Two Random Pop Culture Things

Did you see the finale of Project Runway Allstars? Or are Mary and I the only people watching it? Anyway, if you aren't watching it, you missed Austin Scarlett describing his final collection.

"It's a story of a vampire from the 18th century who has lived for many hundreds of years and now resides in Williamsburg and occasionally borrows her clothes from her hassidic dandy friends."

You can watch it on Hulu. Fast forward to about 11:34 to see Austin describe his collection. It is the best most awesome yet totally ridiculous description ever. Kind of like Austin. And I mean that in the best possible way.

And I give you... Mad Men: The Game (in the style of old Nintendo). This is so addictive. If you look carefully, you will even see the lawnmower.

Project Runway is Back!

I may as well get started since this season of Project Runway is now two episodes in. Right now, there are still too many designers to remember their names and whatnot. But, as I told a friend, of all the shitty reality TV I watch, Project Runway is the one I take seriously.

Two episodes in, this is who I like (and I did have to look up their names)

Bert. His week one dress was lovely. And, he said he wanted to push himself. That's why I was really disappointed in his attitude and dress in week two. If you don't want to make dresses out of aquarium rock, they why go on Project Runway. But, still, I think he'll do well.

Anthony, AKA: One-ball Dude. I liked him during week one. I loved him (and his dress) in week two. He should've won.

Becky: I think she is an underdog. Plus, I like her. And the fact that she used to be in a Christian Cult. I liked her Pet Store outfit.

Joshua and Viktor. I liked both of their dresses from the Pet Store challenge, especially Joshua's. But almost more importantly, I liked them together as an incredibly flamboyant and entertaining pair.

Two weeks in, this is who I don't like

Oliver. Raised in Columbus but speaks with a British/Italian/Eurotrash accent. I know, I know... some people pick up accents more than others. But he's, what? 22? He left home when he was 16? He acts like he has never been to the US and does not understand or strange ways. Whatever. But, really, like Bert, I hated his attitude during the Pet Store challenge. If he doesn't work with non-fabric items, why go on Project Runway? And this is my issue with the judges, but since it involves Oliver, I'm dumping it on him: They loved his design. Why? It fit so badly. But more than that, they ripped into the guy they sent home (Josh?) for using fabric. Oliver used fabric. He may have used it better, but he used fabric. And for all their obsession with styling, the judges didn't let those freaky eyebrows count against Oliver. Why the hell not? Maybe he'll win me over, but right now I am not counting on in it.

Anya. First of all, was I the only person not falling over myself to praise the pants she made last week? And am I the only one who thinks she is lying through her teeth about being so inexperienced? But.... I have to admit, I really liked the top she made for the Pet Store challenge.

On a a different note: The upcoming cycle of America's Next Top Model? ALL STARS. I may have to watch this.

Project Runway: Really? I mean... REALLY?

The Project Runway finale? What the fuck? Unfortunately, living on the West Coast, I often find out the winner of these various reality things before I actually get to watch them. I can go into a self-imposed media black-out, yet I still find out. So, I didn't have the same shock that everyone else did when they watched the finale, because I already knew who won. But still... What the fuck?

Gretchen? There isn't anything I can say that hasn't already been said on Facebook, Twitter, or an other pop-culture blog, but Gretchen is a horrible person. And her line? I didn't think there was enough hemp in the world to produce that much shitty clothing. Sure, throw some dreads on those models (and about fifty pounds) and you have half of the student body at my university (the other half would be wearing Mondo's clothes while sporting blue curly hair and a bowler hat). I adore our dreadlocked students but that doesn't mean I want to dress like them.

Ugh. Just ugh. I enjoyed this season for many reasons, and one of those reasons was Mondo and his originality. I'm not going to declare I will never watch Project Runway again, but maybe it is time to find new judges. I'm thinking that Michael and Nina have just gotten old. And boring.

Former finalist Laura Bennett had a great take on the whole thing: Team Gretchen Now Accepting Applications.

I found Bennett's post over at the Best Week Ever recap of the Project Runway finale.

And, yes, I know there are much more important things going on this world than the finale of a reality show, but right now, I just don't feel like thinking about them.

Project Runway

Remember when Project Runway would be on once every twelve months or so? it would take so long that the start of the new season was so exciting. Well, now that they are pumping these things out every six months or so it isn't nearly as exciting.

The last couple of seasons have been "meh." People were trying too hard to create a catch line or be a character. While this season has characters (I'm look at you, Anthony), I feel like this group is more genuine than the last for a few reasons.

Why? A couple of reasons.

Emilio. That guy is crazy talented. Seriously. Talented.

Seth Aaron. I normally can't stand the cliche rocker designer. And the cliche British flag jacket he wore the first episode made me gag and roll my eyes. At the same time. But I'm warming up to him and his design because he has real talent, not just cliche crap. And that jacket he made in the kid episode was a-may-zing. I will admit that my overuse of the word cliche is, in fact, cliche.

Jonathon. I barely knew he existed before the show with the kids. (I am typing this during that show so I don't know the outcome.) But some of his quotes and imitations? Oh, lord. His imitation of Michael Kors was dead one ("Looks like a 7 year-old waitress for Benihana. It's as if Memoirs of a Geisha met Barney." *edit: I had the quote wrong, so I fixed it) Or his reaction to the kids: "[Kids] are so small" is how he described why they made him nervous. After they met with the kids for a fitting he lifted his arm up, stuck his nose in hit pit and said, "That one little child made me so nervous I smell."

Really, though, in the end, I feel like there is honest-to-god talent this season. The last two (the last Bravo! Season and the first Lifetime season) were really weak. The whole thing felt rushed.

Oh, and thank god they are back in New York. That LA shit was dumb.

Models of the Runway, however, still sucks.

Project Runway is back!

Project Runway is back! Project Runway is back!

Top Chef is back! Top Chef is Back!

I really hated the announcer for Project Runway, though. He's like the Sunday! Sunday! Sunday! announcer. It's not right. But I have to say, the former-drug-addict and Tim Gunn's touchy-feeliness fit in well with Lifetime's theme of soft lighting and stories about how women facing adversity found themselves and their true love (yes, I know he was a dude. Whatever.) I hope this isn't a sign of things to come.

I also can't watch this season without wondering if I had seen any of the designers on Look at this Fucking Hipster.








By the way, did you hear the Brett Favre unretired, again? Yeah, me, too. Fucktard.

Randomness

I feel like this blog is beginning to become one big obituary, so I thought I would post some general, boring randomness.

My two favorite foods right now: Pluots, kohlrabi, and cherries. I'm not new to kohrabi. My dad grew it and I ate it while growing up. It's one of my favorite vegetables. You can cook it but I prefer it raw. Dad always sprinkled it with salt, although I tend to leave it plain. I've always peeled it but found out the skins really add to the taste. I just tried one with the skin and it was so very good. A little bitter, but it really added to the taste.

Pluots? I'm new to those. I started getting them in them in my biweekly veggie delivery. It's a hybrid of a plum and an apricot. I'm normally not a fan of hybrids of fruit and vegetables. I find it a little too, well, weird. But these things are awesome. They are dark red on the inside and amazingly sweet. Messy, but awesome.

It's cherry season in the Pacific Northwest. Wisconsin has cherries, specifically Door County cherries, and they are so good, but they are sour. These are sweet Bing cherries. I remember loving them when I was a kid. And now? I can't get enough of them. I bought a pound yesterday at the farmer's market and ate the entire pound that afternoon.

I had Ethiopian food for lunch yesterday. I can only get it at the farmer's market. The woman who owns/runs the booth is having a cooking class at the local Co-op. She isn't cook exclusively vegan, but two of the dishes will be. I'm seriously thinking about taking it.

I saw Harry Potter Friday afternoon. So good. It was the first of the series that I saw in the theatre. It made me want to re-read the book. I may. I may not. I can't wait for the final installment.

You know what starts tonight? Mad Men! Season 3! You know what starts this week? Project Runway! Top Chef! Welcome back, TV. You've been missed.

Dear Project Runway,

I'm bored with you. With each new crop of designers it has always been hard to become interested in some of the designers and challenges--there are too man at the beginning. As their styles come together and I get to know their aesthetic, I get more interested and invested. But this year? I don't care.

Every season, Project Runway, you say it is the most talented group of designers yet. I'm not so sure that is the truth this time. Let's take Kenley as an example. I love her structured '50s style. I like her personal style. But I am bored with her. I don't like her as a person, either. Not one bit. She has grown so full of herself that she is no longer open to any outside suggestions or ideas. She thinks she is the bee's knees. It makes her and her designs unattractive. How can that ever be a good thing? I like Korto. I like Jerrell. I adore Leanne. I think they are the ones I like the most. I feel they have the most talent and vision. I pick Leanne to win. Suede? He still needs to shut the fuck up. Joe? I keep forgetting about him.

I hate to say that you have become predictable, Project Runway. I hate to say it because I still love the concept. I feel you have become too concerned with characters your designers can create. And you have lost yourself in the process. Maybe the change to Lifetime is the change you need. Or maybe the change to Lifetime will mean we'll get lots of soft lighting and stories about how women facing adversity found themselves and their true love. I don't know. But I whatever it is, I hope it is more interesting than this season.

Yours in Boredom,
Yankee Librarian

Terri? On Project Runway?

You are so many kinds of awesome.


Next week: Drag Queens!

Suede...

Has got to shut the fuck up.

A Handi-wipe Gone Wrong

Project Runway, how I love thee....

Fever Dreams and NyQuil Wishes

Okay, so I NyQuiled up before I went to bed last night. But as I have found out this week, NyQuil seems to give me weird dreams and little sleep.

Last night I dreamt that I was Elisa from Project Runway and the designers' task was to find a way to prop up the pillows so that I was comfortable enough to both sleep and stop coughing. They failed. But in my dream, Elisa really appreciated their effort.

Project Runway: So far, last night was my favorite episode. Behind that, it was the one where they made clothes from old clothes. I liked last night because they could use non-fabric stuff--it made them be more creative. Thing is, I thought they were all pretty good. Rami's was awesome, and I thought Chris' was downright classy. I still strongly dislike Jillian, her voice, and her preppy-ass style. And you know what? I was kind of sorry to see Elisa go. I had grown to like her hippie style. And how many of those ridiculous hats does Ricky have? Jesus.

Today included a trip to the doctor which confirmed what I suspected: I have bronchitis. So, as has become tradition, I am going to Codeine it up, lie on the couch, and watch the America's Next Top Model marathon on VH1.

Hooker with a Heart of Gold.

So last season when a person got a lot of airtime it meant they were going to win. This season it seems to be the opposite--the more airtime, the more likely you are to go home. Chris got all the airtime last week and he went home, this time it was squinty-eyed Steven.

Jack went home, and that was sad, but he's better now since he's now dating what's-his-face from Top Chef. Chris came back (yay!), Ricky cried, and Steven went home.

Okay, Steven went home because his dress was kind of blah. But how different was it from that horrible dress crazy Vincent made for Uli's mom? And the judges went gah-gah over that thing. And Jillian? She used less of the original garments than Steven did and they went ape-shit over it. Yes, it may be well made but if you didn't complete the challenge does that really count? (She won last week, though, so nothing could have happened to her). And Chris' was pretty bad, but Michael Korrs' Shirley MacLaine line hooker with a heart of gold line? That was awesome.

Christian's outfit? Loved it. I'd wear that in a second. Kevin's (the straight one) was nice, too. I thought Ricky's was decent, too. Actually, I thought most of them were good--save for Elisa, Steven, and Chris'.

But this episode. I have to say this is the first time I actually laughed out loud. I don't remember at what, but I did. Maybe it was when Steven asked Tim for names of his 3:00 a.m. mistakes. Priceless.

Project Runway, y'all

You know, when I say "y'all" I feel like a faker, because I'm not a southerner.

OK, so Project Runway. I was so excited for the season to begin. To quote every Bravo reality TV judge out there, I've been a little underwhelmed. Tim Gunn was quoted as saying this season boasted the most talent they have had yet. Really?

I think this is the most established group of people they've had yet. Rami had his collection on Tyra--not that Tyra is "established," but still... (and Saliesha from ANTM was a model in the same show). But many of the PR people seem much more established than others. Some, like Chris March (auf weidersehen, Chris) don't have any professional training, but they have a career and experience. Then some, like Christian, have the training but are too young to have set up a career. But, even more so, they know what PR is. They know how people will see them. Sometimes, their characters seem too forced.

Like the squinty guy from the Museum of Science & Industry in Chicago? I really wanted to like him. I love the MSI, and I love Chicago, but his squinty-ness and his attempt at a Tim Gunn impression leave me cold.

I like Sweet Pea. Her designs have been kind of so-so for me. I seem to remember a lot of sack dress types of things, and I hate those. But I like her. I like Christian's designs--despite his obvious 1980s worship. And as much as he seems like a caricature, I like him. In the 1980s, when I was in my late teens/almost 20s, I probably would have hung out with him--and loved him, yet hated him a little. Just because.

And as batshit crazy as Elise seems, some of her post-pooing fabric dress have been OK--specifically the Sarah Jessica Parker dress (which should have won, by the way).

But so far, I am most sorry to see Chris go. Based on his first dress, I had hoped he would become the Michael Knight of Season 4. I expected his designs to go unnoticed until there were fewer designers. But Jillian, the one who worked for Ralph Lauren? I can tell you right now that I do not like her. I don't like her high-waisted preppy-ass designs. I don't like her. I hope she goes away soon.

You know what today is?

The season premier of Project Runway! Woo!

And you know what? After the day I've had, I've decided I need to sit at home and wallow in the Tyra ego trip that is American's Next Top Model and bask in Tim Gunn's awesomeness on Project Runway.

So how was my day? I'm glad you asked.

I got to work to find that my computer had a disk error. Whatever. I ignored it and restarted. Now, my computer has been acting weird--running slow, my personal setting weren't loading, but since I am scheduled to get a new computer before Thanksgiving, the IT people and I decided it was best to just let my computer limp along. So, I restarted. It runs painfully slow, but as the morning progresses, it gets better. I make some progress on a deadline I have on Friday and things seem fine.

I go to lunch. And spill stuff on my shirt. Of course.

I go back to my computer and it locks up. I try to shut programs down and it is just completely locked. So I shut it down. On restart I get a black screen. I try again. Black screen. Again? Same things. I grabbed an IT guy and he didn't know so we grabbed another IT guy. He reinstalled Windows. This was about 1:00. When I left work at 4:00-ish, it was still trying to install. I declared it dead.

So, in the meantime, I leave the library to scan an image. While I am scanning I am sending emails to people, asking them to resend files they had sent me over the last few days. And our webmail went down.

And then it began to rain. And I forgot my umbrella at home.

That's when I decided I had to leave.

I was going to go to the gym, but it's raining and I don't feel like it.

So, a pizza, ANTM, and Project Runway and I are going to spend an evening on the sofa.

More TV: Top Design

Okay, so a month and a half ago, I said that there is no way you could go wrong with an interior design version of Project Runway. Well, I was wrong. Oh, man, I hate this show. It out-gays every other TV show, ever. You'd think I'd like that, wouldn't you? But I don't. It's boring. And Todd Oldham? He is so very boring. And he sounds like Kenny, the overly-churchy, he's-so-nice-in-a-serial-killer-kind-of-way intern on 30 Rock... But Kenny is more exciting.

But the challenges? Dumb. Judging? Terrible. Drama? Lame. Design? Boring. Oh so so boring. I had high hopes for this show since Bravo still hasn't announced when Project Runway will be airing again, but it's a big stink pot.

And the winner is...

Jeffery. And I hate to say it, but he deserved it. That was a nice collection, and I really liked it. I adored the green and white dress. And the zipper trim? Nice touch.

It was obvious by the judges' deliberations that it would be between Uli and Jeffery. And out of the two I have to go with Jeffery. Uli changed it up some with color and a jacket or two, but Jeffery really took it a step higher. And he showed he had a more feminine side and kows how to dress a woman's body. He moved away from that I'm-so-punk-rock-it-hurts schtick. Somwhat.

Laura. I thought Laura's collection was impeccable. Complete. It was so well made and classy. I don't think it was old. She has a point of view and she put it out there. Did she deserve to win? No, I really don't think so. Why? Not because she was boring or old or hadn't grown. I don't think she needed to do any of those because I think she already knows who she is as a designer and that is one of the main reason I like her. I think there were others, like Jeffery, who really do need this and this money to get his line off the ground. I think Laura is well on her way.

Uli. I liked her collection. It was nice. Although I think I liked Laura's better than Uli's.

Michael. Oh my. Michael... what happened? Remember when he told Kayne that his black dress looked like a hooker dress (but not in those words)? I wish someone had done that for Michael. This is my theory with Michael: He works well within parameters. Design a garment using these materials. Design garment based on this person. But when he is set out on his own he gets kind of lost. This all means I think he will do well designing for a person -- a client comes to him with an idea of what she wants and he translates that to a garment. But desinging a collection without any guidance or parameters? He just isn't there yet.

But Jeffery? He deserved the win.

On a different note: our water has been turned off today -- not all day but for possibly up to four hours. "Ours" being the water in the library. The LIBRARY. Who the hell decides it is a good thing to turn off the water in one of the busiest buildings on campus?

PR Final Three (Four?)

What the fuck? Final four? Ugh. I guess some are saying it is due to the Kara thing last season: Kara was not in the final three but since fashion week was before the final three show, Kara shoed a collection -- and Kara's collection was the better than those of the final three. Fine, but that's the way things go. The whole point of the show last week was to have a final three, not four. Someone, maybe even a favorite, was supposed to be sent home. It's part of reality TV. Christ. And considering his dress, the one sent home could very well have been Michael, but it should have been Jeffery based on that poorly made Betsy Ross Milk Maid dress of his.

I only half-assed watched the show on Wednesday night. I rolled into town about 6:00pm that evening. L called me when I was about 15 miles from town and said she, ME, and MT were meeting for cheap Mexican food and wanted to know if I would join them. I had had three to fours hours of sleep the night before and had just driven ten hours after a very stressful and emotional three days. I should have just gone home, but the idea of a margarita the size of my head was too appealing. So, L met me at my place, helped me unload my dad and grandma's stuff, I changed my clothes and off we went.

Recently, when we go to this particular restaurant, we seem to always be eated at the same table. It's the table ME and I sat at for lunch shortly after I found out my dad died. And I drank a margarita the size of my head. Well, there we were, surrouned by frat boys talking on their cell phones, and I ordered dinner and a big drink. I reacted like a small child getting a new toy when my drink arrived. ME said it was nice to see a smile on my face. If you had had the week I had just had, you would be excited by an extra-large margarita, too. I drank most of it. By the end of dinner it was mostly water from the melted ice, but I still had the straw in mouth because I was using it to prop up my head. Without it, the alcohol and lack of sleep would have made me go face first into my food.

L dropped me off at home just as some other friends pulled up to check on the cats... I had forgotten to call them to tell them I was home. We chatted for a bit, they offered me homemade mac and cheese (the ultimate comfort food) and away I went. I stumbled upstairs, turned on Bravo, and watched PR as I checked my email. I was mainly interested in the final three since I had missed what the challenge was. And then there were four. And then over the weekend I caught the full show. Damn! How boring was that? Really damn boring.

Thursday I went to a workshop. It was fine. The workshop was fairly bland, but talking to other people and finding out what worked (or didn't work) for them was excellent. But then we had to buy our own lunch. The library paid $195 for a damn workshop but we still had to buy lunch? Then I was there with three other colleagues. I am not sure why everyone went. One of them commented the last thing they had gone to at this particular campus involved free lunch. If she was looking for free lunch, she didn't get it. And then the next day all they did was complain about it. And complain. And complain. I got a phone call and had to actually cover up my left ear in order to try and drown them out so I could hear the person on the other end of the line. I want an office. A realy office. With walls. I feel like Les Nessman from WKRP.

On a side note: I wish I worked with people actually interested with what was happening in the world of librarianship. I mean, I don't want them to be those psycho librarians who get excited at, well, anything and everything; I just wish they cared. During a recent job interview I was asked how I let colleagues know about what I saw and heard at conferences. I came up with some line about how a group of us always get together during and after conferences to compare notes on what we saw, who we talked to, what we saw (not to mention all the bad clothes, bags, shoes, and other accessories). I said that because I knew I shouldn't say, "The ones who don't go to conferences could not give a shit about what happens because god-forbid they learn anything new." I kept away from that 'cause I knew it would make me look a tad bit negative.

Anway, Friday I went back to work after a week being gone. I should say "work" since I pretty much sat there and stared at my computer all day. I had caught my brother's cold, I had a lot of other things on my mind, and I was tired. Staring at my computer was really all I could muster the energy to do. My boss did tell me everyone was glad to have me back even though he knew I would rather be at home, asleep.

That night was happy hour and more drinks. And Saturday as football: Iowa vs Ohio State. I expected Ohio State to win. And they did, but dammit, I would like to've seen Iowa beat the top-ranked team. Tomorrow night is Packers vs. Eagles on Monday Night Football. I'll watch, but I know it will be a bloodbath -- meaning the Eagles will kick the shit out of the Packers. *sigh*

Next week I have to get my head out of my ass to actually work. It's been really hard to concentrate on anything, but I have to. Students are emailing me, and I will probably have more classes to teach. And I have to finish a presentation. But I am finding it difficult to actually work.

Jay McCarroll

My favorite Project Runway winner/participant had his ready to wear debut at Fashion Week. The collection can be viewed here. There is video of the collection, too.

Some of my favorites:

It looks like he stuck with some of the same themes he had with his PR collection -- geometric shapes and quilting (which I love).

Black and White

Pop culture/TV related
Oh Project Runway, how I love thee. Man oh man.

Vincent and Angela returned. And then left. Thank god. As did my sweet, sweet Kayne. I will miss his flamboyant personality. Dresses? Jeffery's sucked. Sucked. He should've been kicked off, not Auf'd, but kicked off the damn show. I hate him. Uli's. You know when she said she was making a hippie dress for a beach party my first thought was, "Really? Big shock." But I liked it, somewhat. It looked similar to the one she was wearing, though. I am getting bored with her dresses. I'm not sure she can make anything else. Like Jeffery, she keeps designing the same damn thing. Laura's. I liked it, I didn' tlove it, but I liked it. She did move outside her comfort zome but still kept a level of sophistication most of her clothes have. Michael? He rocked it. He was robbed.

Let me say something about Michael: He is a gentleman. It could be the southern upbringing. It could be because he is a mama's boy and she (figuratively) beat the politeness into him. Or it could be a combo of both. But if you watch past episodes you will see how he reacts to other people when they win: he is happy for them. He smiles and claps. He says "congratulations." There is no eye-rolling. There is no posturing (I'm looking at you Jeffery, Keith, and Vincent). He is a grown up about it. That's class.

Rock Star Super Nove? Dilana was robbed. I think the boys in the band were scared of her.

Work related
I had something library-related to mention, but I forgot what it was. I have to pay my ALA membership this month. Shesh. It's something like $165 or $175 this year. I know ALA, RUSA, and all those other groups have increased costs, etc., but damn, it is expensive to belong to ALA. I also registered for ALA Midwinter (Hello, Seattle!).

Family related
Last night my sister-in-law told me I had 24 hours to finish the blanket I am knitting for the new baby. She also told me all kinds of things (like where the baby's head is, etc.) about pregnancy and her body that I really didn't need to know. My youngest niece spent a few minutes breathing into the phone, and then crying for five minutes when my brother put her down. Then my brother spent 20 minutes relating what the people on the Cy-Hawk Talk Show were saying and complaining about Hawkeye fans. This weekend is the big Iowa-Iowa State game. My brother is a rabid ISU fan (and alum), and I am a half-hearted Iowa fan, so I guess I am supposed to care. I just hope Iowa wins so I can point and laugh at my brother. He's gonna be pointing and laughing at me all season because the Packers suck, so I want one chance to do it to him.

Soon I will be heading up north to take care of legal issues relating to Dad's death. My brother and I will also take on the task of sorting through Dad's stuff. We have a blended family--stepmom and stepbrothers. I consider them my family, but this could get sticky. We're all pretty level-headed, though, so hopefully it will all work out fine.

Couture

Okay, I hate to say it, I really hate to say it, but I liked Jeffery's dress last night. But I still hate him. And Kayne... The judges hated his dress, but you know what? I liked it. I liked the structure of the top versus the flowiness of the skirt. And the gold looked great on his model. Michael had some issues, but he is still awesome. Uli created a dress out of some lovely lavender fabric. I loved how it changed colors in the light, but I am getting tired of the flowy skirts and braided straps. I want to see something new and different from her. Michael Kors said it was the first thing she made that didn't look like it should be worn with flip-flops. Um... That could've been worn with flip-flops. Laura. Man, that dress looked like Bozo the Clown at a funeral. I didn't like it. And from the previews it looked like she has a pregnant-woman-hormone-induced breakdown during the next challenge. And Vincent. For the love of god, Vincent. How many times can he going to say he "got off" or was "turned on" by a design or situation? How many? For him, obviously not enough. For me? Way to many. And that dress was god-awful horrible. The was poorly made, it didn't fit well, and it looked like a tube (just like everything else he has made). But the biggest problem? It was ugly. Very ugly. And he is crazy. Not fun crazy, but creepy crazy.

On a library note... ALA is doing a usability survey of its Web site. I got an email about it, but I really didn't read it. what the hell took them this long to figure out their site is an unorganized mess?

Pro-football starts tonight. I forget who is playing, someone I don't care about, I'm sure. Packers play on Sunday. Against the Bears. In Lambeau. Being in the south, I doubt I will be able to see the game, despite that, Go Packers!