I want to take my very last blog of 2011 to take a look back at my 2011. If 2010 was the year I had all the luck then 2011 is the year where I did a lot of pop culture things.

First off my year started off with the birth of my second niece so that was a great way to start off 2011.

But in March, I went to Orlando for a work conference but stayed behind a bit so I could go to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando. I spent two days at the park and it was awesome. Walking the streets of Hogsmeade was surreal. Seeing Hogwarts in the distance and up close was totally awesome. The rides too were super cool especially Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey where you get to roam Hogwarts before getting on the

ride. You get to go through Herbology, see the house points container, see the entrance to Dumbledore’s office, be in Dumbledore’s office and have the trio of Ron, Harry and Hermione greet you to explain the ride. And just before you get on the ride, you are surrounded by talking and moving portraits and have the Sorting Hat give you safety instructions.

Here is a quick video that I did when I first entered The Wizarding World of Harry Potter:

Touring the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

2011 is also the year that we said goodbye to Smallvile after 10 seasons. It is hypocritical of me to be this enthusiastic about a show that I really only watched in its last season but I will and still miss it especially considering it ended on such a strong note.

2011 is also the year that I increased by theatre going experience. I saw all four Bard on the Beach productions this season (mainly due to the fact that I volunteer for them) and list its magnificent production of The Merchant of Venice as the best production of this past season.

I also saw August Osage County at the Arts Club season and was in awe of the performances of all but especially from Nora McLellan and Wendy Noel.

Then of course I went to NYC just this past November where I saw How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying starring the very talented Daniel Radcliffe and Lincoln Center’s War Horse, which is the first play in a long time where I actually cried.

Of course while I was in NYC, I took in the Radio City Music Hall’s Christmas Spectacular and also took in tapings of Anderson and The Chew.

Let’s see what I else. I guess I should name some of my favourite movies that I saw this year: Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows Part Two, The Muppets, Crazy Stupid Love and Jane Eyre. Worse Movie: Transformers Dark Side of the Moon and Faster. It is too bad that Faster had to be very last movie shown at the now defunct Hollywood Theatre.

Pop Goes The World also started a podcast hosted by yours truly, Nadya and Sigrid where we talk (so far) all things TV.

Speaking of TV, my favourite new show has got to be Once Upon A Time. It is such a great show mixing the real world with fairy tale land. It is by far my favourite show of this TV season.

On a personal note, I also started a online baking business called Go To Bread, where I make quick breads like Banana Bread and Pumpkin Bread. Take a look at my site and if you are interested in some, drop me a line.

Things I am looking forward to in 2012, pop culture-wise is The Avengers, The Hunger Games, seeing where Once Upon a Time takes us and Bard’s production of Taming of the Shrew. I am sure there are more but I can’t think of it right now

So I wish everyone a very Happy New Year and all the best in 2012.