "sorry" smile.

I knew she was right. I knew that the whole transaction would've gone smoothly if I just ran to my car, retrieved my card, raced back in and checked out the item. But that would've been too much work. Plus, I wasn't willing to give her the satisfaction (at least today) to let me run around for an item I really didn't want to check out and be late for something more important.

Lesson to be learned? Just deal with the people who already know you. Makes service with a smile a little more appreciated.

Off I went to my next appointment.

I met with the Transfer Counselor to the real College today!

Wow.

The experience made me feel like I don't know what I am doing with my life... At least academically.

Let's start off with my counselor. She was great. Very convivial, very jovial. She was also probably 25 who was making more money than me and probably happy to have a job where she can go home at night and spend time with her family. That got me frustrated. What's worse? My campus guide.

Holy Cow.

He was a hottie. He's about 6'2", lanky, blonde hair, blue eyes. He had an easy smile and a friendly demeanor (I automatically thought of A when he came out and introduced himself). He's a sophomore, getting a degree in elementary ed, with a focus on the 5-6th grade. What else... Has a girlfriend who's getting a math degree. Has a brother that goes to school in Ohio... Plays baseball and basketball. I think I asked him more questions rather than the other way around.

I would've probably asked him out for coffee if it weren't for the fact that when he was born, I was already in the grade he wants to currently teach. Oh, and the fact that I am married...

It was a little intimidating that walking through the campus with him, realizing that everyone looked like they were 12 years old. The exception to this rule were the school secretary and the one professor we bumped into all throughout the school! They male students I saw couldn't even grow facial hair and the girls... they look like they're just playing with mom's make up!

I thought it was funny though that wherever we went, the girls gave my guide 'the look'. *Sigh*. Where were cuties like this when I was doing college tours before going into the Army? It might have convinced me to go to UW or any other university for that matter.

Well other than that, I am suffering through procrastination. Ames already told me to go study. Nilly's done the same. I just can't motivate myself to take this exam! Ugh.

I guess I should stop blogging and get my butt into gear. The snow tomorrow isn't enough excuse for missing an online exam.

How Can I Take This Seriously???

The first month of school is over and I am so ready to be done with it. I was expecting these classes, although hoping that they would be the skate kind (which it isn't), at least be interesting.

Okay, I find the topics interesting.

The professors are mildly interesting.

The students? Not so much.

I've already heemed and hawed about one of my "smarter" (insert snarkastic snort) classmates saying one thing that's rather ignorant, me rebutting his argument, and then him, coming back, doing a 180 and calling me a show-off. That, apparently, is only the tip of the iceberg.

I would like to introduce the newest MENSA member in this club. She is this girl in my Geography course who's probably a little older than me but acts like she was 18.

She screams out in class that she has never heard of the word "hearth" in her entire life! If that's not enough to embarrass her, she snorts and asks the 18 year old boy next to her if he ever heard the word before. He grunts, "no".

He also looks like he's allergic to words, let alone books. I think he'd have an anaphalactic reaction the moment his textbook comes in contact with his fingers.

She smiles and says, "Thank you. I think these writers (take note, she didn't use the term authors) are making words up."

I just had to curl into a ball and wish them away.

She definitely was beaten with the dumbass stick longer and stronger than the average person.

I wish my hell ends there. Nope. There's Glenn.

Who is Glenn, you ask (and yes, I am not masking his name because his stupidity needs to be known to the whole world)? He is a know-it-all. He is the "Master and Commander" of our little project; the ass who thinks he can put me down.

Well, him being the leader and all, he thought that my "research" for the project was too specific so he didn't want to include it just in case the other students of the class would research the information themselves. So what does he put down as my contribution? The physical location (Longitude/Latitude) of a place that doesn't exist. That's it. No history, no words. Nada. I just want to strangle him! He posts almost all of the research the other 2 members of the team submitted and he posts all his research and photos. Again, I am coming up goose egg.

I sent him a private letter telling him it's so uncool that he thought that my part of the research wasn't considered necessary since he was the one who assigned me the task of researching the damned information. His response was to take it up with the instructor if I found his leadership lacking.

I just wanted to say that he is seriously lacking cojones since he can be so damned ignorant over the internet.

So, what does this little Donut Shop Owner do? Drop to his own level.

Tonight, I attacked all of his postings, calling his thinking illogical and impractical (and on both accounts it's true. I always back up my arguments with legitimate arguments and documentation). I also told him that trying to be cute and witty in class does not make him any more likeable than the average day-old scrambled eggs and that if he was to post arguments he should at least take the time to spell correctly.

His response was, "This is not an English class that you can correct me. And if you think I was being cute, I was just egsajurating!"

Exactly.

You might think that he was being sarcastic with the last word. Nope, he spelled 'exaggerate' or a variant of it this way in at least 3 previous postings.

Community colleges. Gotta love it!

A Talk With Rob, A Shoutout and Gossip

There is nothing more than a hands-on director like Rob Thomas. As much as we've fallen in love with his characters in Veronica Mars, he defends his choice of outing Donut, I mean, Duncan. It's sad that the Kane family had been phased out. However, like life, high school romances aren't usually the ones that last. Keeping it "real" is something I respect Rob for doing.

So, it's Wednesday. Ausiello gives us the scoops. Give the man props! The low-down? Everwood moving back to Mondays, its absence from the tentative CW schedule, more VM scoop and MC being in season 7 of Gilmore Girls. Read on!

Am I Psychic of What?

I know I am a little behind in psoting this but I had to wallow... Just a little bit.

Here's a little ditty I wrote earlier this year:
------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday, June 28, 2005

A VM Blimp

Latest Kristen scoop is in. With GG still on vacation, we have nothing on that front. However, I was perusing through my gossip mags and I saw a rather scruffy Milo in a suit with lovely Alexis. Nilly's complaint? Alexis needs bangs to cover the noggin. Sadly, I agreed.

Ooh, the character getting written off? Well, he's going to have an extended stay from 6 episodes to 12. It's funny to see someone actually start a "Save Logan" campaign so that he won't be written off. Haha! He's going to be in almost, if not all the 22 episodes! Whoohoo!

Sadly, I think it's going to be Duncan getting the boot. I hate it... HATE IT.

Again, Duncan, you can still play Graham. Hint, hint, ASP.

------------------------------------------------------
So, yeah, all those that said it can't be Duncan disappearing into the sunset, well, think again. He just did. AGH!

Yes, I was one of the fewer fans that camped in the Duncan side. I love my Logan but I am still an eternal optimist. So now, VM definitely needs to crank up the heat between Logan and Ronnie. It's been too long, babe. Too long. I mean, even the Weevil action is getting dry! (Although it's nice to see Logan and Weevil work together again... Remember S1 jokes about them being lovers? CLASSIC.)

Right now, I am sad for Lilly and Duncan and V. I just hope that in the land of TV, they would never get caught by the law, Duncan raises Lilly to be less of a whore than her aunt, be as tolerant as Meg but as smart as Ronnie (although she has no genetic contribution to said baby). Me and my TV existence.

Anywhoo... Have any of you seen the previews of next week's GG? INTENSE. It's the first dinner at the Gilmores and honestly, I don't like the way they filmed it. I felt DIZZY watching it. All the characters might as well have had cameras mounted on their forehead and turned the Friday Night Dinner into the next Blair Witch Project. The cameras were zooming, moving and panning and it was (to me) overkill. However, the conversation was classic.

What else... Oh, last Friday's Entertainment Weekly Mag posted the ideal Channel grid of shows on CW (CBS' UPN and WB's merging). I got a kick seeing Arrested Development in it... What was absent? OTH. That to me was a great sign. Not so great? The absence of Everwood. I thought it was pretty interesting that they put GG and VM back to back but I think it would have been better to have Supernatural and VM back to back. Sorta like Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew night only the Hardy Boys are actually cuter and buffer (off tangent... Saw new photo of Jared... OMG, hottie! He has some nicely sculpted guns, that boy. He is not the Dean of GG that I know of). Also, if it's going to be GG's last year, it wouldn't really give VM a chance to grow with the audience. Fixed audience does not equate new audience. SN is still a growing fanbase. We can make this work, peeps! Have Bedford Diaries follow GG. I think it would be a hoot.

Now if I was just Dawn Ostroff...

The Truth Shall Set You Free

This is for Amy, who warned us all to stay away from Frey's book. It's not that she's prejudiced about it. It's because basic English rules of writing had been disregarded for the sake of being 'cool'. Sorry, but we already have ee cummings for that.

This is for the person who didn't pick up this book because it was on Oprah's Book Club list. Remember Gap Creek, anyone? HORRENDOUS!

This is for Oprah, who invited Frey back to let him know that he duped an audience that believed in him. God, this woman is something! I salute her for actually admitting her faults and making sure that "truth" should always abide no matter how the fiction sounds too good to not be real.

Oh, and all those that pissed Amy off during the Christmas rush for not having any of the books in stock because they were sold out? Well, no refunds.

Try the group that allowed to buy back the Ashley Simpson CDs. Maybe they'll be able to cut you a deal.

Heh

Your Gilmore guy is Jess. He is a rebellious

intellectual. He loves literature, but hates

school.


Who is your Gilmore guy? {6 Results, Pictures}
brought to you by Quizilla

Answering Questions and a Combo That Can't Be Missed

Did you hear the news? UPN and WB are JOINING FORCES!!! Yep, you heard me right. Channel CW (I guess I have to do some research to what that means) will be combining these channels to give us some quality programming. I say it's about time. I just have so much more VCR tapes to keep track of when I have even less time to watch them. Can you just see it? Tuesdays can still be GG/SN night but OTH will be given the boot for Bedford Diaries followed by Veronica Mars. What do you think? I know I am more than psyched.

Of course, it's past midnight so the picked through Ausiello chats are up.

DeAnn, take note, Firefly may be resurrected!

Question: Just heard that WB, UPN are shutting down and merging into the CW network! What's gonna happen to Veronica Mars? (Panic setting in... can't breathe… ) — Ashton

Ausiello: Um, apparently this is not a joke. (Anxiety attack setting in… swallowing two Xanax… anxiety attack passing…) All right, I've done a little digging and there's no reason to freak out… yet. This is all in the very early stages and nothing — I repeat nothing — has been canceled… yet. Still piddling? Well take a deep breath and repeat after me: "Introducing CW's new Tuesday featuring fresh episodes of Gilmore Girls and Veronica Mars!" (Getting excited… jumping for joy…)

Question: Kevin Smith. Joss Whedon. Lucy Lawless. Michael Ausiello. Just look at the company of guest stars you are in at Veronica Mars — I'm proud of you! How'd it go on Friday? And which was the better "guesting" experience: Veronica or Gilmore? — Tracy

Ausiello: Please don’t make me choose. OK, Veronica Mars wins — but only because they gave me (pause for dramatic effect) my very own trailer! I. Kid. You. Not. In case you live under a really big, soundproof rock, I landed on Mars' San Diego set Friday morning to tape my role as "Blushing Guy" in Episode 15, airing Feb. 15. (It's all part of my bid to take over the world a big behind-the-scenes feature coming up in TV Guide magazine and on TVGuide.com.) Who the heck is Blushing Guy, you ask? He's a pivotal character who finds himself pulled into a bachelorette party being thrown for (spoiler alert) the sister of Wallace's new girlfriend, Jane (Valorie Curry), at Java the Hut. I initially thought Veronica was the one throwing the party, but she just happens to be working at Java that day. Still, Kristen Bell (aka MNBF) was in the scene and we did get a chance to bond between takes. Alas, I don't have any speaking lines — damn you, SAG rules — but I do serve a very specific purpose (hint: something happens at the party that makes me blush). And not to toot my own horn or anything, but when I finished my scene, the cast and crew gave me a standing ovation and I was immediately nicknamed "Two-take Mike." The whole experience nearly brought MNBF to tears, but more on that in the forthcoming mag story. (But if you press me really hard, I may spill in next week's AA.)

Question: Please tell me that the CW (the new combined network of WB and UPN) will keep Veronica Mars alive one more season. — Jim

Ausiello: You know that whole Gilmore Girls-Veronica Mars Tuesday block I hinted at earlier? Well, I just e-mailed the idea to Rob Thomas and he wrote back, "That's the exact pitch my agent gave." (And Matt Roush, too!) Great minds… anyway, I truly believe in my heart that Mars' will be back next year. In fact, UPN prez Dawn Ostroff — who will serve as president of CW when it launches next fall — was very optimistic about the show's future when I spoke to her last week at press tour. "We really love the show. And the show's doing better this year than it was last year, so that's a big plus. I feel very hopeful. I can't say it'll definitely [be back], but we love the show and we're doing everything we can to bring more viewers in."

Question: What else can you tell us about Veronica Mars? — Chrissy Davis

Ausiello: I actually have some major Mars' prattle — and it concerns the show's third season. At press tour, Rob Thomas told me exclusively (at least I think it was exclusive) that not only does he already have next season's overriding mystery figured out, but he's introducing it (wait for it… wait for it) this season! "We know what we want to do next year as our big 'Who Killed Lily Kane/Who sent the bus off the cliff?' mystery," he says. "In fact, we're going to hint at it in an episode this year." Rob adds that the story will have a "completely different" flavor than the two previous mysteries. "There will be a criminal at play rather than a crime that happened that we're trying to solve. It'll be a crime that is ongoing, so it'll have a sense of urgency." (POSSIBLE SPOILER: Episode 16 is titled "The Rapes of Graff" and finds Veronica tracking down a serial rapist at Hearst College — the very school she'll likely be attending next fall. I'm told Veronica does not catch the perp by the episode's conclusion. You do the math.)

Question: More Veronica Mars scoop please. — Gary

Ausiello: Episode 16 also includes a funny little riff on Kristen Bell's Emmy snub last year and the departure of a recurring character.

Question: I may be the only person in America who hasn't seen Brokeback Mountain, so what did you mean last week when you said, "One of our favorite Gilmore girls is about to discover that she has a lot in common with Michelle Williams' character in Brokeback Mountain?" — Casey

Ausiello: Actually, forget I said that. I goofed, big-time. I read an early version of a script for Episode 15 and in it, we find out that one of the show's leading men had an affair with a character named Walker. Naturally, I assumed Walker was a guy. (Who wouldn't, right?) Well, you know what they say about people who assume — they make an ass out of some dude named Ume. Turns out Walker is a girl and no one on the show has anything in common with Michelle Williams' character in Brokeback Mountain, with the possible exception of Paris. I dunno, there's something about Doyle that strikes me as, oh, gay.

Question: Is there any chance whatsoever that Firefly could be picked up and brought back to life? — Joey Yonce

Ausiello: An independent production company is apparently trying to obtain rights from Fox to continue the series either on another network or on an in-demand basis, so I guess the answer is yes.

Question: Did you see last week's episode of Gilmore Girls with the winter carnival? Babette gave away a Smurfette doll as a prize. As soon as I saw it, all I could think about was you! — Caroline L.

Ausiello: What an unbelievable coincidence — I immediately thought of me, too! Here's another little tidbit about that episode: The whole thing about dictator-in-chief Paris referring to her underlings at the Yale Daily News as numbers and not their names? I'm fairly certain that was taken from Amy Sherman-Palladino's tour of duty as a producer on Roseanne. I seem to recall hearing that Roseanne, at the height of her reign of terror, pulled a similar stunt with her writing staff, only instead of numbered caps she handed out sweatshirts. Ah, memories…

Question: For real, there's going to be a Girlfriends spin-off (Ask Ausiello 1/18)? What's the premise? — Sarah

Ausiello: Would I lie to you? Would I lie to you, honey? The potential offshoot will center on three women whose "son or boyfriend or husband plays professional football," explains Dawn Ostroff. "It's about the women behind the men." The characters will be introduced in an episode of Girlfriends later this season.

Monday Servings of Kristin

Alrighty folks. Here's the edited version of Kristin V's chat off of E!Online. Of course, it's a cut and paste routine consisting of the staples: Veronica Mars, Gilmore Girls, Scrubs, Everwood and Supernatural. Enjoy!

From park45: Okay, so I love Veronica Mars and all, but the whole "Meg died tragically offscreen" sucks. Are we never gonna see Alona Tal as Meg ever again?

Don't think so. Believe it or not, I actually ran into her at our neighborhood Starbucks last week, and after a few minutes of each of us trying to figure out how we knew each other, I heard her tell someone, "They killed me off," and it clicked. Anyway, she's a sweet girl and definitely heartbroken to be off the show. She said she's not expecting to be back, though hopes perhaps Meg might be in a flashback.

From bernie: More Veronica Mars scoop?

I guess I can get over my fallen guest role because I've been replaced (not really, but it sounds good to say it) with my fave young comedic actors: Michael Cera and Alia Shawkat, also known as George-Michael and Maeby of Arrested Development. How fantastic is that? They're actually going to play college freshmen (pretty ironic, given that they're only 16 and the older castmembers are playing high schoolers!), and Michael will be giving Veronica a tour of the campus. The Arrested kids are guest starring on Veronica in the sixteenth episode (called "The Rapes of Graff").

From copssister: Things aren't looking so good for Luke and Lorelai, (errr) Lorelai and Luke, huh?

Not so much. I asked Scott Patterson at the WB party if there'd be a wedding this season, and he said: "No idea. I mean, you think you get a grasp on the storylines and then they always surprise you, so there's just no way of knowing that. That's an Amy question, and she'll dodge it better than I will!"

From Marci: Ummm, there was no real Gilmore name in the column...Did I miss it?

Sorry, I forgot. Kim. Alexis Bledel goes by Kim. Milo even calls her that. Bizarre, no?

From bsbearden: Everyone's speculating...Is Lauren Graham preggers?

She kinda sorta looks it, doesn't she?

From gina: When does Bateman's Scrubs episode air?

This Tuesday at 9:30. They had to delay Jason's shooting dates because of the throat surgery he had last November. Actually, Bill Lawrence referred to it as a "health issue," and Zach said, "I'm not going to tell you what the health issue was, but let's just say there was a lot of itching." Zach and Bill launched into a giggle fit, so Sarah Chalke picked up and told me about the episode: "Jason plays this ostrich farmer, which is absolutely hysterical. The writers found out that ostriches are like the fastest animal next to the cheetah and that they can kill someone with their kick, so they were like, 'Okay, guess we have to write that into an episode.' "

From gellow: Supernatural!

Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles made a surprise appearance at TCA. They did mention a few upcoming storylines involving the grim reaper and the occult. They also said they're going to meet a guy who not only has psychic abilities like Sam, but shares the experience of losing his mother to a fiery demon of sorts as well. I talked to Jensen at the party, who sort of hinted that the mystery with their dad may be resolved by the end of this season: "We certainly want to [resolve it]. I mean, it comes to the surface in the back nine [episodes], and things are gonna start coming together more. We actually get to interact with our father in the episode that we're filming right now, which is a huge step for us. Now, where that takes us, we're not quite sure, but it's definitely a big step in the right direction, I think. But I honestly don't know. It's all in the hands of [creator] Eric Kripke. He's kind of the god at hand right now. I think it could be very much a faux pas to drag it out season over season over season. I think that these things need to be resolved and these things need to come to the surface, at least within a season, and I think Eric Kripke's on the same page. I think he's very much against that whole [idea of] dragging audiences without their will across many, many seasons. So, I know that he is on the same page about resolving things and moving on to bigger and more interesting problems."

Christmas in January and Another Memoriam

First and foremost, guess what met me outside of my front porch yesterday afternoon? 2 packages, stacked on top of each other, with my name on it! It's K and J's Christmas items. I squealed so loud, Nilly and the BIL raced to check up on me and make sure nothing wrong had happened. I was giddy. Since J's package was on top, I had to play her CD first. LOVE IT!!!! God, I can't believe how similar our musical tastes are. Having Fall Out Boy, Panic! At the Disco and Death Cab (*sigh*) made me giddy. Thank you. J also gave me some hemp moisturizer and I had to giggle. I also received some hemp lip balm (lime and orange, really yummy) for Christmas. Someone might think I am of the cannabis persuation.

K's package was also a treat. There was the journal, a lovely pair of comfy socks (at least they match and aren't sizes too big), a Christmas ornament and the CD which surprised me. A ton of John Williams work! Good job, lady. Not only that but she also gave me Damien Rice's "O" CD.

Kisses to my girls. Thank you.

Now for the next challenge. Look at the CDs you got from the other Ickle Girls, pick 12 songs from that list and try and match them with your writing and see if they fit. Post them on your blog when you're done.

Second, I know that VM is NEW this Wednesday. If you haven't watched the preview on UPN.com yet, I might suggest you watch it (if you're so willing to take the gamble) or not, to keep your thoughts 'virgin'. However, if you're a spoiler whore like me, check out what 'Spoilerfix has in store for you. Plus, another Weevil/Logan team-up is in the works. They do make a great 'Brokeback Mountain' team, don't you think?

Lastly, I just want to let you all know that Lilly "P" Pod had passed away. Yep, my lovely iPod met an accident and now I have to let her go. She suffered a case of drowning when my water bottle exploded in my bag and left my iPod soaking. I haven't hyperventilated this badly in eons. I had to cry and Nilly said we can always get a new one. I really didn't want a new one. I want "P" back. The only thing that really doesn't work is the screen (the music still plays) but to have it repaired and shipped, it almost costs as much as buying a new one with 10G space. Heck, the screen alone costs as much as a Shuffle!

So, please forgive me if I hadn't been on to chat or write recently. I've just been in mourning.

Run, Ronnie, Run!

I urge you to visit the UPN site. The opening scene to Veronica Mars' "Donut Run" is up.

Let's just say: OH. MY. GOD.

When Dick Casablancas tells you to let things go, you know you're in deep kimchee.

No More Conga Lines

Ooh, J had just posted some dirty info on GG's upcoming episode. She is so not liking Logan right now...

SWEET!

And if that's not enough, here's a little something from Ausiello that you might find intriguing...

Question: Any spoilers on what spoilers to expect? — Stacey

Ausiello: In about three weeks, I'm going to have some fantastic Gilmore Girls scoop. Oh, who am I kidding. I can't wait that long. There will be a wedding in March or April, but the bride and groom do not live in Stars Hollow. And one of our favorite Gilmore girls is about to discover that she has a lot in common with Michelle Williams' character in Brokeback Mountain.

What is your guess? Who is your guess?

As a side note:

While I was unlocking my car tonight, I noticed a bumper sticker on the windshield of the car parked in the stall next to mine. (Bumper sticker on the window? My guess is, MENSA member) Guess what's on the sticker... You won't guess in a million years.

Celebrate National Aetheist Day
April 1, 2001

Now I leave you to ponder that thought.

One Red Paperclip and Other Musings

I have been fascinated with Kyle MacDonald from the moment I saw his interview in CNN. He is the kind of trader I want to be. From one red paperclip, he had traded up for equipment. His goal is to turn the paperclip into a house. His deadline is in July. Last I've seen the interview, he was trading a beer keg and beer for a snowmobile. Since then, he had acquired a sign and had traded it in for a cube van. Isn't that great? It would be so awesome if he actually gets the house.

Have you guys been to the post office recently? Mail had jumped another 2 cents, making a piece of paper $0.39 to just get from point A to point B. Ridiculous. They say the raise is important to keep people employed and to keep up with the decrease of mail service since email had soared. Hmm, I think that the Postal Service would be used more often if these following guidelines are enforced:

1. Be open on CONVENIENT hours in convenient locations. I won't go to the PO if it's in the bad part of town, without parking and/or is only open on days not ending in "y".

2. Have more windows open. When there's more than 5 people in a line, it is okay to help the person behind the counter. Honestly.

3. DO NOT BREAK PACKAGES THAT HAVE BEEN MARKED "FRAGILE". Nuff said.

4. Establish a reason to use the post office other than mailing packages. I love receiving packages so make us use you rather than UPS or DHL.

Here's a snapshot of the stamps I recently purchased. Aren't they cute?



Next...

Lindsay and I were talking about our virtual class experiences and had posted an entry on her site. Well, here's the second genius of our class. I've taken the name and location to protect his/her identity. I hope you find the postings as painful as I did:

Well hello all!!!!
I hope you all are having as warm a winter as I am so far. Im not really sure what to write here so it's just going to be a bunch of random stuff (if that). Hmmmmm, well I guess this is a good spot to share some personal info. I am actually an escaped lab monkey who was made to be super-smart. Although I still enjoy bananas and flinging poo. "wink wink". Well that was entertaining. I hope you guys can figure out some cooler stuff to write than that, my brain doesnt work as well as it used to. Peace.

Another posting:

Well hello everyone, I've been doing this stuff all day so if I already posted whatever. I hope you all have a good semester and good luck with this online delight.

Like you ___, I have only the vaguest ideas of what Anthropology is about.

Don't you feel like you're more superior (or dumbed down) for just reading that posting?

Lastly, Brad and Angie are pregnant. Chris and Gwynnie are too. Why is everyone following the TomKat trend? Agh!

Wash, Rinse, Repeat

First, the good news. FINALLY Maybe Next Time's final chapter had been written. It's being in the process of being betaed by one of my best editors, Amester. I am so glad (and sad) that this story had come to an end. But that just means one thing: new story!

Now for the bad news...

It's not really that bad, I guess. I am just whiny. The year just started out and I am already hating working my weekend shift. I shouldn't since I have the Asian Princess and Genghis to keep me company but still... I just want to watch the telly, read a book or sleep. The sleep part is the one I really miss. Why am I lacking sleep? Because...

I am back in school. Yep, the semester had started and honestly, I am on the fence as of now. The Anthro class I am taking (online of course) is interesting so far. My classmates, thank goodness, I don't see because I definitely believe that 2 of them subsist in the lower echelon of moron.

Strong words, right? Well, let's see... One 'introduced' herself to EACH AND EVERY POSTING. It's not like, "Hi, I am Ixnay Moxey. Call me Ix for short." No, she paraphrased herself 32 TIMES as to who she was, what she was getting a major in and what her homelife's like. I know what she's majoring in: pain in the butt! So guess what this Shop Keeper does when she realizes there's 52 unread postings since the last time she logged in? She had to read and reread who she was the whole time. I was so upset, I asked my teacher if I can block her postings. I was given a resounding NO.

At least I tried, right?

The second MENSA member in the class was this guy who thinks sentences should always start with, "Uhm." Dude, this is an internet course. You don't have to put MAC truck pauses to make us think you do think. Honestly, we all know you've probably been high on pot too many times that the brain doesn't function anymore. Don't kid the other kids in class. Oh, and he said he signed up for the Anthro class because "it sounds cool". However, he admitted that he didn't know what Anthro was and what it was about. Told you he was a MENSA member.

My second class this sem is Geography. I don't know why it has to be part of my Core Classes but what the hey. I'd take basketweaving if it gets me into the university of my choice, right? Well, this is my only class on campus which really isn't bad. Driving 30 minutes to the school twice a week doesn't seem that terrible, right?

Hmm, not really. I got to the class. There's probably about 25 students in the course and we had to wait outside the classroom for about 10-15 minutes because the professor was LATE. Not a good start. I am certain she lives an "alternative lifestyle" based on her clothes and the faux-mullet she wears on her head. I wonder if she's actually wearing a wig or a Davy Crockett hat. I was just too scared to tug. Anyway, she LIVES what she teaches cuz honestly, she smelled "earthy". If you're at least 2 arm lengths away from me and I can smell your eau de naturelle stench, I mean, scent, then you probably need a deodorant or shower... or two! God, I think I struck gold this semester...

All this for something that says BS (or BA) in Education.

Apparently, this hamster is not smart enough to get off the wheel. When will I ever learn?

No... Me... Choking...

Spoilefix up for what's happening on the land of Gilmores...

Episode 6.13: Friday Night's Alright for Fighting
Airdate: January 24, 2006

While Luke deals with the reality of having April (Vanessa Marano) in his life, Lorelai tries to pretend she doesn't mind the repercussions the new situation is having on their engagement. Rory's concern over Paris' lack of management skills at the Yale Daily News finally reaches a crisis point when most of the staff quits in protest. With Logan's help, Rory makes a valiant attempt to get the paper out on time. Meanwhile, Lorelai breaks the news to Richard and Emily that their money will no longer be needed for Rory's education, and the resentment starts to build. The subsequent Friday night dinner erupts into an emotional confrontation where all four Gilmores finally get their issues out on the table. Melissa McCarthy, Liz Torres and Sean Gunn also star. Source: The WB

Logan and Rory will move in together. While Rory and Logan were apart, Logan was seeing other people. Source: gilmorejunkie

Please celebrate or commiserate appropriately.

A Little Franco Love

Vu and I might as well call this a bad movie week. He and I tried to catch Match Point. Alas, were hit with the harsh reality that they're not showing it anywhere in our neck of the woods. They can show Brokeback Mountain (which he's seen) and Narnia (which I've seen) in a thousand theaters but not this Woody Allen flick!

So now, we are going to catch Tristan and Isolde. It will be an interesting Monday! Hmm, nothing can get me and the Asian Princess going like a nicely sculpted Franco. Makes me wonder why I didn't stalk him when I worked in his neck of the woods (Palo Alto) not so long ago.

Ooh, and if that's not enough, there are new spoilers on the Spiderman 3 movie slated for 2007. Come on. Admit it. You, too, are a James Franco freak.

Spoiler Season's Back

They're back! TV's best is back on regular scheduled programming and the spoilers are back thanks to Spoilerfix and Ausiello. Read on! This is of course on Grey's Anatomy and Veronica Mars.

Episode 2.15: Break On Through
Airdate: January 29, 2006

01/10 - The nurses at Seattle Grace Hospital go on strike, leaving the doctors to fend for themselves; Meredith's mistake in treating an elderly patient is brought to light by the patient's friends (June Lockhart, Betty Garrett and Rae Allen) and Izzie treats a pregnant teen. Source: ABC
01/09 - Christina gets in the middle of [the nurse riot]. Source: Kristin on E!Online

Question: I think ABC has you to thank for the huge ratings the Rose Bowl pulled in. I know I watched it because of you (sorry about the Trojans' loss). Now, how about some Grey's Anatomy scoop? — Lucky

Ausiello: Alex is going to get a taste of his own bad medicine when a cocky new doc arrives on the scene and puts the moves on Izzie. And to add insult to injury, CockyDoc will also steal one of Alex's patients — a 15-year-old kid suffering from a rare genetic bone disorder. In this same episode, a woman is rushed to the hospital suffering from spontaneous orgasms and quickly becomes the envy of the female staff — Meredith, in particular. (That's so like her to want what she can't have.)


Question: Has there been any news on who will be playing Aaron Echolls in Veronica Mars' faux E! True Hollywood Story? — Melaney

Ausiello: Yeah, and it's a bummer. As I reported on Monday, exec producer Rob Thomas informed me over the weekend that he's "$100,000 over budget on that episode and we're losing the role." As it is, Thomas didn't end up going with any of the finalists you guys singled out in AA's first-ever Armchair Casting Director challenge anyway — but that was for strictly economic reasons as well. "I wrote Keith Carradine in the script as the actor playing Aaron," he says. "I did a pilot with him a few years ago, and I thought he might be a guy who would do me a favor. But even if we got him for the bare minimum, we couldn't afford to add any more cast to the budget." And although he didn't follow up on any of AA readers' casting tips, Rob did have some thoughts on several of the top vote-getters. "I have to say that I've never seen Lorenzo Lamas in anything. Corbin Bernsen would've been funny on a couple of levels. Chris Sarandon actually sounds like a pretty good idea. My favorite, however? Mark Hamill. Perfection."

Question: I'm just dying from Veronica Mars withdrawal. What can you spill about the Rob Thomas-directed episode on Jan. 25? It's his first time, right? Gotta be something good. — Alex

Ausiello: Let's ask the man himself. "I'll say this: Given my first chance to direct an episode, I didn't skimp on story," Rob teases. "Major developments in my episode. And serious upheaval in Veronica's love life." That's putting it mildly. Take a look at this tease UPN just released about the episode: "An FBI team, headed up by tough, seasoned Agent Morris (guest star Lucy Lawless), is called in to pursue Duncan after he breaks up with Veronica and flees with Meg's baby. Meanwhile, Wallace reveals the tragic reason why he returned to Neptune. Later, Logan asks his buddy Dick to help in a scheme to weed out which one of Weevil's P.C.H. Biker Boyz framed him for murder." Yeah, I'd say he didn't skimp on story.

Happy Wednesday!!!

Blog Lifting-- Again

This one was from the Amester, who stole it from Surya.. I don't know if she stole it from someone else...

1. What did you do in 2005 that you’d never done before? Realized that I have to move from the cc (community college) to a real university.

2. Did you keep your new years’ resolutions, and will you make more for next year? Somewhat, but not really.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth? My cousin had a baby girl in December

4. Did anyone close to you die? my aunt, the day after her granddaughter was born

5. What countries did you visit? the south east part of US, does that count? First time in FL

6. What would you like to have in 2006 that you lacked in 2005? a kid or 2

7. What dates from 2005 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? my aunt's death

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? Being work's spokesperson. I didn't know how I got it but I'm trying not to let anyone down.

9. What was your biggest failure? trying to lose weight on my own

10. Did you suffer illness or injury? I still have my bum knee

11. What was the best thing you bought? My lovely washer and dryer!

12. Whose behavior merited celebration? Nilly, DeAnn and J for their new jobs, the other DeAnn for her new site, Amy and K for their new job promotions

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? co-workers

14. Where did most of your money go? bills.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about? the appliances

16. What song will always remind you of 2005? Wake Me Up When September Ends- Green Day

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:a) happier or sadder? -happier b) thinner or fatter? -same c) richer or poorer? same.

18. What do you wish you’d done more of? not care about work

19. What do you wish you’d done less of? panic

20. How will you be spending Christmas? spent the first Christmas at home. Whew! 11 people coming over was a lot of work.
21. Did you fall in love in 2005? everyday with the Nilly

22. How many one-night stands? Are we including the prison cell? Nah, there is only one room for Nilly loving.

23. What was your favorite TV program? Veronica Mars, Gilmore Girls, the nixed Kitchen Confidential, Everwood, Supernatural

24. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year? How about hating someone more? Like Paris Hilton?

25. What was the best book you read? Can You Keep A Secret, Sophie Kinsella tied with English as a Second Language

26. What was your greatest musical discovery? Raul Mignon

27. What did you want and get? my washer and dryer. Once you go LG, you can never go back

28. What did you want and not get? a raise?

29. What was your favorite film of this year? Chronicles of Narnia... no wait, Batman Begins

30. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? I cried. I turned 29

31. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? being physically closer to my parents, vacationing

32. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2005? scrubs and neutral/earth tones--drab

33. What kept you sane? IMing the Ickle Gals and writing

34. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? Wow, where's my stalking list?

35. What political issue stirred you the most? the gas prices raised and lowered like there's no tomorrow. Katrina, my butt...

36. Who did you miss? My family, my friends, especially those back home and the ones still in the military

37. Who was the best new person you met? can't limit it to one. There's the Ickle Gals, the EST committee and Becky

38. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2005: don't take things too seriously. Eventually, no one will care that you did that much work for something that would be replaced/updated almost immediately.

39. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:

Every memory of looking out the back door
I had the photo album spread out on my bedroom floor
It's hard to say it, time to say it
Goodbye, goodbye

Every memory of walking out the front door
I found the photo of the friend that I was looking for
It's hard to say it, time to say it
Goodbye, goodbye

Photograph by Nickelback

Do I Have a Life?

Apparently, not. Here's where I spend some of my milk money.

So, other than doing school work and writing, watching movies had become a way to pass the time.

Let me know if you have any to suggest to add to my collection. I know... like I need more.

Save the Dates: Marvel vs DC

The X-Men 3 trailer left me breathless. I hope the preview is as good as X2, if not better. I would've wanted to see Bryan Singer's byline on this flick but I'll take Mister Ratner, who was ironically the first person tapped to make the first X-Men movie. Brett, better not let us down.

With that being said, look out for Superman Returns. Brandon Routh, I think, did the memorable Christopher Reeves justice as the current Man of Steel. Kevin Spacey as Lex Luthor is spine-chilling. Remember Gene Hackman as Lex? Brrr. Bryan, I hope Superman's worth the comic book switch.

My Resolution That Had Become a Reality

Can I get at witness? Jason Dohing, Chad Michael Murray and with Amy's help Matt Czuchry.

In the year 2006 I resolve to: Become an online stalker. Get your resolution here

Anywhoo, I didn't mean to be a drag the beginning of the year. So here's some good news. I got a replacement cell phone! Yeah, I am one of the few people that gets attached to their cell phone. I had one of the old cell phones that didn't even have polyphonic ring tones. I had 'Weapon of Choice' programmed as my ring tone. So loved that cell.

But Nilly complained that he couldn't get me on the phone when needed (which is true) and that my battery dies almost instantly after making a call (also true). So, as a New Year's present, the Nillster and I headed to T-Mobile to get me a new mobile.

I love it.

It's free after reupping our contract (which we never had problems with them) so we picked out my new white cell phone which plays Marilyn Manson's 'Sweet Dreams' and of course, for the hubby it rings Marcy Playground's 'Sex and Candy'.

Now try hearing that while being in class. It would be so wicked...

Scar Tissue

Last night was the final evening of the winter holidays. Nilly and I took down the ornaments from the Christmas tree and packed them away, not to be seen again for another 11 months.

It was kinda sad, you know? All that sits on our living room carpet is a beautiful Douglas Fir Tree, ready to be dried and be shredded for mulch.

I find a sentimentality that is attached to things like this. I akin it to life, its purpose and meeting its end.

I was looking through an old journal of mine and skimmed through the pages. This, I can tell you, is not a good thing to do when you are melancholic (or hungry). You tend to be more critical of the younger you, of all the decisions you've made and what you did to come up with that conclusion.

I snorted. I laughed. I cried.

The retrospect was funny, and I few I commented with "what were you thinking?" but then at my current age, would I have made the same mistakes if I didn't go through them then?

One of my good friends (who just happens to be mentioned in said journal being perused) emailed me today to let me know he got a girl pregnant and he's contemplating on asking her for her hand in marriage. I was astounded not because he's doing the 'dutiful' deed but because he thinks this is what is proper given the circumstances that the first time they had sex, he got her pregnant.

If I were the girl, is that what I would've wanted?

He asked me for guidance. I am tongue-tied. I cannot even prove to this point that I can procreate. What about giving advice to someone who is apparently very fertile?

Although it's a blow to hear how a nice guy is pinned to this situation, I responded with the "if you love her and she feels the same about you, then do it. Just don't get married for the sake of the child."

I hope I served my purpose by giving him sound direction.

Just maybe I wouldn't have to second-guess myself and pick on the scab just to check if the wound's healing well.