What I'm Pop Culturing This Week

In between tasting foods all over the city (and subsequently hitting up the gym to work off the poundage), I have a burning need to get my pop culture fix. Since the television season has wound down, I have more free time for things like writing, reading, and dvd-watching. Here's my current week in pop culture.

What I'm Watching...on DVD:
True Blood, Season 1...While I have read all (and I mean all) of the Sookie Stackhouse Southern Vamp series, I currently do not get HBO and therefore am a bit behind on watching the series-based show. I anticipated the DVD for what seemed like ages and as I await disc 4 from Netflix, True Blood has not disappointed (though the casting for Eric certainly has). Today, I'll be running home to my mailbox hoping Bill, Jason, and Lafayette (the latter of whom I just can't get enough of) will be waiting for me. Meanwhile I'll fight to get that disturbingly, awesomely kickin' theme song and opening out of my head...

What I'm Watching...on TV:
Top Chef Masters...Aside from my irrational Food Network obsession, June has brought little in the way of good TV. That's why I'm psyched for Top Chef Masters on Bravo. While a much different format than the original Top Chef, as a budding foodie I'm impressed by the ridiculousness of the master chefs featured. Even the judges can't say anything bad because...well, because all of the chefs make incredible food. A great way to see rockin', well known chefs compete for donations to the charity of their choice and learn about their fancy restaurants. The only downside? Not getting to taste Hubert Keller's dorm room mac 'n cheese.

What I'm Reading:
The Pillars of the Earth...A book by Ken Follett that, on paper, I'd generally have no interest in whatsoever - Medieval times, monks, battle armor, political hierarchies. While historical fiction has never been my cup of tea and I only started reading Pillars because many fellow officemates were raving (and it was a mere $6.39 on Kindle), it has done nothing but keep me totally into the story the whole way with phenomenally written characters and intense, arson-filled plotlines. It's a lengthy read but when a book is this good, I only want more so bring on the pages!

That's about all I can squeeze into this week. Any pop culture recommendations are welcome!