Save Me!

Who knew the world kept spinning outside of fashion week...

A brief moment in politics

Dennis Kucinich would not assassinate Osama bin Laden if given the chance. Being anti, oh, you know, murder myself, I applaud this admission even though it will lose him more votes (is that possible?) This does not, however, mean he would let him go (and neither would I, though it's unlikely that I'll be capturing bin Laden anytime soon. Just like GWB!)

John McCain is experiencing a surge in the polls. So, at least one surge is working... Meanwhile, Mitt Romney's camp is linked to an anti-Fred Thompson website. Romney needs to go back to the used car lot from whence he came.

Animal tracks

So, a monkey and a pigeon walk into a bar... and fall in love. Is this the cutest story ever? This is the second animal tale this week that's made me cry.

I hope this dog's owner buys a leash, but good on ya Matt Smolenski. I love reading stories like this in our world full of bad news.

Bad news like the very real possibility that gorillas might become extinct. Here's a link to the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.

Pop Culturally speaking

Turns out Colin Farrell is a nice guy. My friend Cherie will be so pleased. This article is so poorly written, though, it's a bit hard to tell what exactly he did but I take it that a homeless man named Stress has a new lease on life. I hope things go well for him.

I found this recent list of "20 best big-screen comic book heroes" but the fact that Daredevil is even on there pretty much makes it moot especially when the writer doesn't seem to understand why that movie sucked.

James Frey has a book deal with Harper Collins for a novel. That's funny, I thought he already wrote one.

The producers of Project Runway are planning a reality dance show. Why are they doing this to me? It's bad enough that I was glued to So You Think You Can Dance (and am weirdly curious about Mark Cuban on Dancing With the Stars). Whatever happened to that figure skating reality competition? Was the scandal of Lloyd Eisler leaving his pregnant wife for contestant and partner Kristy Swanson just too much?

Quote of the week from Evan Rachel Wood: "People tell me I'm immature, and Britney's crotch is on CNN. Who the hell is immature?" And by the way, apparently we need to grow up about her dating Marilyn Manson.

Finally, don't mess with Chewbacca!

Going bookish tomorrow,
Ms. P

Fashion Finale

Okay, I really wasn't joking when I said last night that they'll give a clothing line to anyone these days (Amanda Bynes... really?!) but I'm actually talking about Chloe Sevigny. Why she is a style icon is beyond me (especially after Brown Bunny which I'm still too afraid to see) And how did she design her fabulous frocks? She took a sharpie to a lingerie catalogue and drew over the models. I'm sure that's how Coco Chanel started out (God, what if it was?!)

Making the rounds in the final days of Fashion Week: Serena Williams (we all know how classy I think Ms. Williams is. Wonder why she wasn't showing her line, Aneres. That's Serena spelled backwards, omigod she is so clever!), Bijou Phillips (who once badmouthed me and grabbed my boob, true story), Kim Gordon (who I will not say an unkind word about because a) she is too cool and b) could probably kick my ass), Heath Ledger (newly single, ladies!), Courtney Love (Don't even get me started on the human trash can. That Love is actually an intelligent person, and - yes, I think this - talented songwriter, only makes her crimes against humanity worse), and Sarah Jessica Parker (I really hated Carrie - it's probably no surprise to you that when I took one of those "Which Sex and the City character are you?" quizzes I was overwhelmingly Miranda - but SJP seems pretty cool for an actress even if she is kind of perky and did that horrible 80s dance movie with Helen Hunt).

The final reviews are in...

Betsey Johnson: The queen of cartwheels didn't disappoint with a colorful ballet inspired flash of tulle and poufy skirts. A rainbow of early 80s prom wear signified that girls just want to have fun. Johnson wins the award for most entertaining show and I'm left with a sudden craving for sherbet.

Calvin Klein: CK, It's nice to see that Francisco Costa maintained your uncanny ability to make drab and understated look clean and chic. I felt serene while going through the pictures. Someday, Calvin, I will own more than the free underwear and perfume your sales reps gave me at Lollapalooza and the makeup I bought at your store in New York. Someday...

Zac Posen: Posen's mostly muted tones give way to my mostly muted response. Though the show turned to a slightly mermaid-ish/in the sea feel, it never really captured my eye. And seriously, that trash bag/fish tail thingy... If I ever see that on a red carpet I will laugh and laugh. Why Posen is part of the holy fashion trinity these days, along with Proenza Schouler and Marc Jacobs, sort of eludes me. But I guess that's why I'm writing about this from Crestwood, KY and not the offices of Vogue.

Tory Burch: You know, I was going to write about Tory Burch mainly because she's going out with Lance Armstrong but then I looked at her collection and never mind. There's a host of women's clothing designers that I swear, if I ever dress like this, stick a fork in me 'cause I am done. Carolina Herrera and Nanette Lepore made me feel icky like this, too.

Heatherette: What to say about Heatherette... What to say about a label that used their show to launch a kids line and had 8-year olds prancing down the catwalk followed by porn star Jenna Jameson? I think there isn't anything else to say other than - JJ - wow! Is she even human anymore? Do people not look in the mirror after getting plastic surgery?!!

Donna Karan: Karan's collection was feminine, well-tailored and featured some beautiful dresses, but the wide belts were too distracting and I can honestly say I don't think I ever want to see khaki again.

Tommy Hilfiger: I'm covering Tommy Hilfiger because he went on Oprah to announce that he never said Asians shouldn't buy his clothes. Unfortunately, now I kind of wish he had because I never want to see my people in garments like this. Pants with seahorses printed all over them sound almost cute until you find out they're for men!!! No wonder so many men cannot dress themselves if they're faced with the menswear collections I've seen over the last eight days. Good heavens! Hilfiger's clothes are for pretentious goobers who pretend they have yachts. I did kind of like the shoes, though. They reminded me of lobsters for some reason.

Finally, the winner of Fashion Week is ... Carmen Marc Valvo! I said it would be hard to top Oscar de la Renta but I swear I've never wanted to wear a dress so much as when I looked at the photos of Valvo's sheer ruffled layers (yes, I said I loved ruffles. Someone call a medic). But seriously, the rose dresses... divine is the only way to describe them and it was worth being blinded by a week's worth of lemons if this was the reward at the end.

And so I bid adieu to New York Fashion Week's Spring 2008 collections. London, Paris and Milan, you'll have to do without my dime-store critiques. Yes, yes, I know it's very sad. I'm sure Donatella was dying to know what pearls of wisdom I had to offer. I'll be looking, though. New York mag is but one click away and I never say never, dahlinks!

Wearing sweat pants while writing this,
Ms. P

ps. I thought it only fitting to end Fashion Week coverage and one hundred mentions of lemons with this dandy pic I took in a parking lot in Austin, Texas.

Pieces and Bits - The Manly Edition

This post is per Tom's request. I think he's tired of reading about fashion (even if he loved the gold shorts) and perhaps you are, as well, so here goes...

Led Zeppelin are reuniting for a concert in memory of Ahmet Ertegun. Lately, all bands say it's just a one-off and end up touring so perhaps this will come stateside even though I'll never bother to go and my crush on Jimmy Page is like, so 20 years ago.

I'm sure everyone's seen the Iron Man trailer already but here's a link just in case. Robert Downey Jr. looks like the perfect anti-hero and even though it comes off a bit video gamey, I'm looking forward to this one. I just hope they don't do some extremely lame Chris Cornell cover of the song as a tie-in. It's important to keep the Sabbath holy, you know...

What I'm not looking forward to is Robert Zemeckis' Beowulf. Am I the only person out there who thinks this looks really crappy?

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced today that he'll resign, former Philippines President Joseph Estrada was sentenced to life in prison, and there was a huge earthquake in Indonesia so all in all, Asia's not having a great day.

Jon Stewart won the Oscar hosting gig for the second year in a row. I can't believe they don't want Sarah Silverman. She was super funny at the VMA's (because it's tres hilarious to call someone else's kids a mistake).

Kanye West is outselling 50 Cent. Maybe now he'll stop whining. For five minutes, anyway.

They always say "Don't Mess with Texas" but apparently that saying hasn't made its way to Oklahoma yet.

Senator Larry Craig praised General Petraeus' testimony. I bet Petraeus is thrilled about that endorsement. More on what turned out to be much ado about not much in Sunday morning's politics post.

Though this is quite tragic, here is today's headline of the day: Wife Says Cheating Husband Walked Into Knife. The crazy thing is that even though this sounds all white trashy, the victim was the executive dean of the University of Iowa College of Medicine and a nationally regarded pediatrics specialist. Middle-class cheaters beware.

That's all for now. Fashion Week wrapup tonight.

Off to the Apple store,
Ms. P

Back to our regularly scheduled programming

I turned on the news this morning and the lady on CNN with the bad burgundy Jane Fonda in Klute hair kept saying "We're hearing a moment of silence." I say kept because she did it more than once. Then she said, "Let's roll." Then she said, "Bells toll and tears flow." Seriously. Where do they find these people?

Diving right in to the fascists... I mean fashions...

Last night I watched the end of a special on Kimora Lee Simmons where she opined in regard to revelers at a party she threw, "These are the beautiful people of the world!" and then they cut to Kid Rock. ::snort::.

Also, the best show ever, the MetLife Snoopy in Fashion event took place on the 7th. Designers Betsey Johnson, Heatherette and Project Runway alum Laura Bennett (to name a few) gave the Peanuts a twist to support Dress for Success, an organization that aims to help disadvantaged women succeed in the workplace. The designs can be bid on at eBay from October 1 to 31.

At the shows... Day 6

Anna Sui: Girly and interesting but interesting doesn't always mean you want to wear it (a vest topped jumpsuit? Really? High-waisted pants to the point where your waist is your boobs? Sigh). Unfortunately, I have this sneaking suspicion that the 90s are coming back (I've even seen fanny packs!! The horror!) and I'm not happy about it. However, I'm going to go ahead and agree with Vincent Gallo (even though he totally grosses me out) and say that Sui is an underrated designer and I applaud her longevity. I'm also biased because of the Asian factor (loads of Asian designers showed this week. Very exciting).

Marc Jacobs: Because I've seen My Morning Jacket do the reverse show trick where they come out, play one song, take their bows and leave (and I'm sure they weren't the first to do this), it sounded a bit less cute when I heard that this is how Marc Jacobs ran his show. Also not cute, making people wait two freakin' hours. Everyone is raving over this inconsistent explosion of bad taste. I'm totally missing something. I mean, we've established that I'm not cool and I wear Old Navy and everything but come on!! What the hell was that?!

Oscar de la Renta: De la Renta presented his collection at a church on the Upper East Side instead of at the Bryant Park tents. People are falling all over themselves with praise for the show, calling it a religious experience (seriously - were these people fooled because it was a) in a church and b) included a performance by the oft robed Polyphonic Spree? Hey, fashionistas, it's the sun! Better get some SPF 45. I really hope someone gets that tacky joke). Anyway, I was ready to be snooty but I can't. It will be hard to beat this stunning and polished collection that featured some of the most beautiful dresses I've seen so far.

Finally, if you feel like getting your disco on, have a gander at Chris Benz and Vivenne Tam.

Making the rounds: Victoria Beckham (who is starting to resemble one of those Close Encounters of the Third Kind aliens), The Olsen Twins (probably doing research for New York Minute 2), some chick named Tinsley Mortimer who as far as I can tell has never done anything, Roger Federer (who was getting drooled on by Anna Wintour. Ick), Mischa Barton (I think this girl will go to a fashion show at a mall, she's so ubiquitous), and Julianne Moore (who apparently watched the VMAs since she's blonde now, too. I really hope this is for a movie or something because she looks much better as a redhead).

Also, apparently LL Cool J has a clothing line, too? Are they giving these things out to anyone? I need to tell Tom to capitalize on his Esquire Magazine's Best Dressed status (so what if it was last year!) and start his own brand so my friend Leslie and I can go to Fashion Week and be annoying little scenesters, too.

Back in the saddle again,
Ms. P

ps. This picture comes from the door of the Duomo di Milano in Italy, one of the most beautiful cathedrals I've ever seen. Milan Fashion Week is September 22 - 29 and is worth having a look at.

Right Through the Very Heart of It

Today marks the sixth anniversary of the fall of the Twin Towers. It's sad how this dark day in America's history has been so overly politicized by both the Republicans and the Democrats but it's also not surprising given how easily politicians revert to desperate pandering in place of truth and how cynical we've become (myself included but I was born that way).

A recent poll show shows that many Americans do not feel safer in this post-9/11 world. Republicans make great claims about how there hasn't been another attack since the World Trade Center but now analysts say Al-Qaeda is back to pre-9/11 strength.

Though September 11 will be remembered as one of our country's worst days, the aftermath represented some of our best. The global village that is New York City banded together and took care of its own while the generosity of the world was front and center. Now I wonder, where have those days gone?

I write about politics a lot but I was pretty ignorant before the attack. I decided on that day that I would become better informed and I have, but only marginally so. Still, I do the best I can and hope it makes a difference (and boy, doesn't that sound self-righteous?) It's easy to believe that the simple act of voting doesn't matter since apparently the presidency can be decided without regard to the desire of the people.

The last six years have not been especially happy ones for this country - fear is used daily as a tactic to paralyze us and take away our rights, the lawmakers have become lawless, we're mired in a war we can't win with soldiers and civilians dying every day, New Orleans suffered the horrible destruction that was (and still is) Hurricane Katrina, we hear about political scandals every other week and, for many of us, there's the total drag that is life with a president who thinks being stubborn is being strong and listening is a sin.

However, there's still the expectation that things can turn around. I'm just not sure how sometimes. Does it happen with Barack? With Clinton II? I like Dennis Kucinich but he'll never win (and I'm not even sure if he would be a great leader, to be honest). Frankly, I think it's true that we should beware anyone who actually wants that job. But someone has to do it and I hope that next year America really does vote for change and that change actually happens.

New York is my favorite place on earth to visit (I try to go at least once a year). I loved it when it was a mystery and I love it now that it's the one place in the world where I feel anonymous and comfortable and alive. It possesses a magic I've never experienced anywhere else (it's even better than Disneyland!) Laugh if you will, but Alec Baldwin wrote a great piece on Huffpo yesterday about the city and its many splendors. Granted, his New York and nearly everyone else's is vastly different but still, I thought it was sweet (and yes, I know he's a crappy father).

Lastly, a New Yorker I admired for years after seeing her in two Hal Hartley films (The Unbelievable Truth and Trust), actress Adrienne Shelly, was murdered last fall in her office. Shelly wrote, directed and acted in the recent film Waitress. She was still waiting for news from Sundance when she was killed. How lovely for her legacy that the film went on to do so well and achieve critical acclaim. Her husband, Andy Ostroy, started The Adrienne Shelly Foundation in her memory to help other female filmmakers make their dreams come true. They have a benefit and eBay auction coming up soon.

Out of all tragedy springs hope of some kind. Maybe we can all take a second to remember that today, and every day, hope exists in every corner of the world. So, you know, spread it around like buttah!

Off to buy the Patriot Pack,
Ms. P

ps. Snarkiness, fashion reviews and meaningless drivel will resume this evening. That is a promise from me to you.

Sam Goes Into the Light

The US Open is over. There's only three more days of Fashion Week left. Burn Notice, Monk and Psych are almost gone... What am I going to do with myself?! Especially when Rock of Love ends? (Un)fortunately, I'll have cycle 9 of America's Next Top Model along with the shiny start of the Fall season (including Nathan Fillion on Desperate Housewives). In the meantime, I'll read a book or something. Sammy's House by Kristin Gore has been sitting on the bedside table for a week now looking slightly forlorn and beckoning me over with its bon mots.

Yesterday's news...

Super Sunday at New York Fashion Week

Nicholai by Nicky Hilton: Am I really supposed to believe that Nicky Hilton personally designed all these clothes? I was predisposed to dislike this show, but (oh, I can't believe I'm going to say this) it... wasn't bad. There were some bizarre missteps (the Chanel-esque/biker/shorts suit hybrid) and the evening dresses were ordinary and unappealing but there were a few metallic pieces I really liked and the lighting was the best I've seen so far. I guess Nicky is the lesser of two evils, but still...

Spring made an unapologetic debut in the form of Michael Kors' brights and pastels. Though a few of the looks reminded me of Fruit Stripe gum, Kors' jet-set collection was fun to look at even if, given the dough, I would never buy any of it (with the exception of the shiny gold men's shorts that would really just look divine on my husband, who I'll call Tom from now on, because that is his name.) Though the clothes are not for me, I enjoy Kors on Project Runway (and am still reeling from the sight of his twin mother).

Diane Von Furstenburg: As my friend Jamie said, "It's the definition of 70s resort wear. Someone get me a pina colada and where's the bowl to put my keys in at this party?" Need I say more?

DKNY: Karan had some beautiful white suits and not a lemon in sight! Too bad about those high-waisted pleated pants. Could pleated pants please go the way of the dinosaur? They flatter no one.

Ralph Lauren: Coming to a Jersey Outlet Mall next spring, Ralph Lauren's 40th Anniversary collection showed on Saturday but the pictures just came up last night. It's Derby time at RL. Bit of an unfortunate trend towards looking like grandma's couch and the entire line shouted, "I have more money than you! I have horses! I'm a jockey!" (I'm sure what he's really saying is "I'm on the pitch!" but "jockey" is marginally more funny).

Outside of fashion...

Right brain, left brain? What happens to moderate brain? A recent article in the Los Angeles Times stated that, "Previous psychological studies have found that conservatives tend to be more structured and persistent in their judgments whereas liberals are more open to new experiences." Well, that explains a lot.

Apparently the Kid Rock/Tommy Lee tussle at the VMAs took place while Alicia Keys was belting out George Michael's "Freedom". Yes, freedom is what I need from Kid Rock and Tommy Lee! My friend Cherie called it "white trash on white trash crime." Maybe those two should do a public service announcement about this problem.

I'm watching Ghost in hi-def while writing. Tom got an X-Box yesterday and I might have to go kill some things now.

Duking it out trailer style,
Ms. P

The Way We Were - Week in Review

Jumping right in...

Politically speaking...

Mos Def and Cornel West appeared on Real Time with Bill Maher. I LOVE Cornel West and wish I could go to Princeton and take one of his classes. Mos Def, on the other hand, most definitely needs to take his medication or something before appearing on live TV. I bet Rahm Emanuel is glad he had to stay in DC to vote.

George Stephanapolous interviewed McCain and Kerry on This Week. Seriously, these guys are starting to sound like the Charlie Brown teachers. Mwah-mwah-mwah-mwah. Mwah mwah mwah.

Chuck Hagel is not running for president. In fact, Chuck Hagel is retiring.

It was such a slow week they were talking about Amy Winehouse (and how she's hurting the British royals... Wha??!), Lindsay Lohan and Nicole Ritchie on The Mclaughlin Group. That was definitely surreal.

CNN's Kelli Arena (is that her real name?) said that Osama bin Laden, in his new video, , "comes off like an angry blogger." Does this mean I'm bin Laden? How about Andy Ostroy? Or Michelle Malkin (who makes me embarrassed to be Asian)? Since when does freedom of speech equal terrorism? But hey, if being angry = being bin Laden = being a terrorist, I sure hope they capture Rush Limbaugh real soon.

Fred Thompson officially entered the presidential race to the sound of loud cheering on The Tonight Show. This was immediately followed by the sound of crickets chirping. I'm just glad Sam Waterston finally gets the DA job on Law and Order.

Senator Larry Craig announced... oh who cares.

Every Rose Has Its Scorn...

This week on Rock of Love, Brandi M gave herself the heave ho and good for her, I say. Can you believe Bret's "outrage" over her not telling him she couldn't let her guard down? This guy is such a petulant little dweeb and I'm so glad the show is ending soon because seriously, watching him kiss these girls makes me shudder. Lacey continued her bid for Bitch of the Century but managed to get so completely drunk she passed out on the dinner table. The girls pretended to rock out at Bret's lame Vegas solo show. Jes has no rhythm and apparently did the nasty with BM (how fitting those are his initials) but I still love her. I really do hope Heather wins at this point. They're perfect for each other. Two peas in a skankpod. Like Michaels' said, he just has to figure out how to get her off the stripper pole and onto his. Euw!

The MTV Video Music Awards
(Written as they happened! Almost like being there! Only not!)

Why did John Norris bleach his hair? Why is he wearing eyeliner? Hate to break it to you, John, but you're not Pete Wentz. Or even Bret Michaels, for that matter. You were not cool in the 90s, you are not cool now. Embrace it! Own it! Uncool people are cool!

Why is Lil Mama dressed like a baby? Is this irony? Furthermore, who is Lil Mama?!

Nelly Furtado went blonde, too. She looks as good as John Norris.

Mary J. Blige, also now a blonde. What the hell is going on? She just said Britney Spears is smart. What the hell is going on?

Oh look, there's Kid Rock! Oh look, no one cares!

50 Cent is kind of cute and he's keeping it positive for the Brit. Is it fitty? Or fifty? I like fitty better but they just said fifty. Bit disappointing.

Now I'm watching some Pussycat Doll lip-synch. She's kind of pretty, but I used to book those girls at a club I worked at in LA and they were always asking if their butts looked big. Do you know how annoying that is when your butt actually is big? Very.

Okay, John Norris is really freaking me out. He looks like the Crypt Keeper.

They're interviewing a lot of bands I've never heard of. This makes me proud.

Paris Hilton is trying to sport some Carol Brady look. Too bad she still looks like a ho.

Ludacris has a pulse peak shaved into his head. Good to know he is alive.

Kanye West is kind of cute, too, but possibly not as cute as 50 Cent. His record covers are much better, though, so at least he can feel good about that.

Sway looks like the Nintendo character Toad Stool.

Chris Shifflet of the Foo Fighters - also blond! Geez. But he looks more like Mike McCready. Dave Grohl and I are both high school dropouts. Yay for dropping out! But seriously kids (because I know my teenage readership is like, in the millions) stay in school. Don't be like Dave Grohl and me.

Linkin Park is still together?

Alright, I confess I was totally prepared to unload a giant bucket of snark all over Britney Spears but I can't. It's just too sad and pathetic.

In fact, it was so bad I'm turning the TV off and going to walk the dog.

Toodles,
Ms. P

ps. Federer won the match but Jokovic won everyone's hearts. Awww!

Fashionably Late

Day 5 of New York Fashion Week is upon us and thank gawd it's almost over.

Here's the quick rundown on Saturday's shows:

Diesel: More lemon. More snooze. They used to make such great jeans. What happened?

Malandrino: Ms. M's trademark flow is in full effect. More of the weird giant shoulders but I definitely expect to see these dresses in the pages of In Style super duper soon!

Lacoste: A bit of wide cummerbund weirdness, but all in all, a fresh crisp collection with smiling models and some high waisted shorts that didn't make me gag!

Y-3 : Gothtastic sportswear! If Marilyn Manson and Evan Rachel Wood ever decide to head for the links they need look no further. Japanese avant-garde goes Sporty Spice. And hey, Samuel L. Jackson (who likes My Morning Jacket) was there!

Cynthia Rowley showed on Friday and should have ridden her little bicycle all the way back to her sketchbook. Zzzz...

I swear I'm going back to Sear's Toughskins (Do they still exist? I should ask my brother) after looking at all this. Burlap sacks, maybe.

In other news:

Caught up with the most recent ep of Damages today. Watching Ted Danson act desperate is depressing. Can't wait to write my Fall TV guide for you although I must confess I am not as excited about the coming season as I usually am.

Ochi "Dainoji" Yosuke won the Air Guitar World Championships for the second year in a row but I'm not sure why. I never wanted to hear that stupid Offspring song again and I heard there was a guy who did a back flip onto a beer can. I think that judging is rigged.

Politics, Rock of Love and the VMAs later tonight.

Go Fed! Go Djok!
Ms. P

"That skank poured beer on my weave!"

It's quite a strange juxtaposition going back and forth between the US Open women's final (Yay Justine!) and the cycle 4 (not 8 - oops) marathon of America's Next Top Model. Furthermore, I cannot believe how much space I've dedicated to a season of a show that is so two years ago.

However, I'm glad it's cycle 4 as now I can see the whole journey of Keenyah the crazy, victorious Naima, and crushworthy Kahlen. However, it's a bit like eating too much chocolate (which I've also done) and now I feel rather sick. (Holy cow, I've become the David Cross joke about the weird lady with the Yankee Candles, Grishams and hunky firemen calendar).

I won't even discuss the Courtney Love-esque train wreck that is Janice Dickinson. Brittany turned out to be quite a... well... Britney, flashing her Paris-parts out the van window after drinking too much. I learned more about Michelle, a wrestler from Indiana whose face nearly fell off halfway through the season. And then there was Tiffany who auditioned the year before but got into an alcohol tossing fight with a girl at a bar and uttered the line of the cycle, "That skank poured beer on my weave!"

Being immersed in fashion and trashy TV like ANTM (and reading an interview with Bobbi Brown where she said the beauty industry makes women feel bad about themselves) made me revisit my own opinions on this. I remember when I stopped reading women's magazines because I got tired of being bombarded by a freaky "ideal". When I started looking at them again I was amazed at how strange and unreal the models looked (and I still think they're way too thin). It sucks that women pressure themselves to conform to anything and that our culture can be so youth obsessed, but I'm glad I'm finally at an age where I can be amused by the silliness (lots of that) and occasionally enchanted by well-made clothes and accessories that are way out of my reach.

I can't believe I'm about to go all Oprah on you and bring this up but I read a recent interview with Brooke Shields (credibility - mine - lost, right?) where she said (on being older), "Why couldn't I have been this happy in my 20s? Why couldn't I have been this content with my body, my relationship or whatever it was? But I think you kind of have to earn it." Ain't that the truth, girls?! Boys?! I don't know a single woman who wants to go back. Turning 30 was just swell. I'll get back to you on the 40 thing. Not as sure about that one.

Politics and more fashion tomorrow. Been a quieter week (with the exception of Mos Def on Real Time with Bill Maher. That dude is funny (but crazy)!

Bon nuit,
Ms. P

ps. Yankee Candle that goes best with with a fashion overdose: Yew're So Fabulous!

Sartorial Slings and Arrows

It's Saturday morning, I'm feeling fresh and the fashion fatigue has evaporated with a good night's sleep.

Also, I woke up and looked at Thom Browne's collection and it made me chortle quite a lot so I wanted to share. Menswear (hey, something for the guys!) hasn't looked this, uh, interesting in years. I haven't been this amused since Gareth Pugh's Fall 2007 bizarre explosion of ninja, s&m and jailhouse rock.

Here's the quick review of some of the Friday's shows (no shots of Jovovich-Hawk yet):

Vera Wang: Wang has a new line at Kohl's so we now not only have access to some of her clothes, we might actually be able to afford them, as well. From what I've seen, there are some really nice pieces. Her '08 collection is my favorite so far. Great structure, nice flow, the colors aren't exactly spring but I don't favor spring colors, anyway. There were a few misses but all in all, 100% wearable.

Proenza Schouler: PS are getting raves all over the place and are another label that sold in Louisville, although their 90-day Target line has come and gone. I'm not a huge fan but they are critical darlings so I thought I'd include them. Strangely, when it comes to high fashion, I tend to be really conservative favoring Calvin Klein, Armani, et al. Sadly, I'll probably never be in either with the exception of the t-shirt CK reps gave me at Lollapalooza and the Armani blouse my old, very wealthy boss bestowed upon her downtrodden little employee (I had to duck flying staplers at that job, but that's another story).

Baby Phat by Kimora Lee Simmons: I just had a gander at Mrs. Russell Simmons' closet in a magazine and that thing was bigger than my living room. She has more shoes than the entire footwear department at Dillard's AND she purges every season. I don't aspire to that but it was impressive (or sickening, depending). As for the collection, bright colors flew down the runways and all I have to say is it's springtime for hoochie mamas! Even if I had the figure for it I would never be brave enough (or trashy, depending on your view) to sport these looks. Unfortunately, I spotted another pair of high-waisted shorts. Seriously, it's a scourge!

More later when I'm glued to the couch going back and forth between the US Open men's semi-finals and the America's Next Top Model cycle 8 marathon. I'm hoping for a Federer/Jokovic final but wouldn't mind if Ferrer won his match as he's been most impressive. I do NOT want to see a victorious Davydenko but there seems to be little chance of that). Tonight, I hope it will be Justine all the way. Now if only she could win Wimbledon!

Hope you are enjoying the glorious grey Saturday,
Ms. P

ps. RIP Pavarotti. Valentino's retiring. Italy's losses are also ours this week.

"Take it to Katrina!"

Just got home from seeing Clive Owen's new flick Shoot 'em Up. It's priceless. Hilarious. I haven't seen a film this violent in years. I don't know how Clive delivered some of those lines with a straight face but goodness, he is charismatic. I laughed, I covered my eyes, I wish I could kick butt like that. And to the two guys in front of me who talked through half the movie, thanks for shutting up after I threw a Hershey Kissable at you.

I've been trying to stay away from idiot celebrity gossip junk food but I read something today too tasty (and pathetic) not to print. Some recent quotes from an interview with pop sensation Avril Lavigne:

"People love me and people hate me, but I'm comfortable in my own skin and that's what counts. And anyway if you do hate me, you're the loser, not me."

"I am a very giving person. When the hurricane thing happened, I went to my closet, filled six boxes of stuff and said to my assistant, 'Take it to Katrina!' I also like to give stuff to people who are my 'workers,' especially if they don't make much money."

This makes me wish I had a teenage daughter so I had some Avril Lavigne cds around to put through the shredder. What a little insert-word-for-female-dog-here.

Back to Justine vs Venus,
Ms. P

ps. I'm suffering from some fashion fatigue so might take a break from the NY Fashion Week coverage. Also, it seems to have caused my readership to plummet! However, if you've been enjoying it, let me know and I'll keep on keepin' on.

Friday Fashion Edition II

aka "Snark Muscle Flexeth"

Day two of New York Fashion Week brought us Spring 2008 collections from red carpet faves Badgley Mischka, celebrity faves Miss Sixty (the front row consisted of Clive Owen, Demi Moore, Hilary Swank and Maggie Gyllenhaal), Bill Blass (who had the most elegant collection I've seen thus far), Preen, and Lela Rose (whose scallop edged skirts and dresses were pretty darn cute).

Sienna Miller and her sister Savannah held the launch party for their new line Twelve8Twelve, which is apparently inspired by Dickens and Patti Smith. Err, okay. She joins Gwen Stefani and the Olsen Twins as celebrities with high end labels. To me that's not really an illustrious list and I don't think I've ever found myself wanting to look like any of these women. Furthermore, what is the deal with Sienna Miller? She seems more famous for being famous and wearing high-waisted jeans (or nothing at all) than for any great acting talent.

Most of these shows seem either flashy but uneven (L.A.M.B., Miss Sixty - haven't seen the Heatherette pics yet) or dull and uneven (rag and bone, Nicole Miller - but cheers to her for going fur-free). People keep wondering what crazy stunt PETA is going to pull next and I wish the animal rights people (of which I am one, my hypocritical use of leather and Charmin aside) didn't come off like lunatics on occasion. The message gets lost and seriously, do they really think if they throw red paint on someone stupid enough to wear a giant fur that person is actually going to rethink her position and stop?

Anyway, expect to resemble a lemon or a Blockbuster employee (all that khaki! Does khaki look good on anyone?) and to be belted within an inch of your life come spring and if I see one more outfit that accentuates a woman's hips I'm going to be ill. Do you know any women who want their hips to look bigger? I sure don't. Between the big hips, huge shoulders and out of proportion fedoras, no wonder some of these models look so unhappy...

And speaking of models, I stayed up til 3 am last night watching the end of cycle 4 of America's Next Top Model. That Keenyah had some crazy eyes and I confess I developed a bit of a girl crush on Kahlen. In the end, though, I'm glad Naima won (are any of these girls ever named Cathy or something normal?) Someone save me, please. There's a marathon on tomorrow and I just know I'm going to watch. However, maybe this will cause me to o.d. like my friend Leslie and I'll never turn it on again.

In other news, apparently Larry Wachowski is still a man. Doesn't he realize this makes him less interesting? This all comes from "sources on the set" and was reported by Fox News so I don't know if I believe it.

And lastly, oh I am so sad to report this but Tim Gunn's Guide to Style sucks. I will give it another chance but oh Lord. Tim and Veronica (who now looks like Gary Oldman in The Fifth Element. Yikes, right?) are no Trinny and Susannah!

The bad: OptiTex software demonstrations - they put in your measurements and put clothes on a virtual model. It looks horrible. I wouldn't want to wear anything after seeing myself like that. The contestant - all I could think when she was at Catherine Malandrino was CM's inner dialog of "Oh my God I did not imagine my dress on zees breedge and tunnel beem-bo." and yes, I'm probably putting unfair words in her mouth. And Gunn himself who came off as simply fussy, although I did love it when he gasped over Veronica Webb's suggestion of leggings.

The horrible: The Life Stylist (seriously, am I watching The Swan?) The piece of crap Ice.com ring they gave the contestant's husband to give her. All I could think of was that Sex and the City episode where Carrie saw Aidan's engagement ring and puked. And lastly, though it will make me seem heartless, the whole scene with her mother getting flown in after surgery to see her in nice clothes... They had her come in right at the end - she didn't even get to see the fashion show. What was the point?

Also, who has a separate dog walking outfit? Is this for real?

Sigh. I am going to be shallower than a kiddie pool by the time Fashion Week is over.

Off to go see Shoot 'em Up,
Ms. P

ps. I hate to think I'm losing any male readers by being all girly, posting flower pics and writing about wacky frocks. I promise, cars and comics coming soon!

Let the sniping begin!

New York Fashion Week is underway, people!

Day One's marquee names included BCBG, Perry Ellis, Erin Fetherston (someone please tell me why she gets so much hype), Rock and Republic, adam+eve (Oprah loves them!), and most notably, Gwen Stefani's line, L.A.M.B

For full coverage of fashion week, New York magazine has it all.

Obviously I am nowhere near Bryant Park. Seriously, I don't think they let you within a one mile radius of 42nd and 6th if you're wearing anything from Old Navy so that pretty much counts me out. When I stop with the Homemade Pie & Ice Cream Kitchen overdoses and can fit into the AG jeans I bought on Ebay maybe they'll let me circle the block. But those fashionistas, they'll still know i am not one of them.

Anyhoo, why blog about clothes when there are so many other fascinating things going on in the world? Things like Celebrity Rap Superstar! To the anonymous commenter who told me about this abomination... I am speechless. Something I wish these "celebrities" were. However, I will admit that watching Sebastian Bach do "Mama Said Knock You Out"... mildly priceless. Sadly, listening to (Vote for) Pedro (that guy hasn't even had enough of a career to be this over) rap in a strange monotone... not so much.

Well, I'm tired of thinking about whether or not Larry Craig should resign (he should stay but only if he comes out. Oh, my husband just told me he's resigning for sure. He must have woken up to a horse head in his bed the way they've been going after him), tired of seeing pictures of Mitch McConnell's pasty face in conjunction with this story and tired of thinking about Fred "Vote for me, I have a pickup truck!" Thompson entering the race for the GOP nomination. In other words, I need some escape.

And what better way to break free of the bonds of reality than with Spring 2008 as brought to you by a bunch of insane insanely rich designers? I always love their versions of what's "street." I'm never sure which street they're referring to but it's certainly not the one I live on.

Some random thoughts: The pox that is high-waisted is not going away anytime soon (drat) and will arrive next spring in the form of hot pants (yuck). Between high-waisted trousers and skinny jeans, the designers are doing their part to combat the obesity epidemic in this country as the only people for whom these looks are attractive are women with a BMI under 19. Personally, I can't wait for either look to go away as they looked crappy on me the first time around and last time I checked I was still short and still well-fed. I'm always amused when I try on old jeans I've kept around for years only to find that I was wearing Mom jeans in my twenties. Crikey.

Bland colors and boring looks we've seen before peppered the runways. BCBG had some interesting stuff but lowered the bar by making a sad attempt to bring back lingerie as clothing. I hated that ten years ago, hate it now. Rock and Republic showcased some dresses that would make a hooker feel shy. Perry Ellis apparently never wants any man to get the girl (unless perhaps she is blind. Turtlenecks with shorts? Is this for real?) And lastly, though I will admit that Stefani's L.A.M.B. show injected the most life into the proceedings, the clothes were a bit costumey and impractical. Will you be wearing short shorts with sheer knee highs and stilettos come April? No? Me, either. However, kudos to her for not putting me to sleep with earth tones more suited to fall. Just because you throw in a bunch of white pants and skirts, it does not mean spring has sprung.

But really, I bash because I envy! I promise that if I ever win the lottery I will spare no expense to look as stupid as possible! Unfortunately I don't really play the lottery.

When are parachute pants coming back?
Ms. P

ps. I'm writing this while watching Regis Philbin on The View. Man, I hate this show but was convinced by a well-meaning friend to give it another shot. What is up with Hasselbach's hair? How many ugly shades of blonde can you fit on one head? That lady sure is annoying. I really hope i have something better to do tomorrow morning at 11.

Move Over E-Harmony

So, it turns out that there is a whole world of online matchmaking that I was naively unaware of...

Yes, I'm talking about the wonderful world of prison dating.

I'm not making any kind of judgment call on either the inmates or the seemingly desperate men and women for whom this is a viable option. We all need love, right? And love knows no bounds! Love cannot be fettered by the guard in the watchtower, the 12-foot electric fence with razorwire, or the five consecutive life sentences! I think most women are looking for maximum security, aren't they? And hell, if these inmates look anything like those guys on Prison Break...

In other news... I just found out today that Larry Wachowski, of the famed Matrix Wachowski Brothers, a) left his wife a while ago for a famous dominatrix who once put 333 needles in a man's pee-pee and b) has spent the last year undergoing a sex change operation so he is now Lana Wachowski and a lesbian. They will no longer be known as The Wachowski Brothers and are now simply The Wachowskis. I don't care if he's Lana or Larry, I just hope they keep making rad movies like V for Vendetta.

In completely useless, I don't know why I'm wasting your time or mine news... I will only mention this once, and only because I was thoroughly irked to hear this... Paris Hilton, in an interview for Elle UK, said, "I wanna have like a family and a guy." I will continue with the age old question, "How come anyone is allowed to procreate?" This is definitely one of those rights we as humans abuse.

Now this blog will return to its pristine celebutard-free state (Rock of Love participants excepted).

Last night I spent 3 1/2 hours listening to two men grunt at each other and no, it's not what it sounds like. I watched as an athletic Spaniard bounced around like a boxer at the baseline, ran down every shot and nailed impossible angles. You might think I'm talking about Rafael Nadal but no, instead it was his opponent David Ferrar. It was an amazing match even if it was the end for Rafa.

The bottom half of the women's draw couldn't be less interesting so I can't wait for Justine vs what will more than likely be Venus in the semis.

And finally, here are three movies I watch every time they're on TV and yes, this is embarrassing:
1. She's the Man. Amanda Bynes is the man, that is. I can defend this one because, uh, David Cross is in it and he's indie and cool, right?!

2. Ever After. I have seen this movie so many times I know the dialogue. I'd rather be watching Never Been Kissed but you take what you can get. My husband likes to say, "Just breathe" whenever he notices that it's on and even when it isn't.

3. Dirty Dancing. Who can resist Baby in her corner? I swear to God this movie is on at least five times a day, every day. Louisville favorites Follow the Train have a lovely cover of "She's Like the Wind" on their MySpace page. Just click on "Swayze Deep" and relive the sad sad moment when Baby and Johnny are torn asunder.

Okay, I'm off to Ramsi's for some Paella. Yum!

Bon Apetit,
Ms. P

Serena Gets Spanked

I wasn't sure if Justine Henin could beat Serena Williams on the hard court but not only did she win, she dominated, taking the match 6-1 in the second set. Here's what Serena had to say about her loss, "I think she made a lot of lucky shots and I made a lot of errors." She sure is gracious and lovely.

I really enjoy watching Novak Djokovic play (even if he can't sing - which is actually kind of charming), but the ball bouncing (I swear I've seen him bounce it 20 times before a serve) drives me insane.

Speaking of things that drive me insane...
Here are four things I think are rude:

1. People who block an entire aisle at Target by parking their cart diagonally and then looking oblivious when you stand at the end trying to get in (and yes I am directing this to the crazy lady who was too busy singing at her baby whilst contemplating plastic containers). Seriously. Is it that hard to consider that maybe you're not the only person on this planet (who wants to look at plastic containers)?

2. People who leave their carts in the middle of the parking lot instead of returning them to the cart areas. Seriously. Is it that hard to walk the thing ten feet?

3. People who never use their turn signals. Seriously. Is it that hard to pull the lever up or down so that I know you're either going to a) cut in front of me or b) make a sudden right without slowing down?

4. People who talk during movies. When they show those adverts that say, "Please silence your cell phones" I always wish they also said, "Please silence your mouths." Seriously. Is it that hard to grasp the concept that we're not in your living room?

Ken Levine ranted about this much better than I have. The article contains swear type words so consider yourself warned.

I hope you don't think I'm getting all uppity here. It's the small things that make for a better world, don't you agree?

I heart common courtesy,
Ms. P

ps. The Empire State Building has nothing to do with tennis or common courtesy but the US Open IS in New York. So, it's a bit like otters are to the Phil Collins gorilla ad. In other words, a stretch. But, I hung out at Top of the Rock for hours to get this shot!

I saw it with my own two eyes...

Thanks, Kevin. This made my morning. Such animal awesomeness.

ps. No, it's not a thing about otters. I just didn't have any gorilla pics.

America's Next Top Model

Okay, I did it. I caved and watched America's Next Top Model... or fifteen minutes of an episode, anyway. Cycle 9 starts September 19 (They're on the ninth season already? Man, time flies!) and yes, I will be tuning in, turning on and apparently my mind has dropped out.

It looked pretty funny, I have to confess (even if I still maintain that Tyra Banks is a chafe). The models were all forced to look sultry while wearing a skimpy bathing suit and sitting on blocks of ice. They also had hideous makeovers where they appeared to have really lame fake snow stuck to their faces. I guess if you can still look hot while rocking that crap maybe you do have some talent.

James Blake and Tommy Haas are busy boring me on the US Open. Can't wait for Justine and Serena to duke it out for the third time this year tomorrow night. Should be a good one! Go Justine! I'm so glad this is the last slam of the year.

Unsuccessfully avoiding the catwalk,
Ms. P

ps. Who knew Haas vs Blake would turn into such a nail-biter! Was looking quite dull in the fourth set, what can I say?

Politics of Love - Part Deux

Over the course of a weekend, I watch Real Time with Bill Maher (that was fun watching John Mellencamp defend naivete), Washington Week (Gwen Ifil rocks!), The McLaughlin Group (I watch this show because of two things: an old Berke Breathed Bloom County strip that featured Opus and company doing a hilarious re-enactment and my friend Glen who likes Pat Buchanan and boy have I just tarred him with that statement! Buchanan cracks me up, though. I admit it.), This Week with George Stephanopoulos (Thanks for turning me onto this one, Priscilla. It's also the hub's favorite), Meet the Press, and Chris Matthews' Sunday night roundtable. Oh yes, and Rock of Love.

All this might lead you to believe that I have no life and you might be right but I also managed to buy some nail polish and eat a fancy meal over the last couple of days so you know... I stay active ::sniff::.

It's been a busy week in current events and I'm yearning to pontificate...

Yesterday, the toe-tapping senator from Idaho, Larry Craig, announced his intent to resign at the end of the month. This comes after Mitt Romney said his behavior was "disgusting" and, as mentioned, Mitch McConnell called his actions "unforgivable." Politicians sure are loyal! I guess we won't mention Craig's long relationship with Romney. Craig held himself up as your standard family values Republican butthead so actually, to me it's no surprise that he was getting his kicks George Michael style. All that repression just isn't good for you! I make light but I really do find it sad that anyone, no matter where they fit in the ideological spectrum, can't just openly be who they are. However, it's hard to have a lot of sympathy when it's someone who so vocally wanted to deny rights to the very segment of the population he's a part of.

And speaking of toe-tapping, Craig once belonged to a vocal group called The Singing Senators. Oof. It's Barbershop gone bad and please do click on the link to hear them butchering the classic "Elvira". Singing along with Craig were John Ashcroft (who lost his recent Senate bid to a dead guy), Trent Lott (who announced that this country would be in better shape if Strom Thurmond and his band of racists had won the Presidency a hundred years ago) and Jim Jeffords (who left the Republican party and is apparently the only smart singing senator given how things turned out for the rest).

In other news, I was struck by Alberto Gonzalez' outgoing remarks, particularly when he said that his worst days in office were still better than his father's best days and that he'd lived the American Dream. If this is the American Dream, I say, "No thanks." Also, his father's life must have been pretty crappy and I'm sure he's thrilled that's how he'll be remembered (even though he's been dead for 20 years) Guess I should say, way to sully his name! As for Michael Chertoff taking over as Attorney General... Out of the frying pan and into the fire!

I won't even go into Karl Rove's sendoff other than to say, "Don't let the door hit you on the way out." Our grandkids will still be suffering from the Rove effect. Well, your grandkids will. I can barely handle a dog and a cat so little people... not in the cards.

General David Petraeus is set to give his much anticipated report on the War in Iraq on Sept 10. I'm interested to hear what he has to say but doubt it will make much of a difference. We're sort of damned either way. If he says things are better, more smugness from Bush and we're never getting out. If he says things are worse, more smugness from Bush and we're never getting out. For me, supporting the troops means wanting them to come home.

I heard on The McLaughlin Group that there are 70 million blogs with 120,000 new ones started every day with the theory being that we are all journalists now. If telling you what I ate for breakfast makes me a journalist then yee-haw! A bowl of Fiber One with peaches and Horizon Organic skim milk. Now where's my Pulitzer?!

One last note (to Mary Matalin) before we move on to Rock of Love. I'm glad to see you weren't botoxed to within an inch of your life on Meet the Press. Maybe just six inches this week. I like MTP and Carville is pretty funny but I must say that Stephanopolous' meeting of the minds that more often than not has Fareed Zakaria (who, like Gwen Ifil, rocks!) and George Will is much better. Bob Shrum (aka Peter Pettigrew) does nothing for the Democratic cause.

Not sure what else to say regarding Rock of Love. Lacey shed some crocodile tears, I thought it was hilarious that Bret's "superfans" had only been Poison lovers for 4 and 5 years, I was disappointed to hear that Jes gets collagen injections, and as mentioned it was Sam's turn to go. Oh yes, how could I forget, Heather the stripper got Bret's name tattooed on the back of her neck. How unbelievably stupid is that? I won't even get my husband's name tattooed anywhere! Seriously, she couldn't have signaled the death knell on their relationship any faster than if she'd slept with his best friend (although he seems like such a sleaze he would probably be into that).

Oh yes, Entourage had its season finale tonight. They had people doing the Macarena for God's sake. Boy that show makes me glad I left Los Angeles.

Alright fair readers, Happy Labor Day and until tomorrow...

It's Greenie time!
Ms. P

ps. I took this photo of the Austin, TX capitol building the night I went to see EJ Dionne speak. Dionne is an op-ed writer for The Washington Post. He gave a great talk and I actually felt rather hopeful after hearing him.

Politics of Love

More coming tonight... After Chris Matthews is over. I could make a joke about how he was over five minutes ago but I won't because yes, it's true, I love me some CM.

How about Sam getting booted from Rock of Love today? Pffft. She is too good for Bret. I swear, every time I see most of those girls kiss him I wonder what STD they've contracted. He is... a bit icky. Never date a man who wears more eyeliner than you do.

ttfn,
Ms. P

ps. Had a tasty dinner last night at Proof (the Vanilla Bread Pudding cake with Buttermilk gelato might be the greatest dessert ever!) and took this shot outside. The 21c has the best modern art exhibits I've seen in Louisville.

Links and Unforced Errors

Hope you're enjoying the holiday weekend and a break from the heat (finally!)

I'm watching Maria Sharapova get trounced in the 3rd round of the US Open. Not even her fancy pearl earrings can save her today. And what was that dress? I'm suspecting it was meant to be a snowflake but looked more like a Rorschach test. Though I can't deny Maria her two slams (and last year's Audrey Hepburn Breakfast at Tiffany's dress was pretty cute), I do not like her as a player. I find her to be arrogant (and yes, many sports stars are) and I can't stand the shrieking (though I am a hypocrite because I don't find it nearly as annoying with Nadal). Frankly, I blame her father for a lot of this. Yuri gives me the creeps. Oh well, I guess Maria will have to go be the bomb somewhere else. Congrats to Radwanska.

Yesterday Venus Williams debuted her Juicy Couture inspired night wear (though I suspect it came from her own new line of clothing). I'm not a huge fan of black and navy together but at least that skirt was better than her bizarre underwear shorts. Tipsarevic and his Oakley's retired giving the win to Nadal. Hewitt lost, too, and did I call it... Henman is no more. He has one last Davis Cup tournament at Wimbledon and then he is gone for good. Tim could be a bit snippy but I have loads of affection for self-effacing British men, what can I say?

Might I mention that I'm not as superficial as I sound? Or am I? As the New York Times said today regarding fashion, "Admit it. You Love it. It Matters." You might have to be registered to read. If you ever see me you might be surprised that I keep up with fashion as I generally look rather dull. My husband keeps joking that my blog photo makes me look like a Hogwarts student. See, I told you it was a jerky pic!

Though it would be easy to while away the afternoon writing a bunch of drivel, I will instead use today's post to send you elsewhere.

Here's a short guide to things I keep up with online:

Merlin's List of Five Things. Strange, funny, dry, interesting.

Ellen Emerson White's blog and forum. Ms. White is one of my favorite authors. She wrote the best books I read as a teen and I'm glad to see that not only does she have a book coming out next month (Long May She Reign) but that she's started an online presence, as well.

The wit and witticism of Ken Levine. Levine used to write for Cheers, M*A*S*H and a host of other funny shows. I suspect he might be a little grouchy but it's that endearing curmudgeonly Oscar kind of grouch. His blog makes me snicker more often than not.

BeaucoupKevin. Kevin Church wrote one of my favorite blogs ever and is a bona fide comics expert. He is a groovy guy and if you're into all things geek, this is a good site to keep up with (and has the most sane forum I've ever been on) He also has his own comic called The Rack. Kevin loves the Pet Shop Boys.

Aquadoodiloop. I can't remember what that means but have some vague memory of it being part of a bad song. Perhaps author Pat Rock will chime in and enlighten us. Pat ruminates on religion and woodworking and was once on track to become a pastor. He may be one of the whitest dudes I know (if he can dance I would be shocked!) but he is also one of the coolest (even if he did leave Louisville to become a Hoosier).

For news and top-notch opinion pieces, there's Huffpo. Ariana Huffington's all-in-one website plays host to some great blogs by Nora Ephron, Lawrence O'Donnell, Bill Maher, Deepak Chopra, and Alec Baldwin.

And finally (for today), there's What Would Tyler Durden Do? I never saw Fight Club so I don't know if the author is aping Brad Pitt/Ed Norton's alter ego or not. I can only say that i find it laugh out loud funny and that probably says something very unpleasant about me. It's celeb gossip with a twist and way better than Perez Hilton. It might be non-work safe on occasion and there's no shortage of swear words so consider yourself warned.

The tool that makes all of my web browsing possible is Google Reader. This thing changed my life. Sad, isn't it? You can save any RSS feed and it updates automatically. You can create folders and organize it however you want. It's amazing and I swear I am not paid by Google to say this.

I said that was going to be short. Err... Sorry 'bout that.

What are some of your faves?

Googly yours,
Ms. P

ps. Isn't that picture scary? I shot it in Times Square and who knew the end result would be Mickey: Portrait of a Serial Killer.