http://homepage.mac.com/elisa_camahort/iblog http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss elisa_camahort@mac.com Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:30:58 -0800 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:31:15 -0800 iBlog 1.4.6 Elisa Camahort Elisa Camahort's Personal Weblog Default Dot Mac Weblog Elisa Camahort elisa_camahort@mac.com Elisa Camahort's Personal Weblog http://homepage.mac.com/elisa_camahort/iblog/C597745786/E20091103153030/index.html Much drama ensues

So, did you all notice that I actually got my wish last week? Even though I thought there was no chance that the two I thought should go home would go home, Melissa and Louie did indeed get the boot!

Can lightning strike twice?

Well, I'll let you be the judge once I recap the episode.

Last night each couple danced an individual dance, and then they teamed up. One team did the Tango and one the Paso Doble. I think it was a tiny bit odd to do the team week when there would be an uneven number of teams...don't you?

In any case, let's get started:

1. Michael and Anna danced the Foxtrot.
OK, I'll be totally honest: I came into this rooting against Michael Irvin. I'm a Niners fan. Michael Irvin was a Dallas Cowboy...and a Jerry Rice rival (although he never even came close, of course!) I have no fondness for the guy at all. And in the first few weeks, he didn't do anything to change my made-up mind. however, I am shocked to say that Irvin is winning me over! He is putting in the effort, and he is showing the most improvement and development of any of the celebrities. Some of them started out good and are still really good. Some of them started out bad and never got better. Most of them started out OK and are staying OK. He started out dreadful, and is becoming charming and enjoyable to watch. It pains me to say it. This Foxtrot was nice. He had good rise and fall, he looked good while in hold, with excellent posture. And the more time he spent in hold, the less opportunity to have awkward or inelegant hands/arms. He was fluid and light on his feet. All in all, this was shockingly good. Bottom line: Does he measure up to some of the others? Still no. If he ends up in a dance-off will they send him home? Probably. But he should be proud.

2. Donny and Kym danced the QuickStep.
Yeah, that Osmond slouch is real, and it was on full display during this routine. I also saw quite a few footwork flubs. Does this mean his blinding Osmondness wasn't also on display? Nope, it was also on full display. It was charming. It was also a very authentic Quick Step. Bottom line: Oh, probably still safe...he's going to be there until the bitter end!

3. Mark and anna T. danced the Samba.
What!? Mark and Anna T.? Yes, Lacey was down for the count with the swine flu (I'm guessing) and Anna T. came in and saved the day. Only she didn't actually quite save it, because this was indeed an out of control mess! He has certainly loosened up since week one, and he also possesses excellent strength and flexibility. BUt there's such a thing as too much looseness. This has tons of issues, and was just overall awkward. From moment too moment it actually made you a little nervous, as opposed to being fun and carefree. Bottom line: I think he may see the red light tonight.

4. Mya and Dmitry danced the Foxtrot.
And it was obvious that, once again, Dmitry threw in way too much business for Len's taste. And for mine. I don't think he is yet a great choreographer. Mya is a great dancer, why isn't he taking better advantage of it, I wonder? There wasn't enough dancing, but what dancing there was seemed effortless and scintillating. This was a lovely, fast Foxtrot, and Mya's musicality is obvious. Bottom line: Ringer!!

5. Aaron and Karina danced the Jive.
I saw some mistakes, it's true, but in general this was fast and furious and impressive. Aaron's command of the kicks and flicks was notable, and as Len said, it was indeed "wild, but clean." Which is very Jive-appropriate. Bottom line: He should be safe, but I think his fan base is weak!

6. Kelly and Louis danced the Salsa.
Is anyone else kind of creeped out by Kelly. And Louis. And her meltdowns. And their odd chemistry? I am. I am. Throughout this, my viewing companion and I thought it was lackluster and low on charm. I actually wrote down "I think she wants to go home." And then the judges loved it. Color me flabbergasted. Yes, it was fairly good quality, but it was nothing special. And she seemed stressed out...not festive. Bottom line: I think it may be time for Kelly to hit the Bottom.

7. Joanna and Derek danced the Rumba.
She had one very obvious mis-step, and the whole thing was a little too sharp for me. I would have preferred more sinuousness, less sharpness myself. But otherwise this was very very good, and she looked quite beautiful. Her make-up and hair was toned down, she read like Lauren Bacall, not her usual Pamela Anderson. Bottom line: She should be safe.

After the individual dances they were broken into teams as follows:

Team Paso Doble:
Mark and Anna T.
Aaron and Karina
Mya and Dmitry
Michael and Anna

Team Tango:
Joanna and Derek
Kelly and Louis
Donny and Kym

Team Paso did pretty well, but Team Tango easily outshined them. And this gave them more points which will somehow help them tonight, btu I don't really understand exactly how.

Bottom line: I think the two to be eliminated should be:

Kelly and Louis
Mark and Anna/Lacey [And know that it's inevitable that Michael and Anna will go, so that wouldn't bother me either.]

However, I think another surprise elimination may be on its way.

I actually think Kelly and Louis will go. But it may be either Aaron/Karina or Joanna/Derek that join them!

But what do you think?

]]> Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:30:30 -0800 http://homepage.mac.com/elisa_camahort/iblog/C597745786/E20091103153030/index.html http://homepage.mac.com/elisa_camahort/iblog/C597745786/E20091030080409/index.html So, how'd that turn out?

Last night the Top 6 were asked to create a companion piece "inspired" by their "winning look", oh wait, no. We better call that their "best look", seeing as poor Logan, he of the hipster skinny jeans and disaffected voice, has never won. Or even been in the top.

A fact you'll hear quite a few times throughout the episode, not only from him, but from the other designers. Yes, folks, finally some claws (other than Irina's) start to come out. And the somewhat surprising source: Althea. She, the refugee from the 70s, has started to get her ego on.

At least, lucky for Logan, they do pick his early Red Carpet gown for the challenge, which was a very good effort.

They will have 30 minutes to sketch and $100 to spend at Moon, and it's a one-day challenge. (Which always really means one and a half days.)

What did we learn this week?

-That apparently Malvin's diaper pants can get rave reviews if...well, I'll be honest, I'm not sure what was better about Althea's diaper pants, other than that they were in black not white. Which is pretty significant, I guess. I mean nothing will make diaper pants look more like diapers than being diaper-colored, I guess.
-That Gordana's lack of self-confidence is pretty deep-rooted. I mean, listen to her talk about her humble roots and her parents who were "just farmers". ouch. No wonder her idea of "standing up for her design and herself" is to say, "Well, I like it." Oh. Well, in that case.
-That Irina's nickname is "Mean-a Irina", which is pretty funny.
-That Althea can be Mean-a too.
-That Althea's crossover to the dark side might be inspired by Mean-a Irina, given Irina was sitting next to her like a devil on her shoulder, egging her on, into some of her best catty work.
-That they're all getting a bit paranoid, which isn't surprising given they're in this high-pressure and isolated bubble of existence right now. Althea thinks Logan stole her zipper collar idea from her. Irina thinks Althea stole her oversize sweater idea from her. Because nobody has ever made oversize sweaters before. They were both similar drab colors, which made the resemblance more striking, but come on.

Let's move on to the show, where former contestant Nick Verreos is now a judge in MK's stead (and a teacher somewhere too), joined by ninagarcia and, randomly, actress Kerry Washington.

And if I may digress for a moment: They really shouldn't script Heidi to say, "This is the hardest decision we've ever had to make this season", when she's talking to a panel of judges for whom it's the only decision they've ever had to make this season. Because then it sounds like the royal "we", and that's just lame.

Moving on (and as always click on the designer's name to see a picture of their outfit):

1. Carol Hannah designed another cute dress, big surprise coming from the dressmaker. Actually, it's no surprise, btu what is a surprise is that no one said: Hey I think I've seen about 100 dresses exactly like this shorter, black version of the Marilyn Monroe Seven Year Itch silhouette. Sure, this one may use some sheer overlay on the skirt and some piping on the halter bodice, but this is not only the only thing Carol Hannah has ever done (dresses) it's something that's been done many many times before. In other words Bo. Ring. But no one said that.

2. Althea, I clearly just don't get her. I hated the "winning look" by which this look was to be inspired. So, nu surprise, I don't understand how Althea's look last night garnered the kudos. Totally unflattering black paperbag waist capri pants. I thought the combo of the volume around the stomach and the capri length was massively unflattering. Look at the back view! hideous. Then there was a white tank top with lots of stripy straps. We're back to no bra wearing, or maybe there's some construction going on in there, but it makes the model look floppy. Finally a big old gray kimono-sleeved cardigan. So what? Cannot believe this won. [Spoiler alert.]

3. Logan went overboard with a fairly good idea. This was basically a black mini halter dress that used zippers to create seams, hems, collars. I jot the judges' Judy Jetson references, but I actually didn't mind this that much. At least it was interesting, and not just a boring black dress or another ill-fitting tank top and diaper pants.

4. Irina was a little too literal for my taste. OK, I know the point was to be inspired by your winning outfit, but is it really OK to just create a Frankenstein love child out of it? Irina basically took the fabric of her cowl sweater and made it the shape of her vest, adding sleeves with the trim from that vest and voila!! Oh, and under it there was this short, tight, "The Real Housewives of Aspen" brocade dress. Which fit like a glove and was well-made, I'll certainly give her that. I just didn't think it was a very seamless connection between the pieces, nor that it was all that creative.

5. Gordana made an error in styling more than anything else. She created a black skirt with horizontal pleating and gray jacket with an unconstructed collar, rough seams and many, many darts and seams. I might actually wear these pieces. But the way she presented it made it look like she was thinking a little too hard about her drab, poor upbringing in the Soviet Bloc. No jewelry, no hair style, limited make-up. I didn't think the outfit itself was sad, so much as the utter lack of drama surrounding it.

6. Christopher should have stopped at the knees. He had a simple, elegant black halter dress that included some of his signature petals around the hem and across the back. And then he had a big, long petticoat underneath. He also had these rosettes hanging down the model's back like a pair of fuzzy dice. Take away the petticoat. Take away the fuzzy dice. You might have something there.

So, since there are only six, they all stayed on stage.

The judges praised:
Carol Hannah for a basic black cocktail dress
Althea for a hideous bunch of separates
Irina for copycatting herself

Althea got the win, but honestly last night's efforts were bad all the way around. This is not the most inspiring bunch. Not. At. All.

They ripped:
Logan for sending Judy Jetson down the runway
Gordana for sending a Eastern bloc prison matron down the runway
Christopher for sending someone who got dressed in bed and took the bed with her down the runway

And Logan was out. (I was a little surprised. I thought either Gordana would go. BUt it was all so bad, it was hard to predict.)

But. What did you think?

]]> Fri, 30 Oct 2009 08:04:09 -0700 http://homepage.mac.com/elisa_camahort/iblog/C597745786/E20091030080409/index.html http://homepage.mac.com/elisa_camahort/iblog/C597745786/E20091027150812/index.html But will they be the right two?

Well, even though I predicted a shocking elimination last week, it doesn't mean I wasn't shocked when lovely Natalie was eliminated! Now, this week two will go, and the question is this: Will it be the two who are clearly weaker dancers than the other seven? Or will the DWtS audience once again root for the inexplicable underdog? Oh. Why do I even ask. You know what the DWtS crowd will do. Ditch the better dancers, keep the lesser ones!!

Last night the couples danced either a Jitterbug or a Waltz. They also danced a dance-marathon-style comeptitive Mambo...which I thought was actually great fun. They should do that again. Do you agree?

On to the individual dances:

1. Mya and Dmitry danced a sassy Jitterbug.
I don't agree that they had no chemistry or energy. I do agree that the silly business in the beginning what with the brooms and dusters? Lame. Should have dropped at least half of it. Less business, more dancing, please! Still and all, the bottom line is: She should be safe.

2. Melissa and Mark danced a lackluster Waltz.
While Melissa tried mightily to improve her slumping posture, this was still more stiff and graceless than the other waltzers we saw last night. And whatever they were trying to do at the end didn't work at all. And that was the one interesting move they actually attempted. So. I think the bottom line is: She might finally be at risk.

3. Mark and Lacey danced an energetic Jitterbug.
I personally could have used more dancing and fewer tricks, but hey, flaunt it if you got it, and Mark has got it. He really has come a long way with not just his dancing but also his personality. Bottom Line; He'll be safe with this one.

4. Aaron and Karina danced a tense Waltz.
I'm sorry, but I think poor Aaron is going to be under the red light again tonight, because while this had very lovely moments, and he continues to have great lines, he just looked so worried and tense, and it made me uncomfortable. I think he's big-time at risk.

5. Michael and Anna danced a surprising Waltz
Surprising because, for once, Michael won me over. He really had good rise and fall. He had a charming and relaxed demeanor. His arms were much improved, as was his fluidity. Was he a great dancer? No. But his effort and determination sure paid off. Bottom line: I think he may be safe!

6. Kelly and Louis danced a cartoonish Jitterbug.
I mean, she does look like something right out of the Peanuts, doesn't she? This didn't seem like a particularly challenging Jitterbug, but as 've said before: She sines in the spunky dance styles, so bottom line is that I think she'll be safe!

7. Louie and Chelsie danced a pathetic Jitterbug.
Pathetic because the dude dropped her. She fell on her cute, talented ass, and he looked like a lame-ass! This was all kinds of messy, and come on now, people: Is this "charm" not wearing off on you yet? I hope so, because bottom line is: He should be at risk!!!

8. Joanna and Derek danced an elegant Waltz.
She has nice lines, but I was surprised this was a bit boring. Usually Derek's choreography impresses. There were some nice spins towards the end, but I honestly didn't feel the chemistry. It left me cold. And who knows? The bottom line is that we may be in for another shocker!

9. Donny and Kym danced a good Jitterbug.
This was generally fine, but it felt a bit heavy. We forget Donny isn't a spring chicken, and I thought it showed a bit here. Bottom line: Oh, come on. He's safe no matter what!

Bottom line for the bottom two:

Well, if it were up to me, it would be:
Melissa and Mark
Louie and Chelsie

Going home tonight.

But I think it may be:
Aaron and Karina
Joanna and Derek

But what do you think?

]]> Tue, 27 Oct 2009 15:08:12 -0700 http://homepage.mac.com/elisa_camahort/iblog/C597745786/E20091027150812/index.html http://homepage.mac.com/elisa_camahort/iblog/C326499484/E20091024101625/index.html I dare you not to cheer for "Pinball Wizard"!

I don't know about you, but "Tommy" was a big influence when I was growing up. Somehow my negligent parents let me see the Ken Russell movie. I mean, do the math: I was 11 years old when that came out, and I know I saw it in the theatres. And bought the album. OK, so the drug and pedophilia references probably went right over my head, but I'm lucky I wasn't scarred for life by Ann Margaret in her white halter jumpsuit writhing around in baked beans. I loved everything about that move, sick twisted kid that I was, especially Roger Daltry and Elton John as the Pinball Wizard.

Of course, if you know the original rock opera from The Who, you know that those famous opening chords of "Pinball Wizard" were originally driving rhythm guitar chords, not the piano arpeggios Elton John whips out in the movie. Either way, when you hear them: You want to stomp your feet and nod your head to the rhythm and maybe even lift a lighter in the air.

Last weekend we saw the Opening Night of "Tommy" as produced by the Ray of Light Theatre in San Francisco. [Disclosure: I received comp'ed media tickets.] I saw the original Broadway production of this musicalization of The Who's rock opera, and that production relied heavily on visual effects. I was curious how a small theatre without Broadway budget would manage, because I remember thinking at the time...wow, this plot is pretty thin...good thing there are some pinball machines flying around.

Well, the plot is still pretty thin, but the good thing is really that the music is completely timeless. I don't know if it's only true for m-m-m-my generation, but I didn't need special effects. Not when there were some pretty great voices up there, starting with Zachary Franczak as Tommy and Emily Wade Adams as Mrs. Walker. They both sang the hell out of the show, as Acid Queen Leanne Borghesi did with her one number. The show was also ably abetted by the two young men who played young Tommy. Both David "Kelii" Kahawaii (playing Tommy, age 10) and Deucalion Martin (playing Tommy, age 4) were distractingly good, especially Deucalion. He brought the house down.

Seeing a show on Opening Night can be a hit or miss proposition. On the plus side, you usually get the kind of amped up energy that only Opening Night adrenaline can produce, and especially in the group numbers this was in evidence...the young chorus really seemed like young, exuberant teens seeing out their next Idol.

On the minus side, often the acting hasn't really gelled and the actors haven't found their moments...together or on their own...quite yet. If you see a show once at the beginning and then again towards the end of a run, you'll find there's a whole new layer of complexity of emotion going on. By then the singing and the dancing and the blocking has solidified 100%, and actors can focus on finding what's beneath and behind all of those things.

I really felt this last Friday night. Especially in a show that's so fast-paced, visually oriented, not exactly blessed with the most linear and/or obvious context, the actors felt a bit like they were still searching for how they wanted to play some moments. The show almost felt like it was really only starting when a couple of the supporting players, first Paul Plain as Uncle Ernie, then Manuel Caneri as Cousin Kevin, got their spotlight. Plain, in particular, attacked his role with the abandon requisite to make me remember, "yeah, this is a rock musical!"

I'll admit: I'm a fool for the movie version of "Tommy" because that was my first experience of it. But when I heard that rhythm guitar playing the opening chords of "Pinball Wizard"...well, i was a fool for this production too!

Check the Ray of Light web site for more info on buying tickets. The show plays through November 7th.

]]> Sat, 24 Oct 2009 10:16:25 -0700 http://homepage.mac.com/elisa_camahort/iblog/C326499484/E20091024101625/index.html http://homepage.mac.com/elisa_camahort/iblog/C597745786/E20091024094336/index.html I'm starting to change my mind about challenges featuring wacky materials.

In past Project Runway seasons I have derided challenges involving wacky materials. Car parts. Groceries. Flowers. Dollar store items. I mean, what did that have to do with the real world of fashion design and the real business of it, more to the point? But I'm beginning to think I am wrong. That making the designers work with unusual materials gets them thinking more creatively and executing more inventively. After all, what would you say was the episode where the designers came through most consistently? I think I'd have to choose the newspaper challenge. The one challenge this year where they worked with non-traditional materials.

They need some more of that, because this whole working-with-fabric thing isn't working out so well. Last night's episode was a collection of designs, each more ho-hum than the last.

What wasn't ho-hum was the ending, which I must say was the most shocking Project Runway auf'ing I've ever seen. But we'll get to that...

This week's challenge was to be all Michael Kors-like and be inspired by a fabulous place in the world...one of his 7 favorite locales. The chose as follows:
Carol Hannah - Palm Beach
Nicolas - Greece
Althea - St. Tropez
Gordana - New York City
Irina - Aspen
Christopher - Santa Fe
Logan - Hollywood

They had 30 minutes to skecth, and then it was off to ErsatzMood to spend $150.

Once again a designer (Irina) chose to work with fur, so I thought, well, maybe I wrong about lifetime editing out the reporter fur discussion last week. Maybe it was going to be this week, with Irina. But no. They made a very specific and particular point of having her say it was faux fur. So, I'm sticking with last week's theory.

Anyway, I'm just going to say it: This season has been deadly dull. There's little interaction between the designers, so all we get is the "confessionals" with each one, where they're always the same:

Carol Hannah doesn't want to be the dumb Southern blonde gal...but they keep finding and using the footage that makes her look like one.
Nicolas is alternately unjustifiably grandiose about his talents...or he's freaking out because he doesn't know what he's doing.
Gordana is very very VERY stressed out and tired...seriously it's like when they show pictures of Presidents at the beginning and end of their terms.
Irina is a nasty backstabber...but actually, she's probably more of a front stabber.
Christopher is beginning to remind me of Kenneth on 30 Rock...with that irrepressible optimism that is totally unwarranted.
Logan is somnambulant...and apparently somnambulant boys are the new bad boys.

On to the show where, for the first time since Episode 1, MK and ninagarcia are on the same judging panel. Together at last!! Along with Heidi and completely randomly, Milla Jovovich. You may know her best form the Resident Evil movies, but I actually have an album of her from the 90s that I like a lot. And apparently, she is also a fashion designer. This I did not know.

As always, click on the link under the designer's name to see the design.

1. Logan goes to Hollywood
And he decides to be "inspired" by young Hollywood, aka Lindsay Lohan and the Olsen twins. Um. OK. But really, this was it? It wasn't even the boho chic the Olsens are known for. This was a pair of white jeans, a tank top, superfluous suspenders and a completely unrelated sweater vest that he had the model take off immediately. Probably because it was butt-ugly as an ensemble.

2. Althea hits St. Tropez
And if anyone could be called a one-trick pony this season, it's Althea. Yet another micro mini skirt/short (this time in bronze), topped with a basic white tank top and a sheer over blouse tied at the wait in a cafe au lait color. So safe that it's no surprise she was safely in the middle, not in the top3, not in the bottom. Sure, this was kinda cute, but not an ounce of anything new in there. Not just not new compared to the real world of existing fashion, but not new compared to her own work.

3. Nicolas visits Greece. Or was it "Grease"
Either way, it was clear he missed the mark on the challenge. But I didn't think he missed the mark on his outfit as much as a couple of other obvious choices. It justw wasn't very Greece-like. Gray nondescript pants. But the top really had some interesting elements to it. Once again, Nicolas likes working in white, but this was sort of a strippy-strappy straitjacket-like blouse with overly long sleeves. I actually liked the top a lot.

4. Carol Hannah relaxes in Palm Beach
By completely copying a former Floridian designer, Uli. I am shocked that not one person said: "Hey, this totally reminds me of Uli." It was a long flowing green palm tree print sundress with twisty straps (and too sheer to be much more than a beach cover-up). Yes, it was Palm Beach-y. But seriously. Scroll through some of the image in this Google search and spot about 4 dresses just like it.

5. Christopher "opened up a restaurant" in Santa Fe (gratuitous Broadway musical reference)
And this was the waitress's uniform. Seriously. This was boring, and about as far from high fashion as I can image. A too-short cinnamon-colored skirt with sheer overlay. Another white tank top (yawn.) A light blue over-shirt, also sheer. And a belt that everyone raved about, but seemed kind of tacky to me. I don't even know what happened to the designer I really like and was rooting for in the first few weeks. Christopher has been in the bottom 3 for four weeks in a row, and in the bottom 2 these last 3 weeks. What's it going to take?

6. Irina skis Aspen
And as far as I can tell, creates a pretty basic (and full-on 1980's Dynasty tribute) outfit. We're talking brown stretch pants, a la ski pants. A big, huge, over-sized cinnamon cowl neck sweater with a bronze piece of fabric tied around the waist. And a faux fur vest with collar. It's all very Quest for Fire. Not sure the unexpected (and impractical) hole in the back of the sweater was worth praise. And pretty sure the whole thing wasn't worth the win.

7. Gordana wakes up in the city that never sleeps, NY, NY
And she's king of the hill with this chic silver cocktail dress featuring a stunning jeweled and fabric necklace that doubles as the halter collar for this dress. The added curved piping was unnecessary, as everyone pointed out. Didn't ruin it, but without it this would have been Clavin Klein or Armani-worthy. Instead it was more DKNY.

In the end, the judges loved them som:
Irina
Gordana
Carol Hannah

And seemed to designate irina the winner because she made her outfit look like it cost way more than $150. Sure, it didn't look cheap. It just looked 80s tacky. I would have picked Gordana.

The judges did not loves them some:
Christopher
Nicolas
Logan

Now, here's the part where you think:

Hmm, Christopher should never have stayed over Shirin last week, so now 's their chance to right that wrong and auf him. Totally justified not just over his 4-week long losing track record, but because this outfit was Bo. Ring.

Or you think:

Hmm, Logan hasn't ever delivered top-rated designs, and he, too, has been in the bottom quite a number of times. his outfit looks like it could have been bought in the Juniors department at Macy's, or worse yet, in Hot Topic. So, that too would be fair, although more surprising than if Christopher was auf'ed.

But NO. It is Nicolas who gets the auf.

I'm no huge Nicolas fan, but he has hit more often than he has missed, and even this week his top was more interesting than Logan and Christopher outfits combined!

Last week was shocking, but this week, being confident Christopher would finally go, was even more shocking. My viewing companion and I were literally speechless.

What did you think?

]]> Sat, 24 Oct 2009 09:43:36 -0700 http://homepage.mac.com/elisa_camahort/iblog/C597745786/E20091024094336/index.html http://homepage.mac.com/elisa_camahort/iblog/C597745786/E20091020174926/index.html But someone has still gots to go.

Last night the Top 10 took to the floor with two dances that call for drama and passion: The Argentine Tango and the Paso Doble. They ended up leaving me pleasantly surprised, and not really sure how eliminations are going to.

They also did a Hustle group number, which is better left unsaid. Mostly because of the unfortunate wig styling that the men, particularly, were subjected to. I mean, who could concentrate on the dancing when the men's heads were being attached by rabid furry animals?

So, how did they do with their dramatic solo dances?

1. Natalie and Alec did the first Paso Doble of the night. She's a tiny bit robotic, but she has a welcome precision and sharpness that many of the other celebs could stand to add to their list of attributes. The choreography seemed very difficult, and she acquitted herself with aplomb. Also, and I know I've said this before and sound a little stalker-y, but seriously: I want her body. She has this really long, strong, well-proportioned body. If I could look like anyone, I think it would be her. Body-wise anyway. Bottom line: I think she's safe.

2. Aaron and Karina performed the first Argentine Tango of the night. And I loved this choreography! It was hot and hard. And in both the dirty and non-dirty way! Aaron did a much better job this week, reining in his more over-the-top tendencies. He's got great lines when he strikes a post, but he does seem a bit unsteady on his feet sometimes...which is especially distracting with all the lifts this routine involved. Still, I really enjoyed this piece. Bottom line: I'm wondering if he was in the Bottom 2 last week because there was some silly tabloid stuff about Maks and Karina's break-up. Do any of you follow that? I'm dying to know, but refuse to click myself :) I hope he'll be safe this week.

3. Michael and Anna danced the Paso Doble. I've been thinking this guy should head home since the beginning, but I have to say he won me over last night y really throwing himself into this dance. He is strong and intense. He could extend his limbs more, but I bought it, I really did. Now, do I think he's going to land in the finals and be one of the better dancers? No. But Bottom line: I also don't think he deserves to go home tonight!

4. Mya and Dmitry danced an Argentine Tango, which I missed due to a TiVo malfunction. I don't even want to get into it, because it's been broken for ages, and *someone* was supposed to have fixed it or gotten us a new one by now...and no, we don't want the DirecTV DVR. We want an honest-to-God DirecTivo, and apparently we're in between having stopped selling the old ones and having started selling new ones since they reviied their partnership. However, without even seeing it, it seemed obvious that: Bottom Line: She's going to be safe. 'Cause she's a ringer.

5. Mark and Lacey danced the Paso Doble, and it was also pretty good. Mark is also very strong and adds these cool leaps. His hands were terrible last night, but I think he'll get by, despite the fact he kind of leaves me cold. Bottom line: He's likely safe.

6. Donny and Kym danced a sublime Argentine Tango. Yes, I said "sublime". It was great. Smooth, elegant. My only critique: Sometimes Donny looked like he was working a little too hard to lift the 99-pound Kym off the ground. BUt that was quickly forgotten when I was mesmerized by his blinding Osmondness. Bottom line: Oh, come on. Safe.

7. Louie and Chelsie danced the Argentine Tango. Yes, he's sort of adorable in an oh-I-want-to-put-you-in-my-pocket-(and-take-you-to-the-barbershop-for-your-very-first-haircut kind of way. But, oh. ma. gah. He can't dance. Seriously. OK, this heated up mid-way through, and he was able to keep a straight face...you know, so points for that. But he didn't do much...once again, Chelsie danced all around him. Bottom line: He oughta be at risk. He oughta be going home.

8. Melissa and Mark danced an Argentine Tango. Does no one else see her horrible bad posture due to slumped shoulders? I guess it kind of fit her characters for the Charleston, but not this week, no way. Melissa is good at the quick stuff that flies by, and she has excellent extension. But when they were actually dancing around the floor, it was stomp, stomp, stomp. And she also seemed to be fighting his lead. Bottom line: She'll probably still be safe, but 'm not won over.

9. Kelly and Louis danced the Paso Doble (to an Ozzie Osbourne song). Once again she swings between right on target and just a little off. She consistently got behind the beat. I also think she's better at the bubbly charming dances than these serious intense ones. In addition to that, this was a boring routine. Louis must have been a little too busy this week! Bottom line: She might actually be at risk.

10. Joanna and guest-pro Maks danced the Argentine Tango (because Derek was down with the flu). This was exceptionally sharp, quick and impressive, and she has very good feet...unlike many of the celebs. She did make a visible stumble, but I still thought it was very well done.

Bottom line for the Bottom 2:

I gotta think Louie and Chelsie will be there, perhaps joined by Michael and Anna. Although i think this is the week for an upset.

I hope Louie and Chelsie will go, but I bet it's someone surprising...and way more talented!

What do you think?

]]> Tue, 20 Oct 2009 17:49:26 -0700 http://homepage.mac.com/elisa_camahort/iblog/C597745786/E20091020174926/index.html http://homepage.mac.com/elisa_camahort/iblog/C1799219521/E20091020071946/index.html And they have my generation pegged completely!

I mean check out these movies, all fond 80s memories for me (and no, I have no comment on that fact that the 80s now apparently qualify as "retro"):

October 23-25 GHOSTBUSTERS! (PG) Fri. 7pm, 10pm Sat. 1pm, 4pm, 7pm, 10pm Sun. 1pm, 4pm TICKETS ON SALE NOW! October 30 & 31 THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW (R) !!! Sing-along !!! Friday & Saturday 7pm, 10pm TICKETS ON SALE NOW! October 30-November 1 E.T. (PG) Sat. 1pm, 4pm Sun. 1pm, 4pm TICKETS ON SALE NOW! November 6 & 7 RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK (PG) Fri. 7pm, 10pm Sat. 7pm, 10pm

There are other films too, you can check the whole schedule here, but considering my mom and I once watched E.T. on TV in Spanish (despite not speaking Spanish) shows you how much I love that movie.

All I know is that my high school and college years just exploded all over me!

]]> Tue, 20 Oct 2009 07:19:46 -0700 http://homepage.mac.com/elisa_camahort/iblog/C1799219521/E20091020071946/index.html http://homepage.mac.com/elisa_camahort/iblog/C597745786/E20091016170647/index.html But it is never far enough.

Last night, the intrepid Top 8 were given the license to thrill, thanks to the presence of Bob Mackie, legendary feather and sequin man, as guest inspiration and judge. Nicolas in particular nearly fainted at the idea...which makes sense, him being the "Feather Prince of New York." For, if he is the Prince, surely Mackie is the KING.

To make matters even more thrrrriling, with 4 'r's, the Bob Mackie-inspired gown should be for singer Christina Aguilera. That was a bit of a needle-scratch-record moment for me (side note: when will we have to stop using that reference?) since I stopped following Aguilera right around her dirrrrty (read: skanky) phase, when sequins and feathers would have been sorely out of character. In fact, most of the time if someone mentions Aguilera (which doesn't happen often in my world, but still) I actually picture Sarah Michelle Gellar (yay, Buffy!) on Saturday Night Live as Aguilera in a particularly dirrrrty phase.

Still, I understand she's done more upscale stuff since her dirrrrrrrrty days, and apparently the designers are well aware of this too.

They are given 30 minutes to sketch, $300 to spend at ErsatzMood, and two days this time...which the designers appreciate very very much.

So, what did we learn in this episode?

-That Irina just continues to be the queen of talking smack. She's got the talent to back it up, but for once I was agreeing with Nicolas's whiny ramblings
-That Nicolas has a lot of nerve rambling whinily about how much he wishes Irina would be nicer to people, considering his own prodigious smack output in previous episodes
-That Carol Hannah is hot for Logan, and Logan thinks of her like his little sister
-That Gordana is not above taking advantage of immunity to totally give up for one week
-That Shirin can't always pull it out last minute as she did last week
-Finally, that Lifetime probably edited out a confrontation over fur between laconic cutie Logan and friend of animals (and BlogHers) Tim Gunn. Evidence: Check this comment on last week's recap where Haley, aka CheatyMonkey, talks about talking to Tim Gunn about a confrontation he had on the show re: one of the designers using fur. And I quote: "But, Tim told me that there's an episode where one of the designers attempts to use fur, and Tim goes bolistic [sic] on him.her. He told me for sure they edited most of it out because it was tres intense." Then note that Logan was indeed using fur (which Irina theoretically shot him a dirty look for). Then, note the go-to-commercial clip of Tim saying "What is that?" with a look of horror. BUt did that clip ever come to fruition when they came back from that (or any other ) commercial? No, it did not. So, I believe the fur flying over fur was left 100% on the cutting room floor! Boo, Lifetime!

Oh, the non-drama! And between us...isn't this season so lacking in drama that it could have used a good Tim bitch-slapping over fur?

Anyway, on to the show, where the judges are Bob Mackie, Xtina herself, and yes! ninagarcia is back, and she's better than ever!

As always, click on the link with each designer's name to see their creation.

1. Althea created a silver sequin halter dress that was patterned by alternating the use of the front and the back of the sequin strips. The gown on its own was quite nice (although not mind-blowingly original, IMHO) but the feather bolero jacket was just kind of big and fluffy and messy. Would have been better off without it.

2. Logan, despite is terrible fur caveman stole, actually made a relatively fun silver tiger-striped sequin mini dress with one shoulder and a chain spaghetti strap on the other side. The sides were actually fastened by a series of hook-and-eyes all the way from hem to hem. Looks fabulous in still life, but not so good in motion. Not sure I thought this was Bottom 3-worthy.

3. Shirin exhibited apparently unforgivable bad taste with this dress, which featured the recurrent "pooping fabric" theme that Heidi loves so much (even if she didn't say it...I said it for her!) I black strapless and drop waist tight-fitting bodice was paired with a black skirt featuring lots of random and sloppy-looking panels of other fabrics and colors. It was bad. I agree. but still...

4. Christopher created a black jacket with a corset top and bloomer bottom that was removed to reveal a tinier black corset and silver sequined boy shorts underneath.I actually didn't think this was that bad. At least it was different than everyone else's fancy dresses. And is everyone just forgetting that Xtina hasn't always been tackling cover songs with David Foster? Sure, it was a little slutty...so is she, what's the big whup? Still, Three weeks in the bottom 2 should have bought him a ticket home vs. the eventual loser.

5. Sure, Nicolas sent a hot little strapless white mini with a feather skirt down the runway. Cute, no doubt about it. but it was just a mini version of his winning design from a few weeks ago. I did think it was better than the winning design, though, I admit.

6. Gordana, let's be honest, was only saved by her immunity. Heidi said as much, and I believe her. She sent this ivory strapless gown down the runway with an ill-fitting bodice, an unflattering sequin belly/butt panel and a boring chiffonskirt. zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz And did I mention the ill-fitting unflatteringness?

7. Irina sent a nightie down the runway. Granted it was a pretty midnight blue one with a matching velvet shorty robe over it. Nice color, basically very well-made. But a nightie and robe nonetheless.

8. Carol Hannah created a strapless black sequined gown that also incorporated matte fabric and feather overlays. Personally, I thought it was a bit dull and a bit been-there, seen-that. I mean, what was special about it? Moreover, the back side wasn't that well-crafted at all, so I thought the judges gave her a bit too much credit.

Bottom line:

The judges went for:
Carol Hannah
Althea
Nicolas

With Carol Hannah the surprise winner for a basic black evening dress.

The judges couldn't go for:
Logan
Christopher
Shirin

Now, I thought for sure Christopher would get the boot. This was his third time in a row in the bottom, and he seems to have lost something that led him to win Week 1 and for me to feel like wuz robbed or near robbed when it was the Top 12 and the Top 11. Meanwhile Shirin wuz robbed Week 1, won Week 2, was in the Top 2 two weeks ago and last week and was never in the bottom until this week.

I don't get it. Unfair and a mistake :(

But what did you think?

]]> Fri, 16 Oct 2009 17:06:47 -0700 http://homepage.mac.com/elisa_camahort/iblog/C597745786/E20091016170647/index.html http://homepage.mac.com/elisa_camahort/iblog/C787600738/E20091014190628/index.html I think it's kind of brilliant!

Read all about a proposed bill to give tax breaks to pet owners over on BlogHer.

Having pets contributes to better health and the infamous happiness we are all entitled to pursue. It can also instill in people, especially impressionable children, empathy, compassion and responsibility.

Why not encourage that? And why not help people avoid losing those family members during these tough economic times?

Fascinating.

And the primary sponsor is a Republican. Even more fascinating.

What do you think?

]]> Wed, 14 Oct 2009 19:06:28 -0700 http://homepage.mac.com/elisa_camahort/iblog/C787600738/E20091014190628/index.html http://homepage.mac.com/elisa_camahort/iblog/C597745786/E20091013172403/index.html Or one forbidden dance, and three that oughta be

Call me a curmudgeon, but how is the Lambada not really just like the Samba? And how is the Bolero not really just like the Rumba? And isn't the Charleston sort of a Foxtrot on speed (and with more kicks)? And don't get me started on the two-step.

In other words: Meh. Change is bad.

But let's talk about why:

1. The show kicked off with Chuck and Anna dancing the Two-step. Chuck is this season's Billy Ray Cyrus. Or Jerry Springer. Or [insert name of guy who stayed way to long because we as "trying".] I mean, come on. He just sort of stamps around. There is no dance quality. None. He should go home. It's that simple. Bottom line: Despite my ardent wishes, I'm not even sure he'll be at risk!

2. Melissa and Mark danced the Charleston. I'll confess I don't get why the judges went so crazy for this. Did no one else notice her bad posture and slumped shoulders? Was that considered part of her "character"? And did no one else notice she was totally winded at the end? I mean, yes, it was a big improvement for her, but it wasn't all that. IMHO. Bottom Line: Well, I guess she'll be safe, based on judges scoring alone.

3. Natalie and Alec danced the Bolero. Which seemed pretty much like last week's Rumba. She is a little awkward at transitions...she lacks a certain fluidity, but she has terrific lines (hard not to with that body) and very impressive flexibility. You could really see the effort there, and that combo of natural talent and effort will keep her around for a while, I think. Bottom line: Safe.

4. Aaron and Karina danced the forrrrrrbidden dance, the Lambada...and got totally crucified by the judges. A little disproportionately, I think. Sure, it was frenetic, but he has good basic moves and they did some really fun tricks. It did not seem fair that he would score as low as Chuck. Bottom line: Kind of feel like the judges have it in for them, and that might translate into weak voting too.

5. Mark and Lacey danced the Two -Step, and it didn't seem very country to me, how about you? Mark doesn't seem to have great rhythm. It's a shame because he's strong, and flexible, and does good kicks and leaps. But in between anything like that, he isn't really feeling the music. And it shows. Bottom line: Really? Do he and Lacey each and together have that strong a fan base? I keep feeling like his cold approach might eventually leave the audience cold too.

6. Kelly and Louis danced the Charleston. Although she had the occasional quick-step, this was cute. The low self-esteem is getting a little old, but that's just because I'm obviously insensitive and mean. Bottom line: I think she'll be safe again. If Sharon is in the audience, no one will risk her wrath :)

7. Joanna and Derek danced the Lambada. Joanna has fearlessness and good basic skills. And Derek has great choreography. But she does lack a little finesse, and it will hurt them if he doesn't whip her into shape. Her legs weren't really straight on the otherwise impressive repeated spins on the floor. Their last post was this close to falling apart. They are quick and sharp, but she's already at a disadvantage as an unknown supermodel, so he needs to work on her grace and elegance. Bottom line: I wouldn't be surprised if she is at risk for that latter "supermodel" curse reason.

8. Donny and Kym danced the Charleston. Well, what a gimme giving Donny the Charleston. It's completely up his theatrical alley. And no. I didn't actually mean that to sound dirty. This was full of charm, energy and dance authenticity. And blinding Osmondness, don't forget. Bottom line: What's not to love?

9. Michael and Anna danced the Bolero, and I confess: I thought Michael improved the most of anyone form last week to this. I believed his romantic intensity. He made a point of having strong arms. They had good chemistry together. And sure, yes, it was her dancing around him posing. But he posed pretty well :) Bottom line: Good poses or no, I think he'll be at risk again.

10. Louie and Chelsie danced the Two-step. And it was bad. If they escape the bottom 2 it will be due to adorable, pat-you-on-the-head cuteness only.He was stiff and just kind of walked around, while she two-stepped her way straight to CuteOverload status. He had no musicality whatsoever. Bottom line: Ought to be at risk.

11. Mya and Dmitry danced the Lambada.And it was, no surprise, really good. So my only comment really is: Jeez, take it easy on the body oil on Mya and her legs...a little glisten is nice. That much shine looks kinda dirty. Maybe that was the point, but I don't care. Icky. Bottom line: She's very safe. Hence me talking about her oily legs.

Bottom line for the Bottom 2:

If it were me, it would be:
Chuck and Anna
Louie and Chelsie

And Chuck and Anna would be going home.

I'm going to take a wild guess that the Bottom 2 will be:
Michael and Anna
Joanna and Derek

And Michael and Anna will go home.

What do you think?

]]> Tue, 13 Oct 2009 17:24:03 -0700 http://homepage.mac.com/elisa_camahort/iblog/C597745786/E20091013172403/index.html http://homepage.mac.com/elisa_camahort/iblog/C597745786/E20091009082150/index.html Side question: Done one really still use the word divorcee?

And to answer my side question: Tim Gunn does, and if Tim Gunn is wrong, I don't wanna be right!

OK, they've done bridal challenges before, but this had a twist. The "models" were nine divorced women (who all still fit in their wedding gowns, I might add) and who wanted to turn those gowns into hot, modern, non-weddingish gowns. Now, for the women who had been divorced 3 months and 6 months etc., I wasn't too surprised they still had their gowns. But really? You've been divorced over 15 years, and your gown is 80's crap...you never wanted to get rid of it before? Hmm.

The designers chose their models based on how much fabric the dress had, since that would give them the most to work with. They learned later they would be able to go to ErsatzMood, but they only had $25 to spend on no more than 2 yards of fabric and additional accessories if they needed them and had money left. For example, because Shirin's model wanted a Cher feather headdress (Say "wha'?), she wasted time and money buying some peacock feathers. Nicolas should have been all up in her grill about trying to steal his title as the Feather Prince of NY, but this cast is about as non-confrontational as they come, so not Feather Rumbles ensued.

Thank you ErsatzMood.

It is also announced that this is the last challenge where winning will gain you immunity, so obviously folks are motivated to get a free pass to the Top 7.

Now, I don't know if anyone else noticed, but Tim seemed a little cranky to me when he was making his rounds. Nobody was making him happy. Or seduced. Or enthralled. Or stunned. Instead he was worried. And concerned. And reminding them they had a lot of work to do.

He did go classic Ninja Comforter on Shirin, though, who was depressed about her model's tiny, cheap wedding gown and big, outlandish (and hideous) concepts for a new outfit. He broke through Shirin's funk and malaise and got her turned right round, baby, right round.

That's the Tim we know and love!!

[Where i digress:]

BTW: Have I mentioned lately, I got to meet Tim at BlogHer '09? No? Let me digress. I was perhaps more excited at the prospect of meeting him than about almost anything else. And I actually had a jaw-drop, stare-with-a-big-smile moment when I saw him greeting people on the exhibit floor. Sort of how I was when I got to meet Grover in '08's Sesame Street Suite. (Seriously, the video from that little SSS encounter is hilarious...I look really really goofy.) Anyway, I bonded with CheatyMonkey over the fact that Tim is a big animal lover like we are, and has done anti-fur and other fashion cruelty work for PETA. I know he was lovely to her when they talked about it, and he was also lovely to me. (Really "lovely" is the best word for him...did I mention that already?)

When I finally met him, I told him "I'm a big fan, and I especially appreciate the work you did for PETA", and he patted my hand, looked warmly into my eyes and said: "The work I *continue* to do!"

Yes, yes, Tim! The work you continue to do, my Reality TV Boyfriend!!!

[Where i get back on track:]

So, with my Reality TV Boyfriend's guidance and mentorship, they all finish their outfits, and we're on to the show.

Note to Lifetime TV: Give Heidi a little better wardrobe budget, m'kay? She has not been looking her usual stellar best. Is it just me?

Note to ninagarcia: Your Marie Claire underlings are not you. When are you coming back? I mean it's *great* having MK back, but we need you too, ninagarcia, we need you too.

1. Irina kicked off with a dress that I'm going to argue long and loud did *not* deserve the kudos it got form the judges. They seem to be buying into the idea that a woman past a certain age (and the model didn't look that old to me, to begin with) should look like a Mother of the Bride if she's going out. OK, the coffee-colored dye job on all that lace was well-done. Nice color. But the styling wasn't just MOB, but 1970s or 80s, Bonfire of the Vanities MOB. I like Irina. I hated this dress.

2. Shirin pulled it out and knocked it out of the park (all thanks to Tim's mentorship, I'm convinced.) Having so little fabric to work with (after cutting the dress to be a mini) she used thread to create patterns in the fabric. Create a dark ribbon around the empire waist, and what you've got it simple, sexy and way better than one could have expected. And the only feathers were a couple in her model's hair.

3. Logan is lucky he didn't get auf'ed for the hot mess he sent down the runway. Ill-fitting wool tweed pants. And then a horribly, I mean horribly-made top. It was kind of an Elizabethan wench undergarment with ruffles, and it was uneven, and unintentionally asymmetric. Has the guy ever made anything (since the first week) that surpassed mediocre? And this was bad.

4. Carol Hannah made a drab, gray strapless cocktail dress with frayed and feathered netting over it. There was a tiny black bolero too.Like the concept of that netting, but it was a bit drab.

5. Althea made a Sailor Moon dress that was horrendous. Saggy navy blue boob patches. Drooping, useless back straps. Tacky gold accessories. Hated it. Lucky she wasn't in the Bottom Two.

6. Nicolas made a matronly, grandma outfit for a sort of adorable pixie woman. It was ill-fitting olive colored pants that creased across the front, some kind of brown top, and then an ivory doily-looking bedjacket. Totally lucky he wasn't Bottom 2.

7. Gordana finally rocked it with a platinum strapless dress with curved asymmetric pleats from hem to hem. The styling also really played to the model's desire to punk it up a bit, so those knee-high black boots made total sense. It was flattering to her figure and I could totally see it out and about as is.

8. Christopher made a silvery alien bubble dress with a black belt for his discarded replicant model. I don't know what has gone wrong with Christopher these last two weeks, but he needs to get it together. The bubble silhouette? Clearly not his thing.

9. Epperson made another sailor dress, this time white with black lacing at the waist. OK, maybe it was a pirate wench dress. Or a Ren Fair dress. Or Oktoberfest dress, as Heidi opined. Whatever it was, it was an unflattering dress. Too much fabric, too long and frumpy. FAIL.

In the end, the judges likee:

Irina
Shirin
Gordana

And Gordana took the win (I think mostly for finally showing she had design sense not just sewing skillz.)

The judges no likee:

Christopher
Logan
Epperson

I was afraid Logan would be the loser, but was happy to see Epperson auf'ed. Logan may not have exactly ever wow'ed me, but Epperson has been way off the mark too many times.

So, what did you think?

]]> Fri, 09 Oct 2009 08:21:50 -0700 http://homepage.mac.com/elisa_camahort/iblog/C597745786/E20091009082150/index.html http://homepage.mac.com/elisa_camahort/iblog/C597745786/E20091006163050/index.html Kinda shooting their wad early, aren't they?

I'm not sure I'd bill the 3rd week of competition (out of about 10 more to go) the sexiest it's gonna get. But hey, they've been doing this a while, maybe they know something I don't?

So yes, it was Latin Week at Dancing with the Stars, and couples were going to have to tackle the the romantic, sensual Rumba or the sexy, sizzling Samba. Whether they have to get their hips moving slow and sensual or fast and furious, it tends to be tough for the celebs, particularly the guys. But they made valiant efforts!

1. Mark and Lacey kicked off with a Rumba.
My first reaction was that he didn't do much. She danced around him (which is fairly typical of what the male celebs get to get away with). but I must confess: I was so transfixed by Lacey's ugly ugly shoes to notice much about the dance. They were seriously unflattering to her legs, I'll just say that. It was so transfixing that we went and watched the dance over again, and that's when we actually saw that he was doing some moves, but they were a little too sharp and too hard for the Rumba. Bottom line: I think he'll be safe, but it wasn't a great week for him.

2. Joanna and Derek danced the Samba.
This was a hard routine, so when she carried it off...particularly with sharp arms and good hip action...it was impressive. However, her weakness is, well, her weakness. Her last pose was terrible, and at other times it was clear she was losing her stamina. Bottom line: She's generally really good, so I don't think she's at risk...but pretty models tend to go early, so she'll need to step it up.

3. Mya and Dmitry danced the Rumba.
Well, as I said when this wrapped up: Can't argue with that. I've said it before, and I'll say it again: Mya is a ringer. Seriously, three weeks in, only a ringer could exhibit such flexibility and musicality and aptitude for tough choreography. Bottom line: She's safe.

4. Melissa and Mark danced the Samba.
She made a good effort, but much of the time she seemed stilted and wore the furrowed brow of concern. Bottom line: I fear she's at risk with this performance.

5. Louie and Chelsie danced the Rumba.
OK, I guess they're a cute little couple. And he does remind me of the Breckin Meyer character in Clueless. But I thought this was a bit overrated. Chelsie was amazing...she always has the best legs/hips, but that mean t she overshadowed him a bit too much. Also, the choreography was a bit frantic for my taste. (I know, I sound like Len.) Bottom line: They do have chemistry, and I do think they're safe.

6. Debi and Maks danced the Samba
Game over. She looked really confused and concerned the entire time. I don't think she did enough to escape being in the Bottom Two again. Bottom Line: Further, I think time might be up for Debi! Sure, there are a couple of couples who deserve to go home more, but I don't think she's pulling in the votes.

7. Donny and Kym danced the Rumba/
It was brave of Kym to give Donny a solo and shine the spotlight right on him, but he didn't step up to the challenge and commit with his hips. He was OK, but this was the first time he couldn't rely purely on his performance charm, and he was not as good as the first two weeks. But a good effort...and if he only brought the looseness he exhibited right *after* the performance (in that weird performance with Bruno, wha'?) it would have been even better. Bottom line: Do you need to ask? He is safe.

8. MIchael and Anna danced the Samba.
Oh dear. When he could just groove freestyle, he had some moments. But mostly, this was very constrained and not very good at all. Bottom line: Oh, if he weren't a famous football player, he'd be bottom two for sure!

9. Natalie and Alec danced the Rumba.
I agree with Carrie Anne, I really like Natalie. Mostly she has the most beautiful body. Long, lean, strong but not scary skinny. Great lines, and great potential. Sometimes her face looked a little embarrassed to be doing this sexy dance, but otherwise I thought she did a pretty great job. Bottom line: She's safe.

10. Chuck and Anna danced the Samba.
This was not his dance at all. He had no looseness or action in his hips at all. He may have worked very hard, but it was pretty bad. Now, just like Michael Irvin, Chuck seems like a "sports" guy who will be cut a lot of slack. So. Bottom line: I think he should go, but he will be safe.

11. Aaron and Karina danced the Rumba.
This had really good moments, but he was a little over the top. And he was more focused on the audience than on his partner. Not only that, but he doesn't have a lot of upper body strength, so he seemed like sometimes he was going to not be able to support Karina with some of the tricks. Bottom line: Despite those weaknesses, he has a lot of advantages, and I think he'll be safe.

12. Tom and Cheryl danced the Samba.
Call me crazy, but I don't enjoy watching someone injure themselves to be on a reality talent show. It made me uncomfortable...especially when he was swiveling his hips. Although I'll admit the discomfort at that point wasn't about his broken feet. But broken feet aside, this was pretty bad...I mean he was counting out loud throughout the beginning. That's just wrong. It was also a really slow, leisurely samba through most of it. Bottom line: Should be at risk, and if everyone felt as uncomfortable as I was watching him dance through the pain, they may want to put him out of his misery.

13. Kelly and Louis danced the Samba.
Ooh. how she has lost her confidence and verve. She was looking so worried, looking at her feet, looking blank. Not good. I think she'll still get that underdog vote, but people may only stick with her another week before they get tired of her unconfidence. Bottom line: She might even be at risk this week!

Bottom line for the Bottom Two:

Lots of people were not so good, and only a few were great. That means a lot of people are at risk.

I think the bottom two should be:
Michael and Anna
Chuck and Anna

...with Michael and Anna going home.

but I think the bottom two might instead be:
Debi and Maks
Tom and Cheryl

...with Debi and Maks going home.

But what did you think?

]]> Tue, 06 Oct 2009 16:30:50 -0700 http://homepage.mac.com/elisa_camahort/iblog/C597745786/E20091006163050/index.html http://homepage.mac.com/elisa_camahort/iblog/C326499484/E20091004091042/index.html They've extended it until October 11th, so you still have time to see it.

Two weekends ago I took the short trip over to the former Century 25 movie theatre to check out the new Retro Dome. Some friends from back in my college days are the new proprietors of the space. They've spiffed it up and plan to show both retro films in one side of the house and put on retro theatre in the other. Given I'm on the board of 42nd Street Moon, famous for putting on "lost musicals", you can imagine this is up my alley.

Their current production is Schoolhouse Rocks Live!, and it's exactly what it sounds like: Live performances of those educational and fun PSAs from our childhoods.

The Sunday matinee we saw was full-up, mostly with parents of around my age bringing a new generation of kids. As far as I could tell, these little songs, from "Lolly Get Your Adverbs Here" to "Conjunction Junction" still entertain and amuse children. The ones sitting all around me were totally into it, and their age ranges seemed fairly broad.

The parents, of course, were like us...remembering our favorites (and shockingly, remembering a lot of the words.)

The performers are all really talented with terrific voices...not a weak link in the bunch. My college buddy Steve Guggenheim is the musical director and he arranged a lot of the numbers to have new multi-part harmonies that weren't there before, but fit perfectly. The sound system was also really clean, so despite the challenges of amplifying six voices singing separately and together, it always sounded live and clear.

There was only one number that I would, frankly, just cut, and that's Elbow Room. Singing about Manifest Destiny doesn't warm the cockles of our hearts anymore in this much more politically and culturally aware era.

I have no idea if Schoolhouse Rocks is back on the air, but if not, apparently it doesn't need to be to entertain today's kids too!

Learn more and buy tickets.

]]> Sun, 04 Oct 2009 09:10:42 -0700 http://homepage.mac.com/elisa_camahort/iblog/C326499484/E20091004091042/index.html http://homepage.mac.com/elisa_camahort/iblog/C597745786/E20091002160703/index.html You'd be blue too if Michael Kors came back, only to mock you!

Ah, MK. How we missed you :)

Last night Project Runway did one of their "Oh yeah, eventually you'll want to sell the clothes you make" challenges. Tis time the idea was to design two outfits for Macy's INC line, both in blue. And the winner would not get immunity, but would get to design a holiday dress that Macy's would sell. It was a team challenge, so all ten had the opportunity to pitch designs at an ONC person. She chose the five she liked, and then those five got to choose who they wanted to partner with.

The teams were:

Team Leader Althea chose Logan
TL Christopher chose Epperson
TL Louise chose Nicolas (Which sucked for her, because he had immunity, o any failure would be all on her)
TL Irina chose Gordana (or rather she let Gordana choose her...which was oddly passive)
TL Carol Hannah was left with Shirin

It seems like Shirin and Irina get no respect from their fellow designers, but I've mostly liked their respective work. Is it just that I'm naive and (extra points for recognizing random movie reference) entranced by "crowd pleasing" design?

So, what did we learn this episode?

-That ruffles make Nicolas sick. Feathers, on the other hand? Totally classy and not at all over the top or overly feminine.
-That Louise is scatterbrained, and that for some reason ErsatzMood is not nearly as interesting as RealMood.
-That Epperson may be quiet, but he is quietly back-stabby. Like yeah, we got the point that you and Qristyl didn't get along. No need to bring it up again and dis her again. Stay classy, Epperson.
-That teamwork is hard. Seriously, I would like to know what kind of isolation chamber these people all reside in in their regular lives. It's like they've never had to interact with other people before.

Anyway, on to the show, where we see that Heidi can wear an fugly outfit...two weeks in a row!!! I mean, that is something I would wear to bed. And only if my S.O. was away on travel. We also joyfully experience the return of MK, if not ninagarcia, and we experienced great gladness.

1. Irina and Gordana

Look #1 was the dress that everyone loved except me. I called it a schamtte. It was a sundress with a dark navy bikini-style top and a chevron-striped billowy, flowy, long handkerchief skirt. It made the model look both flat as a board and like she had a huge ass. It would definitely be a great maternity dress for a boho chic devotee...in fact someone should check whether this is just a knock-off of something Nicole Ritchie recently wore.

Look #2 was a navy pencil skirt with a kick pleat paired with a light blue sheer-ish short-sleeve top with a plunging vee-neck. And an even lighter blue sheer chiffon as a sash and trim on the neck. It was really quite elegant and lovely.

2. Althea and Logan

a. Look #1 was a teeny-tiny navy blue suit with a silver top. Gee, that looks familiar. Did Althea think if she just copied most of her winning design from a few weeks back, no one would notice. Or that they wouldn't care adding a slit to an already too-mini skirt was asking for trouble? This was just trampy.

Look #2 was so boring I almost can't bear to write about it. And where was the blue, by the way. This was a symphony in gray. hence the boring. First there were dark gray flat-front pants with a wide waistband. These pants made the model look even less curvy and womanly than she already does. Absolutely no curves allowed. including no ass. Absolutely no ass allowed. The top was a lighter gray sleeveless tank with ruffle things around the armholes and vee neckline, with extra ruffles hanging from the front. I began to feel Nicolas's loathing for ruffles myself.

3. Lousie and Nicolas

Look #1was a pale blue shift dress with a navy blue ruffled happy trail, starting with a big tribble of blue ruffles on her let shoulder and bosom and leading straight down the middle of the dress...to infinity and beyond. Yes, it's as bad as I'm implying, look at the picture!

Look #2 was a navy shift dress with a navy and light blue clown ruffle effect down the front. Not really a full-on rosette ruffle, more like Leanne-style folds and ripples. This seemed kind of flight attendant-y, but mostly the fit was horrible. Every seam was just a mess of pulls and creases. Make sure you look at the back. Awful.

4. Carol Hannah and Shirin

Look #1 was basically a flight attendant outfit, only no one, not even MK, said so. There was a high-waisted navy skirt and a peacock blue sleeveless bodice with an asymmetrical neckline. And a blue kerchief tied around the neck. Total flight attendant. From the 70s. I guess they were going for Mad Men, not flight attendant, but other than a giant keyhole back, which was kind of sexy and unexpected, I thought this was oh-so-very-coffee-tea-or-me.

Look #2 was another outfit (like Irina's dress) that I did not get why the judges liked it. Think Olivia Newton John in the climactic carnival scene in Grease. Dark capri leggings. Big wide leather obi sash over a peacock blue sweater tunic with more ruffles and floppy short sleeves. Sorry, outfit, you are not the "one that I want". Woo hoo hoo, honay!

5. Christopher and Epperson

Look #1was basically a big, oversized striped Oxford man-shirt with a sash. There was some shimmer. But that didn't do enough to make this anything other than really plain, boring and looking like it was thrown together without much thought.

Look #2 was a trainwreck headed for the circus. Dark capri leggings (seriously, how are capri leggings in so many of the outfits this year?) topped with a teal bubble tunic with a clown ruffle collar/neckline. Not only was it stand-alone dreadful, it had no relation to Look #1. Bad idea+Bad execution=Christopher crying all over the runway.


Althea and Logan were sent to safety, so that mean the judges no likee:
Louise and Nicolas
Christopher and Epperson

But they likee:
Irina and Gordana
Carol Hannah and Shirin

Irina took the win for her schmatte, but you know, that there wasn't anything much better on display last night, was there?

After much big-eyed gulping (from Louise) and wimpy weeping (from Christopher) and inaccurate foreshadowing about two designers going home (from Heidi), Louise was auf'ed, as she should have been last week.

So, I'm sure you're gathering that this was not a stellar week for the designers. Which was disappointing after two straight weeks of creativity and innovation. The lack of appealing designer carried over...I mean, check out the dress Irina designed for Macy's as the winner this week. Looks like a 70s disco dress with a big butterfly applique. Feh. And Meh, for that matter.

But what did you think?

]]> Fri, 02 Oct 2009 16:07:03 -0700 http://homepage.mac.com/elisa_camahort/iblog/C597745786/E20091002160703/index.html http://homepage.mac.com/elisa_camahort/iblog/C597745786/E20090925082729/index.html Also, they try in vain to remind us that they're filming in L.A. this season, and that it matters. But all that really matters is that the L.A. move has deprived us of MK and ninagarcia.

This week the designers met Tim Gunn on some generic "Hollywood movie lot" to choose film genres out of the velvet bag. They were all to create a look inspired by the genre of choice. Make-up dude Collier Strong was also there, and they were supposed to work with him as part of the challenge, but since they have to work with the make-up folks every week, this is one of those throw-a-bone-to-the-sponsor add-ons that PR occasionally does.

There were five genres, and the designers chose as follows:

Film Noir: Irina, Louise, Althea
Action/Adventure: Logan, Carol Hannah
SciFi: Ra'Mon, Nicolas
Period Piece: Gordana, Christopher
Western: Epperson, Shirin

Shirin and Epperson chose last and were therefore stuck with Western.

The designers were given 30 minutes to sketch and $150 to spend at ErsatzMood. The runway show would be the next morning.

What did we learn this episode?

-They tried to paint Shirin as the Chatty Kathy last week, but OMG it's Nicolas that cannot shut the hell up! Alternately arrogant and petrified, he always has something to say. About how he wants to win. Or about how he is out of his element. Or about how one of the other designers "doesn't belong" there.

-We learn that TV obviously can't show everything about these designs, because while I had dismissed Louise and her work as an obvious "retro" copycat devotee, Tim credits her with having subtlety and nuance. Really? Because here I was thinking it was just boring. Obviously I'm missing something despite my 36" screen.

-We learned that the designers never lear. Every week someone decides to scrap their idea and start over. Yeah, so, um, how does that work out? Well, 2 weeks ago it was Qristyl. Last week it was Johnny. This week it was Ra'mon. I rest my case.

-We learned that even Heidi can have a *really* bad fashion day. Did you check out her outfit for the day of the Show? Black sparkly leggings with ridonkulously high spike heel pumps, topped with a long beige tunic tee and a sand-colored vest. It's like she was trying to project what Mary Kate or Ashley Olsen would look like if they were double their current height. And that was just way to much boho-"chic" on top for me...paired with working girl on the bottom.

-We learned that apparently Lifetime has no intention of letting us know where our friends Michael Kors and Nina Garcia have been, but apparently Nina couldn't bear the questions any longer and broke down under the interrogation of the LA Times. Apparently, MK and ninagarcia have, like, jobs. And those jobs are on the East Coast. And sometimes even in Paris. Move the show back to NYC, Lifetime!

On to the show, where designer John Varvatos and Marie Claire stand-in Zoe Glassner join Heidi and a film costume designer (Arianne Phillips) on the judges panel. The one credit they mention for Phillips is Walk the Line. I'm not sure the Johnny Cash bio-pic really screams breadth and depth of talent to me, but whatevs.

As always click on the link on each designer's name to see their outfit.

1. Irina's Film Noir look
Irina's Film Noir movie must take place in the bedroom, because this was a negligee. It was a chocolate brown satin negligee with lace insets. And instead of wearing Little Red Riding Hood's red cape, she had a sheer, white version. Only it looked more like a big white rain slicker as it came down the runway. I thought this was pretty bad, so good thing she had immunity.

2. Carol Hannah's Action/Adventure look
I might have liked Carol Hannah's look more if it wasn't simply The Matrix. I didn't see any spark of innovation on the theme there. Black trench coat over black leggings. Topped with what looked like a rubber strapless corset with some straps and chains hanging down. Very dominatrix, not just Matrix. But not very original.

3. Shirin's Western look
Well, this was just cliche Western saloon girl come to life. Nothing new or innovative here amongst the black satin and red velvet and lace. I thought she might be at risk with this one, but I guess it had enough detail and high-quality execution to save her.

4. Christopher's Period Piece look
Christopher hit it out of the park with a modern, inauthentic, but innovative period look. This was Victorian Vampire Bride, and I went with him on it. Sure, it wasn't very period to start with a sleeveless chiffon halter-style top with high Victorian collar as nod to the period. And the full, flouncey champagne-colored skirt with black netting over-bustle took the actual look of the period and amp'ed it up. And the very wide black obi-ish waist definer wasn't really period at all. But the overall look was fantastic and seemed to really get the concept of melding the world of costume and runway.

5. Nicolas's Sci-Fi look
I confess Iw as not as crazy over this ice-queen look as the judges. It was a long, white, appliqued dress with some bizarre feather-like structures around the collar and neck. The styling was sort of the best aprt...her ice-queen make-up was great.


6. Althea's Film Noir look
While Althea thought she had a perfect Film Noir look heading down the runway, I thought this was more of an 80's Period Piece look. A sheer, white, open over-blouse over, basically, a black teddy, paired with a very high waisted black skirt. The styling may have been what bothered me most. Plain black pumps and clutch. An incongruous necklace of big silver balls. And really weird bird's nest hair. None of it said sleek femme fatale to me. More like 80s chick heading home from a one-night stand.

7. Ra'mon's Sci-Fi look
I can appreciate that Ra'mon scrapped his initial design, but stuck with the risk that design was taking (green, reptilian alien-human hybrid). but things were all wrong about this dress. The length and shape just took that risky bold idea and made it simultaneously dowdy. Personally, I favor interesting and original over safe and boring, and I thought the judges would to. But it was definitely destined for Bottom 3-land.

8. Louise's Film Noir look
So, this was kind of ridiculous. She had some story about it being a 40's actress going to a 20's costume party. Or something like that. But it was really just a plain, boring and historically inaccurate flapper dress. Bottom 3 well-deserved.

9. Epperson's Western look
For the first time, Epperson's work really did it for me. Although his collar treatment of this denim, sleeveless overcoat seemed to copy exactly Irina's newspaper trench coat collar from just last week. The overcoat was over an eggshell petticoat-style underskirt, with a brown leather waist corset over the whole thing. The styling was the best part...with a holster and brown boots and Matar's great "tough pioneer woman" atitude.

10. Gordana's Period Piece look
Gordana did a golden backless flapper dress that was, well, a flapper dress. It looked incredibly well-made and meticulous and intricate, but the judges were exactly right that thus far she has been a terrific dressmaker (and that has kept her in, not auf) but hasn't shown off much design innovation or creativity.

11. Logan's Action/Adventure look
Logan also went Matrix with his black leather catsuit. It had an interesting touch with ammo holders down the front, but it was otherwise a little too subtle to make a huge impact, positive or negative.

In the end, the judges likee:
Nicolas
Christopher
Epperson

My viewing companion and I thought Christopher was the obvious, no-brainer winner. I could live with Irina taking it over Christopher last week, but this? To have Nicolas beat Christopher on this one...not right. Who's with me?

The judges no likee:
Ra'mon
Gordana
Louise

I was rooting for Louise to go, mostly because I'm bored by that Kenley-esque retro sensibility, and that dress was a true snore. At least Ra'mon had a vision and went with it. But sadly, that vision was his downfall, and he was auf'ed.

So I was no-happy with either the winner or loser last night. What about you?

]]> Fri, 25 Sep 2009 08:27:29 -0700 http://homepage.mac.com/elisa_camahort/iblog/C597745786/E20090925082729/index.html