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The FORTRESS of SOLITUDE

"So morbid...a sentimental replica of a planet long since vanished..."
~ General Zod

 

"Sue Ellen of Assissi..."

Just a reminder to everyone that my favourite television program of all time, Dallas, is having it's 5th Season released on DVD tomorrow, August 1, 2006. I'm quite excited.



Now if we can only get Season 2 of this show on DVD...




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"Didn't realize 'Pizza, Pizza' was literal..."

After a long drought of socializing together, this Friday marked the return of E and I hanging out together, drinking wine, laughing at stupid DVDs of bad television and just having an all around fun time. We intended for it to be a recipe night, where we'd both try recipes and see how they turned out (it's like an old 70s Tupperware party, but no cheap plastic containers or money changes hands). Plans changed, though, and I ended up making bread pudding (which turned out horribly), while E suggested we order a pizza. Fine by me.
So I get on my PC and log into the Pizza Pizza website to place my order online. It goes through without a hitch and we settle back in to our TVCarnage DVD, never suspecting the drama that was about to unfold in my apartment.
The pizza itself arrived on time (as in under the 40 minute guarantee) and I got up to answer the door with E's $20 in hand (he was paying). I opened the door to find a slightly distraught delivery man with his heated pizza bag in his left hand and a bag of 3 Pepsis in his right. He handed me the cans of pop in a plastic bag and opened his pizza carrier. I could already see, sprawled across the side, the address of the building next door. He looked up and said, "I'm sorry, I delivered your pizza to my last location and now this is their pizza." Opening it for me to examine the pizza, clearly in hope that I would want it anyway, I kind of turned my nose up and he closed the case.
"I'll go back and get your pizza and bring it here for you," he said.
"Ok then," I replied and closed the door.
I put the cans on the kitchen counter and then E came up to me and said,"He's gone to the other place? You don't want a pizza that's been sitting in someone else's apartment for at least 15 minutes."
And so began my phone call to Pizza Pizza. I got into touch with a customer service rep and explained the situation, quite calmly and succinctly, telling her that I didn't really like the idea that I was going to get a pizza that's sat in someone else's apartment for however long, etc.. The customer service rep was really helpful and said, "No, that's totally fine." She proceeded to replace my order free of charge so that there would be a fresh pizza for me. The woman apologized and said she would put me in touch with the store directly. I waited on hold for a bit but eventually was put into touch with someone else who I explained the entire story to again. They also understood my point and replaced the order. I asked what I should do if the delivery guy comes back and they said to explain the situation to him and he'd come back to the store and redeliver a fresh pizza. Fine by me.
About 10 more minutes passed and there was a knock at the door. Shit, the delivery guy with my pizza from the other apartment. I opened the door and sure enough it was him, with a pizza box in hand. He tried to hand it to me and I told him about calling customer service because I didn't want a pizza that had been in someone else's place and about the reordering, etc. He tried to hand it to me again and said, "This is the pizza."
Confused, I looked at E and asked how long it had been to which he replied, "Like 12 minutes." I turned back to the delivery guy and said,
"This can't possibly be the new pizza."
"Oh no, this is the one from the other apartment."
"Ok, because I phoned and they're making me a fresh one so you can take this one."
"But sir, you take this one," he said, pushing it to me again, "And I'll go back and get you the other one."
"I don't need this one and I don't want it after it's sat for however long on someone else's counter." I pushed it back to him.
"No, just take it. I'll bring you the new one, too."
"Um, okay," I said and pulled it towards me.
"Just so you know," he started to open up the box I was now holding, "They did eat one piece." With that, he opened the box enough to reveal a lovely pizza with a piece missing, marked by a pile of crumbs where it had once been attached to the rest of the pizza.
"DUDE!" I shouted, pushing it back towards him, "I don't want a fucking pizza that someone else has had a slice out of, got it? Take it back to your store and bring me the new order they've placed for me. I do NOT want this."
Slightly dejected, he took the pizza and put it back in his carrier bag. Then he looked up at me and put his hand out. I looked at him quizzically and said, 'Yeah?"
"The money for the pizza, sir."
"I don't have a pizza, so why should you have money? I'll pay you when it gets here," I said, forgetting that they'd told me it was free of charge, but frankly, at this point, he was so out of line, I wouldn't know my ass from my elbow.
"But you pay me now and I'll bring it back for you."
"No, you go back, get my pizza and then you'll get money. No pizza, no money."
"Sir, you can trust me. I'll take the money now and bring your pizza back. Trust me."
"No. Go back, get the pizza, bring it back and then I'll pay you. Goodbye." I closed the door and I turned to E, who was as shocked at the audacity as I was. I was willing to let this go - I mean, the guy is just trying to make a living and is probably not paid that much, so whatever, right?
Another 15-20 minutes later and there's a knock at the door again. I get up and open it to the delivery man standing there. He pulls out a nice fresh pizza with the correct address sprawled across it's side and I grab it. As I'm about to put it down, he pulls out the bill and I say, "That's free of charge, right?"
"Uh, no - it's $17.94."
"I phoned customer service and they told me they'd replace the order and it would be free of charge."
"But sir, that's customer service - it's in some office somewhere - that's not the store."
"I don't care if its the store or not because the people I placed the order with just told me that because of YOUR mistake, I'd get a fresh pizza free of charge."
"That's not right, sir. That's not the store."
"I don't care if its the store or not, that's what they told me. The reason you're here with a fresh pizza is because of that phone call, so is the bit about it being 'free of charge' suddenly unimportant?"
"Sir, that's an office somewhere, its not the store."
At this point, I was completely livid that this douchebag, who is clearly inept at his job, was giving me a hard time, but I was willing to see what else he had to say for himself.
"So you're saying Pizza Pizza lied to me and that I actually have to pay for the pizza?"
"No, but that's not the store."
"Do you want me to call them right now while you're standing here?" This comment clearly set him off, especially as I think E was reaching for the phone in the background. He now switched gears entirely.
"No, sir, you don't have to call them, but you've already called once and I've gotten into trouble. Then you'll call again and I'll get into more trouble."
"You're standing here telling me that your customer service department has no bearing on what you do, but you're afraid of getting into trouble if I call them? Something is not right here." E came into the conversation at this point and brought up the fact that the person we spoke to spoke to the store. The delivery guy was having none of it, though.
"Sir, you know, I made the mistake and I brought you the pizza back. Its my fault, but I brought you back a fresh pizza."
"A FREE OF CHARGE fresh pizza. And only after I had to FORCE you to take back the one you tried to imply was a) new and then b) uneaten, when in fact neither was the case. I don't want a fucking pizza that's sat on someone's counter for god knows how long. So I called and the woman told me she'd resubmit the order FREE. OF. CHARGE."
"But she doesn't know sir - it's not the store."
"Yeah, I heard it already."
"You know, sir, I am a student. I'm studying for my PhD in Engineering. You make more money than me - I can't afford to pay this." From this point on, he took on a pouty, almost tearful tone.
"Then I guess you shouldn't have fucked it up, huh? Seriously, this is ENTIRELY your fault but I'm being made to feel like I've done something wrong. I'm the injured party here. I don't care how much money you make or if you're a student. You made a mistake. Period."
"But sir, its only $18, I'm a student."
"I don't care. Honestly, if that's such a blow to your finances maybe you should get another job. And frankly, if you fuck up so often that free of charge pizzas put you in financial ruin, you should look for something else."
"Sir, you make so much more than me and now you're telling me that you won't pay. You're a regular customer."
"YOUR COMPANY TOLD ME NOT TO PAY and it's YOUR mistake. What does it have to do with MY behaviour?! This is your mistake. You made the error. You delivered the pizza I ordered to someone else. End of story."
"Sir, I know it's my mistake, but I'm a student."
"DUDE! Go speak to your manager if you can't afford to pay for your own mistakes."
"But, you..."
"No. They said it was free of charge."
"So you're not paying?"
"No. What's your name?"
"It's Sam."
"Good. Bye."
"Okay, fine sir," he said, looking pissed off. I closed the door and looked at E, totally flabbergasted. We were pretty much in shock for a good couple seconds, but then I decided that the fucker was gonna get in real trouble if that's his attitude when he fucks up. I called customer service again and explained the story, including his attempt to push a pizza on us that was already eaten, implying that I was a liar and made special reference to the fact that he kept repeating that the customer service department didn't dictate what happened in the stores. The woman was utterly appalled that he would try to give us a pizza that had been in someone else's house and was missing a slice. I continued, explaining the entire shouting match in my hallway and the fact that he tried to imply that my (relatively) larger income made me less worthy of receiving good service. I then told her that I wasn't looking for a free pizza or a coupon or anything, I just wanted them to know that this guy was totally out of line and embarrassing. She said she'd immediately phone the manager of his store as soon as she got off the phone with me and I left it at that. We did end up enjoying the pizza, despite the disastrous delivery incident.

Cut to Saturday night and Ian and I are leaving to go out for our weekly drinks outing. We get on the elevator and the thing stops at a few floors on the way down. Eventually we got to the 7th floor and doors open. Who gets on? You guess it - the delivery guy. He looked at me for a second and then averted his eyes. Ian wasn't there, so he didn't recognize him, but it was more than my life was worth to stop myself from saying, "So Ian, I guess he didn't get fired, then."

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Project Poochery 3.3

Wednesday came and went without incident for me. A little hot, a little sweaty, but no worse for wear. Then I remembered...Project Runway! Read further for the happenings this week:

Episode 3.3 or "Treys" as I like to call it, starts off in the usually insulting manner, giving us 'insight' into Kayne's feelings on his immunity for this week's challenge. Robert and Bradley commenting on Malan leaving, as well as Katherine's views on the subject (if you remember, she pretty much threw him under the bus during the last judging session - but truthfully, he had to go).
Onto the catwalk, with Heidi coming out wearing (thankfully) clothes from Earth this time. She tells the designers they'll be designing a piece 'inspired by one of fashion's hottest accessories.' That's it. That's all Heidi says - save telling them that Tim will give them the details tomorrow morning. So, these assholes got up to go to the catwalk and now you're sending them back home. Ugh. I'd be pissed.
After her cryptic description, Heidi brings out the models to go through the idiotic model nonsense as with every other episode. So Malan's model, who's name escapes me (as if I care), gets eliminated. Big surprise!


"You know...when Mr. Allen got me the job on this show, he told me 'no elimination.'"

The designers returned to their apartments and attempted to surmise what this mystery accessory would be. Cell phones? Shoes? Bags? 6am arrived and letters were shoved through the mail slot in each apartment door, giving them directions to follow - involving walking along Central Park. Laura figured the entire thing had to do with horses somehow (?). Of course, she dresses appropriately in her riding gear. Uli figured they were all going to brunch. I swear - could they find stupider people for this show? I tells ya sometimes and I wants ya ta know. The designers continue to wait and wait and wait until finally, Tim Gunn appears with several pooches on leashes, each one gayer than the last.


"Walkies!"

Tim tells them that they'll be designing for this year's hottest fashion accessory - LAP DOGS! How lame. I figure they'll have to create an outfit with a matching one for the dog, but the designers are too busy either fawning over the dogs or reviling them, in Laura's case. She actually put the poor thing in her purse so she wouldn't have to touch it. Lovely. I bet she uses rubber gloves when BOTTLE FEEDING her babies! Bitch. The group then heads back to Parson's.
Back at the workroom, Tim tells them that they'll be making an outfit 'inspired by [their dogs].' Ok, so I was close. Then he says it! They have to 'design a complimentary outfit for [their dogs].' NIIICE! I was right! SWEET! They have two days and $100.
The designers all start sketching, with varying degrees of annoyance with their dogs. Laura, of course, is rough with the poor thing, while Alison is truly inspired. Angela, fresh off her wackiness (although somewhat justified) last week, has come up with an entire story around her mutt, involving a head mistress from England working at a school in Paris called "Jubilee Jumbles" - seriously, could I fucking make better shit up than that? I don't think so, kids.
Its off to Mood to buy fabric. Kayne and Robert managed to find some good stuff, but were a bit put off when Laura, Queen of monochromatic anti-style, tells them that they have no taste. WTF?!
Back at the workroom, the designers get to cutting. Katherine is concerned that her design style and taste were not on display at the last challenge, which is fair, so she's stepping it up a notch - or at least she says. Time will tell, but I have a feeling her dress, no matter the design, will land with a thud.
Onto Angela now, who is continuing her insane story about her dog Pattycake and how she needs to use spring colours because Pattycake was born in the spring. WTF? Oh wait, right - the English headmistress is working in Paris at a school called Jubilee Jumbles and its a big birthday party for Pattcake. Alright, that's fine. I'm feeling your vibe...cough. Robert's concept, of a New York socialite who's checked into rehab and needs someone to babysit her dog, is at least PLAUSIBLE, know what I'm saying?
Bradley is pretty lacking in any direction, deciding to change his entire design with only a half hour left for working. Semi-confident in his decision, he and the rest of the designers head back to their respective apartments.
After the break, Jeffrey starts commenting on how everyone has their distinct style but he likes his best - um, hello. Then they cut to Vincent showing him the doggy outfit he's created (no word on the human outfit, which you'd assume would take longer) and Jeffrey laughing uncontrollably (and Vincent, too, at his own jokes, no less).


HIL-HAIRY-ARSE!

In the sewing room, someone announces that its Bradley's birthday. People seem to have an inbred sympathy for Bradley, either because its his birthday or because of his crack/cocaine/meth addict look. In any event, no one wants to see him leave this week but his lack of time management is working against him, especially since he's creating an entirely new outfit on the last day from scratch. Keith comments about how no matter what Bradley does, it can't be as horrific as Angela's dress, which he describes as 'a big bag of skittles. Pink, purpley and scary.'
Keith then starts holding court in the sewing room, demanding to know who is on what machine and delivering the query in the most condescending, 'you-are-worthless,' kind of way. Laura then says that she's had a problem with Keith over the past week and 'he's become a major shithead.' Keith, for his part, describes Laura as 'bad mommy' - sassy!
Tim Gunn arrives just in time to comment on people's designs. Katherine is first up and Tim tells her the dress is too simple. Katherine counters, saying that she can whip up a hoodie fast. Tim is excited by this, but being Vulcan, he expresses no emotion and emits a curt 'Katherine...DO IT." Tim moves on to Uli, who he is very impressed by. Alison then tells him about her design and he is equally impressed by her outfit.


Tim manages to pluck up the courage
to touch the sacred briefs.

Tim goes over to Keith and tells him his dress is beautiful, much to Laura's chagrin. Unfortunately for Keith, he refuses to make a doggy outfit because he thinks it's 'lame.' Good strategy. This arrogant prick is DONE in my book. I really hope the news reports of his demise from the show are true because I will enjoy nothning more than watching him squirm like the slimey snake that he is.
On to Angela, who's design is truly repugnant and Tim beats around the bush momentarily, but then lets her have it, saying the dress is 'over-the-top' and requires more thinking.


"I'm seriously channeling Julian McDonald here..."

Bradley was next on the hitlist and at first, Tim couldn't even find his design. Once pointed to it, he said, without mincing words (heheh...mincing), "I don't get it." Bradley, of course, went into a long explanation of what he was trying to accomplish, to which Tim replied, "If it's not pretty, it doesn't matter." Tim then tells him to redo the shirt and leaves.

Can I get a fucking "Make it work" or a "I'm concerned" PLEASE?!?!??! ARGH!!!

With an hour left, the designers punch it up into high gear, especially Bradley, who now has to start his top over again. Keith tries to help him, but suddenly Bradley is all, "I'm not showing something I'm embarassed to have go down the runway. I'd rather show nothing." Oh! Could we have some real breakdown drama? I doubt it, as he'll likely sleep on it and smarten the fuck up.

AH! The day of the runway show and everyone is up bright and early. After some obligatory "we don't want Bradley to go home" tidbits, its off to the workroom. FUN TIMES!!!


"Even in this state, I am smarter than those four judges."

Tim arrives and tells everyone that their models will be arriving in an hour and they'll have two hours to get the models fitted, made-up and ready for the runway.
With a cheery Happy Birthday, Tim heads over to Bradley's table and checks up on his progress from last night. He's pretty much in the same position as before, having an unmade top and absolutely no outfit for his pooch. He could adopt Keith's philosophy of refusing to make one for the dog, but I don't think that will go over too well with Nina Garcia, no? As suspected, Bradley moves like he's on fire and tries to finish his design.
The models arrive and meet with the designers. Bradley's model is a little concerned that she might be going home, but in an interview clip, Bradley says that he's more concious of the fact that he has to get done simply because there's another person involved. Please! The only reason the models get a prize too is because they need a reason for models to come on the show and work for NO PAY. Period. Send the bitch home to get a paying job, I say! As the models head off to hair and make-up, the dogs are released into the workroom.


"This was so much easier when we made
the coats out of dogs, not for dogs.


"Ah yes...I remember it well, my child."

A few shockers, unfortunately, before the runway show - Katherine abandoned her hoodie idea (MAJOR mistake there, it would have been perfect) and Bradley managed to FINISH his outfit. Granted, it was pinned through the models shoulder blades to ensure that it didn't fall, but who's counting, eh?
After the break, the runway show began. Not before, though, we were introduced to the judges: Heidi (of course), Vera Wang (again), Nina Garcia and Ivanka Trump, who is Vice President of Development at the Trump Organization...yawn. As if that needs comment.
The show began:


Kayne



Uli


Robert



Alison


Bradley (Nice dog outfit, bud!)


Keith (Again, nice dog outfit!)


Bonnie


Katherine


Michael


Vincent


Laura


Angela


Jeffrey

And that was that. My personal faves were Alison, Laura, Michael and Uli. I think this is Angela's week to go home...but let's find out for sure, shall we?

Heidi first eliminates the mid-range designers, as per normal. We're left with Katherine, Uli, Keith, Angela, Bradley and Alison. Okay, so I'm 2 for 2, alright? Fuck off.
The models trapse on out to the runway and Uli is first up. Heidi asks what her story was. Uli tells her that she created an outfit for a fearless woman who went out last night and has just gotten up to meet her 'fabulous girlfriends.' Ivanka tells her her story 'just works' - thanks, I think. Heidi talks about the cut, the fit and the patterns, while Vera, being on the ball, is more interested in how they've made a butch dog look feminine. Nina calls the dress 'playful.'
Katherine is up next and is asked to relay her story, which she does, telling of Tullulah having a 'hidden sporty side' that's come out in the design. Heidi lets her have it right off the bat, telling her that the dog's outfit is better than the model's. BURN! Ivanka says its nice, but too simple. Heidi then continues ripping her to shreds, saying 'it's very blah.' Nina asks about the hem and Katherine tells her its the only finish possible with the machines available. Then Nina says, 'I think there's something to be desired in the execution.' Interesting. Although the sentence works, isn't the proper euphamism - it leaves something to be desired? Oh well, she runs Elle so she must be right, huh? Idiot.
Alison started her story, telling of how Pepito (sp?) inspired her to tell the story of a Japanese woman who works in fashion and brings her dog everywhere. Vera is immediately sold but asks if the hairdo is on purpose. Heidi thinks the look as a whole is 'modern' and 'chic.'
Then we have Angela, who Heid immediately can see as being very one-dimensional.


You be the judge...

Angela begins and tells of her director of the art school in Paris who is holding a birthday party for Pattycake...


"Niggah, please."

Heidi, intent on seeing Angela burned at the stake (as her countrymen are so fond of), asks her, "How old are these kids?" Now, when she said it, it DRIPPED with sarcasm to my ear, but then again I can usually detect it well. Angela, of course, answers completely sincerely, saying, "6 though 12...?" Heidi then points out that a woman working with kids would most likely not wear a skirt that provides them an unobstructed view of her hey-nanny, midrif and/or titties. Smiling like the automoton she is, Ivanka then added, "It's a little inappropriate." Nina then goes off, saying, "I don't get it, I don't get your explanation about the assistant to the director to the art camp in Paris...I don't even know what to say."


Bitch, I am gonna fuck. you. up.

Heidi calls it 'raunchy' while Vera gives her kudos for draping the skirt well, but says she needs 'to focus on styling more.'
Bradley's dog won't stop barking, but he begins his explanation anyway, saying his woman is an 'architect' who 'appreciates simplicity and structure.' Surprisingly, the judges LOVE his outfit and even love the dog's BANDANA - that's right - he made a bandana. Nina even goes so far as to say that she 'could see shooting [it] for Elle.' So, what have we learned? If they tell you HAVE to make an outift, just make a bandana and you'll be in Elle magazine. Jeezly crow.
Keith was up and described his woman as 'modern, sophisticated [and] elegant.' He manages to cut the judge off at the pass, saying her dog is so rare she doesn't want to dress it up. Heidi then says 'the dog has no outfit' and he counters with 'its definitely stylized' but Heidi corrects him and says 'accessorized.' Don't disagree with the Klumstress, you asshole. Nina says the dress is 'fantastic' but she expected more - like a complete dog/human connection, instead of a human holding a dog. Keith then begins shovelling shit like no one in history and says, "I made MANY, MANY outfits for the dog [lie] and I thought about it a long time [another lie]." Ms. Klum asks how they're to judge a non-existant outfit. Keith points out that he does have a collar on. Heidi asks if he made it, to which Keith becomes flustered. Nina chimes in and says, "If you give us a hard time, we're gonna give you a hard time right back." Heidi then asks to examine the collar up close. She determines that he didn't make the collar (duh) and Vera says, "Oh! I thought it was made!" These idiots are too much. Keith then says, "I spent a lot of time on that." If by that you mean the time it took to take money from your pocket and put it on the counter of the dog collar shop, then yeah, I'd agree. Honestly, if this is how this guy operates, I'm not so surprised about his exit from the show (don't click if you don't want it ruined). Heidi finally tells him she finds it difficult to judge something that doesn't exist (funnily enough, God judges and well...he doesn't...nevermind).
The designers then leave the runway and the judges deliberate. I won't go into their comments, but they all hated Angela's outfit and Keith's attitude, but loved Alison's entire look and story. Hmmm...who will win and who will be auf'd?
Out come the designers and the first name called is Uli - the winner and the one designer immune from elimination for the next challenge. Then Alison was called. She leaves and is followed shortly by Bradley, who is also safe. Keith, had he made an outfit for his dog, would have won - or so Heidi says - but he is safe in any event, leaving Angela and Katherine. Before the loser is announced, however, Keith is seen saying "I didn't win. That doesn't make any sense." What a fucking TOOL this asshole is.
Back to Angela and Katherine. After a little dramatic pausing, Heidi finally announces that Angela is in, which means Katherine is out. No surprise here, as Angela is a never ending source of high drama. And her exit, I guarantee you, will be more dramatic than this.

And GET THIS! FINALLY, we get to see the drama I mentioned in my last two PR blogs, next week. NICE! NICE! NICE! The little teaser at the end of the episode makes it pretty clear that the elimination that's coming should be fun, fun, fun!

Ta for now, true believers!

Keith M. "Menswear" count = 2
Tim G. "Make it work" count = 2
Tim G. "I'm concerned" count = 0

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Friday Feast #104

Oh Friday Feast, I wish I could quit you!

Appetizer
What's the funniest dream you can remember having?

Can't remember any 'funny' dreams, but the ones where I have super powers are quite cool and sadly, rare.

Soup
If you were a dog, what breed would you be, and why?

Golden Lab because they're the best dogs ever.

Salad
Continue this sentence: "I get confused when..."

...I click on Friday Feast and the questions become stupider and stupider and less interesting to answer.

Main Course
Name two things that need to be done, but you are procrastinating in completing.
My animated Superman film and cleaning my apartment.

Dessert
When was the last time you tried something new, and what was it?
I tried ironing without starch this morning and my droopy shirt is testament enough to the wonders of spray starch..

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Things That Blow™ - #3



Seen on a bumper sticker as I was walking to work...

"Put Jesus where he belongs... ...IN YOUR LIFE."

Tacky.

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Tips For Retards™ - Tip No. 18

..after I kicked the dear woman who blocked my entrance, I looked down. And what did I see?



The shoes, in and of themselves are not annoying. Wearing them with white tube shocks and a skirt that ends at your knee, however...requires me to re-evaluate a) my apology for kicking you and b) the strength with which I 'accidentally' bashed your foot in.

Tips For Retards™ - Tip No. 18
White socks ONLY go with running shoes. PERIOD. If you're unsure if white socks go with what you're wearing, don't wear 'em.

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Tips For Retards™ - Tip No. 17

After my encounter with the cab-driving imbecile, I managed to make it the rest of the way to work without incident. The retardation was not over, though...oh no.
I walk into work and head for the elevators, rubbing the inevitable sweat from my brow. As I get there, I notice a bunch of people piling onto an elevator; this is my cue to wait for the next one, like the Elevator Nazi that I am. I wait for the doors to close and then hit the up button again. Another elevator arrived quickly, but was well out of my proximity - several other people would board before me. It was less people than before, so getting on didn't bother me. As I enter, the woman in front of me (one of the three people in the elevator) gets on and then turns and stops - blocking the entire doorway and button panel. So, I try to reach around, but end up kicking her in the foot - entirely by accident, it was, but my giggle was on purpose.

Tips For Retards™ - Tip No. 17

Clearly a repeat of Tip #1, but it obviously needs repeating since people DO NOT LEARN.

If you are entering an elevator and there are people behind you, don't stop in the center of the empty elevator or even the sides near the front - go to the back. Entering an elevator and stopping is the equivalent to getting off an escalator and stopping within 10 ft of the exit, as well as getting off the subway (or on) and stopping within a foot of the door. If you happen to stand in the middle, refrain from giving attitude to people who have to push you out of the way to get on. 'Excuse me' is irrelevant as time is of the essence and...well, you're a retard.
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Tips For Retards™ - Tip No. 16

My adventure walking to work this morning contained so much retardation that it spans the breadth of THREE "Tips for Retards™" - I kid you not.

First of all, M and I were walking along (thanks for getting at the crack of nothing this morning, btw...) past the car dealership on Bay, just north of Carlton (or is it College - seriously, if you're a street so out of touch with your identity that you need TWO names, one for East of Yonge and one for West of Yonge, you can kiss my ass) and as we round the curved part of the sidewalk directly in front of the place, we encounter a cab driver - driving on the sidewalk...in REVERSE. This would be fine, if the guy knew how to use his rear-view mirror.
I cautiously, but confidently approached the ass of his car as it approached us and then realized - this jackass isn't gonna stop! So as we swerve leisurely to miss the back end of his cab, I yell, "Hey asshole - learn how to use the rear-view mirror." He muttered something out the window and we kept on walking.
Then M turns to me and goes, "Ease down."
"He was driving on the sidewalk - irregardless of his inability to reverse a vehicle," I replied.
"Okay, you win."

Tips For Retards™ - Tip No. 16
a) Don't drive on a sidewalk
b) Don't drive on a sidewalk in reverse
c) Don't drive on a sidewalk in reverse without checking your rear-view mirror
d) Don't drive on a sidewalk in reverse without checking your rear-view mirror and give me fucking attitude when I call you on it
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Project Assclownery 3.25

Looks like they weren't lying. Heehee!



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Project AssClownery 3.2

Well, well, well, it was that time of the week again - time for my regular dose of Project Runway, hosted by Heidi Klum. Since she's married to Seal, I guess there's no last name to take, huh? The DMV will be so pleased.
A load of melodrama was associated (potentially) with this second episode from pretty much last Thursday onward, with reports circling the internet buzz-circle about one designer who plagiarized their work for their audition. The designer was revealed and he even responded, which makes me wonder what kind of contracts these people sign since clearly spoiling (possibly) this episode didn't much matter to anyone - even the great Tim Gunn.
Having said all that, I read the articles and I know the person in question. I won't, however, spoil it for anyone reading this who hasn't seen the episode because that kind of evil is better left to every other post I write...on with the show...
As we know, Keith won the last challenge and obtained himself some immuni-tay for this week. Considering I HATED what he designed, this week can only be a downward slide in mediocrity. Speaking of Keith, let me remind you of our running ticker, tallying how many catchphrases Tim Gunn utters throughout this season and how many times Keith M. mentions he designs "Menswear." Check the end of this recap for this episodes figures to be added.

Keith M. "Menswear" count = 2
Tim G. "Make it work" count = 2
Tim G. "I'm concerned" count = 0

Keith M. started off the assclownery this week, stating that he didn't 'care about immunity' because '[he] knows [he'll] be able to do well with every challenge.' Yawn-a-rific. Malan, our resident 'potato-in-the-mouth-talker,' tells us he likes all the other desingers and is happy to be there. Interesting, considering last week he pretty much called them all troglodytes for the brutal manner in which they destroyed the apartments to get fabrics for the challenge.

Heidi trots out onto the runway with her magic bag of tricks, but what's this? I guess Heidi is promoting the Man of Steel's return to the big screen in her own way, by dressing as Ursa in Superman II.




Separated at birth, no doubt.

She tells the designers that instead of the models being assigned to them this week, they'll be able to pick them. AH! That's what the bag is for. Since Keith won the last challenge, he gets to pick first - which he does, choosing Nazrene (sp), his model from the first challenge. Good choice, my friend. Heidi begins picking buttons out of the bag and the designers each choose a model. Who chose who isn't really important; the models are all good and if the designers lose, it won't be down to the model.
Ms. Klum then tells them that this week's challenge will see them designing for an American beauty icon. You know what THAT means! MISS FRIGGIN' AMERICA! I'm sure the people in the Bible belt (see: the only people who are in the slightest bit still enamoured with beauty contests) will enjoy this challenge! Miss America is there, but they call her Miss USA - are those two different entities? Frankly, after Jean-Bonet, they all look the same too me.


Kryptonian Prom - and I think we know who
knelt before Zod, know what I'm saying??

Miss USA goes on to tell the designers that she'll be competing in the Miss Universe competition this year and their challenge is to design her gown for the Evening Gown competition. FUN! To be honest, this is the highest profile challenge ever on Project Runway - a BILLION people don't go to fucking Fashion Week, let me tell ya. Very cool.
After changing into human clothes, Miss USA and Tim Gunn head over to the workroom to speak to the designers about what her likes, dislikes, needs and desires in a dress are. First of all, she tells them that she's the second shortest girl in the pageant. Weirdly, she's less than 5 inches shorter than Tim Gunn...how tall is this homo? A gown that makes her look taller in earth tones or monochromatic tones is what she asks for and tells them to stay away from white and a plunging neckline because apparently, the world can't stop looking at her boobs. Sorry, don't do short chicks! Them Tim drops the bombshell - they'll be partnered with another designer for this project. NIIIIICE! I must say, the most drama on Project Runway and even Project Catwalk came from the group or partner assignments. Its all fun and games until people get on the runway and then their partners and co-members throw them under the bus faster than you can say 'There's no "I" in TEAM.' Tim gave the designers a half hour to come up with sketches, at which point they would present them to Miss USA and she would pick the seven best. The seven designers that aren't picked will be paired with the seven picked designers. So we're gonna get a LOAD of good designers paired with shitty ones. FanTASTIC!
They set to work feverishly and Jeffrey lets loose a Jean-Bonet reference! Beat you to it, FUCKO! Get that shit removed frmo your neck, too, asshole. Angela was all over Kayne like a rash, giving him pointers and crap because she wanted to be partnered with him (knowing she blows at construction) - not TOO obvious. Other designers noticed her desperate attempts, too. And entering on Stage Left is Tim Gunn, who tells the designers that their time is now up and let the pitching begin. Frankly, I surmise that Tim Gunn is more of an afficiando of catching, but only time will tell. He did date Andre from Season 2 momentarily, on the other hand.


"I didn't realize they'd be so soft..."

The designers started pitching, which we've all seen before, big talk with some semi-interesting sketches. Keith took it upon himself to feel up Miss USA, clearly thinking that if he does get picked, at least he felt a boob at some point in his life. He started talking about how he had to see her legs, but in the creepiest way possible. Miss USA looked genuine frightened. Vincent, on the other hand, sat down and told her that he sketches 'very loosely' - in other words, there were a total of 6 lines on his page. His strategy was to just give her his impression of the reaction to the dress which was, "Oh...god." Good work. A few other designers came and went without incident and then it was Angela's turn. She sits down and tells Miss USA that '[she doen't] sketch,' which is really a fancy way of saying, 'I want to be horrid so you don't pick me.' Angela then tells her that she's just going to ask a couple questions - both questions they showed were pretty telling as far as Angela's effort level: What do you think of an umpire waist? (Ugh) What do you think of gloves to the mid-upper arm? (WTF show did you audition for, bitch?!) Those two elements will certainly lead to a classy look.

Then we cut to the workroom and Miss USA reveals her decisions:

Keith, Uli, Vincent (huh?), Laura, Malan, Jeffrey and lastly Kayne were all chosen for their designs. A couple interesting points I noted when viewing their sketches - Laura's looks very much like a retread of her coat from last week, at least on paper. Not the fur necessarily, but the gradient of sparkles were the exact same. Tim Gunn thanked her and she then left.


"This was supposed to be my happy outfit..."

The names of the designers were to be randomly chosen from the velvet bag, at which point they would choose their partner themselves. NICE! I sense some drama. A couple of the designers were really worried because they prefer working alone, clearly forgetting the entire point of every challenge is to facilitate breakdowns and hissy fits. Like, c'mon people.

After the break, Tim pulled out the first name: Laura. She picked Michael. Good choice. Kayne was the next name chosen and without hesitation, he chose Robert, saying he 'probably would have chosen Angela had she not bothered [him].' BURN! Jeffrey came out of the velvet bag next and he chose Alison. Katherine was chosen by Malan, who Tim G. pulled out next. Uli chose Bonnie, who smiled every so slightly when she was picked. Keith set his sights on Bradley which meant, you guessed it, the original Desperate Housewife, Angela, was last. So Angela and Vincent, who were both hoping for something better, were paired under silent protest. Heehee! Vincent, trying to be the gentleman, said, "I'm happy to work with Alison." Too bad your partner is Angela, you fuckwad. Oh, the assclownery.

Tim then broke it down and told them that a) they have two days and b) they have a $300 budget. With that, they skipped all the way to Mood, the fabrice store. Deciding to entirely disregard the 'earth tone' mandate, Kayne pulled the purplest organza out of the bolt selections. Interesting.


"One moment, please - my emotion chip is malfunctioning."

Angela and Vincent's unavoidable fireworks started immediately, with her annoyingly reminding him of their remaining time at every opportunity. He asked her to stop but she's an idiot or something coz she kept right on doin' it. Doin' it and doin' it and doin't it...right. Not time for these antics, however, as TIm Gunn declares - TIME IS UP!

Later, back at the workroom, the designers started on their evening gowns. Robert and Kayne immediately got on the homo a-train, making each other laugh. Laura, who I'm liking more and more, said she chose Michael because he would question her work. Some of the other designers, like Bonnie, were more concerned with how many people would be eliminated this week - one or two, since they were working in pairs. We shall see, won't we? Bonnie also said she was wanting to see people fight: cut to Angela and Vincent, who's working relationship on this project was interesting to say the least. He seemed to be working and Angela seemed to be watching, continuously asking if there was anything she could do.


Project Cherry-Picker

In Angela's defense, she noticed everyone else was working together but Vincent seemed convinced that shutting her out of working on it was the best strategy...? As a result, she decided to go to the chill out room. Conventiently, this was at the precise moment that Vincent needed her and called out "Angela?" to a deafening silence. D'OH!
Keith then presented an interesting point: that Bradley was under the impression Keith wouldn't care about this assignment because he had immunity and leave Bradley swinging in the wind, ripe for elimination. Keith assuaded our fears and said this wasn't the case...or was it?
We were then given some unexpected insight into pretentious twat Malan's personal life as he recounted a story of a time his mother looked at a bunch of sketches he did and threw them away, saying they were worthless. In other words, this here is a man out for revenge on his mother, a man ready to prove that old skankasaurus wrong. EXCELLENT.
Back to Angela and Vincent's soap opera, in which Angela had decided to take a more active role whether Vincent liked it or not (this is gonna look GREAT on the runway, btw; the thing they always say about people who disagree with the group leader is to make your opinion known, don't sit and say nothing - good for Angela). She brought up that she created a very smiliar dress in college, implying it was sophomoric in its execution and design. Vincent, though, was having NONE of it and told her to shut up in twice as many words. At one point he actually told her she 'had to move three feet away from [him]' because he was the team leader and the entire thing was '[his] call.' Excuse me? This dude is so getting eliminated, I don't care if he ends up creating Princess Di's wedding dress again. Angela provides him with a compromise, saying, 'I'll move back one and a half feet and you move forward one and a half feet.' Did I hear that right? Is this highschool, or what?!


If the apple-tossing tree from
The Wizard of Oz was invited to the Oscars

Back from commercial, Tim enters with a very subdued, "Hi everybody..." as his eye crosses the room. Uli and Bonnie's dress was first up and Tim said he 'loved [their] concept' but that the details and finishing needed to be 'perfect.' And then he said "Carry on." Phew! I was worried we wouldn't have ANY in catchphrases in this episode! Unfortunately, I'm not tallying "Carry on" coz the fucker says it when he takes a shit in the morning, then he buttons up his pants and when he sips on warm chardonnay. Kayne and Robert's dress met with his 70% approval, but he did say he hated the poofy bit at the bottom. Then came Angela and Vincent's turn - Tim's first impression was 'disappointment' and he asked Angela what she thought. Unsurprisingly, she completely denied any part in the design or creation, saying '[she] wouldn't want [her] name associated with it.' BURN! Vincent, for some weird reason, was offended by this - yet somehow justifies shutting her out from any creative decisions. Malan and Katherine were next and Tim again was unmoved, stating it '[looked] like [it had] been carved out of a log.'
Tim's comments about the rest of the groups were obviously unimportant/uninteresting/long winded because we immediately cut to the chill out room. Angela and Keith are having a conflab about her working with Vincent. Keith points out that they seem to be working badly together and Angela, obviously on some kind of over-the-counter narcotic, says, 'I feel like we're relating, like...well.' Huh? Keith disagrees and then Angela comes out with a great piece of bitchery: "I don't value your opinion in this situation so you're wrong.' ROFLMAO!! Nice! Angela then qualified her comments, saying that Vincent laid down the way things would go - him: designer, her: Gautamalan child in labour camp.


The real reason that Kayne was fired from Cher's last tour.

Malan and Katherine's woes about their dress continued, with Katherine saying she thought 'there [was] just too much material.' She also brought the bodice to Malan's attention since it looks like someone sprayed a large feces filled hose at it. He insisted it was exactly what he wanted so she basically told him that if it came up on the runway, he would have to defend it, not her. Fair enough.
Kayne and Robert fought over how many rhinestones should be used, with Kayne saying pretty much if they bought them, they should use them; Robert, however, insisted she was 'a beauty queen not a disco ball.'
Back to Angela and Vincent's debacle of a dress. Angela was trying to give Vincent some pointers on what NOT to say on the runway, but Vincent, after her supposed 'betrayal' shut her down immediately, saying that since she wanted to remove herself from the dress, he wouldn't need her advice on how to defend it and likewise, when the dress won, he wouldn't need her to join him in the kudos. You hear the dirt hitting the ground as this assclown digs his own grave. Then he said it, 'I'm team leader' to which Angela gave him an icy stare.
Need I remind you, this dude was Red Leader:



Remember him destroying the Death Star? I don't. Remember him from the sequels? No. Why? Coz he's DEAD, you retard.

Back at 16E, Angela spoke to Laura and Alison about Vincent. Laura told her that '[she'd] seen him defend crap on the runway before.' Like last week, you mean...seeing as this is episode TWO. Angela assured them both that she would fight tooth and nail to not be eliminated.
Over at 28F, the boys had their own bitch session, with Keith saying Angela was 'transparent as a fucking glass window.' Vincent insisted, but seemed unworried, about Angela knifing him in the back. Jeffrey then poked both his heads in and said he had 'one word for [them]: feminazi.' I have a word: clothes! A second word, even: NOW!!


"Uh..hey, were you guys looking for me?"


It was onto the day of the runway show. The designers fitted their models but there were a couple snags. Malan and Katherine's dress was too short! The horror! Katherine whined that she '[didn't] want to go home when it's not [her] design.' Shouldn't you have said something resembling this sort of outrage DURING the design process. Her reactions were all very laid back and 'oh well, gee, Davey' sort of shit, so where is this coming from I ask you!
Angela and Vincent were at it again, with him asking her how long they had. She insisted they had until 12:15, when in reality, someone shouted across the room, they had until 12:30. First of all, what's the big deal - her time means you'll be done faster. But oh no, Vincent goes OFF on her and insists she didn't help a bit with the dress (but neglects to mention he refused to let her) and that she was a cop out. Angela just stood there, dumbfounded. I have to side with Angela based on the evidence presented, since he refused to let her do anything with his design. Period! If I'm working with someone and they tell me in no uncertain terms to do NOTHING and I do NOTHING and then they decide to rag on me for doing NOTHING - they would be intestine-less in under 12 seconds.
The runway show began, but not before Heidi came out to greet the designers. She also introduced the judges, Nina Garcia, Miss USA (who's name means nothing to me, so I didn't even listen to it once) and designer Vera Wang, who was pinch hitting for Michael Kors. This could get interesting with her on the panel, I must say.


Thankfully, Heidi changed.

The runway show commenced...


Jeffrey & Alison

Jeffrey, to his credit, said he wanted it to be 'beautiful and grotesque' so I guess he got his wish. The longer I look at it, the more I can see what he meant. Alison said 'the end result wasn't exactly what [she] thought it would be.'


Keith & Bradley

Keith said the dressed turned out exactly as he'd pitched it. Bradley said he wasn't 'worried about being eliminated' and that 'it turned out very, very nice.'


Vincent & Angela

Vincent said he was happy with it and that it got his point across. Angela said he was 'difficult to work with' and that it 'was Vincent's dress, not Vincent and Angela's dress.'


Kayne & Robert

Kayne said the dress was unlike any other he'd ever seen at a pageant (is that a good thing?). Robert felt like the dress really 'delivered.'


Malan & Katherine

Malan said he put '[his] best food forward' while Katherine said '[she] wasn't happy with it at all.' Where the fuck did this come from? Seriously, she might be going home, too, since she said nothing so earthshattering while they were making it. I personally think its a monstrosity, but that wasn't a 'new' development - she saw it on paper beforehand, yunno?


Uli & Bonnie

Uli said it was 'really modern' and Bonnie thought 'it was really eye catching and beautiful.' Its pink over brown - 'nuff said. Neopolitan Ice Cream, anyone?


Laura & Michael

Laura said 'it [was] very different. The silhouette [was] much simpler' and '[she's] very proud of the dress.' Michael said 'it [was] gorgeous if I do say so myself.' I think its the best dress by far, but this is a pageant dress assignment - it's very anti-pageanty and would become wallflower-ish against some other pageant get-ups, in my opinion.

Then came the judgement. The designers lined up on the runway and it began. The mid-range teams eliminated were Laura &amp; Michael, Keith & Bradley and Jeffrey & Alison. That left four teams with the highest or lowest scores. Heidi announced that one person would be named the winner and one person would be going home. Interesting...
Uli & Bonnie were up first for commentary - Miss USA thought it looked beautiful and Heidi loved the back. Vera said '[she thought] it [was] a very modern dress and [loved] the colour.' So much for my eyes...
Kayne & Robert were next - Miss USA said she loves a sweatheart top, which they used. Nina said she was happy that they took the initiative to choose colour, presumably she meant instead of an earth tone. Robert then piped in and said he had reservations about it being too over the top, but was convinced by Kayne's vision. Oh! Butt pirates tonight, me mateys!
Malan & Katherine were then put up and Vera said the rouching was a little too much for one dress, while Heidi said she liked it, but there was something 'not quite right' about it. Then Nina laid the smack down with "What's going on here?" Malan went into an explanation about how he made the bust bigger with fabric to create the illusion that the model was bigger on top, because Miss USA is bigger on top. Nina then pointed out that one of her mandates (hitherto unmentioned to the audience) was that she wanted to look 'less busty.' If indeed this was mentioned before, bad on the team. However, was Miss USA said it that she wanted to not have a plunging neckline because she wanted people to see her face, not her boobs. That ain't the same thing, Nina dear. Heidi went on to point out the length was an issue, but Malan had another excuse, saying that he was unware this model was so much larger in the torso than his previous one. Vera offered that it was a good idea to have extra in any event.


Team Pooh

Heidi then asked Katherine what she thought of the design. Not one to miss an opportunity to toss her partner under the bus, she said that she went into the assignment realizing this was Malan's baby. Then Heidi pressed her to tell which of the two of them should go home. Of course, being predictable, Katherine immediately said, 'Malan' because she didn't think she should go home for something that wasn't her own vision. Malan was asked the same question and stepped up and said, 'It should be me.'
Now onto the Battle Royale - Vincent and Angela. Nina, clearly having been prompted by the producers, asked if they worked well together. Vincent went first and said 'the work [he] decided to put into [it] for the last two days [had] been astronomical.' He also mentioned he had to tear things apart to correct Angela's mistakes - um, when did she even touch the dress, dude?? Angela's response to the same question was unsurprising; mentioning her college dress and that it was too simple for her. Nina asked the model to turn around and then commented on how sweet she thought the back was. Vera said the sleeves were hard to wear, while Miss USA (the most important panelist) claimed she '[looked] like a space cadet'. Angela then commented on how she thought it was not 'designery' enough and didn't stand out at all. Miss USA interrupted and said she disagreed, claiming the dress stood out simply by being different.
Heidi posed the same question to these two, with Vincent first. Vincent then said that based on the amount of hell he went through with Angela to get the dress done that she should go home.


Wha-wha-what?!!

Angela said she was 'shocked' at his comments. Vincent then said 'this was the nightmare of my life.' Huh? Get over it, asshole.

The judges then deliberated. Interestingly, everyone seemed to be under the impression that Angela CHOSE to do nothing, when the fact of the matter was, Vincent REFUSED to let her do anything. I think she's going home, but seriously, bad fucking call, Heidi. You're the REAL feminazi here!

The designers then returned for the final decision. Robert was the first told he was in and then Bonnie. Heidi threw it over to Miss USA to announce the winner. And the winner was...Kayne. As if there was any doubt, from the squealing during his pitch to his squealing over sequins through his incessant squealing the rest of his god-damned life. Heidi then told him that he'd have immunity for the next challenge.

Uli was the next person in, followed by Katharine. That left Malan, Vincent and Angela. Vincent was in, too. Heidi went into her schpeil about why each of them was up. Malan because he failed in the design aspect and Angela because she failed in the teamwork aspect. Then Heidi said, "Angela...you're in." WOAH! Nice call, Heidi. I was really worried that Angela would be eliminated because her partner shut her out, but thankfully, it was all a reality tv and editing rouse. Malan's shitty dress, though, needed no assistance to look horrible. I felt bad for Malan and I'd actually started to like him in this episode, but much like having sex in a horror movie, having your own teary segment about your difficult past, coupled with sappy piano music, is the death knoll for all reality TV contestants.

Of course, to complete his humiliation, they then aired a montage of him hugging everyone goodbye and overlaid an interview clip of him saying, "I was humiliated" and "I've had to say goodbye to people all of my life" and "I've never had any friends" with that same sappy music. How cruel and sadistic and fucking AWESOME, that's all I have to say.


"Mummy?"

Until next time, true believers.

P.S. There were absolutely no additions to our catchphrase tally, sadly. Hopefully episode 3 will be more fruitful.

Keith M. "Menswear" count = 2
Tim G. "Make it work" count = 2
Tim G. "I'm concerned" count = 0

P.P.S So much for the 'drama' about a plagiarizing designer...next episode, perhaps?

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