The new season of Project Runway finished taping last fall, with the finalists being sent home, as usual to work on their collections.

For those of you who don't know, it may never actually be seen on TV, due to a court order banning Lifetime from running it. Yes, NBC/Bravo are still crying infringement, suing the Weinstein Company from taking the show to a new network.

Anyway, plans for the show's finale are still in effect, and Project Runway is confirmed to have booked three hours in the main tent in Bryant Park on the last day of Fashion Week, Feb. 20.

In the past, Project Runway traditionally featured three finalists, however, in order to keep the finalists a secret, have allowed former contestants to also show their designs as decoys. This time around, instead of having the contestants introduce their respective clothing lines, the show will be keeping who's designs are who's a secret, to preserve some surprise when (and if) the show airs.



And what a shame it will be if we don't get to see it ... according to Tim Gunn, the show's fashion mentor, who recently spoke to New York magazine, "It's an incredible season. It really is, and I just want people to see it. And I want the designers on the show to get the exposure."

According to the New York Post, Lifetime' deal for P. Runway began to unravel last April when NBC/Bravo sued The Weinstein Company, claiming they had not been offered a contractually mandated chance to match Lifetime's offer to buy the show.

Since then the pending case included a copyright infringement claim by Lifetime against NBC/Bravo and an injunction that prevents Lifetime from marketing, selling advertising or airing the show.

No trial date has been set.

The New York Post reports that Project Runway Style Guru Tim Gunn is getting into it with some designers over their use of fur.
In conjunction with PETA, Gunn, now the chief creative officer for Liz Claiborne, has fired off videotaped personal pleas to Giorgio Armani and Donna Karan urging them to stop using rabbit fur from China, a place with no animal rights laws.
On the video is gruesome footage of rabbits being skinned alive and foxes getting electrocuted. Way to make your point Tim!
Armani and Karan were singled out, according to PETA, because they both made pledges to be fur-free, but have gone back on their word.
PETA has even gone so far as to launch a web site, DonnaKaranBunnyButcher.com where viewers can watch such videos as "Have You Ever Heard a Bunny Scream?" Wow, and just in time for the holidays.
Needlesstosay, I won’t be logging on to that one anytime soon. Personally, I would never wear fur, but I am guilty of wearing leather shoes …
What do you think?

Well there's no mistaking that tonight's all about The Phillies and Game 5 of the World Series. This could be it folks, so I'm not going to go into whatever else may be on TV, will any of you be watching anything else?

Hope you all had a great weekend, here's a few of my highlights:

I'm still catching up on things I taped last week, but my fave so far was Thursday's episode of Supernatural. The Winchester boys battled a ghost demon that had infected Dean and was threatening to scare him to death if they couldn't find a way to destroy it. Of course, they did and the bros will get to kill more demons in future episodes. However, what made this ep great was a short clip at the end of Jensen Ackles (Dean) lip-synching Survivor's Eye of the Tiger ... watch it here and enjoy http://www.movieweb.com/video/V08JQZ3x2ozAt5

On Friday night, AMC hosted a 30th Anniversary Special airing of John Carpenter's classic Halloween. Wow, where did the time go?Anyway, helping Michael Myers scare the bejesus out of you was original cast member PJ Soles (Linda), who gave up some trivia tidbits along with horror meister Rob Zombie. Zombie as you might remember, directed a "new" version of Halloween last year. Not as good as the original, but a gem nonetheless. It's available on DVD.


Jon Hamm/Don Draper
I watched Saturday Night Live this weekend, mostly because the handsome Jon Hamm was the guest host. Hamm was there to promote the season finale of AMC's Mad Men, which aired last night (taped it, didn't watch it yet, but I heard it was awesome!).
Anyway, the show actually had some pretty funny moments, which, of course, included a send-up of Mad Men. Stopping by to help out were the real Peggy Olson (Elizabeth Moss) and Roger Sterling (John Slattery). I especially appreciated Don Draper's Guide to Picking Up Women. Both can be seen here http://www.hulu.com/watch/40973/saturday-night-live-a-holes-pitch-meeting

I saw Saw V this weekend too. As usual, it had me squirming in my seat (oh the torture scenes)! I can definitely recommend this flick to any fans of the Jigsaw franchise. While not as good as the first (none of them are), it was just as gripping as the other sequels, with more insight into our favorite puzzling killer (actually Jigsaw doesn't really "kill" anybody, they always have a choice). However, if you haven't seen any of the others, don't bother, it would be too confusing.
And in case you were wondering, Saw VI is definitely in the works. Over on VH1, there's another horrible reality show called Scream Queens and the prize has something to do with a part in Saw VI.

Last night on the Amazing Race, the contestants raced from New Zealand to Cambodia without too much fanfare. Bro/Sis Nick & Starr came in first at the Pit Stop and long distance dating couple Aja & Ty were the unlucky last place finishers. The only real interesting thing that happened was that Terence & Sarah were pulled over for speeding to the airport. Terence got a ticket, and we were told by Phil at the end of the show that it will cost them a 30-minute penalty at the start of the next leg.

Bye-Bye Aja & Ty
Next week's show, however, looks pretty good. Starr and Dallas get close, while Ken finally loses it on Tina! For info or to watch visit http://www.cbs.com/primetime/amazing_race/

Over on HBO the vampires of Bon Temps were back to business as usual. When we last left True Blood, town vigilantes burned down the home of some of Bill's vampire pals, and Sookie assumed Bill was with them. Turns out Bill was just sleeping in the dirt and emerged in the middle of the night, naked, to re-connect with Sookie again ... Sookie's crazy bro Jason is hooked up with some mystery chick who indulges in his passion for V (vampire blood, which provides some kind of halucinogenic effect on humans).

Vamp Sheriff Eric
Luckily for me, the episode ended up at Fangtasia with Eric, who Bill tells us is the Sheriff of the vampire ward, using Sookie's mind-reading powers to help find who's been stealing from the vamps. Can't wait till next week.
http://www.hbo.com/trueblood/

And on Wisteria Lane, the Desperate Housewives gave us a little insight into what has been going on for the past five years (this season jumped ahead five years for the viewers). The best one, I have to say, is Gabby's story! It was hilarious, I love the way she shoves Carlos around. We didn't really find out too much, I guess it's way to early in the season for that!For info or to watch visit http://abc.go.com/primetime/desperate/index?pn=index

TV News: The NY Post today confirms that Bravo is indeed working on its own Project Runway copycat. Speculation started last week after an ad popped up on craigslist looking for fashion designer contestants. The show is tentatively titled Fashion House and is still in the working stages.
In the meantime, www.nypost.com also reports that the original Project Runway just wrapped preliminary competition in Los Angeles. The finalists have been sent home to create their collections to be filmed during Fashion Week at Bryant Park in February.
However, there have been some changes ... apparently show judges Michael Kors and Nina Garcia are hardly in the show. More time has been devoted to guest judges as Rebecca Romijn, Eva Longoria and Lindsay Lohan. Also, fabric store Mood has been replaced. It seems that the LA store was too far from the shooting sites, so producers put a fake Mood storefront on another fabric store and shot there instead.
Before you get all bent out of shape, keep this in mind, with the current court order stopping the sale of Project Runway to Lifetime, who knows if we'll ever see this season?

The Finalists - Korto, Leanne & Kenley

Well, it's over ... and now the day after let down. Another season of Project Runway ends, and it's the last we'll see on Bravo. But what an exciting episode it was!
As predicted, Leanne Marshall was awarded the $100,000 grand prize and, as my mom put it, a nice "cheap" Saturn hybrid. But it was a close finish ... for those of you who watched, you know what I mean. My mom, sister and myself kept changing our minds throughout the show, hedging more to Korto to win ... at first we thought Korto was definitely "out" and the real competition would be between Kenley and Leanne. However, early on, continuing her signature snarkiness, Kenley got into a riff with mentor Tim Gunn over her collection ... that's a PR no-no! Even Korto went against Gunn initially and was going to show her wedding dress again. She changed her mind later, and redesigned her bridesmaid's gown instead.
Leanne wasn't satisfied with her pants, but Gunn urged her to leave them in the show anyway. Smart Leanne listened ... and the judges specifically commented on how much they liked them (ALWAYS listen to Tim!).
After casting their models, consulting with hair and make-up artists, (I could've done without the dog poop on the floor though), even Korto remade two outfits in the wee hours of the morning beforehand ... it was off to the big show in Bryant Park.
And what an event it was ... everyone was there, from show owner Harvey Weinstein, to Bravo reality star Rachel Zoe. The audience also included lots of former Project Runway contestants - Christian Siriano (looking fierce, I might add), Gillian, Blaine, Daniel, Rami, Chris March and others, I can't remember them all, sorry.
Afterwards, the judging began and it got heated. While the judges on the whole liked Kenley's collection, she was chastised for looking too much like the Balenciaga collection that was shown earlier in the week. This brought a harsh reaction from Kenley, who is sick and tired of being accused of copying others' work. "No one likes to be called a copycat when they know they're a true artist!"
Korto was praised for implementing her ethnic heritage. Former Elle fashion editor Nina Garcia said her collection was "effortlessly cohesive" - always a good word from the judge's mouth. Gunn said she "hit a bullseye" and called it "sublime," while hostess Heidi Klum considered it "overworked." That's when I knew Korto had lost - "overworked" never bodes well for a contestant.
Leanne's collection received kudos at first, but was criticized for being "too much of one note," considering her theme "waves" was well executed in all her looks. Kors was afraid she would become the Queen of the Petals - "and Petals Marshall sounds like a stripper not a designer."
In the end, we all held our breath as the shows traditional ending beats ticked down till Heidi pronounced the winner - Leanne!

Leanne's flawless evening gown

Congratulations on a job well done to all - especially the producers who've achieved another great season. I only hope it continues wherever Project Runway ends up next.
Oh, by the way, for anonymous who asked about a Reunion Show - I can't find anything alluding to there being one. I guess maybe with the lawsuit between NBC and the Weinstein Co., they decided to make the finale the last show period. Bummer. And at the end of the broadcast, Bravo announced that Korto had received the Fan Favorite Award of $10,000. They usually award that during the reunion show.
In case you missed it, the 2-part finale airs again tonight beginning at 8 p.m. on Bravo.
For more info or to see screen captures of all the collections, visit http://www.bravotv.com/Project_Runway/season/5/index.php
And just for fun, check out the Tim Gunn Talking Bobblehead, a great Xmas gift for any Project Runway fan on your list! Visit tim gun bobblehead http://projectrunway.seenon.com/detail.php?p=24069

"Make it work people!"

And don't forget to tune into Bravo tonight for another episode of PR's mentor - Tim Gunn's Guide to Style, which moves into its permanent spot at 10 p.m.

Oh, and I need to mention, as if we weren't having heart palpitations over the impending winner announcement, Bravo took a few extra minutes of commercial time to air a brief look at Baz Luhrman's upcoming epic Australia. I don't know about you, but hunky Hugh Jackman really had my blood pumping! I'm not a huge fan of ice queen Nicole Kidman, but I think I might have to put up the $10 to see this one ... for info visit http://www.australiamovie.com/

Australia

On TV tonight: At 8 p.m. on CBS, it's time to get down and dirty with those wacky castaway's on Survivor: Gabon! Tonight an overwhelming hunger and homesickness jeopardizes one castaway. Oh, and "G Sizzle" gets lost! Hope he's next to go ... for info http://www.cbs.com/primetime/survivor/

My TV dilemma will be at 9 p.m. when CSI, Grey's Anatomy, Supernatural and Kitchen Nightmares all vy for my Nielsen rating ...Here's my plan: CSI was fantastic last week, dealing with the death of one of their own, investigator Warrick Brown ... however, tonight's episode will center around a murderous hypnotist ... I think I'll pass, maybe tape-worthy.

Grey's Anatomy (ABC, 9 pm) will center on McDreamy finding Meredith's mother's diary (oh boy, here goes, more problems for medicine's most morose couple), while Callie prepares for her first real date with Erica. How long are they going to draw out the lesbian hook-up storyline? I mean really, we get it, they like each other. Funny how everyone else on the show has no problem hoping in and out of bed with each other, but this flirt-fest has been going on since last Spring. Get over it already! As you can guess, I'll be skipping this one ...

Over on Fox, malicious chef Gordon Ramsay will unleash his fury on another failing restaurant on Kitchen Nightmares. This is one of my guiltiest pleasures. I hated this guy when Fox started airing Hell's Kitchen. Months later I caught his BBC America show (Kitchen Nightmares), same show, only filmed in Europe and came to greatly appreciate and respect this often scary man. So when Fox started an American version, I was right there for the premiere. Whether you love or hate him, you have to admit, he really knows his way around the kitchen and managing successful restaurants (according to Wikipedia, he owns 11 around the world).

However, as part of my Halloween Horror Watch, I'll be watching the CW's Supernatural at 9 p.m. Tonight's episode has demon hunter bros Sam and Dean chasing a shape-shifter, killing its victims disguised as classic movie monsters i.e. the wolfman, Dracula, the mummy, etc. Yeah, I'm definitely a horror junkie, especially every October ...

Then I'll probably switch on over to the Discovery Channel at 10 p.m. for Tornado Rampage 2008, a rehash, with lots of new footage, I hope, of all the tornadic carnage during tornado season last spring. I don't know what it is, but I just can't resist watching these amazing weather phenomena on TV - way better than seeing them in person!

For those of you not intersted in any of the above, why not tune in to HBO, which will be airing a mini-thon of the last three episodes of its vampire drama True Blood. Catch up on what people are talking about and get a little "taste" for yourself. http://www.hbo.com/trueblood/

Or you can get all teary and sentimental over on the ABC Family Channel beginning at 8 p.m. with that heart-tugging epic The Notebook. Starring Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams as young star-crossed lovers in this tale told by an aging man in a nursing home to an Alzheimer's victim. Be sure to have lots of tissues on hand!



Late Night Tonight: Presidential candidate John McCain finally makes his long-due debut on the Late Show with David Letterman (CBS, 11:35 pm). After cancelling a prior appearance, Dave has been really riding the Republican, let's hope he can make amends tonight.
Meanwhile, Democratic VP candidate Joe Biden sits down with Jay Leno on The Tonight Show (NBC, 11:35 pm).
And, Max Payne himself, Mark Wahlberg, stops by Jimmy Kimmel (ABC, 12:05 am) to chat up his latest flick, opening tomorrow.

And back to McCain ... apparently Obama supporter Jon Bon Jovi isn't too pleased with the Republican camp using his song, "Who Says You Can't Go Home." Jon recently told TMZ.com, "We wrote this song as a thank you to those who have supported us over the past 25 years. Although we were not asked, we do not approve of their use of 'Home.'" Heart and Jackson Browne have also objected to the GOP's use of their songs.(Of course, I'm just using this as an excuse to post a hot photo of Jon, enjoy!)

Love ya Jon!

In more serious news: A huge get well soon to Gale Harold, who was involved in a serious motorcycle crash in Los Angeles earlier this week. Best known for his portrayal of Brian on Showtime's Queer As Folk, the handsome Harold is currently playing Susan's (Teri Hatcher's) love interest on Desparate Housewives. As of Wednesday, he was still listed in critical condition with a fractured shoulder, but expected to make a full recovery.

Get Well Gale

And apparently there's a backlash brewing over those DirecTV commercials featuring classic movie scenes, using one of the original stars to promote the TV service.You've seen them, Sigourney Weaver in Aliens and Robert Patrick as the T1000 from the Terminator 2 helicopter scene ...

Well, folks aren't taking too well to the latest one, featuring the famous "They're here" clip from Poltergeist (which by the way is on my Top 5 All-Time Horror Movies List).
Craig T. Nelson is the one who promotes the service from his bed, but it's the appearance of tiny Heather O'Rourke who utters the famous line that's getting everyone all bent out of shape.
O'Rourke died in 1988 at age 12 of septic shock while undergoing an operation to remove a bowel obstruction ... thus adding to the folklore of the Poltergeist Curse.
In 1982 Dominique Dunne, who played older sister Dana, was murdered by her boyfriend shortly after the film's release.
In 1985, Julian Beck, who portrayed the "bad spirit" in Poltergeist II, died of stomach cancer. It wasn't unexpected, since he had been diagnosed in 1984.
In 1987 Will Sampson, who played the "good spirit" Indian helping Nelson in Poltergeist II, died after receiving a heart-lung transplant.
However, Poltergeist's creepy psychic Tangina (Zelda Rubenstein), long-rumored dead is alive and well and still working ...

And here's a bonus -- how many of you had nightmares over this uncredited star of Poltergeist?

CREEPY CLOWN DOLL!!!

Tonight network TV will be yet another Presidential Debate. This time the candidates will be arguing from Hofstra University on Long Island. I always look forward to these debates, not because I plan on watching ... but because it frees up my viewing because from 9-11 pm there won't be any regular programming on the major networks.
So I don't have to figure out how to juggle Lipstick Jungle, Dirty Sexy Money, South Park or Sons of Anarchy tonight. The first two shows won't be on ...


Tim & Heidi

So since I'm so over the debates, there's really only one thing that matters on TV tonight and that's the Season Finale of Project Runaway over on Bravo!! Yes kiddies, it's finally here ... who will be the winner and who will be out?
Taped about a month ago at New York City Fashion Week, it all comes down to this runway show at Bryant Park. And remember, guest judge Jennifer Lopez was a no-show, allowing our fave style guru Tim Gunn to step in to judge. He'll be joined, of course, by show hostess and supermodel Heidi Klum, former Elle fashion editor Nina Garcia and designer Michael Kors.
So, who do you think it'll be - Kenley Collins, Leanne Marshall or Korto Momolu (sorry, couldn't find photo of Korto)? Click on over to PR's blog
http://www.bravotv.com/Project_Runway/season/5/index.php and check out the competition. Personally, I'm betting on Leanne, although I do wish once she wins, she spiffs up her own wardrobe!

Leanne


Kenley
Kenley, clearly not the fan favorite, broke down in tears last week during an appearance on Live with Regis and Kelly regarding her portrayal on the show. In actuality, Kenley, perceived as quite bitchy during the later part of this season, has never approached the same level of evil that other Runway villains have managed. Remember the witchy-like Wendy Pepper or deliciously wicked Santino Rice?

Wicked Santino

Witchy Wendy
Tonight also marks a bittersweet end to Bravo's most successful show. Project Runway will continue with a sixth season, probably on Lifetime Network, which signed a $150 million deal with the Weinstein Co., which owns the show.However, NBC has sued and a restraining order has been issued, keeping the showing from airing. If NBC, which owns Bravo, wins, rumor has it Project Runway might end up on the peacock network.

Philadelphia's own Parking Wars returns for a second season tonight on A&E at 10 p.m. with four back-to-back episodes. The show is filmed exclusively among the Philadelphia Parking Authority's rank and file, and promises a season of hissy fits and hard-luck stories. For info visit http://www.aetv.com/parking-wars/

Prior to Parking Wars, A&E will feature a special "Halloween" episode of Dog the Bounty Hunter. Tonight Dog and Beth have to find Robert, a tattoo artist, who apparently collects weapons. Isn't every episode Halloween for this wild team? Visit http://www.aetv.com/dog_the_bounty_hunter/index.jsp

Dog & Beth, Halloween or everyday clothes?

I'll be tuning into Comedy Central's South Park at 10 p.m. where Cartman and Wendy throw down in an all new episode titled "Breast Cancer Show Ever." Wendy gets in trouble when she threatens to beat up Cartman after school. No matter how fired up Wendy is, all bets are on Cartman. Everybody knows a girl can't fight a boy and win ...For info visit
http://www.southparkstudios.com/

Immediately following at 10:30 p.m. is the debut of David Alan Grier's Chocolate News. A show that promises to fill the gap left after the cancellation of Fox's In Living Color and CC's Chappelle Show. It also dares to go where no PC show would dare to go. For info visit http://www.comedycentral.com/shows/chocolate_news/index.jhtml

I'll catch the repeat of tonight's new episode of FX's Sons of Anarchy at 11 p.m. I never miss this fine new show, which was just picked up for a second season last week. For info visit
http://www.fxnetworks.com/shows/originals/soa/#Nav/Homepage

Halloween Horror Watch: Check out Starz tonight at 8 p.m. for the best recent vampire flick to date. John Carpenter's 30 Days of Night is an all-out gorefest featuring vamps on the hunt in Alaska. Yeah, Alaska, where the sun sets and doesn't rise again for another 30 days or more ... and you know how vamps don't like the sun. You can just imagine the carnage!

And speaking of carnage, celebrity chef Rocco DiSpirito was the odd man out on Dancing with the Stars last night. He would've gone home last week, but got a reprieve when Misty May-Treanor had to quite due to an injury.
I'm sure we'll be seeing him soon enough as a guest judge on that fine Bravo show - Top Chef, premiering its new season Nov. 12.

Top Chef Hostess Padma and Rocco
(Elfman, I picked this photo just for you!)


Last night on the season finale of the Rachel Zoe Project, it was all about the Oscars! And I loved it. Just watching how Jennifer Garner's and Cameron Diaz' Academy Award red carpet looks came together was fascinating. Not to mention the huge tension between assistants Taylor and Brad. It's been no secret that Taylor doesn't approve of newbee Brad and hasn't done much to help him learn his new job. Last night, during the most stressful week of their careers, Taylor lost it all over the poor boy and he quit (and cried A LOT)!
Luckily, not wanting to start all over again with a new assistant, Rachel convinced Taylor to apologize and get him back. By the end all was as well as it gets in the Zoe world.
Oh, and Zoe's hubby Roger gave her a 1956 Porsche Roadster for their 10-yr. Anniversary - just like the one Dylan McKay drove in the original Beverly Hills 90210 - now that's what I call LOVE!

Only her's, like Dylan's, was black

Till tomorrow ...

Ooops. My Bad. Last night's first part of the Project Runway finale did indeed "auf" another contestant from the runway! I swear that last season they waited till the beginning of the second part of the finale to actually decide who the final three presenters at Bryant Park would be, but I could be wrong.
As I figured, the first half of the episode featured style guru Tim Gunn visiting the remaining contestants at their homes and critiquing their wares. Before leaving New York, the designers were given the task of creating a wedding gown that would go along with their collections.
Korto Momolu lives in Arkansas with her husband and daughter, while Leanne Marshall spends her time in Portland, Oregon. My personal highlight was seeing Leanne take Tim on a tandem bike ride! He looked sooo uncomfortable.
Jerell Scott makes his residents in Los Angeles, where he received a strong reaction to his wedding gown from Tim. "It's a lotta look," Gunn said, unflatteringly. "I mean you want this to be believable."
And finally Tim visit Kenley Collins at the Brooklyn apartment. Collins gets her 1940's style from her recently deceased grandmother, who was a pin-up model. Odd, though, how everyone except Kenley had gathered family and friends to meet with Tim ...
Back in New York for fashion week, none of the other contestants wanted to room with Kenley, who has not been very friendly during this competition.
Upon her arrival, Kenley was quick to apologize, sort of, to her fellow competitors. Although they felt better about her, she was quick to point out in her solo dialogue that, "There's no point in being angry with people I'll never see again."
The next day, Tim delivered the next, unexpected, task - the designers had to create a bridesmaids gown to go with their wedding dress. And then came the runway portion of the competition. I have to say, I thought Leanne's dress was superb, maybe no something I would wear for my wedding, but it was runway perfection!
Kenley's gown was great too, and brought on praise from the judges, who strongly compared it to an Alexander McQueen dress that had been shown prior that week in Bryant Park. For those of you who have asked, you be the judge ...
Kenley's dress

Alexander McQueen Fall 2008 show


Anyway, much to my dismay, the brilliant Jerell Scott was sent packing (actually, he did get to present at Bryant Park, along with fellow departees Suede and Joe Faris. Although they were not actually in competition. I would have sent Korto packing, who do you think?For more on Project Runway visit
http://www.bravotv.com/Project_Runway/season/5/index.php

After Runway, I couldn't wait to skip on over to Comedy Central for the season premiere of South Park. And I wasn't disappointed!
The show, which will repeats tonight at 10 p.m. and several times over the weekend, began with a dig at the Summer Olympics in Beijing, China. Apparently Cartman became obsessed with the Chinese, thinking they were trying to take over our country! So it was off to P.F. Chang's with Butters to save the U.S.!
But that wasn't the main jist of the episode ... it seems that South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone were a bit disappointed with the last Indiana Jones movie (Kingdom of the Crystal Skull).
And just in time for the flick's Oct. 14 DVD release next week, they hilariously lampooned the film's creators George Lucas and Steven Spielberg! Of course, this isn't a show for the kids, and Kyle accused Lucas and Spielberg of "raping" Indy. This lead to spoofs of like-themed films Deliverance and The Accused, placing Indy and the two directors in those familiar roles. Hats off to Parker and Stone for another great episode!
To watch or for info visit http://www.southparkstudios.com/


Poor Indy!

On TV tonight: It looks like the producers might be changing up the Tribes already on Survivor, CBS 8 p.m. You already know how much I love this show, so I'll be front and center for this one. Look for tomorrow's take on all the action ...
http://www.cbs.com/primetime/survivor/

Afterwards, I'll be staying tuned to CBS for the season premiere of CSI. Although I lost interest in this fine show last year, having watched since the beginning, I wouldn't miss finding out the aftermath of Warrick's (Gary Dourdan) shooting. I mean, how could he have survived this? I really don't think he did. It wouldn't be a total surprise, with the actor's personal problems earlier this year, I'm sure the producers won't miss him much ... Not looking forward to Sara's return though (was glad they got rid of her).

Doomed Dourdan

In the spirit of everything's-coming-up-vampires lately: The folks over at Philly 17 will be presenting Wes Craven's Dracula 2000 - 2000 being the year the film came out. Now I will admit that I actually paid to see this in the theaters, what with it being Wes Craven and all, I had hope.No it's not a great vampire movie, I wouldn't even call it a good vampire movie. However, the actor playing Dracula was a highlight. I mean they actually cast a "hot" Dracula. He may be a pretty big star now, but in 2000 Gerard Butler was just another struggling actor. I've followed his career ever since ... from Dracula, to The Phantom, to King Leonidas and I will see him in RocknRolla too.

Butler as Dracula

And, of course, since I mentioned Vampires, it gives me yet another opportunity to drop the title Twilight in this blog again. Honestly, every time I mention this literary and Internet phenom, I get a huge amount of hits. So here we go again ... tonight's ET: Entertainment Tonight will feature the newest and final trailer for the teen-vampire flick! And if you miss it, you will be able to view it everywhere on the 'net after 9 p.m. and it goes into theaters this weekend attached to Quarantine. For Twilight info
http://www.twilightthemovie.com/



If you haven't heard of Quarantine yet, look it up. It looks a pretty good horror flick. Much like Blair Witch Project and Cloverfield, the film is shot with hand-held cameras. The story revolves around a CDC-like group of investigators checking an unknown outbreak of disease in an apartment complex. A documentary filmmaker happens to be along for the ride, when suddenly the whole building gets quarantined by the government and they're all stuck inside with whatever is left of the diseased tenants - think crazed flesh-eating zombies! Check out more here http://www.sonypictures.com/movies/quarantine/


Two new series premieres are being highly touted by critics tonight. First is CBS' Eleventh Hour, starring Brit Rufus Sewell as a investigator of strange phenoma. Sounds a lot like Fringe to me. And I'll stick with Fringe for now.

Rufus Sewell

Second is ABC's Life on Mars, featuring another Brit, Jason O'Mara, as Sam Tyler, a contemporary NYPD detective who's in an accident and wakes up in 1973 New York. This was an excellent BBC-produced show in England, which I enjoyed on the BBC America channel. Like other Brit-imports, I don't think I need to see it ruined by American writers/producers. For more info on either show visit http://www.cbs.com/primetime/eleventh_hour/ and http://abc.go.com/primetime/lifeonmars/index?pn=index , repsectively.

I'll be over on Bravo at10 p.m. watching the season finale (already?) of Tabatha's Salon Takeover. I've blogged about this Kitchen Nightmares-style show before. I love it! Tonight's episode promises to have kept the best for last - does that mean someone actually will shoot saucy-Aussie Tabatha Coffey or will they just melt down into tears again? Can't wait to find out. For info visit
http://www.bravotv.com/Tabathas_Salon_Takeover/season/1/index.php


Tabatha, one tough Bi-otch

For those of you still worrying about the mandatory Digital TV conversion next February and what it means for you, tune on in to PBS at 10:30 for Get Ready for Digital TV. Catch up on the pending turn off of analog broadcast with advice from This Old House's Norm Abram and Keven O'Connor.


Halloween Horror Watch: Since we're well into October and I love horror movies, I'll be suggesting some faves of mine you might want to check out on TV or rent at the local DVD/video store.Tonight you don't even have to leave the house. Over on AMC at 10:15 is Christine, a fine flick about a demonic auto that kills its owners tormentors. A Stephen King Classic! Enjoy!

So, I watched M. Night Shyamalan's latest The Happening on DVD last night. I'll save my review for the end of this entry, since it will contain SPOILERS!


Chef Rocco
Due to the debates, there wasn't much else on last night, but I will give you the requisite Dancing with the Stars update if you, like me, can't bring yourself to waste the time watching it, but still want to know ... celebrity chef Rocco DiSpirito came in last place. However, due to the medical-related dismissal of Misty May-Treanor, he was allowed to stay on until at least next week. The Olympic champion went on to have surgery yesterday to repair the Achilles tendon she ruptured last Friday while rehearsing for the show. http://abc.go.com/primetime/dancingwiththestars/index?pn=index

So, on to tonight: Over on Bravo at 9 p.m. it's the first part of a 2-part season finale for Project Runway. As those of you who have followed this show in prior season's we all know that tonight's episode will feature fashion guru Tim Gunn visiting the remaining contestants at their homes/studios and critiquing their clothing lines so far ... don't expect anyone to be eliminated tonight. For more info visit http://www.bravotv.com/Project_Runway/season/5/index.php

The Critical Gunn

I'm looking forward to tonight's season premiere of that wicked little cartoon South Park over on Comedy Central at 10 p.m. Can't wait to see who Trey Parker and Matt Stone will be victimizing in this episode! You can be sure Kenny, Stan, Kyle and Cartman will be out in full force lampooning some cultural phenomenon! For more on South Park or to watch previous episodes visit http://www.southparkstudios.com/


And on ABC, Dirty Sexy Money will continue to intrigue and disgust viewers with the second installment of Season 2 at 10 p.m. Unfortunately, I missed last week's season premiere and was later told by coworkers that it was a doozy! Starting out with a birthday party for Darling family attorney Nick George and ending with the arrest of the Darling's matriarch for the murder of Nick's father, Dutch George! And a whole lotta mess in between ... remember, this is the show I compared to Dynasty and Dallas last week.
So if you're a fan of over-the-top evening soaps, you don't want to miss this. For more info or to watch last week's ep or read a recap, visit http://abc.go.com/primetime/dirtysexymoney/index?pn=index

The Darling clan

Of course, I'll be watching my Sons of Anarchy over on FX at 10 p.m. (Dirty Sexy Money will have to wait). I'm really beginning to look forward to this Sopranos-style show about a motorcycle gang in Charming, California. I won't go on, because I have every week. If you're not already watching, you might want to give it a shot. Tonight's ep re-airs immediately after at 11 p.m. For info visit http://www.fxnetworks.com/shows/originals/soa/#Nav/Homepage

Tomorrow morning Leonardo DiCaprio makes a rare appearance on live TV on NBC's Today Show (7-11 a.m.). Lucky Leo, not too comfortable with the whole interview process, will be promoting his new flick with Russell Crowe (who's been on every talk show this week) - Body of Lies. Early reviews are really good for this Ridley Scott-directed flick. Check for Leo early, usually between 7-9 a.m. I know I'll be taping ...

Leo

And I thought I watched a lot of movies: Suresh Joachim of Toronto, and Claudia Wavra of Germany, claim to have broken the world record for continuous movie watching, after seeing 57 films in 123 hours in a plastic-glass house in New York's Times Square.
A Guinness World Records spokesman said it appears the non-dynamic duo have broken the record, but said it will take two weeks to officially verify.
According to the rules, each movie had to be viewed until the last credit rolled, and competitors couldn't divert their eyes from the screen. They were allowed 10-minute breaks between movies. I can honestly say that I'd never make it!


King of All Media
Belated congratulations to the King of All Media Howard Stern on his wedding (yes, I said Wedding) to long-time girlfriend Beth Ostrosky last Friday. Odd enough that Stern, a man known for pressing the sexual envelope on his highly-rated radio show, is married again, but wait till you hear the guest list: Donald Trump, Billy Joel, Chevy Chase, Tommy Mottola, Joan Rivers and Barbara Walters (Yes Barbara Walters!) were all on hand at New York's trendy Le Cirque restaurant to see the nuptials. Barbara Walters - really?? Did she attend on purpose or just happen to have reservations that night ...

And speaking of Walters - it seems that Rosie O'Donnell is ready to come to TV. Rosie, who hasn't done a TV show since leaving Walters' The View suddenly over 18 months ago, will present Rosie's Variety Show live from New York on Nov. 26 on NBC.USA Today speculates the NBC special is a taste of a new show to start early next year.


The Happening Review: SPOILER ALERT! If you haven't seen and are planning to watch, don't read any further ...


So I watched The Happening. And the best thing I can say is that it's only 91 minutes long. Don't get me wrong, I'm a usually big fan of M. Night Shyamalan's movies. I LOVED The Sixth Sense, was perplexed by Unbreakable, and really impressed by Signs. However, The Village was ruined for me when I figured out the "twist" in the first 3 minutes. Lady in the Water I waited until DVD to watch. It was OK. Towards the end, I really started to like the story, but not interested enough to see it again.
Which brings me to The Happening. I already stated previously that I wasn't interested enough to go to the theater to see it. And I'm glad I didn't. The film starts out eerily enough, with people all over NY's Central Park suddenly being overcome with desire to kill themselves ... the panic spreads to Philadelphia, then throughout the Northeast. At first, everyone's fearing the worst -- terrorism. But we all already know from his track record, there's more to this Shyamalan tale.
Like most of Night's films, the central story tends to revolve around human relationships, rather than the supernatural. And in my opinion he's done this much better in prior films (Sixth Sense and Signs, particularly). Mark Wahlberg does fine with the material given, but what happened to John Leguizamo? He's a much better actor than portrayed in this flick. Night, as usual, makes a cameo, this time as the voice of Joey, who keeps calling Wahlberg's wife, played by the very blue-eyed Zoey Deschanel. Betty Buckley turns in an absolutely frightening performance, but that's based more on her looks (which I hope can be attributed to the hair/make-up department), rather than on her performance.
Anyway, it all boils down to what I thought was a completely ridiculous premise - here comes the SPOILER:
Plants. Yes, plants. It seems that plants feel that we humans have done enough damage to the planet and are taking out their anger on us by releasing toxins into the air. The toxins just happen to make humans extremely suicidal. So wherever there's a large gathering of humans, the plants react this way. And, in the end, "the happening" in The Happening ends as suddenly as it began and Mark, his wife and his best friends child are all spared their suicidal fate. However, it's just beginning in Paris ...

So, who watched Project Runway last night? What a great episode! We're down to the final four, with only three supposed to make it to the big finale at Bryant Park in NYC. Of course, we already know that six of the remaining contestants actually got to show their collections during New York's prestigious Fashion Week. However, only 3 were actually in competition for the grand prize.

Kenley
Last night's episode was full of drama, drama, drama ... and lots of crying. All that's left are Jerell, Korta, Leanne and the villainess Kenley. And she was in full bi-otch mode last night (and to think, she used to be my fave)! The other contestants effectively turned on her when she forgot one of her bags from MOOD and no one would lend her any of their tule ... horror of horrors. Fortunately, Tim Gunn came to the rescue and told her that if her receipt from the fabric store had the tule on it, she could go back and pick it up.
The contestants were taken to the New York City Botannical Gardens, where they were given the opportunity to photograph all the plants and flowers and come up with some sort of design for a evening gown inspired by nature. (On a side note, as the Garden Gal, I'm proud to say that I have most of the plants that were shown on camera.)
Things came to a head after the runway show, when the judges really didn't care for any of the designs and admitted that this was the hardest elimination so far. Borrowing from last season (and I swear I didn't see this coming), the judges decided to let all of them go home and create their collections, with one being eliminated at the beginning of the finale. Thus not allowed to "show" their collection at Bryant Park. Which brings me back to what I mentioned above ... everybody, plus the previous two eliminated contestants still got to show their collections ... what do you think?


In other Project Runway news: A New York judge has agreed to toss out a lawsuit brought against the show by a couple of fashion industry veterans who claimed Heidi Klum and others ripped off their idea for the show. Klum, herself, was deposed and said the show resulted from several brainstorming sessions by its creators.

However, there is still yet another lawsuit being decided right now in the New York State Supreme Court between show producer Harvey Weinstein and his Weinstein Co., which owns the show, and NBC Universal. The jist of the suit is to prevent a $200 million deal between Weinstein and Lifetime from going forward until NBC's breach-of-contract lawsuit is settled, either in court or out.
Weinstein is apparently still miffed with Bravo for "copying" the formula his company created for Runway and then adapting it for its other reality shows Top Chef and Shear Genius.

That hasn't stopped Season 6 from rolling though. Plans are still on the books for it to debut on Lifetime sometime in January. As usual, for more on PJ visit
http://www.bravotv.com/Project_Runway/season/5/index.php

In the meantime, Lifetime is producing Blush: The Search for the Next Great Make-Up Artist, hosted by Vanessa Marcil with InStyle fashion director Hal Rubenstein and makeup artist Joanna Schlip serving as judges.

Project Runway Season 4 (with our fave winner and fashion pixie Christian Siriano) arrives on DVD Nov. 4.

And speaking of Top Chef: Season Five is cooking in New York City. The show was filmed over the summer, with contestants living in trendy Williamsburg, Brooklyn. One challenge took place in August at Le Bernardin, whose Chef Eric Ripert is a frequent guest on the show.

Eric Ripert (had to add photo for my friend Elf!)


On TV Tonight: Thank goodness for the Vice Presidential debate... I don't have as much to watch.

Project Runway's style guru Tim Gunn kicks off Season 2 of his popular series Tim Gunn's Guide to Style tonight at 11 p.m., following another abusive episode of Tabatha's Salon Takeover (I can't get enough of this show,
http://www.bravotv.com/Tabathas_Salon_Takeover/season/1/index.php )!

The Very Wicked Tabatha Coffey!
This season Tim gets a new cohost, stylist Gretta Monahan, who replaces model Veronica Webb. I liked this show when it started out last season, mostly because I really like Gunn. However, I think it would be better served in a half-hour format, without the gratuitous reveal at the end with all the family members of the lady who got the makeover.
For info visit http://www.bravotv.com/Tim_Gunn/season/2/about/index.php


Survivor Gabon contestants
Tonight also brings another sure-to-be-interesting episode of Survivor: Gabon. I can't wait too see what happens between the Pretty Tribe (Kota) and the Stupid Tribe (Fang, pronounced Fong). And, who knows, maybe there'll be more parts "revealed" during one of the challenges ... visit
http://www.cbs.com/primetime/survivor/


Dean and Sam
Over on the CW at 9 p.m. on Supernatural, sexy, demon fighting brothers Sam and Dean will flashback in time and meet with their grandfather ... Attention X-Files Fans: played by Agent Skinner's Mitch Pileggi.

Visit http://www.cwtv.com/shows/supernatural

Duff Goldman and his merry cake-making crew have another new Ace of Cakes at 10 p.m. over on the Food Network. Check it out at http://www.foodnetwork.com/ace-of-cakes/index.html



And I'll be tuning in to HBO at 10:30 p.m. for a behind the scenes look at director Ridley Scott's new flick Body of Lies. I can never turn down an appearance of delicious Leonardo DiCaprio. And this one features my fave gladiator Russell Crowe too - nice eye candy!


In Other News - Brace Yourselves!


VH1 has suspended production of Season 3 of Brett Michael's Rock of Love!! Try not to do anything rash ... I told you before that I'm actually drawn to this trainwreck-of-a-show! I had no idea they were actually making another season, due to debut in January!
Anyway, a truck delivering sound equipment for the Rock of Love Bus apparently swerved across Interstate 57 in Southern Illinois and plowed into an SUV, killing two Southern Illinois University students last Friday. The driver of the truck, who is not an associate of Michaels, fell asleep at the wheel. Michaels has since contacted the families of the deceased and offered his condolences. See, he's not that bad, afterall ...
To watch prior episodes or for info visit http://www.vh1.com/shows/dyn/rock_of_love/series.jhtml