Friday, August 28, 2009

Holy, Toledo!

Okay, so that's the lamest title ever, but I'm running around like a chicken with its head cut off and don't have time to think or be creative...

First, FOX Toledo is searching for the fourth Face of FOX Toledo, a position I held back in '06. For publicity, they hold an American Idol type contest, but it's a real job as a spokesperson for the station. Right now there's a Top 50; to "vote" you must watch their entire video. I guess it doesn't count if you "gong" them by clicking away from it before it ends. Much like a People's Choice pick at a pageant, only the top vote getter will automatically move on, while the other finalists will be the pick of the station. Nonetheless, please support the following by watching their entire videos:

My good friend Jeff McGinnis.
He is the reason I ever began a blog and is one of the greatest supporters in my life! He is smart, funny and I truly believe is a great fit for this position. Jeff holds a degree from BGSU and is the buffest of any pop culture buff you will meet!



Tiffany Schramm
, the reigning Miss Ohio International.
Tiffany is an absolute sweetheart who was a finalist at Miss Ohio USA and in the last Face of FOX competition. She is a former Cavs dancer and a student at Owens.





The ever ambitious, Starkeisha Ebony Cole.
Star is one of the most driven people I've ever met! While I was the Face, she contacted me to talk about how she could someday hold the position. She auditioned last season and even my ridiculously unpleasant producer said she was one of the best candidate; unfortunately, she was too young at that time. You've heard her name in pageantland as the talent winner last year at West Central and 1st runner-up at Clayland.

Please click on their names to watch their videos.

Also, a little bit of a person update on me... As most people know, I've lived in LA for over a year now while my beau, Loren, has been in Ohio trying to sell our home. Finally, we got an offer and have gotten through negating the price and the inspection. As long as the appraisal is greater than the deal, we'll move on to the closing and Loren will relocate to LA with me after the New Year. I'm back in Ohio for a quick visit, packing and purging, and will be having a yard sale tomorrow morning, including some old pageant gowns. Checkout my two craigslist ads and stop by if you're in the Toledo area!

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Dalton's Many Dresses

#1. Kristen's competition gown at Miss USA#2. Kristen's photo shoot gown at Miss Universe
#3. Kristen's preliminary gown at Miss Universe
#4. Kristen's finale competition gown at Miss Universe
Miss USA had the lowest score in Evening Gown during the Miss Universe finale. So...

Monday, August 24, 2009

Miss Universe 2009, Miss Venezuela, Stefania Fernandez














This marks the first time in Miss Universe history that the same country won the title back-to-back! Below, Dayana Mendoza crowns Stephania at both Miss Venezuela and Miss Universe.


CLICK HERE for great photos from the pageant.

CLICK HERE
for pictures of Stephania's crowning
and week in the Bahamas.

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Miss Universe Live Blog: Final Results

Miss Universe - Venezuela
1st RU - Dominican Republic
2nd RU - Kosovo
3rd RU - Australia WHAT?
4th RU - Puerto Rico

And the crown falls... * GASP * REWIND * LOL *

Miss Universe Live Blog

Our final thought:

Dominican Republic - She's pretty far away, but not close up; we just don't like her.
Australia - I think she'll be in the last two, but others hate the wings on the dress.
Puerto Rico - We HATE the gown.
Venezuela - Love her, very confident during her question, but not crazy about the gown.
Kosovo - "How would they put the gown over that hair?" "I don't think we have to worry about it!"

Miss Universe Live Blog: Onstage Question

Dominican Republic - Should HIV testing be made mandatory?

Australia - Something about being able to wear a Swimsuit.

Puerto Rico - Has being a beautiful woman made your life easier or prevented people from taking you seriously?

Venezuela - What can women do to overcome discrimination against women?
For the record, I love her because she looks like Natalie Portman.

Kosovo - What is it about fame make many, including you, want to be famous?

We really like Venezuela, but we feel her gown and Puerto Rico's Pepto-bismol gown are simply not "crownable."

Miss Universe Live Blog: Top 5

Miss Congeniality - China
Miss Photogenic - Thailand

Top 5:
Dominican Republic
Australia
Puerto Rico
"I think she's Michael Jackson... He didn't die, he got boobs."
Venezuela
Kosovo

Miss Universe Live Blog: Evening Gown

We think Kelly Rowland is frighteningly buff.

Australia - The men like it; women say "Interesting" and Superwomanish.
Venezuela - I think it looks way too costumy; she could sing an opera talent in it.
South Africa - It's a hot mess!
Dominican Republic - We think it "old school," ill-fitted and too short, but the judges love her!
Kosovo - LOVE her gown, not crazy about her hair; very Audry Hepburn! We think she's redeemed herself from Swimsuit.
Czech Republic - It's beautiful, but a prom style we saw a few years ago.
Switzerland - "Is she going to homecoming?" I said, "I think she's going to bed," Loren replied.
Puerto Rico - We fear seeing some nip.
USA - She looks too much like a Miss America contestant. We are stunned how low she scored! 7.5!? What?
France - Very disco ball.

Miss Universe Live Blog: Top 10

Australia
Venezuela
South Africa
Dominican Republic
Kosovo
Czech Republic
Switzerland
Puerto Rico
USA
France

Our new picks:
Menfolk: Dominican Republic, Australia, Venezuela, Czech Republic
Pageant Divas: Dominican Republic, Australia, USA, Dominican Republic, Switzerland

Miss Universe Live Blog: Swimsuit

Someone needs to tell Heidi Montag that she is not Brittany Spears.

A great suggestion from one of the husbands for Swimsuit, "They should put them on roller skates."

Here are our comments from the room:

Puerto Rico - Women think she looks great; men say "too skinny;" I say her hair's in her face.
Iceland - Bouncy! Her boobs are falling out the bottom!
Albania - And now for no boobies! "Is she a man?" We think she's scary.
Czech Republic - "Is she a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader from '73?"
Belgium - We love her body, hate her hair.
Dominican Republic -WOW! We like her; she's working it!
Sweden -"She looks like Richard Gere."
Kosovo -And this one looks like Cher. Too skinny!
Australia - "Hideously gorgeous." We like her.
France - Great abs; bad teeth.
Switzerland - Look at that big belly button, "they might lose her score in it... the boys all get drunk out of it."
South Africa - Great catwalk!
USA - So pretty, but I don't think she really brought it.
Croatia - We were so distracted by her fake breasts.
Venezuela - I love her retro look!

We hate the swimsuit design and though we like Flo Rida, the lyrics could not be more inappropriate! lol!

Miss Universe Live Blog: Top 15

Puerto Rico * Iceland * Albania * Czech Republic * Belgium * Dominican Republic * Sweden * Kosovo * Australia * France * Switzerland * South Africa * USA * Croatia * Venezuela

WOW! We are shocked by the complete lack of Asian women; it's also surprising that only one Latina made the cut!

We think most of the hair looks like horrible extensions.

Miss Universe Live Blog

Well, our viewing party got preoccupied laughing at old MAO locals; we're starting an hour in thanks to DVR!

So far we are very scared of China's national costume. "Someone misunderstood the assignment."

--

We thought many of the costumes were fabulously S & M and the opening number dresses are boring.

Early picks from the menfolk are Argentina, Puerto Rico and Netherlands.

Tonight: Miss Universe!

Loren and I are headed to a Miss Universe viewing party with some of my favorite pageant-diva-experts extrodinaire! While it's common for fans to celebrate the super bowls of pageantry with parties, I think this is the first time I've watched at someone elses home with other pageant types. I'm sure it will be a blast and I plan to live blog throughout.

How long will it take for the menfolk to retire to the pooltable? Who will be crowned the new Miss Universe? Most interestingly, will Miss USA fall in gown a third year in a row?! :)

Saturday, August 22, 2009

Watch Miss WCO / LSF on TV Tonight!

Miss West Central Ohio / Miss Lima Square Fair
is the only Miss America local that can be viewed on two network affiliated television stations:

TONIGHT, Saturday August 22, WLIO NBC-Lima at 7 p.m.
and next Saturday, August 29, FOX - Lima

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Miss Universe 2009 Judges and Entertainers



LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- NBC, Donald J. Trump and Paula M. Shugart, President, Miss Universe Organization, announced the celebrity judges for the 2009 Miss Universe Pageant on Monday.

The judges are: Dean Cain, actor and producer best known for his TV portrayal of Clark Kent/Superman; Colin Cowie, author/television personality/designer to the stars; Gerry DeVeaux, award-winning producer, songwriter and style guru; Farouk, Founder and Chairman of CHI Hair Care; Heather Kerzner, philanthropist and ambassador for Kerzner International and their resorts, including Atlantis, Paradise Island; Richard LeFrak, Chairman, President and CEO, LeFrak Organization; George Maloof Jr., professional sports mogul and hotelier; Valeria Mazza, international supermodel; Matthew Rolston, leading photographer and director; Andre Leon Talley, award-winning writer and editor; Tamara Tunie, actress, "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit"; and Keisha Whitaker, fashion maven and founder of the Kissable Couture lip gloss line.

Access Hollywood's own Billy Bush, along with "Celebrity Apprentice" star Claudia Jordan, will host the live telecast of the 58th Annual Miss Universe Pageant from Atlantis, Paradise Island in the Bahamas.

As previously announced, international superstar Flo Rida will perform his hugely successful hits, "Right Round" and "Jump" as part of a two song medley during the Swimsuit Competition portion of the telecast. Included in the show will also be a performance by reality star Heidi Pratt featuring her single "Body Language." DJ David Guetta and Kelly Rowland will set the tone for the Evening Gown portion of the pageant as they perform their hit summer single, "When Love Takes Over."

Venezuela native Dayana Mendoza, Miss Universe 2008, will crown her successor at the conclusion of the 2009 Miss Universe telecast. During her reign, she has traveled the globe as an advocate for HIV/AIDS education, research and legislation. The newly crowned Miss Universe will go on to do the same.

Each contestant from more than 80 countries around the world will be judged in three categories: swimsuit, evening gown and interview as they vie for the coveted title of Miss Universe 2009. In recent years, the pageant has been viewed before an estimated worldwide viewing audience of approximately one billion viewers.

The Miss Universe Pageant will be broadcast live on NBC and Telemundo on Sunday, August 23 at 9 PM EST.

Pageant Photos: BOA, MAOT & Universe

Jillian Dansko, Beauties of America's 20s












Miss America's Outstanding Teen



Above: Miss America's Outstanding Teen,
Jeanette Morelan of Wisconsin.

Below left to right: Florida (2nd RU), Wisconsin (MAOT), California (4th RU), New Jersey (1st RU)
and North Carolina (3rd RU).
Above, all five MAO Teens. Left to right: Jeanette Morelan (WI), Taylor Fitch (SC), Caitlin Brunell (VA), Maria DeSantis (NY)
and Meghan Miller (TX).

Miss America Katie Stam: Fashion forward or fashion faux pas?











Miss USA, Kristen Dalton, at Miss Universe

Saturday, August 15, 2009

Wisconsin Crowned Miss Ameirca's Outstanding Teen


Miss America's Outstanding Teen
Wisconsin's Jeanette Morelan

Education: rumored to be a sophomore or junior / hopes to attend Harvard for Economics, Government and Law
Talent: Vocal "Think of Me"
Platform: "The Power of ONE"
Awards: no prelims
Pageant Past: National American Miss semifinalist

1st RU: New Jersey
2nd RU: Florida
3rd RU: North Carolina
4th RU: California

Top 10:
* Indiana * Utah * Louisiana * South Carolina * Virginia

Huge Congrats to the New Beauties of America's 20's, Ohio's, Jillian Dansko!



Jillian Dankso
Beauties of America's 20s


Swimsuit Winner


Jillian is a former Miss Ohio Top 10 finalist and graduate of John Carroll University, who now works in business and marketing.






While I knew there was a TFTJ Poll, I did not realize the actual pageant was this weekend in Myrtle Beach! Huge congrats to Jillian, one of three Ohio women competing in her age division for winning Swimsuit and the crown! I was also told she did win the TFTJ poll, but the site doesn't appear to be updated yet. According to their website, "The Beauties of America Pageant philosophy has always been that women are fabulous and unique at every age, and pageants should reflect that." Each year they crown five titleholders: Teen, 20s, 30s, 40s and 50s; the contestants compete under the following criteria: Interview (40%), Fitness* (25%), Evening Gown (25%) and Photo (10%). For more about this pageant system, CLICK HERE.

*Note, Teens and 20s compete in swimsuits; 30s and 40s are asked to wear aerobic wear and 50s model active wear.

Best of Luck in Orlando

AND

Erica's Endeavors: MAOT in Orlando




Friday, August 14, 2009

Application Deadline: Miss Miami Valley

Ronda Morris is one of the sweetest directors in the Miss Ohio system. I held her title back in 200... 3, I think? Since then I've been telling people it's a great pageant because after it's over you can either celebrate or sulk with a big ole elephant ear, as it's held at the Montgomery County Fair in Dayton!

Applications are due this Sunday, August 16th,
so get them to the post office tomorrow!

The pageant is Saturday September 5th.

Welcome to the Blogosphere...

MAO Teen: Thursday Preliminary Winners

Talent: Rhode Island
Evening Gown: California

California's Monica Stainer is the only double prelim winner; she won talent with a ballet en pointe. Rhode Island and Indiana were both singers; the other gown winners were Florida and New Jersey.

The finale will be held Saturday night and can be watched online Sunday; CLICK HERE for details.

I really like the cute opening number dresses the Teens are wearing; the fitness wear, on the other hand...












And more of the Miss contestants at Universal Orlando:


Forward to the 2:45 mark of this boring video for some lame interviews... :(

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Miss Ohio Scholarship Program Accepting Resumes

The following email floated into my inbox from more than one source; I have copied it here exactly as it was forwarded to me:

Sent: Sat, Aug 8, 2009 12:01 pm
Subject: Board Positions

The Miss Ohio Board of Trustees will be electing 4 new menbers at their Sept.meeting plus reelection of regulars. The nomiating commmittee is excepting resumes and will be meeting with anyone interested after Aug.22 which is the deadline for all resumes.
The nominating commmittee is asking anyone who knows of any persons interested to please contact them and ask them to send their resume. Do not send names and number to committee because if a person wants to serve they must contact committee.

Please send resumes to:
Pat Anthony
2986 Co RD.131
Edison,Ohio 43320

MAO Teen: Wednesday Preliminary Winners

Talent: California
Evening Gown: New Jersey

[The winners photo is not on the press release at this time.]


Some Miss contestants are in Orlando watching the Teen pageant, including Miss Ohio, Erica Gelhaus.





While there Miss contestants visited Universal Studios Orlando:











That's cute girls, but here's how you do it
at the real Universal Studios in Hollywood! ;)

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Scroll, scroll, scroll... for four new posts!

Best of Luck to Ohio's Outstanding Teen, Veronica Wende!

This week Ohio's Outstanding Teen, Veronica Wende, is in Orlando competing for the national teen title. From these Facebook photos, it looks like she's having a great time!

Above: Veronica in a Tony Bowls gown for a photoshoot

Above: Veronica and her roommate, Hawaii's Outstanding Teen

Veronica had her Interview yesterday; she begins onstage competition tonight with Talent! Evening gown and Onstage Question are Wednesday, Sportswear Thursday and the finale is Saturday! Wish her luck!

Click here for photos from the MAO Teen website and HERE for the updated Ohio teen site.

A few more shots taken before she left: