John Veneri’s Last Broadcast
Happened to catch the last television broadcast of KHON sportscaster, John Veneri.
After 16 years in front of the camera, John will be handling marketing and promotions for KHON.
television
Thanks for the Memories, LOST
After six seasons, LOST has come to an end, and all I can say is thanks. Thanks for the weekly adventure into the mystical, the philosophical, the mysterious, the fantastic, and always exciting island of LOST.
And thanks for showcasing Hawaii and all its beauty and becoming part of our community. That’s how we got hooked on the show, meeting the stars in our community. Our first personal LOST encounter was meeting Josh Holloway in the parking lot of Foodland Hawaii Kai. He was a regular guy buying his groceries and didn’t mind taking pictures with us.
There was that brief run in with Henry Ian Cusick followed by not one, not two, not three, but four encounters with Jorge Garcia. The first time I was unprepared. The second time was awesome and even awesomer with a blog comment from Jorge himself. The third time was a near passing as I spotted Jorge at the local farmer’s market but missed a photo opportunity. And the fourth time was a surprise as he strolled right in front, parked across from us at Longs.
Let’s not forget the LOST filming inside Club 939. Watch the segment if you missed it, and here are some screen grabs with commentary.
I’m pretty sure that was Sonya Walger aka Penny Widmore at brunch at Halekulani, and that was definitely Naveen Andrews at Ala Moana, shopping at Neiman Marcus and at the Lego store.
There was the accidental encounter of the LOST crew setting up at Miki’s for this brief scene with Miles. And most recently, the filming at Bishop Museum for the music concert that brought together many LOST memories.
So LOST, thank you. Thanks for becoming part of the Hawaii community and thanks for all the great memories.
Hawaii Five 5-0 2.0
The remake of the iconic Hawaii Five-0 is a go, and here’s the opening sequence to prove it.
The Shakalicious LOST Premiere
No, I didn’t go to the Waikiki premiere showing of the final season of LOST. I followed along online and watched the events unfold. There were a ton of great pictures, many of them taken by local fans. My favorite pics are of the LOST actors doing the Hawaii-unique shaka. Here are a few…
Thanks to Ricky Li and Metromix for these great photos! And thanks to ABC for filming this great series in Hawaii and thanks to the LOST actors for being part of our community.
Banned from the Bowl
As usual, the Superbowl is a time for make-it-or-break-it commercials. But before airing, all the commercials must be screened and approved. Usually, it’s the good ones that don’t make the cut for the big game.
GoDaddy.com is no stranger to controversy for its Superbowl ads. This year, their commercial once again won’t air, but if you watch it, it’s not as racy as previous spots.
But then again, I guess it does communicate a sensitive subject for the NFL.
Buffy Still Got It
Even after being off the air for seven years, Buffy the Vampire Slayer still got it. Yes, the television series has a 2010 calendar.
Meeting Tannya Joaquin, Sorta
That voice. It came out of nowhere atop the Makapuu Lighthouse trail. The voice asking if I wanted a picture taken of the entire family with me, the photographer, in it. The voice telling her own personal stories of family members missing from pictures serving duty behind the camera.
Nah, no thanks was my simple reply to that voice, not wanting a picture of weary kids unamused by the glaring sun.
Then it registered, that voice. Sounded familiar, but from where? Visually, it’s amazing what a mask a pair of sunglasses can be.
Nah, couldn’t be… Or could it? Was that the voice of Tannya Joaquin from Hawaii News Now?
Are you Tannya? Yes, that voice was that of Tannya Joaquin.
Sorry, no picture to show. I was tempted to ask for a pic, but it was family time for both parties. Me with mine and Tannya with hers during the Holidays. No time for local celebrity fanfare. All in all though, this simple gesture from parent to parent for the sake of family reminds me why I trust the people of KGMB9 (now Hawaii News Now).
Update: Tannya also blogged about this random encounter on her Hawaii News Now blog, Ad-Lib.
Watch Disney’s Prep & Landing
Disney’s latest animated television special, Prep & Landing, is awesomely funny. Maybe the kids won’t get all the jokes and Christmas references, but still it’s a fun show. See how an elite group of elves prepare households for Santa’s visit using advanced technology and pure goodwill.
Watch the video on Hulu!
Donny Did Done It!
The topsy turvy season that was Dancing with the Stars Season 9 ended with another surprise. No, frontrunner Mya did not win the Mirrorball trophy, instead going to the ultimate showman, Donny Osmond. Starting with his freestyle routine, there was a glimmer that Donny might actually pull an upset. In the final dance, Donny and Kym bested Mya and Dmitry fueling their momentum.
And in the end, it was Donny who did done it and was named DWTS Champion.
Is Dancing with the Stars Done?
Season 9 of Dancing with the Stars is over in my opinion. For me, my favorites have been eliminated leaving a DWTS Finals of Mya, Donny Osmond, and Kelly Osbourne. I wondered if the fans would pick Osmond or Osbourne. They picked both in the Week 9 semifinals, leaving Joanna Krupa as a surprising elimination.
Very discouraging. If Mya doesn’t win it all then even more discouraging for the DWTS series. Seriously, Donny and Kelly better than Joanna or Mya? I don’t think so, but what’s clear is that popularity is cresting. Forget actual ability. What would you think if Donny or Kelly won the mirrorball trophy? The show’s credibility would be shot, perhaps even jeopardizing the show’s future. Yes, Dancing with the Stars wants fan votes but so much so to disregard the quality of dancing?
Sadly, watch Joanna and Derek dance their final dance.
Some notes. Since Derek hinted at his Finals Freestyle routine, he and Joanna should do it, record it, and share on YouTube. There will be a new DWTS pro champion joining the ranks of Derek Hough, Julianne Hough, Mark Ballas, Cheryl Burke, and Alec Mazo. Even though Season 9 is over for me, looking ahead to season 10, how about picking a blogger to compete? Sure, not a mainstream musician, actor, or athlete, but it would be interesting to see the fan force from social media. Could a top blogger garner enough online votes to keep up in the popularity contest?
The Difficulty of 3 on Dancing with the Stars
In competitions, “threes” are difficult and somewhat elusive, hitting a three point shot in basketball, getting a triple in baseball, scoring three goals for a hat trick, bowling a turkey, winning a triple crown just to name a few. In the semifinals of Dancing with the Stars, the four remaining couples had to perform an unprecedented three dances to see which three would make it to the DWTS Finals.
Donny Osmond and Kym Johnson fought off wardrobe problems in their ballroom routine but came back in their Latin and Knockout numbers. Scoring wise, Donny finished last, but you never know how the fans will rally.
Or will more fans vote for Kelly Osbourne who had solid scores throughout the night. Kelly’s not perfect with her performances, but she connects with the people. I’m really interested to see whose fan base is now stronger, the Osmonds or the Osbournes?
Mya and Dmitry are in the zone, near perfection in the semifinals.
Their salsa was succulent and drove white dudes wild!
But you know what? I don’t care. For me, the couple has no draw power, no appeal. I don’t await their performances with anticipation. That anticipation goes to…
Derek Hough and Joanna Krupa. With dances like the futuristic paso or shirtless lambada, you don’t know what to expect from Mister Hough, but whatever it is, you know it’ll be excellent and entertaining. And did you catch his strategy at work? During the semifinals, Derek dropped hints of their freestyle in the Finals. How’s that for creating anticipation?
It was a tough night, but what’s obvious is that Mya and Joanna Krupa belong in the Finals. The last spot in the Finals will be a popularity contest between the old guard, Donny Osmond, and the new guard, Kelly Osbourne. Whose fans will vote their stars on?
Dancing with the Stars Loses Sensitivity
Dancing with the Stars lost sensitivity this week with the elimination of emotional Aaron Carter. Carter was frequently in tears after his performances, but what can you say other than the boy was passionate about his dances?
The elimination show also reunited Mark Ballas and Sabrina Bryan who was a forerunner in Season 5 until she got pwned. If only she had the eye of the tiger during that season.