Having finally gotten the opportunity to watch my dvr of the Project Runway-Nicky Hilton episode, I attempted to low-tech "live-blog" it. Since I don't have a laptop, I used an old fashioned pad and pen and took notes as the show played. Here are my observations extemporaneously:
Nicky Hilton claims "...my standards are high and my taste is exquisite..." no wonder Santino wins--that's the kind of egotism he brings to the show. Frankly, I've seen pictures of NH at events wearing things that refute that claim.
So, the challenge is to design a dress with $150.00 which will be appropriate for a run carpet and fit Nicky Hilton's persona.
Santino--"I can make $150.00 look like $150,000.00" Riiiiight---all those ruffles and braids you like to throw on must really drive the apparent cost of a garment up.
Marla realizes right away that her pre-ideas of what a socialite would wear aren't any good and won't work because they are things she would wear. The fact that this idea is a revelation to her is a little disturbing. Oy, the woman's haircut is dreadful--it's a safe bet even NH wouldn't wear something Marla would wear.
Kara realizes right away that it's all about keeping the client happy. Well, she's the first to verbalize that idea anyway.
30 minutes to sketch and 30 minutes to buy. Oh, the pressure for some. And what was that outfit Emmett was wearing? It looked like a ice cream vendor suit or maybe Captain Kangaroo, but I only got a glimpse. This episode is flying by with all my notetaking and catty comments.
Andrae's idea is to make a dress that won't be noticed. Hmm...that's a little tricky. Don't most fashionistas like to be noticed for what they're wearing? I'm pretty sure Sarah Jessica Parker wants people to notice her dress. Of course, she has talent, so maybe Andrae is right.
Zulema wants to design something that sets her apart. Yep, leather and chiffon are definitely going down a different road.
We lose valuable dress making time with the dress form fight of 2005. Unfortunately, nobody attacks Santino. ::sigh:: What a disappointment.
Diana interacts with Tim. He's puzzled. So am I. The little bit of fabric she has sewn looks weird and the taped lines things on her dress form, what's up with that? Is this lingerie bondage redux? Oh, but the sketch is beautiful.
Lupe wants to test the boundaries. Hey--even if I hadn't known she was going to go that would have been a BIG cue--watch out, loser here! What were those famous words uttered by Raymundo? I want to de-sex little girl fashion? Ignoring the challenge mandate seems to be the road that leads to "out"-ville.
So far nothing about Emmett but the glimpse of his outfit while buying fabric.
Daniel V. crisis--great pink print --uh oh---BROWN fabric. Quel horreur! He's going to rely upon the kindness of near-strangers to get the black fabric he needs for his design. That's probably over-optimistic of him.
First look at Chloe's design--seems very reminiscent of her dress from the party clothes. Maybe it's just the blue and black color palate.
Lupe--that's just weird. Blue flowers, ugly green trim and I'm not even going to mention the stuff happenin' on the booty.
Santino--first look--ugh. This wins? It's derivative. Braid and junk all over the bodice with a flowy skirt. Scarily similar to dress number one from the muslim challenge and with hints of party outfit. Nice color though. But wait, he's going to wear stilletos to the party, shoes always get you the sale.
Emmett--first look-it's nice.
Chloe's model is in her dress and all I can see is bony chest. Lots of bony chest. Feed that model for pity's sake.
Party Time:
Daniel V. very intelligently goes in to NH first and his dress has turned out great! I love the fabric. The little bit of black (who gave him that I wonder?) contrast really pops. I love everything about this dress and it suits NH's body type well.
Santino is smarm-city. Handing out his card. He's working it. She seems to love his dress.
Nick does well. His dress speaks for itself. Well cut. Well made. Striking color. I agree with his discomfort about having to 'sell' the dress to NH.
Andrae's jersey dress is a total surprise. I love it. Great sparkly fabric, beautiful cut, the ribbon straps are great.
Kara's baby-doll/empire waist in black. Nice, but well, you know--it's black. It's an empire. What's to say.
Diana's looks fussy. The texturizing of the fabric isn't shown to best advantage.
Chloe gets good reviews for her braid. I love how NH jumps in with how she's using braid in her Chick line. Uh--how'd she get to be a designer--oh, yeah, she's rich. Wonder if she realizes she is in a room with real designers, excluding Marla.
Dirty Diana- I love it. She's a good dancer and she looks fab in her sparkly tunic with jeans.
Zulema's dress is striking. I like the stark contrast of white and black. The leather/chiffon contrast doesn't really stand out through the medium of tv. I think the bodice is a little skimpy though.
Lupe outed Marla's copycat dress. Wonder if that counted against her in the end? Lupe's explanation of her dress is bizarro. Japanese inspired? In what way? And the color palatte is awful.
On the runway- hit the link to see the real thing.
Nick-great, sophisticated, good color, beautiful draping
Santino-same ole same ole
Marla-how could you pretend this was an original design? Dreadful
Chloe-pretty but shades of same ole same ole
Diana-looked better on the runway than at the party, you missed the skirt detail at the party
Kara-baby doll/empire somewhat similar to Emmett's although the bodice is a halter
Daniel V-LOVE IT!
Emmett--great fabric.
Zulema-good but that bodice is skimpy and the gathering in the front seems crooked
Lupe-Ugh. The back is a mess, the color is awful.
Andrae-Pretty. Great fabric.
Lots of flowy-uneven skirts. Diana, Emmett, Kara, Marla, and Santino all had similar style skirts.
Defense of the dresses:
Lupe-it's about texture, detachable things to personalize (although these particular flower things are not detachable) and it's japanese influenced. Maybe the Japanese ought to formally protest the repetitious slander of their influence through their embassy or something.
Expert Comments: "idea too far", "alot going on", "too much trim, ruffles"
Marla-acts surprised everytime she's told she ripped of the dress from the portfolio. Is she impaired? Her bad haircut leads me to think so.
Diana-played with pattern and texture, belt adds chic.
Comments: "bottom not flattering, people might think you have a big butt"
So,in the end the rationale between Lupe vs. Marla was that Lupe's dress would have put Nicky Hilton on the worst dress list, while Marla's would simply be considered boring and derivative. It's not great, but it is a reason. I think Marla should have gone because even ugly was original and Marla doesn't have the skills necessary to advance in the competition.
Now explain why Santino won. Personality? Clearly NH did not spend enough time with him. Maybe it was all the sucking up he did at the party while Nick was uncomfortable with NH. I don't think Nick should be disappointed about his "loss". It's all about staying for another week and he did with a design of which he can be proud.
Whew--this taped "live-blogging" of PR is exhausting!
Friday, January 06, 2006
Thursday, January 05, 2006
New Music and Books
I thought this quote was apropos my lifestyle and a good starter for this post. I just got back from a quick trip to Barnes & Noble. I wasn't actually intending to buy anything. Funny how it so rarely works out that way when I visit a bookstore. I came away with Beth Nielsen Chapman's cd Look and (don't laugh) Donny Osmond's cd somewhere in time (I said don't laugh! ;o). Books purchased included: Jayne Ann Krentz' new hardcover All Night Long, and a Grace and Favor mystery by Jill Churchill: Who's Sorry Now? and a book for Judy's career called Flipping the Switch: Unleashing the Power of Personal Accountibility Using the QBQ by John G. Miller. We also picked up the Sports Illustrated The Best of 2005. The SI had an article about my beloved University of Illinois Fight Illini basketball team so I couldn't pass it up.
Project Runway Report
Doesn't it just figure? I was bored out of my gourd (as we former midwesterners say) over my Christmas vacation and I couldn't wait for the January 4th Project Runway. Then on the day it airs, I'm swapped with work and personal responsibilities which pretty much wipe me out. I was too tired to watch! So the newest edition of PR is faithfully waiting inside by DVR. I will hopefully get it watched by Saturday so I can post my opinions and impressions. I've stayed away from any info about the show so I'm still clueless about who the socialite is and I don't know who was "out".
In other better news, my Project Runway Season 1 DVD arrived Tuesday. I didn't find it in the foyer of my apartment until Wednesday morning since the mail hadn't arrived when I got home from work Tuesday. I was horrified to discover the box had been stomped on and ripped open. On a happy note, the would-be thief apparently had no interest in the DVD since they left it in the destroy package. Yea! For once have weird tastes in entertainment has paid off for me.
**UPDATE**
Alas, I was unable to keep from learning about the PR episode. Unsuspectingly, I bopped over to Manolo's Shoe Blog and his first posting was about the results of the episode. Once I knew that Lupe was ousted, I read to the end of the article. I forgot Manolo discusses PR too. Shoot.
In other better news, my Project Runway Season 1 DVD arrived Tuesday. I didn't find it in the foyer of my apartment until Wednesday morning since the mail hadn't arrived when I got home from work Tuesday. I was horrified to discover the box had been stomped on and ripped open. On a happy note, the would-be thief apparently had no interest in the DVD since they left it in the destroy package. Yea! For once have weird tastes in entertainment has paid off for me.
**UPDATE**
Alas, I was unable to keep from learning about the PR episode. Unsuspectingly, I bopped over to Manolo's Shoe Blog and his first posting was about the results of the episode. Once I knew that Lupe was ousted, I read to the end of the article. I forgot Manolo discusses PR too. Shoot.
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
Scripps Howard Spelling Bee
In my former position in another time and another place (hmm, sounds lyrical, someone should write a song using that phrase) I was in charge of our local Scripps Howard Spelling Bee. Or maybe it was just called the Scripps Spelling Bee...whatever. My point, if I can get there, is that I used to do a spelling bee every year with the goal of sending someone to Washington DC for the national competition. Unfortunately, spelling wasn't all that popular where I used to teach and the kids who participated sometimes actually lost on purpose. They could not have been more different from the kids who make it to Washington every year.
That said, imagine my surprise when ESPN aired a marathon of the national spelling bees yesterday. I confess *I* wouldn't have watched more than a few minutes (painful memories of disappointment, doncha know) but my twin sister became obsessed. I mean, obsessed. She watched them all. She even dvred the last few that were on through the night. (Now you know what I'll be watching tonight, FYI.) She reviewed the footage in order to see champions who were in more than one bee, and she eventually went online to check out who the winners were in the bees that she'd missed. In short, she went gaga. (That is the technical term, in case you're wondering.)
After watching numerous bees I have some observations about the marathon myself. First, ESPN should have shown the darn things in chronological order. Jumping from 1997 to 2003 to 1999 was just irritating. Second, those kids are different--and I mean that in a good and bad way. They must be incredibly dedicated to put in the time required--I know what those lists looked like before they said just learn the dictionary and even then it was a darn hard list of obscure words, so imagine how much harder it is now! Thirdly, watching the contest behaviors--the stalling and asking for definitions and starting and stopping-- was a hoot. Those kids were good. Some of them had to be instructed to start spelling every single time they hit the mike. Talk about performance anxiety. No do-overs in a national spelling bee, nuh-uh. And how about all the asking for the word to be repeated while saying it incorrectly to see if the pronouncer might slip up and over-emphasize a word part that would give you an edge in spelling it? Brilliant. Finally, those kids ought to be getting a full-ride scholarship after making it to the final round because if you can master that much spelling--heck, your potential is unlimited!
That said, imagine my surprise when ESPN aired a marathon of the national spelling bees yesterday. I confess *I* wouldn't have watched more than a few minutes (painful memories of disappointment, doncha know) but my twin sister became obsessed. I mean, obsessed. She watched them all. She even dvred the last few that were on through the night. (Now you know what I'll be watching tonight, FYI.) She reviewed the footage in order to see champions who were in more than one bee, and she eventually went online to check out who the winners were in the bees that she'd missed. In short, she went gaga. (That is the technical term, in case you're wondering.)
After watching numerous bees I have some observations about the marathon myself. First, ESPN should have shown the darn things in chronological order. Jumping from 1997 to 2003 to 1999 was just irritating. Second, those kids are different--and I mean that in a good and bad way. They must be incredibly dedicated to put in the time required--I know what those lists looked like before they said just learn the dictionary and even then it was a darn hard list of obscure words, so imagine how much harder it is now! Thirdly, watching the contest behaviors--the stalling and asking for definitions and starting and stopping-- was a hoot. Those kids were good. Some of them had to be instructed to start spelling every single time they hit the mike. Talk about performance anxiety. No do-overs in a national spelling bee, nuh-uh. And how about all the asking for the word to be repeated while saying it incorrectly to see if the pronouncer might slip up and over-emphasize a word part that would give you an edge in spelling it? Brilliant. Finally, those kids ought to be getting a full-ride scholarship after making it to the final round because if you can master that much spelling--heck, your potential is unlimited!
Sunday, January 01, 2006
House
My newest revolving tv crush is House. I was all set to buy the dvd set of season one when I discovered that it was going to be replayed on the USA network. Yippee, money saved--I'll just set the ole DVR. I like shows that have clever banter and repartee. West Wing, back in the day, and the short-lived SportsNight were good examples of shows with excellent dialogue.
I wouldn't need a new tv crush if it wasn't for the poor quality of tv right now and the fact that Amazon let me down terribly. I was all set to marathon on Project Runway- Season One but unfortunately--it STILL hasn't come. The only good thing about going back to work on Tuesday is the fact that Project Runways-new episode is on Wednesday night. Tv programmers really should consider all the couch potatoes out there who take vacation over Christmas and need decent entertainment! Give us some new episodes, please!
I wouldn't need a new tv crush if it wasn't for the poor quality of tv right now and the fact that Amazon let me down terribly. I was all set to marathon on Project Runway- Season One but unfortunately--it STILL hasn't come. The only good thing about going back to work on Tuesday is the fact that Project Runways-new episode is on Wednesday night. Tv programmers really should consider all the couch potatoes out there who take vacation over Christmas and need decent entertainment! Give us some new episodes, please!
Lyrical Sunday
I've been visiting the Daily Meme blogsite to get ideas for posting. I'd like to be interesting and diverse if possible. (Wouldn't we all!) Today's suggestion hit a good note with me (bad pun, I know) because I just got an Ipod for Christmas and I spent yesterday loading it up with some of my cds. I got the 30 gig video version. I calculate I can fill my Ipod with the contents of about 650 cds. I don't have that many, so that means, everything I've got will fit. So what did I prioritize? Mostly what was handy, ie, already on the computer desk. Since I just bought the Garth Brooks box set--all those cds, as well as, Tanya Tucker; Tim McGraw; Faith Hill; Carrie Underwood; Phillips, Craig, & Dean; FFH; Second Chapter of Acts; Luther Vandross; Kelly Clarkson, Jars of Clay; and Toby Keith. I just can't get over what gorgeous sound the Ipod has. I feel I'm being surrounded in music. I haven't figured out all the tricks yet, for example, I just realized that I've had the Ipod on pause since last night. I'm thinking I'll need to recharge. :o)
Friday, December 30, 2005
If I won the lottery....
While driving in the car I sometimes fantasize about what I would do if I ever won the lottery. This usually occurs when the lottery jackpot has grown to hundreds of millions of dollars. I'm not a regular lottery player so about the only time I actually purchase a ticket is when the jackpot is huge and gajillions of people are playing, thus, reducing my already infintesimal chance of winning. So if I won the lottery what would I do with the money?
1. Pay a tithe to my church.
2. Pay off my credit cards and get out of debt.
3. Buy/build a house.
4. Give money to all my family members.
5. Set up college funding for my nieces and nephews.
6. Buy a bus or RV and hire a driver so I can tour the US in comfort.
7. Live in London for a year.
8. Start a private school and hire all my teachers friends.
9. Go to a fat farm and get healthy.
10. Start a charitable foundation to help single moms with daycare costs.
I think it's a pretty fair mix of selfish and altruistic. That's what I keep telling God anyway. So far, he's not convinced I can be trusted with that much cash--at least that's what I assume, since I haven't won the lottery yet.
1. Pay a tithe to my church.
2. Pay off my credit cards and get out of debt.
3. Buy/build a house.
4. Give money to all my family members.
5. Set up college funding for my nieces and nephews.
6. Buy a bus or RV and hire a driver so I can tour the US in comfort.
7. Live in London for a year.
8. Start a private school and hire all my teachers friends.
9. Go to a fat farm and get healthy.
10. Start a charitable foundation to help single moms with daycare costs.
I think it's a pretty fair mix of selfish and altruistic. That's what I keep telling God anyway. So far, he's not convinced I can be trusted with that much cash--at least that's what I assume, since I haven't won the lottery yet.
Reading List
I've been on vacation since the 23rd. Other than the little blip caused by Christmas entertaining life has been one long read- eat- sleep-watch tv- and occasionally shop fest. Since tv schedules right now are appalling, (boy, would I like to gripe about that), I spent a ton on Christmas which limits my shopping, and I've gained ten pounds from eating and then sleeping, I've had a lot of time for reading.
I'd love to claim that my reading list is erudite and of the highest intellectual content. After all, I sometimes post fascinating (to me) intelligent (to me) and absolutely right-on (to me) comments on Ann Althouse's website. Someone from Althouse might someday come to my blog. I can't let my rep down, right? I'm a brain, right? Brains read brainiac things, right? Uh...not so much. I do like biographies, histories, etc. sometimes. Mostly I like to read lighter fare however. So--I admit it--I read ROMANCES. Eek, gasp! Those poorly thought of books which are supporting the rest of the book industry and which get no respect unless Tolstoy wrote one. I could try to ignore this unsavoury (to some) aspect of my life in my blogging but that limits my blogging. If I refuse to blog about the most significant part of my reading, I'm going to be looking for topics to blog about pretty quickly.
So what's on my reading list? At Border's the other day I picked up the new Sherrilyn Kenyon: Unleash the Night, the new Lucy Monroe : Willing, the new Jennifer Greene: Blame it On Chocolate, and the new McCaffrey/Scarborough: Changelings: Book One of the Twins of Petaybee. I was very excited to see the Petaybee book because I thought the series was done.
I whizzed through Willing, while my sister read Unleash the Night. Both books received a thumbs up rating in our household, if anyone cares. In the meantime, I've also been re-reading some old Lynne Graham and Anne Weale books. Anne Weale is a wonderful author and I enjoy her books for many reasons, but mainly because her heroines are never stupid. She doesn't rely on miscommunication as a plot device. Her heroines make me want to be neater and better groomed. I always feel like giving myself a manicure after I read her books because her heroines are so pulled together. Lynne Graham, on the other hand, writes wonderful alpha male heros who are usually bullies needing to be taken down a peg or two. Her heroines managed to deliver a satisfying blow to the alpha male egos which I enjoy tremendously.
Have I mentioned that I'm not a linear thinker? Maybe reading this blog makes that obvious, but just in case, I'll warn you now. I'm associative--I leap from thought to thought so where a post starts may not be where it ends up. Oh, well. ;o)
I'd love to claim that my reading list is erudite and of the highest intellectual content. After all, I sometimes post fascinating (to me) intelligent (to me) and absolutely right-on (to me) comments on Ann Althouse's website. Someone from Althouse might someday come to my blog. I can't let my rep down, right? I'm a brain, right? Brains read brainiac things, right? Uh...not so much. I do like biographies, histories, etc. sometimes. Mostly I like to read lighter fare however. So--I admit it--I read ROMANCES. Eek, gasp! Those poorly thought of books which are supporting the rest of the book industry and which get no respect unless Tolstoy wrote one. I could try to ignore this unsavoury (to some) aspect of my life in my blogging but that limits my blogging. If I refuse to blog about the most significant part of my reading, I'm going to be looking for topics to blog about pretty quickly.
So what's on my reading list? At Border's the other day I picked up the new Sherrilyn Kenyon: Unleash the Night, the new Lucy Monroe : Willing, the new Jennifer Greene: Blame it On Chocolate, and the new McCaffrey/Scarborough: Changelings: Book One of the Twins of Petaybee. I was very excited to see the Petaybee book because I thought the series was done.
I whizzed through Willing, while my sister read Unleash the Night. Both books received a thumbs up rating in our household, if anyone cares. In the meantime, I've also been re-reading some old Lynne Graham and Anne Weale books. Anne Weale is a wonderful author and I enjoy her books for many reasons, but mainly because her heroines are never stupid. She doesn't rely on miscommunication as a plot device. Her heroines make me want to be neater and better groomed. I always feel like giving myself a manicure after I read her books because her heroines are so pulled together. Lynne Graham, on the other hand, writes wonderful alpha male heros who are usually bullies needing to be taken down a peg or two. Her heroines managed to deliver a satisfying blow to the alpha male egos which I enjoy tremendously.
Have I mentioned that I'm not a linear thinker? Maybe reading this blog makes that obvious, but just in case, I'll warn you now. I'm associative--I leap from thought to thought so where a post starts may not be where it ends up. Oh, well. ;o)
Tuesday, December 27, 2005
Katie Holmes
After seeing Katie Holmes in Batman Begins, I've concluded that she could have played a part on Seinfeld if she were a little older. My sister and I noticed a picture of Katie in one of the weekly magazines which feature celebrities--can't remember which one, Life & Style or In Touch; where she's got a down-right ugly look. Depending on the lighting she can look very haggard with hollow-cheeks and eyes, drastically older than her actual age. It reminds me of the episode on Seinfeld "The Strike" when Jerry has a new girlffriend who can look ugly or beautiful depending on the lighting.
I guess we could attribute this phenomenon to living with Tom Cruise. (I have disliked him since he dumped Nicole Kidman. I refuse to go to his movies since then too.) Anyway--possibly having a relationship with Tom is adversely affecting Katie's looks. Wonder what the Scientology take on plastic surgery is...
I guess we could attribute this phenomenon to living with Tom Cruise. (I have disliked him since he dumped Nicole Kidman. I refuse to go to his movies since then too.) Anyway--possibly having a relationship with Tom is adversely affecting Katie's looks. Wonder what the Scientology take on plastic surgery is...
Batman Begins
On Christmas Day, we watched Batman Begins with our guest. Not a bad movie, but not my favorite. (I liked the one with Catwoman best--Michelle Pfeiffer rocked!) I was a bit surprised by what a small role Katie Holmes had in it. The other female stars have had significantly more screen time. I do think the movie did a good job of taking us from Bruce Wayne to Batman. The explanation of all the gimmicks and technology that he has were logical. I have never understood how Bruce and Alfred could have built the entire Bat cave by themselves, but having the structural work done during the reconstruction of the house is very plausible. The movies certainly make Batman out to be filled with angst, don't they? Since my impressions of Batman were formed by the tv show in the '60's, it's an adjustment to see him brooding and dark. I kind of miss all the ZAPs! and POWs! blaring colorfully across the screen too.
Quotes to live by...
I love the following quote written by William Shakespeare in Julius Caesar Act IV Scene III:
There is a tide in the affairs of men
Which taken at the flood, leads on to fortune;
Omitted, all the voyage of their life
Is bound in shallows and in miseries.
I read this quote a few years ago in a book in which it was used to describe the decision making process. Whenever I have been faced with difficult choices, most recently when I had to decide whether or not to relocate 1000 miles across the country, this quote comes to mind.
So far, using the quote to make decisions is working out pretty well for me. I went on to complete another degree and I moved to Maryland where I'm very happy.
There is a tide in the affairs of men
Which taken at the flood, leads on to fortune;
Omitted, all the voyage of their life
Is bound in shallows and in miseries.
I read this quote a few years ago in a book in which it was used to describe the decision making process. Whenever I have been faced with difficult choices, most recently when I had to decide whether or not to relocate 1000 miles across the country, this quote comes to mind.
So far, using the quote to make decisions is working out pretty well for me. I went on to complete another degree and I moved to Maryland where I'm very happy.
Monday, December 26, 2005
Transplanted Holidays
This year for the first time I stayed home over the entire Christmas holiday. That probably has something to do with living 1000 miles from the rest of my extended family. I have to say, I enjoyed it. Christmas is much less fraught when you don't have to run here and there making visits. Yes, it's lovely to see family and enjoy extended time together, but there's something to be said for the joys of hanging out at home and relaxing too.
Since we've recently relocated to Maryland as part of a company transfer, we've shared our holiday with others from the company who relocated too. Being a host on a holiday was a new and enjoyable experience. For both Thanksgiving and Christmas, we had company. Three guests for the first and one guest for the second. Enough to make you feel like making an effort, not enough to stress you out.
On Thanksgiving we served up a traditional turkey dinner with gratifying results. Empty plates and lots of compliments. I have Food Network to thank for that. I watched a lot of programming and learned some critical skills (gravy-making) from Alton Brown and Rachel Ray. For Christmas dinner, we went non-traditional and had steaks. Yep, STEAKS, porterhouse steaks to be exact and they were excellent. They were served with salad and baked potatoes and baked corn. The baked corn was the biggest hit of all! So here's the recipe, it's a winner which I must credit to my sister Karen.
Baked Corn
one can whole corn
one can creamed corn
one cup sour cream
one box Jiffy corn muffin mix
one cup melted margarine
two beaten eggs
one tbsp sugar
Mix everything together. Place in a 9 x 13 buttered pan. Bake at 350 degress for about 45 minutes.
Since we've recently relocated to Maryland as part of a company transfer, we've shared our holiday with others from the company who relocated too. Being a host on a holiday was a new and enjoyable experience. For both Thanksgiving and Christmas, we had company. Three guests for the first and one guest for the second. Enough to make you feel like making an effort, not enough to stress you out.
On Thanksgiving we served up a traditional turkey dinner with gratifying results. Empty plates and lots of compliments. I have Food Network to thank for that. I watched a lot of programming and learned some critical skills (gravy-making) from Alton Brown and Rachel Ray. For Christmas dinner, we went non-traditional and had steaks. Yep, STEAKS, porterhouse steaks to be exact and they were excellent. They were served with salad and baked potatoes and baked corn. The baked corn was the biggest hit of all! So here's the recipe, it's a winner which I must credit to my sister Karen.
Baked Corn
one can whole corn
one can creamed corn
one cup sour cream
one box Jiffy corn muffin mix
one cup melted margarine
two beaten eggs
one tbsp sugar
Mix everything together. Place in a 9 x 13 buttered pan. Bake at 350 degress for about 45 minutes.
Saturday, December 24, 2005
Project Runway-The Lingerie Challenge
Project Runway, while still compelling, was a disappointment this week. At the end of the lingerie challenge one of my favorites was ousted. That the decision to get rid of Daniel Franco seems to have been based on something other than good design seems a betrayal of the show's purpose. Daniel Franco's quiet personality, perfectionistic tendencies and issues with time management just didn't have the vibrance desired for reality television.
I haven't read anywhere that anyone thinks that Santino's hideous and ridiculous heidi-like with ruffles and tasteless adornments (Is that a codpiece on the panties?) designs and models made up to look like deer were anything but the ultimate in bad taste and utterly lacking in aesthetic appeal. Unfortunately, Santino's massively overblown ego and talent for saying catty and incomprehensibly arrogant, snarky remarks about other contestants makes better tv.
I think the producers underestimate what it is that makes the show compelling. I adore the show because I'm fascinated by the way these talented strangers interact with each other. I'm interested in their reaction to the stress of art on a deadline. I'm intrigued by their creative process. I love watching them design and seeing how differently the outcomes can be, based on the inner qualities and artistic vision of each designer. I don't need to see meltdowns every week to keep coming back. I do need to believe that the person who ultimately wins the competition was the most deserving. If the show isn't going to be about talent then I'll stop watching.
My disclaimer: I'm nowhere close to being an expert in fashion--it's way outside my knowledge base. I buy InStyle magazine and I used to watch Elsa Klench on CNN every Saturday years ago--that's it. In spite of those handicaps, I'm certainly aware that Daniel Franco's designs depended upon the same themes--contrasting colors/fabrics in the bodice, tailoring, etc, but so do Santino's! Those ruffles from his dress from episode one were an element in the lingerie and showed up in the Barbie outfit. Frankly, all the designers rely on known techniques and design elements. I've visited their websites and viewed the portfolios and collections some of them have. Nick and Chloe are repetitive too. Is this a bad thing? It need not be. Really, it's almost inevitable that they'd rely on design elements they've used before given the time element of the challenges. I mention this because I've heard Daniel F. criticised for being too samey-samey and I just think that's unfair.
On January 4th, I'll still be watching but perhaps my joy in the show will be tainted with cynicism. After all, Santino was told his designs were ugly and he had no integrity because he blamed Emmett. Daniel was told his designs were too similar although prettier, and that he was ethical for taking the blame. For Daniel to be ousted after that commentary makes you really wonder about the ethics and hypocrisy of the producers.
I haven't read anywhere that anyone thinks that Santino's hideous and ridiculous heidi-like with ruffles and tasteless adornments (Is that a codpiece on the panties?) designs and models made up to look like deer were anything but the ultimate in bad taste and utterly lacking in aesthetic appeal. Unfortunately, Santino's massively overblown ego and talent for saying catty and incomprehensibly arrogant, snarky remarks about other contestants makes better tv.
I think the producers underestimate what it is that makes the show compelling. I adore the show because I'm fascinated by the way these talented strangers interact with each other. I'm interested in their reaction to the stress of art on a deadline. I'm intrigued by their creative process. I love watching them design and seeing how differently the outcomes can be, based on the inner qualities and artistic vision of each designer. I don't need to see meltdowns every week to keep coming back. I do need to believe that the person who ultimately wins the competition was the most deserving. If the show isn't going to be about talent then I'll stop watching.
My disclaimer: I'm nowhere close to being an expert in fashion--it's way outside my knowledge base. I buy InStyle magazine and I used to watch Elsa Klench on CNN every Saturday years ago--that's it. In spite of those handicaps, I'm certainly aware that Daniel Franco's designs depended upon the same themes--contrasting colors/fabrics in the bodice, tailoring, etc, but so do Santino's! Those ruffles from his dress from episode one were an element in the lingerie and showed up in the Barbie outfit. Frankly, all the designers rely on known techniques and design elements. I've visited their websites and viewed the portfolios and collections some of them have. Nick and Chloe are repetitive too. Is this a bad thing? It need not be. Really, it's almost inevitable that they'd rely on design elements they've used before given the time element of the challenges. I mention this because I've heard Daniel F. criticised for being too samey-samey and I just think that's unfair.
On January 4th, I'll still be watching but perhaps my joy in the show will be tainted with cynicism. After all, Santino was told his designs were ugly and he had no integrity because he blamed Emmett. Daniel was told his designs were too similar although prettier, and that he was ethical for taking the blame. For Daniel to be ousted after that commentary makes you really wonder about the ethics and hypocrisy of the producers.
I remember now...
I remember now why my first attempt at a blog failed. It's hard work blogging. You go in thinking, hey, I'll just post a little something daily, no problem. Then you realize, shoot, I haven't posted in a week! Oh rats, no wonder I don't have any readers!
One part of the problem is that I have to work for a living. That takes a big chunk of time. Then I have all the interests about which I might potentially blog. For example, watching the Martha Stewart Apprentice Finale takes time. Finally, I live with someone and I have friends and coworkers. Inevitably I vent some of my opinions at them, then I discover that my need or desire to blog about it, is reduced. It's a vicious cycle.
In the end--do I have the stamina and the passion to blog? Do I have anything that interesting to say? We'll see.
One part of the problem is that I have to work for a living. That takes a big chunk of time. Then I have all the interests about which I might potentially blog. For example, watching the Martha Stewart Apprentice Finale takes time. Finally, I live with someone and I have friends and coworkers. Inevitably I vent some of my opinions at them, then I discover that my need or desire to blog about it, is reduced. It's a vicious cycle.
In the end--do I have the stamina and the passion to blog? Do I have anything that interesting to say? We'll see.
Monday, December 19, 2005
Movie Reviews
I'm not much of a movie person--I prefer episodic television by far. I hate to be completely out of the loop with regard to movies however, so I try to catch a few movies a year that that look like they might have some appeal to me. This year's movies have included Pitch Black, The Chronicles of Riddick The Pacifier,(I became obsessed with Vin Diesel) Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow, The Village, Hitch, Robots, Sahara, and The Skeleton Key.
Since I rarely go to the movies DVDs are the method of my madness. I calculate that the price of a DVD is actually cheaper than two tickets (before 5:00 prices) and the couple's popcorn and drink special. That costs about $20 bucks altogether. A new DVD purchased in the first week of its release can usually be found in stores for less than $15 bucks. That's my rationale, anyway, for buying movies which I don't watch for months and months.
This weekend I pay-per-viewed Bewitched . I rate it an OK-not as bad as Hitch-but I'll never watch it again movie. You know what you're going to get with a Will Ferrell movie after all. I was fascinated by the 'interesting' performance by Nicole Kidman. What exactly attracted her to this rather dippy role? I wonder. I was entranced by the poor continuity of her hair. In the same scene it blipped from well-groomed to drooping and past its prime. Somebody should have been docked some pay there.
After Bewitched, I watched The Skeleton Key which had been gathering dust for a few months. If a movie is good because you keep thinking about it after it is over, then I suppose The Skeleton Key was good. I did keep thinking about it. Of course, what I was thinking was that Kate Hudson's character was a moron who deserved everything she got so maybe that isn't the best standard for what a good movie is...;o)
Since the opinion of a movie critic is not complete without some idea of movies that they really liked-- I'll add that I loved the movie Billy Elliott, Sahara was fun and I liked the little heard of Beautiful with Minnie Driver and A Mighty Wind.
Since I rarely go to the movies DVDs are the method of my madness. I calculate that the price of a DVD is actually cheaper than two tickets (before 5:00 prices) and the couple's popcorn and drink special. That costs about $20 bucks altogether. A new DVD purchased in the first week of its release can usually be found in stores for less than $15 bucks. That's my rationale, anyway, for buying movies which I don't watch for months and months.
This weekend I pay-per-viewed Bewitched . I rate it an OK-not as bad as Hitch-but I'll never watch it again movie. You know what you're going to get with a Will Ferrell movie after all. I was fascinated by the 'interesting' performance by Nicole Kidman. What exactly attracted her to this rather dippy role? I wonder. I was entranced by the poor continuity of her hair. In the same scene it blipped from well-groomed to drooping and past its prime. Somebody should have been docked some pay there.
After Bewitched, I watched The Skeleton Key which had been gathering dust for a few months. If a movie is good because you keep thinking about it after it is over, then I suppose The Skeleton Key was good. I did keep thinking about it. Of course, what I was thinking was that Kate Hudson's character was a moron who deserved everything she got so maybe that isn't the best standard for what a good movie is...;o)
Since the opinion of a movie critic is not complete without some idea of movies that they really liked-- I'll add that I loved the movie Billy Elliott, Sahara was fun and I liked the little heard of Beautiful with Minnie Driver and A Mighty Wind.
Sunday, December 18, 2005
Glomming an Author
Glomming an author is a phrase used among avid readers (of which I am one) to describe the act of reading or re-reading many or all of the titles by a certain author. When I discover a new author that I really love, I'll generally look for all their backlist of published works so that I can read everything they've written.
When I discovered Lois McMaster Bujold, for example, I ran through everything she'd written with obsessive intent, and then I re-read them all again. I LOVE the Miles Vokosigan series and I fervently tout the books to all I can. I re-read certain pivotal books in that series once or twice a year (Memory, Komarr, A Civil Campaign). My point--from which I have slightly digressed, is that there's just nothing like the realization that you've found a new author that you love and the joy of discovering they've got a substantial backlist!
Currently, I'm glomming Jayne Ann Krentz. I've been reading Jayne's books for twenty years now--which upon reflection makes me feel quite ancient--and picking up one of her earlier books is like visiting an old friend. Some I know better than others, I could probably re-write "Ravished" the regency published under her Amanda Quick pseudonym from memory. Right now I'm glomming her contemporaries, and I've just re-read "Twist of Fate", "Lost & Found", "Sharp Edges" and "Trust Me". I'm ready to start "Absolutely Positively" but I was diverted from the glom by "The Song of Bernadette" which is the book upon which the movie with Jennifer Jones is based. I adore the movie and I'm enjoying the book as well.
I generally like to re-read books when I'm going through a stressful time--busy at work, or caught up in something outside of work that limits my concentration and energy. Reading a new book requires focused energy that isn't always available and then there's the risk that the book will disappoint. I know some people don't understand why people re-read books, but for me, it's a guaranteed win-win. I know I'm getting a book I'll enjoy, and I know that it'll relax me because I know what's coming next, and if I really like the characters or the author's voice then it's comforting to revisit.
When I discovered Lois McMaster Bujold, for example, I ran through everything she'd written with obsessive intent, and then I re-read them all again. I LOVE the Miles Vokosigan series and I fervently tout the books to all I can. I re-read certain pivotal books in that series once or twice a year (Memory, Komarr, A Civil Campaign). My point--from which I have slightly digressed, is that there's just nothing like the realization that you've found a new author that you love and the joy of discovering they've got a substantial backlist!
Currently, I'm glomming Jayne Ann Krentz. I've been reading Jayne's books for twenty years now--which upon reflection makes me feel quite ancient--and picking up one of her earlier books is like visiting an old friend. Some I know better than others, I could probably re-write "Ravished" the regency published under her Amanda Quick pseudonym from memory. Right now I'm glomming her contemporaries, and I've just re-read "Twist of Fate", "Lost & Found", "Sharp Edges" and "Trust Me". I'm ready to start "Absolutely Positively" but I was diverted from the glom by "The Song of Bernadette" which is the book upon which the movie with Jennifer Jones is based. I adore the movie and I'm enjoying the book as well.
I generally like to re-read books when I'm going through a stressful time--busy at work, or caught up in something outside of work that limits my concentration and energy. Reading a new book requires focused energy that isn't always available and then there's the risk that the book will disappoint. I know some people don't understand why people re-read books, but for me, it's a guaranteed win-win. I know I'm getting a book I'll enjoy, and I know that it'll relax me because I know what's coming next, and if I really like the characters or the author's voice then it's comforting to revisit.
Friday, December 16, 2005
Project Runway-2
I discovered Project Runway-Season 2 this week and I am hooked! I can't believe I didn't run across the first season last year, but I've taken care of that--I ordered the DVD set from Amazon yesterday. Hopefully, my Christmas vacation will be one long Project Runway Marathon.
Anyway--My favorite designers so far are Chloe, Daniel Franco, and Nick. In task 2, Chloe made a fabulous dress from very little material. The entire look of her dress was changed. It was elegant and wearable. In task 3, Nick's Barbie outfit had everything; stunning color with an exciting contrast print--wonderful details and wearable by the average person. Daniel's such a precise, clean-lined designer I love everything he's made. I'm worried he'll fall apart because of his perfectionism so I almost hate to root for him because I fear he can't win.
Designers I dislike are: Santino, Zulema (butt-hanging out dress girl--what was she thinking?) and older lady from Allentown. I should be able to remember her name, I guess, but hey, we're only three shows in. I really detest Santino the most! I can't wait for him to crash and burn. My dislike started the moment he groused that Chloe had won the second task because the judges didn't want to give him two in a row. How rude and egomaniacal. The fact that he wouldn't congratulate either Chloe or Nick when he won the Barbie tasks also speaks poorly for his character. Meanwhile he (Santino) had lots of different fabric to work with on task 2. I hated the wierd leather skirt thing he made, particularly the fact that you could still tell it was a jacket because the zipper and collar had been left intact. The bizarro shrug was just a fussy add-on. It may be "couture" but real people wouldn't wear it. As for his outfit for Barbie, it was pretty enough but the ruffles were something he had used on his first task dress and the colors didn't stand out. Not a loser dress, but not The Winner either. The pouting and acting like a baby didn't go over very well either.
So that's my summary in brief so far--
Anyway--My favorite designers so far are Chloe, Daniel Franco, and Nick. In task 2, Chloe made a fabulous dress from very little material. The entire look of her dress was changed. It was elegant and wearable. In task 3, Nick's Barbie outfit had everything; stunning color with an exciting contrast print--wonderful details and wearable by the average person. Daniel's such a precise, clean-lined designer I love everything he's made. I'm worried he'll fall apart because of his perfectionism so I almost hate to root for him because I fear he can't win.
Designers I dislike are: Santino, Zulema (butt-hanging out dress girl--what was she thinking?) and older lady from Allentown. I should be able to remember her name, I guess, but hey, we're only three shows in. I really detest Santino the most! I can't wait for him to crash and burn. My dislike started the moment he groused that Chloe had won the second task because the judges didn't want to give him two in a row. How rude and egomaniacal. The fact that he wouldn't congratulate either Chloe or Nick when he won the Barbie tasks also speaks poorly for his character. Meanwhile he (Santino) had lots of different fabric to work with on task 2. I hated the wierd leather skirt thing he made, particularly the fact that you could still tell it was a jacket because the zipper and collar had been left intact. The bizarro shrug was just a fussy add-on. It may be "couture" but real people wouldn't wear it. As for his outfit for Barbie, it was pretty enough but the ruffles were something he had used on his first task dress and the colors didn't stand out. Not a loser dress, but not The Winner either. The pouting and acting like a baby didn't go over very well either.
So that's my summary in brief so far--
Thursday, December 15, 2005
Apprentice Finale
Well--the Apprentice Finale was a major disappointment to me. I was amiably inclined toward both Randall and Rebecca and I had been teased by the notion that Trump would hire them both since they were both so deserving. Now however, my goodwill toward Randall has evaporated by his over-aggressive attack on Rebecca and his refusal to accede to Trump's not so subtle suggestion that he hire Rebecca too. All my goodwill for Randall *poof*. How small of him, how selfish, how insecure. Hope Trump hires her in the morning. I certainly will be turning the channel if Randall shows up on my tv screen.
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