Author: Ellen Hopkins
Completion Date: 8/17/09
This novel, written in verse, is the story of three teens who have all tried to commit suicide and meet each other in a psychiatric hospital. The story is told from the perspective of the three teens, each of whom arrived at the facility at different times but proceed through the program at approximately the same times. Each has their own problems to deal with, their own reasons for wanting to kill themselves, and their own path to healing. As they struggle to get better, they begin to rely on each other in the hope that they can face the outside world someday.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, as I did Ms. Hopkins' other novels. I felt that I could really relate to these characters, as I have felt many of the same feelings. I don't know how people of a different, older generation would appreciate this book, but it really struck a chord with me. The verse was perfectly situated for this story. It also shows that, no matter how normal someone may look, or how good their life may look, or even how stable their persona may appear, everything may be different if you dig a little deeper.
10 words or less: A story that touches the heart of teen angst.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
She's All That
View Date: 8/16/09
This perennial favorite is the story of an ugly duckling that receives a makeover and becomes one of the most popular kids at school. This transformation comes about due to a bet between popular male friends that one cannot transform a girl into prom queen. Combating the new-found popularity of the young woman is the guy's ex-girlfriend, who feels she was destined to become prom queen.
Many people who appeared in this film have gone on to do other films or television, including Paul Walker, Freddie Prinz Jr., Rachel Leigh Cook, and Usher. Sure, it has a sappy and predictable storyline, but it is still a good time on a lazy Saturday afternoon.
10 words or less: Always a favorite.
This perennial favorite is the story of an ugly duckling that receives a makeover and becomes one of the most popular kids at school. This transformation comes about due to a bet between popular male friends that one cannot transform a girl into prom queen. Combating the new-found popularity of the young woman is the guy's ex-girlfriend, who feels she was destined to become prom queen.
Many people who appeared in this film have gone on to do other films or television, including Paul Walker, Freddie Prinz Jr., Rachel Leigh Cook, and Usher. Sure, it has a sappy and predictable storyline, but it is still a good time on a lazy Saturday afternoon.
10 words or less: Always a favorite.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Project Runway
View Date: 9/3/09
Designers: Qristyl, Epperson, Johnny, Irina, Mitchell, Ra'mon, Shirin, Carol Hannah, Althea, Louise, Nicolas, Gordana, Logan, Christopher
Challenge: With Shirin's win last episode, she had immunity for tonight's challenge. The designers went on a field trip to the beach where they encounter Tim Gunn wearing flip-flops with his suit. The designers were instructed to create a fun and fashionable sun and surfware challenge. It was then announced that the designers were to work in pairs, and 7 team captains were chosen. Shirin chose Carol Hannah, Logan chose Christopher, Nicolas chose Gordana, Mitchell chose Ra'mon, Althea chose Louise, Qristyl chose Epperson, and Johnny wound up with Irina. The designers then had the opportunity to talk with various surfer girls to get their input. The teams had $50 and 15 minutes to shop for their supplies.
Tim came in later that night with a message from Heidi and the judges that each team had to create a second look. The second look had to be an avant garde look that goes with the surfware design, and both will be shown. They will get to go back to the store the next day with a $200 budget and 20 minutes, but only one team member will be going.
Mitchell/Ra'mon and Johnny/Irina were the top two teams. The low scores went to the teams of Qristyl/Epperson and Nicolas/Gordana. Yay, Ra'mon won, even with Mitchell as a detriment. With the win, he also gets immunity for the next challenge. Mitchell was eliminated, and rightfully so being that he didn't do any work.
10 words or less: Good job judges for making the right decision.
Designers: Qristyl, Epperson, Johnny, Irina, Mitchell, Ra'mon, Shirin, Carol Hannah, Althea, Louise, Nicolas, Gordana, Logan, Christopher
Challenge: With Shirin's win last episode, she had immunity for tonight's challenge. The designers went on a field trip to the beach where they encounter Tim Gunn wearing flip-flops with his suit. The designers were instructed to create a fun and fashionable sun and surfware challenge. It was then announced that the designers were to work in pairs, and 7 team captains were chosen. Shirin chose Carol Hannah, Logan chose Christopher, Nicolas chose Gordana, Mitchell chose Ra'mon, Althea chose Louise, Qristyl chose Epperson, and Johnny wound up with Irina. The designers then had the opportunity to talk with various surfer girls to get their input. The teams had $50 and 15 minutes to shop for their supplies.
Tim came in later that night with a message from Heidi and the judges that each team had to create a second look. The second look had to be an avant garde look that goes with the surfware design, and both will be shown. They will get to go back to the store the next day with a $200 budget and 20 minutes, but only one team member will be going.
Mitchell/Ra'mon and Johnny/Irina were the top two teams. The low scores went to the teams of Qristyl/Epperson and Nicolas/Gordana. Yay, Ra'mon won, even with Mitchell as a detriment. With the win, he also gets immunity for the next challenge. Mitchell was eliminated, and rightfully so being that he didn't do any work.
10 words or less: Good job judges for making the right decision.
Top Chef
View Date: 9/2/09
Chefs: Jennifer C., Laurine, Preeti, Ash, Jesse, Hector, Ashley, Ron, Robin, Mike I., Bryan, Mike V., Mattin, Kevin, Eli
Quickfire Challenge: The guest judge for this challenge was Mark Peel. The chefs were challenged to create an out-of-this-world dish using potatoes. Mark's least favorite dishes were from Eli, Ron, and Jesse. Favorites were Jennifer, Ash, and Ashley. The winner of the Quickfire was Jennifer, who also gains immunity for the elimination challenge. She certainly is racking up the wins.
Elimination Challenge: The special guest brought in to describe the challenge was Colonel Dave Belote. The chefs had to prepare a meal for 300 of the country's finest air force airmen. The chefs all cooked as a single team, but they would not find out their ingredients or cooking apparati until the next day. The group decides that there would be one head chef (Jennifer because of her immunity) and the others would split into pairs to cook together.
After entering the kitchen, they find that they will be working with canned foods, but in a kitchen without pots or burners. There are lots of concerns about cooking time, and cookware in general, but the group seemed to pull it off.
Once again, the guest judge is Mark Peel. The top dishes were Mike/Michael's pork belly and Eli/Kevin's pork and potato salad. The pork belly started as a smoked slab bacon that was then worked up as a pork belly. They also did a Greek shrimp salad. The winner of the challenge was Michael V. with his pork belly. Preeti/Loreen and Mike I. were sent back in as the least favorite dishes. As the judges pointed out, Mike looked downright pissed when brought back to the bottom group. The girls seemed a little confused, but neither really seemed to remember that this was a competition. Tonight, Preeti went home. Of the bottom three, I pretty much understand why she was chosen. I think it was a combination of the bad dish she made tonight, being in the bottom last week, and just not understanding the judges' comments.
10 words or less: Padme's getting really feisty this season.
Chefs: Jennifer C., Laurine, Preeti, Ash, Jesse, Hector, Ashley, Ron, Robin, Mike I., Bryan, Mike V., Mattin, Kevin, Eli
Quickfire Challenge: The guest judge for this challenge was Mark Peel. The chefs were challenged to create an out-of-this-world dish using potatoes. Mark's least favorite dishes were from Eli, Ron, and Jesse. Favorites were Jennifer, Ash, and Ashley. The winner of the Quickfire was Jennifer, who also gains immunity for the elimination challenge. She certainly is racking up the wins.
Elimination Challenge: The special guest brought in to describe the challenge was Colonel Dave Belote. The chefs had to prepare a meal for 300 of the country's finest air force airmen. The chefs all cooked as a single team, but they would not find out their ingredients or cooking apparati until the next day. The group decides that there would be one head chef (Jennifer because of her immunity) and the others would split into pairs to cook together.
After entering the kitchen, they find that they will be working with canned foods, but in a kitchen without pots or burners. There are lots of concerns about cooking time, and cookware in general, but the group seemed to pull it off.
Once again, the guest judge is Mark Peel. The top dishes were Mike/Michael's pork belly and Eli/Kevin's pork and potato salad. The pork belly started as a smoked slab bacon that was then worked up as a pork belly. They also did a Greek shrimp salad. The winner of the challenge was Michael V. with his pork belly. Preeti/Loreen and Mike I. were sent back in as the least favorite dishes. As the judges pointed out, Mike looked downright pissed when brought back to the bottom group. The girls seemed a little confused, but neither really seemed to remember that this was a competition. Tonight, Preeti went home. Of the bottom three, I pretty much understand why she was chosen. I think it was a combination of the bad dish she made tonight, being in the bottom last week, and just not understanding the judges' comments.
10 words or less: Padme's getting really feisty this season.
Project Runway
View Date: 9/1/09
Air Date: 8/27/09
Designers: Althea, Logan, Mitchell, Irina, Nicolas, Christopher, Gordana, Malvin, Ra'mon, Qristyl, Louise, Shirin, Carol Hannah, Johnny, Epperson
Challenge: The designers were given the challenge to design a chic pregnancy look for Rebecca Romijn. (This season was filmed almost a year ago. It is pretty obvious in this episode because out beautiful guest judge gave birth to her twins in December 2008.)
Chris won the challenge in the last episode, so he has immunity this time. The design could be designed for any type of event, and Rebecca's only real request was that it have a beautiful, form-fitting silhouette that would accentuate her female shape. The designers also have a $100 budget for this challenge.
Filling in for Michael Kors this week was Monique Lhullier. All of the judges this week have been pregnant, so they all have a unique perspective for this challenge. The top three were Louise, Althea,m and Shirin. The bottom three were Ra'mon, Malvin, and Mitchell. In the end, Shirin won the challenge and with it immunity. Malvin was sent packing, losing yet another really “out there” designer.
10 words or less: Say goodbye to another kind of bizarre designer.
Air Date: 8/27/09
Designers: Althea, Logan, Mitchell, Irina, Nicolas, Christopher, Gordana, Malvin, Ra'mon, Qristyl, Louise, Shirin, Carol Hannah, Johnny, Epperson
Challenge: The designers were given the challenge to design a chic pregnancy look for Rebecca Romijn. (This season was filmed almost a year ago. It is pretty obvious in this episode because out beautiful guest judge gave birth to her twins in December 2008.)
Chris won the challenge in the last episode, so he has immunity this time. The design could be designed for any type of event, and Rebecca's only real request was that it have a beautiful, form-fitting silhouette that would accentuate her female shape. The designers also have a $100 budget for this challenge.
Filling in for Michael Kors this week was Monique Lhullier. All of the judges this week have been pregnant, so they all have a unique perspective for this challenge. The top three were Louise, Althea,m and Shirin. The bottom three were Ra'mon, Malvin, and Mitchell. In the end, Shirin won the challenge and with it immunity. Malvin was sent packing, losing yet another really “out there” designer.
10 words or less: Say goodbye to another kind of bizarre designer.
Survivorman
View Dates
Season 1: 8/16/09
Season 2: 8/29/09
This is a series about a man, Les Stroud, who sets up various scenarios to survive in the wilderness for a week at a time. Usually he is not provided with any supplies outside of what would be available based on the scenario that was set up. For example, when he set up a motorbike running out of gas in the desert of the western USA, he had a utility tool and his motorbike.
This is a very enlightening series that can give many really good survival tips. He demonstrates several different ways to catch food, start a fire, and find water over the course of two seasons. My only comment is that watching the whole series in a short amount of time, it tends to get repetitive. At times it somewhat seems unbelievable, even though it is obvious that he is really out there.
10 words or less: Good show, but not all in a row.
Season 1: 8/16/09
Season 2: 8/29/09
This is a series about a man, Les Stroud, who sets up various scenarios to survive in the wilderness for a week at a time. Usually he is not provided with any supplies outside of what would be available based on the scenario that was set up. For example, when he set up a motorbike running out of gas in the desert of the western USA, he had a utility tool and his motorbike.
This is a very enlightening series that can give many really good survival tips. He demonstrates several different ways to catch food, start a fire, and find water over the course of two seasons. My only comment is that watching the whole series in a short amount of time, it tends to get repetitive. At times it somewhat seems unbelievable, even though it is obvious that he is really out there.
10 words or less: Good show, but not all in a row.
Top Chef
View Date: 8/31/09
Air Date: 8/26/09
Chefs: Jesse, Eve, Bryan, Kevin, Jennifer C., Ashley, Laurine, Mattin, Michael V., Hector, Preeti, Robin, Mike I., Eli, Ron, Ash
Quickfire Challenge: This was a high stakes challenge, where the winner got not only immunity but also $15000. The chefs approached a craps table and rolled the dice. The number attained was the number of ingredients the chefs had to use to prepare a dish in 30 minutes. Salt, pepper, and oil were the only freebies. Todd English, the guest judge, chose Michael V. as the winner, which made him happy to beat his brother.
Elimination Challenge: This is a battle of the sexes where the girls have to cook for a bachelor party, and the guys have to cook for the bachelorette party. Also, the meals have to be paired with the couple's favorite shots. Todd English was again the guest judge for this challenge. While there were a few chefs did have philosophical issues with this challenge due to them not being able to get married, they put their issues aside and presented a united front. Overall, the guys seemed to get better comments from the judges during the tasting portion, but both seemed to get good reviews from the guests.
Bryan, Hector, Eli, and Michael V. got called in, and were announced to be the winning team as well as the best dishes from the winning team. The challenge came down to the two brothers, but Bryan's sweet and sour macaroon won the day. Obviously, the girls lost, and the judges wanted to see Eve, Preeti, Jesse, and Ashley as the bottom 4. Eve was sent packing her knives for her fairly tasteless shrimp dish.
10 words or less: A little surprised by who was eliminated.
Air Date: 8/26/09
Chefs: Jesse, Eve, Bryan, Kevin, Jennifer C., Ashley, Laurine, Mattin, Michael V., Hector, Preeti, Robin, Mike I., Eli, Ron, Ash
Quickfire Challenge: This was a high stakes challenge, where the winner got not only immunity but also $15000. The chefs approached a craps table and rolled the dice. The number attained was the number of ingredients the chefs had to use to prepare a dish in 30 minutes. Salt, pepper, and oil were the only freebies. Todd English, the guest judge, chose Michael V. as the winner, which made him happy to beat his brother.
Elimination Challenge: This is a battle of the sexes where the girls have to cook for a bachelor party, and the guys have to cook for the bachelorette party. Also, the meals have to be paired with the couple's favorite shots. Todd English was again the guest judge for this challenge. While there were a few chefs did have philosophical issues with this challenge due to them not being able to get married, they put their issues aside and presented a united front. Overall, the guys seemed to get better comments from the judges during the tasting portion, but both seemed to get good reviews from the guests.
Bryan, Hector, Eli, and Michael V. got called in, and were announced to be the winning team as well as the best dishes from the winning team. The challenge came down to the two brothers, but Bryan's sweet and sour macaroon won the day. Obviously, the girls lost, and the judges wanted to see Eve, Preeti, Jesse, and Ashley as the bottom 4. Eve was sent packing her knives for her fairly tasteless shrimp dish.
10 words or less: A little surprised by who was eliminated.
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