CHANNEL FOUR TOED FOOT -- Revamp Coming Soon!

New Room 23 Contest: In Defense of LOST

noreply@blogger.com (anna naranja) — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 03:11:00 +0000

Since the start of Season 6 and especially since the Finale the fan base of LOST have been divided about whether Lost/Season 6/the Finale was and outstanding and satisfying experience or a total failure. There have been many arguments about the virtues and problems of this show. Lost is on trial and so I am calling on all those who still love everything about Lost to act as Lawyer to the Defense of the TV show LOST. In order to do so you must mount an argument that defends three important points.

1. Why Season 6 and the Finale were important to the overall arch of the series.

2. Proof that Darlton did have a plan all along. (State reasons and refute contrary arguments)

3. How and why Lost in 30 years from now will be looked back on as one of the most important things that ever happened to Broadcast Television.

Please write at least one paragraph minimum for each argument point with a maximum of two pages total. Submit your defensive essay in a Word Document attachment (if you don't have Word just send it in an e-mail) to me at room23hydra@hotmail.com by Monday, January 31rd, then a group of judges that I have chosen will read and discuss the essays and choose the essay that we feel mounts the best defense. A 1st and 2nd prize will then be selected.

1st prize will win a Swan Hatch Trading Cards Holder
http://room23store.blogspot.com/2010/12/swan-hatch-trading-cards-holder_18.html

2nd prize will be your choice of anything at Room 23 Store that is not the Swan Hatch.
http://room23store.blogspot.com/

a.N www.FourToedFoot.com Share

HAPPY LOST ANNIVERSARY!!! (PLUS A SPECIAL SALE!)

noreply@blogger.com (anna naranja) — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 07:02:00 +0000

Hello Again Fellow Islanders!

It's that time of year again! Although sadly our dearest love LOST has parted ways, there is always cause to celebrate on September 22, the Anniversary day of when it all began 6 years ago on a flight from Sydney to LA.

I already have my DVD sets out and ready for my marathon...a "Greatest Hits" if you will. But I am also sharing my appreciation of the show and its fans by offering some special deals over at my online store, THE GIFT HATCH.

Not only have I given the store a complete LOST-themed makeover, but starting TODAY, 9/22/2010, ALL LOST Merchandise will be 15% OFF original price. A lot of my items also have the "Make an Offer" option, so feel free to shoot one my way for anything that you see listed. I love making special deals for LOST fans!

There is also plenty of time to shop, as the sale will run for 23 days and will ever-so-appropriately end on October 15. Gotta stick to the numbers, ya know!

I will also be adding SEVERAL more LOST items to the Gift Hatch shop during the sale, so if you don't see anything that makes you fiend like Charlie, keep checking back. I have some Posters, some additional items from Comic Con, postcards, some of those COOL Swan Hatch Fail-Safe Key Necklaces, and yes...I have more Apollo bars!

BONUS GIFT: Every LOST purchase will also include a set of my special Four Toed Foot stickers and a Rittenhouse LOST Seasons 1-5 HURLEY Promo Trading Card #P6 in special honor of the new Island caretaker. Hooray!!!

Not to mention, there are some other cool LOST deals floating around on this LOST Anniversary day. Fellow LOSTies over at Island Con News have put together a nice little post that features a list of other merchants who have special LOST deals running...most of them ONLY FOR TODAY. So pop over and check out their blog for even more links and info. You don't have to be Charles Widmore to be able to pick up some more great LOST stuff for your collection!

Finally, as always, I have to give a shout out to Tina Lau and her LOST Prop Shop "All Access 808" on eBay. She still has PLENTY of cool items from the show, including many that had some nice chunks of screen-time. Check it out if you haven't yet...or if you just weren't able to grab up that special lot you were eying during the Premiere Props auction. No matter what you end up with, it's VERY cool to say that you own a little piece of LOST.

Thanks for reading....and a SPECIAL THANKS to Island Con News for featuring my store in their LOST Anniversary line-up!

Hope to see you over at THE GIFT HATCH!

NAMASTE ~

a.N
www.FourToedFoot.com

Share

4TF EXCLUSIVE: Photos from New "Pirates" Movie Filming in Hawaii

noreply@blogger.com (anna naranja) — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 07:31:00 +0000

Hey All!

As much as I would love to talk about the leaked LOST season 6 epilogue, I know a lot of you are being good little LOSTies and holding out for the DVD set to be released. Since I don't usually get my hands on the new sets until the end of each year (via Santa), I figure for once it's kind of cool to watch one of the extras before some the folks out there, since usually I am the one being spoiled by those who are insensitive to fans who might not run and get the DVD's right when they come out. Don't fret though. I will be respectful and not discuss it.

Yet... ;-)

In the meantime, I have something REALLY COOL to share with you via my friend Tina Lau in Hawaii. Some of you may have already heard that name. Tina runs the LOST Prop Shop "All Access 808" on eBay, and I have made a couple of posts that have mentioned her store. Some of you I know have already purchased some really cool items from Tina, and I know that she is grateful for all of you who have shown your support.

As I mentioned in my first post about her work, Tina is also a graphic designer and photographer who has made a living shooting celebrities at the various events that go on around the area.

The latest big movie shoot to come to her location is the new Disney Pirates of the Caribbean film starring Johnny Depp. Over the past couple of weeks I have been in contact with her as she has been driving around capturing shots of the cast, the crew, and the awesome ships that have been set up around her island. Yes, she was even able to grab a shot of Mr. Depp himself. And yes, she has been kind enough to share some of her shots with me so that I can now share them with you!

I am now pleased to present to you a Four Toed Foot EXCLUSIVE look at the new Pirates of the Caribbean movie, in-progress and behind-the scenes. You won't find these photos ANYWHERE else...so enjoy!

The crew at Eternity Beach...

This is the same location where Obama scattered his grandmother's ashes...

Thanks for visiting 4TF in this post-LOST era, and thanks again to the amazing Tina Lau and her mad paparazzi skills! :-D

NAMASTE!

a.N
www.FourToedFoot.com

Share

J.J. Abrmas & Joss Whedon Visionaries Panel Comic Con 2010

noreply@blogger.com (anna naranja) — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 02:26:00 +0000

Even though the 4TF wasn't make it to the San Diego Comic Con this year, we are still keeping up with the latest news and have especially been looking forward to the match-up between J.J. Abrams and Joss Whedon at this year's E.T. Visionaries Panel. Much like last year's teaming of Peter Jackson and James Cameron, the two mega-directors/producers/writers were paired together to discuss all things creative.

According to Fear.net, who spoke with Mr. Abrams, he was pretty curious himself as to what the panel would bring.

"We met," said Abrams, "while working at the WB at the same time; while he was doing Buffy and Angel and I was doing Felicity. So we met way back when. We've been in touch and we've worked with some of the same people – David Fury and Jeff Bell and Drew Goddard are people with whom we've both worked. Drew wrote Cloverfield and did, with Joss, Cabin in the Woods. So there's been a lot of sort of one degree of separation in that regard. But we've gone to dinner and we're very friendly. I guess because of our schedules we don't see each other too often, but he's always been a friend."

Below is the actual footage from the awesome discussion that ensued. Enjoy!

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

Namaste!

a.N
www.FourToedFoot.com

Share

LOST Mix-Tape -- Song Selections from Seasons One through Five

noreply@blogger.com (anna naranja) — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 20:29:00 +0000

Howdy Friends!

Who doesn't love the amazing LOST score by Oscar-winning composer Michael Giacchino? Yeah I thought so.

However, besides the gorgeous love-themes and heart-pounding jungle-fight music, LOST has used a lot of different songs from popular culture over the years. We have heard everything from Mama Cass, to the Pixies, Pasty Cline, Perry Como, The Beach Boys, Portishead, and even Staind. For years I wondered what a mix-tape of the songs from LOST would sound like.

Well, about a year ago I stumbled upon an awesome fan-made compilation that serves as just that; the ultimate LOST mix-tape. This compilation includes 45 different songs from Seasons One through Five of the show. Listening to it evokes so many memories it is like having a LOST music video running through your head with each tune. And with the show now at its end, these memories are even more precious.

I've decided to share this compilation with fans around the globe who may have not found it, or who may have already been working on putting their own version together. This should save some time. Please click on the image above to see the track listing, and the links below will take you to Rapidshare where you can download each of the 3 parts for free.

Please contact me with any issues with the files. Otherwise, enjoy the memories!

LOST-Soundtrack_2009_.part1.rar
LOST-Soundtrack_2009_.part2.rar
LOST-Soundtrack_2009_.part3.rar

Also, GeekScape.net just put out a wonderful article which goes into even more depth about some of the songs and the significance / scene it was played through. You can read that article here: The 23 Best Songs Used in Lost

Enjoy!

a.N
www.FourToedFoot.com

Share

Welcome to Collector's Corner Vol.1!!!

noreply@blogger.com (anna naranja) — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 02:45:00 +0000

Hey You All Everybody!

As many of you know, I run an online store through eBay called The Gift Hatch where I deal in entertainment memorabilia, trading cards, comics, toys, and convention exclusives. First and foremost however, I am a collector.

Now that the series itself has come to an end, I've decided to create a new way in which LOST fans can come together and share their love of the show. Over the years I have seen all kinds of wonderful LOST memorabilia, and I believe most of you know about the last ARG, Damon Carlton and a Polar Bear, which resulted in an amazing series of art prints. LOST fans went pretty wild over those pieces, so I wanted to expand upon this excitement and bring anyone and everyone in love with LOST STUFF here to gather, share, and admire each other's collections.

So with that, I welcome you to the very first installment of the newest Four Toed Foot highlight series:

4TF's Collector's Corner

Each week I will be highlighting a new LOSTie along with their collection, so also consider this a CALL FOR COLLECTORS who want to be featured in their very own post. Please feel free to email me a few photos of your collection or a link to your blog and I will get back to you with more details.

So without further ado, I'd like to introduce Bonnie Craft AKA andAlone and her fabulous LOST collection!!!

-------------------------------------------

Bonnie has been collecting LOST memorabilia since the beginning of the series, and has amassed one of the most amazing collections I think anyone has seen, or will ever see. In October of 2009, she decided to begin documenting her collection in her blog AndAlone. Since then she has made over 600 posts showcasing every type of LOST collectible you can imagine, and then more. If it has to do with LOST, Bonnie has found it and added it to her collection. As she put it to me in an email, "I think I need an intervention already! I can't seem to just say no."

Although Bonnie has been a collector all of her life, it wasn't until she saw LOST that entertainment memorabilia became a major part of her hobby. As she put it, "I really never collected any TV show related memorabilia or merchandise until LOST though. It struck a chord on so many levels with me, and I just couldn't get enough! And the obsession just grew to the point you see reflected in my collection. I also participated in The LOST Underground Art Project aka DamonCarltonAndAPolarBear.com, and bought all of the prints: 16 from the first series, 4 from the LOST Live Event, and the 8 from the second series. And I have purchased many non-official pieces, so LOST art has really taken over my entire home".

I know the feeling, as I'm sure a lot of collectors do!

Besides having basically turned her home into a museum for LOST art prints, Bonnie has also collected every book, magazine, advertisement, trading card, button, badge, poster, DVD, pin, shirt, mug, and print she could find. In addition, she owns a lot of rare or one-of-a-kind pieces, such as the "Man of Faith Skull Clown", pictured above.

She has also supported the artwork of fellow Bloggers, Like Paul Burrows from Room 23, who created an amazing set of his own collectible Trading cards.

Not to mention, Bonnie has of course been able to get her hands on an authentic LOST prop or two, such as one of the Virgin Mary Statues that were tempting Charlie with the heroin stashed inside (I don't think they come with heroin, though...haha). In my previous post I highlighted Tina Lau's LOST prop store All Access 808 on eBay, and Bonnie was able to snag one of the awesome coconut cups used by Hurley at the surprise party his parents threw him back in the Season 4 episode, "There's No Place Like Home Part 1".

I believe my personal favorites of her collection are the Marvel comic books that actually make mention of LOST in true Easter-egg fashion. I didn't even know these were out there, so once I finish this post I will be hunting for my own copies of these awesome finds.

In reality, there is so much going on with the AndAlone blog, you just have to check it out yourself. It just begs for exploration, and demands admiration. This is the LOST collection that should go down in history if there ever was one, and fellow LOST collectors will be amazed and probably even a just little bit jealous. Everyone else will appreciate Bonnie's dedication as a true fan of the show.

If you'd like to connect with Bonnie and give her some "props" in regards to all the work she has done, you can contact her via her blog AndAlone, or on Twitter as @andalone.

Bonnie, you and your collection are amazing and awe-inspiring. I look forward to continuing to keep up with the treasures you find. Please keep doing what you're doing, as you really have created a true monument worthy of what LOST has become to so many fans around the world.

-------------------------------------------

Until next time, be well my friends, fans, and COLLECTORS!!!

a.N
www.FourToedFoot.com

Share

Where to Find AFFORDABLE Authentic LOST PROPS

noreply@blogger.com (anna naranja) — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 09:35:00 +0000

Hi All!

It's time to let you in on a little discovery that I made recently, because I believe a good number of you just might freak out over this. I mean that. Literally. Freak. Out.

A few days ago I posted an introduction to my new friend, Hawaiian resident Tina Lau, along with a very cool article she wrote about the impact LOST has had on Hawaii. It also featured some really special photographs of the cast members that most people haven't seen anywhere else. If you didn't read it, please check it out!

So, in addition to being a sister designer, photographer, and LOSTie, Tina is a also a fellow eBayer. And what she sells in her store, AllAccess808, is going to blow your mind more than a visit to Room 23.

You see, Tina sells LOST props.

That's right! She's acquired a healthy number of AUTHENTIC items from the past six years of the show that she's been selling on eBay to fans and collectors who want to own a real piece of television history. Many of you are already aware of the "official" prop auction that is going to be taking place this summer through Premiere Props, a famous auction house for all kinds of entertainment memorabilia. Over 1,000 of the most iconic items from LOST will be up for grabs and open to buyers around the globe. However, most of us "normal people" are more than likely not going to be able to afford what these pieces are more than likely going to sell for.

Enter Tina and her extremely amazing find that one Saturday afternoon in May. As she told me, "It was by luck that I acquired these items. At first, the prop warehouse sale was meant only for the crew members of the show but they had thousands of items and realized they had to open it to the public. They advertised it on Craigslist as a "TV Warehouse Sale" so they didn't get a lot of people."

That meant that Tina was able to get a lot of stuff, though. She has been selling everything from designer ties, to jewelry and other ladies' accessories, "knick-knacks", vases, glassware, lamps, and anything and everything else that you can think of that would go to create one of the many sets that we have seen on LOST over the years. And as we all know, LOST has some very unique, even bizarre items on their sets.

Some of her most amazing acquisitions include items that are more familiar to fans, and she has even been able to find screen-captures from the show to demonstrate exactly which episode(s) these items have showed up in. There's Sawyer's jewelry box, a rosary from the finale, items from both Kate's and Juliet's kitchens, accessories from Jack's desk, Jacob's tea kettles, even one of the light fixtures from Hurley's room at Santa Rosa.

Not to mention, she was even able to get Richard Alpert's old trunk that he had with him during his time living in one of the Others' tents. There's also one of the many DHARMA binders we have seen over the years in various offices on the Island. Oh yeah, and Tina even has the dartboard from the Swan Hatch itself!

The best part is, there is literally something for everyone here, as in, in everyone's price-range. I have seen items sell from as little as $0.99 on up. Of course the more iconic items are going to cost you a bit more, but still these prices are nowhere near what a prop from the Premiere Props auction is going to go for.

So why is Tina selling all of this great stuff? Well, although she is a LOST fan, she's not really that big of a collector. She really wants to give true fans an opportunity to get something from the show since she knows how much LOST means to so many of us.

In return, fans also get to help someone out, a freelancer just like yours truly who has really been affected by the current economy. So do know that by making a purchase it isn't like you are helping to line the pockets of some huge corporation like Disney, but instead just another fan of the show and of the entertainment industry in general. Fans helping fans....how much better does it get?

Besides, when was the last chance you had to own a piece of your favorite TV show?

So go do yourself a favor and take the next available submarine over to Tina's shop, AllAccess808 and pick yourself something out really cool. If it doesn't have a screen-cap, you can then devote some of your episode re-watch time to trying to find your item, kind of like a fun little LOST scavenger hunt!

You'll also want stop by Tina's Flickr account where she has several MORE pages of items photographed for your viewing (and buying) pleasure. Tina is selling her props outside of eBay as well, and so she is open to direct contact if you want to make her an offer on something in her album that you like.

PLEASE NOTE: If you do end up picking something up, or even just making Tina an offer on an item, PLEASE MENTION THAT Anna from The Four Toed Foot (4TF) SENT YOU! This would be VERY MUCH appreciated, as we're curious as to how many people this post is going to reach and help her bring into the shop.

Good luck to you all, and feel free to come back and post a comment so that you can share with us all what LOST item(s) you ended up getting. I will be posting my little prop collection soon so stay tuned!

HAVE A BLAST (without the C4 this time...)!!!
a.N
www.FourToedFoot.com

Share

WINNERS of THE FOUR FOR THE FINALE LOST CHALLENGE

noreply@blogger.com (anna naranja) — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 13:06:00 +0000

Dearest Fans and Friends,

It's been 3 weeks now since the deadline came and went for submissions to the Four Toed Foot's 4 4 4 4 -- Four for the Finale Lost Challenge, and boy has it been SO VERY TOUGH going through the 140+ entries that were submitted. The judges and I really wanted to take our time reading and re-reading all of the wonderful 4-sentence answers that were sent in to the single question, "What do You think the Island is?".

To refresh yourself on the criteria we used to pick the 16 finalists and ultimate winners, please visit the original post. To check out the prizes and who picked the winners, visit the award and judges list posted not long after the contest was announced.

I know that you all have been so very patiently awaiting this moment, especially our 16 Finalists, so without further ado, I give you THE WINNERS:

------------------------------------

HONORABLE MENTION: Eric Fingerman
The island is a place for people who have lost their way and are looking for something more. There is a source of life on the island that each person can get what they need in their own way based on their flawed lives and what they feel they are missing. Once a person who is "lost" gets the meaning or understands their purpose in life, the island no longer needs them and they no longer need the island. They are able to move on, not necessarily by dying, but as "found" souls who are redeemed.

------------------------------------

HONORABLE MENTION: Kyle Gilbert
The island is an expression of the human condition with a location determined near areas with the purest civilizations of the time. The light at the heart of the island flows out through water and represents the ascension of human nature towards purity through goodness, free will and knowledge. The island keeps this ability to ascend hidden from mankind with grave consequences and tribulations to those who would fully touch the light. The island draws people whose lives have lost free will and gives them a clean slate from which they can choose to redeem themselves and to some extent, ascend.

------------------------------------

THIRD PRIZE: Bradley Dennis
The island is the start of the earth’s pure energy; it holds it in its most raw form and from this people can shape and use it however they wish. It can touch all that will be and has been; it is free of time and space, and life and death. Everything comes from the island, and everything ends at the island. The life that we know is the energy that has managed to escape from it and manifest itself.

------------------------------------

SECOND PRIZE: Johnny Dolan
The Island is a second chance, a communal rebirth, for all who are brought to it. Throughout quite an extensive history, island dwellers have been given the rare opportunity to start their lives over on a clean slate full of hope, mystery, and redemption. Everyone who landed on the island was alone, but every single human being on the island showed up in a group, with others. As a result, this island truly is the greatest, most stunning, and most beautiful chance for people to learn how to "Live Together."

------------------------------------

FIRST PRIZE: Cyndy Keith
This mysterious island holds the control center of the earth's energy, although it is unknown to ordinary humankind. A handful of scientists have discovered a hint of the island's power, and believe it is their personal playground. Unfortunately, they will never fully understand the scope of this incredible power source, because the design is far more than scientific. The island's true purpose is to protect love and goodness in the world by containing hatred and evil in its boundaries.

------------------------------------

and finally,
THE GRAND PRIZE goes to: George Parker
The Island is the body or house of the earth's single soul (i.e. the Light in the cave), which connects to every living thing in the world. It is life's constant soul, remaining stable (as yin and yang) no matter what time period or plausible universe. The soul remains balanced between light and dark unless tampered with, so it requires a guardian to protect the balance. If the Island were to be destroyed, the world's soul would lose its house and be destroyed as well, ending all life in the world.

------------------------------------

CONGRATULATIONS TO EVERYONE WHO WON!!! GREAT JOB LOSTies!!!!

And once more, thank you to everyone who participated in the most successful contest the 4TF has ever run. LOST fans sure are a brilliant and creative bunch, and to demonstrate this I will be sharing all 134 of the remaining entries over the next couple of weeks, most likely in 4 different batches in the order that they were submitted. It was truly a pleasure to read your answers and to see how like-minded the community is in general. You all should be very proud of how your minds work.

I will be contacting each of the winners via private email to work out rest of the details, so keep an eye on your email accounts!

I plan on continuing to hold contests here at 4TF as we move forward without the LOST, but with the show still in our Hearts and Minds.

Bless you all, and Namaste...

a.N
www.FourToedFoot.com

Share

A Look at LOST's Impact on Hawaii, Plus Photos and Info of Cast on the Island

noreply@blogger.com (anna naranja) — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 05:24:00 +0000

Greetings LOST Maniacs!

Recently I was fortunate enough to befriend Tina Lau, a fellow graphic designer, photographer, and LOSTie who lives in Hawaii (where we all know LOST was filmed). Tina has been working in and around the entertainment industry for most of her life and has acquired countless backstage passes and contacts that get her access to movie and TV productions taking place around the state.

One of her specialties is shooting awesome photographs of the celebrities she encounters. Tina's photos are often sold through an agency. One of her recent pics of Evangeline Lilly at the LOST Season Six Premiere Event in Oahu even sold to a few magazines.

In fact, her photos are unlike many of the ones you may have seen from this event, as she had a great perspective at the beginning of the red carpet right as the cast members were getting out of their cars. As Tina put it, "By the time they got to the "official" spot, their excitement had died down."

Lately Tina has been writing for a local Cable company about her experiences with the entertainment world in Hawaii. Her most recent article, "Lost Leaves Its Footprint" is a really insightful peek into the cast members' lives while they were there, and the overall impact of the filming of the show on the island. She told me, "For this article, I wrote from the perspective of what I wanted to know about the show, then researched the facts."

Here's an excerpt:

Lost injected an estimated $400 million into Hawaii’s economy. In 2009 alone, Lost spent $78 million on season five and part of season six, employed 2,025 local people, generated $7 million in tax revenue and had a total output for the year of $121 million, according to state data.

Over 1,000 local vendors were used to supply the production with just about everything you could imagine, from all the props you see on TV to two meals daily for over 100 people. Guest characters were flown in from the mainland and put up at hotels in Waikiki to the tune of 5,000 to 6,000 guest nights per season.

A large percentage of the episodes showcased Hawaii in ways the Hawaii Tourism Authority could never afford. Scenes featuring our beautiful beaches, waterfalls, and landscapes have increased Hawaii’s popularity as a tourist destination and given rise to tours designed to show you the various shooting locations of the popular series. The official wrap party for the show’s cast and crew was a spectacular event held at the Kahala Hotel that demonstrated the friendships the mainland stars had formed with many of the local folks involved with the show.

Please visit http://www.aroundhawaii.com/entertainment/entertainment/2010-06-lost-leaves-its-footprint.html to read the full article. In addition you will get to see more of her amazing photographs that you wont see anywhere else, such as the one below of the author herself, along with Emmy-award winner, Terry O'Quinn.

Enjoy and NAMASTE!

a.N
www.FourToedFoot.com

Share

Make a LOST Donation and Get a Chance to Win Tim Doyle's ARG Poster "Hurley's Numbers"!

noreply@blogger.com (anna naranja) — Sun, 06 Jun 2010 19:09:00 +0000

Greetings Everyone!

I know that this is a bit last minute, but there is a really great LOST charity auction and contest that I want to share with you all.

Good friend and fellow LOSTie John LaHair is putting together The ULTIMATE LOST Auction Package to help support a really great cause; DCU for Kids. He has asked fellow LOST fans to help add to the basket (which is now a CRATE) by donating LOST-related items for the auction. Time is of the essence, though, as he needs to have the items in-hand no later than Friday June 11, 12:00 NOON EST. I know that this is cutting it short, but I thought there might be someone else out there who would enjoy helping out and would be able to get their donation shipped quickly so that John can add them to the lot.

In addition to being part of a wonderful auction for charities oriented towards helping children, John is going to have a prize drawing for one lucky contributor to win one of the famous LOST ARG posters, "Hurley's Numbers" by Tim Doyle! It's a great incentive to donate in addition to just being a part of something that is going to support kids in need. Some of the past charities that DCU for Kids has donated to include Autism Speaks, Boston Medical Center, Girls Incorporated, Special Olympics, and the UMASS Memorial Foundation.

You also will get recognition on the website and the auction program book, which is to be held on Tuesday June 15, at the DCU for Kids Annual Charity Golf Classic. Last year they helped to raise over $280,000 thanks to the generosity of the contriutors.

Let's help DCU raise even more by donating and helping to create the most AMAZING LOST prize package ever assembled! I have already sent a few things to add to the mix, so if you would like to participate as well, please visit John's blog post for all of the rules and details that you need to be a part of this awesome cause.

As always thanks for stopping by!

Namaste ~
a.N
www.FourToedFoot.com

Share

4 FOR THE FINALE LOST CHALLENGE - THE FINALISTS!!!

noreply@blogger.com (anna naranja) — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 06:57:00 +0000

Hello Friends,

Well it has now been almost two weeks since out beloved show LOST came to an end, but the festivities here at The Four Toed Foot are not at all over. Many of you are probably wondering where we are with the big contest that ended the day before "The End" aired around the globe. I am happy to be here with an update for you all!

Much to our surprise, we were actually OVERWHELMED with submissions. Even after the initial 140 entries made their way in and the official deadline had passed, people were still sending in their 4 sentences about what they think the Island really is. It took some time to really read each and every entry, and re-read them, and then...read them again. In no way do we want to rush this process, as so many of the answers were wonderful, thought-provoking, and downright brilliant. Some of you even sent in humorous answers that made us really laugh.

In order to make the selection a bit more manageable, we narrowed the submissions down to 16 FINALISTS. I once again want to thank everyone for participating in this contest, and also want you to know that these decisions were not at all easy. For those of you who did not make it to the final round, do know that all of the answers will be published and you will be acknowledged once more after the winners are announced. It was a real joy to read everyone's ideas and once again confirm how talented and creative the LOST community is.

And now may I present the 4 For the Finale LOST Challenge 16 FINALISTS!!! (Listed in no particular order)
------------------------------------

1. The Island is the body or house of the world's single soul (Light in the cave), which connects to every living thing in the world. It is life's constant soul, remaining stable (think yin and yang) no matter what time period, or plausible universe. The soul remains balanced between light and dark unless tampered with, so it requires a guardian to protect the balance. If the Island were to be destroyed, the world's soul would lose its house and be destroyed as well, ending all life in the world. - George Parker

2. The island is figuratively and literally middle ground. The one thing the island has shown in each character with which it has connected is that things usually fall to the middle of the spectrum; rarely is someone or something completely good or bad, just as the island contains neither heaven nor hell. As Jacob called it the "cork," the island is an in-between place that serves as a barrier between extremes (because extremes are rarely safe, realistic, or spiritually satisfying). By serving as the middle ground between the Oceanic survivors' perceived destination of Los Angeles and their spiritual journey toward chaos, the island gives them a place to find themselves and, in so doing, gives them an opportunity to learn that they were LOST long before they crashed upon her shores. - Julie G.

3. I think the Island is the source of our souls, the light being the stuff our souls are made up of. I think somehow they trapped an evil entity there, and there has been a constant war between greed and good. The greedy want to use the Island for their own purposes, and the good try to protect it. I think it has to have both good and bad people on it to balance things, and for "the eternal struggle." - Jessica Charrier

4. I believe that the Island is actually the Garden of Eden that has been tainted after humans were created in the beginning of time. And the light within the Island is the heart and soul of mankind, it is the source of our very existence. The Island is neither Heaven nor Hell, Life nor Death, but a place between our human world and the world of the unknown. Almost a place that could be described similar to the effects of a Bermuda Triangle. - Linda "Winter" Chea

5. The Island acts as a scale, balancing the good and the evil in the world, and it is the responsibility of the protectors, such as Jacob, to make sure that the balance is never uneven. The shadow monster is the epitome of evil and its sheer desire to leave the island, represents its desire to tip the balance in evil's favor and wreak havoc upon the world. The Island is like a glass bottle with a ship in it; nothing is intended to ever leave, but if turmoil causes it to break, then pieces pour out sadly. The island is there to stay in place and hold the balance of good and evil, and hopefully nothing will ever disturb that balance. - Kemal Kadic

6. The Island is a second chance, a communal rebirth, for all who are brought to it. Throughout quite an extensive history, island dwellers have been given the rare opportunity to start their lives over on a clean slate full of hope, mystery, and redemption. Everyone who landed on the island was alone, but every single human being on the island showed up in a group, with others. As a result, this island truly is the greatest, most stunning, and most beautiful chance for people to learn how to "Live Together." - Johnny Dolan

7. I think that the Island is really simply the central force within the Earth. This would be a place where all energy originates from, a sort of garden of Eden if you will. Jacobs 'Mother' explained how all people a small quantity of light inside themselves which is present on the island, this gives way to the idea that the world manifested itself from this point. This also means that the Island would need to balance out forces, i.e. good and evil, as it acts as a counterbalance within the world! - Jos van der Steen

8. The Island is a place that captures the essence of life itself, both the good and the bad, and holds it safely away from a world that yearns to exploit it. Surrounding The Island are the forces of human nature that lead us to steal, to kill, to lie, and ultimately to stray from the pure and righteous path that has been laid down in front of us when we are born. Just like The Island emits electromagnetism, I believe it also gives off this essence, known as The Light, to the world across the sea, and with it comes love, faith, forgiveness, trust, redemption, and all the bits of goodness in our lives, and is the cause for the healing powers on The Island. I believe that this magical and mysterious place is the epicenter of existence in our world. - Molly "Faraday" Bruch

9. The island is the start of the earth’s pure energy, it holds it in its more raw form and so from this people can shape and use it to their will however they wish. It holds and can touch all that will be and has been, it is free of time and space, life and death. Everything comes from the island, and everything ends at the island. The life that we know is the energy that has managed to escape from it and manifest itself. - Bradley Dennis

10. The island is the grey between the white and the black, the good and the bad, the north south and centre. It is all that can be, should have been and is. It is the yin and the yang, the quantum centre point which keeps the universe in balance. Without it the knowing dark (Locke et al) will overcome the innocent light (Jacob), hence the need for the candidate. - Roy Nahum

11. The island is a place for people who have lost their way and are looking for something more. There is a source of life on the island that each person can get what they need from it in their own way based on their flawed lives and what they feel they are missing. Once a person who is "lost" gets the meaning or understands their purpose in life, the island no longer needs them and they no longer need the island. They are able to move on, not necessarily by dying, but move on nonetheless as "found" souls and are redeemed. - Eric Fingerman

12. The island is a place without rules, so whoever protects it must make up his/her own rules (this includes gravity). The island is a place to find out who you are, what you've done wrong and what you're supposed to do to make it up for what you've done. The people on the island usually think that what happens on the island is a miracle or a sign of their beliefs in god. It's not that, it is the island itself, the island itself is the miracle. - Ørjan "Zoreng" Kristiansen

13. It's the crux and pinnacle of existence; the Island is the axis from which the universe spins. It’s the center of Yin and Yang, and apparently it’s probably the only way for the MiB to die. I think he wants to stop existing and that's the only way he can see how. Destroy the island and negate all existence. - Josh Raila

14. It’s a place where the full spectra of the human mind is absorbed and molded. It’s where the codes and values of the world brews, through its ever so fluctuating population. It’s the battlefield where the sanity of humanity battles its darker sides. It’s the place where the line between fate and coincidence is lost, and where we all are when we choose side. - Per Hultman-Boye ("Plisskin")

15. This mysterious island holds the control center of the earth's energy, although it is unknown to ordinary humankind. A handful of scientists have discovered a hint of the island's power, and believe it is their personal playground. Unfortunately, they will never fully understand the scope of this incredible power source, because the design is far more than scientific. The island's true purpose is to protect love and goodness in the world by containing hatred and evil in its boundaries. - Cyndy Keith

16. The island is an expression of the human condition with a location determined near areas with the purest civilizations of the time. The light at the heart of the island flows out through water and represents ascension of human nature towards purity in goodness, free will and knowledge. The island keeps this ability to ascend hidden from mankind with grave consequences and tribulations to those who would fully touch the light. The island draws people whose lives have lost free will and gives them a clean slate on which they can choose whether to redeem themselves and, to some extent, ascend. - Kyle Gilbert

------------------------------------
(ROUND OF APPLAUSE)

Do know that we are just about finished deliberating and will have the winners for you announced ASAP...so hang in there and CONGRATS again to the finalists! You all have done an AMAZING job!!!

Namaste ~

a.N
www.FourToedFoot.com

Share

4 FOR THE FINALE LOST CHALLENGE -- THE PRIZES and JUDGES

noreply@blogger.com (anna naranja) — Fri, 21 May 2010 13:57:00 +0000

With less than 48 hours to enter the contest, I figured it was time to share the PRIZES that are going to be awarded to the 4 winners of the FOUR for the FINALE LOST CHALLENGE.

Some of these items were purchased directly for this contest, others came out of my personal collection. All of them are for any lover of the show LOST and a great start to your own collection if you've yet to begin one. The best part is, EVERY one of the 4 winners gets a rare and highly sought-after AUTHENTIC APOLLO CHOCOLATE BAR from "The LOST Experience" in 2006. Just make sure you don't eat it if you win, as the date printed on the back says October 23, 2006!

So without further ado, here are the prize packages the 4 lucky souls will get delivered to their door:

The GRAND PRIZE

The most hefty offering of all, this package will go to the author of what our judges deem to be the very best of the contest submissions. This Grand Prize package includes:

-- DHARMA Swan Station Logo T-shirt size XL
-- Mediacom LOST Kubrick Set with Jack and Black LOST Be@rbrick
-- Official LOST Magazine PX Variant #16 Nov./Dec. 2008 - Jin Cover
-- Authentic Apollo Chocolate Bar October 23, 2006
-- Inkworks LOST Revelations Authentic Autograph Card - Yemi (Adetokumboh McCormack)
-- LOST Oceanic Airlines Luggage I.D. Tag from the San Diego Comic Con 2007
-- Official LOST Magazine Promotional Bookmark - Locke and Ben
-- LOST: The Final Season Metal Enamel Pin from D23 2009
-- LOST: The Final Season 5x7" Collector Postcard from D23 2009
-- LOST University 5x7" Collector Postcard from the San Diego Comic Con 2009
-- Inkworks LOST Season One Promo Trading Cards #L1-1 and #L1-DS
-- Inkworks LOST Revelations Promo Trading Card #LR-1
-- Inkworks LOST Season Three Promo Trading Card #L3-1
-- Rittenhouse LOST Seasons 1-5 Promo Trading Card #P6

FIRST PRIZE

Following right behind the Grand Prize is another wonderful, large batch of goodies:

-- Mediacom LOST Kubrick Figure - Kate
-- Official LOST Magazine #7 May/June 2008 - Sun and Jin Cover
-- Authentic Apollo Chocolate Bar October 23, 2006
-- Inkworks LOST Revelations Authentic Autograph Card - Liam Pace (Neil Hopkins)
-- Official LOST Magazine Promotional Bookmark - Jack, Kate, and Sawyer
-- LOST University 5x7" Collector Postcard from the San Diego Comic Con 2009
-- Inkworks LOST Season One Promo Trading Cards #L1-1
-- Inkworks LOST Revelations Promo Trading Card #LR-1
-- Inkworks LOST Season Three Promo Trading Card #L3-1
-- Rittenhouse LOST Seasons 1-5 Promo Trading Card #P6

(Note: The Kubrick individual figures come in what are called "blind boxes" where you don't know what one is inside until it is opened. They also vary in how rare they are. This box was CAREFULLY opened to see which figure was inside and then re-sealed with the same loving care.)

SECOND PRIZE

Winning second prize still puts a nice pile of LOST memorabilia in your lap:

-- Authentic Apollo Chocolate Bar October 23, 2006
-- Inkworks LOST Revelations Authentic Show-Worn Costume Card - Michael Dawson
-- Official LOST Magazine Promotional Bookmark - Jack and Kate
-- LOST University 5x7" Collector Postcard from the San Diego Comic Con 2009
-- LOST DHARMA Swan Station Season Two Promotional Magnet
-- LOST DHARMA Flame Station Mini-Button
-- Inkworks Season Two Trading Cards Complete Base Set
-- Inkworks LOST Revelations Promo Trading Card #LR-1
-- Inkworks LOST Season Three Promo Trading Card #L3-1
-- Rittenhouse LOST Seasons 1-5 Promo Trading Card #P6

THIRD PRIZE

Last but definitely not least is the prize offering for our third-place winner:

-- Authentic Apollo Chocolate Bar October 23, 2006
-- LOST University 5x7" Collector Postcard from the San Diego Comic Con 2009
-- LOST Photo Magnet - Sawyer
-- Inkworks LOST Revelations Trading Cards Complete Base Set
-- Inkworks LOST Season Three Promo Trading Card #L3-1
-- Rittenhouse LOST Seasons 1-5 Promo Trading Card #P6

By now you are probably asking, "So who are the 4 people who will be deciding the winners of these amazing prize packages?" Well ask no more and meet the FOUR FOR THE FINALE JUDGES PANEL:

AFR1KA

Administrator at NinjaVideo.net, LOST Episodes Expert, LOST-a-THON promoter and future participant / spectator...

CHABAZITE

Mr. Eko's Secret Lover, LOST Details Expert, Uploader at NinjaVideo.net who is often responsible for getting LOST online so fast after it airs...

FETUS LAPIDUS

Writer, LOST Theory Expert, Tornado of Random Madcap Boobery

ANNA NARANJA

Yours truly...

SPECIAL THANKS TO: AFR1KA and all the folks at NinjaVideo.net for helping to promote this contest as well as The Four Toed Foot blog throughout this final season. Their generosity is so very much appreciated.

For those of you who haven't been there before, NinjaVideo is one of the biggest and best streaming video sites out there on the web.

In fact, their service is invaluable to countless overseas LOSTies who would otherwise have no way of keeping up with the show. Ninja provides television's daily lineup, movies, documentaries, music videos, and an enormous backlog of entire seasons of popular series. However, the heart of NV is actually at it's forums, where over 20,000 members converge to discuss everything from popular culture, art, science, philosophy, literature, and of course, LOST!

So next time you miss your favorite show (besides LOST), or need to start a new series to take your mind off of the finale, head over to NinjaVideo and join the 1.5 million visitors from around the globe who flock there every day.

And while you're there make sure to say hello to AFR1KA and CHABAZITE, who have been so kind as to take time from their busy schedules keeping things TIGHT over at NV to help The Four Toed Foot pick a winner of it's final major LOST competition!

GOOD LUCK TO ALL WHO ENTER, AND MAY THE 4 BEST LOSTies WIN!

Luvs,
a.N
www.FourToedFoot.com

Share

FOUR FOR THE FINALE -- THE 4-4-4-4 LOST CHALLENGE

noreply@blogger.com (anna naranja) — Tue, 18 May 2010 20:55:00 +0000

Well here we are on the home stretch towards the ending of one of, if not THE best television series of all time. I know that I am not the only one with a supreme mixture of emotions during these last days leading up to the big finale. The bittersweet feeling I am sensing from the whole of the LOSTiverse is quite overwhelming.

For so many of us, LOST has been more than just a "show". We have learned fascinating new things as we have witnessed the story unfold; things about friendship, courage, teamwork, love, family, philosophy, spirituality, mythology, science, medicine. LOST has enabled us to become experts at both creative nicknaming, and the art of applying themes from Star Wars to almost any given situation. We now know how not to handle dynamite. And LOST has taught us that instead of only seeing the world in black and white, it is good practice to often exist in the gray areas.

In addition, many of us have gathered into various groups to discuss the show with like-minded folks, and even more have joined online forums and communities, some venturing onto social networking sites and message boards for the first time ever simply to share this addiction to The Island and the survivors of Flight 815. Many have created blogs and have dedicated countless, sleepless nights to analyzing every aspect of every episode. Others have been inspired to experiment and play with the imagery and have made artwork, videos, poetry, and all manner of memorabilia in honor of their favorite themes from the show.

No matter what form our love for LOST has taken, the overriding aspect is that we have been MOVED in one way or another out from the framework of passive viewing and into the realm of actual participation. What so many outsiders fail to understand is that LOST has become very much an EXPERIENCE. It has completely transcended the television screen and has literally changed our lives. Because if it's very nature of being a story-as-matryoshka-doll, each person gains something different from their experience. You can watch LOST and enjoy it on whatever level you choose, but just when you think you have reached the furthest point that it can take you, yet another layer of meaning is suddenly uncovered.

Best of all, the show has caused us to form long-lasting bonds with fans all over the globe. In the past we have migrated in numbers to join together at the San Diego Comic Con, or more recently the season 6 premiere in Hawaii, or the LOST Live event this past weekend.

Now we come together in this final week to enjoy the brilliance that is LOST one last time. Life now imitates art, as we all prepare to Watch (the finale) Together, Cry (that it's over) Alone. ;-)

BUT BEFORE IT ALL ENDS, The Four Toed Foot wants to celebrate by holding one final CONTEST!!!!

Announcing
4TF's FOUR for the FINALE LOST CHALLENGE

It was my every intention to have this posted on Saturday, but logistics needed to be fully worked out. In addition, prizes needed to be secured. Several items were specially ordered and I wanted to make sure they arrived safely to my doorstep.

To those of you who participated in The 4TF Final Season Challenge back in January, I wanted to let you know that this contest is definitely not as intensive or time-consuming as that one was.

In fact, it's quite simple!

THE DETAILS
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

4 SENTENCES
To enter, you will need to write 4 sentences that answers the following question:

What do YOU think The Island really is?

Make sure that your answer is EXACTLY 4 sentences...no more, no less.

Email your entries with the subject line "4TF Contest" to:
contest@fourtoedfoot.com

Please include your real name, your "alias" if you have one and don't want your real name to be published, and one alternate method of contact besides your main email address (Twitter, Facebook, Blog, etc.).

ENTRIES MUST BE RECEIVED NO LATER THAN SUNDAY MAY 23, 12:00 AM PACIFIC STANDARD TIME (PST).

Obviously we want to have the entries in before the finale airs Sunday night. Any submissions received after this deadline will NOT move on to the panel of judges, but will be included in the final group answers post. (see below)

By entering this contest, you agree to allow your entry to be published in a group entries article following the announcement of the winners. The purpose of the group post is to showcase all answers to the question for everyone to read and enjoy.

4 JUDGES
In addition to yours truly, I have invited 3 special guest LOST addicts/aficionados/experts to help judge the answers entered. These are folks whom you may have see in various LOST-related places on the interwebs. The judges panel will be announced THURSDAY MAY 20.

All entries will be judged on the following 4 points:

1) Adherence to the Rules: Is it in the correct entry format and exactly 4 sentences, and in before the deadline?

2) Creativity / Originality: Is it a totally new idea / take on things? Or is it built on one of the many pre-existing theories floating around already? (We realize it is possible for people to come up with the same idea, but if you lifted yours without giving it your own twist, we will know!)

3) Plausibility / Acceptability: How likely is the answer to be something that would actually be explained on the show? Does it seem like an answer that would satisfy the majority of fans? How in-tune is the answer with what we know about the show's creatives (writers, producers, directors) in regards to how they typically reveal (or not reveal) LOST's mysteries?

4) Accuracy: How close is the answer to what we ultimately learn about the Island (if anything) by the end of the series?

NOTE: We are quite aware that there are spoilers abound, so criteria #4 will not account for as much weight as the other 3 points.

4 WINNERS
The top 4 entries as deemed by the judges panel will be the winners. There will be a Grand Prize, 1st, 2nd and 3rd place levels. The prizes "packages" awarded will contain various LOST collectibles given with each of the 4 prize tiers. The contents of each prize package level will be posted on THURSDAY MAY 20, along with photographs of each.

To give you an idea of the different items up for grabs, the following is a partial listing:

* LOST Kubricks -- Jack + Bearbrick Set / Jack / Kate (Very rare & hard to find!)
* Official LOST Magazines (Great collectibles full of behind-the-scenes info and photos!)
* Complete LOST Trading Card Base Sets by Inkworks -- Season 2 and 3 (Out of print!)
* Official Apollo Chocolate Bars (From Season 2's "The LOST Experience" 2006!)
* Oceanic Airlines Luggage Tag (From Comic Con 2007)
* Authentic LOST Trading Cards -- Autograph Cards / Costume Cards (Out of Print!)

Plus MUCH more!!!

BONUS for ALL: Feel free to Download the Wallpaper Hi-Res version of the 4 4 4 4 Contest Poster!
1560 x 1600

4 TOED FOOT
I would just like to personally thank you and extend my appreciation to anyone and everyone who has been a visitor to this blog, read my articles, commented the posts, entered contests, and/or generally followed along during this journey.

Although I am not the fastest writer, nor the most consistent, I so sincerely hope that you have found the articles I post to be of some substance and perhaps even at times worth the wait. Your feedback over the years has been a joy. Being able to discuss the show in this format has not only led to other opportunities and exposure, but it has also allowed me the pleasure of getting to know even more of the fans out there.

I will continue to keep 4TF running, and plan to post about LOST for a long time to come. I will also be keeping up with FRINGE, Doctor Who, and several other shows tha tickle my fancy and fall into the science-fiction realm. Of course I will be keeping up with J.J. Abrams and his constant stream of projects, such as the upcoming "Super 8" movie collaboration with Stephen Spielberg.

Several years ago when another one of my favorite series, the X-files, ended it's 9-year run, I just knew there would never be another show as brilliant that would fill the hole that had been left in my heart.

Then LOST came along and proved me 100% wrong.

I know many of us are now feeling this same way about LOST. It will probably be several years before television conjures up another magical series where everything just works. I have no doubt this will happen, but it's going to be a bit of a wait.

Besides, no matter how hard the networks try to recreate it, we all know that there will NEVER be another LOST.

Thank you to all who have made this show and experience such a joy in my life.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This concludes the first post of the 4 4 4 4 Four for the Finale LOST Challenge! Now, go write and get those entries in!!!

NAMASTE

a.N
www.FourToedFoot.com

Share

LOST, Muppets, and Props

noreply@blogger.com (anna naranja) — Sun, 09 May 2010 07:03:00 +0000

Greetings Islanders!

Long time no post...as I've had some kind of miserable little stomach bug and am just starting to get over it now, thank goodness. So, I figured while I am working on the latest recap for "The Candidate", I thought I would share a couple of video delights from the last couple of days, just in case you'd missed them.

This first one is a really cute sketch with The Muppets, Damon, and Carlton...

And of course this is the latest Official LOST Video Podcast from May 6, 2010...part 2 of the Tour De Props! CORRECTION - Tour De Sets...!

Enjoy...see you again soon!

a.N www.FourToedFoot.com Share

Baltimore Magazine - Lost and Found with Terry O'Quinn (John Locke)

noreply@blogger.com (anna naranja) — Sat, 01 May 2010 19:33:00 +0000

Hey All,

In case you didn't see it, the magazine from one of my old haunts has a great article up on fellow Marylander Terry O'Quinn and his character John Locke in LOST!

"When Terry O'Quinn isn't playing the elusive character John Locke on the acclaimed ABC show Lost, you might spot the angular, bald actor picking up groceries at The Giant across from the Maryland State Fairgrounds, eating scrambled eggs at Miss Shirley's in Roland Park, or taking a swing on the greens at Greystone Golf Course in White Hall.

After all, he's one of us, a Marylander, since the mid-1970s. And when Lost— a convoluted saga about a group of plane crash survivors who find themselves on an island full of mysteries—wraps up filming its sixth and final season in Hawaii this spring, O'Quinn, 57, will be back in his Timonium townhouse with his wife of 30 years, Lori. He'll be hanging out with friends and just being a regular guy, at least, until his next project.

There's already buzz about another TV show, perhaps pairing O'Quinn with Michael Emerson, who plays the nefarious, bug-eyed Ben on Lost. The new series, in one possible scenario, would feature O'Quinn and Emerson as suburban hit men juggling family issues, according to the TV Guide Magazine website."

Read the rest of the article at: Baltimore Magazine - Lost and Found

a.N
www.FourToedFoot.com

Share

4TF Cafe Press LOST T-Shirt Contest Winner #2 Announced!

noreply@blogger.com (anna naranja) — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 03:17:00 +0000

Greetings You All LOST-Repeat-Watchin' Everybody!

Two weeks ago, I made a post about the Cafe Press LOST T-shirt Design Contest Winners, along with a chance to win one of the featured designs. Although the contest ended Sunday night, I figured I would hold off on announcing the winner of the drawing until it was actually LOST night...especially since there is no new episode this week.

//Cry, I know.

Hey but at least JOHN (ooh a LOST name!) will be happy! Yep, that's right, an email is already on it's way to comment #21 (ooh almost a LOST Number!) picked by Ye Ol' Random Number Generator.

See?

Thanks to everyone who joined in, commented, and helped to spread the word. And if you didn't win this time, there will be other opportunities to win more LOST stuff here at 4TF coming in the future.

In fact, follow my Gift Hatch Twitter account @theGiftHatch for even more chances to win LOST and other TV-related memorabilia and swag! I give away prizes there on a much more regular basis, too. ;-)

Until next time!
a.N
www.FourToedFoot.com
@FourToedFoot on Twitter

Share

New "Locke's Orange Smile" Design at 4TF Locke Shop!

noreply@blogger.com (anna naranja) — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 22:47:00 +0000

Hi All!

I just wanted to post the latest design added to the Four Toed Foot Locke Shop at Cafe Press. As mentioned previously, the designs I create will be "Limited Editions", so if you missed the "John Locke's Blow Up Tour" shirt, you can still get the design as a poster or card, but alas, no more shirts at this time.

And now I formally introduce to you, "John Locke's Orange Smile"...because I really DO love ORANGE around here at 4TF!

a.N
www.FourToedFoot.com

Share

Episode 6x11-6x12 -- Suddenly Everything Has Changed (Happily Ever After / Everybody Loves Hugo)

noreply@blogger.com (anna naranja) — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 20:07:00 +0000

Dear Readers: In the interest playing catch up, I have combined my take on "Happily Ever After" and "Everybody Loves Hugo" together into this single article. Thanks so much for everyone who has been asking about the recaps. I hope once you read this you will find it worth your time as well as the wait. By the way, since it's a double-episode article, it's a LONG one, so grab a glass of your favorite Dharma beverage, hunker down, and enjoy!

INTRO: The Gold in the Mountain of Our Madness

In what would now appear to have overtaken "Ab Aeterno" as the best episode of season 6 thus far, "Happily Ever After", took a heady turn as the story of Desmond Hume was finally continued. It's been a long wait, as the last we saw of poor Desmond, he was in the hospital after having been shot by Ben back in the season 5 episode, "The Variable".

"Happily Ever After" was written by Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse, and they really outdid themselves with this one. In a season that has been heavily tinged with the concept of faith and rife with religious references, science-fiction fans finally got their payoff with what can be seen as a companion piece to both "Flashes Before Your Eyes" and "The Constant".

There was very little time spent on the Island in this installment, as once again Desmond's special consciousness-jumping abilities were at play here, and just as in the past episodes mentioned, we had a bit of flashing to and fro happening for most of the hour. It really felt like an episode from one of the earlier seasons of LOST as well; there was no Jacob and no Man in Black to worry about. However, the shocks came fast and emotions ran high as at last so many of our questions in regards to Timeline-X and its relationship to the Regular Time-line were given a new depth and an interesting hint of clarification.

LOST-A-THON for Charity!

noreply@blogger.com (anna naranja) — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 18:42:00 +0000

Happy LOST-Day-Eve to you all!

Recently, a friend of mine sent word that one of his buddies has started a new LOST project for charity called “LOST-A-THON”.

Starting on May 19, 3 roommates will begin watching the entire series of LOST from the Pilot to the final live broadcast of the finale, clocking in at around 94 hours of back-to-back episode viewing. This event is not only aimed to go down in the Guinness Book of World Records for most consecutive hours of television ever watched in one sitting, but they are also hoping to raise $100,000 to go to support 3 charitable organizations: The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, Doctors Without Borders, and The Nature Conservatory. Do know that 100% of the money donated will go to these charities.

They have set up a website (http://lostathon.com/) to advertise the event as well as to accept donations. Please check it out! I believe this is an important project and the people behind it are really great guys who are already known to spend their weekends as volunteers helping others in need.

In addition, if you have a blog, Facebook page, Twitter account, or other social networking site, please HELP SPREAD THE WORD! In addition to having to get the word out about LOST-A-THON to fans around the world, they are also looking for sponsors for some of the logistical requirements before the event begins. By helping them get noticed with a little PR work on our part, we will also surely help them find the assistance they need before the date scheduled to begin.

I sincerely thank you for your time reading this post and invite you to check out the LOST-A-THON website to learn more about the project. Any assistance that you can provide in spreading word about this event is more than appreciated!! I am sure that with all of our efforts combined we can help them get noticed and get them some DONATIONS. I really feel that if this can happen, the project will be a huge success, go down in history, and provide some much-needed financial aid to some wonderful charities.

Much appreciation and NAMASTE!

a.N
www.FourToedFoot.com

Share

Cafe Press LOST T-Shirt Design Winners & ANOTHER Chance to Win Your Own LOST Tee!

noreply@blogger.com (anna naranja) — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 02:28:00 +0000

Hi LOSTies!

In case you've been stuck on the Island and didn't hear, custom t-shirt and gift design company Cafe Press teamed up with ABC to allow fans to create their very own LOST products and sell them in their special LOST merchandise portal. Since first opening, the LOST shop has added over 137,000 unique, often hilarious products, all designed by fans of the show. It's more than HUGE!

Back in February, Cafe Press also held a cool LOST design contest where 5 winners were picked to receive an awesome LOST prize package and one out of the 5 was then chosen to win a trip to Hawaii.

The 4TF even submitted a couple designs, which are still on sale in two separate shops, The 4TF Locke Shop, and The 4TF Smokey Shop. It's really an honor to know that somewhere out there, LOSTies are wearing the shirts that I created, so if any of you are one of the folks who happened to have purchased one, I just wanted to thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Ultimately, each of the winning LOST shirts really deserved the prize, as they are AMAZING and truly represented the different categories they were submitted under.

The 4TF would also like to recognize and congratulate each of the winners! BRAVO!!!

If you haven't seen them, here is a rundown of the ones that were chosen:

Juna of Detour Design won The Island category: We have to go back t-shirt

Wayne of LOST TV shirt won the Dharma Initiative category: Namaste t-shirt

Kenny of LOST Shirts & Apparel won the Airlines category: LOST Whatever Happened Flight t-shirt

Cynthia of Old School Thread won the Love “Square” category: LOST Love t-shirt

Anne of House of Darkly won The Others category: Jacob’s Cabin t-shirt

The Grand Prize trip to Hawaii went to Kenny of LOST Shirts and Apparel for his LOST Whatever Happened Happened design. CONGRATS again to Kenny!

Would you like to own one of these 5 winning designs - for FREE?

Well, just like back in February, Cafe Press has been so kind as to offer 4TF the opportunity to award one of you readers the chance to win your choice of one of these wonderful T-shirts!

Also just like the first contest, I am making this drawing super-easy to enter! Simply comment below with the winning design that is your favorite, along with the best way to contact you if you're picked as the winner. ("Anonymous" entries will be disqualified from the final drawing.)

The winning entry will be chosen at random 2 weeks from today on Sunday, April 25th at 12am EST. So make sure to get your comment in soon and then head over to Cafe Press and check out even more great LOST tees designed by fans, for fans!

a.N
www.FourToedFoot.com

Share

Regarding Twitter and Posting Potential Spoilers During LOST When it Airs

noreply@blogger.com (anna naranja) — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 00:05:00 +0000

Greetings Friends,

I'd like to address an issue that I know a lot of folks struggle with around the country and around the world: LOST Spoilers on Twitter feeds.

Last night during the recent episode, "Happily Ever After", I received a message on Twitter from a person who cursed me, accused me of posting a spoiler, and then told me that they were no longer going to follow my account. I was totally taken aback by this person's lack of decorum. If they knew anything about me, they would know that I despise spoilers, I never seek them out, and I am always very careful never to post them. I don't even want to know episode titles before they air, and am often disappointed when I come across one as I'm browsing the Twitter-verse.

My response was basically that this person should have known better than to be checking Twitter during LOST as it is airing on the East Coast. Countless people tweet during the show, post their reactions, and generally discuss what happens as it happens. Many of them are my friends and the info that they let slip out in posts often surprises me. From my perspective, being spoiled during airtime is pretty much a given if you follow LOST fans on Twitter.

I will admit that last night I was very, VERY excited, and for the first time in ages (if ever) I did decide to post a couple of messages as I reacted and discussed with other viewers. I suppose if one wasn't watching the show and happened to be getting my posts, they could have been viewed as somewhat spoiler-ish.

For anyone who felt this was the case, I do sincerely apologize. I am normally proud to present my blog and Twitter stream as a "safe-haven" for fans who don't want to know anything about the show beforehand. If you look back at the actual posts, you will see that I was still being somewhat cryptic and really only playing with the concepts and events being presented. However, often things are taken at face-value, and as careful as I am, accidents do happen.

At the same time, I do think it's unfair for other fans across the country and world to expect those who might be watching an episode as it airs to maintain some kind of "radio-silence" until everyone is able to catch up. Today I received a second message from a person who asked me to wait 20 hours before I talk about LOST so that they can be caught up. As much as I don't want to ruin the show for this person, I am not only a blogger but a fan who wants to be able to discuss it with other fans that I am linked up with. I mean, I can only be expected to do so much, as it is only natural that at some point I am going to make mention of certain themes and events with the rest of the community.

For example, I have been a member of countless forums where personal responsibility is what is to be expected of anyone who has to wait for the new installment to air. Surf the web, browse the blogs, and read the feeds, but do so at your own risk. I certainly see the West Coast fans having no problem tweeting and discussing as they watch, so why should it be any different for the folks in earlier timezones?

Again, this is just my own humble take on things, and I will indeed continue to do my best to be sensitive to those of you who follow my stream. It is not my intention nor desire to spoil the experience for any of you in any way.

I really cannot properly describe how much I appreciate each reader who visits this blog and each new fan who joins my little tweet-fest. Just like with LOST, doing what I do isn't about the act itself, or about getting some kind of recognition. Instead, it's truly is all about the people. I am honored and truly thank you all for your support, feedback, and friendship.

----------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------

AMENDMENT @9:00 PM EST: After posting this article, I had a brief yet wonderful conversation on the topic with fellow LOSTie friend @Nerderific. The following is an excerpt...

Nerderific: I disagree. Why should the East coast get to tweet live & all other time zones be forced offline? Kinda selfish.

4TF: It goes the other way though. Why should all other timezones have to be silent but the West coast gets to tweet live?

Nerderific: I will say this: cursing you out/asking you to wait 20hrs = BS. I think everyone should wait until 10:05PST to be polite.

4TF: I can agree with that. Like I said in the post, I normally don't tweet at all during the show because I'm too busy watching! ;-)

Nerderific: That's how I am! ;) Seriously though, are people THAT addicted to Twitter that they can't wait? I'm only that addicted to Lost.

4TF: BTW I'm not really suggesting people have to literally be "forced offline". I for one just stay away from certain streams, like #LOST.

Nerderific: Oh I definitely don't go there! My friends are cool enough for the most part to not Tweet. If others do, I just stop following.

4TF: Maybe the problem is using Twitter as one big chat-room when we should instead be gathering in an actual chat to discuss live.

Nerderific: AMEN my sister!! You hit the nail on the head! ;) It's just not polite. Message boards you can CHOOSE to avoid because of spoilers.

----------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------

A great point was made here by Nerderific in regards to differentiating between Twitter and forums. The former often involves messages popping up at you automatically, and the latter involves a person making the choice whether or not to view the posts.

So basically, if everyone would stop discussing the show on Twitter (from east coast airtime through to the end on the west coast) and join a LOST chat instead, the entire problem could be avoided.

(Actually, everyone should just concentrate on watching the show when it's on - especially since we only have a handful left!)

a.N
www.FourToedFoot.com

Share

4TF Blog of the Week April 5 (for April 2)

noreply@blogger.com (anna naranja) — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 08:31:00 +0000

Greetings You All Everybody,

This week's Blog of the Week is coming at you a couple of days late due to the holiday, family gatherings, etc. By the way, if you celebrate this time of year, I hope it's been keen.

Back in February a few days after the season 6 premiere, I was contacted (along with a slew of other LOST bloggers out there) by a fellow who was interested in starting up a new project for his blog. The proposal involved a weekly Q&A series where he would email those of us who agreed to join in two questions about the show. We would then send back our responses and he would post everyone's answers together in one article. The goal would be to, in his words, "...grow together not just as Lost fans or as bloggers, but as friends too". He also added, "I know our opinions differ enough to make the answers interesting to read, but we are also all generally good hearted and, from my experience, very helpful and encouraging of one another".

I loved this approach and thought the idea was fantastic, so of course I agreed to participate. I could already anticipate the fun in reading the thoughts and theories from such a variety of bloggers and fans in the LOST community. Little did I know at the time that it would basically blow up into one of the coolest blogs around. It is my sincere pleasure to introduce you to Chris Kelly's "Stream of Consciousness".

Stream Of Consciousness

Dubbed "The LOST Blogging Collective", or "LBC", the group initially consisted of roughly 8 different writers, blog authors, and fans, including Chris and myself. Now, in it's 9th week of publication, the LBC has grown past his original goal of 16 members to an astounding 23 members! That's an awesome achievement right there, not to mention all of the work that Chris puts in to the project, from coming up with interesting questions, to sending out the weekly email, to posting all responses (which range from a couple of sentences to a couple of paragraphs per question), and keeping the whole thing pretty much running on a tight schedule from the start.

In addition to the Q&A sessions, Chris serves up a "Weekly Round-Up" where he browses a number of LOST blogs, including those run by LBC members, and adds a highlight of their most recent updates. Again, this is quite an undertaking which has only grown as the Collective has increased size. It's also quite wonderful, as you can pretty much find all of your favorite LOST websites here in a well-organized list that serves as an at-a-glance view of all of the latest posts in one place. Just to give you an idea, the last Round-Up #5 contained over 100 links and in general is starting to remind me of an encyclopedia of sorts. Simply astounding!!!

Oh, but it doesn't stop there, either. Chris posts a "Weekly Website" as well (which served as the inspiration for my own little spotlight) where he provides a more in-depth review of one of his favorite LOST blogs. He has also started a new "Where Are They Now" series. His description states, "In this new segment, I try to quickly recap (in a few paragraphs, or less) the history and current placement of all the main characters - consider this a quick Best Of". This is turning out to be yet another successful idea that he has added to the site.

Did I mention that Chris also writes LOST essays, theories, and even serves up his very own weekly episode recaps and analysis?

One would think that all these LOST updates keeps Chris with his hands full in regards to blogging.

Wrong!

In addition to LOST, Chris posts about other TV shows, music, comics, books, boxing, and more. There was even a recent article on the history of quantum physics which is a highly recommended read. If anything it will improve your understanding of LOST. I've noticed additional "weekly" posts, too, such as his "Weekly Image" and "Weekly Song". In essence, Stream of Consciousness is pretty much a LOST-focused site with a bonus collection of other stuff that Chris finds to be interesting. What's great about that is that I also tend to find what Chris thinks is interesting to be interesting. I believe a good number of you will as well.

Check it out and keep going back, as he is always adding something new and entertaining!

(Actually, with all the updates coupled with the fact the blog is only run by one person, I am starting to wonder if Chris has not been turning the donkey wheel and doing a bit of time-traveling himself.)

;-)

Links:

Stream Of Consciousness - http://superduperstream.blogspot.com/

LOST Blogging Collective - http://superduperstream.blogspot.com/search/label/Lost Blogging Collective

LOST Blogging Collective Q&A - http://superduperstream.blogspot.com/search/label/Lost Blogging Collective - 0QnA

LOST Weekly Round-Ups - http://superduperstream.blogspot.com/search/label/Lost - Round-Ups

------------------------------------------------------

ENJOY and Namaste!
a.N

Episode 6x09 -- Don't Get Lost in Heaven (Ab Aeterno)

noreply@blogger.com (anna naranja) — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 17:27:00 +0000

I do sincerely apologize to you all for my recent 3-episode hiatus. I suppose one could say that I’ve been saving my thoughts on the last few episodes and letting them age like…a fine wine. Yet even with so many current distractions (read: very important life-stuff) nothing gets me “stay-up-all-night-whacky-LOST-eyed-writing” again more than a major mythology episode.

INTRO: Rock It

So, did LOST not ROCK IT with episode nine or what?!

Nestor Carbonell finally got to show off his mad acting skillz is this long-overdue tale of Richard Alpert’s epic back-story, “Ab Aeterno” (which for those of you who don’t know already can be translated to “For Eternity”). And it really did have something for everyone. A dashing hero on horseback straight out of a period romance-novel. A damsel in distress. Bloody outbursts of violence. The battle between good and evil. Faustian bargains. Richard's hysterical laughter. Built-in suspenders! Corks!!

When compared to the rest of the series, it was as emotional as “The Constant”, as mythical as “Cabin Fever”, as shocking as “The Man Behind the Curtain”…and I could go on and on through all of the major game-changing episodes we have seen. Just through following the fan rumblings on Twitter I found that there are only a few who have NOT added this to their “top-episodes of all time” lists. I believe this is true especially because of the fact we had previously been given NOTHING about this character’s tale but little spurts and hints since his first appearance. This in turn made the fan buildup to this particular installment nothing short of phenomenal, dare I say even rabid. And I must concur; it met and surpassed my expectations as it seems to have done for most of the fan-base.

There’s some heady stuff going on in this one so let’s just get right to the recap!

4TF Blog of the Week March 26

noreply@blogger.com (anna naranja) — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 22:13:00 +0000

Greetings LOSTies,

I've been wanting to get this one up for awhile now. Without further ado, may I introduce to you, "Finally Lost".

Finally LOST

I love marathon-ing a show. For those of you who don't know what I mean, I am referring to the act of watching several seasons if not an entire series that has already aired very quickly, episode after episode, so that what you get is almost akin to one complete movie. DVD sets are wonderful for this, as you don't have to deal with commercials, nor do you have to wait until the next week to find out what happens.

This is exactlty what Benny Biggs decided to do with LOST. Even better, he created a blog about it.

This very ambitious undertaking follows him from November 13, 2009 when he decided to start his site and begin watching LOST from season one through five in order to be caught up before the premiere of season six.

The joy of this blog is being able to re-watch the show through someone else's eyes. I know that many fans, including myself, tend to re-watch the previous seasons during the typical hiatus period. However, what makes Finally LOST so special is the author's newness to everything about the show.

You can follow Benny's thoughts all the way from his first post, through every season, up until the latest episode. His posts are thoughtful, well-written, and often hilarious, as his sense of humor tends to creep in more often than not. In addition, some of the older articles can help to remind "veterans" of events or clues from the show that may have been forgotten or overlooked. And again, this has all been done in the past 5 months. Some of us have had our blogs going for years, and unless you really take a good look, upon first visit one would think Finally LOST had also been running since the very beginning.

So my friends, if you haven't had the chance to check out this site, definitely add it to your favorites. I assure you the writing style and past articles will keep you coming back.

Links:

Finally LOST - http://finallylost.wordpress.com/

------------------------------------------------------

Until next time...Namaste!
a.N

4TF vs. MegaCon 2010

noreply@blogger.com (anna naranja) — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 23:06:00 +0000

Hi Everyone!

I need to have a brief aside before I discuss the convention...a confession of sorts.

It's time that I face the fact that and straight-up admit that I really am horrible at keeping up with timely recaps. If it's not one thing, it's another...and I literally have just not had the time. Writing does not come fast at all for me, and to make matters worse I tend to over-think and over-write and often have to reign myself back in. Between conception, research, writing, editing, proofing, grabbing screen shots, and then converting it into html for the blog format, I spend an average of 20+ hours on each article. If some kind of wrench is thrown into my normal schedule, I end up not getting it finished in time. Right now I owe you all 2 recaps, which are both still in progress, but I will be moving forward with this past week's episode Recon and play catch-up later.

Anyway, this past week I didn't get a chance to write because I attended the 2010 MegaCon, which is pretty much Florida's "Comic Con" held in Orlando. After an historically craptacular drive through a rainstorm named Hell, I found myself at the Convention Center a wee bit too late to get parking at the building I needed access to. It was then a second, shorter adventure in the rain from my parking spot to the West Complex which was what seemed like 10 Wal-Marts away. (What, you didn't know Wal-Mart is a unit of measurement?) I felt bad for the folks who were in serious costume. There were tons of saggy ears and wet fur but that did not stop a somewhat hefty crowd from pouring into the place ready to get their geek on.

One of the more entertaining aspects of the experience was the fact that MegaCon was not the only event going on at this convention complex. There was some kind of barbecue grill show, and there was a home show with a fair amount of fancy older couples which may or may have not been linked to the barbecue affair going on. At another end of the building there was what looked like graduation ceremony with people in their traditional cap & gowns getting photos taken in the hallway with their entire families. And then to top it all off, there was a cheerleading competition. That's right, and they were little 10-year old girl-cheerleaders with mother chaperones who were visibly horrified at some of the space oddities coming to and from the MegaCon end of the building. Yes indeed, twas a fine melting pot of cultures clashing on this fine day!

The convention itself was pretty exciting. I got there just in time to catch the last half of the Billy Dee Williams Q&A Session. One of the nicer things about smaller conventions such as this is there are not normally huge lines to get in to a panel, and you are at the most 20 or so rows back from the guests because the room size is much more condensed. BDW was very entertaining, and turned his answers into mini-stories. There was however a slight problem with his mic and there were times when he was hard to hear. I had a chance to ask him about how he ended up on LOST playing "The Cobra" in Expose'. He talked for a good 3 minutes about how he was friends with Jimmy Kimmel and the path eventually led him to the show. Unfortunately the video that I took is almost absent of sound when BDW actually speaks. I am waiting for one of the other folks who took footage to add it somewhere online, so when i find a clip I will post it. That was pretty much the highlight of my time there.

There were a few more Star Wars alumni at the convention, along with a lot of Star Trek folks including original cast member Nichelle Nichols. There were also some really great panels on Independent Film making. But then there were some events that just seemed like they did not belong, almost as if MegaCon was just desperate to fill time and space. The belly-dancing panel was every day, because it's...so...sci-fi...?

I spent most of my time on the floor admiring the artists that were in attendance. As far as the costumes went, it was the standard free-for all of weirdness. There were the classic costumes...Princess Leia slave-girl, Storm Trooper, Random Anime Animal, The Joker...and then there was the guy just wearing the cardboard box. The booths on the floor were a bit repetitive and felt like eventually you were seeing the same sellers over and over. It was mostly a lot of comic and anime/manga retailers, with the occasional toy shop or trading card dealer thrown in.

In general, the crowd was young and excited. Although cosplay is not really my thing, I couldn't help be happy for the masses that seemed ready to explode with the joy of just being there. MegaCon was overall huge with Star Wars, Star Trek, and anime events. There were even play-battles and group dances. Other areas left a little something to be desired, but for a local convention, it was great. It sounded like a lot of people who went had never been to a comic convention before, and if you can't make it across the country to San Diego for the big one in July, smaller gatherings like MegaCon can help fill that special void in a sci-fi geek's heart.

Until next time!
a.N.