Doctor Who

Okay, you guys...  I'm officially a fan of Doctor Who.  The newish version, that is, that started in like 2005 or something?  Yeah.

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Anyways, my friends have been posting things about the TARDIS and Doctor and Daleks and stuff for ages.  After a bit of probing to find out which series to begin with, I began with Chris Eccleston as the Doctor and his companion Rose Tyler.

I'm kind of hooked.  Sure, the premise and episodes are cheesy and hokey at times, but I really enjoy the stories.  Each episode or arc is like a mini sci-fi movie.  I've even gotten choked up at times, seriously creeped out (like the weeping angels, library shadows), and I laugh a lot.  The special effects do get a lot better even a couple of seasons in.

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I knew from internet posts that the Doctor regenerates from time to time, replacing him with a new actor.  What I did not realize is that the companions also change.  So it was definitely an adjustment for me to have to deal with new characters all the time.  I'm in the middle of David Tennant's stint right now, and it actually took me a while to like him.  Call me a weirdo, but I really liked Chris Eccleston.  And I'm a big-time Rose Tyler fan for the unrequited love angle, though Donna Noble is possibly by favorite so far.

In good nerd fashion, I love to catch the hidden references to previous episodes as the series progresses.  I don't watch it every day, or even every week, but when I want to veg out and turn on Netflix, it's my destination every time.  Thanks, fellow nerds, for converting me!

Except that most of the people I see every day don't watch it, so they don't get it when I crack up because someone says something like a Dalek or I say something like, "Allons-y!"  Dork.

Guess I'm a Whovian now!

Orange is the New Black

I totally jumped on the bandwagon and watched the first season of Orange is the New Black on Netflix.  I've kind of been bingeing on TV lately, knowing that my grad school classes are starting way.too.soon.

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The show is about a young WASP from NYC who has to spend a year in women's prison for a crime she committed in her younger, wilder years.  Piper is plunged into a strange, new world, filled with women who have fascinating, and often heartbreaking, pasts.

I liked the season, and the finale's cliffhanger makes me super impatient for next year's new season.  Even Duke is hooked, watching all the episodes when he can.  It's the kind of series that would only work on a network like HBO.  Between this, House of Cards, and the new season of Arrested Development, Netflix has really redeemed itself in my eyes.  There was a time where I felt they were flailing, but their original content does not disappoint.

As for the characters, there are so many that I like!  Laura Prepon is fantastic as Alex's ex-girlfriend.  Kate Mulgrew, who I used to watch on Star Trek, plays Red, one of my favorite characters.  I also love transgender actress Laverne Cox's portrayal of Sophia.  There's tons of drama, lots of laughs, and a huge cast that leaves you wanting every backstory.  The show does a lot of storytelling via flashbacks, which gives you context for the way each of the women are presented.

The only characters I don't really like?  Piper and her fiance Larry.  I feel like everyone else is perfectly imperfect, yet these two are over-privileged whiners.  Maybe that's how they're supposed to be portrayed.  I expected to empathize most with Piper.  But in the end I found that I could feel for even the most crazy, larger than life characters more than I could Piper or Larry.  I just don't care for them at all.

Also, this may be one of the best quotes ever from the show.  You gotta watch it to understand.

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Sex & the City, according to Duke

Image source: thehappilyeverafterproject.com

Me: "Maintaining close friendships with girls is a lot of work, and I'm not good at it.  I'm beginning to think I will never have that Sex & the City circle of friends."

Duke: "That's because Sex & the City isn't real!  They meet for brunch like *every day*, and the blonde one f*cks someone, and the brunette gets indignant.  Then they go to the latest restaurant opening or whatever."

Me:  "Did you read this in some article?  How do you know this?"

Duke:  "I saw a few episodes, and it's just ridiculous."

Me:  "Well, what about the redhead?  And the curly blonde?"

Duke:  "The redhead has a kid and she's a professional busy-woman.  The blonde is a fashionista."

Me:  "Which one am I?  The indignant brunette?"

Duke:  "You're none of them, Aubrey.  Because they aren't real."

#nailedit

And he used the word fashionista.  In real conversation.  Bwahahahaha....

Fond Object & Hey Brother!

Duke and I are big Arrested Development fans, so when I heard Tony Hale was speaking at Vanderbilt, I bought us two tickets to see it.  Well, he was working.  So fellow blogger Lauren at Old Red Boots was happy to step in!

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Even better, she invited me out to East Nashville to enjoy a backyard BBQ at Fond Object.

I had a ball!  Not only did I meet the resident pot-bellied pig and goats, but there were a ton of awesome people, beer from Mayday Brewery, delicious food from Porter Road Butcher, AMAZING donuts from Glazed, and live music. 

Chorizo with Apple Fennel Slaw

I'm kind of in love with East Nashville in general as a neighborhood.  From the houses to the people, it has the unique vibe that I feel every time I'm there.  People know their neighbors, they have fun events all the time, and you can find a general sense of belonging.

Afterwards, Lauren and I headed to Vandy to see Tony Hale, with mixed reviews.  Not about Tony Hale, who was AWESOME and as fun as I expected... It's just that they awkwardly had some random band play a set beforehand, they played an ENTIRE episode of AD as an "intro", and the stupid DJ they had interviewing Tony was very obviously not acquainted with the actor, show, or being able to carry on a conversation in general.  Boo.

I loved this poster... Lauren's boyfriend's friend made it!

But Tony was awesome!  'Nuff said.  I'm so glad I could spend a fun day with Lauren and friends enjoying some of the fun happening in Nashville.

Bunheads

I was a huge Gilmore Girls fan.  Its abrupt ending, without a true finale, really disappointed me.  But I think what I really missed was Amy Sherman-Palladino's fast-talking, eccentric characters and magical fantasy world.

Desktop Wallpaper I made in college.... I know, I was obsessed!

I'd heard Amy was writing a show for ABC Family, called Bunheads... but I wasn't super impressed with the other random shows on that channel.  It aired last year, and as of now they haven't announced whether it has been renewed for a second season.  But I noticed the first ten episodes were free on Amazon Prime, so I had to check it out.

The gist of Bunheads is that a cheeky Las Vegas showgirl marries her semi-stalker in a vulnerable moment, landing in a quirky little town only to have him die quickly and leave her with her mother-in-law and strange residents and a dance school full of teenagers.

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It's no Gilmore Girls.  But there are lots of Gilmore Girls alumni with bit parts (and Kelly Bishop with a big part) and the witty, quick dialogue with off-beat references.  I like that even though ABC Family is aimed at teenagers, I enjoy the show's adult storyline the most.  Amy didn't compromise.

Also, the music is totally reminiscent of GG.  And Paradise is California's answer to Stars Hollow.

So if you're in the mood for a GG knockoff, this is a fun way to spend an hour.  Then another hour.  Then another hour.  Sutton Foster is a Tony-winning Broadway star, so her skills are legit and fun to watch.

But seriously, if Veronica Mars can have a successful Kickstarter campaign to make a movie as a TV series follow-up, shouldn't Gilmore Girls be next?

P.S.  Little Bunhead Bailey Buntain looks like Megan Hilty's little sister!

Downton Abbey: Death & Drama! - Series 3 Recap

Update: I recently noticed that with the 4th series airing soon in the U.S., the traffic to this particular post is on the uptick!  If you're reading this, the content that follows is my recap/reaction to Series 3, which aired in the U.S. in 2013...  I have already watched Series 4, and it is even better than the previous season.  So get ready to fall in love with Downton all over again!  12/31/2013

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FINALLY the Downton Abbey Christmas Special has aired in the U.S., ending Series 3 for us Americans.  Since I eagerly devoured the season before its U.S. airing, I've been on pins and needles wanting to discuss with folks.  I have a couple of friends (we call ourselves The BBC Book Club) who discuss the episodes as they air, but we're a small group wanting to get more input!

Here are my thoughts on the tumultuous season. SPOILER ALERT!

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DOWNSTAIRS:
I love the downstairs.  Fascinating and drama-filled!  I was okay with the whole Ethel storyline; it had something to it.  But I still never liked her.  I was also so moved by Mrs. Hughes' cancer storyline.  She and Mrs. Patmore are a wonderful pair of friends.  Mr. Carson ebbed and flowed for me this season; he is endearing to me in his love for the Crawleys, but his penchant for being so strictly by the book drives me nuts.

The Thomas storyline was tough for me, but I like how it was semi-resolved.  I really thought I hated him, but I think his inner conflicts have made me more open to him.  The Bates storyline underwhelmed.  After the jail scenes and all, I love that he and Anna are finally together, but he isn't the compelling, mysterious, gentle character I fell in love with in the first series.

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UPSTAIRS:
Lord & Lady Grantham:  I still haven't forgiven Lord Grantham's behavior over the whole Sybil/hospital thing.  Lord Grantham is FINALLY seeing the light in that Matthew and Branson were right about how to run the estate.  Hello.  And Lady Grantham continues to be a steady semi-favorite for me.  I felt her grief so much this season.

Lady Mary:  I am not a big fan of Mary.  But there's just something about her.  Ha!  Happy she was able to have a child, happy she continues to be brutally honest all the time.  Annoyed by her consistent obsession with Downton Abbey as a house.  If the place burned down, she'd be tossed into a looney bin.  Also, gotta feel bad for a girl when every guys she sleeps with ends up DEAD.  Maybe I'll start calling her the Black Widow.

Matthew:  DAN STEVENS, YOU ARE AN IDIOT.  Seriously.  Nobody knows who you are outside of Matthew Crawley.  You should have just stuck with the series and done movies on the side to make your name.  You will end up like those girls from Destiny's Child who left the group that no one remembers.  Rant over.

Dowager Countess:  THANK HEAVENS for Maggie Smith.  I actually find her meddling and interventions to be endearing, and her sass and wit are awesome.  Definitely a favorite.  Julian Fellows, if you kill off the Dowager during the series, I may actually consider boycotting.  There wouldn't be a dry eye in the house.

Lady Edith:  Oh, Edith.  Can't the girl get a break?  She's as cursed as Mary.  And if her editor wants to deserve our girl, he needs to divorce his crazy wife.  Jane Eyre was so 17th century.  Maybe send her to America to find a man under the watch of Shirley MacLaine?  (BTW, Shirley MacLaine's appearances just felt overacted and underwhelming.  A blip on the radar this season, despite the hype.)

Branson:  Oh, poor Branson!  Sybil was a doll.  Sad face.  I really couldn't stand him at first, but he has really grown up this season.  He is a hot widower.  Just saying.  And a loving father; I think he's done a fantastic job.

Isobel and Dr. Clarkson:  This clearly needs to happen.  Isobel is obnoxious, but I love Clarkson.  And Sir Dr.-What-His-Face who was such a putz during the Sybil debacle can leave forever.

Cousin Rose:  She's going to get on my every last nerve.  Worst 'replacement' for Sybil ever.

Also, here's a great article on why Julian Fellowes (and I agree!) had to kill off Matthew.  Actors, bleh.

Funny Women

I don't watch as much TV as I used to, but there's one thing that keeps me coming back every time.  Funny women.  And I'm not talking about silly women.  I'm talking clever, witty women.  And with the end of 30 Rock and the impending end (sob!) of Parks & Recreation, it really got me thinking about what these women mean to me.  Specifically, three who have resonated most with me.   They are smart, and I really REALLY wish I could be their friend in real life.  Because I feel like they'd get me.

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Tina Fey.  She probably paved the way for this crop of witty women.  She also helped me feel good about being a brunette nerd in glasses.  While I don't watch much 30 Rock, I watched Tina religiously on SNL.  She gave us the best Sarah Palin impression ever, the first all-female Weekend Update, and "blerg".

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Mindy Kaling.  Mindy is pretty close in age to me, and it seems we really like a lot of the same things.  (I follow her on Twitter.)  I love that she's just as obsessed with pop culture as me, that she's a curvy minority gal like I am.  We need to be friends.  Are you reading this Mindy?!  I love her show The Mindy Project.  It's smart and funny, just like she is.

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Amy Poehler.  Oh, Amy.  I was Leslie Knope in high school.  I love her so much!  She just rocks my socks off.  I believed she and Will Arnett were the perfect comedy couple and flipped my lid when I heard they were splitting.  (I loved them on Arrested Development!)  I am CRUSHED that the show is ending.  NBC is making a huge mistake; this show hasn't even peaked yet.  It will forever be on repeat for me.  Amy is my spirit animal.  She is adorable and hilarious and brave.  I love her!

American Horror Story Wrapup

American Horror Story is over again, after another riveting, scary, whirlwind of a season!  I actually think I enjoyed Asylum even more than Murder House, despite reviews saying it was too campy and all over the place.  But I want MORE, and I can't wait for another season!!!

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I thought Jessica Lange and Sarah Paulson were brilliant.  The characters, true to the past season, were all beautifully flawed.  It was scary, pushed the envelope, and kept me totally hooked.

Oh, and the rest of the cast was brilliant.  My beloved Zachary Quinto was creeptastic.  The shorter story arcs were awesome too, like the Anne Frank and murderous Santa.

If you like scary plot twists, this show is for you.

The only trouble I have with it?  The serial format means sometimes you're left guessing what happens afterward!  I think this season they did a much more complete job of wrapping things up.  Much of the cast is coming back for next season, which once again will be back in a completely new time and place, playing new characters.

And then there was this...

Media Monday Frenzy

It's a Media Monday frenzy!  It's probably the cold and dark weather of winter that has me spending more time in front of a screen or reading books, but I'm digging it nonetheless.

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FILM:  First off, I saw the movie Silver Linings Playbook with Duke.  It's kind of a hard film to describe, sort of an indie dark romantic comedy... but it struck both myself and Duke because of the subject around mental illness and depression.  It was ultimately a happy movie, and I recommend that people who like films such as Little Miss Sunshine check out this flick.

I also bought Pitch Perfect on DVD so I could enjoy that silliness over and over.  :)  I forgot how hilarious Fat Amy is!  I have been practicing my horizontal running.

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TV:  I am so glad that new TV is back... my favorites are American Horror Story Asylum, Revenge, Don't Trust the B- in Apartment 23, and The Mindy Project.  I also catch up on Grey's Anatomy, Glee, The New Normal, and of course The Office/Parks & Rec.  I could probably talk about each of these at length, so if you want to discuss, leave a comment.

What Would the Dowager Countess Do? (source)

Also, you may have noticed Downton Abbey is not on this list.  Well, that's because I watched it with the Brits.  I KNOW EVERYTHING.   So I'm not watching along on PBS, but when the Blu-Ray comes out later this month, I'll probably rewatch it all over.  I definitely think this season is stronger than the second!

I have two newer addictions, however.  I started watching the emotional roller coaster that is The Biggest Loser.  I don't know why.  It's just captivating TV.  I think it's because I love Jillian Michaels, but I'm not sure.

The other addiction is... Dexter.  Yup, another great show I just haven't been watching.  So Duke and I are starting from the beginning (we're in Season 2), and I'm also catching up on the last couple of seasons of House M.D.  I know, we're behind the times.  I'm behind on Mad Men too.   But at some point this TV overload has to end.  I should just make a list of TV shows to watch when I'm retired and have more time.  Now I resort to catching up with TV while I cook breakfast and eat it over the sink in the kitchen.  Blah.  I need to stop and exercise more.

BOOKS:  But I still read!  After seeing Life of Pi in theaters, I decided to read the book.  I really enjoyed it.  It was harder to follow than the movie, but it was very imaginative and worth the time.  I don't know why I never read it before, since it has been on my Kindle forever.  If you like magical realism, this is great.

A less interesting read was The Calligrapher's Daughter.  I wanted to love it.  It's about Korea, after all, in a time my grandparents lived through.  But I just didn't connect.  It moved sporadically, storylines didn't feel tied up, and it was ultimately slow.  Not bad, just slow.

Lastly, my favorite of the bunch, was The Tipping Point.  This was a quick read for me, and I loved it like I loved Freakonomics.  It made me think a lot about the people I know in my life, the path of trends, and influencers in my life.  If you like books like Freakonomics, this is a definite must-read.  The Power of Habit was another good one along the same vein.  In fact, someone from work borrowed that one and hasn't returned it.  Huh.  Must track it down.

Anyone else read or watch something good lately?

A Belated Gleek Roundup

Remember when I used to have time to recap shows every week?  Yeah, about that...

But since it's Saturday and I don't have any other posts planned (I'm cleaning my apartment for my family's arrival tomorrow), I figured I'd let you know how I'm feeling about Glee lately.

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Glee Club (in general):  The New Directions weren't going to beat the Warblers.  Sorry, the Warblers kicked major butt and totally made me a fan.  So they lost Sectionals, and it was the right thing.  What I didn't understand was Sue Sylvester's renewed interest in destroying them and rubbing it in their faces.  She ebbs and flows with hatred and compassion.  It's hard to figure out.

The New Kids:  Kitty is delightfully mean, and Marnie was interesting for a little while, but other than that they're weak sauce.  How come we aren't doing more solos for Tina and Artie?  What about Troutymouth Sam?  And Sam's solo as they somehow get him to fall in love with Brittany is stupid.  #1 most awesome new kid is Wade/Unique.  'Nuff said.

Rachel/Kurt:  I would watch this spinoff.  Kate Hudson is delightfully evil, Rachel has grown up so much as a person, and Kurt is really shining too.  I'd watch this but add in some Blaine, maybe an occasional visit from Mercedes.  (But let's stop with the fantasyland "Let's Have a Kiki" and Vogue stuff, no "starving artists" can afford that loft and luck into those connections.)

The Old Kids:  The only person I really miss is Santana, my smooth criminal.  I hate to say it, but I don't even miss Mercedes as much as I thought I would.  And it was nice to get rid of Will/Emma.  I'm sorry, it's true.  The haphazard way they've tried to throw everyone together this season is just weird.  The only episode that didn't seem contrived is when they came home for Thanksgiving.

So I continue to watch Glee, like the dedicated kid I am... but it's just starting to feel weaker than ever.  Every so often, there is an episode that gets me excited that it's back on track, only to be followed by one that is lacking.  Ryan Murphy is a genius, but American Horror Story has become my favorite show of his these days.

Come on, Glee, step it up!  I'm rooting for you.

BBC TV: #Sherlock

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I swear, the BBC is spot on when it comes to good dramas and television.  We imported The Office and Dancing with the Stars (a.k.a. Strictly Come Dancing) from them, and we have them to thank for Masterpiece Theatre, phenomenal series like P&P, and my beloved Downton Abbey.

What I love about the pool of British actors is that they will take parts in both TV and movies without losing their star quality.  They'll also take small roles in some series, but larger ones in others.  I watch series and shout out "Dumbledore!" or "Bilbo!" I truly believe there are two degrees of separation for movies/TV with British actors in them.

But I digress.

What I really wanted to tell you about was a BBC show I discovered on Amazon Prime.  Sherlock is not your typical TV series, in that each episode is 90 minutes, and there are only 3-4 episodes per season.  Episodes are more like mini movies that anything, actually.  It's fast, witty, displays true high-quality production value, and it's EXCITING!  It has to be one of the best shows currently on television, even with its different format.

You MUST check this series out!

P.S.  The actor who plays Sherlock is named Benedict Cumberbatch.  Best name ever!

Gleek Peek: Breakup

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Okay, so I forgive Glee for the crap it was last week...  because THIS. EPISODE. WAS. GLEE.

I mean, I was so emotional watching this thing... it was so real and refreshing!  The music was awesome!  The storyline was poignant and raw!  It all worked!

Look, it's called Breakup.  But I can't spoil it for you, just know that there are couples on the show that don't make it to the end.

Songs I'll Download:  "Give Your Heart a Break", "Teenage Dream",  "Don't Speak", "Mine", "The Scientist" #Glee

I just have to leave you with this video... this depicts everything that it was.

P.S.  I stopped watching Project Runway.  It isn't on Hulu and that is basically all I watch.

Gleek Peek: Vogue and such...

FOX

This episode was mostly centered around Blaine and Kurt, in their new respective locales.  The storyline was highly unbelievable, and the music a bit unexciting for me.  There was a Sarah Jessica Parker appearance as the ridiculously nice boss of Kurt at Vogue.  I thought Conde Nast was cutthroat?  Maybe they've remade their image since interns started demanding money for their pain and suffering?

Blah.

Only good part?  The cliffhanger at the end.  And even though I'm so over Finchel, I want to see what happens.

Songs I'll Download:  The Way You Look Tonight/You're Never Fully Dressed

P.S.  Did you know Sarah Jessica Parker was the original Annie on Broadway?

Project Runway... 3 episodes to catch up on! #TeamDmitry

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Yikes!  I'm way behind on Project Runway.  Since you've probably already been watching, I won't bore you with the details.  I'll just recap where I stand with the designers.

Lord & Taylor Challenge: I didn't get to watch!  The video online expired!  FAIL.  But based on the runway photos (before I saw the results!)  My favorite was Dmitry, least favorite Alicia and Elena.  Result?  NO ONE was out!  I agree with Christopher... why did the judges decide to save someone this episode?

Starving Artist: The teams for this challenge were rigged.  Seriously, Project Runway.  Too predictable.  But going in, Fabio, Alicia, and Gunnar are my least favorite designers.  So I kind of figured one of them would go home.  Elena is impossible all-around.  On the runway, my favorite team was Sonjia/Christopher/Gunnar, least favorite Dmitry/Elena/Alicia.  Result?  I think Gunnar did the best overall, and Christopher was good to recognize that.  Sonjia did a nice jacket, but I think Gunnar deserved it more.  I agree with Alicia going home, she just wasn't going to win.

It's All About Me: I actually really liked this challenge.   I love the idea of creating your own fabric, like you can on Spoonflower.  In terms of cultural heritage, I wish there was a Korean designer... I would love a modern take on the hanbok!  I also liked that the designers got to see their loved ones; it's such a cutthroat competition, being able to see them let down their guard a little was nice!  I really liked Dmitry's look the best (rocking illusion jacket and print!), even if it is a bit "prim", and Melissa impressed me with something different.  Ven's was my least favorite.  It just looked cheap, though I thought Tim was too hard on him.  Result?  Dmitry won, and Gunnar was out.  It was probably time for Gunnar to go, though he grew on me.

I'm Team Dmitry now, by the way.  This season isn't as clear to me as some others, but for now, that's where I am.

I've also been thinking, what if this show was more like Fashion Star, where we were able to buy the clothing we love?  I want to buy some of these pieces!!! And honestly, the Project Runway designers eventually go on to create things I can't afford.  I want a piece of the design!

Gleek Peek: NEW SEASON!

I was simultaneously excited and terrified for the newest season of Glee.  With so many cast members graduating, how would they pull it off?  But I really think they've done a good job of weaving the story together.  I also love the tongue-in-cheek references.  It's fast and clever, like older Glee episodes!

It's interesting to see how the Glee kids are dealing with their newfound popularity at school, and Rachel in New York (with Kate Hudson as evil dance instructor).  I also love the new cast members!

I can also tell they've increased production value, which is pretty cool.  I don't have much to say, because you really have to watch this season premiere to understand it.  But I have a feeling this season will be better than the last!

P.S.  Sam's impression of Taylor Lautner?  Awesome.  Brittany thinking Unique was Mercedes with a haircut?  Priceless.

Songs I'll Download: "Call Me Maybe", "New York State of Mind", "Chasing Pavements"

Mean Girls (and Guys) #ProjectRunway

Make it shorter!  And twirly!

I'm done with Ven.  For real, from what he displayed tonight, he doesn't respect real women with curves.  He can keep designing his one-trick tailored looks for hangers and mannequins.  Ugh.  Don't say proportions are off!  They are REAL!

This was (obviously) the regular people challenge.  Not only that, these are people going through a makeover.  What an opportunity to change someone's life with fashion!

Since I've jumped ship from Team Ven, immediately I had high hopes for Dmitry, Melissa, and Sonjia. I felt like they've been growing on me the most.  As the episode progressed, I just couldn't tell who was winning or losing... I feel like Nathan, Alicia, and Fabio are at the bottom of the totem pole, with possibly Gunnar as another weak link.  But no matter how closely I watched, all the would tape was the personal interactions, not the construction, so until the runway I couldn't tell who I liked!

Photo Shoot Challenge #ProjectRunway #TeamMelissa

Lifetime

I feel worthy of watching Project Runway this week.  I hemmed pants and repaired two tops on my sewing machine, as well as cut out a dress pattern for my first sewing project in months.

The hard part about TEN seasons of Project Runway?  Coming up with original ideas for the challenges.  More "women on the go" workwear?  At least it's a team challenge and a collection, vs. last challenge.  And I love when it's Nina Garcia being a "lead" judge for a challenge.  The photo shoot twist was pretty interesting though.  It's hard to make editorial looks that work in the real world.

As for the team selection... WHO WOULDN'T PICK VEN FIRST?  And it feels like schoolyard kickball picking.  These designers took it very personally.  I say, someone has to be picked first and last.  Just don't let the emotions get in the way!

Raul was driving me nuts.  He was all for himself when everyone else was aligned to a cohesive collection.  On the other team, Gunnar was trying to make himself heard, and Nathan and Christopher were dictating.  I was surprised Ven wasn't louder, but I think he realized that he was safer than the others and ought to just contribute the quality work he usually does.  But his team seemed to have it together.  Sonjia's team was CRAZY in Mood!  As time passed, however, it seemed like "Team 6" had the right idea to play to everyone's strengths and "mix" looks.  "Team 5" had great colors picked out initially, but their Mood selections made me question their direction.

Disappearing Designers #ProjectRunway

Lifetime

So... SPOILER ALERT.

Andrea left in the middle of the night.  She is a teacher in sewing, and she cowardly disappeared like that?  Lame.  Especially since there are so many people dying to be given the opportunity to be on Project Runway.  You know?  And then Kooan decides to make his exit.  Then everyone else who starts crying and lamenting their "plight"?  Is this a result of indulgent parenting where everyone is told they're a winner?!  COME ON.  But at least they brought back Raul, because even though he blew the last challenge, I felt he was better than Kooan, Andrea, and Buffi.

As for the challenge, I thought it was a nice, "normal" challenge where the designers could shine.  I am a "woman on the go" who loves Michael Kors, so why not do a little something-something I could wear as I travel, work, and play?  The minute that Tim said "no wrinkles", I knew everyone was going to look at jersey knits.  And you know what?  That works for me.  I love a great jersey knit.

My impressions on the designers that have managed not to quit? Buffi is a one-trick pony, and they spent a lot of time focusing the camera on her, so I was predicting she'd be the one eliminated.  Her look should be in a Body Central store... not a high end store.  And you know what?  If she had takent the black chiffon from Christopher, it might not have looked so trashy.  I also haven't been able to figure out Fabio's aesthetic at all.  He dresses kind of homeless-looking... what's his angle?  What did he show them before the show to get a spot on Project Runway?

I love Ven's designs.  But he is so into the competition that he is always ready to be critical of everyone else.  He's great, and he knows it.  Can he make it through the competition?  And Christopher seems like he's on downers.  He is not the happy, energetic guy from the first episode.  It's interesting, because  initially I thought he could be a contender.

Emmy/Lexus Challenge? #ProjectRunway #TeamVen

Lifetime

Hello, shameless product placement?  The designers are working on a look for the Emmy red carpet, but you have to incorporate the color of the Lexus you are assigned?  WEIRD.

But a team challenge always makes things more interesting!  Especially with such an arrogant group of designers.  Not to mention, they're designing for PAST Project Runway designers!  Gunnar was right on... the hardest people do design for is a fashion designer.  The team pairings were kind of interesting... I felt like the matches kind of gave everyone a shot.  The pairings just didn't seem extremely skewed one way or another.

I did feel that Buffi or Kooan would go home, without even seeing what happens.  Just a hunch, because I felt like they were the weakest links.  I did feel that Alicia and Raul picked an ugly print, so that did worry me a bit.

Of all the dresses, I really liked Ven's team dress (very vintage!) and Elena's team dress (dramatic!).  I felt like those were my picks based on the sewing footage.  I thought Alicia/Raul's scrap dress and Kooan/Gunnar's weird wedding-like dress were weak.  Once I saw the runway, I picked out Ven/Fabio as my favorite, and Alicia/Raul as my least.  But no matter what, my Ven was safe!

#ProjectRunway is back! #TeamVen

I know I used to recap every single Project Runway episode, but now I watch them online... so it's not a regular, weekly thing!

Lifetime

This year is the 10th Anniversary of Project Runway, and the latest contestants were thrown in headfirst!  The 16 designers were forced to do a  runway show in Times Square right off the bat.

I think that weird hair is a theme this year in designers (afro, dreads, long in front, leopard, partial shaved, etc.); it's like they are really trying to make themselves stand out from the get-go, versus their designs.  First-episode strategy?  Intimidating their fellow designers?  Perhaps.

My questions always is, CAN THEY SEW?  (Despite whats-her-face Anya who won despite her inability to sew last year.  VIKTOR WAS ROBBED!)

My first impressions of each designer (because in the first episodes you barely get to know them):

• Buffi wants to be Betsey Johnson.  Her designs all looked like Betsey.
• Gunnar's designs look very Marc Jacobs, with a minimalist flair.
• Lantie looks like a Real Housewife of someplace.
• Elena will find a job at House of Gaga.
• Kooan is a goober who could dress a harajuku drag queen.
• Melissa loves black... but I am sure they will force her to use color!
• Ven's homework pantsuit was stunning and tailored, wearable... will he be my Viktor this year?  I think he may be a contender, off the bat.
• Christopher is the nervous, sweet college dropout with some stunning, classy sketches. If he can really sew like that, I see potential!
• Alicia will be the menswear as womenswear person... if she can make good pants, she'll wow them like Kimberly did last year.
• Beatrice lacks sewing skills, and she's nervous about it. She says design comes naturally to her.  She loves knits, which if you can sew them can do great things.  Maybe she can drape?
• Raul does menswear, but I love his feminine looks.  They look very antique-y.
• Andrea calls herself the grandma at 58, a fashion professor.  
• Sonjia didn't really make an impression on me.
• Fabio is a "freegan" who dumpster dives for his food at supermarkets.  Huh?  "Freegan"?!
• Dmitry called Buffi "loud, like her look"!  Ha!  Quiet and a former ballroom dancer.  Designs seem architectural but simple.
• Nathan made no impression on me either.

Oh, I missed Tim Gunn!  And I wanna go to MOOD!  And this token bitchiness between Christopher and Gunnar?  Dmitry called Buffi's look "diarrhea".  Yup, we're back in the workroom.

And now, the runway...