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Rainn Wilson Goes To Haiti To Support MONA Foundation And Planting Peace

Michael Parrish DuDell — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 13:56:54 +0000

So I’m a pretty serious Facebooker, but up until now I’ve stayed clear of Twitter. However, just yesterday I made the resolution to get better with my tweeting and it’s already paying off!

Just moments ago, The Office star Rainn Wilson announced that he is headed to Haiti for some good old fashion charity-lovin. He tweets:

“Headed to Miami, then Haiti to do some work and press for the MONA Foundation and PlantingPeace.org – google those bad boys!”

Well, we did a little research on both organizations and it turns out their pretty darn cool!

The MONA Foundation promotes service learning and volunteerism, bridging the digital divide and supporting the adopted projects through financial grants and material resources. PlantingPeace is a nonprofit that produces a variety of projects ranging from large-scale international efforts to grassroots initiatives, including human and environmental campaigns.

We love to hear that Wilson is out and about getting involved in charity campaigns. Keep up the great work!

Rainn Wilson Writes For CNN, Urges Stop To Religious Persecution In Iran

Michael d'Estries — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 19:54:54 +0000

Rainn Wilson, one of the stars of NBC’s The Office, has penned an opinion piece for CNN on the persecution of members of the Baha’i faith in Iran. Wilson, who is also a follower of Baha’i, is urging support of resolution going before Congress on the situation. “This thought has become kind of a cliché’, but we take our rights for granted here in America,” he says. “Imagine if a group of people were rounded up and imprisoned and then disappeared not for anything they’d done, but because they wanted to worship differently than the majority.”

The first piece of his article his below:

Why is Rainn Wilson, “Dwight” on “The Office,” writing a news commentary for CNN? Good question.

It’s a bit strange for me, to say the least; a comic character actor best known for playing weirdos with bad haircuts getting all serious to talk about the persecution of the fellow members of his religious faith.

Dear readers of CNN, I assure you that what I’m writing about is no joking matter or some hoax perpetrated by a paper-sellin’, bear-fearin’, Battlestar-Galactica obsessed beet farmer.

Read the rest of the piece here.

NBC’s The Office Uses A Toyota Prius To End Love Triangle

Michael d'Estries — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 02:39:03 +0000

On NBC’s hit mockumentary The Office, a Toyota Prius was the deciding factor in a battle royale between two employees. Dwight, played by Rainn Wilson, and Andy, played by Ed Helms decided to hold a man war out in the parking lot to decide who would win the affection of fellow employee Angela, played by Angela Kinsey.

Anyways, when Dwight went to face Andy in the parking lot with a sword, he found nobody waiting for him. Instead, a note was attached to a bush. While Dwight stood there reading it, the rest of the employees of Dunder Mifflin watched as Andy quietly approached in his Prius (keeping it under 5mph, of course.). He then surprised Dwight by pinning him to the bush with the fender of his car.

Classic. And just one more reason why the Prius is mightier than the sword.

Melora Hardin Takes The Eco-Approach On One Greener Radio

Michael Parrish DuDell — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 14:58:17 +0000

If you read Ecorazzi regularly then you know I love The Office like I love my mother, tofu scrambles and vegan celebrities. Previously we’ve brought you news of Jenna Fischer’s (aka dream girl) kitten lovin’ ways, Rainn Wilson’s pimped out Prius and Melora Hardin’s green attitude.

Well this week Melora (who can now be seen in Broadway’s Chicago) is continuing her green work by appearing on One Greener Radio – a green broadcast program focusing on sustainability and community change. On the program Melora will discuss the entertainment industry’s shift toward green practices and lifestyle discussions for people who want to make a difference. OH-TAY!

To check out Melora and One Greener Radio, visit OneGreener.com and get involved! Oh yeah, and go see Chicago, people!

The Green Quote: Alec Baldwin Has A Sexy Star Trek Idea

Michael d'Estries — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 19:20:21 +0000

“I once pitched a show to (Fox president of entertainment) Kevin Reilly. I told him I wanted to bring back space travel on TV, like “Star Trek,” but that I wanted to have sex in the space capsule and get really adult. In the show, the space capsule will have left Earth, and because of global warming, the Earth is dying. I’m the commander of this ship and I say, “We can never go back!” So Reilly is sitting there listening very patiently and finally says, “Well, we’re never going to do that.”

– Alec Baldwin during a roundtable discussion of television with several other actors and The Hollywood Reporter.

(To which Rainn Wilson replied, “I would love to have sex in outer space.” )

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Ed Begley Jr. Uses A Bike To Power Independent Spirit Awards

Michael d'Estries — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 00:29:55 +0000

As we reported earlier, the Independent Spirit Awards were a green affair this year — from biodiesel generators to composting to food sourced within a 150 miles radius of Los Angeles. The list was impressive, but organizers pulled back the curtain last night to reveal an even greater source of energy: Ed Begley Jr. pedaling a stationary bike.

Injecting some humor into an already funny evening hosted by Rainn Wilson (The Office), the producers had some fun by showing Ed pedaling a bike backstage and announcing that he was covering the lights, sound, etc. Those that have watched the show Living With Ed will know that Begley is known to power a toaster with a stationary bike in his kitchen. Very funny.

As the Academy Awards are using wind power for tonight’s festivities, we’ll probably not be treated to a pedaling Lance Armstrong backstage. With Jon Stewart hosting, however, anything could shake down. We’ll keep you posted.

Thanks Linton!

Rainn Wilson: “I Have A Gun Rack In My Prius.”

Michael d'Estries — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 18:07:46 +0000

Rainn Wilson, one of the stars of NBC’s hit The Office, has been chosen to host the 2008 Film Independent Spirit Awards on February 23rd. The event is one of the few (if any) to have the full backing of the Writers Guild of America — which has brought the entertainment industry to a near stand still as a result of the ongoing strike. With that endorsement, the Spirit Awards have permission to hire WGA writers for the program. From the article,

“In a press release, Wilson expressed his joy at being chosen and commented on what he could offer the show. ‘It is truly an honor to be asked to host an awards show that salutes the cutting edge in cinema. I like to think that I bring a bit of an ‘independent spirit’ to the proceedings as I recently installed a gun rack in my Prius,’ Wilson said.”

The Spirit Awards will also have a bit of an “eco” edge. In addition to in-home streaming of films and voting online, additional efforts include the use of bio-diesel fueled generators and the recycling of numerous items including all food scraps, AstroTurf, wood, and plastic. The organizers will also offer a “ride share” option for those planning to attend the awards — and, of course, all organically grown produce purchased from local farms within a 150 mile radius of Los Angeles for the catering.