KT Update-When did Brian Austin Green Get So Delicious?

Before I dive into some fall reviews, I want to take a second to discuss The Sarah Connor Chronicles over on Fox. Jay & I just finished Season 1 last night, which we found quite enjoyable (although I am baffled by the Terminator lore). Can someone please tell me how John Connor’s father is from the future? Doesn’t that mean that there was some form of a future where John Connor did not exist? Wasn’t Kyle Reese sent back to protect Sarah Connor because she was John Connor’s mother? Just thinking about the whole thing makes me go cross-eyed. In any case, as much as I enjoy the show, it reached a new level when Brian Austin Green joined the cast. DAMN!! what a hottie! As most of you know I am a sucker for a comeback & I think that Green is doing a stellar job and I have to endorse this show which airs on a jam packed Monday night on Fox (uh, why is everything on Mondays this year?) I’m a wee bit concerned for this show because it is up against so many other quality shows but if you have room on your TIVO I say give it a chance.




Next week is a big night for premieres (HIMYM, Heroes, Grey’s, Survivor & The Office) so I thought I’d give you my two cents on what I’ve been watching in the mean time.

Prison Break-Although I broke up with this show half way through season 2, Jay just can’t give up on it and so against my own better judgment, I decided to spend some time with my hubby in front of the tv (Lord knows he sits through SYTYCD, Survivor and Project Runway most nights without TOO much complaining). But, I should have known better. The first hour was not too painful, but when our favorite escapees all happened to get arrested precisely at the same moment (setting up the “take down the company or you all go to jail for a very long time” premise) that’s when I hit my limit. In the words of Chunk, “That’s all I can stand, I CAN’T STAND NO MORE!!!!”. KT Premiere Grade: D

90210- Ok, I’m going to tread lightly on this one. I know a whole heap of you watched this & hated it with a firey passion. I have to say, I was not part of this group. I didn’t LOVE it, but I didn’t HATE it either. I did consider skipping the next two installments, but since little else is on, I gave the show a 2nd & 3rd shot. With the exception of Naomi, the cast is growing on me. I really like Silver a lot & I think that she & Dixon have the potential to be a cute couple. Ethan is growing on me but Annie gets on my a little bit. I do find myself getting more excited by the Kelly/Brenda storylines & do worry that the show might lose something for me once those storylines go away. I didn’t like that Dylan was Sammy’s father. I’m still part of the Dylan-Brenda fan club. Anyhoo, I’m going to continue watching. Do I dare say that this is a quality show? Umm, no. But take a sneak peak at the old 90210 & you’ll find that this one is quite similar in tone. Its corny, but that’s how the show has always been. KT Premiere Grade: C+

Fringe-I’m not going to hide my bias, oh I’m coming right out & admitting that I *heart* Pacey & he is 75% responsible for me watching this show (J.J. Abrams is 25% responsible). I will say that this show creeps me out at times, but then I get to watch Pacey run around in his trench coat or make a sarcastic comment and all is right with the world. I’m intrigued by the premise of this show & enjoyed the premiere. I like the dynamic of the three main characters & didn’t really see the last plot twist coming (Jimmy called it a second before it happened).


So there you have it. Wow, it is Sept. 19 and I’ve only watched 3 premieres? That’s just crazy talk! Good thing I’ve been netflixing like a maniac this summer! I’m just finishing up Season 1 of Bones (I’ll have a review once I finish); as I mentioned Jay & I have been watching Sarah Connor Chronicles (and Battlestar Galatica) and finally I’ve been working my way through Lost. I just finished Season 2. Oooooo Michael. So misguided!!!

Before I head off, I just wanted to share some delightful news that has made mine & Jay’s lives much, much easier. It seems Tivo & Direct TV have kissed and made up. A few years ago Direct TV offered Tivo’s as part of their box. Then they broke up & Direct TV started offering these sub-par DVRs. Now news comes that a deal has just been brokered that will link the two for five years and in addition they are working on an HD Direct TV Tivo. Hooray! Happiness at last. Jay can watch football & I can have my tivo back. Oh happy day!


So that’s about it for today. I’ll be back next week to discuss the Emmy’s and some of the premieres I’ve waiting for:

Dancing With the Stars Mon 8PM ABC
How I Met Your Mother Mon 8:30 PM CBS
Heroes Mon 9PM NBC (There is a recap show at 8)
Knight Rider Wed 8PM NBC
Survivor Thurs 8PM CBS
Grey’s Anatomy Thurs 9PM ABC
The Office Thurs 9PM NBC
The Amazing Race Sun 8PM CBS
Desperate Housewives Sun 9PM ABC
Brothers & Sisters Sun 10PM ABC

KT! Update-They Make Me Cry

As you know, I’ve spent a good chunk of this summer watching my favorite tv shows on dvd. I am in the second season of Lost, Buffy and Sex & The City. For the first time I’m re-watching Angel season 1. All of these shows have been swirling around in my mind. At the same time, I’ve finally given in & read the Twilight series. In case you haven’t heard, Twilight is young adult fiction about a teenage girl named Bella who falls in love with a vampire named Edward Cullen. Twilight is the latest teen phenomenon happening right now, at ComicCon the movie’s panel was swarmed by girls dying to get a look at the cast & a sneak peak at the film. Last week I finished the last book of the series, and I have to say I was deeply disappointed. Perhaps I am tainted by the years of vampire lore that Joss Whedon has given me, or that Edward Cullen is not nearly as cool, tortured or dangerous as Angel or Spike. Or that even though they walk in this violent, supernatural world, there is never any collateral damage. No one important is ever lost & everything ends up so tidy. Or that Bella & Edward’s story didn’t move me the way that Buffy & Angel did 10 years ago (holy crap!) & still do. Just yesterday, I watched the crossover episode of Angel where Buffy comes to L.A. and Angel becomes human and I cried through the entire episode. I’ve seen that episode probably 6 or 7 times & I can still feel the pain between those two. So then I started thinking, are there any other tv couples that can do that to me? A couple that I can get so immersed in that I can feel their love & their pain? That I can re-watch an episode several times & still feel the emotions like the first time? Honestly, I think there is only one couple on tv right now that can do that to me, and we’ll get to that later. But first, let’s take a look back at some couples that I fell in love with and/or tore my heart out.


10. Let’s start with a blast from the past. I’m going all the way back to the early 90’s for Brenda & Dylan. Probably my first dalliance with a bad boy (although looking back, how bad was Dylan?) Brenda & Dylan were THE couple for me during my teen years. They provided your daily dose of drama & I loved every second of it. The big dance? The pregnancy scare? The break up to R.E.M.’s “Losing My Religion” (you know it makes an impact when I can remember the song). That was when 90210 was on point. Once Brenda & Dylan broke up, the show lost something for me. I never quite bought Kelly & Dylan together & no one ever sparked with Brenda the way Dylan did. You know you’ve got something when all I can think about on the new 90210 was that it is a shame that Luke Perry turned it down because it would have been fantastic to see Brenda & Dylan together all these years later.



9. I know the big love story on Grey’s Anatomy is supposed to be Meredith & Derek and there were points along the way where that could have happened. But for me, nothing will ever, ever beat Izzy & Denny. I came into Grey’s late. I fought the power & did not start watching the first season on dvd until the series was already in Season 3. So I knew about Denny. I remember all the brouhaha on the internet after the episode aired but holy crap did I sob when it actually happened! Jay was in the other room & came in to see what was wrong with me. That’s how bad I was sobbing. It is one thing for me to tear up, but really for a show to make me sob, well that’s an accomplishment that is usually reserved for Joss Whedon. Although I still watch and occasionally really enjoy the show, that was the moment Grey’s peaked for me and I doubt it will ever be able to top it.

8. I was a big fan of Friends & of Ross and Rachel. In my opinion, the whole relationship was fantastic in the beginning but after a few years, it got a little old (plus then Monica & Chandler took center stage). The reason I have them on this list is because if I’m flipping through the channels and happen to land on a Friends re-run and it happens to be the episode with the Prom video, it gets me, every…single….time.

7. For a while I loved the WB and then for a while I hated it. But during those dark times there was a little show about a little town in Colorado called Everwood that kept me tied to my former favorite network. Everwood was not your every day WB teeny-bopper show. The cast was amazing and I felt like I knew & loved every single one of them, most of all Amy & Ephram. It is your typical story of the outcast who falls in love with the most beautiful girl school, but with the addition of a coma ridden boyfriend, a famous neurosurgeon dad and a hot blond babysitter. Things in Everwood were never as they seemed and I really appreciated that (hello, they freakin killed Colin). In fact, Everwood is the reason for my embargo against the CW (cancel Everwood & bring back 7th Heaven??? Seriously! I’ll never get over that)…anyhoo, you could always see the love between Ephram & Amy even when they weren’t together and when they finally were, it was worth the wait (and of course the breakup was heartbreaking too) but it was all ok in the end when Amy performed the grandest gesture of all with the ferris wheel.


6.The Pacey-Dawson debate continues to rage on years later but I stand by my assessment that it was ALL ABOUT PACEY. Dawson was whiny & stupid & had bad hair. Pacey was sarcastic, biting, and yes boys & girls, romantic. The Pacey & Joey romance brought something back to the Creek. Things were getting B-O-R-I-N-G until Pacey told Joey to ask him to stay. Remember the wall? Talk about romantic gestures, that one still gets me.

5. As we all know, the Whedon is the master of ripping your heart out of you chest, showing it to you, and then throwing it on the ground & stomping on it. He has done many things that have traumatized me over the years (see Buffy & Angel) but this was one of the worst things…ever. Talk about sobbing…uncontrollably. Winifred Burkle joined Team Angel & at once Wesley Wyndham Pryce was smitten. One would think the two would be a perfect match with their mutual love of research & the supernatural, but it took Fred four seasons to realize her feelings for Wesley and just when she did, well, I can’t even talk about it here or I might have a break down. But yeah, it was bad and Wesley never recovered & I’ll never forgive the WB for cancelling the show during its best season because I really would have loved to have seen what the Whedon had in store for everyone.

4. At this point I’ve accepted that once the bad boy shows his vulnerable side, I’m a sitting duck. When Veronica Mars premiered Logan Echolls was the typical spoiled rich boy with an attitude. I pretty much hated his guts. But then you see a little into his home life, realize he is still reeling from his girlfriend’s murder and you go a little soft. Then he loses his mother & it is all over. I fell for him just as hard as Veronica did. The first kiss between the two of them in front of the motel is one of the top five kisses I’ve ever seen on tv (quite possibly my favorite). Logan & Veronica were electric & every time she hurt him or he came through for her my heart fluttered.

3. So I know this is probably going to cause an uproar, but for me, the most emotional breakup of Sex & they City was Carrie & Aidan, both times. I was never the biggest fan of Big, (I think although he loved her he was so self-centered and closed off) and Aidan just gave himself so completely to Carrie, both times. I was devastated when Carrie slept with Big & then told Aidan on Charlotte’s wedding day (!) I was even more traumatized when I realized (when she broke into hives in the tacky wedding gown) that she would never marry Aidan. Oh, and then that breakup. That last night when they cuddled together in the room that would never be their apartment. Heartbreaking.

2. As I previously mentioned, I’ve been watching a lot of tv on dvd. While re-watching Lost this summer, I realized just how much I love Sun & Jin. Some tears did fall in the finale when Jin was left behind on the freighter, so I knew that I was affected by them, but it wasn’t until I re-watched the first two seasons did I realize how much. In the beginning, Jin came off as cold hearted. But as their story evolved and you saw how their love was completely mutilated by Sun’s family, it was easy to root for a reunion.
Sun & Jin are the emotional heart of Lost. Their story encompasses so many great things, it shows the power of redemption and forgiveness. I’m going to keep out hope that an another emotional reunion is in their future.


1. I’m sure you are all sooo shocked. Yes, for me it is all about Angel & Buffy. As Cordelia pointed out “They’ve got the forbidden love of all time”. Ahh, the slayer in love with a vampire. At first it didn’t seem so bad, I mean sure he was over 200 and she was 16, but it wasn’t until they consummated their relationship that this love story took its Shakespearian turn. I was so shocked & distressed about the second half of season 2 that I started reading spoilers. I couldn’t afford to be taken completely off guard like that. I mean, for the love of God, it is a tv show! Angel becoming evil, Buffy killing Angel, the prom, Faith’s poison, graduation, the Crossover! Even at the end, when Buffy told him that she was “cookie dough”. Buffy & Angel are one of the greatest couples because their love is eternal, no matter what happens or how much time they spend apart they will always love each other and thus, hurt each other (and all of us in the process!)

So that about wraps things up. My favorite tv couples and let me tell you, Edward Cullen & Bella don’t even come close to them (and don’t get me started on that final book, worst ever!!). Did I leave someone off the list, if so let me know?

The fall season starts next week, so I’ll be profiling the shows I’m going to watch & then doing a quick report card once everything has premiered. Looking forward to an eventful fall season! Hooary!

KT Update! Doh, I forgot about the Emmy's!

Wow, I’m out of the loop, eh! Emmy nominations were Thursday morning & luckily I just happened to see them. Here are the nominees along with my usual two cents.

Outstanding Comedy Series

30 Rock
Curb Your Enthusiasm
Entourage
The Office
Two And A Half Men

Thoughts on the nominees: I think Entourage had a lackluster year & don’t think it deserves to be here. I’m also one of the people that is so over The Office.

Who should be on this list: How I Met Your Mother had another stellar year. Although Neil Patrick Harris stands out to a lot of people the show works because of the comic ability & chemistry between the whole cast. Pushing Daisies is one of those rare occasions when American tv viewers actually support a quirky, funny show with heart. This is one of the shows that I’ve missed the most.



Outstanding Drama Series

Boston Legal
Damages
Dexter
House
Lost
Mad Men

Thoughts on the nominees: Boston Legal, really? I do not watch Damages, Dexter or Mad Men. All three received critical acclaim this year. I’ll be watching Mad Men shortly & my brother Matthew swears by Dexter. I’m excited that Lost has returned to this category but I’m a little confused by House. I know the season ended really strong, but I don’t know if the show was one of the best dramas on tv.

Who Should be on this list: Brothers & Sisters was amazing this year. I love the whole Walker clan (even Tommy) and was glued to the television to find out if Rebecca really was a Walker. In addition, Love Kevin, love him to death I’m a pit peeved he didn’t get nominated! Friday Night Lights is a spectacular show. At first I fought the power of this show, I wasn’t interested in another teeny bopper soap drama. But FNL is not that at all. This is a character driven drama. The students, coaches, teachers, they are not one dimensional. I will say that the whole Tyra-Landry storyline probably robbed this otherwise stupendous show of some well deserved recognition. Also, I didn’t watch The Wire but from what I’ve heard this show was vastly underrated & should have gotten some Emmy love.

Outstanding Host For A Reality Or Reality - Competition Program

American Idol Ryan Seacrest, Host
Dancing With The Stars Tom Bergeron, Host
Deal Or No Deal Howie Mandel, Host
Project Runway Heidi Klum, Host
Survivor Jeff Probst, Host

Thoughts on the nominees: I would argue that Deal or No Deal is more of a game show than a Reality Competition Program. So I would nix Mandel. Other than that, I can’t really argue with this list. Although Seacrest is the front runner, he would not be my choice as the winner (I’m still a little mad at him for being so cruel to Michael Johns.) Bergeron is hysterical on DWTS. He’s always cracking jokes at the absurdity of the entire show. Love it. Heidi Klum is also incredible, but I would argue that she brings more entertainment value as a judge than as a host, plus how can you call Heidi a host & not give some credit to Tim Gunn? That leaves (as the survivor fanatics call him) Jiffy Pop, who SHOULD win this hands down. Somewhere along Survivor’s 16? 17? Seasons Probst started to give the contestants hell. He’ll call you out at tribal council about something happened back at camp. CAREFUL! If you roll your eyes while one of your tribes mates is talking he’ll call on you next. He has been brutal to those that have quit the game and even makes the occasional snide remark. Probst is everything a good host should be. He brings something indispensible to the show without trying to make himself the center of attention (I’m looking at you Seacrest).



Who Should be on this list: If we booted Howie you’d either need to add The Amazing Race’s Phil (who I don’t think really brings anything to the show except for some amusing facial gestures) and my new favorite Cat Deely. Cat is the host of “So You Think You Can Dance”. So by now you know I’m obsessed with this show but Cat rules. She often tries to defend contestants to the judges, consoles them after an ugly review and was recently seen getting down on her hands and knees (in a designer dress!) and putting Chelsie’s toe back into her show AND I can feel her empathy for the contestants. I think she really has a bond with the dancers & often says/does what I’d do if I was on the stage.

Outstanding Lead Actor In A Comedy Series

30 Rock Alec Baldwin as Jack Donaghy
Monk Tony Shalhoub as Adrian Monk
Pushing Daisies Lee Pace as Ned
The Office Steve Carell as Michael Scott
Two And A Half Men Charlie Sheen as Charlie Harper

Thoughts on the nominees: Love Baldwin, pleasantly surprised about Lee Pace. Sooooooo over Tony Shaloub and Steve Carell. I don’t watch Two & a Half Men but people love it.

Who Should be on this list: Zachary Levi (Chuck). Obviously if the show is named after you, you’ve got to be strong. Levi’s Chuck is simultaneously silly, awkward & bold as he tries to deal with this new life that has been thrust upon him. One of my top shows from 2007 and Levi was a big reason why.




Outstanding Lead Actor In A Drama Series

Boston Legal James Spader as Alan Shore
Breaking Bad Bryan Cranston as Walt White
Dexter Michael C. Hall as Dexter Morgan
House Hugh Laurie as Dr. Gregory House
In Treatment Gabriel Byrne as Paul
Mad Men Jon Hamm as Don Draper

Thoughts on the nominees: So Hugh Laurie consistently does a good job, but I don’t think this year was any different than years past, although I guess I can’t gripe when he hasn’t won yet. I didn’t watch Breaking Bad, but I loved Bryan Cranston in Malcolm in the Middle and I don’t think he ever got nominated for that. The final three nominees I can’t fairly comment on as I haven’t seen those shows either…although who watches Dexter loves the show & Michael C. Hall (but I still love him from Six Feet Under).

Who Should be on this list: Kylie Chandler has been stellar as Coach Eric Taylor. This year the Taylor’s faced new adversity with the new job, baby & Julie acting like a big hussy. Coach has been robbed! Again I’ll also say that The Wire should have gotten some love in this category too.



Outstanding Lead Actress In A Comedy Series

30 Rock Tina Fey as Liz Lemon
Samantha Who? Christina Applegate as Samantha Newly
The New Adventures Of Old Christine Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Christine Campbell
Ugly Betty America Ferrera as Betty Suarez
Weeds Mary-Louise Parker as Nancy Botwin

Thoughts on the nominees: I watch 3 of the 5 shows. Christina Applegate is simply charming in Samantha Who? and Mary Louise Parker rocks as Nancy Botwin, but I’m going with Fey who has improved immensely from last year & is the heart and soul of 30 Rock.

Who Should be on this list: I think it is interesting that none of the women of Wisteria Lane made it this year. I would have expected to see Bree. I also would have liked a little love for Men In Trees. Anne Heche was perfect as the delightful Marin Frist. For the love of God you cancelled her show, at least give the woman an Emmy nomination!!!

Outstanding Lead Actress In A Drama Series

Brothers & Sisters Sally Field as Nora Holden-Walker
Damages Glenn Close as Patty Hewes
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit Mariska Hargitay as Olivia Benson
Saving Grace Holly Hunter as Grace Hanadarko
The Closer Kyra Sedgwick as Deputy Chief Brenda Johnson

Thoughts on the nominees: Four of the five women here are bonafide movie stars. I think sometimes the name catches the Emmy voter’s eye more than the performance and really I’m only thinking of Holly Hunter here. Everyone else has tremendous buzz about their performances.

Who Should be on this list: I would have liked to see Connie Britton from FNL. When she slapped Julie I cheered out loud.

Outstanding Reality-competition Program

American Idol
Dancing With The Stars
Project Runway
The Amazing Race

Thoughts on the nominees: These are the most “respectable” of the genre. Runway was (say it with me) Fierce last year!

Who Should be on this list: I limit my reality intake, the only other shows I watch that would be classified as reality would be Deadliest Catch & So You Think You Can Dance. And actually, Deadliest Catch wouldn’t qualify since it isn’t a competition program.

Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Comedy Series

Entourage Jeremy Piven as Ari Gold
Entourage Kevin Dillon as Johnny Drama
How I Met Your Mother Neil Patrick Harris as Barney Stinson
The Office Rainn Wilson as Dwight Schrute
Two And A Half Men Jon Cryer as Alan Harper

Thoughts on the nominees: Although I think Piven & Dillon are great, Entourage had a lackluster season. Rainn Wilson is still amusing on The Office & how can I say anything bad about Duckie? But hells yeah Neil Patrick Harris!

Who Should be on this list: The one glaring omission in my eyes is Chi McBride. He brings so much to Pushing Daisies. I almost think that the show would be too saccharine without him.

Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Drama Series

Boston Legal William Shatner as Denny Crane
Damages Ted Danson as Arthur Frobisher
Damages Zeljko Ivanek as Ray Fiske
Lost Michael Emerson as Ben
Mad Men John Slattery as Roger Sterling

Thoughts on the nominees: Aside from Shatner (who I’m so bored with) I think this is a pretty decent list. As I’ve said, I watched neither Damages nor Mad Men, but both shows received a lot of buzz. Ben Rules!

Who Should be on this list: Kevin from Brothers & Sisters. He had some great storylines this year & some awesome lines. I nearly fell out of my chair when Justin confessed to Kevin that he had feelings for Rebecca. Plus, the proposal to Scotty was amazing. It was so heartfelt, I think I may have shed a tear.


Riggins, FNL. I love Riggins. How can you not? The bad boy with the heart of gold that just smolders on the screen. I don’t know if he is the best actor on FNL, but I know I always remember his scenes.


Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Comedy Series

Pushing Daisies Kristin Chenoweth as Olive Snook
Samantha Who? Jean Smart as Regina Newly
Saturday Night Live Amy Poehler, Performer
Two And A Half Holland Taylor as Evelyn Harper
Ugly Betty Vanessa Williams as Wilhelmina Slater

Thoughts on the nominees: A decent list. I’m pulling for Chenoweth.

Who Should be on this list: Jennifer Esposito, Samantha Who. Esposito’s Andrea is fantastically shallow, self centered and catty; but in a good way. She’s the constant reminder of what “Bad Sam” was.
Dana Delaney, Desperate Housewives. DH was infinitely better this year and a lot of the credit goes to Katherine’s arrival on Wisteria Lane. From clashing with Bree to the resolution of her mystery, Delaney was increbile.


Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Drama Series

Boston Legal Candice Bergen as Shirley Schmidt
Brothers & Sisters Rachel Griffiths as Sarah Walker-Whedon
Grey's Anatomy Chandra Wilson as Dr. Miranda Bailey
Grey's Anatomy Sandra Oh as Cristina Yang
In Treatment Dianne Wiest as Dr. Gina Toll

Thoughts on the nominees: Sandra Oh? Really? But Cristina was so whiny & boring this year. Sure she had a few stand out scenes but for the most part, Blah. I don’t watch Boston Legal or In Treatment and I think Chandra Wilson & Rachel Griffiths have both been consistently strong.

Who Should be on this list: I should just add a disclaimer that although I am watching this show, I am not up to the most recent season. That being said, Mary McDonnell (President Roslin) and Katee Sackhoff (Starbuck) have been consistently tremendous. I can’t imagine that the quality of either actress’ work has declined. Give some love to the Sci-Fi channel!

KT Update! Coming Soon to a TV Near You!

Hello everyone! Summer is upon us & I have casting scoop galore so let’s get going!

First off, I am happy to report the Kristen Bell recently signed on to do additional episodes for “Heroes”. Additionally, Kristen Bell’s “Veronica Mars” co-star Francis Capra (Weevil) will also be making an appearance on Heroes in the fall. I’m super excited that Elle will be back (and am wishing for a scene between her & & I am hoping that “Heroes” will kick ass & live up to my expectations. Last year I was none too pleased!


More casting news from the Peacock! The O.C.’s Julie Cooper will be doing a guest stint on “Chuck.” News also broke this week that Jordana Brewster will make an appearance as the girl that crushed Chuck’s heart in college (by sleeping with Bryce).

A number of us rejoiced last spring when NBC announced that it had made a deal with Direct TV to save Friday Night Lights. Wait, did I just say something nice about Direct TV? It doesn’t matter, they are so deep in the hole with me the only way I’d ever not HATE Direct TV is if they brought back Buffy or Veronica Mars or perhaps even Arrested Development. Oops, sorry, didn’t mean to get sidetracked by my complete loathing of Direct TV. Anyhooo….I just heard that Jason Street & Smash Williams have been reduced to recurring characters. According to creator Jason Katims, there will be a 4 episode arc that will wrap up both characters’ storylines & move them forward with their lives. Although it is kind of sad to see them go, I am just grateful that Riggins & Sorenson will be back full time! Gotta get my WWRD tshirt for October! Oh that reminds me, if any of my NC friends do not have Direct TV & are FNL fans, feel free to come over every week to enjoy it with me. If I have to have this God forsaken TV service I might as well share its value with my friends!



The big news from ABC this week is that Katie Holmes will guest on an episode of “Eli Stone.” I think it is kind of funny that this is such big news & stunt casting. It is not like Katie Holmes is a movie star, she’s just been brainwashed by Tom Cruise!

Also, regarding Scrubs, I have learned that Courtney Cox will do a multi episode arc as Dr. Kelso’s successor. At this week Television Critic’s

Word on the street is that Michael J. Fox has 2 potential guest stints lined up for next year. First, reprising his role on Scrubs & second on Rescue Me. I would love to see MJF on either show, but the idea of him on Rescue Me has me completely intrigued.

So I know the casting news you’ve all been patiently waiting for is about the new 90210. Although Tori Spelling agreed to do a few guest spots they are holding off because she just had a baby. I heard that Luke Perry was a firm “NO”, Jason Priestly was most likely a “NO” while Shannon Doherty was dangerously close to signing on! Shut up! Now that would get me to lift my embargo against the CW. Shannon Doherty & Jennie Garth in a scene together….oh sweet tv drama, how I love thee!

And the my last bit of casting scoop isn’t really scoop at all. It is a plea. A plea to the tv gods to please, please make this casting decision. For those of you that watch Brothers & Sisters you know that the newest Walker “Ryan” is out there & will make an appearance this year. The show has yet to cast this role & I have the perfect person. Jason Dohring. Now that the deplorable “Moonlight” has been canceled Dohring can come on over to Casa Walker. Anyone who has seen Veronica Mars knows Dorhing can do brutal, vulnerable, and just plain delicious. He would be perfect for the role! I will be saying a little prayer each night that the powers that be over at ABC make my wish come true.


As I have mentioned, I’m spending the summer re-watching some of my favorite tv shows. I’m already through seasons 1 & 2 of Veronica Mars, and am working through the first seasons of Lost, Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Sex & the City. I’m enjoying all the shows immensely. My one gripe is that SATC is not meant to be watched on a 52 inch tv. I wish they would have made the dvds better quality. It looks all grainy on my tv which makes me a wee bit grumpy. I’ll adding Angel Season 1 to the mix soon.

Despite all my tv on dvd watching, I still have some extra time to watch some live tv (not much, but some). In addition to the Deadliest Catch (Jonathan & the Time Bandit RULE!), I am completely obsessed with “So You Think You Can Dance”. As much as I love the show I am bothered by judges/producers trying to push certain contestants ahead (and out) but I guess that is to be expected by any reality show. Lord knows they do that on Idol (EEEE! Can’t wait for the David Cook record). Anyhoo, as for “SYTYCD” my current favorites are Katee, Joshua,

Mark and Chelsie.


I also really like Courtney & Gev, and most of the time I enjoy Twitch & Kherington. Which means I’m bound for some disappointment as there are only 5 couples left. I think Will is a superior dancer but I’m suffering from some serious Will Backlash. The judges are ruining him for me.

Finally, a few weeks back Entertainment Weekly released a list of new “classics”. Of course I generally disagreed with this list so I’m currently working on my 10 classic TV shows, movies & records. To be clear, I’m not saying these are the best, just the ones I deem classic. Anyhoo, you’ll see that in a week or two. And don’t forget that the new (and likely the last one on bravo) season of Project Runway starts tonight. Will it be as fierce as last year (I’m guessing not, how could it be?)….

KT Update-Grading the Finales

Thursday’s two hour Lost finale marked the close of the tv season. It has been a weird tv season, to say the least. The strike put most of the new shows on hold, and we’ll have to wait until next season to see if too much time on a writer’s hands is a bad thing (I’m scared for Life). Plus, when next I see Jack Bauer it will be more than a year since I’ve heard his last “damnit!” Anyhoo, as promised, here is my season finale report card.

Samantha Who? Although I do like this show, it is not one that I would miss if it was suddenly axed. It actually hurts me to say that because I want to really, really like this show but I only moderately like it. The finale saw Sam celebrate her “first” birthday as she and Todd try to start over. Likable enough, nothing that made me gasp, or tear up or chuckle heartily. C+

How I Met Your Mother This is a show that would be sorely missed. I’m glad that Barney & Ted made up. I hate when shows mess with the format of the show too much & drag things out (see My Name Is Earl). I also really like Sarah Chalke and I hope that they aren’t setting us up for a disappointment. Since Scrubs is filming now, she should have plenty of free time next year to be “the mother”. And all you Robin/Barney haters out there, I so called that in season 1 when she was his wingman. I think they make a much better couple then Ted & Robin. Grade B+

American Idol A few weeks back I admitted that I had been sucked back into the Idol. Since then I have fallen into complete & total David Cook devotion. I still don’t understand what the big deal about Archuletta is, and I can’t believe that Simon said the finale was a knockout in favor of Archie (although I think this is why Cook won). I think Simon pissed off all the David Cook fans/cougars and we all voted our little hearts out. I think it was the most suspenseful Idol finale ever, because I really thought that Archie would win (and I will give the kid some credit, I liked the song he sang on the results show). Anyhoo, I’m super excited that David Cook won & can’t wait to see what comes next from him! The one criticism I will make about the finale is, why can’t we get any performers who have had hit songs in the past 10 years on? So, Seal (who is somewhat relevant), Donna Summer, George Michael, ZZ Top and Bryan Adams. Really? Grade: A




Survivor This has been a pretty exciting season. I can’t believe how many tribal council stunners we had. I do feel bad for Amanda because I think her game was sorely under-rated, but Parvati did make the move to get rid of Ozzie. I still wish Cirie would have taken it though. Grade: A

Grey’s Anatomy This season had its ups & downs. One of the biggest issues I have on this show is that there are not any “safe” friendships. Ya know, that friendship that doesn’t turn sexual? They completely ruined George & Izzie. Now they’ve gone after Callie & Hahn as well as George & Lexie. Booooo! I’m just waiting for McSteamy to start fighting Meredith for McDreamy!!! That being said, I thought the finale was pretty emotional with the little teen tumor patients & Meredith’s big romantic gesture at the end. In addition, I thought there was some great dialogue. Here’s hoping for more in the next season! B

My Name Is Earl Truth be told, I haven’t watched it. The show lost me during Earl’s never ending coma/TV show. F

30 Rock Ahh, my favorite comedy on tv; I think it is because it reminds me so much of Arrested Development. It was nice to see how much Liz & Jack rely on each other. I really love Baldwin, they should just hand him every award. Grade A

The office I think I’m starting to get over this show. I mean, I’ll still watch because it is one of the few shows that Jay likes, but, I think it is just a little too ridiculous for me. Although I will say that my favorite part was that the new HR rep thinks Kevin is “special”. That was priceless. Grade: B+

Scrubs I can’t grade this as the finale because NBC showed episodes out of order & didn’t give the show a proper finale. Well screw you NBC, Scrubs is off to ABC! Yay!

Desperate Housewives I thought the culmination of the Catherine storyline was superb. I was holding my breath the whole time & was so excited when she killed the bastard. It was also awesome to see Bree rally the ladies together to defend one of their own. I’m so confused about this 5 years in the future thing. I’m pretty sure I heard that the show will pick up there next season. So, does that mean that Mike is gone from the show? I’m so confused! Grade: A

Brothers & Sisters This finale was just choc full of drama! The Walkers finding out about Rebecca, Scottie & Kevin getting married, the bro-trip, Uncle Saul coming out and William is a bastard!! He had more than one affair and so Kevin & Sarah have to tell Nora that there is yet another Walker child out there (please, please cast Ephram). Plus, I’m down with the Justin/Rebecca storyline, although it makes me concerned that eventually they’ll write her off the show! Grade: A

Lost- Holy crap. There is just to much to even talk about. Sun screaming on the helicopter! Jin on the boat! Sawyer jumping into the ocean..and that kiss! Lock in the box! Ben (“So?” “If you mean time travelling bunnies, yes.”) The spooky people on Kate’s phone! Penny! I loved every second of it (although, hello, way too many commercials) and actually, I think I’m going to go rewatch it right now. Ah! More favorite moments. Miles-“What DO I mean?”; Ben-“Why don’t you watch this very informative video.” Sayid kicking the military man’s ass. Hurley “Check mate Mr. Eko.” Oh it was so awesome. Plus, I have to say I think Sun is becoming my favorite character. I think she is going to be bad ass next season. Grade: A+



Since I’m doing so much grading, I might as well throw in two movie reviews. First, Brother Jimmy & I went to see Indiana Jones & the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. I will say that my expectations were pretty low after seeing what George Lucas did to Star Wars. So, I wasn’t disappointed. I thought Harrison Ford way, WAAAAY overacted the first 15 minutes of the movie. But then Shia LeBouf and Karen Allen showed up & the movie started to flow. There were some great moments & some not so great moments (could have done without the ants (eeeee!) & what the crap was up with the monkeys?) Anyhoo, I enjoyed it overall, but I think I need to see it again to give it a truthful mark. For now I’ll say B+. Oh and they are SO keeping this going with Shia.

A few of my Charlotte lady friends & I went out to see Sex & the City on Friday night. Before I talk about the movie, I have to say it was one of the most hilarious movie screenings ever. These women were SUPER excited. I mean, like, WAY…. .WAY super, serious excited. Although I made fun of them (and will continue to do so) as I sit here and type I can’t help but wonder, if by some miracle Joss Whedon created a Buffy movie, would I not be a basket case? Would I cheer every time a new character came on screen? Would I come in costume? I’m guessing I would, so I can’t really fault these ladies who were a tad ridiculous (hello renting a limo!) to see the movie. Now, as for the movie itself. I was pretty happy to see all the ladies back on screen as I have missed them. When all is said & done, SATC is one of my top 5 favorite tv shows ever and it was very nice to see them back on the screen. I felt like a lot of the movie was a love letter to the fans, which was enjoyable. However, I did have some issues with the movie, which I will not go into detail here because I know some of you haven’t seen it yet. Suffice it to say, I’m not sure I agree with how Miranda was treated & her story. That being said, I did really enjoy the movie. They still can make me laugh & cry and really miss my closest friends who I sometimes think would do the same thing as these characters (in terms of the friendships). There is a scene with Charlotte and I tell you, it made me cry because I could totally see Hylda reacting the same way. Anyhoo, for now I give it an A. I’ll need to rewatch & get back to you.



Well, I guess that’s all my friends. Summer is upon us which means the only regularly scheduled show I’ll be watching is “So You Think You Can Dance.” Most of the summer though, I’ll be hanging out with Buffy, Carrie Bradshaw, Veronica Mars and Jack Bauer.

KT Update! Fall 2008 Schedules

Hello All! Upfront week has concluded. Thankfully, this was a pretty tame year. Although I’m not drooling over the new shows (well, except for Dollhouse) I didn’t lose any favorites, like in years past (CBS, stop trying to scare me by holding out the "How I Met Your Mother" renewal for so long! You are just mean!) So check it out below for the shows that didn’t make the cut as well as a taste of the new shows for 2008-2009 & of course my trusty spreadsheet of how the season will look next year.

I also want to offer a late review of Eli Stone. I finally had a chance to sit down and watch all of the episodes & I have to say, I really enjoyed it. It does freak me out a little bit to see Jonny Lee Miller all suited up (he’ll always be Crash Override to me) but I found myself emotionally involved with the cast pretty quickly. I actually think that has a lot to do with the actors & the caliber of the acting rather than the plot lines (which were generally your run of the mill wacky lawyer show storylines). I especially like seeing Spy daddy (Victor Garber) in a fun role.


Cancelled

ABC
"October Road," "Men in Trees" and "Miss Guided," "Carpoolers" and "Cavemen."

Fox
“Back to You”, “New Amsterdam”

CW
“Aliens in America”

New Shows

ABC
The Goode Family (Midseason) An animated ½ hour from Beavis & Butthead creator Mike Judge about a family who tries to do the right thing often to leading to amusing consequences.

Life on Mars –Based on a BBC show. Centers around a cop (the brain tumor guy from Grey’s or Marin’s publisher beau on Men In Tree’s) who gets into a car crash & wakes up in 1973. Uh, ok.

Opportunity Knocks- Trivia game show produced by Ashton Kutcher that travels around the country seeing if unsuspecting families can win prizes.

NBC
Crusoe-From Zap2it.com “Described as a combination of "MacGyver," "Castaway" and "Pirates of the Caribbean," this take on Daniel Defoe's adventure tale follows a man who has been shipwrecked on a tropical island for 28 years, but is still determined to return to the wife -- and life -- he left behind.”

Kath & Kim- Selma Blair gets divorced & moves back in with Mom (Molly Shannon).

Kings (midseason)- From Zap2it.com “A soldier rescues a king's son from enemy territory and is thrust into the limelight, setting off a chain of powerful events in this take on the classic David vs. Goliath struggle.”

Knight Rider-Michael Knight’s son goes around solving mysteries in a kick ass mustang that is voiced by Val Kilmer.

Merlin-(midseason) Whoa! Stop the presses. I was about to make some snide comments about this show that focuses on Merlin & Arthur as young men, but then I saw that Anthony Stewart Head (Giles!!!!) is a part of the cast. Hooray!

My Own Worst Enemy-Christian Slater has a split personality. One is family man and the other is trained killer. When the wall between to two begins to fall, wackiness ensues!

The Philanthropist (midseason)-After his only son dies, a billionaire begins travelling around the world getting his “Oprah” on.

CW
90210-Instead of Minesooota twins Brenda & Brandon, this 90210 will focus on Annie Mills and her brother Dixon from Kansas. Momma Mills is Lori Loughlin, (“Full House”). The family has moved from Kansas to keep an eye on drunken, faded tv star grandma (Jessica Walter, "Arrested Development"). Jennie Garth has signed on as guidance counselor, Kelly Taylor.



Surviving the Filthy Rich-A magazine reporter is fired from her job & falls into the position of live in tutor for two spoiled, rich brats. She is determined to make a difference in the girls lives & to stay a part of the glamorous new world she has found herself in.

Sylista-“The Devil Wears Prada” Reality style. Eleven contestants vie for an editorial job with Elle magazine.


CBS

Worst Week –this is like Meet the Fockers on tv. A guy tries to impress his girlfriend’s overprotective family but always ends up making things worse.

Project Gary Jay Mohr stars as Gary. A guy who is trying to juggle an ex wife, two kids & dating.

The Mentalist stars Simon Baker as eccentric investigator solving mysteries with his team.

Eleventh hour is from Jerry Bruckheimer and follows a brilliant biophysicist and special science advisor to the government, as he investigates scientific crises and oddities.

The Ex List- A girl (Rebecca/Ava from Grey's) explores her past boyfriends after a psychic tells her that one of her ex-boyfriends is her soul mate.
Fox

FRINGE-Yay! This is the Josh Jackson ( I *heart* Pacey) & JJ Abrams show. It is a sci-fi show about the investigation into a flight that landed at Logan Airport but everyone on board was dead (creepy).



DO NOT DISTURB –An upstairs/downstairs look at a posh inn in NYC. Stars Jerry O’Connell as the inn keeper.


DOLLHOUSE---EEEEEEE! The Whedon comes back to TV!!! Praise Jesus! Oh wow, you think I’m a tad overexcited? Maybe I need to calm myself down so I don’t have massive expectations for this show. Too bad, I can’t! EEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!! Ok, since I can’t calm down, I’ll just give you Fox’s description of the show.
Echo (Eliza Dushku) is an "Active," a member of a highly illegal and underground group who have had their personalities wiped clean so they can be imprinted with any number of new personas. The engagements cater to the wealthy, powerful and connected, and require the Actives to immerse themselves in all manner of scenarios romantic, criminal, uplifting, dangerous, comical and the occasional "pro bono" good deed. After each scenario, Echo, always under the watchful eye of her handler returns to the mysterious Dollhouse where her thoughts, feelings and experiences are erased. Echo enters the next scenario with no memory of before. Or does she? As the series progresses, an FBI agent pieces together clues that lead him closer to the Dollhouse, while Echo stops forgetting, her memories begin to return and she slowly pieces together her mysterious past. DOLLHOUSE revolves around Echo's blossoming self-awareness and her desire to discover her true identity. But with each new engagement, comes a new memory and increased danger inside and outside the Dollhouse.
EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!




THE CLEVELAND SHOW is a new Seth MacFarlane animated show about a guy who gets a second chance at love with his high school crush

SIT DOWN, SHUT UP an animated comedy that focuses on the lives of eight staff members at a high school in a small northeastern fishing town (Go Baiters!) who never lose sight of the fact that the children must ALWAYS come second. Check out the voices: Will Arnett (Gob), Jason Bateman, Will Forte, Cheri Oteri, Kenan Thompson, Henry Winkler

Jack Bauer back in November! On Sunday Nov. 23, Jack Bauer returns for a 2 hr movie that will take place right before season 7 and was shot on location in South Africa.




Midseason
ABC
"According to Jim," "The Bachelor," "Lost" and "Scrubs”.

CW
Reaper

CBS
Harpers Island, “Rules of Engagement”

That’s all for now. I’ll be back at the end of the month with finale report cards & my thoughts on NKOTB’s appearance on the Today show…tomorrow!

KT Update-Just When I Thought I was Out....

Well, it is May, and for couch potatoes like me, this is the time of year that is both exciting & heartbreaking. Seasons are ending, shows are being cancelled & the upfronts are dangerously close (for those of you newbies, upfronts are the networks presentations of their schedule for next year).

Here’s some tv scoopage for you:

The Whedon will include another familiar face from the buffyverse in his new Eliza Dushku show. Amy Acker (Fred from Angel) has joined the cast (yay!)

Lindsay Lohan will be making an appearance on Ugly Betty while Britney will do another episode of How I Met Your Mother. All we need is Paris Hilton to get a guest spot & we will have all of our favorite hot messes on the tv screen during sweeps!

Lex & Lana will both leave Smallville after this season. Although Lana will most likely make a few appearances next year, it is doubtful that Luthor will be seen again. Is this show really on still? Grrrr. This is when I get grouchy. Really, Smallville & One Tree Hill are still on the air while Everwood, Arrested Development & Veronica Mars all got cancelled? Yes, I realize it has been a few years but I’m still a bitter betty!

There are rumors circulating that there will be a few deaths on Wisteria lane this May, one of which is rumored to be ***SPOILER ALERT******************* Edie. Apparently Nicolette Sheridian wants out. I also heard that next season will be 5 years later.

Although I’m a wee bit upset, I knew it was a matter of time. ABC has announced that it is cancelling Men In Trees. The producers did make an alternate ending for the season finale in case it became the series finale. I really liked this show a lot last year, but something was a little off for me this year. I do hope that Anne Heche finds herself another show because she grew on me like a fungus. The final episodes of Men In Trees will air this summer.

I’m still waiting for word on the fate of How I Met Your Mother and oh yeah, I will be royally pissed if they cancel that show. It is my second favorite sitcom on (behind 30 Rock) and my Mondays would be a lot sadder without the show.

In other tv news, American Idol has TOTALLY sucked me back in this year. In the past I have watched occasionally, finding favorites (Jennifer Hudson, Chris Daughtry) and then stopping once they were voted out. I feel like I haven’t been this committed to Idol the show, or more specifically, a contestant since Kelly Clarkson. But wow. I am on the David Cooke train. Oh and I’m voting. And, I can’t stand Archuletta. Are there any fans out there? Can you tell me why you like him? Because I think the kid has zero personality and that all of his performances have been BORING. He's like an Idol-bot. Which is why I can’t understand how the show will come down to a David vs. David showdown. I guess it is because Jason Castro should be in a starbucks singing and everyone is ignoring Syesha’s talent. Either way, I’m an Idol fanatic this year & I’ll be banging on my phone keys for the next few weeks. EEEEEE!

Finally, I'm concerned about Project Runway. As you may have heard this season (5) is the last on Bravo. Not only that, but the show's producers will not be making the trek to Lifetime with the show. What does this mean? Will the show look completely different on Lifetime? Will there be a challenge to dress your favorite tv has been for her upcoming Lifetime movie? What about Tim Gunn & Heidi, are they going to Lifetime! This is so NOT FIERCE!!!!

I guess that’s all for today. I’ll be back next week with some scoop on the upfronts & at the end of May I’ll issue my season finale report card. Byet!!

KT Update-Oh Snap! Look Who's Back!!

A lot of guys recount their first live baseball game, the affect it had on them & how they remember it forever. For me, it wasn’t sporting event, but a concert that changed everything for me. Eighteen years ago, my father dropped me off with two friends at the Meadowlands Arena for my first concert, I was 14. The anticipation before the show was excruciating. Even today, all grown up, my heart races as I wait for the curtain to go up and the show to start. That first night, when the lights went down & the music started my mind went completely clear and I was happy.

There aren’t many instances in life when we can forget about all our troubles and lose ourselves for 2 hours. For me, music can do this. Not every concert, but there are a select few that I can forget everything for. Audioslave at the Electric Factory, Soundgarden at Roseland, Madonna at MSG, Rage Against the Machine at the Meadowlands, Michael Jackson at MSG, and of course *Nsync. As Hylda & I like to say, *Nsync is my musical Prozac. When those boys hit the stage I am 14 again and as I gaze up at the sleeveless, sweaty, wonderfulness I can think of nothing else. I know that this goes back to my first experience at the Meadowlands with the first musical entity that instilled complete devotion in me, the New Kids On the Block. I can remember it so clearly. Wow, I loved me some Joey Mac! Anyhoo, the reason for this walk down musical memory lane is because this morning when I turned on the Today Show there was Joey, Donnie, Danny, Jordan & Jon. Shut the F up! Of course I had heard the rumors of a reunion, but I never thought it was a true possibility (really, does Donnie want to jeopardize his acting career? And I know that Jon has crippling anxiety!!!). But there was Joey, still with his sparkling baby blues, saying how they would perform May 16 on the Today show & then release a record & embark on a World Tour!! Shhhhhhhuuuuuuutttttt Upppppppp!!!!!!

I’m a bit torn by this news. Part of me wants to go rummaging through my hope chest to find my NKOTB buttons & put them on a denim jacket. But then there is the part of me that is 31 years old & is a little scared for the boys. What kind of music will this new record be? Can they seriously sing their old stuff? Joey can’t hit any of those notes anymore! Plus, if I’m being perfectly honest, really only Joey & Jordan can SING. I know more than half of you on this list are anti-my boy band obsession, but I have to say that my *NSYNC boys & yes even Backstreet can all SING. I mean, belt out, live, sing. I guess we’ll have to wait & see. I know I will be waiting for the tour dates. I don’t know if the boys will have the same affect on me, but judging from my reaction to seeing them together on the Today Show, I’m thinking they might still have…wait for it, wait for it….the right stuff. (Sorry I couldn’t help myself!!!)

Since I’m here, I might as well dole out some tv scoop. Yesterday NBC did their little presentation of next year’s tv schedule. I have to say, I’m a little disappointed. On the one hand, I’m grateful that Friday Night Lights will be returning (yay another year of Riggins!). The 13 episode season will air in the fall on Direct TV’s 101, then in the winter/spring on NBC. I’m kinda sad that it is only 13 eps, but I guess it is better than nothing at all. As previously announced, Knight Rider will be on the fall schedule (did you know Val Kilmer is the voice of K.I.T.T.? ) and as expected Scrubs was absent from the schedule. What makes me a little angry with NBC is that they are moving one of my favorite new shows, Life, to the death slot!!! Fridays at 10! WTF!! Charlie Crews deserves better!!! Stupid NBC.

Before I go, I just want to say thank you to my darling brother Jimmy. As you all know, I’ve been going through Tivo withdrawal since getting Direct TV. Brother Jimmy has a Direct TV Tivo. (In the beginning Direct TV & Tivo were partners). Well, Jimmy is now moving to a cable package & will no longer need his Direct TV Tivo. So he is giving it to me! Which means that I can record multiple shows at one time & search by keyword (which is going to be so useful now that NKOTB are back)! Hooray the dark times will soon be over!!!!!

KT Update-TV Tidbits a Plenty!

Hello boys & girls, KT here with lots of interesting scoop for you all.

First off, what the heck is going on with Prison Break? They are bringing back Sarah, seriously? And their reasoning is that Lincoln would be so distraught that he wouldn't really look into the box to make sure the head in there was Sarah's? Lord I hate this show. Why oh why must ridiculous shows remain on the air?

In other news, Michele Trachtenberg has signed on to do some Gossip Girl episodes. But check out this super exciting casting news. Guess who is going to do a guest spot on How I Met Your Mother as Robin Sparkles' former crush? The Dawson!! I think that is pretty hilarious casting. I hope they give him big Dawson hair. Speaking of HIMYM, did you all catch it this week? Holy crap, at the end when they were playing the Doogie music & Barney was blogging…I nearly pee’d myself. So Frikkin funny.

So, I have to admit that even though the strike is over I haven’t gotten myself fully back into tv. I still haven’t watched Eli Stone even though I have every intention of checking it out. I did start watching Miss Guided & I like that a lot. It is about a woman who was a big dork in high school who returns as a guidance counselor & all of her adventures in the high school. I think it is sweet & funny. I like the lead, Judy Greer a lot. She was Violet in Jawbreaker or George. Sr.’s secretary on Arrested Development. It is on Thursdays at 8 on ABC.

Most of you know that I was pretty devastated when Veronica Mars was cancelled. Although it could never replace VM, it looks like show creator Rob Thomas will have 3 pilots for the fall. The CW’s Beverly Hills, 90210 remake, ABC’s Cupid remake and ABC’s dramedy based on the New Zealand series Outrageous Fortune. Even better is that rumor is that VM star Kristen Bell has been offered a role as one of the daughters on the Outrageous Fortune remake, and that Rene Russo is very close to signing on as the mother. The series is about a family of criminals, in which the father gets sent to the Big House and the mother decides to set everyone straight. Interesting.

Hmm, the 90210 remake is set for the CW? I still have sanctions against the CW & am not sure I can break them. Depends on who is on the show. Have you not heard about this? Well they are re-launching the show with some of the originals worked in. I heard that Rob Thomas is trying to get Jennie Garth to come on but she just got a pilot on a different network. I don’t know, really, who from the original would make me go back? Maybe Brenda & Dylan, if they were together & had super obnoxious children?

Jay is ecstatic. He is SURE that his email to NBC prompted them to pick up Knight Rider for next season. I watched the tv movie & it wasn’t horrible. Depending on what it is up against next fall I may tune in.

Did you hear about Samaire Armstrong? The Dirty Sexy Money actress (who plays one of the twins) has been demoted to recurring character. No word on whether this was a result of her drug abuse problems (she was in rehab earlier this year) or lack of interest in her character (I tend to believe option 2)…

On the reality front I’m watching Dancing with the Stars (although I haven’t really picked a clear favorite yet) and American Idol. As far as Idol is concerned, I’m all about Carly & David Cooke. That little David that everyone loves…he stinks!

Our final tv tidbit: I have heard that both Scrubs & Friday Night Lights have been “officially” unofficially picked up for next year. Scrubs will be airing on ABC while FNL will be on a Direct TV channel & NBC. Go Riggins!

On the dvd front, Jay & I have started watching Battlestar Galactica. I like it so far although Jay thinks there is not enough action.

Hey, so guess what is coming up? It’s the Network Upfronts! You know, when the networks release their fall schedules for next year & then I make a fancy excel chart & tell you what to watch! NBC is doing a little presentation tomorrow, way in advance of the other network upfronts. I’m not to sure what this “presentation” will include. Anyhoo, here are the dates for the upfronts in May:
Mon, May 12 NBC (Part 2)
Tues, May 13 ABC
Wed, May 14 CBS
Thurs, May 15 Fox, CW

I think once all of my shows end I’m going to start watching Buffy again. I miss it since it is not really on FX anymore. Have you all been keeping up with the comic? I also have to have a Sex & the City fest since the movie is Dangerously Close to coming out!

KT Update! Big Scrubs Scoop!

Hello everyone! Lots & lots of tv scoop so let’s get right to it.

One of the shows that was most affected by the writer’s strike was Scrubs. As most of you know, the show is supposed to end this season. Writers were concerned that if the strike went on for too long that they wouldn’t be able to film the series finale. Well, now comes news that if NBC doesn’t allow the show to film its final episodes, the show may move to ABC next fall for 18 new episodes! ABC Studios produces Scrubs & apparently ABC & NBC haven’t been able to come to a deal about the finale (NBC still has 5 pre-strike episodes to air). Sources also say that the cast is all onboard, and that includes Zach Braff.

While I was away Jay watched the new Knight Rider tv movie. He thoroughly enjoyed it (although I can not give my endorsement yet as I haven’t see it)…Jay was SO excited by the tv movie that he wanted to know if it was possible that the show could get picked up next season. Well, I have heard through the grapevine that it is very possible that the show will get a fall pickup.

In Grey’s news, Kate Walsh (aka Addison) will be dropping in for one episode. As for Josh Jackson, who was cast as a love interest for Christina-pre strike---I hear that he’s working on Fringe, J.J. Abrams' new show up in Toronto but no recasting has been started yet on Josh's Grey's role, so I’ still holding out hope…..

In other casting news, Julianne Moore will stop by Wisteria Lane as (of course) Bree’s sister..

For all of you CW fans, the station eliminated its comedy division and combined its drama and ''current programming'' departments as part of a restructuring plan. In other CW news, The news the network announced the renewals of six series, including Gossip Girl and One Tree Hill. No word on Reaper. See, now you know why I have banished the CW! How many of you have told me to watch Reaper? That show won’t make it through the season! That network is dead to me…DEAD…unless…

Things are not looking so good for our friends in Dillon, Texas. Word is that the cast & crew were ready to go back to work right after the strike ended but NBC said ‘no thanks’. In April, the season 2 dvd will be released (so um, that was supposed to be our season finale?) and things are not looking good for a season 3 pick up. But, the people behind Friday Night Lights are exploring other options for the show, including the CW. So, I proclaim that if the CW picks up FNL I will lift my ban on the network. That being said, I think the people at the CW are a bunch of idiots and that they won’t pick up FNL anyway.

A few weeks back I reported that Jeffrey Tambor (George Bluth Sr.) said that Ron Howard had just contacted him about the Arrested Development movie. And now comes word that at the Independent Spirit Awards Jason Bateman told USA Today that the project is "gathering momentum." EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!

This summer looks like it is shaping up to be a good movie season (yay!) Here are some trailers & release dates for movies I’m most excited about.

Iron Man May 2 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Hx6TEqrzHU

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull May 22
http://www.indianajones.com/site/index.html

SATC May 30 http://www.sexandthecitymovie.com/?engine=adwords!10406keyword=sexandthecity

The Dark Knight July 18http://thedarkknight.warnerbros.com/

KT Update-Strike Officially Over!!!

Yay! The strike is officially over! I can’t wait for some new tv, not so fast though.. As previously most of the new crop of shows will not return until NEXT FALL and, the worse news is that we have to wait until 2009!!!! For More Jack Bauer! Booooooooooooo! (Thank God I'll have Pacey on Grey's to make me feel better).

Also, Lost will knock out 5 more episodes this season, 3 shy of the originally planned 16.
From tv guide:
What will happen to the three "lost" episodes? Will they roll over into next season's 16, or will they vanish forever?
Cuse: Damon and I remain committed to producing the 40 additional hours of the show that we promised. We haven't figured out exactly when we'll put those other three on, but we're not eliminating them from the show. You will get those three episodes downstream.

Before we continue with tv scoopage, did any watch the Grammy’s this year? They weren’t terrible, in fact I was super happy for a surprise performance of “Jungle Love” by Morris Day & the Time!!!

Here is a little list of what comes back when (courtesy of tvguide.com)

24
Season 7 postponed until January '09. For once, Jack Bauer isn't running out of time. Eight eps are done, and production will resume soon for an uninterrupted '09 season.


30 Rock
Expected to shoot 5 new episodes to begin airing on April 10.


Aliens in America
Eight pre-strike episodes remain. No additional episodes expected for this season.


Back to You
Two pre-strike episodes remain. Future TBD*.


Battlestar Galactica
Returns April 4 with first half of 20-episode final season. Production on second half could start as early as March. Airdate for those TBD.


The Big Bang Theory
Expected to shoot 9 new episodes to begin airing on March 17.


Big Love
Expected to go into production on Season 3 in the spring. Airdate info is TBD.


Big Shots
No new episodes expected. Ever.


Bionic Woman
No new episodes expected. Ever.


Bones
Four pre-strike episodes are scheduled to begin airing April 14. Expected to shoot six additional episodes. Airdate for those is TBD.


Boston Legal
One pre-strike episode remains. Expected to shoot 6 to 8 additional episodes to air in April/May.


Brothers & Sisters
One pre-strike episode remains. Expected to shoot 4 or 5 additional episodes to air in April/May.


Burn Notice
Production on Season 2 expected to get under way in late April. New episodes could start airing as early as July.


Cane
No additional episodes expected this season. Future beyond that TBD.


Chuck
No new episodes until fall.


The Closer
Expected to kick off its fourth season this summer.


Cold Case
Expected to shoot 5 new episodes to begin airing on March 30.


Criminal Minds
Expected to shoot 7 new episodes to begin airing on April 2.


CSI
Expected to shoot 6 new episodes to begin airing on April 3.


CSI: Miami
Expected to shoot 8 new episodes to begin airing on March 24.


CSI: NY
Expected to shoot 7 new episodes to begin airing on April 7.


Desperate Housewives
Expected to shoot 7 new episodes to air in April/May.


Dirty Sexy Money
No new episodes until fall; three remaining pre-strike episodes will undergo some tweaking and kick off fall run.


ER
Expected to shoot 4 to 6 new episodes to begin airing on April 10.


Everybody Hates Chris
Twelve pre-strike episodes remain. No additional episodes expected for this season.


Friday Night Lights
No new episodes expected for this season. Future TBD. INSIDE SCOOP NBC is weighing whether to bring back this low-rated critics' pick; if not, it could wind up on another network.


The Game
Four pre-strike episodes remain. Expected to shoot 8 or 9 additional episodes to air in March/April/May.


Ghost Whisperer
Expected to shoot 6 new episodes to begin airing on April 4.


Girlfriends
No new episodes expected this season, although a special one-hour series finale is being discussed.


Gossip Girl
Expected to shoot 5 or 6 episodes to air in April/May. Pssst! The CW is strongly considering running new episodes of this cult freshman serial over the summer.



Greek
Kicks off second half of Season 1 (which will now consist of 12 episodes, up from 8) on March 24. Renewed for Season 2.


Grey's Anatomy
Expected to shoot 4 to 7 new episodes to air in April/May


Heroes
No new episodes expected until fall. INSIDE SCOOP Heroes plans to resume production in April; extra episodes could air next season. Story focus: super villains on the loose!



House
Expected to shoot 4 to 6 new episodes to air in April/May.


How I Met Your Mother
Expected to shoot 9 new episodes to begin airing on March 17.


Jericho
Seven episodes remain. No additional episodes expected for this season.


Journeyman
No new episodes expected. Ever.


Las Vegas
Two pre-strike episodes remain. No additional episodes expected for this season.


Law & Order
Expected to shoot 5 additional episodes to air in spring.


Law & Order: CI
Expected to shoot an indeterminate number of episodes to air in spring.


Law & Order: SVU
Expected to shoot 5 new episodes to begin airing in mid-April.


Life
No new episodes until fall.


Life Is Wild
No new episodes expected. Ever.


Lost
Six pre-strike episodes remain. Expected to shoot five additional episodes to air in April/May. INSIDE SCOOP Lost will take a break in mid-March before resuming the next month; the 16-episode season arc will be told in 13 episodes.
UPDATE! I'm now hearing that Lost's final arc may consist of six episodes, not five.. Rather, the final installment of the current run (aka Episode 8) will likely be held to kick off the final batch of five. According to my spies, Episode 7 makes for a better, more logical, break.



Medium
Six pre-strike episodes remain. Expected to shoot additional episodes for this season.


Men in Trees
Eleven pre-strike episodes remain, the first of which airs Feb. 27. No additional episodes expected this season.


Moonlight
Expected to shoot 4 new episodes to begin airing on April 11.


My Name Is Earl
Expected to shoot 8 to 10 new episodes to begin airing on April 3.


NCIS
Expected to shoot 7 new episodes to begin airing on April 8.


The New Adventures of Old Christine
Seven pre-strike episodes remain. No additional episodes expected this season.


Nip/Tuck
Season 5 concludes Feb. 19. Production on the show's eight-episode sixth season expected to start up this summer. Airdate TBD.


Numbers
Expected to shoot 6 new episodes to begin airing on April 4.


October Road
Four pre-strike episodes remain. Future beyond that TBD.


The Office
Expected to shoot 6 new episodes to begin airing on April 10.


One Tree Hill
Five pre-strike episodes remain. Expected to shoot 5 or 6 additional episodes to air in April/May.


Prison Break
Two pre-strike episodes remain. Future beyond that TBD.


Private Practice
Slim chance it could return with 4 or 5 new episodes this season. Either way, it'll be back in the fall.


Pushing Daisies
No new episodes until fall.


Reaper
Three pre-strike episodes remain. Expected to shoot 5 or 6 additional episodes to air in April/May.


The Riches
Seven-episode second season kicks off March 18.


Rules of Engagement
Expected to shoot 6 new episodes to begin airing on April 14.


Samantha Who?
Three pre-strike episodes remain. Expected to shoot an additional 3 episodes to air this spring, likely after Dancing with the Stars.


Saturday Night Live
Returns Feb. 23.


Scrubs
Four pre-strike episodes remain and will begin airing on April 10. Up to four additional episodes may be shot; unclear whether they'll air on NBC or go straight to DVD.


Shark
Expected to shoot 4 new episodes. Airdate TBD.


The Shield
Final season already shot. Airdate TBD.


Smallville
Four pre-strike episodes remain. Expected to shoot 5 additional episodes to air in April/May.


Supernatural
Two pre-strike episodes remain. Expected to shoot 4 or 5 additional episodes to air in April/May.


Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles
Four pre-strike episodes remain. Future beyond that TBD.


Two and a Half Men
Expected to shoot 9 new episodes to begin airing on March 17.


Ugly Betty
Expected to shoot 4 to 7 new episodes to air in April/May.


The Unit
No additional episodes expected this season. Future beyond that TBD.


Without a Trace
Expected to shoot 6 new episodes to begin airing on April 3.

KT Update-Is the Nightmare Really Over?

Dare I dream the dream? Is it really true? Are the writers DANGEROUSLY CLOSE to announcing that this dreaded strike is over? I sure as hell hope so because tv stinks lately & I really can’t handle too much more of “My House is Worth What?” or “Diners, Drive- ins & Dives”. Anyhoo, rumor has it that the thorniest issue of the negotiations has been resolved & we should hear the official announcement any time now.

So, Yay! The strike has endeth (most likely!) So what does this mean for your favorite show? Well, sadly, you may still have to wait until next September for it to return (Bah!!!) According to a source at TV Guide, production on established shows will most likely start back up in early March with shows coming back in April/May. So that’s Grey’s, Desperate Housewives, etc. But, freshman shows that have already been given full-season pickups (i.e. Pushing Daisies, Dirty Sexy Money, Life, Chuck) will likely restart production over the summer ahead of a fall relaunch. Boooooo! I think this stinks. Why would the established shows come back & not the freshman crop? If they can return by April, couldn’t they knock out 8 new episodes in April & May?? I want to know what is going on with Life! And what about Chuck and Pushing Daisies? Also, there is still no word on the fate of the Jack Bauer Power Hour or Lost. On the plus side, this most likely means that we will get the proper ending for the Scrubs Finale.

In other news, Jeffrey Tambor (George Bluth, Sr.) was on Ron & Fez last week. He said that Ron Howard had just called him to see if he was free for the Arrested Development movie! Yahhooooooo! I miss my Gob.

Movie reviews sponsored by Netflix:

A Mighty Heart: This is the story of the journalist who was kidnapped & killed in Pakistan. It is told through the eyes of his wife, who is played by Angelina Jolie. I thought Angelina was really great in this. I also enjoyed the documentary feel of the movie. It is not often that you get to see so many of the details & inner workings of a big news story & I thought it was quite interesting.

Juno: This movie was a lot of fun. The first movie in a long time that I’d actually go see in the theater again. Ellen Page is outstanding as the snarky Juno, who finds herself pregnant at 16 after an encounter with her best friend. I thought this movie had a lot of comedy & a lot of heart. I actually hate when people say “this movie had a lot of heart” because I think that phrase is so overused, but I think it perfectly describes this movie. It had heart without being overly sentimental.

The Lion, The Witch & the Wardrobe: I thought this movie was pretty decent. It kept my interest most of the time, but then I would drift off wanting Legolis and Aaragorn to come in & kick up the action. I did get a little sad when the ice witch got her hands on the lion & in all honesty, I got pretty excited when I saw the preview for the next one, so I guess that means I liked it.

Up Next: Once & The Simpson’s Movie

So I guess that about wraps things up. I’m very sorry to tell you that I won’t be able to give you my scathing review of the Oscars as I’ll be off gallivanting through Europe. That’s ok though, by now most of you should be able to imagine me throwing things at my tv in disgust. I’ll be back from my trip the last week in February, so I’ll check in then. Plus I’m sure I’ll have amusing stories about mine & Mikey’s adventure!

KT Update-Strike=Boooo!

Hello boys & girls. My, it has been quite a while since I’ve had an update. Well, the truth of it is, there isn’t too much going on out there in tv world. The strike has crippled the tv schedule & although I still find things to watch (that’s why I’m a couch potato) I’m starting to get sick of Caesar Milan & his doggy Jedi Mind Trick. This week, new episodes of Friday Night Lights & Desperate Housewives aired and it was after I watched these new episodes that I realized how much I missed my tv season. I’m starting to get a little depressed. I mean this is starting to get a little out of hand. No 24! I was ready for Jack Bauer to make a big comeback. And only 8 new Lost episodes. Great so I can be confused for a whole year & ½ after these 8 episodes air! Now the strike is affecting award season! No Golden Globes & if the strike continues maybe no Oscars!!!!

Anyhoo, thankfully I do have Netflix & I’m going to start watching Battlestar Galatica. Maybe I’ll even add Buffy into my weekly schedule. Oooh I just had another thought. Hey Jodi, you know how we are supposed to have Thursday dinner & tv dates? Maybe I will make you watch Arrested Development and Freaks & Geeks since there is no Grey’s, 30 Rock, Scrubs or Office. Oh Scrubs! The strike might hurt Scrubs most of all since this is the final season & they won’t get to end the show the way they want if there are no more episodes! Wahhh! I’m depressing myself again.

Here is a list of how many episodes are left:

Show Returns Eps Left
BROTHERS & SISTERS 1/13/08 (Su.) at 10:00 PM 3
GREY'S ANATOMY 1/10/08 (Th.) at 9:00 PM 1
MEN IN TREES 2/27/08 (We.) at 10:00 PM 11
SAMANTHA WHO? 2/4/08 (Mo.) at 9:00 PM 3
UGLY BETTY 1/10/08 (Th.) at 8:00 PM 3
COLD CASE CBS 1/20/08 (Su.) at 9:00 PM 1
CRIMINAL MINDS 1/9/08 (We.) at 9:00 PM 2
CSI 1/10/08 (Th.) at 9:00 PM 1
CSI: MIAMI 1/14/08 (Mo.) at 10:00 PM 1
CSI: NEW YORK 1/9/08 (We.) at 10:00 PM 3
MOONLIGHT 1/11/08 (Fr.) at 9:00 PM 2
NCIS 1/15/08 (Tu.) at 8:00 PM 1
GOSSIP GIRL 1/9/08 (We.) at 9:00 PM 1
LIFE IS WILD 1/13/08 (Su.) at 8:00 PM 3
ONE TREE HILL 1/8/08 (Tu.) at 8:00 PM 12
REAPER 2/28/08 (Th.) at 9:00 PM 3
BONES 4/28/08 (Mo.) at 8:00 PM 4
HOUSE 1/29/08 (Tu.) at 9:00 PM 3
PRISON BREAK 1/14/08 (Mo.) at 8:00 PM 5
30 ROCK 1/10/08 (Th.) at 8:30 PM 1
CHUCK none scheduled 2
ER 1/10/08 (Th.) at 10:01 PM 2
FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS 1/11/08 (Fr.) at 9:00 PM 5
LAW & ORDER: SVU 1/8/08 (Tu.) at 10:00 PM 3
MY NAME IS EARL 1/10/08 (Th.) at 8:00 PM 1
SCRUBS 1/24/08 (Th.) at 8:30 PM 4

So there you have it. And what the crap is up with Chuck having 2 episodes complete but not scheduled? Maybe that is a type-o.

In other tv news. The midseason shows are starting up & I have to say that I’m not quite as excited as I normally am for midseason. Maybe the strike is taking its toll on me? I kinda want to check out Lipstick Jungle & Cashmere Mafia, but really, I can’t be bothered to set that thing under my tv that is a poor excuse for a dvr. I will, however, investigate Eli Stone since it is starring Johnny Lee Miller & I’ve loved him since hackers. So, for loyalty’s sake, I’ll check it out.

One new show Jay & I have been enjoying is American Gladiators. I’m glad it is a quick season because I think it could get old fast. I’m already bored by all the trash talking & really the only gladiator I like is Crush.

With TV dying a slow death I’ve turned my attention to dvd’s and movies. See below for some reviews.

National Treasure 2: The gang is all back to prove that Nicholas Cage’s great grand-daddy wasn’t involved in the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. I thought this was pretty enjoyable, but I liked the first one better (maybe because I’ve seen it like 6 times). Although I enjoyed it, I wouldn’t pay $9.50 to see it. Matinee it or wait for the dvd.

Kt side note. Do you realize I pay $15 for Netflix? So if I go to 2 movies in a month it is more expensive than unlimited movies (3 at home at a time) from Netflix? Maybe Jay is right. I mean, for the love of God, we have a 52 inch tv and surround sound. Why go to the theater? Although you bet your ass I’m going to see the Dark Knight this summer. Have you seen the preview? All I can say is EEEEEEE!

P.S. I love you: So this is about a young woman whose husband dies & he leaves her all these notes helping her to get out & live life again. I thought is was decent. The happiest thing for me was all the familiar faces. I nearly jumped out of my seat squealing when the opening credits revealed James Masters (a.k.a. Spike) was in it. Although, sadly, he doesn’t look quite as good with dark hair and no accent. Other familiar faces include Lisa Kudrow & Denny from Grey’s Anatomy. Anyhoo, it is your typical sapfest & I’d say wait for dvd.

Transformers: I liked this better than I thought I would. I finally understand what all the hub-bub is about Shia LeBeouf. He’s pretty likable. I mean, he actually made me sad his little bumblebee car got captured. The special effects were spectacular but a few minutes into a transformer brawl my eyes would start to glaze over. I’m sure this was good in the theater, but like I said, with our tv & sound system I really wasn’t too upset to be watching it at home.

Fantastic 4 Rise of the Silver Surfer: Ehhh. I liked the first one better. It was mildly enjoyable. I really wasn’t too impressed with the effects & the story was just so-so.

Next up from Netflix:
Battlestar Galatica
The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe
A Mighty Heart

Before I go, I guess I should comment on all this Britney insanity. First off, I can’t believe her little sister is expecting. That’s just craziness. And as far as Britney. It is just sad. Sad that she has deteriorated into this mess that no one can help. Sad that she doesn’t want help, that she needs the media attention even when she is falling apart. Sad that her kids are not enough for her to get herself together. I just hope they get the girl some kind help before it is too late because I would not be surprised if she didn’t make it through this year.

I’m working on a 2007 wrap up. Hopefully I’ll get it to you guys this week!

06/05/03-KT & Mikey's LA Adventure

Alright boys and girls, I know some of you have been waiting patiently by your computers to get the KT update of the Kt + Michael adventure in L.A. Well, wait no more, because here it is!!!
First off, I just want you guys to try to understand what this meant to Michael and I. We are both pop crazed, entertainment freaks. Obviously, if you are on this list, you know that my knowledge of all things entertainment is a little bit ridiculous and scary. This was like a little kid going to see their favorite sports team for the first time (ya know how boys get all sentimental when they recount the first time they went to Yankees Stadium)...things that I had read about and seen on tv, I was now going to see in person!!!! Yay!!!!!!
Easiest way to do this is to break it down by days:

DAY 1
All hail the makers of Valium!! Kt is incredibly relaxed during 4 hour and 50 min flight to L.A....hardly winces during take off and amazingly Michael escapes the flight without any bruises. YAY! We land around 11:30 a.m. and promptly see our very first palm tree...yay west coast!!!! 5 minutes later we see our first suspected case of SARS..we are not as excited as when we saw the palm tree.....Praise Jesus, all our luggage arrives safely (michael is still twitchy from the lost luggage incident in vegas) and we get our rental car (yeah dodge stratus) Anyhoo--5 minutes into our drive to the hotel, Michael expresses joy that he is not the driver. At this our roles for entirety of our trip are given. Michael=navigator, Kt=pilot. Bring it on L.A!!!!!

A short drive later we are on Santa Monica Blvd and then Ocean Ave. Ohhh lookie all the nice hotels right on Ocean Ave right next to the Pacific Ocean!!! UHHHH....our excitement drops a notch when we see, (packed between 2 huge hotels) the ghetto lodge, oops I mean the travel lodge. Oh lordy. Well, it really wasn't THAT bad. But, i'm old and spoiled by nice hotels, this was very reminscent of one of those motels you stayed in Seaside during prom weekend. Michael goes to check out the bathroom, its a tad bit scary. Hmmm? What is outside behind our hotel? Mike opens the bathroom window and looks down to see a homeless man going through the dumpster!! SWEET VIEW!! We throw our stuff in the ghetto lodge room and decide to start investigating Santa Monica. We run towards the ocean!! Oh Pacific Ocean!! I have heard such wonderful things about you..Pac...Pacific Ocean? Where are you??? All I see is FOG!!!! Undeterred Michael and I head down the Santa Monica Pier. Silence. We are both very quiet, our eyes jumping from all the people in front and around us. Finally, Michael speaks. "Uhm, did we just take a five hour plane ride and end up in Wildwood?"
We decide we are not going to let this disappoint us!! This is CALIFORNIA!!!! This is where everything bright and sunny and fun is!!!! So we head to the 3rd Street Promenade. The best way to explain it is an outside mall...Cin--you would have died--every store you love is right here. Ohhh Michael and I like the 3rd St. Promenade!! There are lots of people to watch!! This street has a crazy mix of people--tourists, gay boys, locals, homeless folk, runaways...all coexisting harmoniously? This is interesting. Michael and I sit down at a little cafe to eat and watch people some more (OUTSIDE DINING COUNT: 1). We are amazed that all these people are milling around together and not trying to beat the crap out of each other!! It must be some crazy West Coast thing!!! Oh, Michael is also quite pleased that if he through a rock 10 feet in any direction, he'd hit a gay boy.

We head back to the ghetto lodge for a nappy-poo and discuss our post-nap plans. Nice relaxing evening, some cocktails, and maybe an appertizer. On our way back to the ghettolodge we are excited that the fog has lifted and we can actually see the Pacific Ocean. Too bad we are not that impressed.

We settle into the ghetto lodge for our nappy poo--it is 4:15 p.m. I open my eyes and check the clock 7:45. Michael is out...Maybe I'll just let him sleep for a little while longer and then we will get up for our cocktails and appetizers. The next time I look at the clock it is 5:25 am...Hmmm I must have dozed off.

Note: As I am writing this, it sounds like it was a negative first day..but it really wasn't...Michael and I were rather amused by the whole day, we had ungodly expectations for L.A., and hello!! It is only a city.

DAY 2
Ok, Day 2!! I'm fired up and ready to go. Michael and I spend the first hour of the morning searching for a pork roll, egg and cheese on a bagel--apparently that is an east coast thing and we have to settle for egg & ham crepes (Outside Dining Count 2). Then we bust over to Barnes & Noble and raid the local travel section. Now we are armed with a guide book!!! Yahooo! Look out celebs!! Here we come!!!

Now we are both very excited, armed with this celebrity guide book, and three maps we are ready to take on L.A. But we decide that Saturday will be our big stalking day. Today, we head on down to Venice Beach. Venice Beach is like 5 min from the ghettolodge. At first, we were again reminded of Seaside or Wildwood, but upon further investigation, we realized that this was so, so much more. Venice Beach could also be called "The Parade of Freaks". As you walk down the boardwalk (which by the way in California is not very board-y...they are more cement walks) there are dozens of artists, freaks, tatoo shops, henna stops, homeless people and wandering hippies. !! AHA!! Now I get it!! That is the difference between the coasts!! On the west coast, all these crazies coexist together!!! It is amazing!! When a homeless person comes up to you in L.A. and asks you for money, they are so polite about it that you genuinely feel bad. And if you have no money to give them, they say, "OK!! Thanks! Have a good day!!" It took about an hour of this happening for it to change me...I found myself..BEING NICE!!!!! I mean, on the east coast, we are so mean. We just walk through the streets not looking at each other, if someone approaches you, you walk on--ignoring them--We are trained to distrust everyone-and everything is so fast paced that you don't have time to be nice...That is the difference.
So yes, we are walking past all the crazies, enjoying ourselves immensely. First we come upon a hippie-type kid who is making roses bouquets out of palm. He was pretty cool, telling us about how he met these girls the night before and they took him home and he crashed at their house....Alrighty....so I give our drifter friend $2 for a palm rose bouquet and Michael gets one for a cigarette. Oh yeah, in L.A. cigarettes are worth more than gold!!!!

So we continue down the path---there is a man with a huge snake draped around his neck!! YIKES!! Then we run into this lilttle couple. He's got a keyboard and is playing songs Wesley Willis style--she's got big sparkley sunglasses on!!! For $1 they sing me a song and let me take their picture!! Then the woman wishes Michael and I a lifetime of happiness!! Poor little woman, she doesn't have her gaydar on!!!

Oh how i love people watching!! And this just keeps getting better and better!! We pass all the meatheads at muscle beach, i scope the basketball courts where part of White Men Can't Jump was filmed--we see a scrawny little man put a frat boy on his shoulders and walk over a path of broken glass!! OUCHIES!!! We actually did run into one bitter homeless man. He was selling poems, poems written by him for a penny. He was a little bitter that noone was interested. Oh wait, i think he was also the same man that told us it was Nazi Germany time...God i love Venice Beach!!! (Outside Dining Count: 3)

Later that evening the rest of our crew arrives...Dave and Renee, Matt, Stan and Andy and Kim and her new man. Its like some crazy Perry reunion. I mean, they are my friends (well if you call a friend someone you see every 15 months), but I haven't hung out with any of these people in like 5 years. I see them every now and again, but wow--I will be spending much of the next 4 days with them!!! This should be interesting!! (Outside Dining Count:4)

DAY 3
Ok so this is our most ambitious day. We are getting up and busting out early so we can hit the NBC and Warner Brothers Studio Tours. Today, Matt, Stan and Andy are also joining us!!!! We get to Warner Brothers, but are forced to take a later tour---then, to delay things, it turns out that Andy is a terrorist. Not really, but the name Andy Green comes up as someone who is banned from Warner Brothers Studio and we have to wait to verify that this is not the same Andy Green. For those of you that know Andy Green, there is a small part of me that is scared that they may be one in the same!! But thankfully, Andy is not a terrorist, and they let him have a ticket, but now we are too late for the NBC Tour. SCREW YOU JAY LENO!!! Anyhoo--now we have about 2 hours until our Warner Brothers tour starts...what to do...what to do??? So Michael busts out our trusty GUIDE TO HOLLYWOOD and we realize the only thing of interest anywhere near Burbank is some celebrity cemetary. Hmmm. This feels like it might be a little wrong, but what the crap, we've got 2 hours to kill...and come on..it will be like a scavenger hunt trying to find the famous graves!!!!

So we pull into this cemetary and let me tell you that the word huge doesn't aptly describe it. I was hoping for a "map to the stars graves" but, alas, we are on our own. To make a long story short (too late), we amused ourselves with a mexican holy ground, a little lizard and we also successfully find 2 celebrity graves. Bette Davis and Liberace. Triumphantly, we head back to Warner Brothers Studio.

Let me tell you, we lucked out. Our tour guide, Dean(?) was the bomb. He knew everything. Had been there for 5 years, was like the king tour guide of Warner Brothers Studio. Throughout the whole tour all I kept thinking (and hell I'll admit it, ASKING) was "Is this where PeeWee rode his bike? Haha it was awesome. So this tour is no joke--it is a 2 hour VIP tour. They let you roam around the WB museum which has props from a whole crapload of movies and most of them are not behind glass. We saw props/wardrobe from The Matrix, Innerspace, Oceans Eleven, and best of all a real oscar!!! Michael and I were like that commercial were the two idiots are drawn to the mountain dew sign and smack their heads on the glass...that was us!!! Hahah...interesting side note (apparently the guy who made the props in Star Wars was responsible for the pirate ship in the end of Goonies. So he wanted to put a little starwars action figure in the ship. So if you follow the mast all the way to the bottom, you can see R2D2....it happens so fast in the movie that you miss it!!)

The upstairs of the museum is dedicated to Harry Potter and the Sorceror's Stone. Wow-ee there is some cool stuff!! Hagrid's costume!! Baby Potter!!! Voldemort's robe!! And best of all...you can get sorted by the REAL SORTING HAT!! I got Hufflepuff (bah!), Michael got Slytherin (hmm, interesting that no one was surprised) and Matt and Stan were Gryffindor!!!
We toured through studio soundstages (we visited Central Perk and the ER set), prop departments and backlots ( the whole time michael and i were salivating) and saw a lot of stuff from Gilmore Girls. I then promptly told our friendly tourguide that we didn't know crap about Gilmore Girls because it was on against buffy and we never watched it. Our guide later confirmed for me that all the rumors of SMG are in fact quite true. Michael and I make a pact to quit jobs and move to L.A. to become WB tour guides. One thing I will say, is that the Warner Brothers tour made a quote I once heard about Hollywood seem very true to me.....Imagine seeing Cinderella, and she's beautiful in her ball gown, and then you get a little closer and you realize she's drunk and is smoking.....

Post tour we stop for nice lunch in Burbank (Outside Dining Count: 5). As we head to L.A. city, we spot the L.A. River. Now I'm excited!! Ohhh that's where Danny Zucko raced Grease Lighting!!! That's where Jack Bauer crashed his SUV!!! Matt also chimes in something about T2.......

Next up Melrose Ave. For those of you that have been to Philly, Melrose is like South St, but like 25 times bigger, crazier and more intimidating. I don't know exactly how a street can be intimidating, but it was. There were just loads of thrift shops, little designer stores, tshirt shops and we found this rad poster shop. Of course I scored some sweet post cards and picked myself up a Portishead sticker and a nifty Nirvana sticker for Jason. Michael was experiencing some kind of traumatic life moment. I mean, everyone is always saying that he and I belong in L.A., but I think that seeing all the WB lots, compiled with the cool shops on Melrose, made Michael's head go wiggy. I thought his head might explode or that he'd run down the street screaming incoherently. I've always known that Michael's days in the land of Mary were numbered. He's too big for that state. And I know that he's always known it too, but at that moment, I think we both KNEW that someday, Michael would be taking a stroll down Melrose and it wouldn't be on a vacation......

So now we pull up to the Kodak Theater (cue dramatic music). I feel like dropping to my knees and pulling a Wayne/Garth "We're not worthy" chant. C'mon!! THIS IS WHERE THE OSCARS ARE HELD!!! This is like the holy grail!!! EEEE! I'm so giddy!! I scope out NIcole Kidman's star--SWEET!!! Right next to the Kodak Theater (cue dramatic music) is the Chinese Theater. This is where lots and lots of Hollywood Premieres are held. I'm so freaking excited!!! Also, milling around in front of the Chinese Theater are all these ghetto-wannabe actors in costumes. It is simultaneously sad and rather amusing. For a $1 I take a picture with ghetto superman and not-quite ghetto storm trooper. Ya know, I just realized something. That is a running theme throughout L.A....sad and rather amusing..somehow they seem to go hand in hand.
I can sense that our group's energy is diminishing. Getting...tired...need replenishment...need...nap....But, during my research, I read that the Kodak Theater has one of the best views of the Hollywood sign. So now Michael and I are on a wild goose chase to find the stupid Hollywood sign. Finally, we see it. It's about the size of the bottom line of an eye exam. But I don't care because I SAW THE HOLLYWOOD SIGN!! YIPPEEEEEE!!!!!!

Ok group!! Time to head back to the ghettolodge!! So we all pile in and get ready for KT's first L.A. freeway adventure!!! (cue dramatic scary music).....Well, it wasn't too exciting. We went about 5 miles and then hit a parking lot. Boooo this sucks. Something I will note about the drivers in L.A. is that they like to cut each other off, but, its not in a mean spirited East Coast kinda way. They just LET each other cut in front. It was really interesting to see. Thank God I picked up on it, because for a hot second I was getting ready to ram people, but then I realized how easy it was for me to get into the other lane, and I was like WHOA!!! They let each other go from lane to lane!!! This is insanity!!!!

The day was finished off with dinner and drinks with the bride and groom...ohhh Nellie and Francine are so happy and cute together!! But I will comment more on that when I talk about the wedding!!

DAY 4
Michael and I had to split up for the first time on our trip. Michael went with the rest of the boys to see The Matrix Reloaded at the Chinese Theater while I met up with Erin, one of my nsync internet friends. Now, of course I've heard all the horror stories of crazed internet friends, and it would suck horribly if I was trapped with a psycho maniac all day. But I felt like everything was going to be cool with Erin. We know each other through a message board, and we have a lot of obsessions in common (Buffy, SPIKE, LOTR,Orlando Bloom, to name just a few)....A lot of times I'll go to post something to find that Erin has already said exactly what I'm about to say...so I figure, what the crap, I'm going to hang out with her!!

Well, let me tell you....it could not have gone any better. It is unreal how well we got along..the girl was quoting movies all day!!! By the end of the night Matt and Michael were calling her my west coast clone. Yay!! So Erin comes to pick me up at the ghettolodge. And we begin our adventure...because you know what to do is...today is the day I've been waiting patiently for since I arrived in L.A....Today is STALKING DAY!!! Yahooooo!!!!!

Our first escapade is into the Hollywood Hills and do a drive by of JC's House!! EEEEEEEE!!!!!! JJJJCCC's HOUSE!!! EEEEEE! Sorry, I still get kinda excited about that. The Hollywood Hills are crazy. When you drive up towards them, it looks bizarre because here is this big mountain and there are all these huge houses popping out of it. I've said it once and I'll say it again. Rich people aren't very smart. Why would you build yourself a beautiful house and stick it into the edge of a big ass hill? I mean, I'd be willing to bet that int the next 5-10 years some of these houses are going to tumble. Plus, the roads going up the hills are crazeeeee. You start off a road and it has a nice little yellow line dividing the lanes...but as you go further up the line disappears and it seems as if there is only room for one car. On top of that, the road is wicked windy and you just keep whipping around corners...its madness i tell you!! If i lived up there I would never ever be able to have even one drink because i would be scared sh*tless to drive home!!! After about 15 min of winding up the hill (and a few near death experiences with oncoming traffic) Erin says..."Here it comes"....Armed with my mom's camera I'm ready to take a quick snap of my future residence. Now let me tell you something about JC's house. There is no big gate, there is no big long driveway...it is right there. I mean, you could practically walk up to the front door. So we are mid-drive by when the garage door opens.

"AAHHHHHHH" "EEEEEEEEEE" This is not good. Erin and I are both screaming as we drive by. But, its not JC...its just his stupid assistant, Carlos. But yeah, I saw his car though!!! Erin praises Jesus that it was not JC, because she feared that she would simultaneoulsy pee herself and crash the car. After a moment, I say that I would take one for the team and suffer some broken bones if it was JC calling 911 for us and then rushing to our aid. And DOH! in all this excitement I didn't even get a good picture of my future house.

So we bust a U turn and head down to Britney's house. We think that ms. spears has recently sold this house (apparently it is just to hard to stay in the house that she shared with timba-timba-timbalake) --but it is the house in Britney's Diary--which, much to my enjoyment Erin likes to quote--she does a funny britney voice). Anyhoo, we pull up to the Spears residence. This is the complete opposite of JC's house. It is huge, its got a gated entrance and a big ass drive way. For a hot second Erin and I consider checking out Brit's mail (her mailbox is within reaching distance) but then we decide that jail terms are only acceptable for members of nsync (and maybe orlando bloom) and that I will not waste bail money on britney. So after I snap my pic, we're off. Hmmm what now? "Well" says Erin, "You wanna do one more drive by of JC's house?" Have I mentioned how much I love this girl? So of course, we head back up the hill to JC's house. This time, with the garage door closed, I get my picture..... YAY!!!

After we finish our stalking, we drive down the Sunset Strip. Now this is what I'm talking about!!! All these places, that I have heard of, or have seen on tv (from Access Hollywood) are right here. Look! There is the Viper Room (I promptly take a moment for River Phoenix--for those of you that don't know, this is where River OD'd..) Mel's Diner!!!! (Where all the drunken celebs go after partying!!) The Whiskey (where Morrison was discovered) Dublin's (That's where Justin had his birthday partee!) The Hustler Store -which i venture into later in the day. All i can say about that place is WHOA!! HOLY PORN!! I mean, there was some cool stuff in there, but there was some hella-scary stuff in there as well. I was gonna get my brother a little porn star action figure, but I figured my mom wouldn't approve so I brought the kid home an ashtray...Also, while Erin is pointing out all the fun of the Sunset Strip, I see my first (and only) celebrity!! Well, if you can call him a celebrity, I would classify him as more of a pseudo-celebrity. Ok remember like a year or 2 ago, that song, Butterfly (come, come my lady your my butterfly, suga, baby) ???? Well, I spotted shifty, the lead singer of crazytown. Here is a little picture of him for you. So yeah, now I'm somewhat satisfied because at least I saw someone "famous". Actually, I'm pretty happy about this after Erin reveals to me that for some reason, the only "famous" people she ever sees are Real Worlders (and a onetime run in with David Spade)

After the Strip, we head over to Beverly Hills. Now, because I am a big dork, everytime i saw the Beverly Hills sign, YOU KNOW THE ONE, THEY SHOWED IT DURING THE OPENING CREDITS...i bust out with "duh duh dunnut duh duh dunnut" and then to my surprise erin chimes in with the "chsshh chsshhh" Heehehhheee....i love my nsync internet friend!!!
Anyhoo--Beverly Hills is NICE. Very Clean, very pretty. I'm surprised though, its not as snooty as I would have thought. There are however, crazy ass cars everywhere. Porshe, ferrari, BMW, Mercedes, Escalades, and then i see a freaking lambourgini!!!!

We walk down Rodeo Drive and all I can think about is Pretty Woman. Michael had this really funny idea. He was gonna go get some gucci store bags and fill them up with his own clothes and then re-enact the big Pretty Woman scene.
"You work on commission right? Big mistake, Big. Huge. I have to go shopping now!!"
After BH, Erin and I head back to the Strip and pick up some lunch at Mel's Diner. Erin must have thought I was crazy because I just kept staring at all the people, every time someone walked by, it was a potential celebrity sighting!!

After lunch we get the ringy-dingy from Michael. He's done with the boys and is ready to come with us! Yahooey!! I've been getting spoiled with all this Michael time!! I missed him!!! Erin and I head out to pick up Mikey. It is pretty entertaining being in the car with Erin. I got the feeling that some of her friends are scared to drive with her, because she kept making comments and apologizing for her speed, or her turning or what have you--for some odd reason I was never scared for my life though ---well, except for the "incident" in BH. Hee Hee (i'll never tell, erin!!!)
So we pick up Mikey and go for some coffee in WEHO. Look I'm sooooo local. WEHO is West Hollywood...it is like the gay mecca of the world. Hmm, is it more of a gay mecca than south beach? I'm not too sure, I'll have to get the official word on that, but I'm going to go out on a limb and say yes, WEHO is the gay mecca of the world.

Here is a big surprise, Michael likes WEHO. We didn't get to explore it too much, but while we sat outside and had coffee (i had a very tasty Vanilla Chiller--Coffee Bean kicks ass!) we saw many a gay boy walking down the street (apparently the "in" thing to do in WEHO is to walk your dog) Mmmmm! There were some tasty looking gay boys!! Seeing hottie looking gay boys is like window shopping on Rodeo Drive, its very pretty, but it'll never be mine so i'll just admire its beauty!!

After we finish drooling in our coffee, we head off to UCLA. Erin went to UCLA and is going to give us a tour. On the way to UCLA, we have to drive through BH. "duh duh dunnut duh duh dunnut" this time Michael joins in as well "chsshh chsshhh"

It is a pretty nice campus that comes complete with a movie theater that has seen many hollywood premieres!!!! After our tour has ended, Erin brings us back to the ghettolodge. But I don't want my new friend to leave!! So after hearing a read-through of Matt's speach (that he will have to give at Nellie's wedding) we kidnap erin and make her come to dinner with us. We have dinner at Chin-Chin's (Outside Dining Count: 6) Chin-Chin's is good for 3 big reasons.
Reason number 1. It is Chinese food, and Lord knows I can't go more than 6 days without a pork dumpling.

Reason number 2. It is on the Strip, so we get to do some fun people watching (If you haven't caught on yet, LA is all about people watching)

Reason 3. Chin-Chin's is at the bottom of JC's street. Granted, the man lives 15 min up the hill, but its nice that every now and again either Erin or I could exclaim, "That's JC's steet!".
Overall dinner was quite good. Except that Matt has some intense taste buds. He claims that not only can he taste the L.A. ass tap water in his ice cubes in his sprite, but that he can also taste it in his broccoli!!! Matt has CRAZY superhuman taste buds!!!!! I always knew he had some superhuman power, i just didn't realize it lay in his taste buds!!!

After dinner we say goodbye to Erin, and I'm a little sad. Today was so much fun!! I didn't even feel like I was on vacation, I felt like I was hanging with my friends, in my town all day. I mean, seriously, the dynamic between me, erin, michael and later matt, was so easy. It was like we had been friends for years. Erin engaged in one of Michael's favorite past times--exchanging of the barbs!!!

Day 5 The Wedding
Ahhh Sunday. Today is the big wedding!! OH! I still need an accessory to go with my dress!! I have a black dress, (and i wasn't planning on wearing black, but i went out of my way to NOT wear black at thatcher and jen's wedding and then everyone else was in black so this time i figured what the crap!!) and Michael and I are on the look out for either a big colorful chunky necklace or a dramatic scarf or something to go along with my dress.

Before our shopping excursion, we head down the 3rd street promenade for some breakfast. Earlier in the week we saw a Greek Cafe that was serving sausage, egg and cheese on a bagel for $2.75. (Outside dining count 7). Nothing better than breakfast and people watching. After our eggies, we begin the search. Thankfully, not long after, Michael finds a dramatic red scarf!!! It is perfect!! Now michael and i are like a little matching couple (he's got a red tie, black pants and vest, and a white vintage coat-courtesy of the HCC Costume Dept). Let's head back to the ghettolodge and get prettied up!!

Now, we (the east coasters) are a little concerned about our fashion. We are all prettied up, in suits and dresses and we are a little fearful that the west coast is gonna be represented in sandals and long floral skirts. But we figure, what the hell, we're going out, we need to represent style!!

Alright, time to head out to the wedding!!! We drive down the PCH (Pacific Coast Highway) and head to Malibu. It is a nice drive, but again, with the rich people not being too bright. There are houses popping out of mountain sides all over the damn place. Awww....Zuma Beach...everyone told me to come visit....but unfortunately the high temp in L.A. has been like 74 so it is not exactly beach weather!!!

Finally, we pull up the Malibu Nature Reserve. Wait!! Who will be the responsible party and drive us home!! I have been the L.A. driver for the entire trip and do not want to be the one driving home after wedding fun!! We make a pact, whoever doesn't fall down the trail after the reception will be our driver. (Now, now, before anyone gets into a tissy about drinking and driving, Renee very graciously offered to be our driver--thanks Renee!!) Now we have to hike up this dirt trail...I'm in a dress for the love of God!!!! We are such a miserable group of human beings that we complain the whole way up the dirt trail....It was rather amusing really. For those of you that know Michael, I'm sure you can see it know. "Oh (dramatic pause) MY (dramatic pause) God (dramatic pause)!!!!! IS NELLIE CRAZY??!!!

Huffing and puffing we get to the top of the hill. We are milling around waiting patiently for the bride and groom. To kill time, we theorize on how the bride will make her entrance. There is a cave across a ravine, we think it would be cool for Francine to pop out of the cave and for Nellie to swing over to her Tarzan style. Whoa. That would be cool.

Uhhh...there is a crazy looking man setting up bowls. Matt informs me that he is a Native American and will be conducting the ceremony. From here on out, we refer to him as the "indian shaman"....The indian Shaman is preparing all sorts of things, constantly on the move and just a little scary. This is too much for us. We are sarcastic, petty east coasters...and the comments coming from us are non-stop. Again, this is not to say that we didn't enjoy ourselves, we did. But we are that group that just continuously makes comments about every single detail.
Finally, Nellie makes his entrance. He is so cute in his little tux!! OH!! Little Dave Bottinelli is all grown up and about to get married!! Then, we see that he is wearing sandals with his tux!!! Giddiness ensues!!! Then, Francine makes her way through the trail. She is beautiful in a simple white gown with elegant floral trim. The trim was blue, and went around her waist and down her back. She was the pefect bride. The ceremony was pretty interesting. I'll just say that the indian shaman kept us entertained.

Now it is time for merriment!!! (Outside Dining Count: 8)
The reception was wonderful. We were on a deck with a view of the ocean. I have to take a moment to comment on Matt's speach. I had heard an practice reading, and knew how nervous he was. But it was wonderful. Nellie made sure the dj played Darth Vader's theme as Matt was called to the mic. Tee Hee Hee. I love my star wars geek friends!! Matt's speech was everything a wedding toast should be. It was sweet and charming and showed how much he loved his friend!!! I have to say, I got a little teary watching matt up there. It was a moment of weakness!! Too much for me to handle!! Matt being all cute, Michael being all nervous for Matt and Nellie being all married!! Its more than a girl can handle. Of course there was also lot of drinking. We did a happy little group shot of tequila....and we were dancing machines!!! Oh Lord, I will never forget Andy, Matt and especially Stan on the dancefloor. Stanimal lives!!!! It was a good, good time.

Day 6 The Final Day (wah!!)
So for our final day, Mikey, Matt and I head out to the Greek Cafe. It is busy there this morning, so we are forced to sit inside!!! Boo!! I'm very very impressed that Michael and I are hangover free!! I thought that tequila shot (combined with many a vodka and cranberry and a glass of wine) would have done me in!! But Halleuahia!! I'm hangover free!! Matt is not so lucky. At Breakfast, Michael and I are a little sad. It took us a day, but then we really got into L.A. and I wish it weren't so far away because it is a place I would like to investigate more. For Michael, it is more...in his words, he "found his people". Michael is so wonderfully over-dramatic!!
After our breakfast we say goodbye to Matt, Stan and Andy. They are headed back to beautiful Newark, NJ. Mikey and I are taking the red eye back, and have about 12 hours to kill. So Michael, Renee and I head out. I try to take them on a tour of the Hollywood Hills, (to JC or Britney's house) but unfortunately the streets get tricky as you get higher up and we were unsuccesful. Boooo I wanted one last chance at a JC sighting. Erin!! My WEST COAST CLONE!! My tour guide!!! Where are you!!!!!!

We do another drive by of the strip, and this time I'm like a pro, pointing out to Renee all the things that Erin showed me earlier. For lunch we decide on a place in WEHO called Tex Marix. Now, when I found out I was going to L.A. I started copying down places where celebs had been spotted. This is a joint that Cameron and Drew frequent, plus, it is choc full of gay boys!!! Lunch is DELIC!! Margaritas=good. (Outside Dining Count: 9)

After lunch we do a drive of Mulholland Dr. One word--SCARY....it is crazy twisty and turny and in some spots there is no guard rail!! HELLO PEOPLE OF LOS ANGELES...WHEN THERE IS A HUGE DROP OFF A CLIFF, THERE REALLY NEEDS TO BE A GUARD RAIL OR SOMETHING TO STOP YOU FROM PLUMMETING TO YOUR DEATH!! The drive is stunning and you can see the whole city from up there.

We decided to stop at a state park and go up to the top of a mountain. Whoa!! The view is sick!!!! Michael is continuing his dramatic outpourings!! "I love it here!!" "If I lived here, I would totally walk this trail all the time!!" " I need to live here" You know I love you Mikey *smooch*
After our "hike" we head back to the ghettolodge where we take dave and renee's room hostage and take a nappie-poo. Then, we take back out trusty dodge stratus and head to LAX. Boo our trip is over!! We must return to our real lives!!
This concludes the KT/Mikey adventure in L.A. ( I don't want to go into the post LA story about KT losing 40 of her favorite cds!!)

So to sum up....this trip was freaking awesome!!! I mean, it was unbelievable to see Venice Beach, the Hills, WEHO, BH, Mulholland Dr., the Strip, JC'S HOUSE....but really, this trip was amazing because of all the people.

Nellie and Francine--Most of you know that I'm pretty cynical when it comes to love, marriage and forever. I'm not that mushy. But nellie and francine, they reminded me why people get married. They are so in love, and so obviously perfect for each other...
It was great to get to spend time with people I haven't hung out with in so long (Kim, Renee and Dave)

I'll never forget the Mexican Sacred Ground, or Andy being a terrorist, or Matt preparing his speach (or the L.A. ass water) or the Stanimal on the dance floor. It was freaking awesome meeting erin in person!! To have that great day together, the drive by, the "incident"...My west coast clone!!!

And Michael, my soul mate!!! You have no idea how much i miss having your sparkling personality with me all the time....It was incredible to get to spend that much time with you!! I love you so much!!!

Ok everyone, that's it!! Thanks for sharing the adventure!!