Month: August 2009

“House, M.D.” — Season 5

Jae-Ha Kim

“House” begins its fifth season on a somber note. With his girlfriend, Amber, dead, Dr. James Wilson (Robert Sean Leonard) finds his friendship with the cantankerous Dr. Gregory House (Hugh Laurie) to be more strained than ever and temporarily leaves the hospital where they work. He eventually returns, which is a good thing, because Wilson is the closest thing House has to a moral compass. The writers of this drama do an admirable job of inserting elements of well-placed comedy into the often-intense vignettes.

Go Away With … James Blake

Jae-Ha Kim

As a child, James Blake suffered from scoliosis. The budding tennis star had two choices: surgery, to correct the curvature of his spine, or a back brace. Because the former meant he would have to give up the sport, he opted for the brace — which he took off only for tennis practice. An economics student at Harvard, Blake dropped out after two years to play on the pro circuit. At 29, he is one of America’s best tennis players. He will compete in the U.S. Open, which runs Aug. 31 through Sept. 13. Blake — who has dabbled in modeling — also collaborated with his sponsor Fila on his new line of clothing, which he named after his late father: Thomas Reynolds. For more information on Blake and his line of athletic wear, visit www.fila.com.

Go Away With … Curtis Stone

Jae-Ha Kim

Born in Melbourne, Australia, chef Curtis Stone, 33, has lived in Los Angeles for the past three years but says he’s a traveler at heart. The star of TLC’s “Take Home Chef,” Stone has a new book in stores called Relaxed Cooking with Curtis Stone: Recipes to Put You in My Favorite Mood (Clarkson Potter). Stone, 33, talks to us about his travels and why America offers so much for visitors to see.

Go Away With … Vineyard Vines’ Shep Murray

Jae-Ha Kim

Shep Murray saw a good chunk of the world early on in his life, thanks to his parents — both of whom were travel writers. Eleven years ago when he and his younger brother, Ian, founded Vineyard Vines — a line of clothing and accessories that evokes a crisp, preppy vibe — the siblings kept their travels in mind.

Go Away With … Sophie Kinsella

Jae-Ha Kim

Best known for her series of “Shopaholic” books, including the bestselling “Confessions of a Shopaholic,” Sophie Kinsella is using technology to promote her latest novel, “Twenties Girl.” The avid traveler is staying put (temporarily) in England to participate in a series of Skype events with fans across the United States. This is a change of pace for the 39-year-old author and fashionista. Whether it’s taking a quick weekend trip to England’s Cornwall, vacationing in exotic Oman or enjoying a margarita at New York’s La Esquina, the former financial reporter is always up for a good trip.