Hello Andrea :) So very nice to "meet" you (if this counts)...I have seen your postings on the lb back in the VIP archive and I am most sorry never to have been on at the same time as you. You seem like such a nice person, and you are so generous with your time on here (which is much appreciated).

Couple of questions for you:

1. Once you reach celebrity status, does that help or hinder your ability to do charitable deeds? Obviously the money thing might be a little easier, but I would think that as one's success grows, so too do the pressures to become involved in charitable acts, while doing so is chalked up to you doing your job rather than being a legitimately kind person. Everyone involved in Lost seems genuinely nice, which is why I thought this conundrum might be difficult to deal with at times.

2. I'm sure you've been asked this before, but were you at all nervous about the reactions your episode would get? You have on the one hand anti-Iraqi, anti-Muslim sentiment in addition to the knowledge that women in some cultures are tortured not only for war related issues but for no apparent reason as well...on the other hand you have Iraqis and people of other cultures here in the U.S who might not have been able to look at Sayid's eventual heroic act as enough to erase the overall negative picture of Iraq that was portrayed. Have you gotten any negative reactions from either side?

Thank you again so much for your time!

Boohoo hoo :( Booohooo hoooo:(

Now not only have I missed you on the linear board, but you said you had gotten all of the TB questions answered but mine wasn't :(:(:( Boohoohoo...

Im just joshing. I will survive somehow :) I see you got run over by all the fanboys :) heehee. And of course, after re-watching Solitary last night, it's not really surprising that you would get a billion more questions. I will add to the clamor and say that you did an amazing job, although after you commented on how hot it was during taping, I kind of cringed for you :)

I hope to ketchup with you sometime soon. :P

Oh my dear sweet Jorie. I'm so sorry I missed you before! :'( Forgive me. When I look at the TB too long sometimes my eyes cross and my miss important details such as your wonderful and eloquent questions... Anyhoo...
1) I know that personally I look forward to the day when I can perform as many charitable acts as I'd like to... The money issue is a major consdideration, of course-- but I think as someone's profile becomes more visable, it's a wonderful opportunity to be heard and speak out about issues that mean a lot to them. Of course once you get to that level, time is also a huge factor-- but I think having that kind of visability would be a wonderful platform to get a message (or two or three) across-- even if it's through your work and the projects you choose. "Celebrities" (I'm I'm speaking purely in the tabloid sense) who you never see doing anything but shopping for themselves are really a waste of attention, if you ask me.
2) I wasn't concerned at all about playing an Arab role, because it was such a posative female Arab role. The treatment of women in many countries is atrocious... And giving voice to a Nadia was an honor... We were telling a human story that took place in Iraq, not an Iraqi story. It related much more to love than to politics, so the thought really never crossed my mind. It was more like, "people will get it or they won't." It was my job to give my part of the story life, and that's all. ;)