TV with MeeVee

Lunchtime Linkage Loves You Too

• Another reason to hope that "Cashmere Mafia" gets the axe: If it does, Lucy Liu will jump to the far superior "Dirty Sexy Money." (Hollywood Reporter)
• Want to know which "Gossip Girl" character is gay? (Brightcove)
• That hilarious Chippendales sketch on "SNL" was one of the things that killed Chris Farley (right), his pal Chris Rock reveals. That, and heroin. And cocaine. And heart disease. And not using the buddy system when shooting up his patented heroin/cocaine/gravy speedballs. (Defamer)
• "Project Runway" favorite Jay McCarroll is the subject of a 103-minute-long documentary called "11 Minutes," showing soon at independent film festivals. (Boston IFF)
• Who wants "Dexter" spoilers? Come get 'em. (Veidt)

Morning Links: House And More

• Maureen Ryan has an awesomely substantive interview with "House" producer David Shore that gives a lot of info if you read carefully. Supposedly this is only part of the interview, too. (The Watcher)
• Jenny Garth is out of the "My Best Friend's Girl" comedy pilot, leading to speculation that she may reprise her "90210" character, Kelly, in the new version of that show. Writer Rob Thomas was said to be seeking her. (Hollywood Reporter)
• Just one problem. Thomas is stepping back from the "90210" gig to focus on his two other pilots (for ABC), so Fox is looking for a new showrunner. (E! Online)
• CNN knuckles under and apologizes to the Chinese after Jack Cafferty tells the truth about their government. Did Rupert Murdoch buy CNN and I missed it? (Reuters)
• "Dancing With The Stars" ratings drop even as Priscilla Presley is punted. (Hollywood Reporter)
• Bravo talks about its upcoming shows, including the last of "Project Runway" before it moves to Lifetime. (Broadcasting & Cable)

But enough seriousness. Please enjoy this video montage of "Star Trek Orgasms," courtesy of the fine folks at College Humor:

See more funny videos at CollegeHumor

Christian Siriano Slips Right Into The LA/Vegas Party Scene

Last year, Christian Siriano was just another twentysomething aspiring fashion designer with a wacky haircut and an affected lisp. Then came "Project Runway" and now he's popping up at all the hot Los Angeles and Las Vegas events, like this weekend's party at Tao.

I wonder if he realizes there's a lot more to fashion than parties and hair. Obviously he knows it, but if he's at all those parties he's not back in his apartment sewing, and I wonder whether he's going to deliver on all that promising talent, or whether he's going to just be another flash in the pan.

"Project Runway" Fave Christian Siriano Update

"Project Runway" winner Christian Siriano's fifteen minutes aren't up yet: He's got a profile in The Advocate this week. Summary: He has a new catchprhase, he's invited to all the hot parties now, he's very busy, being famous is weird because strangers keep touching him wherever he goes.

Christian Siriano Succeeds In Normalizing "Tranny" As An Insult

Just a few weeks ago, I noted that Christian Siriano, the femmiest of the gay designers on "Project Runway," was pretty hypocritical to use "tranny" as an insult. And while it's his choice if he wants to try and be clever and outrageous, it's still really annoying to me.

See, when someone like Christian starts saying that, it makes it OK for, say, Amy Poehler to do it. So now she's gone and dressed up as Christian on "Saturday Night Live" and done a sketch which consists of little more than the words "hot tranny mess" and "fierce." Oh, how outrageous and daring and culturally incisive.

The next step will be frat boys imitating the sketch, followed by frat boys imitating the sketch while beating the living daylights out of the next transsexual they meet.

Now that's fierce.

Project Runway Finale: Fierce, Not Surprising Victory

It's not in any way surprising that Christian won "Project Runway" last night, although I'm at least a little surprised at how close the decision was and how genuinely fantastic all the designs were. They really did have a good crop of contestants this year.

Don't go crying "spoiler" on me. It already happened and it's on the front page of the "Project Runway" site on BravoTV.com. It's not like I'm telling you who gets kicked off "Top Chef" next week. (I know who it is, but Bravo sent me a nice note with the screener asking me not to spill the beans, so I won't. I'm a sucker for a bean-related pun. I will give you details about the show later today, though.)

I'm also impressed by the degree to which Victoria Beckham loved Christian's outfits: I see a collaboration some time in the future, or possibly a deal with DvB. Rami, of course, has the high-end draped evening gown market sewn right up for at least a year to come, and I'm sure Jillian will get hired right away to do her own line for someone, although she's going to need a partner who can push her to make and commit to decisions.

Walkoff: Tim Gunn Vs. Christian Siriano

The "Project Runway" finale is Wednesday, and Bravo's putting up a great deal of extra footage, including this cute rooftop party moment in which Tim Gunn and Christian Siriano have a walkoff. Tim proves himself too shy, too stiff, and too self-effacing to be truly fierce on the runway. Then, strangely, everything devolves into a tickle fight between Tim and Heidi Klum....

The Penultimate "Project Runway"

Tonight, we had the annual "Project Runway" penultimate episode, the one where Tim visits all the designers at home. It was also the one where Rami had to face off against Chris for the chance to be the third designer in the Fashion Week show. What struck me about this episode, though was just how friendly everyone was. I have to admit that while I never really liked Christian Siriano, he's a lot nicer than any of the "bad guys" on the previous seasons. It's remarkable just how much the other designers like and respect him.

Spoilers after the jump...

Tim Gunn And Larry The Cable Guy Visit "Conan"

Conan O'Brien had both Larry The Cable Guy and "Project Runway" host Tim Gunn on set at the same time last night, and Tim was absolutely charming. First he complimented Larry on "owning his look" and then talked to Conan about fashion and how to dress, praising age-appropriate clothing and dissing the "grandma Jezebels" who dress like teens. He also insulted Hillary Clinton's look, which was kind of irritating: Yes, she dresses conservatively, but if you recall, she got insulted in the tabloids for weeks when she wore an outfit that suggested she had breasts. Finally, Conan brought out a photo of George W. Bush wearing shorts, Crocs, and socks with the presidential seal on them. That really set poor Tim Gunn off.

Project Runway Recap In Less Than Fifty Words

I don't know what's wrong with me, but I just got so sick and tired of reality TV last night that I couldn't even watch "Project Runway."

So I'm giving you the short short version, clipped from the  concise version over at Project Rungay:

The show has "once again [has] rewarded someone in part for being a self-aggrandizing shithead, but that's reality TV and our Princess really does have the goods."

By "Princess" they mean Christian the emo-twink. By "goods" they mean sewing skills and vision. By "self-aggrandizing shithead," they mean acting like Christian the emo-twink. Or Santino Rice. Pick your poison, really.

Posh On "Project Runway"

Just a quick note: Posh Spice, a.k.a. Victoria Beckham, is going to be a guest judge on "Project Runway," says Just Jared, who has pictures of her from the Fashion Week runway show.

Tonight's "Project Runway" Critique Brought To You By Beer

Just so you know, I've been drinking since "American Idol," so don't expect any kind of coherence in this liveblog.

This week opens with Christian bitching about how Ricky didn't deserve to win. I'd put that up to Christian's usual bitching, but Tim Gunn was also less than impressed with Ricky's work. Whatevs. We're on to the new challenge: The designers are all guessing, and they all have no freaking idea that they're going to get WWE Divas as their clients. The commission is to make an outfit the Divas can wear in the ring.

That's tricky for four reasons. First, the Divas are taller, chestier, and more muscular than the usual models. Second, these clients need to be more active than a model just walking down a runway. Third, stretch fabrics are harder to sew. Fourth, it's hard because none of the designers are comfortable with the glitter and spandex aesthetic of the WWE.

Their budget is $100 and for the first time they're not going to Mood. They're going to SPANDEX HOUSE!

TV Critics Love "Pushing Daisies," Hate "Cavemen"

(Begin pointless personal digression.) I have a soft spot for the semi-annual TV Week Critics Poll. (Read the story here and results here.) Back when the magazine was called Electronic Media, I used to be in the poll all the time, and I started talking to the people over there - we were all in Chicago at the time - and I ended up getting hired as assistant managing editor. While I worked there I ran the poll a couple of times, too, which gave me lots of time to talk to my critic friends who I only got to see on press tour otherwise. So this poll is like an old pal. (End pointless personal digression.)

But seriously, "Pushing Daisies" is better than "Mad Men"??? I don't think so. Better than "House" or "The Office"?? Really? Uh, no.

Ten Best Series
1. Pushing Daisies
2. Mad Men
3. Dexter
4. 30 Rock
5. Friday Night Lights
6. Damages
7. House
8. The Office (tie)
8. Ugly Betty (tie)
10. Californication

Worst after the jump...

"Project Runway" Is Brought To You By Denim!

Last week on "Project Runway" we had avant-garde fashion, horror, nausea, and panic. Christian won the challenge, Kitt Pistol went home, and Rami got a surprising near-loss and a warning to do something new. This week, Victorya keeps calling Sweet P "Kitt," and Ricky is wearing a relatively normal hat. Oh, and the challenge is in... Brooklyn? In a warehouse? A warehouse full of denim! Hosted by a senior VP at Levi's!

The warehouse has a couple hundred pairs of jeans and a couple bolts of basic cotton in it. Why would you rent an entire warehouse to hold only a couple hundred pairs of jeans? This is another challenge in which Chris is at a serious disadvantage, because they make the designers run about a hundred yards, and obviously the fat guy loses at an athletic challenge.

It turns out Ricky actually makes some of his hats himself. So obvious in retrospect!

Next, we begin with the Christian drama. He's whiny. He disagrees with Chris on the way to get dust out of denim. "It's so cute to see youth," says Chris. Rami's take: "If I had hair on my head, I'd want to rip it out." Christian, of course, complains that fashion "isn't like this."

Oh my god! Is your reality show not like real life off-camera? Poor baby!  "Someone needs to give him a bottle and send him to bed," says Chris. I can't express how much I agree.

Tonight's "Project Runway" Has Lost Its Chiffon

"So, how do you feel about yesterday, Christian?" Does Tim really need to ask? Christian feels petulant and unable to accept that any of his problems are caused by his own shortcomings. Uh, Christian, you're the one who designed and sewed the dress (at left). You sewed it. It's your product. And you can't admit it.

Ricky, in contrast, feels like wearing an ugly hat. Hooray! Part one of my bet that Ricky will wear an ugly hat and cry is paying off!

Enough about last week. This week the challenge is to build an avant-garde (read: impractical runway look that nobody would wear in real life) dress. It's supposed to be based on a hairstyle. They pick models and are divided into teams of two.

Christian is paired with Chris. This is going to make things hard to remember. Sweet P and Rami are together, which seems like a can't-lose pairing.

After the jump: Spoilers! Pictures! Possible crying from Ricky!

Lunchtime Links Are Ignorant, Irresponsible, Arrogant

Sherri Shepherd of "The View" is still the most ignorant woman on TV. Her latest gaffe isn't as enormous as the rest, but it's still pretty stupid. (NY Post)

Kat Von D is a good tattoo artist, but "LA Ink" is revealing her to be terrible boss. It just goes to show you that you should never hire anyone who has tattoos, because they're totally irresponsible. (ONTD)

Christian from "Project Runway" is so arrogant I don't even know where to begin. He says the dress he made for tonight's challenge is incredibly good. Drop by TV With MeeVee later tonight and find out... in the meantime, here's a podcast interview. (Feast Of Fools)

Tonight's "Project Runway" Is Brought To You By The Letter "Prom"

"I thought they were midgets or Oompa-loomps," says Kevin. It's high-school girls. New Jersey high-school girls. Yes, they're making prom dresses.

"I think prom is horrible and tacky and gross" says Christian. Yeah, I can tell you didn't get a date. I can tell because I didn't have a date for my senior prom either, and I think prom is horrible and tacky and gross too. The clients get to pick which designers they work with, which means someone actually chose (or got stuck with) Chris. Even Chris is shocked. Who the hell would choose him? (It turns out later that Victorya's client was the one who got last choice... Chris' client loves his wacky sense of humor.)

The trick for this challenge is to produce something which meets the needs and desires of the client while still expressing their designer something something. The problem is that the client is a willful teenager.

"You have to consider that they're younger, and I definitely think the dresses should be more modest," says Kit. Uh, no. They're teenagers, they dress like whores and they can get away with it because they still have the bodies of teenagers.

Yes, most of the designers are freaked out by how old they are in comparison to their clients, and recall their high school idiocies, and shudder in recognition and fear. Kevin says "I will put a chastity belt inside my garment."

The best part of this show so far is seeing prom pictures of the designers. They all look horrible! Of course, Rami grew up in Jerusalem, where there is no prom.  "I had a girlfriend" says Ricky. "I made her prom dress. That should have been a clue right there."

Spoilers and more after the jump...

This "Project Runway" Liveblog Brought To You By Hershey's

Last week on "Project Runway" Jack went home sick, Chris came in to replace him, and Steven went home because he was too snobby to make good use of the cheap satin from a plus-sized wedding dress. This week, what could we possibly be in for?

Yes, it's the "unconventional materials" challenge, in which designers are faced with trying to make outfits from distinctly non-clothing-related materials. Past years have seen people working with flowers and recyclables, but this year's theme is product placement. That is, the contestants will be using the Hershey's store in Times Square as their chocolate fountain of inspiration.

Before telling anyone what's going on, Tim gets them all up at six in the morning. He's in a suit, they're in pajamas. Nice move: Really emphasizes how much he's in control of their lives, and they can't make any decisions on their own. Then he takes them all to Times Square and introduces them to the challenge. Ricky, of course, is wearing a new, different, hideous hat.

The challenge officially begins with a five-minute madcap shopping spree. Christian goes for peanut-butter cups, planning on using the foil. Arty Jillian grabs for the twizzlers, and Chris thinks food makes a poor fabric and goes for everything that's made of fabric. He'll be penalized for taking the easy way, I bet.

Jay McCarroll On Project Runway

Unlike the other "Project Runway" alumni, who blog over at BravoTV.com, Jay McCarroll is a guest blogger at Elle. And he's got some lovely thoughts on what it feels like to watch the show now, and to lose the poll about which past-season favorites should return. Later, he says he'll have a recap.

Whatever, dude, you're too slow. I had mine done before midnight last night! And Project Rungay was only minutes behind me, with screencaps to boot. Still, Jay's incredibly funny and I love his commentary.

"Project Runway" Liveblogging, Brought To You By MeeVee And Cruelty

If "Project Runway" gets to do a product plug every five minutes, I'm going to do a product plug every five minutes. And my products are the bottle of cheap wine I'm drinking, MeeVee.com, and schadenfreude. I looove watching people screw up. So let's get to the recap!

(The Brother product placement on the clock has disappeared this week. The sewing machines are by Brother, though).

Within a couple of minutes, before we get to the challenge, before we even get to the models, we get the first hint that this is the rumored episode where Jack's face explodes: He's got a suspicious pimple.

Cut to the model selection: It's yet another episode with special models. Special models have been featured in previous seasons, of course, such as the mom design challenge. And this this season we've seen buff male models. But this is a new one: Regular, non-model ladies come out wearing dramatically oversized clothing. They're all shorter than Heidi by about six or eight inches, and they've all lost a bunch of weight - one of them says she's taken off 160 pounds.

The challenge: Turn their favorite pre-weightloss clothes (including a wedding dress!) into something new that fits them.

Spoilers, schadenfreude, bitching and victory after the jump.

Things I Never Expected To Know About TV Stars

Earlier, we learned that "Project Runway" loser Jack Mackenroth and "Top Chef" loser Dale Levitski were dating. We knew that Jack was HIV-positive because he said so on the show, and because at some point this season (I think this week) he gets a terrible staph infection.

Today we learned on Jack's blog that Dale is HIV-negative, but that they practice very safe sex, and that Jack has a very low viral load anyway, making HIV transmission less likely.

OK then. Nice to know. I never expected to be writing about TV stars and their HIV status or viral loads, but I suppose that's the nature of the beast that is semi-celebrity. I'll be sure to let you know if and when they put up photos of Jack helping Dale wax his shoulder hair, or, as Defamer says, "Dale asking Jack to taste his lamb jus as Jack measures Dale's inseam for a pair of stripey trousers..."  Project Rungay has further opinions and snark on what they have decided to call a case of "Bravo Incest."

What Does "Project Runway" Smell Like?

"'Project Runway' should have a perfume," says Chris at the beginning of the show, "that smells like tears, sweat, and...." he's not sure what else. Rami suggests Chinese food, but I'll bet you dollars to donuts that wasn't his first thought. What do you think the third component would really be? Chiffon? The pent-up sexual energy of designers who signed contracts promising they wouldn't sleep with each other? (Does that even have a smell?)

Meanwhile, offline, I've heard the following "Project Runway" gossip: Steven is no Santino, that's for sure. He's less polarizing, certainly, but his Tim Gunn impression is way weaker. Meanwhile, OutZone says Jack is dating "Top Chef" star Dale.  Dan Savage says Christian has chosen that awful haircut to hide his premature baldness, and that Jack is a total jackass.

Anyway, tonight's challenge is to break into groups of three and produce a collection that features three outdated trends produced in great new ways. Nobody is entirely pleased with the challenge, but some people do better than others. Christian sets himself up for failure by volunteering to be team leader. Victorya doesn't want to be team leader, but can't handle Ricky's leadership, and they waste valuable time bickering.

Even worse at managing time is Kevin, who runs way, way behind before finishing at the last minute.

Every few moments, we get a closeup of the clock. Time is running out. Did you notice that the clock was provided by Brother? I noticed. It would be an amazing synergy if you could buy a Brother clock at BlueFly.com, but the only clock they have is from Prada and costs 956 dollars, even on sale.

I also noticed that Kevin (right) looks an awful lot like Joey Fatone (left).  Seriously. Has nobody noticed this before?

Spoilers after the jump.

"Project Runway" Alum Mychael Has Sexytime!

Last year's "Project Runway" fan favorite Mychael Knight has a new line of lingerie and other sexy-looking clothes. True to Michael's style, they're definitely in the general market segment of "mass-market sportswear," but that doesn't mean they're not fabulous. It's got a bit of an "American Apparel" vibe to it, although I don't think that's a bad thing.

It's called "Kitty & Dick," and the band of artists modeling is called "Kitty's Litter." I had no idea Mychael was so dirty! Do his parents know about this? Because they're pretty religious.

ConcreteLoop has more pix.

"Project Runway" And The Running Back Challenge

Last week on "Project Runway," emo-child Christian revealed his youth and ignorance by not realizing that his fashions were heavily 80s-inspired. It nearly got him sent home, but not quite. Instead, they sent Marion home, and the remaining designers miss him. They've already begun to gang up on Christian, because he's irritating and pretentious and full of the confidence of youth. He deserves it, but it's still not going to be pretty.

But enough backstage chit-chat, let's cut to the surprises: The guest judge is Tiki Barber (right). Token straight guy Kevin was the only person to recognize him from his days as a running back for the Giants; everyone else just thought he was some hot celebrity. Also, today's challenge is to make clothing for men, specifically something Tiki Barber can wear on the "Today Show."

I was under the impression that menswear was easier than women's clothing, because boys don't have as many curves, but the designers are horribly intimidated. Project Rungay explains that it's a totally different skill set, and that it's hardly fair to expect this group to know how to do it. Men's fashion expert The Manolo agrees: Men's clothing is made by tailors, and these contestants are not tailors.

Kit, Kevin, and Jack seem the best prepared. Kit has worked as a stylist for TV so she's at least paid careful attention to what men wear. Kevin's done a little menswear in the past, and Jack has at least designed some. Jack also cleverly takes advantage of his own shorts, taking them off, ripping them apart, and turning them into a pattern. He then graciously shared that pattern with Carmen and Victorya, infuriating the other designers, especially Rami.

More, and spoilers, after the jump.

Happy Thanksgiving From "Project Runway"

Last night we saw Sarah Jessica Parker on "Project Runway." Tonight I'm looking at Project Rungay's take on her Bitten line of clothing, and Bravo production exec Andy Cohen's look back at the ep. Next on the agenda: Going to bed early. Whoooo!

"Project Runway": I'm Kind Of A Big Deal

The Tresseme Hair Salon, the L'Oreal Makeup Room, the Bluefly.com accessories wall, and the New Gotham apartments welcome you to yet another recap of "Project Runway." Hey, who wants spoilers?

I've got spoilers!  Hot delicious spoilers! The big one of course is that the much-heralded fashion icon the designers must work for is Sarah Jessica Parker. (She looks much better than she did back in September.) And they have to work for her in teams.

Anyone hoping that Sweet P and Pistol are going to face off at some point? Because a battle of the chicks with silly nicknames would be totally awesome.

After the jump, we'll talk about who gets paired with whom, model selection, who wins, and who goes home.

"Project Runway" Ratings Point To Being Very Much In Fashion

In fashion, as host Heidi Klum says in almost every "Project Runway" episode, one day you're in, and the next day, you're out. But if ratings for Wednesday's premiere of "Project Runway" are any guide, the hit show is even more in than it was last year. The numbers, says the Times, were a channel record: 2.9 million viewers, the most for any Bravo TV premiere ever. Tune in Wednesday night for the second episode of season four, in which contestants' work must be inspired by a fashion icon.

"Project Runway" Returns Tonight!

Yes yes yes! "Project Runway" season 4 starts tonight!

Previously on TV With MeeVee: Tim Gunn and Heidi Klum hinted at surprises, we talked about punk-fashion royalty, and of course we wrote up our impressions on the 1st episode (spoilers inside, but I'm not saying who goes home). My favorites right now are Rami Kashou and Christian Siriano, with Elisa Jimenez close behind.

I expect that will change any day now, though.

Elsewhere: Yahoo! has a list of hot "Project Runway" searches, the Chicago Tribune is thrilled to have the show back, BuzzSugar is buzzing with anticipation, FabSugar feels fab about it, and Slate is beamused by it.

One Week Til "Project Runway!"

Just one week til "Project Runway" starts, and Slate has notes on a trip to the kickoff fashion show, held yesterday afternoon and starring (from left to right) Heidi Klum, Tim Gunn, and Nina Garcia.

In this promotional event, all the contestants exhibited three looks each. They point out the different styles of each designer: Kevin has  a "post-apocalyptic pixie" thing going on, Victorya is the most commercial, Christian runs with an equestrian style for some reason, and Ricky is the most outre.

So far, that assessment seems pretty accurate, but I'm getting increasingly excited about seeing just how accurate in the premiere on November 14!

MeeVeeVideo Top 5: Adios Network Writers--Kid Nation, LA Ink, I Love New York 2, and more

As you all know, Hollywood's writers are on strike.  For the avid television watcher this is probably more stressful than a MLB fan during a baseball lockout.  But just think of it this way people.  It's like having summer in November (except for the fact that in most places T-shirts and shorts are out and you'll freeze your ass off at the beach!).  Now you catch all your favorite reruns, just like in the summer.  Stay strong and remember, writers are a neurotic and finicky bunch. They need the money way more than the TV execs do meaning the writers will only strike for so long.

This week Video Top 5 is saying forget the writers!! We'll just give praise to the shows where the hardworking, writing-less, reality shows create all the revenue. On Kid Nation, you can watch the little whiny bastards battle for the gold stars on the two-minute drill. Look at the many sides of Pixie on LA Ink.  She makes us want to get a tramp stamp right now!  Watch as a blood oath goes sour on I Love New York 2.  You'll just have to check it out to find out what it's all about.  View "Sneek Peeks" and "Diaries of the Departed" on The Bachelor.  Such a nice euphemism, but we like to call these ladies the losers!  Also, we have the Project Runway Memory Match game.

For our YouTube Clip of the Week, see which presidential hopeful is pulling a campaign "move" that's almost as reckless as Howard Dean's infamous "whoohoo"!!  Doesn't he have campaign advisers so stuff like this doesn't happen on the campaign trail?!

"Project Runway" Background Check: Christian Siriano

A reader wrote in to ask about "Project Runway" contestant Christian Siriano's biography, which notes that he had an internship of some sort with the "Queen Of Punk," Vivienne Westwood.

She said she thought Westwood was no longer the Queen Of Punk, and that she'd been deposed by Betsey Johnson some time in late 1999 during a bloodless coup. Who, she asked, is the Queen Of Punk Fashion?

To clarify, it's still Westwood (earlier "Project Runway" victor Santino Rice is a close second). Betsey Johnson is the Queen of crazy. However, it's an exceedingly small kingdom, because is no such thing as a truly punk fashion designer. Just look at her Spring 2007 collection: There are just a few punkish items, even if you use the Ashton Kutcher definition and count the outfits where she's tricked models into wearing her grandmother's lace tablecloth.

"Project Runway" Season 4 Preview With Spoilers

Bravo just released this "Project Runway" preview clip, but I've got better spoilers than that after the jump.

Project Runway Gets Ready For The Premiere

  Before she started work on "Project Runway," host and judge Heidi Klum worried that reality TV as a concept was tired out. People had grown tired of shows that crammed unstable people into impossible situations and watched them freak out, eat worms, and cry. But what if they did a show that made people use their real-world skills, like sewing and rushing to finish stuff on a deadline? And so the incredibly successful  "Project Runway" was born to Bravo.

Season 4 kicks off on Wednesday, November 14, and if the preview I got was any indication, it's going to be great. Fifteen talented designers, six terrible haircuts (especially Christian, at right, who's gunning to be this year's evil bitch, insulting the other competitors early and often), and some very interesting dresses. I think my favorite so far is Rami (top left), but Elisa (lower left) has a far-out groove that could put her in the running as well.   

In a pre-show conference call, co-host Tim Gunn noted that he thinks every designer this season has the talent to win the show, but that the ultimate winner will be someone who manages to avoid cracking under pressure. That pressure is definitely intense: The show is filmed over 30 almost-sleepless days, and the designers really do all that work themselves. At least one contestant, Tim said, was surprised and terrified to discover that the deadlines and effort hadn't been faked.

Heidi told us that there were plenty of twists and celebrity guest judges in the new season, but said she couldn't reveal any of them. She did say, however that series regulars Nina Garcia and Michael Kors will be back as judges, and that she's had a grand time working with them.

I'm not going to squeeze a "make it work" joke in here, or give you any spoilers (not yet, at least), but I will tell you that the first challenge this season is very different from the introductory challenges in previous seasons.

Torrid Loves "Project Runway" And "American Idol"

Shortly before Jordin Sparks became the youngest "American Idol" winner ever, she also won a fashion competition, and is now a model for Torrid, the plus-size alterna-teen mall store. Torrid has an extensive interview with her. Actually, it looks like they've had it up for awhile, and I only just noticed it now. I found it through ONTD, which also has a lot of mean things to say about how she's a committed Christian opposed to premarital sex. Haters.

Torrid also interviewed "Project Runway" star Andrae Gonzalo, where he muses about the fact that most plus-size clothes are adaptations of smaller, less curvy styles, and not designed for rounder girls from the get-go. He's a clever man, that Andrae.

"Project Runway" Spoiler, Plus "Top Model" Exit Interviews And A New Pam Anderson Reality Show?

The New York Daily News says there are some shocking rumors going around about the latest season of "Project Runway," and they include revealing one of the people who don't win the show. That loser has denied that they ever leaked the spoiler, but somebody did, and that somebody is in trouble!

Last week's "Top Model" evictee, Yale student Victoria, says she still thinks modeling is every bit as superficial as she did before the show. She understands that it's not easy, but that doesn't make it any less dumb. Now that the Ivy League has figured out that fashion modeling is superficial, they can move on to determining once and for all whether professional wrestling is fake.

Yes, I'll be commenting on ANTM live this week, too. No, I can't stop. And FourFour's computer is down, so I think I'm the only one insulting the skinny bitches on the internet, and that's just not a responsibility you can take lightly, you know.

When Pam Anderson married the man she calls "Scum," people thought it was because she was pregnant. Not so! It's because she wants to give birth to a reality TV series. What a great idea: It'll be like the Paula Abdul show, only with bigger breasts!

"Sex And The City," And "Tell Me You Love Me," And "Hey Paula" And "Project Runway"

This post is all about sex. S-E-X. Just so you know. If you're squeamish or underage, don't read this.

First, some "Sex And The City" news:  Cele|bitchy has spoilers. And some creepy male-pregnancy-fetish art. Aren't you glad that the Internet exists?

People are all freaked out by the old people doing it on "Tell Me You Love Me," and the NY Times has a literate discussion on the issue of how necessary it is to be explicit in film and TV. "The View" was all up in that as well, but not quite to the same degree of literacy. More of a flat-earth degree of literacy.

Paula wants a baby, says ABC News. She's good with those puppies and she treats her assistants well, so... sorry, can't say that with a straight face. MISTAAAAAAAKE! Please, men of the world: do not mate with this woman!

Of the eight men on "Project Runway," one is a heterosexual. Can you guess which one? Video and the answer after the jump. (Can we get some details on the seven women contestants? Hello, gay design mafia?)

Morning reading

• Most important story of the day, if it pans out: The Writers Guild may be ready to go on strike when its contract expires on Nov. 1, instead of next spring in concert with the actors. That could throw the TV season into turmoil. (Ausiello)
• One critic almost kinda actually liked "Carpoolers." My friend has lost his mind. (TV Barn)
• The NYT critic hated "Carpoolers" like I did, although I'm not sure what "circumscribing the parameters of their own lameness" means in English. (NYT)
• The new series lack buzz. (Hollywood Reporter via Reuters)
• "Queer Eye" debuts for a fifth season tonight. I know, I know - "Is that still on?" (BuzzSugar)
• Tim Gunn dishes on "Project Runway" while promoting his book and new show. (TV Squad)
• Recapping "Dancing With The Stars." (TV Squad)
• "World's Most Boring TV Show." Why is my reaction, "I've gotta watch that!" ?? (Reuters)

"Project Runway" Season 4: Meet The Designers

"Tim Gunn's Guide To Style" is doing a decent job of holding my attention until "Project Runway" starts in November, but it's just not the same. As I've said before, it's good, but it's only the second-best Tim Gunn show. It's just not "Project Runway."

Yes, I'm thrilled to see we've got a proper list of designers and an official launch date (November 14) for the show. Already, people are trying to pick favorites and villains. Like, can't you just tell that Chris is just dying to be this season's Jay McCarroll?

But not me. I'm going to be working on my Tim Gunn impression. Designers... no, wait. Diz-igh-nerrrrrz.... Hm. This is hard. Maybe I'll try and pick some winners instead.

One More "Project Runway" Designer Revealed!

We've got a new "Project Runway" designer revealed. Although Bravo hasn't told us very much yet, just from looking at him, Christian seems like this season's Austin Scarlett: way too fey, way too self-conscious, and probably going to produce fanciful clothes that can't be adapted to any of the challenges.

Style Under The Gunn

If anyone on this summer's TV critics tour got a better reaction than the "High School Musical" kids, it was the "Project Runway" fashion maven who's striking out on his own in a couple of weeks with a Bravo series called "Tim Gunn's Guide To Style," which debuts tonight on Bravo. Maybe Gunn wasn't quite as swarmed after his press conference, but not even Zac Efron's words were as intently received by the assembled and frequently underdressed media.

"Why do you think that woman love you so much?" was a not-atypical question, which Gunn tried to hand off to his Emma Peel, co-host Veronica Webb, before consenting to answer with just a hint of a sigh.

"Well, I'd like to believe that people respond to the fact that I am a truth-teller, but that I'm thoughtful and respectful of who they are," said the impeccably well-spoken Chief Creative Office of Liz Claiborne Inc. "I mean, I have a profound respect for the human race. Am I disappointed by certain aspects of it? Of course. We all are. But I really believe in the right of all people to choose, and I believe that we're not all the same by any means. And I don't know, I think it's perhaps the thoughtfulness and respect that woman respond to. And I find that men tend to respond to it also."

Project Runway Season 4 Date Announced

Designers, clear your calendars, because baby we have a date: on November 14, 2007, the fourth season of "Project Runway" hits Bravo.

In the meantime, console yourself with "Tim Gunn's Guide To Style," starting on September 6.