Blogcritics Author: knitmi

Announcement: Short-content feeds

Phillip Winn — Sun, 26 Aug 2007 12:00:00 EDT

Sunday, August 26, 2007, marks the switch of all Blogcritics.org article feeds from full-content to short-content. This is the result of several converging factors, and is unfortunately a permanent decision (as permanent as any decision can be on the web, that is). We are aware of all of the reasons that this is a Bad Idea, and we are aware that some of you will be quite upset about having to click on something to read the free content, and we're sorry. Unfortunately, despite great effort, full-content feeds are not currently economically viable. Two other factors are involved: full-content feeds have resulted in an unprecedented level of content theft, with BC content appearing on many websites, usually spam sites, without attribution or permission. This duplicate content causes a cascading set of problems, not the least of which is that search engines generally aren't favorable to duplicate content, and don't always guess correctly. Finally, our RSS advertising partner is strongly in favor of short-content feeds. We hope that you'll continue to subscribe to BC via RSS, and when an article grabs your eye, it's only a click away, still free on the BC website. Thank you for your understanding.

TV Review: Project Runway -- 2.14 "Finale"

knitmi — Fri, 10 Mar 2006 00:53:20 EST

The second season of Bravo's Project Runway, like the first season, has been thrilling and enjoyable to watch due to the contestants' talent, creativity, and bitchiness. I liked the first season better because there was more footage of behind-the-scenes interactions between the designers and the models. The first season also yielded four memorable characters: charmingly hilarious winner Jay McCarroll, fabulous fop Austin Scarlett, evil bitch Wendy Pepper, and emotional train wreck model Morgan Quinn. Although second season's Andrae Gonzalo was delightfully expressive and Zulema Griffin was unabashedly divaish, only Santino Rice has been a breakout star. His rampant arrogance and rudeness hid an insecure and kind person, although only glimpses of the kindness emerged late in the season.The three finalists, Daniel Vosovic, Chloe Dao, and Santino, were given $8,000 and a few months to create a 12-look fashion line to show at Olympus Fashion Week in New York.Audience favorite Daniel V's collection was simple, elegant, beautifully made, and a little boring. He said his line was inspired by Japanese and military styles, although the judges didn't see it. My favorite piece of his was the white cashmere double-breasted coat. His collection was more casual and had greater range than the other two designers', but I didn't feel that his clothes were that innovative.Chloe's collection was formal, gorgeous, and, I thought, very inspired. She said that it was her fantasy formal collection. One of the judges rightfully complimented the seams on her outfits. Their placement and shape were unique and enhanced the overall look. I also loved the innovative cut and construction of the dresses that formed simple, strong shapes. The judges' concern was that her line didn't have much range.Santino's collection was surprisingly subdued and included some delicate, gorgeous pieces. His inspiration was 1940's Hollywood boudoir glamour. An outstanding piece from his line was an ombre pleated chiffon dress with a ripple in the front. I agreed with the judges that some of his looks were a little too safe and plain -- shocking since throughout the competition, Santino was more known for ridiculously outrageous outfits (the flaming turkey skating outfit he designed for Sasha Cohen comes to mind).I was pleasantly surprised that the judges (designer Michael Kors, ELLE fashion director Nina Garcia, and Will and Grace star Debra Messing) agreed with me and anointed Chloe the winner. She won $100,000 to start her own fashion line, a 2007 Saturn Sky roadster, a featured spread in ELLE, and a mentorship with Banana Republic.Although Chloe won, all three of the finalists are truly talented. Having made a name for themselves on this show, they should find much success as fashion designers.

Avid scientist by day, intrepid knitter/TV watcher by night.

TV Review: Number One Single

knitmi — Sun, 5 Mar 2006 03:03:00 EST

Coffeehouse cutie Lisa Loeb's first and biggest hit song "Stay (I Missed You)" of 1994 resonated with me and undoubtedly many other college-aged women at the time. The song was also featured in the definitive Gen-X movie Reality Bites. Lisa's crisp voice, confessional lyrics, and even her signature cat's eye glasses won my affections. I listened to her albums over and over and saw her in concert with her band, Nine Stories (named after the J.D. Salinger short story collection -- another reason to love Lisa). After a few years, her popularity waned. Then two years ago, she resurfaced with Dweezil & Lisa, a show on the Food Network that also featured her cute (and unfortunately named) musician boyfriend, Dweezil Zappa. The show followed the adorable couple across the country as they played music and ate lots of good food. When I recently heard that they had broken up, I was sad that such a cute and seemingly happy couple didn't make it.Number One Single is the new E! reality show about Lisa's search for love. As a 37-year-old, nice Jewish girl that recently became single for the first time in 12 years, Lisa is eager to settle down and start a family. One of the reasons she moved from Los Angeles back to New York City was to look for her soulmate. The show follows her adventures in dating. Despite still being as cute as a button, friendly, smart, and talented, Lisa hasn't had much luck so far. Her dates have ranged from dull to faintly horrifying. (How about the guy that kept using the derogatory term for Jewish women and admitted to stealing from archaeological sites?) Helping and hindering her search for love are her family, friends, and various professionals, such as Dr. Joy Browne of Dating For Dummies, actress Illeanna Douglas who feng shui's her new apartment to optimize her romance area, and Queer Eye for the Straight Guy's Jai Rodriguez who lends Lisa his dog to use as a guy magnet. I'm not a big fan of reality shows, as I never know how much of the show is actually "real," not to mention that these shows tend to bring out the worst in people. That being said, I've really enjoyed this show. Lisa Loeb is natural, charming, and funny in front of the camera. On a totally shallow note, I love the way she dresses! Little T-shirts, short skirts and dresses, knee-high boots, and pigtails completely match her personality. I admire her pluck -- even though she's been on multiple bad dates, she hasn't given up hope. I've actually learned a few tips on dating from the show: there are no dating "rules," just do what you're comfortable with, and dogs (and friends) can be useful for meeting people.The latest episode had her old friend, actor Michael Panes, acting as a "wingman" to help her meet guys. Soon it became clear that he was jealous when she talked to other men. The episode ended with him kissing her over a wedge of cheese. Who knows if these two long-time friends will end up together? Of course, if they do, it'll be the end of the show.Number One Single airs on E! on Sundays at 10 p.m. EST.

Avid scientist by day, intrepid knitter/TV watcher by night.