The Best (US) TV of Fall

I'm always on the lookout for the next telly obsession, admittedly already lamenting the finish of True Blood season 4. (What do you mean, I have to wait til June 2012!)

It's mid September which can only mean one thing on my calendar- brand new Fall seasons of US Fall TV. For those of us in the UK who resent having to wait for ages before they air locally (by which time they'll have concluded in America.- not everyone can afford premium TV channels you know), here's a roundup of what to expect in the coming months from my favorite shows.

America's Next Top Model Cycle 17: All Stars
14th September on CW

Despite its predictable formula of high pitched screams, makeover tears, backstabbing and catfights, ANTM  is one guilty pleasure I never get bored of. This season's lineup sees the unprecedented return of past contestants that didn't make it to the top. From the memorable (note- battle of the bitches between Camille, Lisa, Dominique, Angelea and Alexandria) to the not so memorable (Sheena who?), the cycle promises to deliver more model drama than ever. My only doubt is whether they're be too old to break into the modelling industry by now. If Tyra Banks is trying to tackle the blatant ageism in the industry, surely that can only be a good thing.

Ones to watch- huge eyed Allison (cycle 12 runner up) and Kayla (cycle 15)


Survivor Season 23: South Pacific
14th September on CBS

The original American reality TV show is back for it's (can you believe it?) 23rd season. Filmed in Samoa (CBS must be running out of exotic locations by now), Redemption Island is back with 16 brand new castaways and 2 returning players Ozzy and Coach (a.k.a the Dragon Slayer). Let's see if the new season packs the same fresh punch as cycle 22, no doubt with unexpected twists thrown in the game. It's the exciting combination of sport, strategy and survival which makes Survivor addictive viewing.

Greys Anatomy Season 8
22nd September on ABC

Grey's Anatomy is the only medical drama I can bear watching, as it's based on an intelligent, independent woman's (Dr Meredith Grey) point of view. Although all the drama occurs inside the hospital, it's the intense emotions and realistic relationships between characters that make the show, rather than mind-boggling technical jargon and shocking medical cases.

Season 6 kicks off to a depressing atmosphere throughout. After being exposed for altering Derek's Alzheimer's trial, Meredith must deal with the repercussions to both her career and relationship with Derek. Tough, especially when you're new parent to an adopted baby. Cristina and Owen have yet to agree upon their feelings towards her unplanned pregnancy- leading to Cristina making a huge decision. April steps up to the plate as chief resident and Alex is still a Persona non grata for ratting out Meredith.

Desperate Housewives Season 8 (Final Season!)
25th September on ABC

Desperate Housewives has gotten cheesy in recent years. Yet like Kinder Bueno it's naughty but awfully nice, great for laughs when you're too tired to use excessive brain cells to figure out what's happening.
The glamorous ladies of Wisteria Lane will grace our screens for its final season this September. In the season 7 finale we ached at golden couple Tom and Lynette's marriage falling apart, Carlos shooting dead Gaby's abuser stepdad and the secret pact between all the ladies to cover up.

ABC has been really hush on details, but I do have a few inside scoops. We can expect more dark Young family secrets to be revealed. A new sexy male neighbour moves to the Lane and one of the housewives' husbands becomes alcoholic.

I'm dying to know who will crack the sacred pact first and whether sexy Detective Chuck Davis will finally be the one for Bree. After 8 seasons of hilarious comedy moments, countless secrets, murders and affairs, loyal viewers will be expecting a fitting finale to wrap up the futures of the well loved characters.


Gossip Girl Season 5
26th September on CW

You don't need to have read the books or be a teenager to love Gossip Girl. I for one am shamelessly addicted to its scandalous story lines (blackmail, infidelity, you name it), ridiculously attractive cast (including the parents) and the most to-die-for wardrobe since Sex and the City. In last season's cliffhanger, a positive pregnancy test was thrown into Blair's trashcan. Could Blair be a pregnant bride at her Royal Wedding? More importantly, is Louis or Chuck the father? As impostor Ivy returns as Serena's cousin Charlie, what havoc will she cause upon the Van der Woodsens? Will the Nate Dan and Serena triangle ever end, or will there be more hot love interests? Elizabeth Hurley will be joining the cast this season- can't wait!


Dexter Season 6
2nd October on Showtime

OK, the new season of Dexter doesn't come out till October but I don't care. America's move loved vigilante serial killer is back again to keep us on the edge of our seats.

Intriguingly, the new season's theme revolves around faith and religion, as Dexter wonders whether to instill this upon his son Harrison rather than his own 'Dark Passenger'. His new nemesis takes form in a religious zealot responsible for a series of grisly murders that appear to be religious killings. The prime suspects (fantastic new cast members) are seriously creepy religious history scholar Professor Gellar (Edward James Olmos), his student Travis Marshall (played by Tom Hank's eldest son Colin Hanks) and ex-con urned religious extremist Brother Sam (played by rapper Mos Def). Once again Dexter's Dark Passenger is drawn into the dangerous pursuit of hunting down the killer, which could have catastrophic consequences for his family...

Well readers, that's my pick of the creme-de

What you'll be watching this fall? Be sure to comment and let me know!

Stephen Fry's 100 Greatest Gadgets Needs a Reality Check

I have a confession to make. I have never, ever watched a Stephen Fry programme before, nor do I know or care about the controversy that surrounds his every remark. That is, until I watched his 3 hour long 100 Greatest Gadgets show on Channel 4 last week. To be fair, he did state in the beginning that his list was completely subjective and apparently self indulgent. But after some bizarre inclusions that clearly proved his somewhat deluded idea of 'useful gadgets' that enhance the life of everyday public, I felt it was my obligation to point out the silly items that definitely shouldn't have made it on the list.

Top 10 Stephen Fry's Totally Useless Gadgets

1.Corby Trouser Press-so bulky that it needs its own bus pass, it's no wonder they don't exist anymore

2. Sodastream Machine- Fun for making cheap bubbly? Yes. Revolutionary and indispensable? I think not.

3. Mousetrap- I'm no animal lover, but even I'm not that sick

4. Baby Buggies- Two Words: Pure Annoyance

5. Teasmade- Whoever thought of the bright idea of being woken up in the middle of the night by a spitting, boiling kettle combined with a piercing alarm clock deserves a slap in the face

6. Night Vision goggles- Why would the average population need a pair of those? Not unless you're a peeping Tom or fighting in Afghanistan.

7. Metal detector- No offence to any archaeologists

8. Bullworker- Although he obviously could use one. 
9. Alarm Clock- Most of us just hit the snooze button anyway
10. Applepeeler- You don't need a fancy contraption that takes longer to set up than picking up a kitchen knife.

Apparently Stephen Fry lives on another planet. However he did pay deserving tributes to pioneering gadgets like the ZX Spectrum (an 80s early computer model), VCR,Walkman, record and CD player, pager and fax machine (good riddance). You can't help but feel nostalgic (and old for anyone born after 1990), watching this blast from the past. These gadgets have truly changed and transformed our lives

I predict quite a few of the novelty gadgets will become bestsellers again, just from Fry's endorsement. Such is the influence of celebrities these days. I must brace myself for the shitstorm ahead from Fry's twitter fans.

True Blood Fashion 4X09 "Let's Get Out of Here"

In this episode it's not only Sookie but the dudes are sporting some pretty sizzling looks too. When you're hundreds of years old, you learn a thing or two about fashion. Here are my top picks-

It's no wonder Sookie seduces Bill and Eric in her steamy threesome fantasy with this short, sexy, sheer red chiffon wrap by Jonquil (US$68, £42) and Agent Provocateur Fifi red bra/knicker set (£160, US$263). If you'd rather save than splurge Ann Summers does a similar version ( only £20! US$33) and get Topshop's Lola red lace bra/panties set for £25 (US$41).

Sookie teams up with Debbie to hijack Moongoddess Emporium (who would've seen that pairing coming?), wearing this cute scattered heart hoody from Forever21. She obviously has a thing for hoodies! Unfortunately it's out of stock so I've found a fabulous copy at Max C for just £15 (US$25)

Lovehearts Cardigan, Max C

With the men leather jackets rule. There's nothing sexier than a smokin' hot werewolf or vampire in a sophisticated classic jacket. I'm in love with this caramel Club Leather Moto Jacket by Andrew Marc, which Alcide's been wearing . While the real deal will set you back an eye watering £319 (US$524), EBay has fantastic vintage finds like this 70s brown leather jacket at a snip of just US$9.99 (£6)!

Bill smoulders in his Vince dark brown leather motorcycle jacket (US$541.99, £331 Saks Fifth Avenue). For a more affordable cool, check out these suave alternatives

(Left) Mens Basic Biker Leather Jacket Brown, Superdry £71.99 (US$119)

(Right) Harvey brown leather biker jacket, Acer-leather.co.uk £150 (US$247)

With only 2 episodes left of season 4, I can hardly wait to see what's still in store!

The Power of Blue

No colour evokes more ambiguous response than Blue. From sadness, skies to the hue of your favourite jeans, it has touched the imaginations of countless artists, designers and musicians.  In the world of ceramics, blue has been a prized possession throughout history, from 9th century blue and white china, 16th century Dutch delftware to 17th century French porcelain. Our appetite for all shades of blue has always been insatiable.

Flow Gallery's latest exhibition Blue (15th June-3rd September) showcases the work of ceramicists and textile artists, who interpret and incorporate the colour in unique ways, referencing the past and present. An innovative collective tribute, this is a must see exhibition that will leave you reconsidering the impact and meaning of blue. Here are a few to watch out for-

Amy Jayne Hughes

A recent RCA graduate these her plate series Noveau Bleu references the prestigious Sevres porcelain of the 17th and 18th century. A fresh dialogue between form and decoration is created, through fluid watercolour illustration and their imperfect, crisp edges.

Caroline Slotte

Caroline Slotte reworks existing ceramics into tangible memories of our personal, cultural, historical and ancestral pasts. This tiny fishing boat, isolated and centred in a large plate serves as a poignant and striking reminder.

Fuku Fukumoto

Fuku Fukumato's thrown concentric forms are a spontaneous reaction between herself and the medium during the making process. Pure, lively and expressive in colour, their smooth, glossy surface evokes images of Arctic seas and floating icebergs.

Henk Wolvers

Henk Wolvers is known for his perfect, paper thin porcelain vessels. precisely incised and marked with blue slip, he pushes the delicate qualities of porcelain to the limit.

Rebecca Wilson

Rebecca Wilson  decorates the humble paper cup with blue Wedgewood patterns, poking fun at our diposable consumer culture. Cup of tea anyone?

Flow 

1-5 Needham Road

Notting Hill

London   

W11 2RP

True Blood Fashion Alert! How to Steal Sookie's Style for Less!

If you're as fanatical about True Blood as I am, you'll spot some serious fashion hotness going on. Here's how to get our heroine Sookie's sweet yet sexy look without breaking the bank.

I adore this look from 4x04 'I'm Alive and on Fire' which is simple, casual, classic Sookie. A cute, sporty green cropped hoody that emphasises her tiny waist covering a white camisole, teamed with teeny denim hotpants that show off her toned legs and perky butt perfectly.We might not all have her enviable bod, but we can sure have her wardrobe.

Green Hoody, £13.46  Aeropostale.
If you're going for the exact look, try cutting a stencil of miniature hearts on acetate and transfer the design with white fabric paint.

White lace trim cami, £9, Peacocks

Turn up denim shorts, £14, Peacocks

Tennis Shoes, £16, Kappa

Total: £52.46! (US$86.2)

Next up is my favourite look of season 4  from the latest episode 'Me and the Devil', which sees Sookie in a fabulous 50s style sunny yellow print sundress. I've been drooling over it ever since. With a sweetheart neckline, girly bows on the bust and the back, the fit-and-flare silhouette showcases Sookie's figure perfectly. I just can't get enough of the double bow detailing that ties up a bare back, making this sweet number not-so-innocent.

To copy Sookie's young lemonade fresh look, try these dresses.

(Clockwise from top left)

Sarah Dress by Jones and Jones, £60 (US$98.6), Topshop.com

Kimchi & Blue Ditsy Nora Dress, (Sale) £20 (US$32.9), Urban Outfitters

New Vintage Rosa Print Prom Dress, (Sale) £55 (US$90.3), Oasis

Complete the look with a white thin shoulder strap handbag/clutch, white cork/rope wedges, drop earrings and locket necklace.

Voila! Now that you've got her style all you need is a sexy hot vampire/werewolf boyfriend as the perfect accessory.

Out and About in London Part 2- Do Shop is Definitely a Do

I was excited to visit Do for the first time, since I previously spent a wasted journey, finding myself staring in front of a vacant shop window in Beak St like a complete idiot. Apparently the shop had moved its premises to Covent Garden months ago but the old address is still the first search result in Google (Damn you Googlemaps!). So imagine my relief when I managed to locate the shop with relative ease this time, despite having the worst sense of direction in the world and the inability to read maps for the life of me.

The small shop is located near the Camden's Neal's Yard shopping district amongst other hip places well worth visiting, like Rokit (vintage fashion), Forbidden Planet (Comic books) and London Graphics Centre (art and craft supplies). You can't miss it as there's a massive silver Do Shop sign sculpture slap bang in front.

Do has a relaxed atmosphere, selling quirky yet functional products for the home, with a youthful edge that separates it from others. Their concept is to 'inspire you with products that are versatile, fun, unique and beautiful'. Prices range hugely, from £2 greeting cards to more expensive lighting and furniture. Stocked with inspiring ideas for the kitchen, bathroom, bedroom and study,  there's something to suit everyone on any budget.

Here are my top picks at Do:

Don't be fooled by the unassuming appearance of this brown envelope. In true 007 undercover agent style, it is in fact a lightweight, splash and tear proof laptop sleeve from Luckies, padded with sturdy foam for protection, lined with satin and has adjustable fasteners. What a genius idea to deter thieves from nicking your laptop!

Next of my curious discoveries was Sena Gu's humorous cauliflower teapots and jugs, slipcast in porcelain. Sena is a recent graduate who has designed for 100% Design Festival 2010.  These witty and cute tablewares will definitely get people's attention at home.









Lastly I fell in love with this charming wooden sewing box 'Sewing the World' by Italian homeware company Seletti. its retro pink, white and yellow silk screened motifs of measuring  tape, teddy bears, flowers brings of childhood memories when little girls learned how to sew from their grandmothers, contrasted with edgier motifs of skulls and revolvers. The box folds open with handy sections and drawers with cute buttons, perfect for storing accessories and mementos. Each box is individually handmade, making IT a very special treasure chest indeed.

There are lots of other original products available from Do's website worth taking a look. What I love about Do is that they are willing to showcase designs by new graduates and proves that minimal, contemporary, fun design can be affordable to all.

Do
34 Shorts Gardens, Greater London WC2H 9PX

Review- Treasures of Heaven: saints, relic and devotion in medieval Europe

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Treasures of Heaven was the first special British Museum exhibition I'd been to since I received my free National Art pass which I was eager to make use of. The gory of the Middle Ages has fascinated many; the mysterious power of holy relics still summons incredible religious following and public interest. Watching CSI and knowledge of DNA testing have made me highly skeptical of the authenticity of famous examples such as The Shroud of Turin. This exhibition was something else.

The first thing that hits you when you enter the dark round reading room is the soothing choir hymn playing in the background. I felt immersed in a sacred presence as an urge to go to confession overwhelmed me, which was rather unsettling. All the visitors were over the age of 50, dead silent and serious. I wondered how many of them had came because they were true believers, or like me were simply intrigued.

5 Things I didn't know until I visited Treasures of Heaven

Before the LV logo and Chanel's interlocking Cs, Jesus  had his very own Christogram 'Chi Rho'- consisting of an X and P, the first 2 letters of Christ in Greek.

A reliquary was a container for relics, usually a box holding saint's relics, from bone to fragments of cloth. Exquisitely handcrafted in precious materials like gold, silver, gemstones and enamel- the sacredness of the relic was supposed reflected  by the high quality and  level of the skill needed to make the reliquary. They were in amazingly well preserved condition,gleaming and glistening as though endowed by a higher power. One imagined the power the spiritual faith of the craftsman, to create something so laborious and beautifully intricate.The Icon of the Man of Sorrows, (below) for example was a cabinet reliquary housing over 200 relics, its centre mosaic of Christ consisting of thousands of tiny stones.

Icon of the Man of Sorrows, 14th Century

The miraculous healing powers of relics were a recurring theme throughout the exhibition. Pilgrimage souvenirs were sold to people flocking to shrines to venerate the relic. It was believed upon contact you would inherit the power of the relic. Tiny pilgrimage flasks contained water allegedly mixed with blood of St Thomas Becket, the famously murdered Archbishop of Canterbury in 1170 A.D. The phenomenon is very much alive today- people willingly pay crazy amounts of money for locks of Justin Bieber's hair. Our fascination and insatiable appetite for a piece of celebrity is part of our human-ness, thus has never ceased throughout history.

The pinnacle of the exhibition is the relics of Jesus Christ himself, with the discovery of the True Cross by St Helen when she visited the Holy Land in 326-8 A.D. On display were reliquaries containing the relics of nails of the cross, crown of thorns, preserved blood, tears, breath and even the umbilical cord of baby Jesus! This was followed closely by the reliquaries housing the breast milk and hair of the Virgin Mary and the skull fragments of Thomas Becket.

Reliquary Pendant for the Holy Thorn, 14 century

My question with relics is there's no way of verifying whether they belonged to that saint. Even if they can be positively attributed as human, their magical powers cannot.

Yet does it matter if not everything is scientifically trialled and proven? The psychological effect of spiritual has certainly been proven to improve one's happiness and health.  We live in an era that hammers science down our throats as the answer to everything. But needing to be 99.99% sure all the time has also made us overly cynical and frankly, miserable. So leave your doubts at the door before you visit- you'll find yourself at peace and your blood pressure down a couple of notches.