It’s cooled off and looks to be a lovely day here in the nation’s capital. I got a chance to catch up on a few shows this weekend.

Project Runway (US) - the preggers challenge. So, I appreciate and admire Malvin for standing behind what he sees, what he believes, in that it’s how he perceives things and so that’s how he’s going to design. However, I do wonder if Malvin understands that it’s not like he’s creating a sculpture that he hopes people will look at and admire and hopefully want to purchase, therby providing an income so he can keep sculpting… He’s constructing, I suppose in his mind, wearable art. The key here is, someone has to buy it for it to be worn and enjoyed. I think the one thing that kind of astounds me with Malvin, is that he doesn’t seem to be taking a woman’s body into consideration at all, other than as a generic frame upon which to construct his visions. You’d think he could find something in the shape to celebrate and inspire his vision, making it wearable art a woman would, you know, actually want to wear. And, for that lack, I see a long and likely unprofitable future for our little conceptualist. So, while I firmly believe Mitchell should have been the one they sent home and none too soon, I do understand why they booted Malvin off.

On Project Runway Australia…I heart Anthony. And see, I’m not a personal fan of his styling, but I do completely understand that he has a vision that is actually wearable by his target market. He has a firm grasp on art v marketability and finds a way to be true to himself and successful all at the same time. Take notes, Mal. Lauren is clearly the number two in the group, and the remaining final two could go either way. It was time for Mark to go, I don’t think anyone disagreed there. I was surprised he lasted as long as he did. I will say I enjoy this season immensely. I especially enjoyed the one on one confessionals from the designers talking about their thoughts of the other designers looks as they came down the runway. Respectful, admiriing of others talent even if the aethestic isn’t their own….imagine that. They acted like professionals. Take notes, PR USA.

In other news, I watched America’s Best Dance Crew: Bollywood Week. They definitely stepped it up, and I definitely enjoyed learnign a bit more about the different types of Indian dance, as well as seeing how they blended it into hip hop - very entertaining really - but, overall, these crews are still nowhere near the level of talent from last season. I miss Hok and Co.

Is it time for SYTYCD, Survivor, DWTS, and Amazing Race yet? Please???? I did see an interview with Probst about Survivor Samoa. They start with 20 people, have to vote on tribal chiefs before being able to even speak to each other, and he says there is one survivor who will be the biggest villain in Survivor history.

Oh. Yippee.

Bring on the dancers already!!!

It’s another Free Stuff Friday week…send an email to donna@donnakauffman.comm with “I want my fall tv!” in the subject line. I’ll draw one name from the pile and announce it right here on Friday. Winner gets a book of his or her choice from my online bookshelf - advance copies for 2009 releases included! So, whaddya waiting for? Email me already.

And then? DISH!!

Tags: Writing by Donna
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Okay, so I don’t have a rant ready for Project Runway. Why, you ask? I haven’t watched Project Runway yet. Why, you ask yet again? Well, for the same reason that it’s after 4:30 and I’m just now writing my blog. Because I spent my entire Friday chasing ATT and then Apple employees.

Most of my time today was spent hanging out in a bar. Not the adult beverage kind, though that might have increased my patience exponentially. No, I was at the Genius Bar at my local Apple store. (They named it that, not me. ) Genius might be a stretch, and it took FOREVER, but thanks to Johnny in the Reston location, here I am, up and running. Back in the land of the living and wifi connected.

So look for the PR MAC on Monday….

And right this very second, look no further for our two Friday Free Stuff winners. Congratulations to blog babes Helen L and Rose G!! Email me at donna@donnakauffman.com with your free book choice (fall ARC’s included in the wish list) and an address, and I’ll get your prize in the mail to you!

Thanks, everyone, for the entries and all the comment chatter this week. Have a great weekend and we’ll see you back here next week for more MAC and more Free Stuff!

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Okay, no, not the cover model. The one who cooks. And Carla, too. Is it me, or is Top Chef kind of a little annoying this year? I mean, no doubt they are all very good. It seems the cooking is at a much higher standard this season given the judges comments, but the crew they’ve recruited just isn’t really grabbing my attention. At least not in a good way.

Mike I and his nicknames and “they’ll get sick of me before long”…oh, Mikey, you underestimate just how fast we’re already sick of you. Ashley with her whining and pouting over the marriage thing. Now, while I get her political and personal feelings about marriage in general…um, Ash? You’re a chef. Chefs are called upon to cater and cook for wedding parties all the time. So are you saying that you’d just turn away every client or guest in your restaurant who has the nerve to be there celebrating a wedding or engagement or anniversary? Because, after all, it’s their fault. Seriously. Although I have a feeling she actually would be all pouty about it. Every time. Except, they’re paying guests and it’s really not about you, Ash. And wash your hair, or brush it, or…something. Scraggly is never a good look.

The brother thing is already old. They’re both good chefs. I want to check out both of their places of business (and can as they’re local to me! Yay!) But we’re so over the “competition” already. And it’s episode what, two?

Heavily accessorized face Jessie. I wanted her to do better this go. And, well, take out the hardware, and, okay, not sweat in the food, but I’m guessing she’s next on the chopping block. Right after Eve, who they should have sent home last week, and finally did this week. What planet is she from, anyway? And was it me, or did she sound like she was constantly trying to overcome the affects of sucking helium and perhaps being seriously sleep deprived or something. She just sounded so spacey. But then, she was kind of cadet-like. I was not sorry to see her go.

I will agree with Jenn, who I do like, and who is still kicking ass, that the whole boys v girls team splits was condescending and insulting. And yes, I know that there is still gender bias in the industry and that women have come leaps and bounds forward in the top kitchens, but creating a gender based challenge isn’t really highlighting or helping anything. Stop it, Top Chef.

And while I’m being whinier than Ashley here, I know we’re in Vegas. And Vegas is in the desert. And it is hot there. But for the love of all that is sanitary, can we please stop having them prepare and serve food in 100 plus degree heat now? Ugh. Makes me queasy.

I don’t know that I have any particular favorite, though I want to keep seeing Jenn cook better than Mike I. I like Gnome Kevin a lot. I’d love to eat his food. The brothers are good and not hard to look at. And…..yep, that’s about it, really. So far.

What about you? Are you getting into it? Who do you like? Who needs to pack their knives? I’m hoping Project Runway lifts the spirits this evening. Oh, I am catching up on Drop Dead Diva and loved the episode where Our Tim pops up in a cameo! Funness.

Don’t forget to enter this week’s Free Stuff Friday. Details in Monday’s blog. Winners announced right here tomorrow, so don’t forget to check in to see if you’re a winner!

And now? DISH! (Preferably indoors…where it’s cool.

Tags: Writing by Donna
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It’s like August is ten weeks long. That’s what it feels like anyway. Both with the humidity and the complete lack of anything worth watching except shows that originated on Bravo. I can’t even get into Mad Men. I think the ennui is finally getting to me there, too. Lighten up, Mad Men! (I know, I know, but honestly…)

I checked out America’s Best Dance Crew and I think they’ve apparently gone through all the best dance crews in seasons one through three, because season four is not all that. Not even half of all that.

Which leaves Project Runway and Top Chef. I want my fall season and I want it now!

It has freed up time to read. Twenties Girl by Sophie Kinsella was fun. Also checked out Nora’s latest, Black Hills, along with Linda Howard’s Burn, and Janet’s Finger Lickin’ Fifteen. A new author was Heather Barbieri’s The Lace Makers of Glenmara.

And speaking of Nora…I will be signing a bunch of new stuff (Kissing Santa Claus, A Great Kisser and the mass market reprint of To All A Good Night) at Turn the Page Bookstore in Boonsboro, Md with her on November 7. Come join!

So, to liven things up, I think we should celebrate the final week of August with Free Stuff! Just drop an email to me at donna@donnakauffman.com with “it’s hot, I need something to cheer me up!” in the subject line. I’ll draw two lucky winners this Friday! And yes, advance copies of the fall books are on the “choose from” list!

In the meantime…what are you watching/reading/doing? I did go see Julie & Julia and really loved it. Makes me want to read Julia Child’s book and cook something in lots of butter. Gives whole new meaning to the term…..DISH!

Tags: Writing by Donna
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But first…Project Runway and Our Tim is back!! The models….not so much. I enjoyed the pre-show All Star design off, though I had to wonder why Sweet Pea was there, comparitive to the rest of the designers. However, in the end, I liked Uli’s collection, but got why she was bottom four since it wasn’t a signature collection for her, didn’t so much love Chris’s, except I did recognize the power of the collection. Thought Santino and Jeffrey deserved their bottom four finish, and wasn’t surprised at all to see Korto in the top two. Loved her stuff. Her poor woe-is-me bad sportsmanship pouting, not so much. However, as much as I adore Daniel Vosovic, I gotta kinda agree with Korto (just not in a whinypouty way) that wtf were they thinking? I didn’t get his collection at all. The black/white dress, sure, but the rest? Seriously? And that restaurant challenge dress compared to Korto’s? You gotta be kidding me. So, she has some grounds there, for feeling robbed. All in all, enjoyable.

New season of PR…also enjoyable. I like the talent, could do without addiction sobbing designer guy, despite being impressed and proud of what he’s overcome, but wow, don’t really want to watch him overcome it on my tv much longer. Think there are some very talented folks this season and they seem pretty enjoyable. (Unlike, say, Santino, who SO wore out his welcome in about five seconds…again. Wow.)

It will take me awhile to get to know all the designers. I liked Ramon (second runner up to this week’s winner) and liked the winner, too, as long as he keeps the tears in check. I think Ari totally deserved to go. Lindsey Lohan, guest judge, had a point when she tried to explain that it’s one thing to be kooky and out there with your point of view, but there also has to be some reference point with who your target client in, in that she has to want to actually wear the thing. I think if she’d been more body conscious with her designing, that the “out there” aspect would have been more tolerable. But, ah well. And though I get that Mitchell was screwd up my his model being proportionately off, it doesnt look like things improve for him next week, so perhaps he’s not long for this series, either.

I tried to watch the model show, but…yeah. No. This is why I don’t like model shows. Seen, not heard. That is their job. I think it should extend to any reality show about them. (Of course, that said, I squeed when I saw a couple of Make Me a Supermodel contestants modeling in the pre-all star show. So, shut up, Donna.)

But I’m not watching this model show. I’ll stick with the designers, thanks.

Free Stuff Friday! Thanks everyone who entered. Our winning blog babe this week is…Alicia !!! Just send me an email with address and a few title ideas (in case I’m out of your first choice) and your prize will be on its way. Tune in next week for more MAC and more free stuff!

But now? DISH! Did you think Daniel deserved the win? Who are you rooting for on PR Los Angeles? Who can pack up their scissors and go right now?

Tags: Writing by Donna
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So, the new Top Chef Vegas style MAC first.

A whole lotta chefs, pretty stacked with talent, but as far as I can tell, just one massive asshat right off the bat. Yes, Michael I, I’m looking at you. (”She’s a girl, she can’t be as good as me!” Shut up, Mikey. And, btw, I believe her team whipped your ass, she won the quickfire and landed in the top three at the end… Just sayin….)

That said, it will take a few epis before I figure out who I’m liking and who needs to leave my tv screen soonest. Mike can pack his knives up now, however. Unfortunately, it appears he’s a pretty damn good chef. Figures.

Chefs I liked right away…Ron from Haiti. Like his story and his attitude. Love his red Crocs. Jen, mostly because she’s keeping even with Mike I. Love Kevin, the red headed gnome who won the first elim challenge. he’s a very good chef and he knows it, but I like how he presents himself. He’s just humble enough, and funny enough that I think I’m going to like him. I liked Hector, too, but I’m afraid he might not be around long. Also, the Frenchman Matin. He’s kinda sweet and fun and adorable. The gay chef, like him. And the brothers are okay with me. So far. We’ll see.

Not jumping through hoops for most of the rest, though some could easily move up the ranks. Thought the bottom four were pretty much right on, except I kinda liked Overly Accessorized Face chef Jessie and was sad to see her dip down in the ranks after doing so well in the Quickfire. I would have sent the sad not really complex blonde home instead. She was kinda human beige to me and so was her food. They sent home fiery chica chef instead, also deservedly, but I think she had better ideas, so… But, ah well! I loved Wolfgang Puck as the guest chef. He was pretty funny - throwing that beignet across the room. Ha! And he was cracking Collichio up, which? Also funny.

Also, show of hands, but who thought Preeti was a guy with a really high voice at first? Me! And what is UP with all the dang tats? And most of them on the women? I mean, I felt like I was watching Biker Chefs In Cell Block C. Not that it detracts from their madd skillz, but is it like some kind of status thing now, like the NBA?

All in all, it looks like a really high caliber season and I think they did a pretty good job of establishing a lot of the chefs right out of the gate. I remember more names and more personalities than I have before. Maybe because it was mostly pretty professionally handled.

Okay…so on to Top Chef Masters Finale. Go Hubert!

Wow, they each had to present four dishes showcasing their life stories, from their first food memory, to where they are today. And all of them were ridiculously fantastic looking. I’ve never been so hungry watching television in my life. I honestly felt like all three could have easily won, and, in the end, only 1.5 stars separated first from third. My beloved Hubert was in third, then Mike KEYarillo in second by a half point, then, by a full point, Rick Bayless winning the whole shebang, and I have to say, it looked very deservedly so. I really enjoyed him and Hubert the entire time (the audience vote was only percent off between him and Hubert, so clearly I was not alone.) I hadn’t realized that James Oseland had always given MC only 3.5 stars, when they handed out 4 and higher fairly regularly…and tonight was no different. So it was really on James that MC lost…but wtg James! Great series. I enjoyed every episode. I hope they do it again. I’m sure there are more masters out there!

So, quite an enjoyable foodie night! And tonight we get a Design Off with previous talents from Project Runway going at it against each other, then the launch of this season (FINALLY!) Looking forward to it. And to not wanting to raid my kitchen every five seconds while watching.

Don’t forget to enter this week’s contest. See Monday’s blog for the details. Winner announced right here tomorrow!

And now? DISH! (And there were so many to talk about…) Who did you want to see win? Whose restaurant are you dying to go to first? Which dish made you the most curious to try it? For me, I wanted either Rick or Hubert to win, and ditto on going to their restaraunts first and totally wanted to taste Rick’s mole sauce that they were all dying over…and second runner up was Hubert’s opening stew dish. Mmmmm!

Tags: Writing by Donna
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So, the dearth of Summer Reality Fun is almost over. This week Project Runway is FINALLY back after being gone a million years in legal purgatory. In the meantime, I’ve been assuaging my needs by cheating on Tim and Heidi with Project Runway Australia (realitytvfan.org) which has been both amusing and brow raising. (No pesky Standards and Practices Down Under so the F bombs fly like…well, F bombs.)

Also, on Top Chef Masters, Anita Lo finally lost her way with a raw bar under the hot sun (and I don’t know about you, but that particular twist bothered me a great deal - yeah, I’m all for drama, but not at the risk of putting people’s health in jeopardy.) Also last week Michael KEY-arillo proved that, unlike pretty much every other master chef on TCM this season, he can be both an asshat and a douche. And, while we’re on the subject of asshats, Top Chef producers, we don’t ever need to see Betty, Spike, Ilan, Blais, or Dale again. Ever. However, anytime you want to bring back Fabio, I will love you forever. So we have our final three in MC, Rick Bayless, and (deep, eye batting sigh…) Hubert. Loved how he mentored his team last week. Class act all the way.

In the Falls Reality News…we have an onslaught of stuff coming in September. Actually, the list of reality shows NOT on this fall would be shorter. In fact, American Idol would be the list. Otherwise, you can expect to see Survivor, Amazing Race, So You Think You Can Dance, and Dancing With The Stars… I will go from blogless to blogsplogged!

They announced the contestants for DWTS yesterday. (Their pro counterparts will be announced next week - the stars meet them today!) This season certainly looks more promising than last season, but then, that won’t be hard to do. (Should we just give the mirror ball trophy to the Olympian now?) This season we have, former NFL player, Michael Irvin, Olympic swimmer Natalie Coughlin, Donny Osmond, R&B singer Mya, swimsuit model Joanna Krupa , Melissa Joan Hart (Sabrina the Teenage Witch), Kelly Osbourne (real witch…Kidding! and Spawn of Ozzie), actress Debi Mazar, UFC fighter Chuck Liddell, singer Aaron Carter, swimsuit model Kathy Ireland, actor and Son of George, Ashley Hamilton, Iron Chef host Mark Decasos, pro snowboard Louie Vito (dude!), singer Macy Gray, and….in the Seriously? department, former House majority leader, Tom DeLay. (And no, I don’t mean House as in he played a doctor on television…)

All in all, a pretty interesting line up. Can’t wait to see which pros turn up this season and who gets paired up together. Show begins September 8. Which, amazingly to me, is only a few weeks away.

Now for the Free Stuff! End of summer is nigh and hopefully the heat and humidity along with it. Time to kick back with something cold to drink and hot to read. Maybe something from my personal bookshelf… Interested? Send an email to donna@donnakauffman.com with “Well, I have the umbrella drink, so…” in the subject line. This Friday I will draw a name from all the entries and announce the winning blog babe right here. Check in to see if you’re the lucky winner!

In the meantime…what do you think of the DWTS lineup? Early favorites? What pros should they get? Who will be the dark horse? Who will be the donkey? (Okay, okay, so I couldn’t resist…) You know what time it is… time to DISH!!

Tags: Writing by Donna
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Okay, so it’s slim picken’s MAC due to ridiculous schedule here, but I did watch both nights and can honestly say that was my favorite finale - part one and two - evah! I thought the final night routines were wonderful and fun. I thought Evan kept up well, but I have to say, I’d have given large sums to have seen Ade and Brandon go at it with the Janet jackson fight number. Yowza!

And last night the highlight reprise of all of those numbers was great. I enjoyed them all again and realize just what a good season we truly had from a choreo standpoint (after thinking, watching the past season encores that maybe that wasn’t the case…) Such a strong year and next season, from the advance clips, looks ridonkulous already.

One thing about tonight that got me was how many routines and wardrobe changes a lot of the contestants had to go through. By the time Brandon got to that final disco number with Jeanine, I truly wonder where he got the dang stamina to straightarm her over his head and wing around like that. I know adrenaline is a big part, but dang and double dang. I’d have given the crown to him right then - it was just proof that he’d earned it.

However, in the end, it was the equally deserving Jeanine who was the Big Winner and she certainly earned it as well. I wouldn’t have picked her early on as an America fave, though she was consistently one of mine. So, good on ya, Jeanine!! Well done!

Great season….hope Number Six is even better!

Now on to Free Stuff Friday! Alls ya had to do was email me, and an avanlanche of you did. But there can be only one winning blog babe…and she is? Sonya!! Woo hoo, Sonya!! Send me an email with where you want your book sent, along with a few suggestions on which title you’d like to receive (send a few choices in case I’m out of your first pick!) Congratulations!!

So….did you love/hate who won? Which was your favorite encore? (I had several, but shockingly, that disco number made me pretty happy after two hours of great stuff.) Are you psyched that we’ll have a new season in less than a month?

And Project Runwway AND Top Chef return soon! Amazing Race and Survivor aren’t far behind!!

In the interim, I’ll shift to some Top Chef Masters MAC…. And has anyone watched Dating in the Dark? I thought it would be beyond horrifying, but it was actually pretty interesting.

But what’s interesting right now is your opinion! DISH already!!

Tags: Writing by Donna
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Time to enter this week’s Free Stuff Friday drawing! Woo hoo! Just send an email to donna@donnakauffman.com with “Me Me Me!” in the subject line. One winning blog babe will be announced in Friday’s blog and get to pick a book from my website bookshelf. Don’t forget to check in to see if you win!

Good luck!

Tags: Writing by Donna
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