Sam and Dean's Trip of Epic Proportions in Supernatural Season 2

Sam and Dean Winchester are having to face metaphoric demons on their cross country trip to avenge their mother’s death. In Supernatural Season 2.

While I wish I had some grand story of a cross country trip of epic proportions. Yet, Other than a 3 hour delay sitting on the runway of O’Hara, some lost luggage and awful airline food my trips have been pretty uneventful. However I do look back fondly on the past days of my youth. When a group of my girlfriends and I would pack into one of our cars. Head to the beach, the sun of eastern Oregon or to visit our then boyfriends who were in the US Coast Guard stationed in Seattle. Armed with just a change of clothes, enough money for gas and greasy burgers at a road side cafe and we were off.  Music blasting, windows rolled down, hair in the wind with no cares in the world.

While those days are gone, I was able to go on a recent road trip with my best friend Liz who was visiting from Melbourne, Australia. I wanted to show her my part of the Ocean that separated our homes. We decided on Cannon Beach here in Oregon. A beautiful tranquil beach which is the backdrop for several films. It was a beautiful sunny November autumn day when we set off our girls in tow.

While we were enjoying re-enacting some scenes of a recent film on Indian Beach, Climbing on the rocks, enjoying the majestic view. A storm front had moved in on the mountain pass. The same road which carried us to our destination. The sun beaming through the trees had now been replaced a mere 6 hours later with a sheet of ice. With no snow tires, no chains on my compact car. Just me at the wheel and my precious cargo that had just come from 100 degree weather in Australia. Yes I was unprepared but at my defense, this was Oregon after all not Maine. We were lucky to get snow in the middle of winter. Even then it did not fall in our area of the country until January and certainly never in November.

As we crawled at 30 miles per hour in a 55 mile zone we could see other vehicles that had slid off the narrow, dark, winding road. My girlfriend reminding me not to look, to breathe and with her reassurance we dredged on.  Every slight movement of the steering wheel meant sliding a foot in either direction. It gave white knuckle driving a whole new meaning. With no access to a hotel, cell phone reception inexistent we were praying to every deity known to man past and present. What should have been a 90 minute trip turned into over 3 hours. There is no describing how it felt to make it over that mountain pass and see the lights of  Portland’s western suburbs.

While the obstacles we faced that day were not terrifying as the monsters Sam and Dean had to face on their cross country journey. Nor did we have to face metaphoric demons. I do know that some times you must face your fears and keep on going for the greater good.
Here is a breathtaking video made by another Supernatural fan with Highlights of season 2.




You can see Sam and Dean face their own fears, during their own journey of epic proportions now. Supernatural Season 2 is finally out on Blu-Ray buy yours today at http://bit.ly/k3Lbpz

*I have been hired by Warner Bros. WBWord division to promote Supernatural: The Complete Second Season on Blu-ray.

Pottermore Mystery is Revealed!

For many devoted Harry Potter fans including myself. We have been waiting patiently, watching the YouTube countdown page for an exciting announcement. Many speculated as what JK Rowling could have in store for her fans. Some theories included an online game, charity, treasure hunt or social website for fans. While it is the latter, It is so much more.

An interactive experience which one can be sorted into their house, receive one of 30,000 wands and converse with fellow fans. It will also include back stories and perhaps continuations for beloved characters and lesser known ones. An insight into the wizarding world without the limitations of page numbers or film running times. In other words, all the thoughts that filled Jo Rowling's mind, all the little details about the world she created, will have a place to live, breath and inspire us once more.

It will also include a Pottermore store where fans will finally be able to purchase the e-book versions. Along with new exclusive merchandise. One million fans will be allowed a sneak peek  on Harry Potter's birthday July 31st. With the site open to all in October of this year.

You can register at
 http://www.pottermore.com/.
 Although you may want to wait a little while.
All of us Potter fans crashed the site 5 minutes after it's launch.

Until then you can watch Jo explain Pottermore on YouTube. While thinking of what house you wish to be sorted into. For some reason every Harry Potter house sorting test I have taken, I have been placed in Ravenclaw. Which is probably why I love Luna Lovegood so much. It will be interesting to see what House Rowling's method will place me as well as my kids in. I also look forward to socializing with other Harry Potter fans. For it is more than a book series or entertaining films. It is the knowledge that the world holds magic, even for muggles if only you believe.

http://www.youtube.com/user/JKRowlingAnnounces

Exciting Week for WB! Starting with Supernatural Season 2

The Warner Bros. headquarters must be buzzing with excitement this week. With the release of Supernatural season 2 on Blu- Ray finally being released, to the delight of awaiting fans. In season 2 Sam ( Jared Padadlecki) and Dean ( Jensen Ackles) use their father's journal to track down the demon Azazel who was responsible for their mother's death. Attempting to discover what plans the demon carries for Sam and others with psychic abilities. While continuing their father's work of saving people from Supernatural beings. Sam and Dean remind me of my own children, so different yet ever so protective of one another. I have always told them that friends will come and go but family is forever. They may argue at times being teens with opposite personalities, However like Sam and Dean, I am sure that my daughter and son will continue to have one another's backs. Hopefully not while battling demons. While again “I have been hired by Warner Bros.WBWord division to promote Supernatural: The Complete Second Season on Blu-ray." I truly recommend this to current fans and those of you who are catching up on the series on TNT.

Another WB DVD was released to great excitement. Red Riding Hood. Starring Amanda Seyfried, Shiloh Fernandez, Max Irons and the brilliant Gary Oldman. Directed by Catherine Hardwicke. It starts off with a typical love triangle between the beautiful girl, the man who is good for her and the man she truly loves. Valerie (Seyfried) who has been arranged to marry the wealth Henry (Irons), plans to run away with her true love Peter (Fernandez). Only to have their plans forced to be on hold after her older sister was killed by the werewolf who lives in forest that surrounds the local village. The villagers bring in Father Soloman ( Oldman) to kill the wolf. His arrival brings the reality that the werewolf who is human by day could be any one of them. Valerie begins to think that the beast may be someone she knows, perhaps loves. As the deaths rise, her connection to the werewolf  makes her both a pawn and a suspect. Red Riding Hood is available on DVD and Blu-Ray now.

Opening this at this moment, Is The Green Lantern starring Ryan Reynolds. Taken from thre page of comic books. It tells the tale of  Hal Jordan a test pilot who has been selected by a band of warriors dedicated to keep the balance of intergalactic order. Despite the order never recruiting a human before. Together with this new brotherhood, his Childhood sweetheart  played by Blake Lively. He must master his powers, find the courage to help them defeat their biggest threat Parallax and restore peace and order to Earth and the Universe.

Finally there was the Buzz of the newest and last Deathly Hallows II trailer released today which much excitement with a fear cheers and tears mixed in. Twitter was all a buzz with this latest teaser. I must admit I was one of them. This just one day after JK Rowling had us trying to find letter clues on secret street view.  Spelling out her latest project. While many were hoping for More Potter. It was revealed that it was to read Pottermore. While we are all guessing at what it could be. My guess is a computer game, a charity or a social site.   We have a little over six days to wait. Until then I have http://www.pottermore.com/ bookmarked. I was the 248th follower of Pottermore on Twitter. Even though I am not sure what it is as of yet. If it has anything to do with Harry Potter I am sure that I will love it! I will keep you posted! Until then here is that last DH2 Trailer. It is absolutely Brilliant, Breathtaking and Amazing!

Fandango / Living Social $9.00 deal for 2 tickets! Harry Potter Deathly Hallows Part II Tickets go on Sale!

For my fellow film fantatics especially my Harry Potter friends. Do I have news to share with you! Fandango has teamed up with Living Social. Two  tickets to any non 3-D or I-Max film for only $9.00!

This on the same day that Harry Potter Deathly Hallows tickets have gone on sale. Hopefully by the time my Fandango code arrives in my inbox my favorite theatre will have added a midnight showing.

There are some great films out this summer. So take advantage of this great deal!
Here is the link below.
http://livingsocial.com/deals/57725?ref=personalized-link-box-14991143&rpi=14991143

Coming to Blu-Ray - The Much Anticipated Supernatural Series Season 2 !

Fans of Supernatural can rejoice, The highly anticipated 2nd Season of this popular series will be released on Blu-ray on June 14th. While “I have been hired by Warner Bros.WBWord division to promote Supernatural: The Complete Second Season on Blu-ray." I must say that I am truly a fan as well.

The shows inspiration comes from Pagan and Christian stories, urban legends and folklore. It follows the lives of two brothers Sam (Jared Padalecki) and Dean Winchester (Jensen Ackley) as they hunt down supernatural creatures in various US locations. This in retaliation of their mother's death in the hands of a demon named Azazel. Raised by their Father John (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) they were taught to hunt down and kill supernatural evil monsters as young boys.

Now adults, the brothers set out to find their now missing father, while fighting evil forces along their journey. Sam develops psychic abilities, including those of upcoming deaths.Now he must find out what these visions mean in relation to himself, if they have any connect to the demon responsible for his mother's death.

In Season 2 the Winchester Brothers face otherworldly creatures. Werewolves, shape shifters, ghosts, zombies, vampires and even a clown demon. I am not sure how I would handle coming face with these creatures. However if I were face to face with one of these creatures, I would hope it would be a ghost. For, I have always held a fascination for these lost souls. To discover why unresolved issues keep them hanging on to this world, in lieu of moving on, is intriguing to me. Aiding a ghost reach the other side would make for an interesting experience.

I have plenty of company when it comes to the fascination of mythical beings and stories. That is one reason this show has become so popular.  New fans have emerged, discovering the show through reruns airing on TNT. While the diehards are anxiously awaiting new episodes on the CW.With the resurgence of an interest in supernatural creatures and phenomenons this show continues to gain a huge following.

Order your copy of Supernatural:
The Complete Second Season
 on Blu-ray here today: http://bit.ly/k3Lbpz

MTV Movie Awards - This MTV Generation Girl's Life Has Come Full Circle.

It does not seem that long ago when that "Radio Killed the Video Star" came on our television. Signaling the start of a new station MTV. Those of us that were teens during that time, Are now called the MTV generation. Many of us now have teens of our own. We have the task explaining that MTV use to play music videos not reality shows. They were responsible for many of the fads of the 80's. Madonna's black lace, Cyndi Lauper's bright hair and makeup along with Michael Jackson's glove and red leather jacket from Thriller. Big hair, Day- Glo and sadly parachute pants were styles that came right out of the television and into the halls of our schools. Much to our parents dismay.

As I was watching the MTV Movie Awards with my own teens, I realized that our generation probably has the smallest generation gap in history. Not only do I enjoy many of the same films that my kids do, We listen to much of the same music. My daughter loves Cher,Elton John and cried when Michael Jackson died. While I listen to Pink, Green Day and been known to dance to Lady Gaga on occasion.

Watching the MTV Movie Awards had some red faced moments for my son. He endured the sex jokes while anticipating the trailers for upcoming summer blockbusters. He is not remotely interested in Team Edward nor Team Jacob. For vampires should never sparkle in his opinion. Rob Pattinson will forever be Cedric Diggory while Taylor Lautner remains Shark Boy. Sorry Taylor!
Yet, We endured the screaming Twilight fans for those summer previews. Green Hornet, Super 8, Transformers Dark of the Moon look promising. However the biggest movie of the summer and the year is definitely Harry Potter Deathly Hallows Part II.

Twilight can keep all their popcorn awards. While the tweens and teens that support that franchise move on to bigger and much better things. We all know that the Harry Potter audience will continue to pass their love for this series on to their own kids, entertaining generations. Just like their parents enjoyed the series along side them. For me personally, I waited to watch the films and read the books until my son could enjoy them with me. We jumped on the broom, riding this amazing Harry Potter adventure together. You can say that Harry Potter inspired kids to read, It also inspired parents to read the same books as their kids, giving us the opportunity to have discussions while sharing our passion for the wizarding world.  JK Rowling brought to our lives a  renewed imagination. While Warner Bros. took her words and brought Hogwarts to life through an amazing talented cast. While we finished the books years ago. Seeing this last film together, signals the end of much of my son's childhood. Tears will flow for many reasons.

Watching the ever so classy Emma Watson walk on the stage to introduce the exclusive DH2 Trailer. My daughter remarked how fast time has passed. That it seemed such a short time since that little girl appeared as Hermoine in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. As I looked over at my daughter who is now 18 and very much grown herself. I could only reply, I know what you mean sweetie, I know what you mean.

Lakewood Theatre Company Presents The Secret Garden

Local Theatre Scene

Lakewood Theatre Company in Lake Oswego, Oregon 

    Presents

" The Secret Garden"

It's concluding production of their 2010-11 season

 .

Young Mary Lennox who was orphaned by an earthquake in India then sent to live in England with her uncle who resides in a cold manor in Yorkshire. Her uncle still in mourning over his wife's death a decade earlier, remains a recluse leaving Mary on her own. Soon she makes two exciting discoveries. Her aunt's secret garden now overgrown. Also, Colin, her  sickly cousin who has been instructed to remain in bed and out of the daylight at all times. Once Mary along with her new found friend Dickon, have brought the garden back to life they decide Colin must see it, a decision that will change several lives.

The Secret Garden features
Book and Lyrics by Marsha Norman

 Music by Lucy Simon.

This production is Directed by Kirk Mouser with musical direction by Alan D. Lytle

You have now through June 12th to catch this beautiful production.

Curtains are Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights at 7:30 PM

Sundays at 7:00 PM and Sunday matinées at 2:00 PM

The musical is based on the beloved novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett.

Ticket prices are $32 for adults and $29 for seniors.

For tickets Call the Lakewood Theatre Box Office at (503) 635-3901.

      You can find ticket information, directions and the cast list
which includes my friend Gary Cash

 on the Lakewood Theatre Company website.

The Mike Branch Band Comes To Gresham

The Local Music Scene

             For those of you in my hometown and who enjoy rock and blues music.
                     Come check out The Mike Branch Band on Saturday night 
                      June 4th at the M & M Lounge in downtown Gresham.
                                                                                                                  
                                           137 N Main  Gresham, Oregon
                                  They will be on the stage from 9pm -1am.

                          You can find all the info on their Facebook event page.

                              The Mike Branch Band Comes To Gresham

       If Saturday does not work for you,

 Here is a link to their website and a schedule.

 They have a sample of their sound on there as well.

http://mikebranchband.com/home/

Deadliest Catch - The End of King Crab Season 7

Last night showed the result of a very long, difficult and emotional king crab season for the men of Deadliest Catch. If there was one phrase to sum up it up, My choice would be "Failure is not an option."
With rough seas, weak fishing and the absence of a beloved captain. Emotions were at an all time high, Career choices hanging in the balance. While two new boats were added to the Discovery Channel's family. Die Hard fans were faced with less air time of their favorites. Which made for some interesting comments on Discovery channel's message boards.


To our relief all of them eventually made an appearance. On last night's episode we watched as Captain Bill Wichrowski of the Kodiak struggled with an injured crew. Who showed dedication and sheer will power as the worked through their pain, doing what it takes to haul in their catch. Captain Keith Colburn of the Wizard kept pulling up blanks, until a bad ju-ju item from the previous season was thrown overboard. From that moment, the ship was back into their rythmn.


While the Northwestern faced mechanical troubles, weak fishing that caused tempers to flare between Jake Anderson and Edgar Hansen. Leaving Captain Sig Hansen to call Jake up to the wheel house, Reminding him that if he wishes to captain a ship, he will have to learn to deal with different personality and stress. All was well after Edgar, wrote out a large apology note stating "I am sorry and I still love you" which made Jake laugh and once again all was well on the Northwestern. That was until Edgar finally told his brother Sig that this was his last trip. After 22 years. Physical Injuries that never truly healed along with emotional ones. Knowing how many precious family moments were missed. While Sig reacted with anger, I believe his last sentiment to the camera sums it up. He has never ran the boat without his brother, never wanting to.


As one experienced fisherman was saying goodbye, a fresh new captain made his appearance. Elliott Neese of the Ramblin' Rose struggle to make the quota the boat's owner set for him. Because he worked his crew 20 hours straight without rest or food. That goal was met. However it almost came with a steep price, Mutiny. We will have to wait and see which crew members decide to return after the ordeal.


While Scott Campbell of the Seabrooke had better luck with the numbers. He had his obstacles when it came to the greenhorns. Two of them eager, confident in the beginning, only to learn quite early on, that fishing in the Bering Sea is not for the faint hearted. Luckily for Captain Scott, the third greenhorn was the charm. Making it through to the end of the King Crab season. 


With the passing of Captain Phil Harris of the Cornelia Marie last season. We have been watching his two sons Josh and Jake try to pull it all together despite their grief. Along with financial difficulties, business decisions to be made, Jake's recovery from drug addiction to work through. Add to the mix a new captain who could not fill Phil's shoes, With no empathy to what the Harris men were dealing with. Not helping was the fact that the C/M went after the elusive blue crab, coming up short, way short. Losing money, patience,while tearing up what was left of the ship's family.


Many say that Jake and Josh will fail. Others say that they will make it despite the odds. You can count me in on the latter group. For when I met Jake and Josh at the Commercial Fisherman's Festival last September in Astoria, Oregon. They showed a real ccommitment, admiration for the people who supported them during their difficult time. They were there to honor their father, his passion, his legacy. It is bigger than a boat, or the crab, personal demons or even a television show. It is not even about making their dad's dream for them come true. It is about making their dreams become reality.

A wise man by the name of Vince Lombardi once said "The greatest accomplishment is not in never falling, but in rising again after you fall."


Not only have the Harris boys risen time after time. They have their sights set on a brighter horizon. Their new quest begins this June when they both begin Captain's school. For no one can really fill their father's boots, but them. I wish them only success in whatever path they choose. For us Northwest natives can weather any storm together. There are so many people that a long with me are in their corner. Who will continue to be long after this show wraps up.


I wish that I could share more about the Time Bandit's experiences. Unfortunately they received little air time during the first half of season 7. However they ended it with stellar prank on the Northwestern. Making Sig think he was seeing lights in the sky and sea. Is a boat? A plane? or a UFO? Rarely have I seen Sig so freaked out. It was priceless and once again Time Bandit showed us, why we fell in love with this show in the first place. Take a Bow men! Bravo!


You can catch the start of the Opilio crab season next Tuesday at 9 pm on the Discovery Channel. You can also catch up on the first part of season 7 on Discovery Channel's Deadliest fansite at http://bit.ly/ffD65N