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The Democracy Diva
Give me fabulous or give me death.
Month:July 2010
The Week in Fashion
Glee Does Comic-Con
Heather (Brittany): I'm not loving those bangs; I think her signature Cheerios high ponytail is much more flattering. The outfit is cute enough, if a bit amateurish.
Kevin (Artie): This boy can sing, dance, act, and DRESS. I wish other young actors took the risks that Kevin takes with his wardrobe. The shirt is stunning, the suspenders are adorable, and he looks unique and chic, if a bit over-dressed for Comic-Con. I'm loving it.
Naya (Santana): Can't go wrong in a cute floral sundress. Effortless and adorable.
Amber (Mercedes): Cute top and sweater, but it'd look a thousand times better without that belt.
Chris (Kurt): He's a self-professed comic book geek, so I'm glad he's showing his roots at this event. But I think he could have paired this outfit with something a little more fashion-forward, since he usually dresses incredibly well.
Jenna (Tina): Adorable dress, great hair. And the nude shoes trend is super-hot right now, so kudos for catching on.
Love the Girl, Hate the Dress
Like the Democracy Diva, Anna Kendrick loves her some Marchesa. (The starlet donned Marchesa at the 2010 Golden Globes, at the Eclipse LA premiere, at the Up in the Air Toronto premiere, and more.) Unlike the Diva, Ms. Kendrick doesn't seem to understand that some Marchesa dresses work far better on the runway than they do on the red carpet. This is one of them.
The lopsided bust, which I'm sure would work fabulously on a 6 foot tall, size zero model, is just unfortunate on Kendrick's petite frame. The black beading against the blue print isn't particularly attractive, nor are the proportions of the dress, which make Anna look short and squat instead of long and lean. And those shoes? What drag queen told my girl Fritzy to wear those shoes – especially with that dress? A rookie mistake. And once again, I'd like to remind young Hollywood: If your hair is up and your dress is low-cut, WEAR A NECKLACE. I'm disappointed by her lack of bling. But I do love Anna Kendrick, and I hope she bounces back from this fashion mishap quickly.
The Best and Worst of Biel
Jessica Biel in Giambattista Valli
I've never thought Jessica was as beautiful as most people seem to think she is. Don't get me wrong, she's a hottie for sure, but she's got awfully harsh features and she lacks the poise needed to pull off high fashion gowns. But I'm eating my words from the neck down, because I think she looks incredible here, at the London premiere of The A-Team. I normally don't support sheer gowns on the red carpet, but I can forgive it because this particular gown is just stunning. It fits her remarkably well, making her waist look tinier and her boobs look bigger – and she had a great figure to begin with! I would've done black shoes instead of red, but they're still a good choice. And let's hear it for a girl who isn't afraid to bring out the bling. Loving those bracelets.
Now, the hair is a hot mess. How many times do I have to say this – you can't go all-out with the dress and skimp on the hair and make-up! That frizzy bedhead is not appropriate for such a beautiful gown. But I still give her props for a remarkable effort.
Jessica Biel in Atelier Versace
Well, she's back to looking stiff and uncomfortable on the red carpet, which is a huge step down. Not that she looked particularly cosy in the Valli gown, but there's something very cold and unnatural about her in this Versace gown. The gown itself is beautiful, but I just don't think she's wearing it well. I think it's a bit too ornate and vintage-looking for her tastes – she's very sportswear, Americana, bold colors and simplicity. This gown is anything but. And those shoes were a horrible choice. Whoever invented the teardrop-shaped eyelet peeptoe should obviously be shot. And the silver shoe with the blue dress is very mother-of-the-bride. I'd love to see this dress on Anne Hathaway or another starlet with more traditional, glitzy tastes (and the poise to pull them off), but something about this gown on Jessica just isn't working for me.
Jessica Biel in Vionnet
It's a shame, because she looks so much more at ease here, but she's wearing a glorified potato sack. That sleeve is simply dreadful – unless your arm is in a sling, there's really no need for that much fabric on the sleeve. And the dress itself is shapeless and dull, like a poorly-made toga. Those shoes look navy, and even if they're black, they're clearly not the right black for that dress. And I hate the way the fabric gathers around her waist – it's unflattering and downright sloppy. Definitely the worst out of the three.
Fergie Fug
Now headlining in Vegas: Fergie, the alien warrior princess turned stripper! Oh, Fergie, you can wear whatever the fuck you want, just please stop making music.
Also, it is just me, or does her head seem unnaturally large? Seriously, she looks like a Bratz doll.
Delhi Couture Week 2010
Congrats to Delhi on hosting their first ever couture fashion week! I encourage you to check out Tom & Lorenzo for more pics from the runway show; everything is so beautiful and so different from Western fashion.
This couture gown by Manav Gagwani is simply magnificent. I love that you can feel the Indian influence, but you can also see that the designer was inspired by Italian and French couture as well. Every single fabric used is breathtaking. The glitz and glamour of the shiny, glittering fabrics and lace is almost overwhelming. I love the different colors used – iced periwinkles and lilacs, lavenders and silvers. Everything about this gown screams couture. I look forward to many more Delhi Couture Weeks in the future!
The Rapidly Aging Cameron
I ask because I care: Cameron, what the fuck is happening with your face? This is clearly a bad Botox job or worse – the skin is pulled awfully tight in some places, while other spots appear swollen and puffy. That can't be intentional, and it doesn't seem natural, either. But if you're going to let your face fall to pieces, at least sport a fabulous outfit to detract from your train-wrecked skin. This sad lump of fabric is not doing you any favors. It has no shape, making you look unfortunately bulbous. Sure, you've got killer legs, but this outfit hides your bust, waist, and hips, like you're just a misshapen potato on two legs. Fire your plastic surgeon and your stylist immediately. You might be 37, but you've got the potential to look 30, and right now you're leaning towards 50.
Business chic all the way for Ms. Ferrera! The dress is adorable and professional, flattering and youthful. Though I do need to give her my lecture on NO DARK TOE-NAIL POLISH ON THE RED CARPET. Ugh. The make-up artist was a little heavy-handed, but America looks absolutely radiant, and every professional woman should own a dress like this. Also, that hair is hella sexy.
Worst Dressed
Blake Lively in Preen
Oh, Serena. I know your career goals are to bare as much of your tits as possible on every red carpet, but you have broken the two Golden Rules of Public Titty-Baring:
1. Thou shalt not show any part of the nipple. (This includes even the slightest bit of mysterious skin that seems areola-esque.)
2. Thou shalt not neglect the rest of the outfit just because the titties are bared.
That top is so naked, it looks like it must be on backwards. And those pants? Seriously? We're wearing high-waisted, wrinkled baggy pants now? Because I simply refuse to support that. And what's with the shoes? The pants cover up the top ankle strap – that's clearly not a good sign. And the belt was just a mistake. Aren't belts supposed to like, wrap around you? Not just poke out awkwardly? Though I guess you can use it as a weapon to fight any comic book geeks who can't stop staring at your almost nipple. Oh, and brush your hair, for God's sake. And lose the eight different kinds of bracelets, you look like a tween after a shopping spree at Claire's.
Hello, Peggy! This is by far the best Ms. Moss has ever looked. She donned this glitzy and glamorous dress for the premiere screening of Mad Men's season four in Times Square. The hair is absolutely amazing – thank god we're saying fairwell to Miss Olson's signature ponytail! The curly bob is totally chic and works wonders for her features. And the dress! The perfect color, a wonderful fit, and a phenomenal choice for Elisabeth. I love the sassy smile on her face, as if she's thinking, "Bitches, the days of Peggy the ugly ducking are OVER! This is Elisabeth Moss, glamour queen! Bow down!" I'm looking forward to seeing more like this from the adorable Ms. Moss.
Follow this diva on twitter @democracydiva! And don't forget to check out my guest blog post with Backstage Barbie!
Published: July 31, 2010 (updated: August 3, 2014)
Posted by democracydiva
Check out yesterday's liveblog of the premiere for my at-the-moment thoughts on all 90 minutes of the episode. Already read it? Well, get ready for the bitchiness that comes with a) seeing things a second time and b) seeing close-up photos. And don't forget – click on the photos themselves. They'll take you to the Lifetime website where you can see way more details on the garments. Here we go!
AJ's design, front
AJ's design, side
AJ's design, back
Overview: This was my personal favorite look of the night, which should come as no surprise to my most faithful readers. What do I love more than tight bodices with poofy, erratically draped crinoline skirts? Sure, AJ took quite a few pages out of the Marchesa/Vera Wang cocktail dress books in creating this design, but it's nonetheless eye-catching and intriguing.
Styling: The hair is a bit too lopsided on top for my tastes, but still wild and ferocious. Perfect make-up, good shoes, and an absolutely killer necklace make this dress look more high fashion.
Idea vs. Execution: The back of the skirt is a big sloppy mess, but what more can you really expect in five hours? I think the fact that the bodice fits her well and the proportions are working is impressive, given the constraints.
Judges' Vote: AJ was one of many middle-of-the-road entries this week, according to the PR judges.
Andy's design, front
Andy's design, back
Overview: It's certainly daring and risky; the drama of Andy's design reminds me of Christian Siriano. The outfit sort of works when the cape is on, but when it comes off, we run into some serious problems.
Styling: The dramatic hair, hair accessories, and eye make-up reinforce Andy's message that this is SOMETHING TO LOOK AT. But whoever this woman is, I don't see her wearing those cuffed boots.
Idea vs. Execution: Most designers can't make pants in two days, let alone five hours. I think Andy deserves some probs just for making so many different pieces. But the fabric of the pants stretches oddly over the model's crotch, and from behind, the effect is even worse. The pants are too tight and don't flatter her butt, and I hate that little peek of flesh between the bottom of the shirt and the top of the pants; it's incredibly distracting. And clearly the sloping hems of the back of the shirt were meant to look more symmetrical.
Judges' Vote: In.
April's design, front
April's design, side
Overview: A near disaster, from styling to concept to implementation.
Styling: The hair (and, to a lesser degree, the makeup) scream 1986. Also, the side pony is not the best hairstyle for a model with the biggest ears since Dumbo. Seriously, those things are HUGE!
Idea vs. Execution: I don't support anyone who thinks they can just turn a jacket inside out, cut off the sleeves, and say they designed something. I think the idea was lazy at best, and the execution was clearly a nightmare. Heidi said it best when she questioned whether the unfinished look is actually what April was aiming for, or if she just can't sew. But even if you're going for a deconstructed look, you have to construct something. This outfit has a slanted hem; that same hem is unfinished and stringy. The shoulders are frayed and unfinished, as is the neckline of both the dress and the jacket/vest. From the side view, we see that the bottom of the jacket/vest is also unfinished. So tell us, April… What did you finish?
Judges' Vote: 6th from the bottom – Heidi called this look "a hot mess." Bad enough to be in the bottom of the barrel, but the first one of the pack to be told, "you're in."
Casanova's design, front
Casanova's design, side
Casanova's design, back
Overview: Hello sideboob, my old friend. We've seen a lot of naked on the runway before, but outside of bathing suit, lingerie, and female wrestling costume challenges, this may be the most scantily clad model in Project Runway history.
Styling: Excellent hair and make-up – wild and natural, like the queen of the jungle this sexy woman must be.
Idea vs. Execution: If Casanova's idea was to make a dress that no woman could possibly feel comfortable wearing in public, then he executed that terrible idea perfectly. In the episode, it seemed as if Casanova knew that this dress would be quite revealing – at least, he refuted Tim's comment about it possibly being vulgar, which is exactly what it turned out to be. But putting aside the question of taste, I hate the way that fabric is draped in the back. There's something very toga/diaper about it, and while the print of the bottom layer of the skirt is fabulous, the dirty, washed-out colors of the other fabrics are just ugly.
Judges' Vote: Bottom 3. After kicking off the loser, the judges kept Casanova and Ivy on to torture them just a bit more, but eventually let them stay.
Christopher's design
Overview: Christopher was giving a good piece of clothing to start with (basically the entire patterned fabric of the dress), but dolled it up and edited it with a keen eye for detail.
Styling: Not loving the gold bag when the fabric on the dress is tan, and I think a summery shoe would have worked better. But none of it distracted from the look itself.
Idea vs. Execution: The top is a bit lopsided and not quite symmetrical, but the rouching of the collar was pretty nicely done and the belted element is well-made and flattering.
Gretchen's design, front
Gretchen's design, back
Overview: Simple but beautiful, elegant, conservative evening wear.
Styling: The lips and cheeks are far too bright, bordering on whorish. And those shoes definitely throw off the proportion of the outfit.
Idea vs. Execution: The fit is pretty excellent. When fittings are hurried, loose garments like this can just look baggy and saggy, but Gretchen did an excellent job. And the back of the skirt is very nicely constructed. The shoulder appliques look a little amateurish, but overall, Gretchen's execution was very strong.
Judges' Vote: Gretchen is the winner! Congratulations, darling.
Ivy's design, front
Ivy's design, back
Overview: Every year, there's a loudmouth bitch I can't stand, and this season the award already goes to Ivy. I hated her before I saw her lack of design skills, but once I realized that she, as Heidi repeatedly said, "made pants out of pants," I was done.
Styling: Ivory purse, nude shoes, and white pants? No, no, no.
Idea vs. Execution: What idea? She made pants out of pants. You can rouch them all you like, but don't pretend you actually designed any of that. In fact, the only part of the look Ivy did design was that God-awful top, which clearly has some serious construction issues. The front is just completely unflattering and poorly fitted. The bow in the back could be nice, if the hanging pieces of fabric were actually the same length. And what an unforgiving choice of fabric – it just puckers and wrinkles all over the place, particularly from the back.
Judges' Vote: Bottom 3, but ultimately safe, along with Casanova. But in my opinion, Ivy deserved to go home.
Jason's design, front
Jason's design, back
Overview: Escaped mental patient goes to the hair salon? What was Jason thinking?!
Styling: Hard to say, since the outfit itself is so nonsensical. That over-the-top punk/whore look may work with some outfits, but it couldn't save this train wreck.
Idea vs. Execution: Failure on both parts. Look at the second picture – doesn't it just look like she's wearing a kimono backwards? THAT'S BECAUSE SHE IS. If that's not laziness, I don't know what is. And the construction is even worse. Pins everywhere, awful seams, accidental asymmetry, and no shape to it whatsoever.
Judges' Vote: 4th from the bottom. Saved by the bowler hat.
Kristin's design
Overview: Boring. Cute scarf, though.
Styling: Again, pretty boring. Not a fan of those clog-like heels or the Princess Leia hair.
Idea vs. Execution: Simple idea, fine execution. This is an example of how to best use deconstruction without looking sloppy – the scarf is frayed and unfinished, but the rest of the dress is much more tailored.
Judges' Vote: In. You can leave the runway.
McKell's design, front
McKell's design, back
Overview: Tacky, tacky, tacky. One wrong choice after another, this dress is a textbook Monet. (Props to those who caught the Clueless reference.)
Styling: So bad, it was basically the reason McKell was eliminated. That hair is awful from the front and downright disastrous from the back. The pink purse is awful – the judges were right to call McKell out for her inability to style her model.
Idea vs. Execution: The idea was precious – even Tim agreed – but the execution was where she failed. The fit is wrong, the proportions are terrible, the front is much shorter than the back, we've got some sideboob issues… do I really need more?
Judges' Vote: Auf wiedersehen, McKell. Enjoy Utah and your new baby.
Michael C's design, front
Michael C's design, back
Overview: It's borderline prostitute wear, but it's bold and has a point of view all the same. And just a general note – why do so many of these models have tattoos? Ladies, isn't it your job to be a blank canvas? Isn't it expensive for magazines and such to airbrush those tattoos out? I'm just surprised so many of them are donning ink; I'd think it would be more taboo.
Styling: Basic black accessories were a good choice, as was the simple and chic hair. Modern, funky, cool.
Idea vs. Execution: A tight black miniskirt isn't exactly a novel idea, but it serves its purpose (though the seam in back is problematic). The shirt is okay from the front, but has some fit issues with the straps in the back. Not particularly well-made and not particularly innovative, but not a completely fuck-up, either.
Michael D's design, front
Michael D's design, back
Overview: I'm not sure who's wearing this, but it's certainly interesting and fairly well-made. At first glance, I had a strong distaste for it, but it's one of those dresses where the more you look at it, the more you like it.
Styling: Minimalist in a good way.
Idea vs. Execution: I think this dress is executed quite well, particularly the hood/cowl piece in the back. I like that someone is utilizing such a strong Native American perspective – the beadwork, the colors, and the general effect is unique and quite lovely. The big, baggy sleeves are not my cup of tea, but otherwise, it's a job well done.
Mondo's design
Overview: Unique fabric choice – I like the combination of the pattern with a surprising solid color. It holds my interest, even though the silhouette of the dress is quite simple.
Styling: Who still does pin-straight hair? But it does work for this outfit. The orange purse is a nice touch, but I'd have gone a little more low-key on the shoes.
Idea vs. Execution: Clearly, this has some execution issues. There's puckering everywhere, and it seems uncomfortably tight in some areas and fairly loose in others. But everybody needs a basic dress in a funky color and print; with more time, I think this could have been something really interesting.
Nicholas's design, front
Nicholas's design, back
Overview: Oy. A hot disaster if there ever was one, I can't get behind any part of this dress. To me, this is what the most evil brides in the world reserve for their bridesmaids – a dress no one, no matter how hot, will look good in.
Styling: Minimalist. Should've done a bit more – it's quite empty.
Idea vs. Execution: The idea was brilliant: sportswear meets formal wear. But the execution was a total nightmare. From fit to fabric choice to proportions, this is just one sad sack of a dress. The only piece that works is the neckline; all the little sportswear features look far too craftsy and amateurish for the runway. And that length? A nightmare.
Judges' Vote: 5th from the bottom. Saved from a worse fate because his ideas were strong and creative, even if he couldn't implement them.
Peach's design, front
Peach's design, side
Overview: Hated it at first, but I'm coming around. Another cute, simple dress with nothing particularly interesting going on. Let's just say these bitches better bring their A-game next week, because I'm not about to stand for any more simply little sundresses. But there's not glaring problems with this garment. Except the model, who looks about 45. Seriously, Project Runway, how hard is it to find good models? Half these bitches couldn't even walk. I'm five feet tall and I can stomp harder than them. Get it together.
Styling: The hair is simple, almost dated. I'd have gone a little more adventurous.
Idea vs. Execution: From the front, the execution looks pretty damn good, save for a few rough edges in the hemline. But the side angle shows that the red piping stops a little bit before the rest of the dress actually stops, which is a pretty glaring mishap. But the fit is nice, and the halter top is pretty great.
Sarah's design, front
Sarah's design, side
Overview: Another design that I hated at first glance, but am coming around to. Definitely a unique concept and silhouette with intriguing color choices. Like it or not, it certainly stood out on the runway.
Styling: Great. Casual but sexy hair, and I love the way the purple lipstick matches the purple shoes. Very nice touch.
Idea vs. Execution: You know how I feel about rompers, jumpers, and any kind of one-piece items, but this really is adorable. The short-shorts are super-flatting, and I love the flash of bright blue we see when the model turns to the side. The buttons on the sides of the shorts are super-cute, the jacket is well-made, and I'm really enjoying the proportions of it all, even though it's so shrunken. But I think it's definitely one of the better-made pieces of the bunch.
Valerie's design, front
Overview: It feels very art-school to me, which is basically the worst insult Tim Gunn can hurl at any given designer. Everything from the boob swatches to the color blocking feels a bit contrived and immature to me, but it's definitely not hopeless.
Styling: Very basic, understated. A good choice, considering this is a busy dress.
Idea vs. Execution: There are definitely some glaring construction issues. The hem is quite uneven, the belt area is puckering, and the little boob-shields are distracting and not particularly body-conscious. But I do admire her use of color – not just color, but three different and unusual colors that we don't often see together. And the zippers in the skirt are a very cute touch. This is another garment that I honestly believe could have been excellent, had the designers been given more time.
And there you have it, folks! Don't forget to check back in on Saturday afternoon/evening for the weekly fashion recap. And follow me on twitter @democracydiva!
Published: July 31, 2010 (updated: November 2, 2011)
Liveblogging the Project Runway Season 8 Premiere!
9:01 pm: I already don't like this Ivy (Ivory?) girl because of her over-use of the word "luxurious." But I'm loving me some Puerto Rican Casanova! He's "taking New York from the balls!" So cute.
9:02: Already loving Sarah. Her portfolio is adorable and she seems really funky. And AJ is the token cute young queer, so I'm obviously already obsessed.
9:03: A 50-year-old named Peach? Well, at least she just used the phrase "ladies who lunch" in a non-ironic sense, which is pretty hilarious.
9:04: A Utah girl with dreads who designs fun and funky dresses? I dig you, girl. But I care little to nothing about your sob story. Everybody has kids, bitch.
9:05: No, Kristin, you cannot have a crooked zipper. That's not eclectic, that's just you being a shitty designer. And Jason honey, if you think your bowler hat and awkwardly fat tie are going to intimidate people, you are sadly mistaken. Also, "What nationality are you?" What kind of question is that?
9:07: Ivy, I can see through that fake-ass smile. You're clenching so hard I'm afraid you're just going to spontaneously combust. (Actually, I sort of hope you do.)
9:09: AJ, stop hitting on Michael. "And where are you from?!" Friendly much? It's the first day, boy. Back off a touch.
9:10: Heidi and Tim are in the house!! I'm not a fan of Heidi's bangs, but Tim looks perfect as per usual. Also, the first challenge is… still part of the audition. We're nixing someone on the first day? Love that shit. These bitches are sweating!
9:16: We're back from the break, and all the designers have to pull out one item from their suitcases to incorporate into their garment. My response would be "Bitch, these are MY clothes. Fuck this shit; I'm going to Mood."
9:17: Not only do you have to lose almost literally the shirt off your back, but some OTHER biddy is gonna cut it up? Poor Casanova and his one thousand dollar pants!!
9:18: Gretchen, I can already tell you're going to be the boring one. Why are the designers from Portland always so… dull?
9:19: The Brother sewing room looks way more fabulous than it did last season. And I'm liking all the tech improvements. Those fancy computer sketch pads are pretty darn nifty.
9:21: Gretchen, don't you use "make it work" in that sarcastic little tone. You do not mock Mr. Gunn, aight bitch?
9:23: Casanova, I want to like you, but that little choad of a tie you're wearing is too distracting.
9:28: Tim is sporting a striped purple tie over a striped lavender shirt! A difficult look to pull off, but of course The Smokin' Gunn rocks it.
9:30: April started with a men's tuxedo jacket, and turned it inside out to make it an ugly vest. Or that's where things stand at the moment, anyway.
9:31: Valerie, you're just a bit of a cunt, aren't you? Also Jason, putting a scarf over a kimono does not make it… not a kimono.
9:32: Peach is making an apron and doing a whole lot of whining.
9:33: Mondo is definitely an awkward bird, but I kind of dig his vibe. And you have to love that Tim Gunn's job allows him to say sentences such as, "The cap sleeve is worrying me."
9:39: TEN MINUTES to fit the models? Damn, PR producers! You guys are not kidding around this season!
9:40: Ivy, I get that you're all energetic and ambitious and fast-paced, but could you just like shut the fuck up for a little bit?
9:41: Jason, if you can't control your hard-on around a naked model, then you are not ready to be a fashion designer. I don't care if she's busty; I don't care if she has three vaginas – be a fucking professional.
9:42: "Maybe something sort of whimsical? But nothing like a drag queen." That basically describes my life.
9:43: Kristin, did you FORGET about your MODEL? Honeyyyy. That is not a good sign. Also, everyone, stop saying you're "not on the show yet." I don't care if there's a day-one elimination – you're talking to the camera. I'm watching you on television. Clearly, you're on the show.
9:44: I'm digging Utah Dredlocks so far. Seems like she's being edited to be the winner. And Casanova is edited to be the loser, quite obviously.
9:49: Time for the runway show! Heidi is looking fierce and being sneaky about how many are actually going home.
9:51: They couldn't find someone more relevant than Selma fucking Blair to be the guest judge? Come on.
Valerie's Dress: Grey and pink, model can barely walk, the dress seems poorly constructed but has a cute design.
Peach: Boring in design, but very well-structured for only five hours. Not crazy about the back, don't think she used enough of the original material.
McKell: A little sluttier than I expected – the shortness and the shiny fabric are not my taste, but it's certainly cute and youthful.
Andy: How the fuck did he make a full, dramatic outfit in five hours?!
Sarah: Another model who can't walk. In a sad little booty-shorts romper.
Nicholas: Awful purple bridesmaid nightmare with a fugly zipper.
Mondo: Cute dress, modern, youthful, surprising use of different fabrics.
Ivy: Not seeing how the top and bottoms go together, but it's hard to make any kind of pant in 5 hours, so mad props to her.
Michael C: Looks like something the cheapest hooker in the world would wear.
Kristin: I love that kilt-collar, and that skirt has some seriously cool draping.
Christopher: Cute. Well-constructed.
April: UGLY. Ugly. Ugly. Did I mention how fucking ugly it is? Every hem is destroyed, and not in an intentional-looking way.
Gretchen: Classy and fabulous. The back is really surprising and unique.
Michael D: Ugly hippie-chick shirt. Hate the draping in the back.
Jason: There's something mental-patient looking at her. She looks like she's wearing a robe they give you at the hair salon.
AJ: Very cute, very Democracy Diva taste. Definitely one of my favorites.
Casanova: BITCH IS NAKED. That bitch is so naked! Honey, that ain't even a bathing suit. That is HELLA NAKED.
9:58: The runway show is over! AJ, Andy, Valerie, Sarah, Peach, Kristin, Michael C, Mondo, Michael D, Christopher – all these people are SAFE! Congrats, kiddies. And stop fucking crying.
9:59: We're bringin' out the models. They picked a clear, unanimous winner… and it's Gretchen. I can't deny them that one; her dress is totally chic, modern and retro at the same time. I understand why the judges love it – I'm a fan as well. And I don't think you're boring anymore, honey. Sorry I judged you for not wearing make-up, having weird bangs, and being from Portland.
10:06: Ivy Interrogation. She's talking about details and embellishments, but I didn't realize she literally just re-used the pants and added a bit of rouching. And my biggest pet peeve is when designers argue with the judges on the runway – particularly when it's the first damn week! And Selma Blair is pretty funny in her sassy comments.
10:07: Jason and his mental patient. Oh, and Heidi said she looks like she's wearing a hairdressing cape, which I just said like five minutes ago. Great minds, Ms. Klum. But Jason, don't pretend like you're gonna get out of this one alive.
10:08: April and her fugly jacket-turned-vest. I agree with Heidi – when people go "raw" and "unfinished," I also wonder if that just means "I just can't fucking sew." I also agree with Heidi that "this is just a hot mess!" And honeys, we know you only had five hours. Some people still made it work.
10:10: McKall. I guess dreadlocks is not pegged to be the winner after all. But I hate this derss the more I see it. This dress is ugly, the styling is tacky… I don't know why they cut to the judges making really happy faces when this walked down the runway.
10:11: Nicholas and his sadsack bridesmaid. Agreed with Nina that the concept is good, but the end result is very weak. And if one more bitch complains about the time… Jesus. I don't want to hear it.
10:12: Casanova and his naked, naked, naked girl. "Mother of the bride who's the belly-dancer… She's a pole-dancer in Dubai." Oh, Michael Kors and your one-liners.
10:13: Nina is speaking Spanish! So darling. But like… was that scripted? Because Casanova speaks pretty fine English, and understood everything else that was said… so I'm not sure why he needed a translator. But it was still adorable.
10:14: Michael is debating whether Ivy has any taste or talent. I think she can talk the talk, but bitch cannot walk the walk.
10:15: Don't try to defend Casanova's design by saying it's "out of the box" and "weird" and "makes you react." It's just, in the age-old words of Michael, "slutty, slutty, slutty."
10:16: They like the styling of Jason's hair salon gown? Ughhh. Disagree. And I agree that April has a modern take, but let's not defend her poor styling and complete lack of execution skills.
10:17: McKall should be knocked off just for choosing such horrible hair and accessories, no? Nicholas made the most boring dress I've ever seen, but they're right that he did make a well-constructed garment in five hours, which is pretty damn epic.
10:18: Heidi is telling everyone to feel unsafe. Honey, you do not need to tell me twice.
10:23: My prediction: Jason and Ivy are going home.
10:24: April is in. Nicholas is in. (I like how thankful he is. Very sweet.) And I'm at least half wrong, because Jason is in.
10:25: How many times are they going to say "you made pants out of pants?"
10:26: Aww, McKall is out. I knew she got too much screen time not to be a winner or loser.
10:27: Ivy and Casanova are both… IN?! I disagree, Heidi. If anybody deserved to go home, it's Ivy. Don't keep her on just because she's a bitch and you like having "characters" on the show.
10:28: I love Tim Gunn. I can never say it enough. The 16 that are left are moving in to a FABULOUS place. Loving the stripes on the walls.
10:29: Oh, hi, Christopher. I literally don't even remember you being on the show yet, and here you are getting all the last two minutes of screen time.
And next week looks like it's going to be a doozy!
Haven't had your fill of fabulous yet? Well, as soon as photos from the runway show are posted, I'll be doing a recap post about it, so tune in tomorrow, ladies!
Diva's Choice: The Modern Victorian Bride
Christian Dior Fall 2005 couture gown
Where the traditional meets the modern, this dress resides. The floral motif as old as the institution of marriage itself, pink flowers cascade down this gown. The bodice and skirt are wrapped and draped beautifully; still voluminous and powerful as a Victorian-era pride, but in ivorys, pinks, and golds. And the matching gloves are spectacular – a must for any formal affair. The shoes that tie in a bow around her ankles are precious, and I can't stop staring at the color of the dress itself. A sort of dirty, dingy take on traditional bridal colors, but still keeping the overall look soft and feminine. But I love the way the skirt gathers and hangs like the bride has a skirt of smoke billowing around her. It seems delicate and angelic. Not to mention tip-top couture perfection.
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Published: July 29, 2010 (updated: November 27, 2012)
Diva's Choice: The Sweaterdress
Ralph Lauren Black Label cashmere sweaterdress, $855
I live for sweaterdresses. When it's wintertime, you'll be hard-pressed to find the Democracy Diva in anything other than a sweaterdress and tights. But I'd never need to buy another sweaterdress again if I had this sexy number from Ralph Lauren's Black Label. The perfect length – hits right at the knee, so you don't have to freeze your buns off in a mini-dress when it's eleven degrees out. Slim-fitting and curve-hugging, so you still feel sexy even though the look is so simple. Three-quarter sleeves, because let's be honest, everybody loves a good three-quarter sleeve. And the crossover bodice is just classically beautiful. (Though you might need to bring a scarf if you're actually wearing this in the wintertime, because that neckline, while beautiful, also seems conducive to pneumonia.)
But what makes this dress truly perfect is its timelessness. I could see Audrey Hepburn in it; I could see Emma Watson in it. Because perfectly fitted, simple dresses in classic colors never go out of style.
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Diva's Choice: The Ballerina Skirt
Donna Karan skirt, $1995
I've yet to feature a skirt on Diva's Choice, but when I saw this fabulous little number, I knew she deserved the spotlight. With or without the signature black tights and leotard, this ruffled skirt from Donna Karan is clearly fit for a ballerina. (At two grand for the skirt, 800 for the leotard, and 52 for the tights, it's clearly fit for the world's wealthiest ballerina, but I digress.)
There's something so wonderful about twirling around in a girly, tutu-esque skirt. And whether you've got legs for days like this model or an actual human's body, you're bound to look super-cute in such a skirt – and super-sexy in this particular skirt. The ruffles spiral around the skirt, alternating between silk organza and wool velour, making an adorable skirt into something intriguing and creative. And of course the black eliminates some of the little-girl factor and adds an element of funk. But whether you're throwing on combat boots and a bomber jacket for a gritty-meets-pretty, punk rock prom queen vibe, or you're donning a crisp button-down, a colorful cardigan, and fabulous heels, every woman is a ballerina in this skirt.
Glee Does Rocky Horror!
Well, kittens, it seems as though all of my dreams have come true. Ryan Murphy announced yesterday that next season of Glee will feature a Rocky Horror-themed episode. As a Rocky expert (I dare you to challenge me on that) and Glee fanatic, this is basically the biggest news in my life right now (sad but true). So without further ado, I present my dream casting for the episode – who I think should sing what song and why. Now, these are not predictions, mainly because I trust my own judgment better than that of Glee's producers. I do not expect Glee to always make the right choices; sadly, they have yet to hire me, so clearly they will be ill-equipped to make the proper decisions regarding their Rocky Horror episodes. But should they choose to come to their senses, they need not look any further than the Democracy Diva.
Song: "Science Fiction, Double Feature"
Who should sing it: Brittany and Santana (Heather Morris and Naya Rivera)
Likelihood: 2/10
Why: A sexy, sultry song fit for a true alto, "Science Fiction, Double Feature" is the opening number in The Rocky Horror Picture Show, actually sung by a man (Richard O'Brien, the film's creator/resident creeper Riff Raff) but portrayed in the film by the iconic red lips of a woman (the lips belong to Patricia Quinn, who plays Magenta).
The song is basically just a list of sci-fi references, so I think the odds of this making it into the Glee episode are pretty much nil. It doesn't have the sort of climax that most Glee songs have, nor will it forward the plot in any way. But I think if they arranged it as a sexy duet between our two resident bicurious cheerleaders, it would be unstoppable. Plus, Naya Rivera's deep rasp is perfect for this number.
Song: "Time Warp"
Who should sing it: Artie (Kevin McHale) as Riff Raff, Kurt (Chris Colfer) as Magenta, Tina (Jenna Ushkowitz) as Columbia
Why: The most famous song from the show, the Time Warp has it all: sex appeal, creepiness, ridiculous dance moves, and lots of trannies running around in tuxedos. Now, I've heard that Ryan Murphy announced the Rocky episode of Glee by telling Chris Colfer that he would get the opportunity to live out his dream of singing "Time Warp," which would presumably mean he'd be singing the part of Riff Raff (or perhaps they'll re-arrange the song as a solo). But there's only one man on Glee suited fill Richard O'Brien's shoes, and that man is Kevin McHale. Though wheelchair-bound Artie would probably be unable to do Riff's infamous "kick! kick!," he's by far the strongest male vocalist on the show (with the exception of Jon Groff, but I'm not sure if he's returning next season). And he's the only one who can sing the sort of rock-theatre style that this song demands.
But Kurt as Magenta? In a big ridiculous wig and a French maid's costume, with a hilariously bad accent? That would be pure perfection. And Tina's whiny voice is perfect for Columbia's solo.
Song: "Sweet Transvestite"
Who should sing it: Puck (Mark Salling)
Why: We've seen Finn finally stand up for New Directions by donning head-to-toe Lady Gaga drag; now it's time for McKinley High's other resident jock to don some drag and gay it up. Puck is a total rock star in his head, which is why he'd be perfect for this ego-driven song of pure attitude. Because as super-queeny as Dr. Frank N. Furter is, he's also a totally badass maniac, and Puck would not only rock this song, but he'd look damn good doing it. He's totally the sort of character who would do this as a "look how confident in my sexuality I am" kind of thing – like he's the only straight guy cool enough to get away with it. Which he is. (Because Finn would just look super-gay.) I don't know that Glee would want to put their hottest male character (aside from the yummy Mr. Schue) into such a dragtastic role – I only know that if they choose someone else to do it, I won't be satisfied.
Song: "I Can Make You a Man"
Who should sing it: Sue Sylvester (Jane Lynch)
Why: Should Sue Sylvester not have an entire song dedicated to what a weeny Will Schuester is? I'd love to see Sue take on the challenge to whip Mr. Schue (or any other character) into Cheerio-standard shape, using this song as her get-pumped anthem. Jane Lynch would be as hilarious imitating Tim Curry as she was imitating Madonna in the "Vogue" video, and she could slip in all sorts of jokes about his hair. After all, even if she's going to stand up for Glee club, she will still forever be Will's rival, and we love her for that.
Song: "Hot Patootie"
Who should sing it: Finn (Cory Monteith)
Why: The perfect combination of cheese and rock, this song was made for Finn. He'd be strong on the high rock vocals, and the song is right in his territory – loud and fun, but theatrical as well. Plus, Meatloaf is one rock legend Finn has yet to conquer on the show, so it'll be interesting to see how he handles it.
Song: "Touch-a Touch-a Touch-a Touch Me"
Who should sing it: Rachel (Lea Michele)
Why: Nobody can over-emote like a stage actress, so only Lea Michele can bring to "Touch-a" the over-the-top campiness that it deserves. Not to mention it'd be the perfect song for Rachel to lose her virginity to – a song about an uptight priss wanting to be bad and give it up? It's the "You're the One that I Want" from Grease all over again – the good girl gone bad. Lea would destroy the high notes while keeping the princess-gone-wild attitude strong. I can't see the Glee producers denying this chance for Rachel Berry to diva out and go crazy.
Song: "Rose Tint My World/Floor Show"
Who should sing it: April Rhodes (Kristen Chenoweth) as Columbia, Finn as Rocky, Kurt as Brad, Rachel as Janet
Why: I see no possible way that the producers would allow this to happen, but it would be beyond perfect. I know they're bringing both Kristen Chenoweth and Idina Menzel back next season for more guest appearances, and I'd love to hear Cheno do her squeaky little-girl voice for Columbia's solo. Finn as Rocky is easy – they're both dumb as hell and can't dance for shit – and Rachel the ingenue is of course Janet. But Kurt in fishnets and heels, writhing on the floor with a feather boa, playing Brad even gayer than Barry Bostwick played him, would make television history.
Song: "Wild & Untamed Thing"
Who should sing it: Mr. Schue (Matt Morrison)
Why: Who better than the fearless leader of New Directions to lead the most upbeat, frantic, dance-crazy song in Rocky Horror? He'd be able to fit it into some schmaltzy lesson that uses words like "freedom" and "expression" and "passion" and some other crap that fits in with Mr. Schue's character perfectly. And of course, Matt Morrison would get to show off his impressive dance moves, and this song would also be a great way to feature some of the show's best dancers, like Brittany and Mike Chang (Harry Shum), better known as "Other Asian."
Song: "Don't Dream It, Be It"
Who should sing it: Kurt
Why: A gay anthem if there ever was one, "Don't Dream It, Be It" is not only a celebration of self-awareness, but a ridiculously flaming, over-the-top, Liza Minelli-style ballad with meaningful (if repetitive) lyrics. Its message is not as simple as "be who you are" – instead, you should drape yourself in feathers and be the person (or transvestite alien) of your dreams. And who better than Kurt to give us that message?
Thoughts? Feelings? Leave your comments, as always. And don't forget to follow me on twitter @democracydiva!
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From the top of the station steps, this walk heads towards the Great Western Highway and Gardners Inn. The walk turns right down a flight of stairs, then turns left across the Great Western Highway at the pedestrian crossing.
Turn right: From the pedestrian crossing, this walk heads towards Gardners Inn, keeping the road to the right. The walk continues along the footpath, turning left opposite the Ivanhoe Hotel, onto Govetts Leap Rd. The walk continues down Govetts Leap Rd to the intersection with Prince Edward St.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads west along Govetts Leap Rd for a block, to the intersection with Boreas St. This walk turns right, down Boreas St to the intersection with Braeside St.
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the green signpost to 'Braeside Walk' along the houses on the right-hand of Braeside Street. This walk turns right at the 'Braeside Walk' sign. The walk continues for approximately 70m to the intersection with another service trail.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads down the management track, to the signposted intersection after a parking area on the left.
Veer right: From the 'Braeside Walk' signposted intersection, this walk leaves the 'Braeside Walk' sign behind on the left as it continues along the service trail towards a waterfall. The track quickly swings left, passing the waterfall (on the left of the track) and continuing up the hill for approximately 400m. The track then tends right for approximately 100m, where is passes a service trail (which heads north). This walk continues south for approximately 600m to a large intersection.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads towards the road, passing a house on the left. The walk continues along James Rd to then turn left onto Evans Lookout Rd. The road tends right, to then pass Victoria Rd on the right. Shortly after Victoria Rd, this walk comes to the Bush Rock Cafe (now closed) on the left.
Continue straight: From the Bush Rock Cafe(now closed), this walk heads along the road leaving the cafe behind on the left. The track continues down the road for a short time, passing Somerset Ave on the left, to then come to Neates Glen car park on the right.
Veer right: From Neates Glen car park, this walk heads down the stairs following the 'Grand Canyon Track' signs. The track zigzags many times down the hillside, with the surrounding vegetation becoming more like a rainforest, before the track comes to a railing. From this railing, the track winds down more stairs to a second railing that crosses over a creek. The track continues to wind down the right side (with creek on the left) of the canyon. The track follows the creek down past a few mossy overhangs of rock to cross a boardwalk bridge before the canyon opens up. The canyon opens onto a densely vegetated area which leads the track to a creek crossing and a sign pointing back up to 'Neates Glen carpark '.
Neates Glen, Blue Mountains NP, is a deep little valley with a creek running through it. Neates Glen is part of the Grand Canyon Track and offers a nice sample of rainforest before entering the Grand Canyon itself.
Continue straight: From the sign, this walk heads away from the creek and car park, following a short section of a rock shelf to round the corner of the hill. The track contours around the hill for a little while passing under a few rock overhangs, before winding steeply down the hill into the canyon. The track heads down the cliffs by stairs to a signposted intersection in front of a sandy rock overhang, the Rotunda.
The Rotunda, Blue Mountains NP, is an area on Greaves Creek where the cliff has been carved out to form an overhang, over a sand beach within the Grand Canyon. The Rotunda is a great area for a rest and a snack, especially on a hot day.
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the sign to 'Evans Lookout', winding around the side of the canyon under the rock overhangs. The track soon passes through a small rockfall tunnel, and then passes behind a waterfall to continue around the railed canyon track for approximately 500m, coming to a railing bridge in front of another waterfall.
Continue straight: From the waterfall, this walk continues to contour around the canyon wall, keeping it on the right of the track. The track does so for quite some time before winding down deeper into the canyon after rounding a hill. The track winds down to a signposted intersection. From here, the track crosses the creek a few times before turning left at a rock overhang then crossing the creek again. The track quickly winds through the creek before passing over a bridge and continuing down the canyon. After approximately 200m, the track winds past a pool in the creek to then come to a signposted rock in a creek.
Veer left: From the intersection, the walk crosses the creek to another sign, pointing up the stairs to Evans Lookout. The walk climbs these stairs, up through the gap in the cliffs. The walk heads up the gully on stone cut steps which are soon met by a railing for a short while, and then up a set of wooden steps to the intersection with several signs.
Veer left: From the intersection, the walk follows the 'Evans Lookout' arrow up the hill, weaving around boulders. The track then tends left before climbing up the stairs, through a pass in the rock, to Evans Lookout.
Turn sharp left: From the lookout, this walk heads up the hill towards a stone shelter. The track continues past the stone shelter and away from the cliff line, to soon arrive at the car park.
Continue straight: From the information sign, the walk heads around Evans Lookout car park to the toilets at the opposite end (away from the cliffs).
Turn right: From the car park, this walk heads past the toilets, away from the road and car park. The track descends the hill for approximately 100m to a flat area of approximately 60m. The track then becomes boardwalk for 30m, across a bridge in 'Haywards Gully'. The track continues to undulate around the hillside for approximately 500m, then drops into a gully and climbs out again. The track tends left, out of the gully, to a bench seat on the left, the intersection. If the track begins to descend after the bench seat, you have gone too far.
Veer right: From the bench seat, this walk heads down along the cliff top with the valley below on the right. The track descends some stairs for approximately 200m to flatten out for 100m or so before descending some more stairs, to 'Barrow Lookout'.
Continue straight: From Barrow Lookout, this walk heads down the stairs towards Bridal Veil Falls and the creek in the valley. The walk soon comes to a signposted intersection, above cement stepping stones in the creek.
Turn right: From the intersection, the walk follows the sign to 'Govetts Leap Lookout' down to the creek and across the cement steppingstones. The track then zigzags up to the top of the hill via stairs. From here, the walk continues down the hill for approximately 400m, keeping the valley to the right, coming to 'Govetts Leap' lookout.
Continue straight: From Govetts Leap Lookout, this walk heads down the stairs at the edge of the lookout, keeping the valley to the right. The walk then crosses a grassed area to a well-signposted intersection on the edge of the tree line.
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk heads down some stairs, keeping the valley to the right. The walk turns right over a bridge, continuing around the hillside to drop down onto a viewing area and intersection.
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk heads down steep stairs, keeping the valley to the right. The track then winds along the cliff top until coming to an intersection, near Horseshoe Falls Lookout.
Horseshoe Falls Lookout, Blue Mountains National Park, is a small fenced lookout. There are views down to Horseshoe Falls and across the Grose Valley.
Horseshoe Falls, Blue Mountains National Park, are sourced by Popes Glen Creek which runs over the cliff into the Grose Valley. The Horseshoe Falls seem to be named after the shape of the valley into which they drop.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads along the cliff top towards Horseshoe Falls, with the valley below to the right. The track winds for some time around the hillside, to a lookout on the right, before continuing around to a railing some steep stairs. The stairs lead to Popes Glen Creek, where the track continues through the ferns to meet a street sign.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the sign to 'Popes Glen' keeping the creek below on the right. The track continues for approximately 100m, rising to the left of a prominent rock feature. The walk passes another track on the right (with access to the creek), then continues to rise past the rock feature (on the right – The rock feature has a trail to its top.) This walk continues from the rock feature, heading down the hill to a signposted intersection.
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads down the hill following the 'Boyds Beach' sign (under the bush). The walk winds down the rocky steps for approximately 40m to Boyd Beach. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Continue straight.
Boyd Beach, Blue Mountains National Park, is a small sandy bank on Popes Glen Creek. The beach is a quiet spot with nice ferns and shade. The beach is a short distance from the Popes Glen track.
Turn left : From the intersection, this walk heads up the hill, following the arrow on the sign pointing to 'Blackheath'. The track continues above the creek (on the right) for some time, then crosses a bridge so that the creek is now on the left. The walk crosses a second bridge, then continues for some time up a rocky hill to an intersection below power lines, with a bridge below on the right.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads up the hill, keeping the creek below on the right. The walk soon crosses the creek at a bridge, continuing along the other side to a small waterfall (on the left). The track then continues up the hill for for a short time, passing an intersection (with access tracks to Clarence Rd). The track continues to head up the hill for approximately 300m to the intersection with Dell St.
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk heads down Dell St, keeping the bush to the left of the road and houses to the right. The walk soon passes Cleopatra St on the right and continues along Dell St to the intersection with Gipps Lane, on the right (where Dell St changes name to Wills St).
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads along Gipps Lane, passing a large wooden house to the right of the road. The road tends left onto Robertson Lane which then becomes Wills St. The walk follows Wills Street for sometime to turn left onto Inconstant St and then right onto Gardiner Cres. Gardiner Cres is followed to the Great Western Highway, where there is a petrol station on the left. From here, this walk turns left to follow the Great Western Highway, keeping the petrol station on the left, as the walk heads towards the Gardners Inn pub. This walk continues to the pedestrian crossing, opposite Blackheath Station steps.
Turn right: From the pedestrian crossing, this walk crosses the Great Western Highway to turn right up the covered station steps. The walk follows the railway bridge to the top of the station staircase.
7km of this walk has short steep hills and another 4km is very steep. Whilst another 2.8km is flat with no steps and the remaining 2.1km has gentle hills with occasional steps.
9km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 3.2km follows a smooth and hardened path. Whilst another 2.4km follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely and the remaining 1.3km follows a clear and well formed track or trail.
8km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection and another 4.3km is clearly signposted. The remaining (3.2km) has minimal directional signs.
Around 12km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 3.4km requires some bushwalking experience.
Around 15km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation), whilst the remaining 850m is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety.
8km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced) and another 4.9km is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats). The remaining (2.8km) has limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged).
A list of walks that share part of the track with the Grand Canyon, Cliff Top and Pope's Glen Track walk.
A list of walks that start near the Grand Canyon, Cliff Top and Pope's Glen Track walk.
Collier's Causeway is a fantastic walk with many views of the Kanimbla Valley and varied scenery. The track mostly travels under the imposing cliffs between Centennial Glen and Porters Pass, with waterfalls, ferny glens and heath flowers along the way. The track is a great one-way trip from Bundarra St to Burton Ave with access to many climbing areas along the way.
The track to Fort Rock is a short walk and gives a taste of what lies beneath the cliff line. The walk is a return journey from the end of Bundarra St, directly to Fort Rock. From the top of the rock you can see into the Kanimbla Valley, and, by taking the side trip out to the cliff line west of Fort Rock, you get even better views over the valley and the cliffs around Porters Pass.
This extended version of the Walls Ledge Track begins at Bundarra St and continues down past a side trip to Fort Rock. The track sports a small waterfall and some cliff-base walking. It also rises above to follow the same cliffs back to Centennial Rd car park. The track takes in awesome scenes of the sheer cliffs to the west of Blackheath.
http://new.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_fire_danger.php?walkid=nsw-bmnp-gcctapgt Each park may have its own fire ban, this rating is only valid for today and is based on information from the RFS Please check the RFS Website for more information.


The Nigerian make-up industry is one sector that has constantly evolved, keeping up with the western world. The use of makeup has gone far beyond just being used daily by most women. Today, the movie industry (especially Nollywood) cannot do without makeup artists as it is of maximum importance that they produce movies that are convincing.
As many of us already know, making a film believable can be a very tough job, though possible. There are various elements to consider when it comes to making a film believable, but one of the most important rudiments is making sure that the characters look realistic, which proves difficult or simple depending on the character to be created.
However, as hard as the art of transforming a person to fit into a described character can be, Nigerian make-up artistes have proved to be equal to the task. These transformation pictures of some of our beautiful Nollywood divas will definitely convince you.
Rita Dominic in The Meeting. Thumbs up to the makeup artist that did this very well-done job! I can only imagine the amount of time and patience it took to achieve this look. With the obvious improvements in movie productions, styling and make up has gone to the next level synonymous to Hollywood. Though there's always a space in the room for improvement, with improvements like this, the future is bright!


Security Services: ITIL consulting, CA implementation and more.
Other: Other various IT services and solutions.
Locations: Southfield, MI | Davenport, IA | Middlesex, UK.
Security Services: Various security solutions.
Security Services: Firewall management, vulnerability analysis, endpoint and network security and others.
Other: Data centre, cabling, IP networks, wireless networks, network management, telephony, mobility, multimedia conferences and unified communications.
Locations: Troy, MI | Flint, MI | Detroit, MI | Grand Rapids, MI | Traverse City, MI.


text:
Grupo das Nações Unidas para o Desenvolvimento ( - UNDG) é um consórcio de muitas agências das Nações Unidas, criado pelo Secretário Geral das Nações Unidas em 1997 para melhorar a eficácia das atividades de desenvolvimento da ONU a nível nacional.

As suas prioridades estratégicas são responder à revisão trienal das políticas abrangentes (TCPR) e as prioridades globais de desenvolvimento, bem como para garantir que o sistema de desenvolvimento da ONU se torne mais internamente focado e coerente. As prioridades estratégicas do UNDG dão orientação aos esforços de seus membros a nível mundial, regional e nacional para facilitar uma mudança gradual na qualidade e impacto do apoio da ONU a nível nacional. Atualmente, o UNDG é um dos principais atores das Nações Unidas envolvidos no desenvolvimento da Agenda de Desenvolvimento pós-2015.

Ligações externas

Conselho Econômico e Social das Nações Unidas

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


text:
← Preview: Bucks vs. Wolves
What to Look for Tonight against Philly →
by Andy Grimsrud | December 2, 2012 · 8:42 PM
Sunday Ramblings
This is an unusually late game wrap for a number of reasons. First, I could not watch the entire game on Friday. My roommate just turned 30, we hosted a little party for that occasion (that later in the night had a chance encounter with Alexey Shved and much of the Wolves roster, which was fun–Shved is a humble dude, very approachable by losers superfans like myself), and while the game was on, I wasn't able to pay close enough attention to feel like my game wrap would provide anything very meaningful. Second, the Wolves have three days off between Friday's game and Tuesday's matchup with the Sixers (at Philly, 6:00 CST) so I thought posting in the middle of the downtime would be of more value to readers. Third, this won't be as much a "game wrap" as some observations about Wolves and NBA issues.
Alexey Shved: Starting to make shots, now what's his ideal role?
We start with Shved not because of the aforementioned bar conversation but because he played a helluva game on Friday versus Milwaukee. In 32 minutes off the bench, Alexey chipped in 16 points and 5 assists, making 4 of 6 from three. He also showed off some defensive chops, staying in front of electric off-guard Monta Ellis, forcing him into jumpers that he usually missed. Shved's hot perimeter shooting is a recent trend as he progresses to the mean of what his European stats suggest his American shooting numbers *should* look like. (He was 2-5 and 3-6 from downtown in the two prior games.) After beginning the season in a shooting funk, he's now above 30 percent from 3 (31.3%) and almost above 40 percent from the floor (39.8%). A favorite shooting spot of Shved's seems to be the wing, which would make him totally unlike most other NBA shooters who thrive in the corner where the shot is both shorter and easier to aim with the baseline serving as a ruler to draw a straight line to the rim. Wing threes off the catch will be valuable any time, but especially when Ricky Rubio returns and [presumably] shares the floor with Shved for extended minutes. A favorite pass of Ricky's is the one-handed skip pass to the opposite left wing. He'll be happy to have Shved standing there, ready to fire.
This raises the question of whether Alexey Shved should be the starting shooting guard. I say yes, for three basic reasons. One, he is notoriously slow to start games and I think there is benefit in getting those weaker minutes out of the way as quickly as possible so that he can get into a groove by the 2nd or 3rd Quarter, instead of just the 4th. Per Joan Niesen's recent story on Shved, he's scored 84 of his 156 points this season in the fourth quarter. Two, I think J.J. Barea should be playing a more-limited role, as an initiator of, well, just about everything, for a few minutes with a second unit. It's no secret that J.J. dominates the ball. It shouldn't be a secret that his playing style annoys a large percentage of Wolves fans. It might be more effective, and popular with the team, if they carved out a little "Eddie House on the 2008 Celtics" type of gunner slot for him with fewer minutes but a chance each night to provide a burst of buckets before a quick hook. Three, and most important, I want to see a Ricky Rubio-Alexey Shved backcourt. Now (or in a week or so when Ricky returns to the game floor) and for the next ten years. This isn't a Parker-Ginobili, or Westbrook-Harden thing, where they both score a lot and should therefore be staggered. Sure, Rubio and Shved both like to initiate off the dribble. But Shved is showing an ability to catch and shoot, and we know that Ricky is a pure passer. The two need to form a chemistry that combines their affinity for ball movement and dribble-penetration skills. Here's hoping that we see a starting backcourt of Ricky Rubio and Alexey Shved sooner than later.
K-Love: Keep shooting.
Kevin Love was 1 for 7 from downtown on Friday, further lowering his percentage from that range to a paltry 19.4 percent. In 6 games, Love has made 7 three-point shots, and missed 29 of them.
But he needs to keep chucking away. Like Shved, there is the simple theory that he's bound to regress (or progress, what's the appropriate verb here?) to the mean. He's a career 36.2 percent three shooter whose recent seasons suggest accuracy even higher than that. By combining elite rebounding with perimeter-shooting ability, Love causes fits for opposing coaches trying to set appropriate matchups and rotations. I doubt very much that Love will stop shooting threes, and I hope he does not. Multiple misses in Friday's game were of the "in and out" variety. Britt Robson described how Love's improved shooting will help the team as a whole:
But it is Love upon whom the offense will most likely rise or fall. The floor spacing he'll create when those three-pointers start going in is going to really help Pekovic get better positioning down near the hoop, just as Love's absence reduced Pek's attempts and accuracy right at the rim earlier this season. Kirilenko will use that space to pass and move more freely in Adelman's motion offense. And no matter how much opponents invite Rubio to shoot, they aren't going to prevent the Wolves from rising above 24th place in fast-break points when he returns.
Ricky Back to Practice: Wowwing with flashy passes.
Ricky Rubio participated in a full practice today, and apparently turned heads with a pass through Josh Howard's legs to an open teammate. From the AP:
The Timberwolves will practice again Monday before a back-to-back at Philadelphia and Boston starting on Tuesday. It would seem to be asking a lot for Rubio to return that quickly. The Wolves are off Thursday and then host Cleveland on Friday night, but it's still far too soon to predict when he will play.
A big indicator could be how his body responds on Monday to the strenuous workout. Adelman said it was already clear that Rubio still has a good handle on the offense and his responsibilities running the show.
"That's there. He showed that today," Adelman said. "He passed the ball very well, got to spots. That's always going to be there. It's just going to be his conditioning and his legs and how long can he go? That's going to be the biggest thing."
And it didn't hurt to see a few of those flashy passes he's known for, either.
"Today we didn't have any alley-oops," Rubio said with a smile. "But I hope soon we have some of those."
Scoring Champ: Historically low?
As I write this, Kobe Bryant is leading the NBA in scoring with 26.9 points per game. Other than Allen Iverson's 1998-99 scoring title (26.8 PPG) this would be the lowest since Paul Arizin of the 1956-57 Philadelphia Warriors. I thought that James Harden on the Rockets might top 30 a game this year. So far, he's too cold with his shot (42.7 percent from the field) and unselfish (5.4 assists per game) to get anywhere close. Harden averages 24.1 per game right now.
Finals Rematch?
Miami has now won 6 in a row. Oklahoma City has won 5 in a row. Last year's NBA Finalists are looking mighty strong in the early season. If key players are healthy, a rematch seems quite likely. Of course, you never know how a full season will play out and what things will look like in May (last year's Celtics were under .500 at the halfway point, only to be 6 minutes away from the Finals) but early signs point to LeBron-KD II.
No game til Tuesday. I'll have the typical "game wrap" after that one. Until then.
Season Record: 7-8
Tagged as alexey shved, james harden, kevin love, Kobe Bryant, ricky rubio
2 responses to "Sunday Ramblings"
Dave A.
Shved has proven that he belongs on the court to close out games. He passes, penetrates, makes free throws, makes threes and defends. With Roy and Budinger out, Shved has made himself one of the top five players on the team. His length allows him to be played at the one, two and three positions.
Nathan Anderson
Great write up.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Q: Question about spin map I'm confused with the following definition of a spin map.
A spin map is a map $f: N\to M$ between differentiable manifolds such that their second Stiefel-Whitney classes are related $\omega_2(N)=f^*\omega_2(M)$.
My question is why the above condition is equivalent to there existing a Dirac bundle $W\to N$ that is locally isometric to the tensor product of spinor bundles $SN\otimes f^*SM$ of $N$ and $M$?
I'm not sure if the question is too easy on MO. Could you give me some help with the details? Thanks in advance.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


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Tadeusz Czesław Mazur (ur. 28 czerwca 1940 w Wilkowie - daw. Wilków nad Wisłą, zm. 4 lutego 2000 w Poznaniu) – polski biolog i parazytolog, profesor nauk medycznych.

Życiorys
Absolwent Wydziału Biologii i Nauk o Ziemi Uniwersytetu im. Adama Mickiewicza w Poznaniu. W 1968 zatrudniony w Akademii Medycznej im, Karola Marcinkowskiego w Poznaniu. W 1974 został doktorem nauk przyrodniczych. Zatrudniony na stanowisku profesora nadzwyczajnego w 1995. Od 1996 kierownik Katedry i Zakładu Biologii i Parazytologii Lekarskiej oraz Prodziekan Wydziału Lekarskiego I Akademii Medycznej w Poznaniu. Postanowieniem Prezydenta RP z 18 czerwca 1998 otrzymał tytuł profesora nauk medycznych. Mąż profesor nadzwyczajnej UAM w Poznaniu, dr hab. Hanny Zofii Fellmann-Mazur.

Przypisy

Linki zewnętrzne

 "Powiśle Lubelskie" nr 4(29), lipiec 2008, str. 9-10

Absolwenci Wydziału Biologii Uniwersytetu im. Adama Mickiewicza w Poznaniu
Polscy parazytolodzy
Urodzeni w 1940
Zmarli w 2000
Ludzie urodzeni w Wilkowie (powiat opolski)


This gives the best players who never turn pro a chance to play against each other for a national title. In addition, the runner-up also receives an invitation to play in the Masters and the U. Open , British Amateur , and British Open. They can all be a part of our mental well-being and the number of strokes most of us require takes care of our physical needs. Senior Amateur, players must be over the age of 55 to play. There were 49 entries from 12 different clubs, although only 44 were included in the draw and four of these players did not turn up. There is no question that this type of competition fosters interest in the game.
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As ASEAN Shifts East, ISIS Follows
July 18, 2017 New Eastern Outlook
As protracted warfare continues in southern Philippines between government forces and militants linked to the so-called "Islamic State" (ISIS), fears that the US is leveraging the terrorist group far beyond Syria and Iraq where it was created are rising. Nations opposing or obstructing US interests beyond America's borders now find themselves likely targets of this covert form of armed coercion.
The United States is increasingly at odds with nations and political orders across Southeast Asia it had once counted among its closest allies in the region. Included is Thailand, a nation of nearly 70 million people, who as of 2014, ousted a US-backed client regime in a bloodless military coup.
Since then, Bangkok has definitively shifted further away from Washington's influence, toward Beijing, Moscow, and virtually any other nation-state that can provide Thailand with alternatives to Washington's monopoly on geopolitical, economic, and military influence.
Much of Thailand's military inventory - for decades consisting of US hardware - is now being replaced by a combination of Russian, Chinese, European, and even domestically developed weapon systems. These include orders of Chinese main battle tanks, Russian helicopters, Swedish warplanes, and both armored personnel carries and rocket artillery systems developed by local industry.
More recently, Thailand sealed a significant arms deal with China for the purchase of the Kingdom's first modern submarines. In total, three submarines will be bought, enhancing Thailand's naval capabilities across the region - and more specifically - drawing the navies of Thailand and China closer together in both technical and strategic cooperation.
Following Thailand, is a number of other nations including the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, and even to certain degrees, Myanmar and Vietnam.
As Thailand and other members of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) pivot East, the US has predictably increased pressure on these states through the use of US-funded fronts posing as nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) as well as opposition parties created, backed, and directed by Washington.
In nations like Myanmar where the ruling party is already a long-supported US client regime, pressure is placed upon it through the exploitation of human rights advocacy when it is perceived by Washington to be tilting too far in Beijing's favor.
As these methods of coercion become increasingly futile, the US has also pursued more direct means of coercion - terrorism.
US-Linked Terrorism in Southeast Asia
In 2015, when Thailand refused to heed US demands to allow Chinese citizens wanted for terrorism to travel onward to Turkey where they would inevitably join US-backed efforts to overthrow the government of neighboring Syria, terrorists detonated a bomb in the center of Bangkok leaving 20 dead and many more maimed. Even Western analysts concluded the likely culprits were members the Turkish Grey Wolves front, created by NATO and cultivated as a means of asymmetrical warfare by the United States itself for decades.
Also increasing across ASEAN is the presence of the so-called "Islamic State" or ISIS.
As Indonesia continues its own pivot East, it has been targeted by terrorists allegedly from ISIS. An attack in Jakarta in 2016 followed the nation's decision to favor Chinese firms in the construction of additional national railway systems.
More recently, Malaysian security forces disrupted an alleged ISIS terror cell operating on both sides of the Thai-Malaysian border.
In the Philippines, ISIS violence has transcended mere terrorist attacks and has manifested itself as protracted warfare over the fate of Marawi City in the nation's south.
And while US and European media sources openly admit the expanding presence of ISIS in Asia - they categorically fail to point out the otherwise illogical nature of how they explain this expansion.
ISIS is State Sponsored Terror, But Which States?
ISIS is - according to Western narratives - inexplicably able to maintain its fighting capacity in Syria and Iraq against a coalition consisting of Syrian and Iraqi government forces, backed by Iran, Russia, and auxiliary forces drawn from Lebanon-based front, Hezbollah. ISIS is also inexplicably able to project its militancy internationally - carrying out attacks worldwide, and building increasingly capable militant cells across Southeast Asia.
According to Western narratives, ISIS is doing this with funding drawn from hostage ransoms, black market oil, and meager revenue from "taxation" of its quickly shrinking territorial holdings in Syria and Iraq.
In reality, however, ISIS would not exist without constant and significant multinational state sponsorship. To answer which nations are providing ISIS sponsorship, one needs only to read the United States' own intelligence reports.
The United State's own Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) in a 2012 report that revealed ongoing plans by an American led axis to create what it at the time called a "Salafist" (Islamic) "principality" (State).
In the DIA's leaked 2012 report (.pdf) it stated (emphasis added):
If the situation unravels there is the possibility of establishing a declared or undeclared Salafist principality in eastern Syria (Hasaka and Der Zor), and this is exactly what the supporting powers to the opposition want, in order to isolate the Syrian regime, which is considered the strategic depth of the Shia expansion (Iraq and Iran).
To clarify just who these "supporting powers" were that sought the creation of a "Salafist" (Islamic) principality" (State), the DIA report explains (emphasis added):
The West, Gulf countries, and Turkey support the opposition; while Russia, China, and Iran support the regime.
Leaked e-mails from presidential candidate and former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, also revealed senior US political leaders assigning blame for the state sponsorship of ISIS on America's closest Middle Eastern allies, including Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
The e-mail, leaked to the public through Wikileaks, stated:
...we need to use our diplomatic and more traditional intelligence assets to bring pressure on the governments of Qatar and Saudi Arabia, which are providing clandestine financial and logistic support to [ISIS] and other radical Sunni groups in the region.
If ISIS is being used as a proxy by the US and its allies to coerce - even overthrow - the government of Syria and wage proxy war on Russia, Iran, and their regional allies, it stands to reason that ISIS' sudden presence in Southeast Asia as nations there increasingly pivot away from Washington is no mere "coincidence."
ISIS finds itself in Southeast Asia because America's "pivot" to Asia has unfolded as a stumble, even a retreat. Despite bold declarations of primacy over Asia, the US has found itself in an increasingly bitter struggle with not only Beijing, but a number of nations seeking to rebalance power across Asia Pacific in favor of the nations actually residing in Asia Pacific.
Waning American Influence Brings Waxing American Subversion
Just like a waning American influence in the Middle East has triggered regional attempts by Washington to destabilize, divide, and destroy what it cannot influence and exploit, a similar campaign is underway in Asia Pacific. US meddling extends from the Korean Peninsula, to the South China Sea, across Southeast Asia, and even beyond to the mountains of Afghanistan and the western-most borders of China. The common denominator is conflict - either threatened or incrementally unfolding - either between states the US attempts to pit against one another, or internally between indigenous political institutions and those sponsored by and for Washington.
Understanding and exposing Washington's use of terrorism as a means of geopolitical coercion and expediency is the first step in removing this abhorrent tool from Washington's bag of geopolitical tricks. If each and every time ISIS or an associated terrorist organization carries out an attack, it only further implicates Washington and its counterproductive role in the region, it will only make America's retreat from Asia Pacific that much faster and absolute.
What will be left for Washington is a quickly closing window of opportunity to reestablish its ties with Asian states on equitable terms respecting national sovereignty and ending the concept of "American primacy" anywhere but within America's own borders.
Tony Cartalucci, Bangkok-based geopolitical researcher and writer, especially for the online magazine "New Eastern Outlook".
Labels: ASEAN, Asia, China
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Don Keough (front, left) and Muhtar Kent welcome the inaugural class of the Donald R. Keough System Leadership Academy at Coke's global headquarters in Atlanta. The six-week program immerses participants in all-things Coca-Cola, with a focus on Keough's inclusive leadership style and thirst for knowledge.
Coca-Cola is grooming 26 executives from 17 countries through an immersive learning experience modeled after the legacy of one of the most respected leaders in the company's nearly 127-year history.
The six-week program carries the namesake of Donald R. Keough, who served as president and chief operating officer of The Coca-Cola Company from 1981 to 1993, and who will retire later this month from the company's board of directors. A perpetually curious leader who humbly balanced the roles of teacher and student during his tenure, he stewarded the company through the "cola wars" of the 1980s and led the continued expansion of Coke's international operations.
Developed in partnership with Duke University's Corporate Education program, the Donald R. Keough System Leadership Academy aims to strike this same balance. Participants will visit a diverse set of markets to develop an end-to-end understanding of the Coca-Cola system, which consists of The Coca-Cola Company and more than 250 bottling partners worldwide.
The curriculum will challenge the leaders – who represent all corners of the system, from manufacturing and finance to advertising and sales – with complex business cases designed to inspire critical thinking and unconventional approaches to solving problems and seizing opportunities. They will interact with senior executives at both the global and local level to learn about leadership, legacy and the importance of collaboration – while embracing Keough's inclusive management style and insatiable thirst for knowledge.
Keough expected candor from his team, surrounding himself with people who were not afraid to challenge him. In fact, he was known to routinely share lunch or a Coke with employees he didn't know just to hear directly from them about their work and their perspectives. He traveled to more than 140 countries during his years at the helm to keep his finger on the pulse of the business.
"Every time I went anywhere, I came back to Atlanta knowing more than I knew when I left," Keough told the class last week during a special kickoff event at Coke's global headquarters.
"The leaders of our business have to be teachers," said Keough, who served as Coke's president and COO from 1981-1993. "But in order to be teachers, you have to be students... and you have to be students all of your life."
Keough's Coca-Cola history dates to 1950 when he joined Butter-Nut Coffee, which was first acquired by Duncan Foods, then by The Coca-Cola Company in 1960. He served as head of The Coca-Cola Foods Division from 1971 to 1973, as chairman of the board of Coca-Cola Enterprises from 1986 to 1993, and as chairman of Columbia Pictures Inc. from 1982 to 1989. After retiring as president, chief operating officer and a director of the company in April 1993, he was again elected as a director in 2004.
Keough, 86, used a vivid analogy to encourage the inaugural class to remain curious and to "learn more every day" during their six-week journey.
After spending a few days in Atlanta, the team traveled to Chicago to learn about bottler and customer partnerships. From there, it's on to Mexico City for a crash course on brand love and shopper marketing. The program concludes with stops in Ahmedabad and Hyderabad, India, where participants will be immersed in the culture of a developing market and study systems integration.
Samia Bouchareb, general manager, Morocco, added, "This experience is creating a unique link between our past and our future. Over the last 127 years, generations have built our company around the values of love for the brand, relationships, passion and excellence in execution. We are now responsible with creating the business foundation for the next 127 years."


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Governor Cuomo Announces Suspension of Construction-Related Lane Closures To Ease Traffic During Peak Holiday Travel Days
TOP Governor Cuomo Announces Suspension of...
No Non-Essential Lane Closures During Busiest Travel Times on State Highways
Reminds Travelers to Drive Safely, Stay Sober and Use Text Stops to Make Calls or Text
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that temporary lane closures for road and bridge construction projects on New York State highways will be suspended during peak holiday travel times over the next two weekends to ease travel for residents and visitors. The construction suspension supports Governor Cuomo's Drivers First initiative, which prioritizes the convenience of motorists to minimize traffic congestion and travel delays due to road and bridge work.
"The holiday season is one of the busiest travel times of the year, and our top priority is to ensure travelers reach their destinations safely to enjoy the holiday with loved ones," Governor Cuomo said. "I urge all drivers to be responsible on the roads, stay alert and never drink and drive."
All road construction work behind temporary lane closures is ceasing from 6 a.m. Friday, December 21 until 6 a.m. Wednesday, December 26. Construction will also be suspended from 6 a.m. Saturday, December 29, through 6 a.m. Wednesday, January 2. Some work may continue behind concrete barriers or for emergency repairs.
New Yorkers are reminded that state and local law enforcement are participating in the national "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" campaign, which runs through Tuesday, January 1, 2019. Motorists can expect to see sobriety checkpoints and more New York State Troopers on the roadways during the holiday travel season. The New York State Thruway Authority will also continue its 48-year tradition of offering free coffee and hot tea to travelers at all 27 travel plazas along the Thruway from 11 p.m. New Year's Eve through 7 a.m. New Year's morning to promote safe and alert driving.
Travelers are encouraged to use 64 text stops, as well as Service Areas, Rest Areas and Welcome Centers located statewide as needed for texting, making phone calls, and other non-driving tasks.
Motorists are also urged to follow the state's Move Over Law, which requires motorists to drive with care, slow down and safely move over when approaching law enforcement vehicles, fire trucks, ambulances, tow trucks and construction or maintenance vehicles that are stopped along roads across the state. The law was enacted in 2011 to protect New Yorkers working along the roadway and has since been expanded to include a wider range of emergency and hazard vehicles.
There will be slight variations for certain Thruway projects based on previous traffic volume. A detailed schedule of Thruway lane closures throughout the holiday weekend is available here.
New York State Department of Transportation Acting Commissioner Paul A. Karas said, "The holiday season is a special time of year that should be spent in the company of family and friends and not in construction-related traffic jams. As part of Governor Cuomo's Drivers First program, motorists will be able to get to and from their destinations quicker and easier this holiday season. Our crews will be back out there in full force after the holidays. I urge motorists to drive cautiously, have patience in work zones, and please treat our workers with the respect they deserve."
Thruway Authority Executive Director Matthew J. Driscoll said, "This holiday travel season, we encourage motorists to make safety a priority. Move over for emergency vehicles, give snow plows plenty of room, and be responsible and alert. We want everyone, including our workers and emergency responders, to be able to spend the holidays with their families. We join Governor Cuomo in wishing you a safe and happy holiday season."
DMV Executive Deputy Commissioner and Acting Chair of the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee Terri Egan said, "As this is one of the busiest travel times of the year, Governor Cuomo's initiative to suspend construction is not only convenient for drivers, it also promotes safety on our roads. Travelers should still remember that if they encounter emergency vehicles on the side of the road, they are required to move over if they can safely do so. We encourage drivers to be mindful of this so that everyone, motorists and workers alike, can get home safely and enjoy the holidays with their families and loved ones."
The Thruway Authority encourages motorists to download its mobile app which is available to download for free on iPhone and Android devices. The app provides motorists direct access to real-time traffic and navigation assistance while on the go. Motorists can also sign up for TRANSalert e-mails which provide the latest traffic conditions along the Thruway here.
For real-time travel information, motorists should check New York State's official traffic and travel information source, 511NY, before traveling. Call 5-1-1, visit http://www.511ny.org/ or download the free 511NY mobile app on iTunes or Google Play. The free service allows users to check road conditions, view traffic cameras and link to air and transit information. The app features Drive mode, which provides audible alerts along a chosen route while a user is driving, warning them about incidents and construction.
DMV urges drivers to use the Have a Plan app to help find a safe way home from a celebration where they may be drinking. The free app from the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee and the NYS STOP-DWI Foundation allows you to designate a driver, call a cab or ride share, and to review the consequences of impaired driving. You can even use the app to report a drunk or drugged driver. The app is available for Apple, Android, and Windows smart phones.
Follow New York State Department of Transportation on Twitter: @NYSDOT and on Facebook at NYS Department of Transportation.
Follow the New York State Thruway Authority on Twitter: @NYSThruway and on Facebook at NYS Thruway Authority.


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