Hi, my name is T.J., and I’m a pop culture addict.
It’s mildly embarrassing to admit, especially being someone who works in the news biz, but while I spend my days reading about the latest student-led revolts and political machinations, I reserve some time — okay, a lot of time — outside the office for obsessively scanning those celeb-focused sites with hot pink backgrounds and many more photo galleries than “articles.” It’s my (not so) secret shame.
Actresses Regina King and Judy Greer announce Meryl Streep as outstanding performance by a female actor in a leading role nominee for her work in "The Iron Lady" (Photo by Reuters)
Not surprisingly, I’m revving up for the film awards season, when Hollywood spends months — and millions — feeding its own impressive ego. My Trove account is chock-full of channels dedicated to all of the must-see ceremonies, from the relatively fast-and-loose SAG Awards (Jan. 29) to the stuffy and interminable Oscars (Feb. 26).
First on the annual awards docket? The Critics’ Choice Awards on Jan. 12, followed by Ricky Gervais’ highly anticipated (and feared) return as host of the Golden Globes on Jan. 15. Watch out, Angelina.
I’m also using Trove to follow some of the serious award contenders — notably, fellow New Jerseyan Meryl Streep and 2011 breakout star Kristen Wiig.
If you feel your mind begin to atrophy after such a deep dive into the pop culture abyss, you can always cleanse yourself with a look at our 2012 Presidential Election channel.
Although, be forewarned: some of those political storylines are more ridiculous than anything Hollywood can come up with.
Get your popcorn ready.