Bar hopping with a bunch of gondoliers at Christmas wasn't Joan Juliet Buck's style.
When I peered over the Gothic staircase at dawn on my fourth day in Venice to see that the lobby of the Hotel Danieli was under 14 inches of water, I sent up thanks for my very first acqua alta. It meant the bar was out of commission. The bar's armchairs, stools and tables were already stacked all the way up the staircase. Our tribe began each day in the bar at 10: Peter O'Toole; his wife, Sian Phillips; her mother, known to all as Mumgee; their daughters Kate and Pat with their nanny Elizabeth; two writers in love, Harry Craig and Shana Alexander; and Joyce and Jules Buck, my parents. They and the O'Tooles had a movie company called Keep Films, and they were as inseparable in play as in work.
The acqua alta receded. Just before noon the furniture was back in the bar, and, sitting with their shoes planted on wet oriental carpets, so were the beaming grown-ups. The kids, the nanny and I held back. Wasn't it kind of chilly down here? I sneezed to make my point. Kate, who was 10, was happy: she'd been allowed to walk along the concierge's desk while the water was still high. I'd gone back to bed and missed the fun.
Peter and Sian's Venetian friends arrived, working-class stars of the tourist industry resting between summers: the Danieli's off-duty barman, Gastone de Cal; his pal the gondolier Gino Macropodio; their wives, parents, children and friends. There was a painter who made convincing Guardi oils, which, he swore, he never sold as the real thing. There was an aged gentleman called the Cavaliere, who was writing a cookbook about Venetian food with an exile from American wealth named Buzz Bruning, who had met his young wife, Leslie, as she chaperoned Finch College students through Italy. They lived in a house in the Sestiere di San Polo, where Buzz often cooked for the barman, the gondoliers, the Cavaliere and their families; that Christmas, he was preparing a bigger feast to include the 11 members of the Buck-O'Toole-Craig-Alexander party.
The group was some 20 strong by the time we hit the cold wind on the Riva degli Schiavoni, skirted the Doge's palace and headed into the back streets with a single mission: to stand at the counters of small Venetian bars and knock back little glasses of red wine called ombrette and eat little fried and breaded things called cicchete, and then walk up and down bridges and through the gray streets to the next bar, and the next, until lunchtime, which would happen at about 3 p.m. and be an exact replica of what came before, only this time seated and with larger portions of fish.
2011年11月30日星期三
2011年11月29日星期二
He takes the cake
Who says you don't have to work hard if you're the boss?
Flashing a smile and his famous Italian charm, New Jersey baker and reality TV star Buddy Valastro, aka the Cake Boss, worked up a sweat hugging hundreds of fans at a book signing sponsored by Rainy Day Books earlier this month at Unity Temple on the Plaza. Valastro, star of TLC's reality series “Cake Boss,” came to Kansas City as part of a nationwide tour that took him to 20 cities in 21 days.
A nationwide tour … for a cake baker?
Don't laugh. It sold out around the country. As one commentator put it, “we're in the golden age of cake television.” From “Ace of Cakes” and “Ultimate Cake Off” to “Last Cake Standing” and “Wedding Cake Wars,” cake programs are everywhere. In the last three years you could hardly turn the channel without landing on one of these sugar-soaked shows.
“Cake Boss” is arguably the most successful and highest rated of the bunch. Now seen in 180 countries, it has achieved near cult status, attracting throngs of giddy visitors to Hoboken, N.J., from as far away as Japan and Jakarta. The show centers on Carlo's Bakery (run by Valastro and his extended family) and the drama that ensues as they make their spectacular special-order cakes.
How much of a phenomenon is Buddy Valastro? His official “Cake Boss” Facebook page has 3.2 million “likes.”
On his page fans communicate with Valastro like they would a close friend. They share stories from their lives, leave compliments or tell him they're coming to visit. They even leave links for YouTube videos, where they tell him how much they love his show, or make their pitches for him to make them — or someone they know — one of his larger-than-life custom cakes.
“Hi Buddy,” wrote one fan. “I am from Hawaii and planning a trip to visit your store. Do you have anything for tourists like us to watch how the beautiful cakes are made? You are all so creative. It is always a WOW whenever I watch your show.”
But not everyone has positive comments. Some, like Rosemary Harding, leave sharply worded constructive criticism.
“Enjoy the show except all your screaming,” she said. “If I worked for you and you yelled at me the way you do the crew, I would walk out. There is no excuse for how you treat the other bakers. You should learn some manners and take a course in how to talk to others.”
But most of the comments are as sweet as one of the Cake Boss' creations.
Valastro is as popular with chefs as he is with home bakers.
Carey Iennaccaro, owner of Sprinkled With Sugar, a custom-cake business in Olathe, appreciates what the show has done for her industry.
Flashing a smile and his famous Italian charm, New Jersey baker and reality TV star Buddy Valastro, aka the Cake Boss, worked up a sweat hugging hundreds of fans at a book signing sponsored by Rainy Day Books earlier this month at Unity Temple on the Plaza. Valastro, star of TLC's reality series “Cake Boss,” came to Kansas City as part of a nationwide tour that took him to 20 cities in 21 days.
A nationwide tour … for a cake baker?
Don't laugh. It sold out around the country. As one commentator put it, “we're in the golden age of cake television.” From “Ace of Cakes” and “Ultimate Cake Off” to “Last Cake Standing” and “Wedding Cake Wars,” cake programs are everywhere. In the last three years you could hardly turn the channel without landing on one of these sugar-soaked shows.
“Cake Boss” is arguably the most successful and highest rated of the bunch. Now seen in 180 countries, it has achieved near cult status, attracting throngs of giddy visitors to Hoboken, N.J., from as far away as Japan and Jakarta. The show centers on Carlo's Bakery (run by Valastro and his extended family) and the drama that ensues as they make their spectacular special-order cakes.
How much of a phenomenon is Buddy Valastro? His official “Cake Boss” Facebook page has 3.2 million “likes.”
On his page fans communicate with Valastro like they would a close friend. They share stories from their lives, leave compliments or tell him they're coming to visit. They even leave links for YouTube videos, where they tell him how much they love his show, or make their pitches for him to make them — or someone they know — one of his larger-than-life custom cakes.
“Hi Buddy,” wrote one fan. “I am from Hawaii and planning a trip to visit your store. Do you have anything for tourists like us to watch how the beautiful cakes are made? You are all so creative. It is always a WOW whenever I watch your show.”
But not everyone has positive comments. Some, like Rosemary Harding, leave sharply worded constructive criticism.
“Enjoy the show except all your screaming,” she said. “If I worked for you and you yelled at me the way you do the crew, I would walk out. There is no excuse for how you treat the other bakers. You should learn some manners and take a course in how to talk to others.”
But most of the comments are as sweet as one of the Cake Boss' creations.
Valastro is as popular with chefs as he is with home bakers.
Carey Iennaccaro, owner of Sprinkled With Sugar, a custom-cake business in Olathe, appreciates what the show has done for her industry.
2011年11月28日星期一
Amy Winehouse's Back to Black dress to go up
Amy Winehouse's Back to Black dress to go up for auction alongside iconic pieces worn by Princess Diana, Elizabeth Taylor and Audrey Hepburn
Amy Winehouse's iconic Back to Black album cover dress is to go up for auction tomorrow alongside items worn by the late Elizabeth Taylor, Audrey Hepburn and Princess Diana's replica wedding shoes.
Amy's dress is expected to reach upwards of ￡20,000 with proceeds going to the Amy Winehouse Foundation.
The Passion for Fashion auction starts at 2pm tomorrow (Tuesday November 29th) at the Royal Opera Arcade in London with preview pictures from La Galleria being released today.
In one picture Amy's father Mitch Winehouse poses next to his daughter's Disaya dress, as worn on her Back to Black album cover.
The chiffon dress was worn by Amy in 2006 and is printed with bands of graduated dark-red polkadots and a puff-ball skirt. It comes with a letter of authenticity signed by the designer.
Proceeds from the auction of Amy's dress will go towards her charitable foundation.
Auction house assistant Lucy Bishop is seen putting the finishing touches to other pieces up for sale – one of which is the dress worn by Audrey Hepburn to collect her Oscar in 1954 which is expected to fetch up to ￡60,000.
The so-called ‘Celebrity Section' includes a replica of the wedding shoes Princes Diana wore on her wedding day in 1981 as well as the Linda Cierach replica of the bridal gown worn by Sarah Ferguson in 1986.
Elizabeth Taylor's Balenciaga sari gown is expected to reach up to ￡50,000.
Kate Middleton's see-through dress -thought to have sparked the royal romance of the century - went under the hammer at Kerry Taylor Auctions back in March and sold for a staggering ￡78,000.
Kate famously wore the Charlotte Todd dress during a St. Andrews University fashion show back in 2002.
Amy Winehouse's iconic Back to Black album cover dress is to go up for auction tomorrow alongside items worn by the late Elizabeth Taylor, Audrey Hepburn and Princess Diana's replica wedding shoes.
Amy's dress is expected to reach upwards of ￡20,000 with proceeds going to the Amy Winehouse Foundation.
The Passion for Fashion auction starts at 2pm tomorrow (Tuesday November 29th) at the Royal Opera Arcade in London with preview pictures from La Galleria being released today.
In one picture Amy's father Mitch Winehouse poses next to his daughter's Disaya dress, as worn on her Back to Black album cover.
The chiffon dress was worn by Amy in 2006 and is printed with bands of graduated dark-red polkadots and a puff-ball skirt. It comes with a letter of authenticity signed by the designer.
Proceeds from the auction of Amy's dress will go towards her charitable foundation.
Auction house assistant Lucy Bishop is seen putting the finishing touches to other pieces up for sale – one of which is the dress worn by Audrey Hepburn to collect her Oscar in 1954 which is expected to fetch up to ￡60,000.
The so-called ‘Celebrity Section' includes a replica of the wedding shoes Princes Diana wore on her wedding day in 1981 as well as the Linda Cierach replica of the bridal gown worn by Sarah Ferguson in 1986.
Elizabeth Taylor's Balenciaga sari gown is expected to reach up to ￡50,000.
Kate Middleton's see-through dress -thought to have sparked the royal romance of the century - went under the hammer at Kerry Taylor Auctions back in March and sold for a staggering ￡78,000.
Kate famously wore the Charlotte Todd dress during a St. Andrews University fashion show back in 2002.
2011年11月27日星期日
A wish list of accessories
It's not a question of acquiring the most toys, but the most interesting ones over the course of one's life.
My list isn't one of full of “needs” and not necessarily “wants.” I consider these items as “nice to have.” The methodology goes something like this: 1) Dream without limits; 2) Seek the unique; and 3) Maximize the “cool” factor.
So here goes:
10. 19th Century baseball — Talk about “old school” feel. Gripping this vintage ball across the criss-cross stitching led to the term “four-seam fastball.” Leather Head Sports' Lemon Ball is a replica of the predecessor to the modern baseball. Great to use for playing catch, or as a conversation piece on a desk or mantel.
9. Leather medicine ball — Nowadays, there are all kinds of classes, machines and free weights available for a vigorous workout. Medicine balls are still around as an option, but a leather-bound medicine ball preserves the retro aesthetic. Like the Lemon Ball, Leather Head Sports carries medicine balls that evoke memories of the early YMCA days, or even the store props used by Ralph Lauren and Brooks Brothers.
8. Model train set — Any man who has grown up with assembling layouts for running trains can rekindle his inner child as an adult. Lionel's Polar Express “O” gauge train set is popular restart. Careful … you might get hooked again.
7. Fountain pen — In a world of ball-points, the fountain pen is for sophisticated scribes. The caveat is to always keep it capped, or else ink stains quickly form inside the pockets of shirts, pants or jackets. Montblanc and Waterman are two of the best makers of fountain pens.
6. Bose Wave Music System with SoundLink — Bose not only raises the bar of sound through its components, it's a unifying force for PC's and small gadgets. The wireless function cements Bose's presence as a player (pun optional) in electronics.
5. The Apple triumvirate — iPhone, iPad, iPod. They keep getting better with every upgrade.
4. Bespoke footwear — Despite the high cost for a quality pair of handmade shoes, they become a sound investment that lasts for decades with proper care. In the U.S., Alden‘s shell cordovan line wears like iron. If you prefer English bespoke shoes and boots, the likes of George Cleverley, John Lobb, and Foster & Son deliver the desired results. Not least, if you're really into shoes, check out Berluti of France. Berluti's technique of adding customized colors to shoes adds another dimension to their uniqueness and undeniable artistry.
3. Swarovski Optik binoculars — Seeing really is believing. Looking through a pair of Swarovskis does not just offer a clear view from long distances, it's an experience. The resolution of these binoculars offer is without peer.
2. Patek Philippe timepiece — The ultimate in craftsmanship and luxury, Patek Philippe is a watchmaker that has three centuries' worth of history behind it. PP's pocket watches are especially riveting.
1. Aston Martin — The DB5 is the first Aston Martin model that appeared in “Goldfinger” (1963). Aston Martin has been featured in other James Bond movies, replete with bells and whistles beyond the scope of what's available to civilians. In any case, the DB5′s classic lines are nothing short of elegant. If you're fortunate enough to acquire an Aston Martin automobile, the only question is whether the steering wheel should be on the left- or right-hand side of the car. Either way, you're stylin'.
My list isn't one of full of “needs” and not necessarily “wants.” I consider these items as “nice to have.” The methodology goes something like this: 1) Dream without limits; 2) Seek the unique; and 3) Maximize the “cool” factor.
So here goes:
10. 19th Century baseball — Talk about “old school” feel. Gripping this vintage ball across the criss-cross stitching led to the term “four-seam fastball.” Leather Head Sports' Lemon Ball is a replica of the predecessor to the modern baseball. Great to use for playing catch, or as a conversation piece on a desk or mantel.
9. Leather medicine ball — Nowadays, there are all kinds of classes, machines and free weights available for a vigorous workout. Medicine balls are still around as an option, but a leather-bound medicine ball preserves the retro aesthetic. Like the Lemon Ball, Leather Head Sports carries medicine balls that evoke memories of the early YMCA days, or even the store props used by Ralph Lauren and Brooks Brothers.
8. Model train set — Any man who has grown up with assembling layouts for running trains can rekindle his inner child as an adult. Lionel's Polar Express “O” gauge train set is popular restart. Careful … you might get hooked again.
7. Fountain pen — In a world of ball-points, the fountain pen is for sophisticated scribes. The caveat is to always keep it capped, or else ink stains quickly form inside the pockets of shirts, pants or jackets. Montblanc and Waterman are two of the best makers of fountain pens.
6. Bose Wave Music System with SoundLink — Bose not only raises the bar of sound through its components, it's a unifying force for PC's and small gadgets. The wireless function cements Bose's presence as a player (pun optional) in electronics.
5. The Apple triumvirate — iPhone, iPad, iPod. They keep getting better with every upgrade.
4. Bespoke footwear — Despite the high cost for a quality pair of handmade shoes, they become a sound investment that lasts for decades with proper care. In the U.S., Alden‘s shell cordovan line wears like iron. If you prefer English bespoke shoes and boots, the likes of George Cleverley, John Lobb, and Foster & Son deliver the desired results. Not least, if you're really into shoes, check out Berluti of France. Berluti's technique of adding customized colors to shoes adds another dimension to their uniqueness and undeniable artistry.
3. Swarovski Optik binoculars — Seeing really is believing. Looking through a pair of Swarovskis does not just offer a clear view from long distances, it's an experience. The resolution of these binoculars offer is without peer.
2. Patek Philippe timepiece — The ultimate in craftsmanship and luxury, Patek Philippe is a watchmaker that has three centuries' worth of history behind it. PP's pocket watches are especially riveting.
1. Aston Martin — The DB5 is the first Aston Martin model that appeared in “Goldfinger” (1963). Aston Martin has been featured in other James Bond movies, replete with bells and whistles beyond the scope of what's available to civilians. In any case, the DB5′s classic lines are nothing short of elegant. If you're fortunate enough to acquire an Aston Martin automobile, the only question is whether the steering wheel should be on the left- or right-hand side of the car. Either way, you're stylin'.
2011年11月24日星期四
Relationship Tips From Ashton Kutcher
Having worked on glossy magazines, both weeklies and monthlies, for the best part of a decade, I'm well positioned to see the pros and cons of both. Working at a weekly is fast-paced and thrilling, but the stress forces you to transform gifted Hummingbird Bakery cupcakes into extra arse, and your friends and lovers only see you on Facebook. Working at a monthly, you occasionally get a lunchbreak, but you exist in a sort of seasonal timewarp whereby you're bored of Christmas by the time you finish the December issue in September, and you never know what month it truly is. However, the worst thing about a monthly is the gamble you take with your cover star.
And so we're dishing out a sympathetic arm-punch to poor Men's Health magazine, who interviewed Ashton Kutcher for their December issue back in October, when the star was still seemingly in a sound position to dish out cheesy wisdom about the secret to a long-lasting relationship. Now, of course, he's the most famous philanderer of the moment, and his wife, Demi Moore, has filed for divorce. Still keen to learn from the marriage master himself? "I think it's about working on the relationship and making it better...when it's good," preaches Kutcher in these now-outdated pages. "The goal is not to get into a relationship; the goal is to be in a relationship."
Another 'goal' is to not get caught shagging waitresses, but Kutcher didn't share this tip. Instead we get the following whinge: "I would just like a woman someday, somewhere, at some point in my life to say to me, 'You're a great listener,'" he moans. "Haven't heard it yet, and that's a superior compliment to get from a woman. But I'm going to work on it."
Hmmm, he might have to be patient for this one. The woman in his life is more likely to call him a "dirty big love rat" than a "good listener" right now.
Even more unfortunately for the mag, Kutcher's cover shot has him right next to an unrelated coverline blaring, "SEX SO GOOD...it's worth destroying your marriage for!" Okay, so we made up the last bit. But that's the inference. Oh, and Kutcher has been styled as a bar-room sleazeball who's about to ask 'suggestively' if you have any change for the condom machine.
To be fair, though (hey, so sometimes I feel like being fair - must be something to do with the moon) Kutcher wasn't the only bad bet this month: Kim Kardashian is on the cover of the December issue of US Marie Claire, talking about how great her marriage is: "We have a lot of trust, and I don't think either of us would do anything to break that," she lies, through gritted teeth. As every magazine editor knows, what a difference 21 days makes....
End This Womb-Watching Madness!
Another week, another female celebrity forced to declare that no, they are not pregnant, they just had a nice meal. This week, Katy Perry! "I like In-N-Out Burger and Taco Bell and if you want to make that pregnant that's your problem," said Perry. She's correct. Please can we stop with the womb-watching? It's totally creepy.
Lady Gaga Extends Evil Empire
Welcome to the season of cheap chocolate and rampant consumerism! May we unveil Lady Gaga's Winter Wonderland at Barneys in NYC, where crazed fans can spend $95 on a chocolate replica of one of her Alexander McQueen shoes.
Recession? Quoi recession?
And so we're dishing out a sympathetic arm-punch to poor Men's Health magazine, who interviewed Ashton Kutcher for their December issue back in October, when the star was still seemingly in a sound position to dish out cheesy wisdom about the secret to a long-lasting relationship. Now, of course, he's the most famous philanderer of the moment, and his wife, Demi Moore, has filed for divorce. Still keen to learn from the marriage master himself? "I think it's about working on the relationship and making it better...when it's good," preaches Kutcher in these now-outdated pages. "The goal is not to get into a relationship; the goal is to be in a relationship."
Another 'goal' is to not get caught shagging waitresses, but Kutcher didn't share this tip. Instead we get the following whinge: "I would just like a woman someday, somewhere, at some point in my life to say to me, 'You're a great listener,'" he moans. "Haven't heard it yet, and that's a superior compliment to get from a woman. But I'm going to work on it."
Hmmm, he might have to be patient for this one. The woman in his life is more likely to call him a "dirty big love rat" than a "good listener" right now.
Even more unfortunately for the mag, Kutcher's cover shot has him right next to an unrelated coverline blaring, "SEX SO GOOD...it's worth destroying your marriage for!" Okay, so we made up the last bit. But that's the inference. Oh, and Kutcher has been styled as a bar-room sleazeball who's about to ask 'suggestively' if you have any change for the condom machine.
To be fair, though (hey, so sometimes I feel like being fair - must be something to do with the moon) Kutcher wasn't the only bad bet this month: Kim Kardashian is on the cover of the December issue of US Marie Claire, talking about how great her marriage is: "We have a lot of trust, and I don't think either of us would do anything to break that," she lies, through gritted teeth. As every magazine editor knows, what a difference 21 days makes....
End This Womb-Watching Madness!
Another week, another female celebrity forced to declare that no, they are not pregnant, they just had a nice meal. This week, Katy Perry! "I like In-N-Out Burger and Taco Bell and if you want to make that pregnant that's your problem," said Perry. She's correct. Please can we stop with the womb-watching? It's totally creepy.
Lady Gaga Extends Evil Empire
Welcome to the season of cheap chocolate and rampant consumerism! May we unveil Lady Gaga's Winter Wonderland at Barneys in NYC, where crazed fans can spend $95 on a chocolate replica of one of her Alexander McQueen shoes.
Recession? Quoi recession?
2011年11月23日星期三
Lady Gaga's Barney's Workshop, Rihanna's Collection, Janet Jackson's New Line And More
.On Monday evening, hordes of fans watched Lady Gaga grace Madison Avenue's Barneys flagship store in a custom Chael Eliza Doolittle-worthy dress, hoop-skirt and all. The occasion: a ribbon-cutting ceremony for her outlandish Workshop, which opened its doors at 11:59pm. As you might expect, it was a scene that drew a rambunctious collective of determined young fans, infamous transvestites, fashion personalities, and celebrities from different parts of the pop cultural map. Nicola Formichetti, Blake Lively, Alan Cumming, and designers Prabal Gurung and Alexander Wang all came out to shop Gaga's wonky wares early, including our new workshop item of choice: the Linda Farrow Mickey Mouse shades, of "Paparazzi" fame, retailing for $425.
. Viewers shocked by Rihanna's profane shoes won't be thrilled to learn this, but she has designed some outfits for Armani, making December a particularly prolific fashion month for the singer. As her second fragrance, Rebelle, hits stores next week, her capsule Armani Jeans collection also goes to retail at select vendors. Among the looks: some basic tees, two pairs of jeans, a leather biker jacket, a purse, and some lingerie open to wardrobe intepretation.
. Janet Jackson has quietly served as the face of Blackglama's fashion label for a few seasons, but she's ready to step up her role, collaborating with them on a 15-piece line of winterwear that's set to hit stores this month. Saks Fifth Avenue and Bloomingdale's will carry the line, which offers the pop diva's spin on coats, vests, jackets, scarves, and gloves, all accented with the brand's signature mink – and leather, if you're nasty.
. Replicas of Bella Swan's famous wedding dress went up for sale the day after Twilight: Breaking Dawn, Part 1 broke records at the box office. Kristin Stewart's original dress was created by legendary designer Carolina Herrera, while the replica is sold by bridal retailer Alfred Angelo for $799. The same company has also produced replicas of Elizabeth Taylor's wedding gown in 1950's Father Of The Bride.
. Viewers shocked by Rihanna's profane shoes won't be thrilled to learn this, but she has designed some outfits for Armani, making December a particularly prolific fashion month for the singer. As her second fragrance, Rebelle, hits stores next week, her capsule Armani Jeans collection also goes to retail at select vendors. Among the looks: some basic tees, two pairs of jeans, a leather biker jacket, a purse, and some lingerie open to wardrobe intepretation.
. Janet Jackson has quietly served as the face of Blackglama's fashion label for a few seasons, but she's ready to step up her role, collaborating with them on a 15-piece line of winterwear that's set to hit stores this month. Saks Fifth Avenue and Bloomingdale's will carry the line, which offers the pop diva's spin on coats, vests, jackets, scarves, and gloves, all accented with the brand's signature mink – and leather, if you're nasty.
. Replicas of Bella Swan's famous wedding dress went up for sale the day after Twilight: Breaking Dawn, Part 1 broke records at the box office. Kristin Stewart's original dress was created by legendary designer Carolina Herrera, while the replica is sold by bridal retailer Alfred Angelo for $799. The same company has also produced replicas of Elizabeth Taylor's wedding gown in 1950's Father Of The Bride.
2011年11月22日星期二
Christmas Collector's Editions: What You Shouldn't Be Buying
Black Friday and Cyber Monday (and Regular Sunday and Jewish-Sabbath Saturday in between) are almost upon us which means only one thing: It's time to heed Jim Cramer's advice and buy, buy, buy a fiscally irresponsible amount of videogames. After all, you've had a hard year, and all your cool friends are buying the latest, greatest -- well, at least the latest -- new games, and you've gotta fit in. But there's a fine line between being thrifty and plain old dumb with your money.
The good news, though, is that game developers know most customers don't care about that line, which is why they have embraced rolling out so-called "Collector's Editions" of their most anticipated titles. How exactly does one tell a Collector's Edition from the regular game? Well, if your game box is made out of vibranium alloy, contains a soundtrack CD, a cloth map, or some temporary tattoos, you may have purchased a Collector's Edition. This was likely very expensive. For a more concrete example, look no further than this $10,000 version of Fallout 3. Yes, 10,000 dollars. In bottle caps, that's almost enough money to afford the special chartreuse Nuka-Cola from the game.
To help you more wisely spend your holiday dollars, we, licensed doctors of capitalism-ology, are shining that little light thing doctors use to look in your ear on the types of extravagant, gussied-up, over-the-top editions of games you should probably skip.
The good news, though, is that game developers know most customers don't care about that line, which is why they have embraced rolling out so-called "Collector's Editions" of their most anticipated titles. How exactly does one tell a Collector's Edition from the regular game? Well, if your game box is made out of vibranium alloy, contains a soundtrack CD, a cloth map, or some temporary tattoos, you may have purchased a Collector's Edition. This was likely very expensive. For a more concrete example, look no further than this $10,000 version of Fallout 3. Yes, 10,000 dollars. In bottle caps, that's almost enough money to afford the special chartreuse Nuka-Cola from the game.
To help you more wisely spend your holiday dollars, we, licensed doctors of capitalism-ology, are shining that little light thing doctors use to look in your ear on the types of extravagant, gussied-up, over-the-top editions of games you should probably skip.
2011年11月21日星期一
Vamp it up! 'Twilight' wedding gown already for sale
Every generation's brides are inspired by a handful of style icons. Our grandmothers had Grace Kelly. Our mothers had Diana. We have Duchess Kate.
And now, Bella Swan too.
When a wedding is a cultural phenomenon, it's only natural to expect bridal copies ... fast and furiously. The “Twilight” saga is proving to be no exception.
Bridal design house Alfred Angelo just released its exclusive “Twilight” bridal gown on Monday. The gown, designed by Carolina Herrera, was seen by the public for the first time in "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn — Part 1," which racked up $139.5 million in domestic box office over the weekend.
The elegant gown boasts 100 buttons down the back and is made of lace and satin. At the the Los Angeles premiere, Herrera said the design came from Stephenie Meyer's novel.
The design is about “the magic and the moment that is the wedding, and also about her (Bella's) personality, which is very important in a wedding gown," Herrera told the Associated Press. "She is this very innocent girl that is believing in her first true love and there is romance and there is fantasy and mystery. I took all that into consideration."
The replica
Unlike Kate's wedding dress (an Alexander McQueen original, the details of which were protected like the crown jewels until the big day), Bella's gown was shared with the design team at Alfred Angelo. Since the "Twilight" franchise licensed the design to Alfred Angelo exclusively, other designers will have to wait until after the movie to begin sketching and sewing.
The Alfred Angelo gown will be a replica of the one worn by Kristen Stewart's character in the film, available in sizes 0 to 30W, on sale for $799. Although the legendary Herrera designed only the gown in the film, not the knockoff, fans will be happy to know that she worked with the bridal atelier to ensure the accuracy of the copy.
As Twihards who stormed theaters over the weekend now know, the movie features both a real wedding gown as well as a fantasy wedding gown. Denise Walsh, VP of marketing for Alfred Angelo, said that while they are only copying the real gown, "we have a few beautiful styles in the Alfred Angelo line that look a lot like the fantasy dress (without the blood, of course!)."
Something borrowed? Wedding poaching is on the rise
Emilie Spiegel, 26, a grad student writing her master's thesis about media constructions of young women in "Twilight" and "Hunger Games", said: "I'd totally wear the dream-sequence sweetheart neck dress in a heartbeat (get it? Vampires don't have those). But I think the real wedding dress would be really hard to pull off."
Bluebloods vs. vampires
Alfred Angelo is no stranger to re-creating iconic wedding dresses. Most recently, the design house — together with ostensibly every other bridal designer on the planet — crafted a copy of Duchess Kate's instantaneously legendary dress. In fact, the design house has an even longer history of recreating iconic dresses: In 1950, they sold a replica of the “Father of the Bride” wedding gown Elizabeth Taylor wore in that film, a hit in its day.
And now, Bella Swan too.
When a wedding is a cultural phenomenon, it's only natural to expect bridal copies ... fast and furiously. The “Twilight” saga is proving to be no exception.
Bridal design house Alfred Angelo just released its exclusive “Twilight” bridal gown on Monday. The gown, designed by Carolina Herrera, was seen by the public for the first time in "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn — Part 1," which racked up $139.5 million in domestic box office over the weekend.
The elegant gown boasts 100 buttons down the back and is made of lace and satin. At the the Los Angeles premiere, Herrera said the design came from Stephenie Meyer's novel.
The design is about “the magic and the moment that is the wedding, and also about her (Bella's) personality, which is very important in a wedding gown," Herrera told the Associated Press. "She is this very innocent girl that is believing in her first true love and there is romance and there is fantasy and mystery. I took all that into consideration."
The replica
Unlike Kate's wedding dress (an Alexander McQueen original, the details of which were protected like the crown jewels until the big day), Bella's gown was shared with the design team at Alfred Angelo. Since the "Twilight" franchise licensed the design to Alfred Angelo exclusively, other designers will have to wait until after the movie to begin sketching and sewing.
The Alfred Angelo gown will be a replica of the one worn by Kristen Stewart's character in the film, available in sizes 0 to 30W, on sale for $799. Although the legendary Herrera designed only the gown in the film, not the knockoff, fans will be happy to know that she worked with the bridal atelier to ensure the accuracy of the copy.
As Twihards who stormed theaters over the weekend now know, the movie features both a real wedding gown as well as a fantasy wedding gown. Denise Walsh, VP of marketing for Alfred Angelo, said that while they are only copying the real gown, "we have a few beautiful styles in the Alfred Angelo line that look a lot like the fantasy dress (without the blood, of course!)."
Something borrowed? Wedding poaching is on the rise
Emilie Spiegel, 26, a grad student writing her master's thesis about media constructions of young women in "Twilight" and "Hunger Games", said: "I'd totally wear the dream-sequence sweetheart neck dress in a heartbeat (get it? Vampires don't have those). But I think the real wedding dress would be really hard to pull off."
Bluebloods vs. vampires
Alfred Angelo is no stranger to re-creating iconic wedding dresses. Most recently, the design house — together with ostensibly every other bridal designer on the planet — crafted a copy of Duchess Kate's instantaneously legendary dress. In fact, the design house has an even longer history of recreating iconic dresses: In 1950, they sold a replica of the “Father of the Bride” wedding gown Elizabeth Taylor wore in that film, a hit in its day.
2011年11月20日星期日
The best little shoes for little feet
THERE'S a whole world of shoes out there for first walkers. Here are five of the best children's shoes around, as recommended by retailers.
1. Clarks Shaun sandal in colour choc/multi ($69.95): This style from the Clarks First Walker range has a closed-in back with a firm heel for support, says Danielle Elliott, of Ollie Ashenden in North Adelaide. “They have light, flexible non-slip soles that bend at the ball of the foot.”
2. Airflex Drew boat shoe ($69.99): Betts Kids Burnside manager Sianne Staker says this leather shoe is perfect for little feet adjusting to walking.
3. Airflex Flora shoe ($29.99): “These feature a Protect-a-Toe for long lasting comfort and flexibility,” Staker says.
4. Wiggles Crocs ($3): We found these cute Wiggles Crocs at Kidman Park Vinnies Superstore for $3. Vinnies state manager Lindsay Dunn says there's always a surge of donations at the change of season.
5. Clarks Tulip sandal, in Fuchsia ($79.95): This one is very popular, says Russell Ward of Ward's Shoe Store in Norwood. “You can get it in full and half sizes in narrow, medium or wide.”
Where do you shop for children's shoes?
1. Clarks Shaun sandal in colour choc/multi ($69.95): This style from the Clarks First Walker range has a closed-in back with a firm heel for support, says Danielle Elliott, of Ollie Ashenden in North Adelaide. “They have light, flexible non-slip soles that bend at the ball of the foot.”
2. Airflex Drew boat shoe ($69.99): Betts Kids Burnside manager Sianne Staker says this leather shoe is perfect for little feet adjusting to walking.
3. Airflex Flora shoe ($29.99): “These feature a Protect-a-Toe for long lasting comfort and flexibility,” Staker says.
4. Wiggles Crocs ($3): We found these cute Wiggles Crocs at Kidman Park Vinnies Superstore for $3. Vinnies state manager Lindsay Dunn says there's always a surge of donations at the change of season.
5. Clarks Tulip sandal, in Fuchsia ($79.95): This one is very popular, says Russell Ward of Ward's Shoe Store in Norwood. “You can get it in full and half sizes in narrow, medium or wide.”
Where do you shop for children's shoes?
2011年11月17日星期四
Christmas 2011: Winter Sports Gifts
It's Christmastime, so it's time to start that holiday shopping. Don't wait until the last minute to buy your winter sports fan the perfect gift this year.
Here are some great gift ideas for your winter sports enthusiast:
Boston Bruins Pullover Sweatshirt
Made by Majestic, this premium pullover is perfect for your Bruins fan. It has a soft fleece lining to keep them comfortable and an embroidered Bruins logo on the front. Officially licensed by the NHL, this quality sweatshirt costs just $54.95.
USA Olympics Vintage Games T-Shirt
This long-sleeve T-shirt features a retro look and has "USA Olympic Games" printed in distressed screen print lettering. Lightweight, this is perfect for wearing around the house or under an Olympics sweatshirt. For just $20, whoever wears it will love supporting their favorite Olympic sport.
'47 Brand Anaheim Ducks Fitted Hat
This hat is a great choice for your Ducks fan because it comes in a variety of fitted sizes. They can show off their support for their favorite team by sporting this hat. With a simple embroidered logo, the hat costs $21.95, and it is also an official NHL product.
Arizona Cardinals Blanket Throw
Do you want your loved ones to stay warm this winter without turning up the heat? This large fleece throw is plush will do just that, and it is soft to the touch. Your Arizona fan will be pleased with this gift, which is only $34.95. This is the perfect gift because it sports Arizona's dark Cardinal colors and logo.
Dallas Cowboys Duffel Bag
This large duffel bag is perfect for your Cowboys fan on the go. For just $39.95, they will get a bag with an authentic Cowboys logo and tons of zippered compartments, including one for headphones and a ventilated one for shoes. This is also a great gift because it has a reinforced bottom for ultimate durability.
Boston Bruins 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Replica Trophy
Make your NHL fan feel like a Bruins champion with this replica trophy. Eight inches high, it's perfect for a top spot on the trophy shelf as a constant reminder of the 2011 victory. It has a high-quality, bright Bruins logo on the front (perfect to go with that Bruins sweater). For $47.95, this is a limited-edition collectible product, so be sure to buy this for your Bruins fan before the season is over.
These are all great gifts for your sports fan this winter season. Whether it's a sweater or a cap, he or she will enjoy sporting the logo of his or her favorite team.
Here are some great gift ideas for your winter sports enthusiast:
Boston Bruins Pullover Sweatshirt
Made by Majestic, this premium pullover is perfect for your Bruins fan. It has a soft fleece lining to keep them comfortable and an embroidered Bruins logo on the front. Officially licensed by the NHL, this quality sweatshirt costs just $54.95.
USA Olympics Vintage Games T-Shirt
This long-sleeve T-shirt features a retro look and has "USA Olympic Games" printed in distressed screen print lettering. Lightweight, this is perfect for wearing around the house or under an Olympics sweatshirt. For just $20, whoever wears it will love supporting their favorite Olympic sport.
'47 Brand Anaheim Ducks Fitted Hat
This hat is a great choice for your Ducks fan because it comes in a variety of fitted sizes. They can show off their support for their favorite team by sporting this hat. With a simple embroidered logo, the hat costs $21.95, and it is also an official NHL product.
Arizona Cardinals Blanket Throw
Do you want your loved ones to stay warm this winter without turning up the heat? This large fleece throw is plush will do just that, and it is soft to the touch. Your Arizona fan will be pleased with this gift, which is only $34.95. This is the perfect gift because it sports Arizona's dark Cardinal colors and logo.
Dallas Cowboys Duffel Bag
This large duffel bag is perfect for your Cowboys fan on the go. For just $39.95, they will get a bag with an authentic Cowboys logo and tons of zippered compartments, including one for headphones and a ventilated one for shoes. This is also a great gift because it has a reinforced bottom for ultimate durability.
Boston Bruins 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Replica Trophy
Make your NHL fan feel like a Bruins champion with this replica trophy. Eight inches high, it's perfect for a top spot on the trophy shelf as a constant reminder of the 2011 victory. It has a high-quality, bright Bruins logo on the front (perfect to go with that Bruins sweater). For $47.95, this is a limited-edition collectible product, so be sure to buy this for your Bruins fan before the season is over.
These are all great gifts for your sports fan this winter season. Whether it's a sweater or a cap, he or she will enjoy sporting the logo of his or her favorite team.
2011年11月16日星期三
Blessing' at George Washington Carver Museum
One friendship can change the world.
That's the idea behind "A Blessing to One Another: Pope John Paul II and the Jewish People" a traveling exhibit showing at George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center. The exhibit tells the story of the unique friendship between Karol Wojtyla, later known as Pope John Paul II, and Jerzy Kluger, who became the Pope's personal emissary to Israel.
The childhood friends grew up in the atypical Polish town of Wadowice, where Catholics and Jews co-mingled despite the 2,000 years of painful history between the religions. The Pope later made remarkable contributions to the relationship between the Catholic and Jewish faiths during his papacy, including being the first pope to visit a synagogue and recognizing the state of Israel.
"The story just touched me, and it crosses all boundaries," said Nancy Splain, the program chairperson. "We've had a Native American man come in who reflected on his own culture's past, and another person who lost family in the Holocaust."
The exhibit opened on July 15, 2005, at Xavier University in Cincinnati, and made its way to various Holocaust and Jewish heritage museums, and universities in 15 cities. Miryam Salter, a member of Temple Chai in Phoenix, invited Splain, a member of Shepherd of the Hills United Church of Christ, to see visiting scholar Rabbi Abie Ingber of Xavier University speak in 2007. Ingber talked about the exhibit, and the women were so moved by the story that they wanted to bring the exhibit to the Valley.
With no university or major museum to back the project, Splain, Salter and their friends partnered with the Arizona Ecumenical Council, and worked for four years to bring the exhibit here.
"This is truly a grassroots effort," Splain said. "We brought together a group of people from diverse areas of our community to bring the exhibit here."
The interactive exhibit features a maze of large wooden panels covered in pictures, stories, facts and quotes. Artifacts and television screens featuring interviews with historians, Wadowice townspeople and Holocaust survivors are spread throughout. The exhibition, which takes about 45 minutes to view, is divided into four sections.
The first focuses on life in Wadowice and the interaction between the Jewish and Catholic communities in the town. Visitors then enter the second section, the Krakow Ghetto, one of the Nazi-created Jewish ghettos during World War II. There, visitors will see bleak reminders such as shoes from the Holocaust Museum in Auschwitz, and will learn about contributions Poles made to help rescue some Jews.
"Overall, the Polish saved more Jews during World War II than any other country," Salter said. "Any Pole caught aiding a Jew was shot to death on site. Overall, six million Poles were murdered."
The third section highlights Wojtyla's journey from priest to bishop to cardinal, and how he maintained close ties with the Jewish community while serving as bishop. The final part of the exhibit celebrates John Paul II's papacy, and his historic visit to Israel, featuring a replica of Jerusalem's Western Wall. There, visitors can write a prayer and slip it in the wall's cracks, and the prayers will be taken to the real Western Wall. As guests leave, they can touch a bronze sculpture of Pope John Paul II's hand.
There is a section honoring Pope John Paul II's 1987 visit to Arizona, and a tribute to Phoenix's late Rabbi Albert Plokin, who was known as "everybody's rabbi."
The host committee members combed the Valley for a venue to house the exhibit, but because of the religious connotations, many public venues turned it down. The George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center once was home to Carver High School, which until integration of schools in 1954 served only African-American students.
"The site of the Carver Museum has its own painful history," said Missy Shackelford, host committee chairperson. "Their mission statement, like ours, is to embrace each other, and practice tolerance, openness and respect toward one another."
Splain says everyone can learn from this exhibit.
"It shows the power of friendship," Splain said. "It doesn't matter your religion, your economic status, your ethnic or economic background. Anyone can relate to this exhibit because it teaches the importance of openness and respect."
That's the idea behind "A Blessing to One Another: Pope John Paul II and the Jewish People" a traveling exhibit showing at George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center. The exhibit tells the story of the unique friendship between Karol Wojtyla, later known as Pope John Paul II, and Jerzy Kluger, who became the Pope's personal emissary to Israel.
The childhood friends grew up in the atypical Polish town of Wadowice, where Catholics and Jews co-mingled despite the 2,000 years of painful history between the religions. The Pope later made remarkable contributions to the relationship between the Catholic and Jewish faiths during his papacy, including being the first pope to visit a synagogue and recognizing the state of Israel.
"The story just touched me, and it crosses all boundaries," said Nancy Splain, the program chairperson. "We've had a Native American man come in who reflected on his own culture's past, and another person who lost family in the Holocaust."
The exhibit opened on July 15, 2005, at Xavier University in Cincinnati, and made its way to various Holocaust and Jewish heritage museums, and universities in 15 cities. Miryam Salter, a member of Temple Chai in Phoenix, invited Splain, a member of Shepherd of the Hills United Church of Christ, to see visiting scholar Rabbi Abie Ingber of Xavier University speak in 2007. Ingber talked about the exhibit, and the women were so moved by the story that they wanted to bring the exhibit to the Valley.
With no university or major museum to back the project, Splain, Salter and their friends partnered with the Arizona Ecumenical Council, and worked for four years to bring the exhibit here.
"This is truly a grassroots effort," Splain said. "We brought together a group of people from diverse areas of our community to bring the exhibit here."
The interactive exhibit features a maze of large wooden panels covered in pictures, stories, facts and quotes. Artifacts and television screens featuring interviews with historians, Wadowice townspeople and Holocaust survivors are spread throughout. The exhibition, which takes about 45 minutes to view, is divided into four sections.
The first focuses on life in Wadowice and the interaction between the Jewish and Catholic communities in the town. Visitors then enter the second section, the Krakow Ghetto, one of the Nazi-created Jewish ghettos during World War II. There, visitors will see bleak reminders such as shoes from the Holocaust Museum in Auschwitz, and will learn about contributions Poles made to help rescue some Jews.
"Overall, the Polish saved more Jews during World War II than any other country," Salter said. "Any Pole caught aiding a Jew was shot to death on site. Overall, six million Poles were murdered."
The third section highlights Wojtyla's journey from priest to bishop to cardinal, and how he maintained close ties with the Jewish community while serving as bishop. The final part of the exhibit celebrates John Paul II's papacy, and his historic visit to Israel, featuring a replica of Jerusalem's Western Wall. There, visitors can write a prayer and slip it in the wall's cracks, and the prayers will be taken to the real Western Wall. As guests leave, they can touch a bronze sculpture of Pope John Paul II's hand.
There is a section honoring Pope John Paul II's 1987 visit to Arizona, and a tribute to Phoenix's late Rabbi Albert Plokin, who was known as "everybody's rabbi."
The host committee members combed the Valley for a venue to house the exhibit, but because of the religious connotations, many public venues turned it down. The George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center once was home to Carver High School, which until integration of schools in 1954 served only African-American students.
"The site of the Carver Museum has its own painful history," said Missy Shackelford, host committee chairperson. "Their mission statement, like ours, is to embrace each other, and practice tolerance, openness and respect toward one another."
Splain says everyone can learn from this exhibit.
"It shows the power of friendship," Splain said. "It doesn't matter your religion, your economic status, your ethnic or economic background. Anyone can relate to this exhibit because it teaches the importance of openness and respect."
2011年11月15日星期二
Chris Isaak Rises to the Occasion on Beyond the Sun
Chris Isaak entered this world to the tune of "Blue Suede Shoes," which his mother was singing as he was born. And since that summer day in 1956, the music that grew out of Sun Studio has remained a cornerstone of Isaak's life.
This year, Isaak waxed his own versions of those early rock 'n' roll records right at the source -- the one and only Sun Studio in Memphis, Tenn. The California-based crooner, best known for his sensual 1989 pop hit "Wicked Game," released Beyond the Sun in October. The labor of love pays tribute to musical heroes like Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Roy Orbison, Carl Perkins and, of course, Elvis Presley.
Isaak gathered his band in Memphis for about a week for the recording sessions, which took place after the studio tours concluded for the day. His guests and spiritual advisors included Cowboy Jack Clement, the first hired engineer-producer at Sun, and Roland James, the longtime guitarist for Jerry Lee Lewis. Working quickly, the combo captured the immediacy and energy of that musical era.
Calling from California, Isaak chatted with CMT.com about setting up the band in Sun, giving due credit to producer Sam Phillips and playing the new album for his parents for the first time.
CMT: Sun Studio is such a small room. How long did it take to figure out where to stand?
Isaak: It's funny because we walked into the room, and my bass player said, "Where do I put the bass?" I looked down at the linoleum floor, and there's a hole where all the bass players have stuck their peg of their stand-up bass from the time of [bassist] Bill Black and [guitarist] Scotty Moore and Elvis on. I said, "Well, if it's good enough for them, it's good enough for us. Stick it right there."
When I took the tour of the studio, I was amazed by how incredibly well-preserved it is. It's not like a replica of Sun Studio. It is Sun Studio.
Yeah, I love the studio. It's a great-sounding room. It's the right size. It's probably not the right size if you wanted to cut Abbey Road, but if you wanted to cut those kind of early rock 'n' roll records, where it's just a couple of guys grooving and swinging, man, it's the best-sounding room ever.
Why do you think those early Johnny Cash records from Sun have stood the test of time?
I think there's a simplicity to those songs that made them bigger than country music or rockabilly or anything else. They're so simple that people can relate to them -- whether they're in a punk band, whether they're a 70-year-old guy listening to country or whether they're a pop fan. They just cut through. That is Johnny Cash's genius.
And I also give huge credit to Sam Phillips because most other producers would have had that band walk in and say, "Let's hear your band." [Isaak impersonates the Tennessee Two's simple boom-chicka beat.] Most producers would have said, "That's it?! We've got to get real players. Let's hire some guy to do all kinds of picking around you." And that would have ruined it!
This year, Isaak waxed his own versions of those early rock 'n' roll records right at the source -- the one and only Sun Studio in Memphis, Tenn. The California-based crooner, best known for his sensual 1989 pop hit "Wicked Game," released Beyond the Sun in October. The labor of love pays tribute to musical heroes like Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Roy Orbison, Carl Perkins and, of course, Elvis Presley.
Isaak gathered his band in Memphis for about a week for the recording sessions, which took place after the studio tours concluded for the day. His guests and spiritual advisors included Cowboy Jack Clement, the first hired engineer-producer at Sun, and Roland James, the longtime guitarist for Jerry Lee Lewis. Working quickly, the combo captured the immediacy and energy of that musical era.
Calling from California, Isaak chatted with CMT.com about setting up the band in Sun, giving due credit to producer Sam Phillips and playing the new album for his parents for the first time.
CMT: Sun Studio is such a small room. How long did it take to figure out where to stand?
Isaak: It's funny because we walked into the room, and my bass player said, "Where do I put the bass?" I looked down at the linoleum floor, and there's a hole where all the bass players have stuck their peg of their stand-up bass from the time of [bassist] Bill Black and [guitarist] Scotty Moore and Elvis on. I said, "Well, if it's good enough for them, it's good enough for us. Stick it right there."
When I took the tour of the studio, I was amazed by how incredibly well-preserved it is. It's not like a replica of Sun Studio. It is Sun Studio.
Yeah, I love the studio. It's a great-sounding room. It's the right size. It's probably not the right size if you wanted to cut Abbey Road, but if you wanted to cut those kind of early rock 'n' roll records, where it's just a couple of guys grooving and swinging, man, it's the best-sounding room ever.
Why do you think those early Johnny Cash records from Sun have stood the test of time?
I think there's a simplicity to those songs that made them bigger than country music or rockabilly or anything else. They're so simple that people can relate to them -- whether they're in a punk band, whether they're a 70-year-old guy listening to country or whether they're a pop fan. They just cut through. That is Johnny Cash's genius.
And I also give huge credit to Sam Phillips because most other producers would have had that band walk in and say, "Let's hear your band." [Isaak impersonates the Tennessee Two's simple boom-chicka beat.] Most producers would have said, "That's it?! We've got to get real players. Let's hire some guy to do all kinds of picking around you." And that would have ruined it!
2011年11月14日星期一
Has fast fashion gone too far?
To mark the 150th anniversary of the tuxedo, Primark is releasing its own version for ￡40, complete with a wing-tipped collar (an extra ￡7) and bow tie to see you through the Christmas party season, any winter wedding you may be invited to, and beyond.
Considering suit hire somewhere like Moss Bros starts at over ￡50, this doesn't sound like a bad investment, especially if the fit is decent. It's not the only wedding-wear that's been given a fast fashion makeover recently, either. Duchess Kate's replica sapphire engagement ring is currently a bargain best-seller at ￡18 (plus 25 percent off) at M&S, Pippa's replica bridesmaid dress (and the emerald green Temperley gown she wore for the royal wedding reception) are available for ￡170 and ￡99, respectively, from Debenhams, and a ￡1000 copy of Kate's McQueen wedding dress has been on sale at House of Fraser since May.
So if you thought the demise of fast fashion was imminent, hold your breath. The demand to wear what our celebrity icons do, get a catwalk hit into our closets and try out trends (or formal wear) on the cheap is still prevailing. There's no point in trying to save up for an item you love anymore when you can just hop over to H&M and buy the cut-price version (or wait for your fave designer to collaborate on a line with the store). And when you think of all of the designers creating cheaper collaboration lines, from new couturier Giambattista Valli for Macy's to Karl Lagerfeld for everyone from Sephora to H&M, you realise that designers need the mass market nowadays as much as the rest of us.
Our need to consume the immediate - what's hot, now - and to emulate those whose style we admire means that shopping has become a rather desperate pursuit that is often about instant gratification rather than creativity, exploration or adventure. When we can (in theory, not that we could afford it) purchase a catwalk look minutes after it's debuted for the first time, it's no wonder the idea of waiting (to have something made, or saving up to afford something we really want or need) seems foreign.
Savile Row tailoring is steeped in history and in the one-of-a-kind, creating bespoke suiting for gentlemen the world over from the 19th century - it's the site where the tuxedo originated, created by Henry Poole in 1860 for the Prince of Wales. Which isn't to say that it doesn't belong on the high street, but perhaps its existence there means we've lost the capacity to respect something that was once a craft?
However, it seems a necessary evil; Savile Row may still exist, but the prices for a bespoke suit make it increasingly unapproachable for most people, and designer costs are extortionate, so where else are people going to get their formal wear? Moss Bros, Next, Austin Reed... why not Primark, too?
While one may lament that the tuxedo would receive the mass market, factory-made treatment, I think it's no more offensive than seeing replica glitter Miu Miu shoes on every shop floor. In fact, it's probably more useful to find a cheap ￡47 tuxedo on the high street than the more dubious items like printed harem pants and sequinned bra tops, which seem to be ubiquitous there.
Because yes, one of the best things about fast fashion is that it offers customers the chance to try something fashion-forward and risqué, to cover themselves in snake print and ponchos and PVC like the a/w 2011 catwalks showed (without the tragic cash commitment of spending hundreds of pounds on something that will quickly wind up in the bin before you can say 'next season').
But fast fashion stores are also where regular, normal people shop - those not particularly interested in the latest trends but who are just looking for a skirt or a jacket or a trouser suit for the office, or clothing for their kids, or something decent and inexpensive to wear to the holiday party. It's where most people shop because designer duds are too dear and eco-conscious clothes are, too.
Of course, the view that fast fashion is irresponsible and the antithesis to sustainable living exists. It's wasteful on the environment and promotes an unnecessary consumerism (the whole point of the high street is that you can afford more than just one 'investment' piece per season), and buying fast fashion means that you're endorsing something that's potentially (or highly likely to be) unsavoury: who is making these clothes and under what conditions?
The truth is, we don't like to think about the reasons that made it possible for our latest dress purchase to be so cheap (and many wear their cheapo high street finds with as much pride as their designer duds). Not only is it easy to ignore wear lots of our clothes come from, it's also still a lot harder to buy the 'right' kind of clothing.
It still feels like no matter how many sustainable eco-initiatives there are out there, ethically produced fashion is still only a viable option for some – those who have done the research and can afford to spend more money on that T-shirt or pair of jeans.
And eco-friendly tuxedos are still few and far between. The other options are high-end, Savile Row-fare or something designer, by someone like Tom Ford, who incidentally is completely against fast fashion (that's why he doesn't allow the images from his fashion shows to be released until moments before the clothes hit stores). "All of the fast-fashion companies that do a great job, by the way, knock everything off. So it's everywhere all over the streets in three months and by the time you get it to the store, what's the point?" he has said.
Well, for some, there isn't much of an option otherwise, so there is a point. Even if your Primark tuxedo falls apart after a few wears, you've gotten more out of it than a rental. Or, if your conscience won't allow it, there's always vintage (still sometimes expensive) or the charity shop route. You can shop knowing it's not harming the planet and is easy on the wallet, and there are often quite a few retro tuxedos milling about on those racks.
Considering suit hire somewhere like Moss Bros starts at over ￡50, this doesn't sound like a bad investment, especially if the fit is decent. It's not the only wedding-wear that's been given a fast fashion makeover recently, either. Duchess Kate's replica sapphire engagement ring is currently a bargain best-seller at ￡18 (plus 25 percent off) at M&S, Pippa's replica bridesmaid dress (and the emerald green Temperley gown she wore for the royal wedding reception) are available for ￡170 and ￡99, respectively, from Debenhams, and a ￡1000 copy of Kate's McQueen wedding dress has been on sale at House of Fraser since May.
So if you thought the demise of fast fashion was imminent, hold your breath. The demand to wear what our celebrity icons do, get a catwalk hit into our closets and try out trends (or formal wear) on the cheap is still prevailing. There's no point in trying to save up for an item you love anymore when you can just hop over to H&M and buy the cut-price version (or wait for your fave designer to collaborate on a line with the store). And when you think of all of the designers creating cheaper collaboration lines, from new couturier Giambattista Valli for Macy's to Karl Lagerfeld for everyone from Sephora to H&M, you realise that designers need the mass market nowadays as much as the rest of us.
Our need to consume the immediate - what's hot, now - and to emulate those whose style we admire means that shopping has become a rather desperate pursuit that is often about instant gratification rather than creativity, exploration or adventure. When we can (in theory, not that we could afford it) purchase a catwalk look minutes after it's debuted for the first time, it's no wonder the idea of waiting (to have something made, or saving up to afford something we really want or need) seems foreign.
Savile Row tailoring is steeped in history and in the one-of-a-kind, creating bespoke suiting for gentlemen the world over from the 19th century - it's the site where the tuxedo originated, created by Henry Poole in 1860 for the Prince of Wales. Which isn't to say that it doesn't belong on the high street, but perhaps its existence there means we've lost the capacity to respect something that was once a craft?
However, it seems a necessary evil; Savile Row may still exist, but the prices for a bespoke suit make it increasingly unapproachable for most people, and designer costs are extortionate, so where else are people going to get their formal wear? Moss Bros, Next, Austin Reed... why not Primark, too?
While one may lament that the tuxedo would receive the mass market, factory-made treatment, I think it's no more offensive than seeing replica glitter Miu Miu shoes on every shop floor. In fact, it's probably more useful to find a cheap ￡47 tuxedo on the high street than the more dubious items like printed harem pants and sequinned bra tops, which seem to be ubiquitous there.
Because yes, one of the best things about fast fashion is that it offers customers the chance to try something fashion-forward and risqué, to cover themselves in snake print and ponchos and PVC like the a/w 2011 catwalks showed (without the tragic cash commitment of spending hundreds of pounds on something that will quickly wind up in the bin before you can say 'next season').
But fast fashion stores are also where regular, normal people shop - those not particularly interested in the latest trends but who are just looking for a skirt or a jacket or a trouser suit for the office, or clothing for their kids, or something decent and inexpensive to wear to the holiday party. It's where most people shop because designer duds are too dear and eco-conscious clothes are, too.
Of course, the view that fast fashion is irresponsible and the antithesis to sustainable living exists. It's wasteful on the environment and promotes an unnecessary consumerism (the whole point of the high street is that you can afford more than just one 'investment' piece per season), and buying fast fashion means that you're endorsing something that's potentially (or highly likely to be) unsavoury: who is making these clothes and under what conditions?
The truth is, we don't like to think about the reasons that made it possible for our latest dress purchase to be so cheap (and many wear their cheapo high street finds with as much pride as their designer duds). Not only is it easy to ignore wear lots of our clothes come from, it's also still a lot harder to buy the 'right' kind of clothing.
It still feels like no matter how many sustainable eco-initiatives there are out there, ethically produced fashion is still only a viable option for some – those who have done the research and can afford to spend more money on that T-shirt or pair of jeans.
And eco-friendly tuxedos are still few and far between. The other options are high-end, Savile Row-fare or something designer, by someone like Tom Ford, who incidentally is completely against fast fashion (that's why he doesn't allow the images from his fashion shows to be released until moments before the clothes hit stores). "All of the fast-fashion companies that do a great job, by the way, knock everything off. So it's everywhere all over the streets in three months and by the time you get it to the store, what's the point?" he has said.
Well, for some, there isn't much of an option otherwise, so there is a point. Even if your Primark tuxedo falls apart after a few wears, you've gotten more out of it than a rental. Or, if your conscience won't allow it, there's always vintage (still sometimes expensive) or the charity shop route. You can shop knowing it's not harming the planet and is easy on the wallet, and there are often quite a few retro tuxedos milling about on those racks.
2011年11月13日星期日
Why do people bother keeping up with fashion?
Firstly, bravo to the tone of fear in your first sentence, Martin. It's only taken a decade of me working in journalism for readers – or a reader, anyway – to see me as they should: as the Josef Stalin of fashion journalism, ruling with a fist of titanium (iron is so last season) and a terrifyingly whimsical nature. Well done, Martin. Your supplication does you credit and it pleases me.
Now, to your email in which there are actually two more points to address and not just the one you think, and don't worry, I won't yell at you for that. In honour of the death of Waterstone's two-for-three yellow stickers, this week this column will do a three-issues-for-one-letter special.
There is, obviously, no "point" in keeping up with fashion any more than there is in charting the progress of one's football team through the different leagues. (Coo-ee! Check me out with my sporty lingo! The only reason I'm not this paper's chief football correspondent is because I would give all the other sports journalists in the office and, indeed, the world, massive inferiority complexes. True story!) I mean, what's the point in watching every football match when you can just catch up at the end of the season and see where your team is, right? Or even, why bother with that seeing as they'll only be in a different position next year, right? Right, Martin? Right?
Wrong, obviously. People follow sports teams for the same reason they follow soap operas for the same reason they follow fashion: because it's fun. It's enjoyable to talk about the progression of Arsenal/EastEnders/hemlines with fellow devotees because it's fun to feel part of a club and to talk in shared codes with other club members and, for heaven's sake, it's just nice to take a break from bills and bus queues and the general tedium of real life. The changeability is part of the thrill.
I appreciate that the bossy tone of a lot of fashion journalism – including, absolutely, this column – suggests to some readers that they are being told that they must wear blue this season and red the next, but that's only because those readers don't speak Fashion Code. No one is ordering you to wear anything, any more than a match report about Chelsea and Arsenal is telling you that you must support either of the teams. It's not personal. It's just fashion.
Now, as to your point that fashion always changes, only last week I would have agreed with you. But, proving that I don't just write about fashion but that I am fashion, I have since changed my mind.
Last week, a friend announced that he had found an article from 1950 called "Cheap Clothes for Fat, Old Women" and it made him think of me. After making a mental note that I really most try to scare my friends as much as I scare at least one reader of this column, I granted him permission to elaborate. This article, written by the wonderful Marghanita Laski, dissected the ridiculous fashion speak of her day, providing spot-on translations for Fashion Speak, such as "dramatic" ("virtually unwearable; photographs well") and "Bulge, unseemly" ("stomach fat").
These code words are as prevalent in fashion magazines today as they were in Laski's, and the translations are still the same. So what I'm saying, Martin, is that fashion isn't quite as changeable as you think. Trends come back and daft fashion lingo remains impressively immutable – more so, really, than any other language I know.
So in short, Martin, join the fun. Fashion isn't as baffling as you think. Nor is it scary. But I am. Very.
Now, to your email in which there are actually two more points to address and not just the one you think, and don't worry, I won't yell at you for that. In honour of the death of Waterstone's two-for-three yellow stickers, this week this column will do a three-issues-for-one-letter special.
There is, obviously, no "point" in keeping up with fashion any more than there is in charting the progress of one's football team through the different leagues. (Coo-ee! Check me out with my sporty lingo! The only reason I'm not this paper's chief football correspondent is because I would give all the other sports journalists in the office and, indeed, the world, massive inferiority complexes. True story!) I mean, what's the point in watching every football match when you can just catch up at the end of the season and see where your team is, right? Or even, why bother with that seeing as they'll only be in a different position next year, right? Right, Martin? Right?
Wrong, obviously. People follow sports teams for the same reason they follow soap operas for the same reason they follow fashion: because it's fun. It's enjoyable to talk about the progression of Arsenal/EastEnders/hemlines with fellow devotees because it's fun to feel part of a club and to talk in shared codes with other club members and, for heaven's sake, it's just nice to take a break from bills and bus queues and the general tedium of real life. The changeability is part of the thrill.
I appreciate that the bossy tone of a lot of fashion journalism – including, absolutely, this column – suggests to some readers that they are being told that they must wear blue this season and red the next, but that's only because those readers don't speak Fashion Code. No one is ordering you to wear anything, any more than a match report about Chelsea and Arsenal is telling you that you must support either of the teams. It's not personal. It's just fashion.
Now, as to your point that fashion always changes, only last week I would have agreed with you. But, proving that I don't just write about fashion but that I am fashion, I have since changed my mind.
Last week, a friend announced that he had found an article from 1950 called "Cheap Clothes for Fat, Old Women" and it made him think of me. After making a mental note that I really most try to scare my friends as much as I scare at least one reader of this column, I granted him permission to elaborate. This article, written by the wonderful Marghanita Laski, dissected the ridiculous fashion speak of her day, providing spot-on translations for Fashion Speak, such as "dramatic" ("virtually unwearable; photographs well") and "Bulge, unseemly" ("stomach fat").
These code words are as prevalent in fashion magazines today as they were in Laski's, and the translations are still the same. So what I'm saying, Martin, is that fashion isn't quite as changeable as you think. Trends come back and daft fashion lingo remains impressively immutable – more so, really, than any other language I know.
So in short, Martin, join the fun. Fashion isn't as baffling as you think. Nor is it scary. But I am. Very.
2011年11月10日星期四
christian louboutin replica shoes the two defines the exceptional
My silence, West decide this guy, christian louboutin sale really nice, why you can never learn to lie?
I put the cup filled with water, forced to put in front of him, a word for word with emphasis:" uncle, this is black tea, nuanwei."
" Still useful?" He looked at me sadly.
"Don't say enough." I didn't say the command by using the tone.
Uncle laugh out, while patting meThis, and my grandmother share.
" Uncle," I think the fingertips numb, suffering increasingly heavy feeling of suffocation, I asked him," the girl, who is born dead girl, is my sister? She have a name?"
"." Uncle nodded," she told West Yang, flying Yang, is your uncle from."
" Living for thirty years," I laugh at myself," I didn't know there was a man named Zheng Xiyang."
" Later on like this for ten years," Uncle crossed his arm in the chest "" West decide a little big, who is also smart, I think has forgot that he is not your uncle biological children, but there is such a day, I go to work, pick up the" City daily", see above a missing person, said to be looking for August 2, 1981 11 at noon in the city people's Hospital at the door that one family. There are particular described an old woman and her three sons. This advertisement is very strange, our colleagues are still in discussion. But I was confused, I know the advertiser must be Xi Jue birth parents, I will go to your father and your uncle called them, your dad said we spent the night together to discuss countermeasures -- but in the afternoon, your uncle go -- heart disease, we all don't know, he was so young to have heart disease, your dad said, is to be always on tenterhooks years of, boiled. Who knows! Uncle cup, drink some cold drop of black tea," the rest of the things you'll see. The first is your uncle, then is your aunt, then West decide to my child. At that time the house so big things, we also have no mind to the ad, and later, the notice and no longer appeared in the newspaper, also no other news, flash, so many years passed."
" Uncle," I licked the chapped lips," really great, such a big thing, these year you every day watching the West decide in front of you dangling, you should eat to sleep, you."
I'm used to it. He sighed heavily," I thought that as long as I live for the day, I kept this secret for a day. Then one day I discovered that, apart from me, who know the secret, not in. Now I don't know myself -- so I think there should be a person knows this matter, if my body is not a problem, I said to you when I didn't come today. If I really ... If Xi Jue parents one day come, I said the event, home to at least know what happened -- your grandmother said, they would have no place, I want to tell you three", it is her that everything to hang on the face, you, you more attention, more will decide, and I can't see it, it is up to you to decide whether to tell you, three uncles, let the West decide I know, if someone comes looking for him to do, are you, I out of sight out of mind." He hesitated for a moment, "and, in any case, you are good, the West decide it, help me to stretch the company, until at least the music can really independent so far ... East Ni, I put the home to you."
Person who knows the secret will die, but uncle decided to let the secret to live, so, he chose me.
" I thought," a stiff smile make my cheek feel a little strange itch," I thought, I am not the child -- but, however, is actually the West decide, what a joke."
" It is your father or uncle," undoubtedly waving his arm," he nothing, he needed an excuse to complete your mother -- how can you not this child? You don't know, you little time longer and your aunt is as like as two peas,, you have an aunt, my sister, your uncle 's sister, but she only live eight years old .... I mean, until the age of eight, you are like her, you are grown up after getting more like your mother -- so those at sixes and sevens. I never believe. East neon, the children crying ... ...."
I jumped as if wakening from a dream. Think mind abnormal awake, awake to the surrounding all things quietly issued a tiny vibrating sound. " Uncle," go to the bedroom door and asked me suddenly look back," you believe me, I have something to tell you," I try to smile," but I don't tell you now. I will wait for your body no problem will cheap christian louboutin shoes tell you, no matter it is diagnosed, or after the operation, but uncle, do you remember, you have to refuel, physicians should you do you listen to -- you have not listened to my story." No time to see the expression on his face, I turned around, with the last bit of strength and spirit support their final normal sentence words," not early, uncle let me send you home, then I will go to the store." Follow me into the room, closing the door behind, I know my body like a broken broken strings, also know their own shed floods down one's cheeks.
You fool, Xi jue. Fool, Xi jue. Thank you, Xi Jue, thank you.
Back in eleventh.
Meimei
Rubber band in the fracture of the moment has come to life,
Because this seems to come unexpectedly fracture,
Can finally released
It hides the burst.
On those days I just wake up, in the shop. From opening to closing, - sometimes I take Zheng Chenggong, because uncle soon to be operation, only open his stomach, the doctor can determine whether or not the shadows of evil, so this time I do not want to let the three uncles to worry about my things. I can put his walker is fixed in a corner behind the bar -- he never walk, only barely stand it, give him a gadget, is sometimes presented to the customer key chain, sometimes is an empty of sugar small iron box, he can eat with appetite to do good for a long time. I sat on the stool top overlooking him quietly, suddenly I feel that he is a hidden in the light in the forest small mushrooms, completely invisible bar wall behind those shaking of the face, the guests laugh or below for him but is cross head wind.
I put the cup filled with water, forced to put in front of him, a word for word with emphasis:" uncle, this is black tea, nuanwei."
" Still useful?" He looked at me sadly.
"Don't say enough." I didn't say the command by using the tone.
Uncle laugh out, while patting meThis, and my grandmother share.
" Uncle," I think the fingertips numb, suffering increasingly heavy feeling of suffocation, I asked him," the girl, who is born dead girl, is my sister? She have a name?"
"." Uncle nodded," she told West Yang, flying Yang, is your uncle from."
" Living for thirty years," I laugh at myself," I didn't know there was a man named Zheng Xiyang."
" Later on like this for ten years," Uncle crossed his arm in the chest "" West decide a little big, who is also smart, I think has forgot that he is not your uncle biological children, but there is such a day, I go to work, pick up the" City daily", see above a missing person, said to be looking for August 2, 1981 11 at noon in the city people's Hospital at the door that one family. There are particular described an old woman and her three sons. This advertisement is very strange, our colleagues are still in discussion. But I was confused, I know the advertiser must be Xi Jue birth parents, I will go to your father and your uncle called them, your dad said we spent the night together to discuss countermeasures -- but in the afternoon, your uncle go -- heart disease, we all don't know, he was so young to have heart disease, your dad said, is to be always on tenterhooks years of, boiled. Who knows! Uncle cup, drink some cold drop of black tea," the rest of the things you'll see. The first is your uncle, then is your aunt, then West decide to my child. At that time the house so big things, we also have no mind to the ad, and later, the notice and no longer appeared in the newspaper, also no other news, flash, so many years passed."
" Uncle," I licked the chapped lips," really great, such a big thing, these year you every day watching the West decide in front of you dangling, you should eat to sleep, you."
I'm used to it. He sighed heavily," I thought that as long as I live for the day, I kept this secret for a day. Then one day I discovered that, apart from me, who know the secret, not in. Now I don't know myself -- so I think there should be a person knows this matter, if my body is not a problem, I said to you when I didn't come today. If I really ... If Xi Jue parents one day come, I said the event, home to at least know what happened -- your grandmother said, they would have no place, I want to tell you three", it is her that everything to hang on the face, you, you more attention, more will decide, and I can't see it, it is up to you to decide whether to tell you, three uncles, let the West decide I know, if someone comes looking for him to do, are you, I out of sight out of mind." He hesitated for a moment, "and, in any case, you are good, the West decide it, help me to stretch the company, until at least the music can really independent so far ... East Ni, I put the home to you."
Person who knows the secret will die, but uncle decided to let the secret to live, so, he chose me.
" I thought," a stiff smile make my cheek feel a little strange itch," I thought, I am not the child -- but, however, is actually the West decide, what a joke."
" It is your father or uncle," undoubtedly waving his arm," he nothing, he needed an excuse to complete your mother -- how can you not this child? You don't know, you little time longer and your aunt is as like as two peas,, you have an aunt, my sister, your uncle 's sister, but she only live eight years old .... I mean, until the age of eight, you are like her, you are grown up after getting more like your mother -- so those at sixes and sevens. I never believe. East neon, the children crying ... ...."
I jumped as if wakening from a dream. Think mind abnormal awake, awake to the surrounding all things quietly issued a tiny vibrating sound. " Uncle," go to the bedroom door and asked me suddenly look back," you believe me, I have something to tell you," I try to smile," but I don't tell you now. I will wait for your body no problem will cheap christian louboutin shoes tell you, no matter it is diagnosed, or after the operation, but uncle, do you remember, you have to refuel, physicians should you do you listen to -- you have not listened to my story." No time to see the expression on his face, I turned around, with the last bit of strength and spirit support their final normal sentence words," not early, uncle let me send you home, then I will go to the store." Follow me into the room, closing the door behind, I know my body like a broken broken strings, also know their own shed floods down one's cheeks.
You fool, Xi jue. Fool, Xi jue. Thank you, Xi Jue, thank you.
Back in eleventh.
Meimei
Rubber band in the fracture of the moment has come to life,
Because this seems to come unexpectedly fracture,
Can finally released
It hides the burst.
On those days I just wake up, in the shop. From opening to closing, - sometimes I take Zheng Chenggong, because uncle soon to be operation, only open his stomach, the doctor can determine whether or not the shadows of evil, so this time I do not want to let the three uncles to worry about my things. I can put his walker is fixed in a corner behind the bar -- he never walk, only barely stand it, give him a gadget, is sometimes presented to the customer key chain, sometimes is an empty of sugar small iron box, he can eat with appetite to do good for a long time. I sat on the stool top overlooking him quietly, suddenly I feel that he is a hidden in the light in the forest small mushrooms, completely invisible bar wall behind those shaking of the face, the guests laugh or below for him but is cross head wind.
2011年11月8日星期二
My Thoughts On Uncharted 3: Drakes Deception
A day one purchase is a verbal vow that some of us promise ourselves. It’s something we internally agree on as early as the viewing of the first trailer or even teaser of a certain game. Recently, I’ve been going through an annoying lack of time issue when it comes to wanting to play games. When I eventually get time off work and when I’m not using that time for dance training, I usually spend the hours playing Starcraft 2 or Final Fantasy XIV. (now that it’s much more playable) The great advantage I get from mentally deciding on a day one purchase, is that I will plan very far into the future and make sure that on the morning of the chosen games release, I have no commitments on that day other than to be a couch potato with a rotting video game addiction. Thanks to Naughty Dog and their great craftsmanship, from the minute I completed Uncharted 2, Uncharted 3 received the title of day one purchase. Little did I know that I would be somewhat disappointed with my purchase and that I would have much rather waited until the game went down to at least £25. I really would like to start off by saying that I don’t feel that Uncharted 3 made a big enough leap from the previous game but I can see where it could be debated that the second game didn’t leave much room to be improved upon due to it being such a masterpiece. Due to that fair and understandable counter argument, I won’t make that statement. What I will say though, is that while UC3 didn’t exactly need to refine the majority of its mechanics, that shouldn’t have given it a free pass to bore me to death with the exact same things. 
Resuming control of Nathan Drake 2 years after Among Thieves was like a weird friendship that gradually degenerated from a happy reunion into trying to remember why and how you became such close friends in the first place. This slow grinding realisation came into fruition at about 40% through the game. There is only so much I can take of running, shooting and climbing in one sitting. I completed the game in 2 days but was tempted to put the game down to carry on later quite a few times. Yes, Uncharted 3 is a third person action game. I know this. It’s about a brave, witty and acrobatic treasure hunter who reminds us of his wit whenever things aren’t going his way. Bad guys come after him all the time, so you have to hide behind cover and shoot people in the face. Occasionally, a puzzle will have to be solved which will require you to look through Drakes nicely organised notes in order to get an idea on how to solve it and you can bet your two shoes that once you have, you’ll be right back to the gunplay because you most likely just solved the puzzle for your enemy that was too dumb to do it himself. Believe me, I understand what this game is all about but I can’t help but feel insulted when I climb a ladder, then climb another ladder. Then I almost reach the top but then the middle bit breaks causing Drake to fall and potentially break his neck, but wait!… it stopped half way! Phew! Then I’m climbing a ledge that crumbles but Drake manages jumps on to something else at the last second! That was close! After that I’m climbing on a giant chandelier that suddenly falls apart but then Drake uses the broken apparatus to help him in his climb. How nimble you are mister Drake!
It was nice in Uncharted 2 and I understand that “it wouldn’t be Uncharted if that didn’t happen” but there is no need to constantly shoehorn it into almost every single climbing encounter in the game. I didn’t have a problem with it in UC2 because it was still a bit fresh to me but I can’t say the same anymore now that I’ve been strangled with the run, shoot, climb cycle. It becomes extremely predictable and I start to get annoyed. Not because it began to get so pre-emptively obvious but because I wonder if the developers actually thought I would be shocked and entertained each and every time it happened. It’s just like when I was 6 years old and I would suddenly jump into my older brother’s room while he did his school work, in a foolish attempt to scare him. Instead I would fail, wait round the corner for 2 minutes and then do the exact same thing hoping that maybe, just maybe, I might get a jump out of him. With these instances, Naughty Dog insulted my intelligence, which is something I was very displeased with.
Resuming control of Nathan Drake 2 years after Among Thieves was like a weird friendship that gradually degenerated from a happy reunion into trying to remember why and how you became such close friends in the first place. This slow grinding realisation came into fruition at about 40% through the game. There is only so much I can take of running, shooting and climbing in one sitting. I completed the game in 2 days but was tempted to put the game down to carry on later quite a few times. Yes, Uncharted 3 is a third person action game. I know this. It’s about a brave, witty and acrobatic treasure hunter who reminds us of his wit whenever things aren’t going his way. Bad guys come after him all the time, so you have to hide behind cover and shoot people in the face. Occasionally, a puzzle will have to be solved which will require you to look through Drakes nicely organised notes in order to get an idea on how to solve it and you can bet your two shoes that once you have, you’ll be right back to the gunplay because you most likely just solved the puzzle for your enemy that was too dumb to do it himself. Believe me, I understand what this game is all about but I can’t help but feel insulted when I climb a ladder, then climb another ladder. Then I almost reach the top but then the middle bit breaks causing Drake to fall and potentially break his neck, but wait!… it stopped half way! Phew! Then I’m climbing a ledge that crumbles but Drake manages jumps on to something else at the last second! That was close! After that I’m climbing on a giant chandelier that suddenly falls apart but then Drake uses the broken apparatus to help him in his climb. How nimble you are mister Drake!It was nice in Uncharted 2 and I understand that “it wouldn’t be Uncharted if that didn’t happen” but there is no need to constantly shoehorn it into almost every single climbing encounter in the game. I didn’t have a problem with it in UC2 because it was still a bit fresh to me but I can’t say the same anymore now that I’ve been strangled with the run, shoot, climb cycle. It becomes extremely predictable and I start to get annoyed. Not because it began to get so pre-emptively obvious but because I wonder if the developers actually thought I would be shocked and entertained each and every time it happened. It’s just like when I was 6 years old and I would suddenly jump into my older brother’s room while he did his school work, in a foolish attempt to scare him. Instead I would fail, wait round the corner for 2 minutes and then do the exact same thing hoping that maybe, just maybe, I might get a jump out of him. With these instances, Naughty Dog insulted my intelligence, which is something I was very displeased with.
2011年11月6日星期日
Do Clothes Really Make the Man?
Give or take a century or so, what we know as golf was first engaged regularly by sheepherders in Scotland. Holland, China and France may dispute the game's origins, but history has laid it on the Scots. That works for me.
The game, legend has it, consisted of the bored herders occupied themselves by hitting pebbles into rabbit holes, or "scrapes," into the corrugated landscape on which the animals grazed. Ultimately, the pebbles evolved into feather-filled leather balls and have since evolved into the dimpled darlings that we curse at least once a round of contemporary golf.
Back to the sheepherders. What were they wearing? This was seaside Scotland: windy, cold and usually wet. Probably woolen caps with ear flaps, wool pants and jackets, maybe sheepskin in the colder months. On their feet were no doubt boots of some sort, probably precursors of the "Wellies" so common today in the British Isles.
Like the golf ball's evolution clothing has evolved over the centuries. In an 1857 magazine, probably one of the earliest references to shoes dedicated to the game declared that people playing golf ought wear stout shoes "roughed with small nails or sprigs" to help maintain footing in slippery turf. Styles have changed over the centuries because of that suggestion, and as technology advanced screw-in spikes appeared near the end of the 1800s.
Shoes, not boots, were not the thing to wear on a golf course and early in the 20th century the first saddle shoes made their appearance as a fashion statement that continued for almost a hundred years. One only has to look at the footwear available today to mark the change in materials, spikes going from metal to soft plastic and to shoe colors. This could bring us to Rickie Fowler, but we'll hold off on him for a bit.
Clothing, of course, made changes as well. Hats, for example, have come through countless permutations since the shepherds in their woolies. A hundred years ago most "serious" golfers wore what were called "fisherman's" caps. Ben Hogan's was one of these and if you want one on eBay, just type in "Ben Hogan Cap" and there will be a plethora of choices.
One does not see that headwear around very much anymore, other than adorning a few individualists or in retro golf tournaments that require early 20th century apparel and equipment. What we call the baseball cap is pretty much the standard and, even this basic topper has gone through changes, from domed to flat-top ("painters' caps"), long-billed and short, preformed flat or curved bills. Greg Norman introduced to golf what the Texicans have worn forever, "big hats," cowboy style.
But the toppers worn by The Shark were not Stetsons, they were of a different style and material with flashier adornments. Jesper Parnevik wore the bill of his cap pointed upward, displaying his sponsor's logo. We're getting closer to Rickie here.
Whereas golfers in the first half of the 20th century's wore long-sleeved shirts, many with neckties, a little alligator sewed on the breast of a polo shirt changed all that. Izod's replica of a prehistoric beastie set the tone for the standard golf shirt, even now in the 21st century.
Aside from equipment and textiles, there were other changes. Hair, over millennia, was not styled; it was cut to any given length or not cut at all. In the latter years of 1960s styles became fashionable and somehow, along with these, as Arnie's Army was retiring, came the clone era of golf: Same hair style, same clothing, albeit in different colors and patterns (Oh God, those plaids!) and they all began to look alike. Doug Sanders, whose career was then in decline, was the exception. He was that era's Fowler. So here, we come to the estimable Rickie.
Fowler is the fashion plate of the PGA Tour. It is on television that 98 percent of us get to see the players. When Rickie appeared in Scotland dressed entirely in burnt orange from cap to shoes, one Brit noted that he looked "like an escaped convict." When Fowler appeared in the press room after a Masters round he had his cap on backwards. He shortly had his cap turned "correctly" to by an august Augusta member, which made the news. He commented rightly that he considered the press room an informal and loose environment. "I wear my cap backwards so people can see my face," he commented, adding that he was not aware of the gaffe.
Lest you think I am picking on him, the contrary is true. I admire him for being an individual. The same goes for life-ravaged John Daly. The same goes for Charly Hoffman, whose long hair at least once in a telecast will be mentioned in words a tee-width short of derogatory. My admiration goes to Adam Scott, Ian Poulter and the others who are individuals, not clones. Chief among the fashion critics is Johnny Miller, who seems to regard a pause in commentary as tantamount to inhaling sharply during a polygraph.
I must interject here that by mentioning only male golfers, I am not disregarding women who golf. I don't see enough LPGA events to make any comments, but from what I have seen and heard the women have a far better handle on their wardrobes, individuality and commentary from the booth.
Quoting from "Uncyclopedia": "Golf clothing is a longstanding practical joke . . ."
Taking a look at the hair, the tartans and plaid pants of Jack Nicklaus and Johnny Miller in the 1980s brings forth another quote, "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone."
The game, legend has it, consisted of the bored herders occupied themselves by hitting pebbles into rabbit holes, or "scrapes," into the corrugated landscape on which the animals grazed. Ultimately, the pebbles evolved into feather-filled leather balls and have since evolved into the dimpled darlings that we curse at least once a round of contemporary golf.
Back to the sheepherders. What were they wearing? This was seaside Scotland: windy, cold and usually wet. Probably woolen caps with ear flaps, wool pants and jackets, maybe sheepskin in the colder months. On their feet were no doubt boots of some sort, probably precursors of the "Wellies" so common today in the British Isles.
Like the golf ball's evolution clothing has evolved over the centuries. In an 1857 magazine, probably one of the earliest references to shoes dedicated to the game declared that people playing golf ought wear stout shoes "roughed with small nails or sprigs" to help maintain footing in slippery turf. Styles have changed over the centuries because of that suggestion, and as technology advanced screw-in spikes appeared near the end of the 1800s.
Shoes, not boots, were not the thing to wear on a golf course and early in the 20th century the first saddle shoes made their appearance as a fashion statement that continued for almost a hundred years. One only has to look at the footwear available today to mark the change in materials, spikes going from metal to soft plastic and to shoe colors. This could bring us to Rickie Fowler, but we'll hold off on him for a bit.
Clothing, of course, made changes as well. Hats, for example, have come through countless permutations since the shepherds in their woolies. A hundred years ago most "serious" golfers wore what were called "fisherman's" caps. Ben Hogan's was one of these and if you want one on eBay, just type in "Ben Hogan Cap" and there will be a plethora of choices.
One does not see that headwear around very much anymore, other than adorning a few individualists or in retro golf tournaments that require early 20th century apparel and equipment. What we call the baseball cap is pretty much the standard and, even this basic topper has gone through changes, from domed to flat-top ("painters' caps"), long-billed and short, preformed flat or curved bills. Greg Norman introduced to golf what the Texicans have worn forever, "big hats," cowboy style.
But the toppers worn by The Shark were not Stetsons, they were of a different style and material with flashier adornments. Jesper Parnevik wore the bill of his cap pointed upward, displaying his sponsor's logo. We're getting closer to Rickie here.
Whereas golfers in the first half of the 20th century's wore long-sleeved shirts, many with neckties, a little alligator sewed on the breast of a polo shirt changed all that. Izod's replica of a prehistoric beastie set the tone for the standard golf shirt, even now in the 21st century.
Aside from equipment and textiles, there were other changes. Hair, over millennia, was not styled; it was cut to any given length or not cut at all. In the latter years of 1960s styles became fashionable and somehow, along with these, as Arnie's Army was retiring, came the clone era of golf: Same hair style, same clothing, albeit in different colors and patterns (Oh God, those plaids!) and they all began to look alike. Doug Sanders, whose career was then in decline, was the exception. He was that era's Fowler. So here, we come to the estimable Rickie.
Fowler is the fashion plate of the PGA Tour. It is on television that 98 percent of us get to see the players. When Rickie appeared in Scotland dressed entirely in burnt orange from cap to shoes, one Brit noted that he looked "like an escaped convict." When Fowler appeared in the press room after a Masters round he had his cap on backwards. He shortly had his cap turned "correctly" to by an august Augusta member, which made the news. He commented rightly that he considered the press room an informal and loose environment. "I wear my cap backwards so people can see my face," he commented, adding that he was not aware of the gaffe.
Lest you think I am picking on him, the contrary is true. I admire him for being an individual. The same goes for life-ravaged John Daly. The same goes for Charly Hoffman, whose long hair at least once in a telecast will be mentioned in words a tee-width short of derogatory. My admiration goes to Adam Scott, Ian Poulter and the others who are individuals, not clones. Chief among the fashion critics is Johnny Miller, who seems to regard a pause in commentary as tantamount to inhaling sharply during a polygraph.
I must interject here that by mentioning only male golfers, I am not disregarding women who golf. I don't see enough LPGA events to make any comments, but from what I have seen and heard the women have a far better handle on their wardrobes, individuality and commentary from the booth.
Quoting from "Uncyclopedia": "Golf clothing is a longstanding practical joke . . ."
Taking a look at the hair, the tartans and plaid pants of Jack Nicklaus and Johnny Miller in the 1980s brings forth another quote, "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone."
2011年11月3日星期四
Lauritzen Gardens always in season
The Lauritzen Gardens in Omaha, Neb., started with a rose garden in 1995. Today, beautiful plantings, water features, educational classes, shows, and events bring 200,000 visitors a year to the 100-acre botanical garden.
The Omaha Botanical Center is on the site of woods and rolling terraces on a bluff, giving spectacular views from some locations. The Missouri River is a short distance to the east and is visible from Kenefick Park that houses Union Pacific Railroad's Big Boy No. 4023 and Centennial No. 6900.
The walk from the railroad cars to the museum itself is through well-tended perennial and annual beds as well as giant containers of flowers and plantings.
Visitors enter Lauritzen through a 32,000 square-foot visitor/education center which by itself is worth a trip. At the center of the building there is a dramatic 65-foot tall vaulted glass roof that is visible from the highway. When we visited a few weeks ago the 5,000 square-foot display hall housed a fall chrysanthemum show and a bonsai show.
The four-acre arboretum at Lauritzen Gardens has several plant communities to wander through including: Oak, Savannah, Prairie, Hickory forest, Maple Linden forest, Farmstead, Marsh and Floodplain. The gardens to visit include: Herb, Children's, Japanese, Shade/Hosta, Victorian, Song of the Lark Meadow, and others.
The Song of the Lark Meadow is filled with native plants. It is a wonder to watch the constant movement of the birds and butterflies moving around its flowers. The meadow is named after a Willa Cather short story and the bronze sculpture in the garden is “Startled” is by Kent Ullberg.
At the opposite end of the spectrum, the Hitchcock-Kountze Victorian Garden is English. Its design is formal and restful and full of artistic features, a gazing pond and walkways.
There is also a traditional English perennial border nearby. Gardeners have installed 300 plant species that include sun and shade perennials.
Wear comfortable shoes and plan to walk to The Garden in the Glen, on the woodland trail with pools, waterfalls, and a stream.
The six-acre Japanese Garden's Sunpu Castle Gate and Mt. Fuji replica were planned and constructed by Japanese artisans in 2005. Twenty-four stone lanterns were contributed by Mr. Yoichiro Suzuki and Mr. Tsutomu Asada of Shizuoka Japan.
One of the most popular gardens is the model railroad with seven trains running through scenes of the area and replicas of famous local buildings.
The Model Train Garden is made of twigs, bark, pinecones, gourds, leaves, etc. Omaha landmark buildings made of the same materials include the Livestock Exchange Building, St. Cecelia Cathedral, and the Durham Museum.
The trains, Big Boy, a freight and passenger train and a covered bridge run on miles of track that travel through gardens, over bridges and around natural features. Paul Busse of Applied Imagination landscape designed and built the train garden.
From Thanksgiving and through December Lauritzen Garden puts on its annual Poinsettia Show with almost 6,000 poinsettias and parts of the Model Train Garden. January will feature plants from Amy Stewart's “Wicked Plants.” The exhibit will showcase dozens of infamous plants with bad reputations.
Next spring, the highlight will be The David and Pamela Gross Family Spring Flowering Walk where thousands of bulbs, trees and shrubs will be in bloom. Dozens of magnolia varieties, crabapples, redbuds, dogwoods and serviceberries keep the flowers coming from March through May.
The Lauritzen Gardens is open 362 days a year.
The Omaha Botanical Center is on the site of woods and rolling terraces on a bluff, giving spectacular views from some locations. The Missouri River is a short distance to the east and is visible from Kenefick Park that houses Union Pacific Railroad's Big Boy No. 4023 and Centennial No. 6900.
The walk from the railroad cars to the museum itself is through well-tended perennial and annual beds as well as giant containers of flowers and plantings.
Visitors enter Lauritzen through a 32,000 square-foot visitor/education center which by itself is worth a trip. At the center of the building there is a dramatic 65-foot tall vaulted glass roof that is visible from the highway. When we visited a few weeks ago the 5,000 square-foot display hall housed a fall chrysanthemum show and a bonsai show.
The four-acre arboretum at Lauritzen Gardens has several plant communities to wander through including: Oak, Savannah, Prairie, Hickory forest, Maple Linden forest, Farmstead, Marsh and Floodplain. The gardens to visit include: Herb, Children's, Japanese, Shade/Hosta, Victorian, Song of the Lark Meadow, and others.
The Song of the Lark Meadow is filled with native plants. It is a wonder to watch the constant movement of the birds and butterflies moving around its flowers. The meadow is named after a Willa Cather short story and the bronze sculpture in the garden is “Startled” is by Kent Ullberg.
At the opposite end of the spectrum, the Hitchcock-Kountze Victorian Garden is English. Its design is formal and restful and full of artistic features, a gazing pond and walkways.
There is also a traditional English perennial border nearby. Gardeners have installed 300 plant species that include sun and shade perennials.
Wear comfortable shoes and plan to walk to The Garden in the Glen, on the woodland trail with pools, waterfalls, and a stream.
The six-acre Japanese Garden's Sunpu Castle Gate and Mt. Fuji replica were planned and constructed by Japanese artisans in 2005. Twenty-four stone lanterns were contributed by Mr. Yoichiro Suzuki and Mr. Tsutomu Asada of Shizuoka Japan.
One of the most popular gardens is the model railroad with seven trains running through scenes of the area and replicas of famous local buildings.
The Model Train Garden is made of twigs, bark, pinecones, gourds, leaves, etc. Omaha landmark buildings made of the same materials include the Livestock Exchange Building, St. Cecelia Cathedral, and the Durham Museum.
The trains, Big Boy, a freight and passenger train and a covered bridge run on miles of track that travel through gardens, over bridges and around natural features. Paul Busse of Applied Imagination landscape designed and built the train garden.
From Thanksgiving and through December Lauritzen Garden puts on its annual Poinsettia Show with almost 6,000 poinsettias and parts of the Model Train Garden. January will feature plants from Amy Stewart's “Wicked Plants.” The exhibit will showcase dozens of infamous plants with bad reputations.
Next spring, the highlight will be The David and Pamela Gross Family Spring Flowering Walk where thousands of bulbs, trees and shrubs will be in bloom. Dozens of magnolia varieties, crabapples, redbuds, dogwoods and serviceberries keep the flowers coming from March through May.
The Lauritzen Gardens is open 362 days a year.
85 Years of Wonder
Performers this year include Rodney Atkins, Mary J. Blige, Cobra Starship, Neil Diamond, Cee Lo Green, Avril Lavigne, Scotty McCreery, Daniel Radcliffe and the cast of Broadway's How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying
--New Balloons include Paul Frank's Julius, Sonic the Hedgehog, Aflac Duck and Tim Burton's B.
--New Floats include Fall Frozen Fun, Gift of Freedom, Hats Off To Our Heritage!, P.B. Polar Bear, and ZHU-NIVERSE!
America's favorite holiday tradition returns once more to dazzle and enchant millions nationwide with its signature magic. On Thursday, Nov. 24, 2011 at 9 a.m., the 85th Anniversary Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade(R) will take to the streets of New York City with a cornucopia of whimsical treats for the whole family. From new giant character helium balloons to out-of--this world floats, the magic begins at the sound of Let's Have A Parade! More than 8,000 participants including a gaggle of clowns, exciting performance groups, pulse-pounding marching bands, celebrities and the one-and-only Santa Claus will kick-off the holidays with the 85th march of unrivaled wonder.
In 1924, a foundation was set for an incomparable procession that has grown into a world-famous icon. Giving thanks while giving back to New York and the nation, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade has become the benchmark for pageantry and the official celebration that marks the start of the holiday season. Yearly, America's parade delights more than 3.5 million spectators lining the streets of Manhattan and more than 50 million television viewers nationwide.
"Since the first storied march in 1924, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade has been a call to celebration. Over the years, gathering to watch the parade, whether in person or on television, has become a tradition for families across the nation and synonymous with the start of the holiday season," said Amy Kule, executive producer of Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. "This year as we celebrate 85 years of magical moments, we are truly humbled by the unique role the Macy's parade now fills in the lives of Americans, and we are thrilled to celebrate this special milestone with an unparalleled line-up of new balloons, floats and the nation's best performers - all here to kick-off the spectacular holiday season."
Taking the stage to help spread holiday cheer will be stars from music, film, stage, sports and television, who are set to perform for the nation at Macy's famed red star mark on 34th Street. Stars joining the festivities this year include Rodney Atkins; the Big Apple Circus; Mary J. Blige; Cobra Starship; Neil Diamond; Michael Feinstein; The Fresh Beat Band; Cee Lo Green; Avril Lavigne; Shelby Lynne; Mannheim Steamroller; China Anne McClain; Scotty McCreery; Ingrid Michaelson; the cast and Muppets of Sesame Street; Savannah Outen; Power Rangers Samurai; Daniel Radcliffe and the cast of Broadway's How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying; Miss America 2011 Teresa Scanlan; Willard Scott; cast of Broadway's Sister Act; cast of Broadway's Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark; Straight No Chaser; U.S. Naval Academy Glee Club; Johnny Weir; and Zendaya.
--New Balloons include Paul Frank's Julius, Sonic the Hedgehog, Aflac Duck and Tim Burton's B.
--New Floats include Fall Frozen Fun, Gift of Freedom, Hats Off To Our Heritage!, P.B. Polar Bear, and ZHU-NIVERSE!
America's favorite holiday tradition returns once more to dazzle and enchant millions nationwide with its signature magic. On Thursday, Nov. 24, 2011 at 9 a.m., the 85th Anniversary Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade(R) will take to the streets of New York City with a cornucopia of whimsical treats for the whole family. From new giant character helium balloons to out-of--this world floats, the magic begins at the sound of Let's Have A Parade! More than 8,000 participants including a gaggle of clowns, exciting performance groups, pulse-pounding marching bands, celebrities and the one-and-only Santa Claus will kick-off the holidays with the 85th march of unrivaled wonder.
In 1924, a foundation was set for an incomparable procession that has grown into a world-famous icon. Giving thanks while giving back to New York and the nation, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade has become the benchmark for pageantry and the official celebration that marks the start of the holiday season. Yearly, America's parade delights more than 3.5 million spectators lining the streets of Manhattan and more than 50 million television viewers nationwide.
"Since the first storied march in 1924, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade has been a call to celebration. Over the years, gathering to watch the parade, whether in person or on television, has become a tradition for families across the nation and synonymous with the start of the holiday season," said Amy Kule, executive producer of Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. "This year as we celebrate 85 years of magical moments, we are truly humbled by the unique role the Macy's parade now fills in the lives of Americans, and we are thrilled to celebrate this special milestone with an unparalleled line-up of new balloons, floats and the nation's best performers - all here to kick-off the spectacular holiday season."
Taking the stage to help spread holiday cheer will be stars from music, film, stage, sports and television, who are set to perform for the nation at Macy's famed red star mark on 34th Street. Stars joining the festivities this year include Rodney Atkins; the Big Apple Circus; Mary J. Blige; Cobra Starship; Neil Diamond; Michael Feinstein; The Fresh Beat Band; Cee Lo Green; Avril Lavigne; Shelby Lynne; Mannheim Steamroller; China Anne McClain; Scotty McCreery; Ingrid Michaelson; the cast and Muppets of Sesame Street; Savannah Outen; Power Rangers Samurai; Daniel Radcliffe and the cast of Broadway's How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying; Miss America 2011 Teresa Scanlan; Willard Scott; cast of Broadway's Sister Act; cast of Broadway's Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark; Straight No Chaser; U.S. Naval Academy Glee Club; Johnny Weir; and Zendaya.
2011年11月1日星期二
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