Your guide to the region's top events, mixed with some commentary about life, media, gossip and politics in Washington, DC.
|
The Blogger Beat: Pop Candy
Ready for a sugar rush? This week’s Blogger Beat devours music, television, movies, and more with Pop Candy blogger Whitney Matheson.
By
Emily Leaman
Whitney Matheson in her natural habitat—in her office at USAToday.com in McLean. And, yes, that's a lightsaber on her desk. Photograph by Chris Leaman
Whitney Matheson, the pop-culture guru behind the Pop Candy blog, started in the news section at USA Today in 1999. Within a few months, she moved over to entertainment to write a weekly pop-culture column called Pop Candy. It quickly gained a following, so she started a blog, Hip Clicks, to write daily digests and commentary on music, movies, and more. In 2005, she merged the two, and the Pop Candy blog as we know it today was born.
Whitney posts on a wide range of topics, from comic books to indie films to mustaches. But the common thread is this: If it’s something she’s passionate about, Whitney will blog about it. Luckily, her interests seem to translate to the masses—she’s found a big audience and built a cult following among pop-culture addicts.
We caught up with the 31-year-old to gorge on TV, music, books, and more. Read on to find out her favorite local celebrity, where she gets her own pop-culture fix, and where she goes in Washington to get away from it all.
Reality show you’d most like to be a contestant on:
“Though I’m way too old for it, MTV’s Made. I might like to be made into a chef or a cab driver, mainly so I could acquire a new skill. (I’m a terrible driver who never cooks dinner.) I also wouldn’t mind being on Deadliest Catch, but I don’t know how to swim.” Favorite podcast:
“Aside from my own? Probably This American Life." Five most-played songs in your iTunes:
“That Handsome Devil’s ‘Wintergreen,’ Tilly and the Wall’s ‘Pot Kettle Black,’ Quitzow’s ‘Sponsor (It Didn’t Mean a Thing),’ the Duchess and the Duke’s ‘Reservoir Park,’ and Vivian Girls’ ‘Where Do You Run To.’ ” Last TV show you watched:
“I watch way too much TV, but my current obsession is Gavin & Stacey on BBC America and Mad Men, of course—this season is too delicious to ignore.” Last movie you saw:
"Vicky Cristina Barcelona. I see all of the Woody Allen movies, even the ones I’m told to avoid.” The Hills or Gossip Girl?
"Gossip Girl, even though I think all of the characters are evil and soulless, and Chuck Bass is totally channeling James Spader." Project Runway or America’s Next Top Model?
"Eh, neither. I’m not really a fashiony person." Twitter or Facebook?
"I Twitter at least twice a day (twitter.com/popcandy). I like Facebook, but sometimes I get freaked out by all the poking and exchanging of imaginary plants." Law and Order or Law and Order: SVU?
"Neither one, though I still mourn Jerry Orbach." The new 90210 or the original?
"I'm not digging 2.0, so I guess I’ll pick the Kelly Taylor classic." American Idol or Dancing With the Stars?
"I consider both shows utter torture and try to avoid them at all costs." TV show you’d watch straight through in a 24-hour marathon:
"24 is fun for that, but I’ve held several Buffy the Vampire Slayer marathons in my apartment." Favorite spot for a pop-culture fix:
"I dig Melody Records for music and DVDs and Big Planet for my comic-book needs." Favorite spot to get away from it all:
"Wherever the DC Rollergirls are brawling. In winter, I love watching the ice skaters at the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden rink." Place we would most likely find you on a Sunday afternoon:
"Either the folk-art wing of the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the E Street Cinema, or Hank’s Oyster Bar. On a good Sunday, I hit all three!" Local celebrity you’d most like to meet:
"Maybe Willard Scott or Bob Ryan. Is it weird that I can only think of weathermen?" Show that made you cry—or almost cry—when it went off the air:
"Veronica Mars, because it ended before its time. So did Arrested Development, though at least that show didn’t end on a cliffhanger!" Best book you’ve read in the last year:
"The Bottomless Belly Button by Dash Shaw. It’s an epic graphic novel—700 pages—but is so touching and funny, and I wish it had been twice as long.” Favorite Web site or blog for a pop-culture fix, other than your own:
"Daytrotter, when I need a musical escape." Next week in the Blogger Beat, we get our game face on with sports guru Dan Steinberg, who writes the Washington Post’s DC Sports Bog. We talk Nats, Caps, United, and more, and we find out which hometown team Dan thinks has the best fans. Check back Wednesday for the interview! Earlier interviews:
14th & You
Beer Activist
All Blogger Beat interviews Have a favorite local blogger you’d like to hear from? Send an e-mail to eleaman@washingtonian.com. More>> Capital Comment Blog | News & Politics | Society Photos
|
Category Tags: Blogger Beat
Comments
GgSG <a href="http://my-bilingual.com/wordpress/ghdoutlet116/2012/01/16/improve-ghd-aus-this-is-appearance-with/">ghd flat iron</a> XaRN http://dpv.neobase.hu/content/ghd-outlet-australia-width-derives UfJY <a href="http://dpv.neobase.hu/content/ghd-sale-australia-brush-are-generally">cheap ghds</a> JxSG http://louisvuittonartsy7676.earthsblogs.org/2012/01/16/buy-ghd-australia-obtainable-in-online/ ZbKE <a href="http://replicagucci116.ichundo.net/e7987.html">cheap ghd hair straighteners</a> QvIR http://louisvuittonneverfullbag.yolasite.com/ UlIW <a href="http://www.improper.com/member/17309/">hermes store</a> WpPU http://www.partnersworldwide.org/member/27451/
Posted by: impevieta, Jan 16, 2012 09:07:04 AM
onlinewatchstore<ahref="http://www.onlinewatchstore.biz">onlinewatchstore</a><a href="http://www.onlinewatchstore.biz/category.php?id_category=284"> chnel J12</a><a href="http://www.onlinewatchstore.biz/category.php?id_category=266"> Cartier Montres 21 Chronoscaph</a><a href="http://www.onlinewatchstore.bi/category.php?id_category=33">Panerai </a><a href="http://www.onlinewatchstore.biz/category.php?id_category=34">Patek Philippe </a>
Posted by: onlinewatchstore, Dec 07, 2011 09:32:22 PM
PUMA is one of the <a href="http://www.pumashoes.net.au/puma-future-cat-c-430.html">world´s leading sportlifestyle</a> companies that designs and develops footwear, apparel and accessories. It is committed to working in ways that contribute to the world by supporting Peace, Creativity, and <a href="http://www.pumashoes.net.au/puma-hstreet-mens-running-shoe-c-564.html">SAFE Sustainability</a>, and by staying true to the values of being Fair, Honest, Positive and Creative in decisions made and actions taken.<a href="http://www.pumashoes.net.au/puma-idcell-mens-running-shoes-c-566.html">PUMA starts</a>in Sport and ends in Fashion. Its<a href="http://www.pumashoes.net.au/puma-lift-racer-c-436.html">Sport Performance</a>and Lifestyle labels include categories such as Football, Running, Motorsports, Golf and Sailing. The Black Label features collaborations with renowned designers such as Alexander McQueen, Yasuhiro Mihara and Sergio Rossi. The <a href="http://www.pumashoes.net.au/puma-lazy-insect-c-437.html">PUMA Group</a>owns the brands PUMA, Tretorn and Hussein Chalayan. The company, which was founded in 1948, distributes its products in more than<a href="http://www.pumashoes.net.au/puma-football-shoes-c-432.html">120countries</a>, employs more than 9,000 people worldwide and has headquarters in Herzogenaurach/Germany, Boston, London and Hong Kong.
Posted by: puma shoes, Dec 07, 2011 09:31:43 PM
This is a wonderful article. The things given are unanimous and needs to be appreciated by everyone.
----------------------------------------------------
<a href="http://www.noosachocolate.com.au" rel="dofollow">chocolates</a>
Posted by: sumitgupta08, Mar 08, 2011 05:50:46 PM
Designs ugg boot emu remains one of the most popular winter cheap emu boot every year emu boots for girls. It is best to choose the collections of classic styles of emu boots for woman because you can easily match with different emu boots sizing teams. When searching for the best winter emu boots reviews, If your calves are a little bigger, it will be much more comfortable using emu boot. If you have short legs and wants to look taller, you can buy the baby emu boot
http://www.emu-boots.org/
Posted by: emu boots, Nov 02, 2010 02:17:31 AM
Designs <strong><a href="http://www.emu-boots.org/">ugg boot emu</a> </strong>remains one of the most popular winter <a href="http://www.emu-boots.org/"><strong>cheap emu boot</strong></a> every year <a href="http://www.emu-boots.org/"><strong>emu boots for girls</strong></a>. It is best to choose the collections of classic styles of <a href="http://www.emu-boots.org/"><strong>emu boots for woman</strong></a> because you can easily match with different <strong><a href="http://www.emu-boots.org/">emu boots sizing</a></strong> teams. When searching for the best winter <a href="http://www.emu-boots.org/"><strong>emu boots reviews</strong></a>, If your calves are a little bigger, it will be much more comfortable using <a href="http://www.emu-boots.org/"><strong>emu boot</strong></a>. If you have short legs and wants to look taller, you can buy the <a href="http://www.emu-boots.org/"><strong>baby emu boot</strong></a>
Posted by: emu boots, Nov 02, 2010 02:16:38 AM
Hello!everyone!iphone is so expensive.so I like ciphone. I want to introduce efox-shop to you
d^_^bIt is very interesting. .<a href="http://www.efox-shop.com/" rel="nofollow"> Sciphones i68，ciphone c6,Ciphone,cecthandy,Sciphones ,cecthandys,hiphone,HIPHONE 4,pinphone 3gs </a>
Posted by: efox, Sep 26, 2010 06:53:16 PM
Whitney, Your desk is cool..don’t change a thing! Pop Candy is a great part of every day :)
Posted by: <A title="" href="http://www.newcoachoutlet.com/"><B>coach outlet</B></A> , May 24, 2010 11:07:00 PM
Nike translated into Chinese.<a href="http://www.nikestarsonsale.com">basketball shoes</a>
Posted by: basketball shoes, Apr 07, 2010 01:18:46 AM
Cheap authentic ugg boots in http://www.luckysnowboots.com/ wholesale only 45usd/pcs
http://luckysnowboots.com/index.php?route=product/category&path=37
http://luckysnowboots.com/index.php?route=product/category&path=35
http://luckysnowboots.com/index.php?route=product/category&path=36
http://luckysnowboots.com/index.php?route=product/category&path=39
http://luckysnowboots.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=35&product_id=52
http://luckysnowboots.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=35&product_id=53
http://luckysnowboots.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=35&product_id=50
Posted by: luckysnowboots, Feb 24, 2010 08:13:15 AM
What keeps us alive, what allows us to endure?
I think it is the hope of loving,
or being loved.
I heard a fable once about the sun going on a journey
to find its http://www.uggbootshome.net source, and how the moon wept
without her lover’s
warm gaze.
We weep when light does not reach our hearts. We wither
like fields if someone close
does not rain their
kindness
upon
us.--------------------《The Hope of Loving》
Posted by: ugg boots, Jan 16, 2010 05:08:58 AM
http://www.uggbootshome.net Wholesale Ugg Boots
http://www.uggbootshome.net Uggs Outlet
Posted by: shengxiang, Nov 26, 2009 12:40:21 AM
http://www.uggboots-site.com/ ugg outlet
Posted by: ugg boots, Nov 22, 2009 11:48:08 PM
<a href="http://www.uggboots-space.com/">winter ugg boots</a>
Posted by: ugg boots, Nov 22, 2009 11:47:35 PM
<a href="http://www.christian-louboutin-shoes.cc">christian louboutin shoes</a>
<a href="http://www.christian-louboutin-shoes.cc">christian louboutin</a>
Posted by: chang, Aug 16, 2009 02:54:07 AM
http://www.nbajs.com/Dallas_Mavericks.html Dallas Mavericks jerseys
http://www.nbajs.com/Denver_Nuggets_jerseys.html Denver Nuggets jerseys
Posted by: wodewdan, Jul 27, 2009 01:00:12 AM
<a href="http://www.nbajs.com/Dallas_Mavericks.html">Dallas Mavericks jerseys</a><br>
<a href="http://www.nbajs.com/Denver_Nuggets_jerseys.html">Denver Nuggets jerseys</a><br>
Posted by: guodan, Jul 27, 2009 12:59:19 AM
cheap air jordan shoes in www.shoesnclothes.com
http://shoesnclothes.com/air_jordan_1.html
http://shoesnclothes.com/air_jordan_2.html
http://shoesnclothes.com/air_jordan_3.html
http://shoesnclothes.com/air_jordan_4.html
http://shoesnclothes.com/air_jordan_5.html
http://shoesnclothes.com/air_jordan_6.html
http://shoesnclothes.com/air_jordan_7.html
http://shoesnclothes.com/air_jordan_8.html
http://shoesnclothes.com/air_jordan_9.html
http://shoesnclothes.com/air_jordan_12.html
http://shoesnclothes.com/air_jordan_13.html
http://shoesnclothes.com/air_jordan_14.html
http://shoesnclothes.com/air_jordan_18.html
http://shoesnclothes.com/air_jordan_11.html cheap air jordan shoes only 40-80usd
Posted by: shoesnclothes.com, Jun 11, 2009 01:01:38 AM
cheap air jordan shoes in
http://www.shoesnclothes.com/air_jordan_1.html
http://www.shoesnclothes.com/air_jordan_2.html
http://www.shoesnclothes.com/air_jordan_3.html
http://www.shoesnclothes.com/air_jordan_4.html
http://www.shoesnclothes.com/air_jordan_5.html
http://www.shoesnclothes.com/air_jordan_6.html
http://www.shoesnclothes.com/air_jordan_7.html
http://www.shoesnclothes.com/air_jordan_8.html
http://www.shoesnclothes.com/air_jordan_9.html
Posted by: ignore, Jun 08, 2009 12:37:08 AM
http://www.shoesnclothes.com/air_jordan_1.html
nike air jordan 1 only 40-80$
Posted by: ignore, Jun 08, 2009 12:34:15 AM
http://www.4unj.com/Philadelphia_Eagles_jerseys.html Philadelphia Eagles jerseys
Posted by: clmm8899, May 18, 2009 08:24:47 PM
http://www.nbajs.com
Posted by: clmm8899, May 18, 2009 08:23:18 PM
http://www.ugg2u.net/UGG_Adirondack_Boot_II.html UGG Adirondack Boot II
Posted by: clmm8899, May 18, 2009 08:18:35 PM
<a href="http://www.air-max-shoes.com/Zoom_Moire+.html">Zoom Moire+</a>
Posted by: clmm8899, May 18, 2009 08:17:24 PM
Whitney, Your desk is cool..don’t change a thing! Pop Candy is a great part of every day :)
Posted by: LoriS, Sep 23, 2008 03:55:10 PM
Pop Candy is a must read... Whitney finds the best bits of cool/hip info!
Posted by: Liz, Sep 23, 2008 02:15:12 PM
Pop Candy rules!
resistance is futile.
All your base are belongs to us!
Posted by: JasonC, Sep 23, 2008 11:25:05 AM
Whitney is the best, her site is a MDR (minimum daily requirement) for anything and everything. It is a must read and it is so up to date that if you read every day you will have the jump on all conversations. Ms. Whitney is one of the smartest people I have ever come in contact with, her ability to transfer information in her blog so that people can understand it boggles the mind...READ IT EVERY CHANCE YOU GET !
Posted by: TheProfessor69, Sep 18, 2008 01:24:54 PM
Pop candy rules! Glad to see Whitney Matheson and her site getting the attention she deserves.
Posted by: Jamiehp31, Sep 18, 2008 08:29:22 AM
I love pop candy! Yay for Whitney.
Also - I agree about the facebook anxiety, though I always feel pressure to send out those imaginary plants. I do it against my better judgement, but then, I’m also responsible for saving about 60 sq. feet of rain forest. Right? No? (le sigh)
Posted by: Crazy4Lep, Sep 17, 2008 02:04:08 PM
two of my favorites together-- Washingtonian and PopCandy! Whitney I read it everyday, and the Lost re-caps are seriously one of my favorite things in the world!
Posted by: Jayne, Sep 17, 2008 01:58:02 PM
The only blog I read faithfully everyday!
Posted by: Nancy, Sep 17, 2008 01:13:18 PM
Whitney rocks. Thanks to Pop Candy, I’ve found out about so many great musicians, movies and TV shows I otherwise would never have tried. On the rare occasion that Whitney takes a day off, I go through serious withdrawal.
Posted by: Jeremy, Sep 17, 2008 11:36:05 AM
nevermind.
Posted by: squinty no more, Sep 17, 2008 11:30:14 AM
this is hard to read.
everything is centered, and the questions and answers run together, making it difficult.
but i stuck it out, because whitney is awesome.
Posted by: squinty, Sep 17, 2008 11:29:01 AM
Mz Whit, and Pop Candy, ROCK!
W00t!
Posted by: -AJ-, Sep 17, 2008 11:09:56 AM
Love Pop Candy!
Posted by: Jesseka, Sep 17, 2008 07:23:20 AM
Whitney’s great. We saw her at an event at Bourbon and she was funny and dead on about tons of pop culture stuff. And couldn’t agree with her more about crying at the end of Veronica Mars...
Posted by: Catherine, Sep 17, 2008 07:08:50 AM
|
Post a comment
Feel free to leave a comment or ask a question. Because of the prevalence of spam, we ask that you fill out the code in the image below to help us eliminate spam comments. By posting here, you affirm that you are 13 years of age or older. Washingtonian.com reserves the right to remove or edit content once posted.
|
|
|
