Two Cents & Five Questions With...

... Tucker Hottes,
"The Office"
Convention





Tucker Hottes works for the Electric City online magazine in Scranton and serves on the committee for the upcoming convention in Scranton for "The Office". The convention's offical site lists him as "Web Editor/Sticky Note Quality Assurance Manager."

I was able to pull Tucker away from his Convention duties long enough to share his Two Cents & Five Questions about himself and the convention with us.

Two Cents: Tell the readers a little about yourself.
Tucker Hottes: I'm the Web editor for Electric City and Diamond City, two weekly entertainment papers from the Times. I'm pretty new to the area here, but I've been enjoying everything about Scranton. Before coming up here, I worked in the Lehigh Valley near Allentown and Bethlehem, PA. I'm originally from NJ, and got introduced to The Office while studying in London and have been a huge fan ever since. The US version took a few episodes to grow on me in the beginning, but it's awesome now that it found its own groove.

TC: How did you get involved with "The Office" convention that is coming to Scranton?
TH: When I started, I knew we'd be doing some stuff related to The Office, and potentially a convention. It quickly ballooned into something much more serious, and so right on the heels of launching a new electric city/diamond city Web site (www.ecweekend.com), we got the same design and editorial crew together to build a site for the convention.

TC: What details about the convention are most important to our readers?
TH: I think the most important thing people need to know is that everyone involved is a huge fan of the show, and we're all as excited to be doing this as other fans are to attend. We really want to put on an event people will enjoy and remember. We're also committed to keeping up some excitement for the show in the off-season, with events and activities around the city all summer long and in the fall leading to the convention itself. Keep your eyes on the site for updates on what's going on!
As far as the convention itself, it'll be important to figure out travel and accommodations early - it may become difficult to find somewhere to stay in downtown that weekend.

TC: What is the ideal situation for the convention according to the committee?
TH: Obviously if all the planets aligned, the universe was smiling on us and people of the world laid down their arms in peaceful harmony, we'd have everyone in the show from the briefest cameos to the folks dumping the trash bins in the writers' rooms. We want people to have a great time in Scranton, enjoy meeting and mingling with other fans of the show and have as much time with the cast and/or crew members who come for the convention.

TC: What's the next big step for the committee to finalize on the convention?
TH:First of all, we're blown away by the response we've gotten so early - the feedback has been overwhelming from people all over already booking hotels and looking for more information. Now it's time for a lot of phone calls and long meetings - it's rapidly turning into a second full-time job for many committee members. We're hoping to make a lot of really exciting announcements throughout the summer, but we also want to make sure everything we announce is confirmed and definitely scheduled - lots of events are spoiled by empty promises, and we don't want to let anyone down.

*TWO CENT BONUS QUESTION*
TC: If someone were to climb off a desert island and only have time to watch five movies to learn what American cinema is all about, what five movies would you show them?
TH: Well, the real question is where are they going after 10 or so hours of movie-watching? Back to the island? Not to mention, why do they want to spend their 10 hours back in the real world watching movies? I guess if they're that serious about it, I'd have to give them some good flicks, so I'd go with:

- Casablanca - epitomizes grand classic cinema and acting for me. Nobody captured the late-night solo drinks over a woman like Bogart
- The Godfather - because you just have to include it on lists like this.
- Star Wars - proved that a good story can transcend genres and unite audiences. Also proved that 20 years and over-commercialization can create things like Jar-Jar Binks.
- Pulp Fiction - a near-perfect showcase of how great writing, directing, musical direction and casting can make a film a masterpiece.
- Jurassic Park - Spielberg proved that while CG effects can really enhance a film, nothing looks better than a 20-foot animitronic T-Rex. JP's 10+ year-old effects still look better than some films produced today - including parts of the CG-happy new Star Wars flicks.

Big thanks to Tucker for sharing some time and his TwoCents!

We here at TheTwoCents.com have our hotel room booked, do you? Check out our site often for updates as they become available!

Studio 60 Last Chances!!

I forgot to mention this last week, and thankfully a loyal TwoCents reader reminded me!

NBC is airing the remaining new episodes of Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip on Thursday nights at 10pm.

So tune in quick, before Studio 60 tunes out for good!

Tonight's Episode:

Breaking News
Tonight at 10:00 pm EST
Episode Description
Originally Aired: May 31, 2007
Jordan experiences an emergency with her pregnancy during the live show. Meanwhile, Tom faces an even larger emergency and Matt's pill use gets discovered.

Tonight on "The Office"

THE COUP
9pm/8pm c TV14
05.31.2007

FED UP WITH MICHAEL'S ANTICS IN THE OFFICE, ANGELA PUSHES DWIGHT TO TAKE ACTION AGAINST HIM - After Jan (Melora Hardin) busts Michael (Golden Globe winner Steve Carell) for declaring it's "movie Monday," where everyone watches a movie instead of working, an upset Angela (Angela Kinsey) pushes Dwight (Rainn Wilson) is into making a play for Michael's job. Meanwhile, Pam (Jenna Fischer) internet shops and has a fashion show at lunch and Jim (John Krasinski) plays video games and gets killed again and again in virtual reality. B.J. Novak, David Denman, Leslie David Baker, Brian Baumgartner, Oscar Nuñez, Phyllis Smith, Paul Lieberstein and Mindy Kaling also star.

VIDEO CLIP

Check back tomorrow for The Office Conference Room, our weekly feedback forum from people who run "The Office" fansites all around the web!

Do You Miss Jordin, Blake or Melinda Yet?

No worries! Fireworks and NBC will bring them back together!

NEW YORK – May 31, 2007 – NBC celebrates the nation's 231st birthday extravaganza with performances by superstar Martina McBride, 'American Idol' winner Jordin Sparks, American Idol contestants Blake Lewis and Melinda Doolittle on the live broadcast of the "Macy's 4th of July Fireworks® Spectacular." Hosted by Natalie Morales, NBC's "Today" National Correspondent and Tiki Barber, "Today" Correspondent and "Football Night in America" Studio Analyst, the show will air on Wednesday, July 4th, 9-10 p.m. EST (all time zones).

Multi-platinum recording artist and award winning entertainer McBride will open this year's "Macy's 4th of July Fireworks® Spectacular" with her hit single "Anyway" from her ninth studio album Waking Up Laughing. McBride is currently headlining her national arena tour. This marks NBC's eighth consecutive exclusive broadcast of the "Macy's 4th of July Fireworks® Spectacular."

Season six 'American Idol' winner Jordin Sparks and fellow contestants Blake Lewis and Melinda Doolittle will all perform one song together as a tribute to the Nation's birthday. They are kicking off their American Idol summer tour on July 6th, 2007 from Sunrise, Florida.

The country's largest Fourth of July fireworks extravaganza will feature nearly 35,000 brilliant shells exploding over New York City set to a sweeping original medley performed by The New York Pops. Over 1,000 pyrotechnic shells are fired every minute, when the first shells explode and begin their choreographed pyrotechnic dance. Painting the sky this year will be new shells from around the globe, the highlight of the Macy's Fireworks is always the famed Golden Mile, a multi-layer explosion which stretches across the skyline filling it with a golden sparks from 1,200 feet in the air to the water's edge.

"On this very important day, it is our esteemed honor to bring the rich tradition of the Macy's Fireworks Special to viewers around the country, once again the celebration will be a must watch for viewers of all ages." Said Doug Vaughan Vice President NBC News and Entertainment Special Projects.


"Macy's Fireworks is always rated the #1 show in America by the American Pyrotechnic Association, and with the show we've got planned, 2007 will be no exception," said Robin Hall, Macy's Fireworks executive producer. "We'll be launching a show filled with eye-popping color, intense sound and breathtaking new effects." He continued, "Macy's Fireworks will again be the biggest fireworks show in the nation, a pyrotechnic marvel choreographed to a sweeping, heroic score brilliantly played by the New York Pops."

The backbone of every Macy's Fireworks show is the musical score that sets the framework for pyrotechnic art in the sky. 'In Our Children's Eyes', this year's score is performed by The New York Pops under the direction of Rob Fisher, and features patriotic works, iconic movie themes, and uniquely American popular songs. From 'Yankee Doodle,' 'Take Me Out to the Ballgame,' and 'Oh! Susanna.'

The musical dance in the sky will also features new musical works composed by Macy's Creative Director, William Schermerhorn and Tony® Award-winning Broadway composer Stephen Flaherty and is performed by Tony® Award winners Andrew Lloyd Young (Jersey Boys), Lea Salonga (Miss Saigon), and Anika Noni Rose (Dreamgirls).

The magic in the sky begins with the group at Macy's events and the explosive family of Fireworks, the Souza's. Gary and James Souza, and the entire Sousa Fireworks team of Rialto, CA have helped create the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks show for over 25 years. The show comes together after months of globetrotting in search of the newest, most unique firework shells, a year of design meetings and over a week of installation, all to set off the grandest show in America.

The 2007 Macy's 4th of July Fireworks are sponsored in part by Anheuser-Busch, Ball Park®, Energizer, The Hershey Company and Planters®; and are presented in partnership with The City of New York, and The Downtown Alliance for New York.

Morales, joined "Today" as a National Correspondent in February 2006. Prior to joining "Today", she was an anchor and correspondent at MSNBC since March 2002. While working for "Today" and MSNBC, she has contributed to NBC News' coverage of the 2006 Winter Olympics in Torino and the 2004 Summer Games in Athens, as well as several major breaking news stories including Hurricane Katrina and the recovery efforts; the Tsunami disaster; the death of Pope John Paul II; the Battle for White House in 2004; Operation Iraqi Freedom; and the Columbia Shuttle explosion. Hispanic Magazine named her one of the "Top Hispanics to Watch" in 2005 and one of the "Top Trendsetters" of 2003.

Barber, came to NBC in February 2007 and serves as a correspondent for NBC News' "Today" and an analyst for NBC's "Football Night in America." Barber started his broadcasting career prior to retiring from professional football, serving as a correspondent on Fox News Channel's morning show "Fox & Friends" and hosting a radio show on Sirius Satellite Radio, "The National Sweep," which covered politics, news, sports and entertainment. Guests on the show ranged from Senator John McCain to Daniel Kurtzer, the former ambassador to both Israel and Egypt, to Pro Football Hall of Famer Lawrence Taylor.

McBride, a multi-platinum recording artist just released her ninth studio album Waking Up Laughing in April and is currently headlining her national arena tour which recently sold out New York's Radio City Music Hall as well as other venues across the country.

Sparks, a 17-year-old high school student from Glendale, Arizona, is the Winner of 'American Idol' Season Six. Awarded "Overall Spotlight Winner" for the Gospel Music Academy in 2004, Jordin is consistent in her mission of telling meaningful stories through songs.

Lewis, 25, grew up in Bothell, Washington and began singing at the age of 5. He first auditioned for 'American Idol' in Seattle having never seen an episode of the show. He is the first runner-up for Season Six of 'American Idol.'

Doolittle, 29, grew up in Brentwood Tennessee and began singing in the seventh grade. A music major from Belmont University in Nashville and a former back-up singer. Melinda was the second-runner up for season six of 'American Idol.'

'American Idol' tour tickets are available for purchase at www.americanidol.com

The telecast is a production of NBC Universal Television Studio in association with Macy's. Bob Holmes is the executive producer.

Aww Looks Kids it's Hogwaaaaaaaaaaaarrrtttssssss!!!

What's missing from the merchandising mania of Harry Potter?

AN AMUSEMENT PARK!

J.K. Rowling has given the go-ahead for a theme park based on the school aged wizard and his world. Only for this, his world will be in Florida.

According to a Reuter's article: "The park is a joint venture between Warner Bros Entertainment, whose Potter films have so far grossed more than $3.5 billion worldwide, and Universal Orlando Resort.

In a statement rich in entertainment hyperbole, the builders of "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter" said they planned to "create the world's first immersive Harry Potter themed environment."

AFI Counts 100 Movies - AGAIN

Academy Award winner Morgan Freeman ("Million Dollar Baby," "The Shawshank Redemption" and "Driving Miss Daisy") will host AFI'S 100 YEARS…100 MOVIES — 10th ANNIVERSARY EDITION, a new entertainment special counting down the greatest movies of all time, to be broadcast Wednesday, June 20 (8:00–11:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. During the broadcast, the confidential list of the 100 greatest American films of all time will be revealed by some of Hollywood 's biggest stars.

Those scheduled to be included in the special are Tim Allen, Halle Berry, Peter Bogdanovich, Jeff Bridges, Laurence Fishburne, Peter Fonda, Harrison Ford, William Friedkin, Dennis Hopper, Norman Jewison, Spike Lee, Shirley MacLaine, Malcolm McDowell, Eva Mendes, Liza Minnelli, Sydney Pollock, Debbie Reynolds, Martin Scorsese, Martin Sheen and M. Night Shyamalan.

In this 10th annual installment of the Emmy Award-winning series, both classic favorites and newly eligible films released from 1996 to 2006 will be considered. New entries to the ballot include titles such as "American Beauty," "The Aviator," " Brokeback Mountain ," "Lord of the Rings," "The Matrix," "Saving Private Ryan," "Sideways," "Traffic" and "Titantic."

"AFI’s critically acclaimed series has sparked national debate on what makes a great movie and why, ultimately driving people to discover—and re-discover—the classics of American film," said host Morgan Freeman. "I am honored to be a part of this national celebration of film."

This will be the 10th annual special in the AFI's continuing celebration of American cinema, following the nine critically-acclaimed Network specials: "AFI's 100 Years… 100 Movies," "…100 Stars," "…100 Laughs," "…100 Thrills," "…100 Passions," "…100 Heroes & Villains," "…100 Songs," "…100 Movie Quotes" and "…100 Cheers," which annually spark a national discussion of America's film history among movie lovers across the nation.

To compile the final list, AFI distributed a ballot with 400 nominated movies to a jury of over 1,500 leaders in the creative community, including film artists (directors, screenwriters, actors, editors, cinematographers), critics and historians.

The jurors were asked to consider the following criteria in making their selections:

FEATURE-LENGTH FICTION FILM
Narrative format, typically over 60 minutes in length.

AMERICAN FILM
Motion picture with significant creative and/or production elements from the U.S.

CRITICAL RECOGNITION
Formal commendation in print, television and digital media.

MAJOR AWARD WINNER
Recognition from competitive events including awards from peer groups, critics, guilds and major film festivals.

POPULARITY OVER TIME
Including success at the box office, television and cable airings, and DVD/VHS sales and rentals.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE
A film's mark on the history of the moving image through visionary narrative devices, technical innovation or other groundbreaking achievements.

CULTURAL IMPACT
A film's mark on American society in matters of style and substance.

AFI allows five write-in votes per ballot.

Best Rated Finale? LOST maybe? How about Heroes?

NOPE!

In a week that included the final three days of the 2006-2007 television season, the season finale of NCIS was the number one scripted program, delivering more viewers than the finales of "Heroes," "24" and "Lost," according to Nielsen Live Plus same-day ratings for week 36 ending May 27.

NCIS ranked fifth for the week among all primetime programs, behind only the season finales of "American Idol" and "Dancing with the Stars" (two broadcasts each). NCIS averaged 14.14 million viewers, more than the finales of "Lost" (13.86m), "Heroes" (13.48m) and "24" (10.31m).

For the week in viewers, CBS (9.00m) trailed FOX (11.56m) and topped ABC (8.86m) and NBC (5.55m). For the season In viewers, CBS (12.46m) was first, followed by FOX (10.41m), ABC (9.94m) and NBC (8.88m).

Tony Performances Announced

Eight musical performances, including all four Best Musical nominees and three of the nominated shows for Best Musical Revival, have been announced for THE AMERICAN THEATRE WING’S 61ST ANNUAL TONY AWARDS, to be broadcast live from Radio City Music Hall, Sunday, June 10 (8:00-11:00 PM, live ET/delayed PT) on the CBS Television Network. The awards honor theatre professionals for distinguished achievement on Broadway.

THE 61ST ANNUAL TONY AWARDS will feature performances from each of the Best Musical Nominees — "Curtains," "Grey Gardens," "Mary Poppins" and "Spring Awakening," as well as performances by Best Musical Revival nominees "A Chorus Line," "Company" and "110 in the Shade." Additionally, the show will feature a special performance by Fantasia of “The Color Purple.”

Jeff Daniels, Brian Dennehy, Judd Hirsch, Melina Kanakaredes, Robert Sean Leonard, John Mahoney, Cynthia Nixon, Christopher Plummer and Sam Waterston have been added as presenters. Previously announced presenters for the 2007 Tony Awards are Harry Connick, Jr., Claire Danes, Carla Gugino, Neil Patrick Harris, Anne Heche, Marg Helgenberger, Felicity Huffman, Eddie Izzard, Jane Krakowski, Angela Lansbury, Audra McDonald, Bernadette Peters, David Hyde Pierce, Liev Schreiber, Kevin Spacey, John Turturro, Usher, Vanessa Williams, Rainn Wilson and The Jersey Boys - Christian Hoff, Daniel Reichard, J. Robert Spencer and John Lloyd Young.

Nominees in the 25 competitive categories were announced on Tuesday, May 15. The TONY AWARDS, presented by the American Theatre Wing and the League of American Theatres and Producers, have been broadcast on CBS since 1978. This year marks the 10th anniversary that the Tonys are being held at the historic Radio City Music Hall .

The Tonys were founded in memorial to Antoinette ("Tony") Perry, the American Theatre Wing's World War II chairperson. The winners are selected by the governing board of Actors Equity, The Dramatists Guild, the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers, the United Scenic Artists, the Association of Theatrical Press Agents and Managers, the Casting Society of America, the American Theatre Wing and members of the League of American Theatres and Producers, as well as journalists.

THE AMERICAN THEATRE WING’S 61ST ANNUAL TONY AWARDS are a presentation of Tony Award Productions, which is a joint venture of the League of American Theatres and Producers and the American Theatre Wing. Emmy winners Ricky Kirshner and Glenn Weiss of White Cherry Entertainment will return as executive producers. Weiss will also serve as director for the eighth consecutive year. Elizabeth Ireland McCann returns as managing producer and Joey Parnes will serve as coordinating producer for Tony Award Productions.

HELP!!!

I need your help!

The summer is here, the TV season is over and besides a few small sniplets there's not a whole lot of new Pop Culture fun out there! I refuse to post about what TV show hosts aren't speaking to each other or who is slumped over in a car in some tabloid photo or some baseball player with another women in a hotel. That stuff isn't interesting to me. But I need to find some stuff that IS!

You visit here, help me out!

Have a fun quiz? A great link? A really funny YouTube video someone sent you? A fun story? A movie review? ANYTHING!!

LITO Talks to David Denman (Roy)

That's right...

"The Office" warehouse worker we all love, to hate (for Pam's sake) spent some time with LifeinTheOffice.com recently and gave them an interview.

You can read it here.

Video Killed the Radio Star and DVR Killed the Commercial Star!

We all love our DVRs and network TV is not happy!

They are trying new and inventive ways to catch us all who FF through those pesky 'purple pill', 'cialis' or 'Mr. Clean Magic Eraser' commercials to get back to the island, office or CTU quicker.

Quizzes, contests, mini dramas and more are being used during commercials to try to keep the viewers interested.

The big push is that Neilsen will now not only be rating viewership of the shows, but also the commercials within the shows!

The AP story is listed on Yahoo and you can find it HERE.

Farewell...

... Charles Nelson Reilly, Actor.

Charles Nelson Reilly will be remembered by most of the new generation from his appearances in a lot of those rerun game shows on the Game Show Network, most specifically The Match Game.

Reilly's career extended as far as a Tony Award for playing Bud Frump in the 1962 production of "How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying".

He was also seen in movies such as Cannon Ball Run II, and many voice over roles in cartoon movies.

Reilly died Friday in Los Angeles of complications from pneumonia, his partner, Patrick Hughes, told the New York Times. He was 76.

Here is a clip of him from Match Game.

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY

The Office Conference Room - "The Convention"

[Updated: 5/26 - 10:50am]

The season may be over, but The Conference Room isn't!

Every week this summer TCR will keep coming back to review episodes of the season we haven't reviewed yet, or to give other fun info from our "The Office" friends across the internet.

We will have at least ONE bonus question each week and this week we ask the panel "Top 3 All Time Michael Scott Moments". We want to know YOUR answer! Go over to the FORUMS and list yours!

This week's installment is "The Convention" which ran last night in repeat.

The Convention
Original Airdate: Thursday September 28, 2006
Repeat Airday: Thursday May 24, 2007
After meeting Jan in Philadelphia for the annual Northeastern Mid-Market Office Supply Convention, Michael enlists Dwight's help in organizing a party in his room for fellow conventioneers. Meanwhile, Ryan and Kelly join friends out on a double date.

Everyone in the Conference Room - NOW!

----------
Name: KP
Office Site: TheTwoCents.com
Review: The beauty of this episode was watching Jim interact with some of Scranton again after being in Stamford. Watching him buddy up with his new boss, Josh, was killing Michael. I mean, come on, Michael loves Jim so much he once tried to copy his haircut! Of course we get some nice JAM drama as Michael speaks to Pam on the phone and says "Have a good time on the date" and Jim's face speaks volumes. Dwight and Michael set loose on a Convention floor was genius and we had a great example of the 'happy button' to end the show and Michael realizes he can still be friends with Jim - "Best Friends". Jim's confession to Michael makes you wonder, who are Jim's real friends that he has to confide in Michael? Where is his roommate for this stuff!?
Favorite Moment: Jim's reaction finding a 'hooker' in Dwight's room and really wanting to call Pam.
Favorite Quote: Michael: I love inside jokes. I’d love to be a part of one someday.

Overall Episode Grade: B+

Top 3 All-Time Michael Scott Moments:
His talk with Jim at the end of Booze Cruise
His moment with Pam at her art show
His hosting of The Dundies.

----------
Name: Elyse Moretti
Office Website: Life In The Office
Review: I feel "The Convention" is one of the strongest episodes of Season 3, definitely in my top five. One of my favorite aspects was the Scranton/Stamford tension over Jim's transfer. I honestly felt bad for Michael when Josh and Jim shared their inside joke, or when Dwight pointed out he didn't have e-mail on his phone. Jim and Pam are still trying to move on, but we can tell that neither one is fully ready to do so. It was all about the little moments, such as when Jim stopped himself from asking about Pam, or Pam staring at Jim's old desk, or the way each of them clammed up when given the opportunity to talk to the other. Other highlights: Toby's awkward attempts at flirtation, Michael and Jim's chat about why Jim transferred, and the close, and Phyllis and Stanley's dating advice to Pam. Classic!
Favorite Moment: Jim mistakes Angela for a hooker in Dwight's room.
Favorite Quote: "In the Martin family, we like to say, 'Looks like someone took the slow train from Philly.' That's code for 'Check out the slut.' " - Angela

Overall Episode Grade: A+

Top 3 All-Time Michael Scott Moments:
1. Michael marks his girlfriend's arm, A Benihana Christmas
2. "If you are a racist, I will attack you with the North", Diversity Day
3. The entire episode, The Injury

----------
Name: theofficefan@jellostapler.com
Office Website: JelloStapler *NEW*
Review: So I have a biased point of view on these office episodes, being a fan of everything in Jello. Toby goes up to Pam's deks and "forgets" what he's going to say.. awkward.. but he could've saved the moment by telling Pam that he put Dwight's bobblehead in Jello. On Ryan's double date, he seems a little annoyed at Kelly (as usual). Well he could have put her in Jello, I don't think she can chatter when she's in Jello.. or could she? Michael Scott's hotel room party was a bust.. if he had Jello Shots, it would have been a totally different story.
Favorite Moment: When Jim sneaks into Dwight's room and finds a "hooker"
Favorite Quote: Kevin: If I weren't engaged I would so hit that.

Overall Episode Grade: C+

Top 3 All-Time Michael Scott Moments:
Michael Scott burns his foot on the george forman grill
Michael Scott can't tell the two asian girls from Benihana's apart.
Michael Scott doing the Chris Rock routine.

----------
Name: Fancy New Beesly
Office Website: Fancy New Beesly on MySpace
Review: I remember being completely jarred by this episode because it was the first time that Jim had acknowledged the Pam issues in the season. Granted it was only the second episode....ahahhahahah...but still it was what was on EVERYONE's mind since the cliffhanger season 2 finale. I thought it was a fantastic episode. We got to see Jim attempt a prank on Dwight & also a hotel scene with Angela. Michael was in top form because he also got to see Jan for the first time since Casino Night when he had TWO dates at the function. HAahhhahh
Favorite Moment: When Jim & Josh come to Michael's hotel room & Michael & Dwight jam out the "Ain't no party like a Scranton party, cuz a Scranton party don't stop!"
Favorite Quote: "Dwight got a hooker!"

Overall Episode Grade: A

Top 3 All-Time Michael Scott Moments:
1)his performance in the conference room during Diversity Day
2)his performance in Chili's in The Client
3)marking the waitress's arm in Benihana Christmas

----------
Name: Megan _TOC
Office Website: theofficechat.com
Review: An office convention. The two branches meet up. It's a tad bit awkward. Jim finds out about Pam breaking off the wedding, and Michael thinks Jim left Scranton because of him. Jim then confesses it was because of Pam. Pam goes on a double date with a cartoonist, with Kelly and Ryan which ends up being pretty bad. Michael tries to throw a party in his hotel room, but fails miserably, although a few people end up coming by. And Dwight got a hooker - just kidding.
Favorite Moment: It's hard to say really. There are two I liked equally. The one where Pam calls Michael on the cellphone when Jim is nearby and when he finds out it's her and that she is going on a date, his reaction is priceless. The other one is where Jim gets a copy of Dwight's hotel key and he walks into a find a so-called "hooker" - i.e. Angela.
Favorite Quote: Jim Halpert: You know when I saw Dwight I realized how stupid and petty all those pranks I pulled on him were. And then he spoke. I wonder how hard it would be to get a copy of his room key.

Overall Episode Grade: A-

Top 3 All-Time Michael Scott Moments: God, there are millions, and all I can think of right now are these.
1) When Jan comes back from her "vacation" and wants to talk to Michael and he gathers all of (the women in the office) for support.
2) He tries to pull Jim's "It smells like Updog joke", but fails miserably, even when he had a chance to use the punchline.
3) At the Christmas party when he gets the two waitresses mixed and doesn't know who is who, so he pulls the joke 'not knowing who's-who', but ends up making a mark on the girl's arm.

----------
Name: Melody
Office Website: The Office Alliance Podcast
Review: This episode felt to me like the "Office" powers that be were trying to reassure the audience that even though Jim had gone to Stamford, we weren't in for a completely depressing season of complete separation and isolation for poor old Jim Halpert. I remember when this episode aired the first time that I really appreciated that reassurance. It's nice to see how it sets up the season that is to come. We see Pam making the big move of going on her first first date in nine years. We see Jim trying to cope with his heartbreak by trying to move up the corporate ladder. We see lonely, lonely Michael who just wants to be one of the cool kids for once. It did a nice job of setting up all of those themes, without being a very plot-heavy episode.
Favorite Moment: Dwight got a HOOKER!
Favorite Quote: "Oh, yeah. You'll have to put out." - Phyllis

Overall Episode Grade: B

Top 3 All-Time Michael Scott Moments:
Singing "Teach Your Children Well" with Dwight in "Take Your Daughter to Work Day"
His display of dancing skillz in "Booze Cruise"
His attempt to actually become Jim Halpert in "The Secret."

----------
Name: jenny
Office Website: MTT
Review: When I first saw this episode, I was reminded of just how important the ensemble is in this show. It was right after Gay Witch Hunt with Jim in Stamford and that episode just seemed so...unbalanced or something. Having Jim in that office and interacting with Michael, Dwight, and Pam is one of the best things about this show and it was obvious in this episode. Even without Jim and Pam actually talking, the scene with Michael telling Pam to have a good date was just amazingly played by John and Jenna. And who doesn't love a little Michael and Jim bonding? I still say this was one of the best episodes this season and probably the only Jim-in-Stamford episode that I really enjoyed. Of course, things were still frustrating on the Jam front when he came back to Scranton, but that's for another review.
Favorite Moment: Jim and Michael's talk in the hotel room
Favorite Quote: "Dwight got a hooker!"

Overall Episode Grade: B+

Top 3 All-Time Michael Scott Moments:
1. The "I hate so much about the things that you choose to be" speech to Toby
2. Burning his foot on a Foreman grill
3. Prison Mike

----------
Name: Lauren
Office Website: Flonkerton *NEW*
Review: This was the very first episode of The Office that I watched the original airing of. I was only about halfway through the Season 2 DVDs so you can imagine how confused I was. Jim transfered? Pam's dating? Who the heck is Carol? As far as "recruiter episodes" go (i.e. episodes you would show friends to get them into The Office) I wouldn't recommend The Convention. However, when I watch it with more context, I find it to be a very solid episode. The pacing is quick without being rushed, nearly all of the secondary actors get some screen time, we get a rare glimpse of Michael being reasonably good at his job, and the Jim and Pam moments are significant without adding too much "drama" to the show. Oh, and of course we see the emergence of Toby's somewhat pathetic crush on Pam.
Favorite Moment: Jim's patented "17-emotions-at-once" look when Michael tells Pam to have fun on her date.
Favorite Quote: Michael: "Guess where I am going. I will give you a
hint. It is a booze-fueled sex romp, where anything goes. You are correct, sir! I am headed to Philadelphia..."

Overall Episode Grade: B+

Top 3 All-Time Michael Scott Moments:
- Being the "Boss of Dancing" in Booze Cruise
- Presenting Ryan the "Hottest in the Office" Dundie
- In Valentine's Day, when he tells Pam, "I own (New York) city.
Fuggedaboudit." (weird choice, I know, it just really makes me laugh)

Pirates Opens This Weekend... Savy?

Yes indeed, in what many predict will be the biggest Memorial Day Weekend at the box office ever, the third, and possibly last Pirates movie joins in the fun.

Pirates of the Carribean: At World's End opened at midnight this morning and joins Spiderman 3 and Shrek 3 at the movies. Plenty to go see if your picnics get rained out this weekend!

Next week we will have a guest reviewer submitting what it's like to go to the Pirates movie in Hollywood with all the pomp and circumstance, but I'm still curious what you all think!

Happy 30th Star Wars!!

30 Years Ago, this weekend, the original Star Wars was released in theaters!

TheForce.Net posted this great list of specials, tv shows, etc that will be showing Star Wars stuff!

Friday
05/25 : G4 : Attack of the Show : 7 PM : Star Wars at 30
05/25 : Biography : 8 PM : Biography : Harrison Ford
05/25 : G4 : X-Play : 9 PM : Star Wars Celebration
05/25 : SKY Movies : Episode 1 documentaries
05/25 : MAX : 10 PM : Star Wars

Saturday
05/26 : MAX : 12 AM : The Empire Strikes Back

Sunday
05/27 : G4 : SW Coverage Repeat

Monday
05/28 : History : 8 PM : Star Wars Tech
05/28 : History : 9 PM : Star Wars : The Legacy Revealed

Tuesday
05/29 : Jeopardy : [Check local listings] : Special Star Wars Category
05/29 : History : 7 PM : Star Wars : The Legacy Revealed (Repeat)

Friday
06/01 : HBO : 3:15 PM : Star Wars Episode I -- The Phantom Menace
06/01 : HBO : 5:30 PM : Star Wars Episode II -- Attack of the Clones
06/01 : HBO : 8 PM : Star Wars Episode III -- Revenge of the Sith
06/01 : HBO : 10:30 PM : Star Wars IV: A New Hope

Saturday
06/02 : HBO : 12:45 AM : Star Wars V: The Empire Strikes Back
06/02 : HBO : 2:55 AM : Star Wars VI: Return of the Jedi

Life Goes on After Being "Arrested"

LOS ANGELES, May 24, 2007 – Now playing, the never-before-seen mockumentary, CLARK AND MICHAEL, a CBS Interactive original web series, streaming for free on www.clarkandmichael.com.

CLARK AND MICHAEL, featuring Michael Cera ("Arrested Development") and Clark Duke, follows two best friends who are determined to be successful Hollywood writers and producers, but awkwardly stumble through the development of a TV show. The duo, convinced they are pitching the next big hit, is in fact clueless about the process.

The comical online series includes several celebrity guest stars including Tony Hale ("Arrested Development"), Andy Richter ("Late Night with Conan O'Brien"), Jonah Hill ("Accepted"), David Cross ("Arrested Development"), Patton Oswalt ("King of Queens"), John Francis Daley ("Waiting") and Joe Lo Truglio ("Reno 911!: Miami").

Every Wednesday, a new webisode of CLARK AND MICHAEL will stream online at www.clarkandmichael.com.

LITO Throws Back Thursday!

Yup, even more news on "The Office".

LifeInTheOffice.com has started something new. They call it Throwback Thursdays.

They state:
"Throughout the summer, we’ll be flashing back and revisiting old episodes, with brand-new analysis, links, contests, & more."

Check them out HERE.

Tonight on "The Office"

We have a repeat of the episode entitled "The Convention" tonight.

The Convention
Today at 09:00 pm EST, NBC
Originally Aired: September 28, 2006
After meeting Jan in Philadelphia for the annual Northeastern Mid-Market Office Supply Convention, Michael enlists Dwight's help in organizing a party in his room for fellow conventioneers. Meanwhile, Ryan and Kelly join friends out on a double date.

Make sure you come back tomorrow, because rest assured, The Office Conference Room will be up and running tomorrow with details of "The Convention" and some other fun info!

Wanted: Dwight Schrute Wanted Poster!

I've received a bunch of requests for the poster of Dwight that Pam drew on "The Office" for the episode called "Women's Appreciation". Thanks to our friends on MySpace.... HERE YA GO!

Talk About... LOST Finale (5/23/07)

No, seriously gang, we NEED to talk about this!

I've opened the Forums up.

It's time we really get the LOST talk going!! I don't want to put any spoilers here for people who didn't watch last night's finale yet, but I must have said HOLY SH... about 10 times last night!

So CLICK HERE FOR THE FORUMS and let's discuss what the hell we saw last night!

Through the Looking Glass
Original Airdate: Wednesday May 23, 2007
Jack and the castaways begin efforts to make contact with Naomi's rescue ship.

Half of "Michelle Tanner" Coming Back to TV

The Showtime program, "Weeds" has added one half of the richest teen twins in the world.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, Mary-Kate (don't call her Ashley) Olsen is going to become a series regular on the dark dramedy.

This marks MK's first return to TV since 2002.

The article says: "On the Lionsgate-produced show, Olsen will play Tara, a devoted Christian girl living in the newly developed megachurch community Majestic who becomes a love interest for Nancy Botwin's (Mary-Louise Parker) son Silas (Hunter Parrish). Olsen will appear in 10 of the 15 episodes of the show's third season."

American Idol Season 6 Finale Recap

Ok, watching on DVR after LOST ended (we'll chat that up later!) it's time for your play by play for tonight's Idol finale!

Ryan is hanging out with Ricky and the band. 160 MILLION people watching tonight. Terri Hatcher in the house.

Jeff Foxworthy, Jerry Springer, Laurie Laughlin all here too.

Jordin and Blake sing together with "I Saw Her Standing There". 'Well she was just 17'. HA! Running through the crowd slapping hands. I really don't like that little platform behind the judges.

Gwen Stefani is live on tour and performs "4 in the Morning" live via satellite.

Ryan just promised us "more than a few surprises".

Commercials. Prepare to Fast Forward. Preparing Fast Forward. Fast Forward! Fast Forward! (What movie? Anyone?)

She's BACK to the Idol stage - for real this time! My girl Kelly Clarkson! YAY KELLY!!! She sings her new single. I guess this could make up for her always 'slighting' Idol in the people's eyes huh?

Clive Davis in the house. Jennifer Hudson.

Awards for people who stood out during the auditions. THE GOLDEN IDOLS AWARDS!
Nice, they got Don LaFontaine the movie promo voice guy. These are just rehashes of the really strange auditions from the beginning of the season.

Best Presentation Award goes to Margaret Fowler who auditioned dressed in all kinds of yellow fuzz. This is painful.

Michael Chiklis and Kathy Najimy in the house.

The top 6 guys perform. Dressed in all white. A nice motown "Ooh Baby Baby" by the Miracles, I like it. Then Smokey Robinson OF the Miracles comes out and joins them. Very nice! Gotta love medleys. I bet this won't be the last one. I have to say it, man was I wrong with Phil. He's great.

Commercials.

Can't wait for the Band show!

Doug E. Fresh beatboxing with Blake. AMAZING!!! Great idea!!! Inspector Gadget hook! You KNOW it's good!! HE'S AMAZING!! Blake is so good at this.

Golden Idol for Most Original Vocal goes to: Sholandric Stallworth. Wow. This isn't a good idea at all people.

The top 6 girls are performing, also all in white. Motown also. Nice. Stephanie Edwards is back. Yay! She went too early. Gladys Knight doing her thing tonight! Woohoo! Yeah, I don't really miss the Melinda "aww shucks" look. But man do I love her voice!

THE HOFF is back in the house! Will Hasselhoff cry again? Justin Guarini is back too, but do people really care? hehe

Commercials. (Shrek 3 is now playing, in case you didn't know. :) )

Constantine is there.

And so is Tony Bennett who is here to sing for us. His new CD is called "Duets". I wonder if someone will come sing with him...nope. It's amazing to me the stars they get for this show. DAMN! Sing it Tony!! 80 and still rocking it!

David Alan Grier in the auditorium.

Golden Idol for "Best Buddies". Oh, this is sad. Please stop this. Someone? Please!

Ok, there's a group of girls in matching black dresses in the audience, I bet they are someone. Anyone have any ideas?

Melinda Doolittle singing with the Winans who she used to sing backup for! Nice touch Idol!

Commercials.

Ford Music Video - clips of all the other ones. Time after Time.

Jordin and Blake were just given 2 brand new Mustangs. Yikes.

Carrie Underwood is live on the stage with "I'll Stand By You" which they used in the Idol Gives Back special. That's 2 former winners back so far.

Brittany Murphy in the crowd! As is Brad Garrett and Joely Fisher from 'Til Death.

Clive Davis is here to talk about how good the Idol CDs are doing this year and focusing on Daughtry. Music Industry's biggest selling album of the year. Clive is presenting 6 Million Albums sold to Carrie Underwood. She better have a big trophy room.

Ace is there in the crowd.

Commercials.

The African Children's Choir joins us for a performance to 'sum up' what Idol Gives Back was all about.

OK, a video about men who shaped the world. And it's a salute to Sanjaya. Oh boy. Performing with Joe Perry from Aerosmith. NO!! JOE!! Say it isn't so Joe! Prepare to Fast Forward. FAST FORWARD!! Thankfully Sanjaya is on the tour. People need sometime to go to the concession stands don't they? THE LITTLE BLOND GIRL IS BACK AND CRYING AGAIN!!! Ashley Ferl in the house people!!!

Instant Kharma album cut from Green Day. Nice!

Commercials.

Taylor Hicks is here to perform. That's 3 former winners! He has a harmonica people! Rock it old man! hehe. SOUL PATROL!

Here is Jordin singing with RUUUUUUBEN!!! That's 4 former winners! And if I predicted right, soon to be the 5th! ;)

Commercials. Wow, that was a quick one.

Bette Midler is here! OH NO!! Not Wind Beneath My Wings!! NO NO!! Aww, Paula and Randy slow dancing together. It's like the 10th grade prom! I'm pretty sure I twirled some poor girl around to this song around that time.

Commercials. WHAT THE HELL!? Every 2 minutes now?

American Idol tribute to Sgt Pepper. Yup, it's a medley folks. Could that explain Randy's jacket last night? Kelly and Joe Perry! Taylor is back. Carrie too! Wow, cool - the former winners together. Has this ever been done like this? No Fantasia tonight, she's busy on Broadway. Ruben too. Then the 12 from this year come out to sing backup for the 4 champs.

Commercials.

Now it's results time. Anyone of you who DVRed this and it ended at 10, I'm sorry. Thankfully, while watching LOST I paused it and went to Idol at 9:55pm to catch the end. It went over about 10 minutes and my DVR wouldn't have caught it.

Anyway... after all the weeks, the songs, the ballads, the mentors... YOUR American Idol is ...

JORDIN SPARKS!!!

She made it through her song and it was great! YAY JORDIN!!

See you all next year for Idol in January!

Photo Cr: Michael Becker/FOX

Presenters Named for 2007 Tony Awards

Harry Connick, Jr., Claire Danes, Carla Gugino, Neil Patrick Harris, Anne Heche, Marg Helgenberger, Felicity Huffman, Eddie Izzard, Jane Krakowski, Angela Lansbury, Audra McDonald, Bernadette Peters, William Petersen, David Hyde Pierce, Liev Schreiber, Kevin Spacey, John Turturro, Usher, Vanessa Williams, Patrick Wilson, Rainn Wilson and The Jersey Boys – Christian Hoff, Daniel Reichard, J. Robert Spencer and John Lloyd Young have been set to present on THE AMERICAN THEATRE WING’S 61ST ANNUAL TONY AWARDS, to be broadcast live from Radio City Music Hall , Sunday, June 10 (8:00-11:00 PM, live ET/delayed PT) on the CBS Television Network. The awards honor theatre professionals for distinguished achievement on Broadway.

Nominees in the 25 competitive categories were announced on Tuesday, May 15. The TONY AWARDS, presented by the American Theatre Wing and the League of American Theatres and Producers, have been broadcast on CBS since 1978. This year marks the 30th broadcast of the Tony Awards on CBS and the 10th anniversary that the Tonys are being held at the historic Radio City Music Hall .

The Tonys were founded in memorial to Antoinette ("Tony") Perry, the American Theatre Wing's World War II chairperson. The winners are selected by the governing board of Actors Equity, The Dramatists Guild, the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers, the United Scenic Artists, the Association of Theatrical Press Agents and Managers, the Casting Society of America, the American Theatre Wing and members of the League of American Theatres and Producers, as well as journalists.

THE AMERICAN THEATRE WING’S 61ST ANNUAL TONY AWARDS are a presentation of Tony Award Productions, which is a joint venture of the League of American Theatres and Producers and the American Theatre Wing. Emmy winners Ricky Kirshner and Glenn Weiss of White Cherry Entertainment will return as executive producers. Weiss will also serve as director for the eighth consecutive year. Elizabeth Ireland McCann returns as managing producer and Joey Parnes will serve as coordinating producer for Tony Award Productions.

Dancing With the Stars Finale! Bachelor Finale! Survivor Finale!

Ok, fine, I really don't have any information on any of these!

But, I know someone who does!

Gina over at RealityCheckByGina.com really has TONS of stuff!

Finale recaps of all the best reality shows! Interviews with people from The Bachelor, The Apprentice, Road Rules, America's Next Top Model, Survivor, Shear Genius and more!

So, if you come to TheTwoCents.com and say, man, I wish he would cover more reality... no need! Just go visit Gina!

Last Lost

Tonight's The Night!

SEASON FINALE

JACK AND HIS FELLOW SURVIVORS BEGIN THEIR EFFORTS TO MAKE CONTACT WITH NAOMI'S RESCUE SHIP, ON THE SEASON FINALE OF ABC'S "LOST"

"Through the Looking Glass" - Jack and the castaways begin their efforts to make contact with Naomi's rescue ship, on the season finale of "Lost," WEDNESDAY, MAY 23 (9:00-11:00 p.m., ET), on the ABC Television Network.

"Lost" stars Naveen Andrews as Sayid, Henry Ian Cusick as Desmond, Emilie de Ravin as Claire, Michael Emerson as Ben, Matthew Fox as Jack, Jorge Garcia as Hurley, Josh Holloway as Sawyer, Daniel Dae Kim as Jin, Yunjin Kim as Sun, Evangeline Lilly as Kate, Elizabeth Mitchell as Juliet, Dominic Monaghan as Charlie and Terry O'Quinn as Locke.

Guest starring are M.C. Gainey as Mr. Friendly/Tom, Tania Raymonde as Alex, Nestor Carbonell as Richard Alpert, Blake Bashoff as Karl, Andrew Divoff as Mikhail, Ariston Greene as Jason, Sonya Walger as Penny, Mira Furlan as Rousseau, Brian Goodman as Pryce, Marsha Thomason as Naomi, L. Scott Caldwell as Rose, Sam Anderson as Bernard, Lana Parilla as Greta, Tracy Middendorf as Bonnie, James Lesure as Dr. Hamill, Nigel Gibbs as funeral director, Loreni Delgado as pharmacist, Larry Clarke as customer and Kate Connor as doctor.

"Through the Looking Glass" was written by Carlton Cuse & Damon Lindelof and directed by Jack Bender.

"Lost" is broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC's selected HDTV format, with 5.1-channel surround sound and Spanish audio via SAP.

Talk About... On The Lot (5/22/07)

The show I've been waiting for is finally here.

American Idol for film makers, On The Lot. (Past TwoCents about the show)

The first five minutes of the show had me hooked! They showed love for film through showing famous scenes from some of America's greatest movies. Casablanca (looking at you kid), Godfather (offer he can’t refuse) , Return of the King (Gollum), Raiders of the Lost Arc (Boulder chasing down Indy), StarWars (swinging across the bridge), and Rocky (running up the stairs).

According to one of the contestants: "You can say “May the Force Be with you” anywhere in the world and people will know what you’re talking about."

That's the beauty this show could be all about!

Over 12,000 people sent in entries from 33 different countries and the top 50 made the first show. The Winner gets Million Dollar development deal with DreamWorks.

The contestants went on the backlot tour at Universal Studios and then were shown into a viewing room where they were introduced to the show's three judges: Carrie Fisher (StarWars, Postcards From the Edge, When Harry Met Sally), Gary Marshall (director: Pretty Woman, Georgia Rule) and Brett Ratner (director: Rush Hour 3, X-Men 3).

They were given three tests and then they had eliminations after each test. First they gave a pitch on an idea they were given the night night before. Second, they had 24 hours to write, direct, film, and edit a 2.5 minute film. Lastly they had to film a one-page scene an hour. To be honest, my DVR cut the show off 1/2 way through the 2nd quest.

So, the premise of this show still has me interested, but the filming of it concerns me. It's produced by Mark Burnett and it shows. The show is an exact replica of The Apprentice only it's about film. The little single person audio clips, with a shot of everyone doing jobs, the in fighting, the inability to choose who should lead, etc.

I really hope the show becomes more about the film making after they whittle the 50 contestants down a bunch.

Did you watch it? What did you think?

Jenna Says Thanks!

People Magazine has a little clip from Jenna about being thankful for her fans support.

As you know by now, Jenna fell last week at NBC's Upfronts and broke parts of her back in four places.

The article has a nice little update.

Bloom Heading to the Theater.

He's running away from Pirates and Hobbits as fast as he can to get his head in a new game.

Orlando Bloom, who has gone through all three "Lord of the Rings" and "Pirates of the Caribbean" movies, is heading to the stage.

Reuters has the story in which they state:

"Bloom, 30, begins rehearsals in June for "Celebration" by British playwright David Storey. The play will open in July.

'I just need to do this," Bloom said in an interview last week. 'I wanted to feel like going back to basics in a sense and having just a completely different experience.'"

Star Wars Goodies

The stamps are apparently out in the post offices now.

Don't want the stamps, but still want the pictures? StarWars.com's shop has your back!

Shirts, mugs, and other collectibles too.

Also on the shop are some fun little things I didn't know existed. Such as:

Anakin/Darth Vader, Sith, Obi-Wan nesting dolls.

Remote Control R2-D2

Even shot glasses.

American Idol Finals Recap

Time for the weekly follow-along of Idol. My running real-time journal. Get your coffee, turn off the phone and enjoy the read.

The big battle is tonight. Yes, I am flipping to the Sox/Yanks game at the same time, but I'm referring to Jordin Sparks vs Blake Lewis. The battle to be THE IDOL!

Ryan gives up our intro, shows the crowd at the Kodak Theater and lets us know that THIS (pause) IS American Idol!

Denise Richards in the house.

Justin and Kelly, Bo and Carrie, Taylor and Kat and now Blake and Jordin!

Randy is wearing a Sgt Pepper outfit or something, Paula doesn't look any worse for wear from the broken nose and Simon is wearing a jacket. Paula assures us she's "ok".

Recap of Seattle where we found Jordin AND Blake. Blake auditioned kind of as a joke, and Jordin has wanted to do this forever. They just showed Blake rocking out some Guitar Hero backstage. AW YEAH!!

Commercials

Shrek is already out, so we don't see any commercials? Let's see!

Coin toss. Their photos are on the coin. Blake wins the toss and chooses to sing first because he asked Jordin when she would want to go.

Three songs. 1. Their Favorite from this season, 2. Something they haven't sung on the show before and 3. The song writing champ song.

Blake chooses his version of "You Give Love a Bad Name". Brought the drummer out just like last time. Great song.....when he did it the first time. Hard to get excited about it again, but still a great performance. Captain Randy gives him a 10 out of 10 for the beatbox and singing was just aight. Paula thought it was far superior than last time. Simon said he's the best performer in the competition but not the best singer.

Phil in the house in uniform. Kiki, Melinda, Chris Richardson. All screaming.

Jordin picks "Fighter" by Xtina as her first song. Rock out and be tough girl! RealityCheckbyGina has a link to an AOL article of the most annoying AI things, and carrying the mic stand was one of them. Jordin just did it. Wow, she's riffing some serious runs. Great job Jordin! Randy said she wasn't that entertaining but amazing voice. (That's pretty much the night folks). Paula said she knew it would be one of the best finales of the show's history. Simon was happy she picked a younger song and was a bit shrieky. He calls round 1 to Blake.

The kid actors from "Smarter Than a Fifth Grader" are in the house.

Jordin is now doing the number fingers - also from the AOL's list of annoying AI things. That's 2!

Commercials.

This Cingular texting commercial is SFA (so freaking annoying).

Blake asked for a drumset for Xmas every year. He never got it. Then in high school he saw a beatboxer. History was made!

Blake's choice to perform is "She Will Be Loved" by Maroon 5. You think Blake likes that band at all? Walking past/through the crowd giving high fives should be on that AOL list. This song has some big high notes. He is doing a very nice job with this song. But no performance. Just walking around. Not too good from the guy who Randy has been saying needs to rely on his performance and not his voice. Randy thought it was a very nice vocal! Paula thought it sounded great and relaxed. Simon thought it was good but safe and no impact. See! Just what I was saying!

Blake revealed he's never watched an AI final. Wow.

Ricky Schroder is in the house!!

Commercials.

Jordin always knew she wanted to sing. Duh. My guess is she'll sing Never Walk Alone. Nope, she's going with A Broken Wing. Sitting on a stool/follow the camera with your eyes trick. I love that one. We should make a list of things banned from AI next season. Anyone wanna start that list? She should have sang Never Walk Alone, this is boring. Well, all that's left is the song writing winning song, so we haven't seen our "Black Horse & a Cherry Tree" or "Summertime" that made Kat and Fantasia performances stick out. Randy has loved her since the first time they saw her and thought it was better than the original. Paula said she's beautiful. There's a shocker. And Simon said "Now THAT was good!".

Commercials.

Shrek - phew. I was getting worried I wouldn't see him this show.
Just flipped to the Yanks/Sox game. Sox are winning 4-1. Flipped back quickly.
On The Lot is on next. I'm looking forward to it!

The two song writer winners are in the house. Scott and Jeff from Seattle. What is it with Seattle this year? Song is called "This is My Now".

Blake is up first. Sitting on the big screen. The song the finalists sing are always a disappointment. I hope this one isn't. A ballad. COME ON PEOPLE!! SOMEONE WRITE AN UPBEAT FINAL SONG!! SOMEONE!! COME ON!!! This is boring. Where's the choir? Come on, they have to come out. Blake is trying to bounce it up a little, and missed a few notes I think. I will not be purchasing this song. That was tough for me dawg. Randy said he did a 'pretty good job' with it. Paula thought he was in great voice (Jordin will kill him on it.) Simon thought it was odd with the jumping and not a song for him. Ouch. Trying to tell the audience to judge him on the first two performances. A lot of "Best you could with that song" conversations going on. Then why did that song win? Did the producers think Melinda and Jordin would be the ones singing it?

Commercials.

Yanks have the bases loaded, 1 out. Derek Jeter is up. Strike one from Tavarez. 0-1. Tavarez steps off the rubber. Here's the pitch. Grounder to short, fielder's choice getting the runner at 2nd. Cano scores. 4-2 Sox. Two outs. Men on the corners and Hideki Matsui is up. Breaking ball is over for strike one. 0-1. (paused Idol on DVR) Outside, 1-1 count. Matsui grounds it to short for the force at 2nd. End of the inning.

(unpauses Idol)

Jordin's turn with "This is My Now". "This is the Moment" "Are you Proud of Me Now"? Hmm, a theme. Yeah, this was written for a female. Her powerful voice makes it SO much better than poor Blake. I love Jordin, and I will be voting for her, but this was really unfair to Blake. Haley in the crowd, they didn't show her legs though. BIG NOTE! And 1/2 way through it, Jordin just won American Idol. She's crying. AWW!! I love Jordin! I'm very very happy for her. I bet Paula is crying. Randy loves about this show - search for the next superstar, best singing competition ever. He deemed she was the winner. Paula is a little choked up. Simon says last week he didn't think she was good enough for the finals and he admitted he was wrong and says Jordin just wiped the floor with Blake with that song. Simon and I are right on.

Chris Sligh in the house, hasn't cut his hair. Constantine in the house. Kathy Griffin in the house.

1-866-
Idols 01, 03, 05 for Blake.
Idols 02, 04, 06 for Jordin

Tomorrow we will see who America chooses, but I'm about to call 1-866-Idols02

WAIT!! I thought it was over!! DAUGHTRY! Yes! Awesome! I was hoping they would be there!

Photo Credit: Frank Micelotta / FOX

Two Cents & Five Questions With...

... Karly Rothenberg, Actress.

Thought our salute to "The Office" was over? Ah ha! Not by a long shot!

Karly pops into our living rooms from time to time on "The Office" as warehouse worker "Madge". Of course she's also called Pudge, Patch or sometimes just "Her".

Before punching in at Dunder Mifflin Karly showed up in shows such as; "Big Love", "That's So Raven", "Arrested Development" and "7th Heaven".

Karly took some time recently to share her Two Cents & Five Answers!

Two Cents: What's it like to be one of such a great ensemble?
Karly Rothenberg: Being even a small part of this ensemble is so exciting!!!! The cast is incredibly nice and they always make everyone feel welcome. It's an absolute blast to spend time with all of them!!!!

TC: What path led you to the show?
KR: I had been submitted for the "German looking gal in the warehouse" She had to be at least 5'6 or taller and had to play basketball. There really were no set lines to read at the audition so they gave me another warehouse worker's lines to read!!!! Totally funny!
The whole audition took about 15 minutes and the next thing ya knew...I WAS MADGE!!!

TC: What do you find the most rewarding aspect of working on the show?
KR: Probably the most rewarding part of working on the show is getting to watch my fellow actors and learning from them. I think what makes me a better actor is observing and learning from others, and watching this entire cast work is truly a lesson each and every time.

TC: Do you have any favorite fun websites you visit? And what fun websites do you think your Character would visit?
KR: I think Madge probably doesn't spend much time on the computer. If she visited any site it would probably be something home improvement oriented ... she's a do it yourself kinda gal.
As for me....I visit all the Office websites when I can! And of course since I'm a gadget geek, I do a lot of gadget/electronic gizmo surfing.

TC: What new projects do you have coming up?
KR: "Weeds" coming this fall. Booked a guest star spot in episode 2, season 3.

*TWO CENT BONUS QUESTION*
TC: If someone were to climb off a desert island and only have time to watch five movies to learn what American cinema is all about, what five movies would you show them?
KR: That's tough...there are so many!!!!
O.K. this probably isn't a good enough representation but here goes:
1) Citizen Kane - one must observe Orson Wells direction of the film!
2) Philadelphia Story because I think Katherine Hepburn,Cary Grant and Jimmy Stewart are a must see combo. Good for folks to see how warmhearted romantic comedy movies used to be....
3) It's a Wonderful LIfe w/ Jimmy Stewart just because it's a feel good Christmas movie that warms the heart and has a message.
4) A Streetcar Named Desire. It's Brando...need I say more!
5) The Godfather...The epic film done right!
Pacino! One of the worlds greatest actors!!!!

There are many more, and I could go on.....

Enormous thanks to Karly for giving us her Two Cents! Be sure to look for Karly in the reruns of "The Office" this summer! You can visit her on MySpace and if you do, tell her you read about her on TheTwoCents.com!

Talk About... Heroes Finale (5/21/07)

WOW! Finale mania continues with Heroes which may have been my favorite new show of 2007.

I really enjoyed the ending episode. It kept adding some great mystery and finally all these story lines all start coming together in a way that makes sense.

What did you think of how the show ended? Are your ready for next season's Chapter 2: Generations?

Some thoughts for you to ponder on in the comments:

- Who was your favorite Hero this season?
- Which hero could you have done without?
- Who do you think does not come back for next season, or with a show like this, is anyone really gone?

How to Stop an Exploding Man
Original Airdate: Monday May 21, 2007
With Isaac's horrible predictions unfolding before them, the everyday people with extraordinary abilities face moments of pain and peril in Kirby Plaza with unflinching heroism.

Dude Freaks Me Out!!

Criss Angel is a great magician, but he scares the crap out of me sometimes!

Now you can help him out to freak out your friends!

This website allows you to enter some information and either sent a weblink to a friend or their cellphone!

Be warned, some friends may not like this and hate you for it.... but do it anyway. Hehe.

Ellen Hooks up Potter Fans!

On the Ellen show she shared a new extended clip from the upcoming "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix".

Delores Umbridge is introduced!

Talk About... 24 (5/21/07)

Another insanely full day in Jack Bauer's life has come to a close.

In FOX's upfronts last week, they said 24 will take a rather new direction next season. Does this excite you? What did you think of this season? What about last night's finale? Share your TwoCents in the comments!!

Day 6: 5:00 A.M.-6:00 A.M.
Episode 27 Originally aired: May 21, 2007
As the clock approaches the final hours of a long and terrifying day underscored by a nuclear blast, the loss of thousands of innocent lives, a Presidential assassination attempt and the recovery of threatening nukes, Jack stops at nothing to get what he wants and to protect the country from an international incident that could change the world forever.

The Office Announcement Convention Stories

TwoCents reader, Peggy M from NJ, made the trek to Scranton this weekend to see Brian Baumgartner ("Kevin") and Angela Kisney ("Angela") for their visit to the city to announce the official convention.

Peggy was kind enough to share the following recap and photo album of the function with us! Thanks Peggy!

Here is a little recap of the breakfast portion of today’s festivities:

Angela & Brian arrived in the ballroom at around 9:00 a.m. and seemed genuinely overwhelmed at the love they were getting from everyone in the room. We were lucky enough to have seats right by the door and Angela (for some reason) immediately walked up with me with her hand held out and said “Hi, I’m Angela” to which I replied while shaking her hand “Hi, I’m Peggy – your bangs looks great” (which equates to the part in Dirty Dancing when Baby says to Johnny “I carried a watermelon”) she replied “Thanks, I’m really having a hard time getting used to them”. A lot of people came running up and starting taking pictures of them before they even had a chance to sit down. They were so gracious and accommodating to everyone!!

Finally, they made their way to their table (after about 500 more photos and meetings with dignitaries). A few announcements and speeches were made (the Mayor, the PA Division our tourism etc..) they announced all about the Convention and we finally got to enjoy the yummy breakfast buffet.

They had two (2) Lakawanna Sheriff’s Deputies standing on either side of their table while they ate so that nobody would disturb them.(I thought it was kinda cute).

After they finished eating, Brian & Angela went to the podium. Angela said that when they entered the room, they both got choked up because of the outpouring of love they felt from everyone. They both then proceed to talk about their adventures the night before when they were taken on a tour of all the spots in the show in Scranton (Coopers, Poor Richard’s, Farley’s etc..). They also came clean about their night of partying where Angela was doing shots of tequila and Brian was shooting Jaegerbombs. They didn’t get back to their hotel until 3:45 a.m.!!!!

Angela then said that they had some special guests who wanted to say “Hello”. They both immediately went into their Angela and Kevin characters and it was HYSTERICAL! Brian (as Kevin) kept stating that he was bringing greetings from the President of the United States – Angela then replied that he probably didn’t even know who the President was. He looked at her and started to say George W….and she stopped in short and said “Kevin, did you shower today?” I’m telling you, it was a riot!

They came down off the podium and they each walked individually to each table and took pictures with people and signed autographs. It was kind of surreal because you are sitting at your table and you look next to you and Angela is just standing there. It was a very casual, very intimate atmosphere.

I met some REALLY cool fans today who made the experience even more enjoyable. I’ll be in touch guys!!! A special thanks for Jean (Everybody Hurts) and her daughter Amanda (aka: I don’t like Jim) for being such great partners in crime in all these trips to Scranton. I’ll see you in October my friend!! J

And of course – thanks to Angela & Brian for being there and being so warm and wonderful – I know we all appreciated it very, very much!!