Editor Obsessions
From striking poses in dark coffins to wearing raw meat as clothing, there has never been a dull photo shoot on America’s Next Top Model. That, along with the never-ending drama in the house, is the reason that America’s Next Top Model is my ultimate fave show.
Last season started off in the
Top Model Academy, where the girls learned to stand up straight and strut the cat walk with attitude. This season started off in the
Top Model Institute of Technology, where the models (and me) were completely awestruck by Miss Jay and Mister Jay Manuel’s cah-razy hair styles. Among the 14 shocked girls is Isis, who was discovered by Tyra when she was an extra in one of the last cycle’s photo shoots. Now as a contestant, she’s been rockin’ her shoots and is still on the show.
Along with crazy outfits and even crazier hairstyles, every season Tyra comes up with new elaborate photo shoots that keep me hooked. Although there have only been six episodes of Cycle 11, we’ve already seen the models hanging from hot air balloons, posing for sexy beach shots and even leering out from dark waters. In previous seasons, contestants have traveled to China, Spain and “ Down Under.” I can’t wait to see where she takes them this time around.
I also love to see the different kinds of people Tyra brings on the show. In Cycle 9, model Heather Kuzmich suffered from Asperger’s Syndrome, and although she didn’t win, she definitely proved to be runway-ready. Then, in the last cycle Whitney, a plus size model, showed up all the stick skinny models by winning the grand prize.
Where do you think Tyra will take them next? And what are your thoughts about these season’s models? Who do you think’s gonna win? Spill, girls.
— Lauren DeMarzo
BY ANDREA T. ON 10/3/2008 5:36:00 PM 22 COMMENTS
While they may not be the newest, hottest, most talked about books on the shelves at Barnes and Noble this fall, Nancy Drew books are still definitely a good read. I promise.
When my mom first introduced me to Nancy in middle school, I was immediately turned off by the ugly yellow hardcover and the old-fashioned illustrations throughout the book. But surprisingly, when I reluctantly opened the book and started reading, I was hooked.
Not only is Nancy intelligent, loyal and generous, she is always up for some kind of adventure. Whether it involves nasty villains, dangerous sleuthing, puzzling clues or exciting car chases, there is no mystery that Nancy can’t solve.
From counterfeiters and embezzlers to robbers and imposters, author Carolyn Keene tackles every possible type of mystery in this series, with Nancy always acting as the calm and graceful heroine, no matter how dire her situation is. When she is caught in the secret meeting of the horrible Black Snake Cult in “The Secret of Red Gate Farm” or bound and gagged in a closet during “The Quest of the Missing Map,” Nancy uses her ingenuity and courage to continuously (and successfully) outwit her captors. Plus, her friends Bess, George and Ned are perfect examples of loyal pals—just the kind of people I’d want next to me if I was investigating secret bungalows, dark dungeons and abandoned mansions!
Love her or hate her, you have to admit that Nancy is one brave chick. For all you interested gals, pop over to your local library and borrow a couple mysteries. I recommend starting at the beginning—“The Secret of the Old Clock” is a classic.
Not into Nancy? What heroines do you love to read about? Let me know!
—Amy Wilson
BY ANDREA T. ON 9/26/2008 5:45:00 AM 36 COMMENTS
Forget Gossip Girl. The teen show I love to love is the Canadian soap Degrassi: The Next Generation. It’s eighth season starts in October on The N.
Sadly, I don’t get The N. Instead, I rent the DVDs when they come out and proceed to watch the entire season over the course of about 24 hours, breaking only to go to the bathroom and for snacks.
So really, how much do I love Degrassi? Let me count the ways.
1. They deal with huge teen issues, without getting too preachy. Among the most memorable storylines? A school shooting, cheating on tests, abortion, homosexuality, eating disorders…the list goes on.
2. Oh, and tons of dating and relationship drama. At some point during the seven (going on eight!) season, everyone has dated everyone else. It’s awesome.
3. Since the series starts with the main characters in middle school, you literally watch them grow up. They’re practically family. I just wish they were going to be at my family’s Thanksgiving.
4. The characters are realistic in that they are flawed people, just like actual people are. And, while ther are definitely some super attractive people on the show, lots of them seem like they might be people you went to school with.
5. The network of Degrassi fans. Meet someone else who’s seen every episode, and there’s an instant kinship. Are there any of you out there? Tell me what you think and who you love! Even those you love to hate! I heart Jimmy, Ellie and Sean. And JT. And Manny. OK, I can’t decide.
If you also love Degrassi, shout me back. Or, share the show you can’t stop gushing about. Who knows? Other GL gals may just agree with you.
-Amanda Forr
BY ANDREA T. ON 9/19/2008 5:19:00 PM 43 COMMENTS
It doesn’t premiere for another two weeks, but I’m restlessly anticipating Season Five of The Office. Maybe it’s because my roommates and I are too cheap for cable, but The Office is the only show I will actually sit down and religiously watch.
Why?
I don’t know exactly. I can never quite decide if it is Jim’s lovable tricks, Dwight’s obvious insanity or Michael’s absurd personality that keeps me laughing on Thursday nights. Either way, The Office is an addicting mix of dry humor, ridiculous plotlines and great actors. Plus, no other show on TV boasts such a diverse cast of characters: loyal, dependable Pam, angry and bitter Stanley, nasty, uptight Angela, grumpy Meredith and idiotic Andy. And yet it’s still somehow believable that they all manage to work in an office together—except what kind of office would tolerate all the shenanigans that these people pull?
This season, I am looking forward to a few things:
1. The return of Pam and Jim. They are by far the absolute CUTEST TV couple. But what will happen to their relationship when Pam leaves for art school in NY? Stay tuned…
2. Dwight K. Schrute. Will he reunite with his ex-GF, Angela, before she marries Andy? Those two sure did make the ultimate dysfunctional pair.
3. The addition of Holly as Toby’s replacement in Human Resources and Michael’s potential love interest! There’s nothing I love more than watching Michael Scott attempt to ask someone on a date (except watching him as Prison Mike in Season 3). Or shall I say, there is nothing more awkward than watching Michael Scott attempt to ask someone on a date.
Want to know what’s in store for season five? Surf on over to
NBC.com/The_Office for all the juicy deets. I’ll be sure to watch the season premier Thursday, September 25 at 9pm. Who’s with me?
Not a die-hard Office fan? Which show are you totally waiting for to come back? Blog about it, babes!
-Amy Wilson
BY ANDREA T. ON 9/12/2008 4:26:00 PM 34 COMMENTS