Last week I brought a bad chest cold home from Phoenix. I felt worse than when I had the flu.
So catch-up time! The hardware challenge was fun. Though headache time from hearing all that smithying in the workroom.
Emilio should have lost. That ranks up there with Wendy's candy bikini. He's a major whiner, besides.
And Maya should have won. Though I'm not upset by Jay's win. And Amy should have taken Mila's place for the top 3 looks.
On to the new challenge.
People have some weird concepts about air and fire. Seth thinks 'sky' instead of air, though I suppose it could be the same. And Anthony thinks of black, charred remains instead of flame? He must have woke up depressed from being on the bottom 3 again.
The Garnier dude is a walking, talking ad/product placement, isn't he?
Jay is a sweetheart. Worried for Amy. ugh, I think she's going home. That is a disaster. But Ben's was worse. That's too bad because he's had a couple of lovely pieces. But those pants were atrocious in soooo many ways.
Jonathan's dress is absolutely gorgeous -- and airy. Seth Aaron's was cool, though I still don't see air.
And once more, the concept -- except air -- invites color. An absolute lack of color once more abounds. Emilio, who is not my favorite, at least tries to incorporate something outside of neutral. Even Anthony went subdued.
They're finally calling Mila on her white-black blocking thing. Yeah, track pants. That said, I like the vest.
Too bad it's Ben, but glad it's not Amy.
And Jonathan totally swung that one out of the park. Didn't know he had it in him.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Project Runway 7
So I fell asleep on PR last week. it was a make a pretty dress challenge, which always makes me snooze. Plus I had to get up at 5:30 that morning and had to get up pretty early the next.
Anyway, Ping is gone. I haven't had a chance to watch the whole show, but Jesse seems a real donkeyhole even if Ping was a whack-a-do. Go back to playing Jack, guy, because your real name is Dick. Once more, I liked Amy's design even if she was paired with Hay-zus. And Maya should have won over Mila. The jacket was cool, but really, those were running pants. I know. I have a pair just like them, only with a lower waist.
The challenge tonight is fun. I like that none of these designers have really whined about having to design for a real woman instead of a stick-thin clothes hanger model. Seth Aaron came closest to it but backed off quickly.
I'm liking Jay after this episode just because of his reaction to his model. That was sweet. And his model was a cutie-pie. Maya and Mila are daughter and mother or sister and much younger sister separated at birth. I also think Maya looks like Wednesday Addams played by Christina Ricci grown up. That's exactly the way Wednesday would look.
Mrs. Harvey Weinstein is a judge.
Anna is probably on the bottom based on the editing of the show, but I'm worried that Amy will be too.
Ooo. I was wrong. Glad to see Jesse brought himself to the bottom and couldn't blame Ping. But I'm sure he'll be safe because they liked elements of it. It's down to Jesus -- Mr. Tacky -- or Anna.
You can see why you need consistent judges. Mrs. Weinstein kept saying if you take out the crystal straps, Jesus' dress wouldn't be bad. Michael and Nina were rolling their eyes -- they'd seen Jesus' taste level before.
So personal preference-wise, I'd pick Amy's dress. I'm becoming a fan of the Oakland girl. But Mila's was very striking and her model worked it like a pro. Yay! Amy won!!!
And look at how much her fellow contestants like her since they cheered loudly. Finally, Jesus is gone. I was afraid he was going to do a Wendy Pepper.
Looks like Anthony falls to the bottom again. I hope he stays. He's too much fun.
Anyway, Ping is gone. I haven't had a chance to watch the whole show, but Jesse seems a real donkeyhole even if Ping was a whack-a-do. Go back to playing Jack, guy, because your real name is Dick. Once more, I liked Amy's design even if she was paired with Hay-zus. And Maya should have won over Mila. The jacket was cool, but really, those were running pants. I know. I have a pair just like them, only with a lower waist.
The challenge tonight is fun. I like that none of these designers have really whined about having to design for a real woman instead of a stick-thin clothes hanger model. Seth Aaron came closest to it but backed off quickly.
I'm liking Jay after this episode just because of his reaction to his model. That was sweet. And his model was a cutie-pie. Maya and Mila are daughter and mother or sister and much younger sister separated at birth. I also think Maya looks like Wednesday Addams played by Christina Ricci grown up. That's exactly the way Wednesday would look.
Mrs. Harvey Weinstein is a judge.
Anna is probably on the bottom based on the editing of the show, but I'm worried that Amy will be too.
Ooo. I was wrong. Glad to see Jesse brought himself to the bottom and couldn't blame Ping. But I'm sure he'll be safe because they liked elements of it. It's down to Jesus -- Mr. Tacky -- or Anna.
You can see why you need consistent judges. Mrs. Weinstein kept saying if you take out the crystal straps, Jesus' dress wouldn't be bad. Michael and Nina were rolling their eyes -- they'd seen Jesus' taste level before.
So personal preference-wise, I'd pick Amy's dress. I'm becoming a fan of the Oakland girl. But Mila's was very striking and her model worked it like a pro. Yay! Amy won!!!
And look at how much her fellow contestants like her since they cheered loudly. Finally, Jesus is gone. I was afraid he was going to do a Wendy Pepper.
Looks like Anthony falls to the bottom again. I hope he stays. He's too much fun.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Mountains Beyond Mountains
I'm only half-way through but it's an amazing book about an amazing man. I kept thinking: I sure as @#$^ wouldn't want to be married to him but he's still a superhero.
At any rate, the selflessness of Paul Farmer makes me want to shuck everything, train as a community health worker and go work in Haiti or something. Here's a man who graduated from Harvard. Who could have carved out a cushy life in the burbs of Boston, making a nice living and probably assuaged his conscience by making two-month trips to Haiti annually.
Then I think: could I really live like him? sleeping only three hours a day? living without plumbing or electricity? Working from 5 a.m. to late into the night every day? I am not a superhero. But I can admire people who are. And contribute to their organization. And look for more volunteer opportunities in my own community.
PS also just read a profile in the Boston Globe that ran in 2008.
At any rate, the selflessness of Paul Farmer makes me want to shuck everything, train as a community health worker and go work in Haiti or something. Here's a man who graduated from Harvard. Who could have carved out a cushy life in the burbs of Boston, making a nice living and probably assuaged his conscience by making two-month trips to Haiti annually.
Then I think: could I really live like him? sleeping only three hours a day? living without plumbing or electricity? Working from 5 a.m. to late into the night every day? I am not a superhero. But I can admire people who are. And contribute to their organization. And look for more volunteer opportunities in my own community.
PS also just read a profile in the Boston Globe that ran in 2008.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
project Runway 7.2
So yay, maybe Project Runway is going to come up with more interesting challenges this season. cuz last season, they offered real snoozers. Make a pretty dress, ep. 1. Make a pretty dress, ep 4. Make a pretty dress! ep 5,6,7,8....zzzz. Really the only two interesting challenges were the newspaper challenge (go, LA Times) and the Bob Mackie challenge. And Ep 6 designers really sucked because no one, repeat no one, came up with anything half-way original for the Mackie challenge. What Chris March could've done with that. Did they never watch the Sonny and Cher show?! Guess not. Showing my age. sigh.
My mom had to wear burlap some time during her childhood. Things were that bad in the old days. But I really like this challenge concept.
And I'm surprised that no model chose Mila. When you look at her outfit, versus Miss A's, hers was actually one of my top five, or six or seven. Definitely not on the bottom, as Anthony's hideosity was.
Ok, about this "Pregnancy Pact" movie Lifetime is advertising ad nauseum. Not based on a true story. Not even close to being a true story. Some idiot assistant principal blew some smoke at a freelance reporter about a rumor flying. As rumors are wont to be, a totally false one. And the ambitious freelancer got it into a national paper. Man, were the local reporters hosed about that one.
So it looks ominous for Ping. I think it's her design that has buttocks hanging out over the runway with black bars hiding them. Then again, Jesus doesn't listen to Tim. People who don't listen to Tim don't live long on this show.
Pamela Pttttaw's dress has a pretty color. Unlike the Pepto Bismal monstrosity she sent out last week. Ben's edging ...was it Ben? I lose track when there's so many designers...did have cool edging as Tim said. No, it wasn't Ben. Anyhoo, it was looking kind of cool.
OK, it wasn't one of the guys, but Amy that had the interesting edging for the design.
Actually, initial impression is that the designers did a pretty good job translating the burlap. That's why I like these challenges -- it brings on the creativity.
I vote for Amy as the winner and to me, it's a tossup among the losers. Ping's concept was interesting, but butt hanging out! Pamela's -- despite the cool color -- was awful. Jesus' was meh.
Ben's was my least favorite of the top 3. Jesus lives. Good-bye Pam.
My mom had to wear burlap some time during her childhood. Things were that bad in the old days. But I really like this challenge concept.
And I'm surprised that no model chose Mila. When you look at her outfit, versus Miss A's, hers was actually one of my top five, or six or seven. Definitely not on the bottom, as Anthony's hideosity was.
Ok, about this "Pregnancy Pact" movie Lifetime is advertising ad nauseum. Not based on a true story. Not even close to being a true story. Some idiot assistant principal blew some smoke at a freelance reporter about a rumor flying. As rumors are wont to be, a totally false one. And the ambitious freelancer got it into a national paper. Man, were the local reporters hosed about that one.
So it looks ominous for Ping. I think it's her design that has buttocks hanging out over the runway with black bars hiding them. Then again, Jesus doesn't listen to Tim. People who don't listen to Tim don't live long on this show.
Pamela Pttttaw's dress has a pretty color. Unlike the Pepto Bismal monstrosity she sent out last week. Ben's edging ...was it Ben? I lose track when there's so many designers...did have cool edging as Tim said. No, it wasn't Ben. Anyhoo, it was looking kind of cool.
OK, it wasn't one of the guys, but Amy that had the interesting edging for the design.
Actually, initial impression is that the designers did a pretty good job translating the burlap. That's why I like these challenges -- it brings on the creativity.
I vote for Amy as the winner and to me, it's a tossup among the losers. Ping's concept was interesting, but butt hanging out! Pamela's -- despite the cool color -- was awful. Jesus' was meh.
Ben's was my least favorite of the top 3. Jesus lives. Good-bye Pam.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Project Runway 7.0
Back in the Big Apple!
I thought it would be a nice change of pace for the show to be in LA. But it's a New York kind of show. It was unbearably boring in LA. Maybe it was the sites they chose, the people they cast, but yawn, yawn, yawn. Of course, the sporadic judging by Nina and Michael didn't help.
Bet Mel loves the disparagement of Birmingham! But the guy does seem very funny, in a flaming kind of way. He'll at least be entertaining.
Something that strikes me with this season of PR and the last one: Burnham Productions seems have a lot of telegenic girls. I hope this season doesn't go the way of the last, where it felt like a lot of more daring, but not-so-attractive designers were offed by the pretty, not-so-talented ones (Logan, I'm looking at you).
Ping reminds me of the New Agey puppeteer/spitter from a previous season...Emilia? Elisa? Did she do any sewing or was it all draping fabrics around? Was she a toga wrapper in a previous life in Rome?
Jesus' outfit looks like it's pooping fabric, as Heidi would say. Wonder if it will when he gets to the runway. Tim's critique didn't sound promising.
As entertaining as Ms. A is, he has a good chance of going home. That dress looks like something from Mad Men, and not in a good way. Edited to add: that was before I saw the tumor on the side of the dress. Sorry, Ms. A, that kind of print calls for a simpler style.
I hate those naked Blue Fly ads.
Nicole Richie, ack, ick, yuck, poooeey. She's reminding me of Lindsey Lohan last season. "I liked it."
Oh, Jesus, you should have listened to Tim. Nina and Michael gave him some zingers: crocodile log, Hershey bar.
Oooo. editing. during the judging, Nina and Michael weren't as harsh to Jesus. I'm guessing, though, that it might be Christiana going home since they trashed her sewing and the design.
And oh, my sweet Lord, could Ping actually win????? Emilio was a good choice to win.
Yep, it was Christiane.
Overall, I liked the challenge and how they had to make snap decisions on the fabrics and then had to edit the choices. There's too many contestants right now to have a good handle on their talent.
I thought it would be a nice change of pace for the show to be in LA. But it's a New York kind of show. It was unbearably boring in LA. Maybe it was the sites they chose, the people they cast, but yawn, yawn, yawn. Of course, the sporadic judging by Nina and Michael didn't help.
Bet Mel loves the disparagement of Birmingham! But the guy does seem very funny, in a flaming kind of way. He'll at least be entertaining.
Something that strikes me with this season of PR and the last one: Burnham Productions seems have a lot of telegenic girls. I hope this season doesn't go the way of the last, where it felt like a lot of more daring, but not-so-attractive designers were offed by the pretty, not-so-talented ones (Logan, I'm looking at you).
Ping reminds me of the New Agey puppeteer/spitter from a previous season...Emilia? Elisa? Did she do any sewing or was it all draping fabrics around? Was she a toga wrapper in a previous life in Rome?
Jesus' outfit looks like it's pooping fabric, as Heidi would say. Wonder if it will when he gets to the runway. Tim's critique didn't sound promising.
As entertaining as Ms. A is, he has a good chance of going home. That dress looks like something from Mad Men, and not in a good way. Edited to add: that was before I saw the tumor on the side of the dress. Sorry, Ms. A, that kind of print calls for a simpler style.
I hate those naked Blue Fly ads.
Nicole Richie, ack, ick, yuck, poooeey. She's reminding me of Lindsey Lohan last season. "I liked it."
Oh, Jesus, you should have listened to Tim. Nina and Michael gave him some zingers: crocodile log, Hershey bar.
Oooo. editing. during the judging, Nina and Michael weren't as harsh to Jesus. I'm guessing, though, that it might be Christiana going home since they trashed her sewing and the design.
And oh, my sweet Lord, could Ping actually win????? Emilio was a good choice to win.
Yep, it was Christiane.
Overall, I liked the challenge and how they had to make snap decisions on the fabrics and then had to edit the choices. There's too many contestants right now to have a good handle on their talent.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Top Chef 6 Finale Part II
This finale definitely has some meaner elements than in previous years.
For instance, the random way of choosing sous chefs and having absolutely no say. This seems unfair way. Kevin really got hosed...has his luck finally run out? I mean, Pritti, really? Ash might be OK. Brian got the strongest hand -- Ashley was really underrated and he seems to appreciate her.
And Kevin badmouthing Pritti (or however you pronounce her name) -- his bitchface finally shows up. Has he ever said anything negative about another chef before? The stress must be really bad.
Did not recognize Jessie with her blonde hair.
Kevin's mom sounds like a cigarette and whiskey kind of gal, with that smokey voice. Kevin looked completely different without a beard. Bryan and Michael's mom was really lovely as a young woman and the boys were very cute towheads.
During a live chat at the Washington Post this a.m. -- since they're local boys -- the brothers joked that their Mom was rooting for Kevin because that meant neither son was edging out the other. Wonder if there was another underlying theme there. Also wonder if they did the live chat yesterday because they knew neither won.
Think Bryan had some sweat trickling on his forehead when he heard who the judges were. Once again he underseasons it.
Bryan definitely is not winning. It's going to be a throwdown between Michael and Kevin.
So Bryan did well on two courses, Michael on two or three, and Kevin definitely had two. But his wasn't the "chef's choice," which might edge out everything else.
Or the editors are monkeying with our brains. Which they like to do. I'm still peeved about how they made you think Lisa edged out Richard Blais when the judges were arguing all night between Blais and Stephanie.
I honestly have no idea who is going to win.
1. Kevin
2. Michael
3. Bryan
4. Bryan
But Michael took risks and had admirable flavors in almost all his dishes. Almost all of his dishes had some element that people liked.
Kevin probably came in number 3. So is the winner Bryan or Michael. For personal reasons, I'm rooting for Bryan. But I recognize Michael's talent and his genius at finding creative ways of doing things. For instance, I'd love to try his fried broccoli.
Yep, Kevin was the first down. Poor guy, after leading the whole way -- to choke at the end. I'm not unhappy that Michael won, but I still wish it was Kevin or Bryan who had.
For instance, the random way of choosing sous chefs and having absolutely no say. This seems unfair way. Kevin really got hosed...has his luck finally run out? I mean, Pritti, really? Ash might be OK. Brian got the strongest hand -- Ashley was really underrated and he seems to appreciate her.
And Kevin badmouthing Pritti (or however you pronounce her name) -- his bitchface finally shows up. Has he ever said anything negative about another chef before? The stress must be really bad.
Did not recognize Jessie with her blonde hair.
Kevin's mom sounds like a cigarette and whiskey kind of gal, with that smokey voice. Kevin looked completely different without a beard. Bryan and Michael's mom was really lovely as a young woman and the boys were very cute towheads.
During a live chat at the Washington Post this a.m. -- since they're local boys -- the brothers joked that their Mom was rooting for Kevin because that meant neither son was edging out the other. Wonder if there was another underlying theme there. Also wonder if they did the live chat yesterday because they knew neither won.
Think Bryan had some sweat trickling on his forehead when he heard who the judges were. Once again he underseasons it.
Bryan definitely is not winning. It's going to be a throwdown between Michael and Kevin.
So Bryan did well on two courses, Michael on two or three, and Kevin definitely had two. But his wasn't the "chef's choice," which might edge out everything else.
Or the editors are monkeying with our brains. Which they like to do. I'm still peeved about how they made you think Lisa edged out Richard Blais when the judges were arguing all night between Blais and Stephanie.
I honestly have no idea who is going to win.
1. Kevin
2. Michael
3. Bryan
4. Bryan
But Michael took risks and had admirable flavors in almost all his dishes. Almost all of his dishes had some element that people liked.
Kevin probably came in number 3. So is the winner Bryan or Michael. For personal reasons, I'm rooting for Bryan. But I recognize Michael's talent and his genius at finding creative ways of doing things. For instance, I'd love to try his fried broccoli.
Yep, Kevin was the first down. Poor guy, after leading the whole way -- to choke at the end. I'm not unhappy that Michael won, but I still wish it was Kevin or Bryan who had.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Top Chef 6 Finale Part I
Whoo hoo! Best season of Top Chef ever.
My friend J and I took the Napa Valley Wine Train...she does a lot of freelance for airline magazines so we got a few freebies, including the train, a bistro (owned by Thomas Keller) and a resort. The train was sort of fun, the food OK, the tour....well, touristy.
Note that Padma has water instead of wine. I like grapes as fruit. I don't like them mixed with other things. Especially in entrees. So I probably would have wanted to try Michael's because he used grape leaves, something I love. And wine sauce. Plus grapes. And good on Jennifer for using other favors really well. I hoped she was going to win the Prius since Chiarelli said he was going to put it on his menu. But Michael did use the widest variety of grapes.
Someone suggested that Kevin was really good at playing the usual Top Chef game, being a little conservative and realizing limits. But in the finale, you have to go all out. So I'm guessing it might really come down to the brothers. Jennifer seems good but lacks flash. Same with Kevin...he can manage complex flavors but can he really wow?
Jen's getting the loser edit here. And she's making her usual mistake of not knowing where she wants to go.
It's funny how they all fall back into their usual patterns, despite the three-month hiatus. Bryan always seems overly ambitious ands ends up in the weeds. Jen always seems a little unfocused. Michael always wants to show off. Kevin always does what he loves.
I have to agree with Michael about fresh eggs. Our farmer's market had an Amish (or Mennonite?) vendor that provided fresh eggs. I may never be able to eat normal eggs ever again. The yolks really are orange, instead of yellow. And they do have more flavor. My ambition, once the season begins again, is to learn how to make pasta using fresh eggs.
Hmmmmmm. They're not offering a lot of criticism. The judging is going to come down to minor details, like the lack of seasoning in Bryan's food, the runnyness of Michael's eggs, the "ropiness" of Kevin's beef. Liked all the talk of the "ducky duckiness" of Jen's duck.
I'm confused...at the vineyard, they raved about Jen's duck, now they're blasting it at judge's table. What's up with that? But as much as I love Jen, if it comes down to her or Kevin, I'll pick her to go. Bryan seems the clear winner from the discussion at judges' table.
But the editing monkeys could be deceiving us. During season 4 finale, they made it seem as though the difficult choice was between Stephanie and Lisa, when it was between Richard and Stephanie.
Bryan has the nerdiest laugh. But congrats!
Dang. Sorry to see her leave. And their reasoning actually seems kind of lame. But it's so great to have talented chefs that there is no one you're rooting against because they're not as good as the others, as in other seasons. Being jerks, on the other hand....
My friend J and I took the Napa Valley Wine Train...she does a lot of freelance for airline magazines so we got a few freebies, including the train, a bistro (owned by Thomas Keller) and a resort. The train was sort of fun, the food OK, the tour....well, touristy.
Note that Padma has water instead of wine. I like grapes as fruit. I don't like them mixed with other things. Especially in entrees. So I probably would have wanted to try Michael's because he used grape leaves, something I love. And wine sauce. Plus grapes. And good on Jennifer for using other favors really well. I hoped she was going to win the Prius since Chiarelli said he was going to put it on his menu. But Michael did use the widest variety of grapes.
Someone suggested that Kevin was really good at playing the usual Top Chef game, being a little conservative and realizing limits. But in the finale, you have to go all out. So I'm guessing it might really come down to the brothers. Jennifer seems good but lacks flash. Same with Kevin...he can manage complex flavors but can he really wow?
Jen's getting the loser edit here. And she's making her usual mistake of not knowing where she wants to go.
It's funny how they all fall back into their usual patterns, despite the three-month hiatus. Bryan always seems overly ambitious ands ends up in the weeds. Jen always seems a little unfocused. Michael always wants to show off. Kevin always does what he loves.
I have to agree with Michael about fresh eggs. Our farmer's market had an Amish (or Mennonite?) vendor that provided fresh eggs. I may never be able to eat normal eggs ever again. The yolks really are orange, instead of yellow. And they do have more flavor. My ambition, once the season begins again, is to learn how to make pasta using fresh eggs.
Hmmmmmm. They're not offering a lot of criticism. The judging is going to come down to minor details, like the lack of seasoning in Bryan's food, the runnyness of Michael's eggs, the "ropiness" of Kevin's beef. Liked all the talk of the "ducky duckiness" of Jen's duck.
I'm confused...at the vineyard, they raved about Jen's duck, now they're blasting it at judge's table. What's up with that? But as much as I love Jen, if it comes down to her or Kevin, I'll pick her to go. Bryan seems the clear winner from the discussion at judges' table.
But the editing monkeys could be deceiving us. During season 4 finale, they made it seem as though the difficult choice was between Stephanie and Lisa, when it was between Richard and Stephanie.
Bryan has the nerdiest laugh. But congrats!
Dang. Sorry to see her leave. And their reasoning actually seems kind of lame. But it's so great to have talented chefs that there is no one you're rooting against because they're not as good as the others, as in other seasons. Being jerks, on the other hand....
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