Hello doods and doodettes. After what turned out to be a mostly frustrating day at college (i admit it - i am an impatient learner and have no time for people who need everything explained five times!) in which i discovered the world's most boring lecturer (yes "dave" you!) had the ability to slow time right down. At least Mama Zapping is home and feeling a little better. As Mr Pinkie of Dust said, we are indeed the Zappa family ;)
THE SEASON PREMIERES:
Well, there is possibly only Ruthiepoos and Dan who watch as much American tv as myself – and Dan has much better writeups of it than I do, so be sure to check out his work! However, I am sure you are all chomping at the bit to know my thoughts so here are some passing remarks on the new season… 
- ABC does it again… there has certainly been somewhat of a renaissance of quality drama on ABC in recent years and that shows no sign of abating this year. The first two episodes of Grey's Anatomy were just amazing – the writers did a great job of showing where the characters are at this year. I love the fact that Meredith is taking more control of her messy romantic situation and the final shot in episode two was a complete doozy…. Similarly the season premiere of Desperate Housewives was the best episode they have aired for a while. I adore klutzy Susan and was laughing so hard when she threw milkshake on poor comatose Jane. Bree once again had all the best scenes with new creepy murdering dentist boyfriend – her reaction to oral sex and an orgasm was classic ;) New show Brothers and Sisters also has potential as a quality nighttime soap – lots of things going on in the first episode that just draws you in for more. Now I am just eagerly anticipating the season premieres of Lost and The Nine on Weds… I'm not so enamoured of Six Degrees however. I had high hopes for this show, but it seemed a bit aimless. I'm going to stick with it a couple more weeks to see if it can live up to its full potential… 
- One show that certainly came out the box at full speed and showed Six Degrees how to properly link people together was the impressive and atmospheric Heroes. At first I dismissed this as a clone of The 4400, Kyle XY (a great slow burning show that hooked me over the summer) and Xmen. However, there was enough spark and personality in this show to have me hooked from the start. Love the nerdy Japanese guy who absolutely embraces the fun side of having heroic powers, which the always gorgeous Milo Ventimiglia looks for meaning in his destiny, only to have his theory shot to hell in a surprising and breathtaking cliffhanger. Hopefully this show will do well as I really want to see how things pan out…
- I swear Prison Break is bad for your health! Its just so ludicrously addictive and fun that even though I know its kinda trash, I can't stop watching. Like 24 (which I gave up on ages ago), it's all about the cliffhanger, so each episode leaves you wanting more even though the resolution is often highly implausible. Still it's great tv…
THE CLOTHES:
The New Designer – Ted Hamilton has worked for his preppy stripes at J.Crew, Ralph Lauren and (bow down and worship) The Gap. Inspired by his father's blue collared chicness, the designer's aesthetic – a well considered fusion of rumple and polish – is innate. The collection is heavy on Shetland sweaters made from extra thin washed cashmere that fits easily under one of his stylish blazers, and polo shirts in traditional cuts emblazoned with military badges. His hopes were to make clothes that would still feel fresh in five years – but what is most distinctive about the simple pieces is the utter lack of self consciousness. Lovely
The Way to Wear Less & Look Good – In the eighties, sartorial economy was epitomised by jeans and a black (or white) t shirt. While Simon Cowell may still consider that pairing stylishly minimalist, the rest of us can adopt a more evolved interpretation: navy or dark wool pants, a grey or light v neck sweater and a white collared shirt. Accessorise with restraing – and NEVER with visible chest hair. Try the Jil Sanders collection – pricey, but oh so worth it….
The Gap MP3s – here are the rest of some fashion and Gap inspired MP3s…
MP3: Michelle Branch - Life On Mars
Cult singer and composer, The Magnetic Fields' Stephen Merritt is no stranger to the themed concept album and his latest "The Tragic Treasury: Songs From A Series Of Unfortunate Events" (under the imprint of The Gothic Archies) is a collection of original songs corresponding to the 13 books of Lemony Snicket's wickedly inventive and addictive Unfortunate Events series. Snicket himself is actually Daniel Handler, accordionist with The Magnetic Fields and Merritt's lyrical dark wit chimes nicely with the books macabre surrealism ("in the hole of the soul of count olaf, there is no love") – excellent if, like me, you are a huge fan of the books and can't wait for the final chapter to be released on Oct 13th. If not, then this collection may hold limited appeal for you…
HOT LINKS:
very disappointed with six degrees and studio 60 - two shows i had high hopes for. Will stick with them a little longer... what do you think Dan??