Watching Sasha Cohen at the United States Nationals 2010 (Spokane, Washington, US)
January 23, 2010 by vongsundara · 2 Comments
SPOKANE, WA - JANUARY 21: Sasha Cohen waves to the crowd after the ladies short program at the US Figure Skating Championships at Spokane Arena on January 21, 2010 in Spokane, Washington. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images) Content © 2010 Getty Images All rights reserved.
I love love love Sasha Cohen. As I write this, I am watching the United States Nationals 2010 taking place in Spokane. Sasha has finished her warm-up and will be up with the next flight of skaters. I haven’t actually watched the U.S. Nationals since Sasha retired four years back, so it’s really great to have her back.
Being a Sasha Cohen fan hasn’t always been easy. Sasha has a history of faltering during her long program at major competitions. The unfortunate part is that most spectators have said that she runs through her programs flawlessly during practice and just can’t execute during competition. This is just too bad because otherwise Sasha may have gone down in history as the best figure skater ever.
Sasha’s artistry and non-jumping elements are, to me, the best from any skater ever. I enjoy watching Sasha’s exhibitions more than her actual programs because she can focus on the non-jumping elements. Her spirals are unmatched in the history of figure skating, and her musical interpretation is fabulous. Her spins have fabulous positioning and gorgeous silhouettes.
SPOKANE, WA - JANUARY 23: Sasha Cohen finishes her routine in the free skate during the US Figure Skating Championships at Spokane Arena on January 23, 2010 in Spokane, Washington. Flatt won ladies championship. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) Content © 2010 Getty Images All rights reserved.
Oh . . . here she comes . . . the commercial break is over and they’re showing Sasha on the ice. I am literally holding my breath. Please, please, please keep it together girl.
Opening combination was shaky. I hope they don’t downgrade her to a flutz. Her second combination was also two-footed. But well, as long as she doesn’t fall. A third two-footed landing. Okay, a gorgeous salchow. Damn, I love her spirals. Her first spin, somewhat safe choice.
Down to the second half. Come on girl. Damn, a two-footed triple flip that ended in a fall. Okay, she did a nice clean double-axel. A semi-clean triple loop. Now comes the footwork sequence. Very, very nice. She finishes with her signature spin.
It definitely wasn’t a perfect performance, but considering it’s her first competition back, she did very well. No matter what happens, it is definitely nice to have her back.
Her final score was 174.28 for the competition and is now out of the running for the Olympics. It’s too bad because it would have been nice to have her in Vancouver 2010.
Okay, I’ve had a few minutes to reflect on this now. I have to admit that I am a little bit disappointed, but I am happy that Sasha Cohen decided to make the attempt. Sasha’s story at U.S. Nationals has kept me glued to the television that hasn’t happened in a while.
You’ll always be one of my heroes.
Watching George Clooney in Up in the Air at the movies had me thinking about life
January 22, 2010 by vongsundara · 2 Comments
Why oh why do people have to ruin movies for me? I went to go see Up in the Air yesterday, and it was actually quite a well done film. Unfortunately, the entire plot along with the ending had been spoiled for me by a random person I met at a friend’s party. After going on about how she hates people ruining movies, she then of course proceeded to tell us the entire plot and ending. I’m still bitter. Anyhow, on to the movie.
I’ll leave the plot synopsis to the Wiki entry and movie trailer you can find at the bottom of this review.
George Clooney’s character definitely had me thinking. I suppose that’s the power of movies; they sometimes take my mind to places it would otherwise not go and often have me examining the different aspects of my life. This movie had me examining my decisions around choosing to focus on my career and not making too many connections.
Like the lead character in Up in the Air, I could very well end up old and alone. I have dedicated almost all my time to my craft and couldn’t possibly see myself putting a relationship above my dreams. Heck, if I wanted to live for human connection, I wouldn’t have thrown that all away and moved to Toronto where I effectively know no one. Who knows, maybe the movie is right, but at least for the next few years, I am content to focus on work.
The plot was well thought out, and the actors turned in terrific performances, especially George Clooney in the last third of the movie when his character is beginning to go through some changes.
Overall, I’d recommend this movie to anyone. A movie that can make you think about your life is definitely worth watching.
Teyona Anderson – Photoshoot Portfolio Review, America’s Next Top Model Cycle 12, ANTM 2009
May 13, 2009 by vongsundara · 13 Comments
It’s looking like the year of the upset in reality competitions. Teyona will definitely have a future in the industry, but she’s just not inspiring as a model, and that will limit her potential. She has an above-average body, face, walk and personality and no real weaknesses. The trouble is that there’s nothing that really stands out with the WOW factor that supermodels need to have.
Once again, Tyra awarded the title to the model who wanted it the most. It’s been predictable since the fiasco with Cycle 1 winner, Adrianne Curry. I like Teyona, but I really disagree that she should have won Cycle 12.
Teyona Anderson, America's Next Top Model Cycle 12 ANTM 2009, Episode 13: America's Next Top Model Is...
Teyona delivers another predictably solid photo. She looks very commercial, and I believe the expression in her face here.
Review Score: ★★★½☆
Teyona Anderson, America's Next Top Model Cycle 12 ANTM 2009, Episode 12: Take Me To The Jungle
This is a solid photo of Teyona, but it’s not really that inspiring. Without the top, the outfit doesn’t make much sense, and her bottom looks like it’s covered in granny panties.
Review Score: ★★★☆☆
Teyona Anderson, America's Next Top Model Cycle 12 ANTM 2009, Episode 11: Let's Go See The City
Teyona looks strong, and her body looks gorgeous in this photo. Being on the other side of the surf board helps with the composition of this shot. I would have preferred Teyona’s hands in slightly different positions, though. Her top hand covers her hair a little and her bottom hand is lying lifeless. Overall still a great photo.
Review Score: ★★★★☆
, America's Next Top Model Cycle 12 ANTM 2009, Episode 9: The Amazing Model Race
Teyona’s photo is the sexiest of the bunch. She uses the background very well the way that she is leaning on the door. Teyona’s facial expression is sultry and absolutely sells the concept of the photo.
Review Score: ★★★★☆
Allison Harvard – Photoshoot Portfolio Review, America’s Next Top Model Cycle 12, ANTM 2009
May 13, 2009 by vongsundara · 65 Comments
I can’t believe Allison didn’t win. Sure, she had some things to work in compared to Teyona, who is a complete model right now, but Allison overcame so much and grew a lot this season. Also, the fact that Allison basically stomped Teyona in the CoverGirl challenge and final runway shows that she can handle the pressure of being in the spotlight and will continue to grow as a model.
Allison’s face is absolutely magical. It looks like she stepped out of an anime and on to the catwalk. She showed myrid facial expressions from intense to surprised to sexy and even commercial. There’s nothing she can’t do, and there’s no makeup, hair or wardrobe that could overwhelm her exaggerated features.
Allison has to work a bit on her walk and her presence, but I really wish that Tyra had given Allison a chance given that Teyona stumbled at the finish line. Oh well . . . I think it basically came down to Teyona wanting it more. Ever since Cycle 1′s winner, Adrianne Curry, went off the deep end, Tyra has been giving the title to the model who wants it most, often to the chagrin of fans.
Three words Tyra: “Get. Over. It.” Forget about Cycle 1, and give the title to the best model.
Allison Harvard, America's Next Top Model Cycle 12 ANTM 2009, Episode 13: America's Next Top Model Is...
Wow, Allison can do commercial too! Allison has been a master chameleon this season, and this week is no exception. I’m not sure I really like the angle of her face in this photo, but Tyra said that there were tons of photos to choose from, so I’ll have to believe her. I would have loved to see the reel from this photoshoot. Still, though, Allison once again looks smoking hot and can really sell product with that wonderful face of hers.
Review Score: ★★★★☆
Allison Harvard, America's Next Top Model Cycle 12 ANTM 2009, Episode 12: Take Me To The Jungle
Damn, another five-out-of-five rating for Allison. This may be the best photo of the entire season. It’s not so much a photo as it is a piece of art. I would totally hang this on the wall of my home. The facial expression, the body position, basically everything is exquisite. There’s a bird-like quality that only Allison can infuse in this photo. This is simply magical.
Review Score: ★★★★★
Allison Harvard, America's Next Top Model Cycle 12 ANTM 2009, Episode 11: Let's Go See The City
Another week, another stunning photo from Allison. She is really showing that she has more than one look the past couple of weeks. Allison looks absolutely stunning here and is oozing classy sexuality in a 1970s child-of-the-earth sort of way. I love how she’s holding the hairy dude and how he’s staring right back at her.
Review Score: ★★★★☆
Allison Harvard, America's Next Top Model Cycle 12 ANTM 2009, Episode 9: The Amazing Model Race
Allison delivers yet again with a flawless photo. Allison’s facial expression has life and energy behind it, and her pose is absolutely endearing. This is one of the best photos of the entire season. There’s nothing I can find wrong with it at all.
Review Score: ★★★★★
Aminat Ayinde – Photoshoot Portfolio Review, America’s Next Top Model Cycle 12, ANTM 2009
May 13, 2009 by vongsundara · 1 Comment
Aminat definitely had the best personality of the season and also one of the best modeling bodies in the world. Aminat definitely has a great future in runway modeling given that her walk is polished and pretty damn hot. I’m not sure she can really do much in print modeling, though. She doesn’t know how to work her body in a photo, and her face is only average for a model. That said, I’m sure there are a lot of designers who would love to have her walking down their runway with her hot body and fierce model stomp.
Aminat Ayinde, America's Next Top Model Cycle 12 ANTM 2009, Episode 13: America's Next Top Model Is...
There’s nothing all that wrong with this photo except that it’s just exceptional, which is required for the top three. Aminat’s eyes are a little dead, though I don’t mind her smile.
Review Score: ★★★☆☆
Aminat Ayinde, America's Next Top Model Cycle 12 ANTM 2009, Episode 12: Take Me To The Jungle
Aminat looks like she’s playing a hooker in a horror movie running away from a giant monster bird. That said, she pulls it off well, and for once there’s expression in her face.
Review Score: ★★★☆☆
Aminat Ayinde, America's Next Top Model Cycle 12 ANTM 2009, Episode 11: Let's Go See The City
There’s nothing really inspiring about Aminat in this picture as far as her pose and facial expression goes, but there is no denying Aminat’s body. Even though Aminat’s body is actually even better than it looks in this photo. She’s at least trying to interact a bit with the scene. I like the way her body sways in conjunction with the palm tree behind her.
Review Score: ★★★☆☆
Aminat Ayinde, America's Next Top Model Cycle 12 ANTM 2009, Episode 9: The Amazing Model Race
Ooh, Aminat, I love you and all but this is the worst photo of the week. Aminat is so ridiculously gorgeous and tall, but she just doesn’t understand how to model. Aminat’s pose is horrific, and her facial expression is really boring. It’s too bad because Aminat has an amazing personality. Hopefully she can turn it around next week.
Review Score: ★☆☆☆☆
Celia Ammerman – Photoshoot Portfolio Review, America’s Next Top Model Cycle 12, ANTM 2009
May 6, 2009 by vongsundara · 9 Comments
Poor Celia, she never had a real shot at winning given that she entered the competition at 25 years of age. She had a solid run, and I’m sure she can take away a lot of good experience, but her future is not in modeling. Even for her advanced age, she photographs old, and there’s nothing inspiring about her face. Hopefully she can find a nice job in the world of fashion.
Celia Ammerman, America's Next Top Model Cycle 12 ANTM 2009, Episode 12: Take Me To The Jungle
Celia did her best in this photo, and it came out all right. There’s something about Celia’s face that just does not photograph well at all. She gives strength in this photo, but there’s no real expression on her face except maybe a touch of cluelessness. The body positioning is great, though.
Review Score: ★★★☆☆
Celia Ammerman, America's Next Top Model Cycle 12 ANTM 2009, Episode 11: Let's Go See The City
What a beautifully lit and framed photo. Unfortunately for Celia, she does not come through well in it at all. It’s too bad because the backdrop of extras, trees and buildings is gorgeous. Celia’s pose is awkward, and there is no interaction with the scene at all.
Review Score: ★★☆☆☆
Celia Ammerman, America's Next Top Model Cycle 12 ANTM 2009, Episode 9: The Amazing Model Race
Celia does nice job in this photo. I would have given her a higher mark except that there’s a little life missing from her expression. The red top that Celia is wearing is incredibly vivid and contrasts well with the rest of the photo. Celia does look a little too old in this photo, but it’s not her fault that the judges placed her in a competition that she’s too old to win.
Review Score: ★★★☆☆
Felicia “Fo” Porter – Photoshoot Portfolio Review, America’s Next Top Model Cycle 12, ANTM 2009
April 29, 2009 by vongsundara · 8 Comments
I really enjoyed Fo this season. She came away as my early favourite, but her immaturity really came through a few episodes into the season. Fo’s inability to deal with a super-fabulous makeover was annoying. Fo got more and more annoying each week with her complaining, but there’s still something about her look that grabbed me.
Unfortunatley for Fo, her proportions are all wrong modeling. She’s too short and photographs short as well. Her personality is not enough to carry her through either. Fo did deliver some nice shots throughout the year, but I’m not sure how far she can go in the actual modeling industry.
Felicia (Fo) Porter, America's Next Top Model Cycle 12 ANTM 2009, Episode 11: Let's Go See The City
This is definitely one of the weakest photos of the entire season. I have no idea what Fo is doing with her body. I guess she was going for broken-down doll, but instead she channels model gargoyle.
Review Score: ★☆☆☆☆
Felicia (Fo) Porter, America's Next Top Model Cycle 12 ANTM 2009, Episode 9: The Amazing Model Race
I really like this photo of Fo. She definitely went a little over the top with her impersonation instead of going for a model’s pose, but I like the life and energy that Fo brings to the photo. Best of all, the clothes look really fabulous, and isn’t that the whole point?
Review Score: ★★★★☆
Natalie Pack – Photoshoot Portfolio Review, America’s Next Top Model Cycle 12, ANTM 2009
April 15, 2009 by vongsundara · 10 Comments
Natalie Pack, America's Next Top Model Cycle 12 ANTM 2009, Episode 8: The Amazing Model Race
Natalie’s hair and makeup were great in this photoshoot. The blown-out afro really gave a ferocious lion feel that worked well for the photo’s theme. The lighting was very effective in hiding Natalie’s wide face and gave her some extra dimension.
Review Score: ★★★★☆
Lauren “London” Levi – Photoshoot Portfolio Review, America’s Next Top Model Cycle 12, ANTM 2009
April 15, 2009 by vongsundara · 11 Comments
I love London. It’s too bad that the stress got to her, leading to the extra weight. London’s face is spectacular, and she should definitely continue pursuing a career in modeling. She has all the natural gifts needed plus she’s only 18 years old.
Lauren (London) Levi, America's Next Top Model Cycle 12 ANTM 2009, Episode 8: The Amazing Model Race
This photo doesn’t really work. London’s head is tilted a little too high and her facial expression is much too exaggerated. London’s figure is totally out of whack as she has gained probably 20 pounds since the start of the competition. That in and of itself isn’t horrible, but London should not have posed straight on to push the point even more. Maybe a three-quarters view of the body would have helped hide some of the extra weight.
Review Score: ★★☆☆☆
Tahlia Brookins – Photoshoot Portfolio Review, America’s Next Top Model Cycle 12, ANTM 2009
April 8, 2009 by vongsundara · 3 Comments
It’s too bad that Tahlia didn’t have enough self-confidence to go further in the competition. Tahlia’s face was maybe the strongest left in the entire competition, but she just wasn’t likable enough. I hope she does pursue modeling because her beauty shot was spectacular and the video camera lens loved her in the Cover Girl commercial.
Tahlia Brookins, America's Next Top Model Cycle 12 ANTM 2009, Episode 6: Here's Your Test
Damn, who knew Tahlia would look so beautiful in close-ups. She is definitely stepping up her game. She’s gotten better week after week after week. At this rate, she may actually contend for the finals.
Review Score: ★★★★½
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