Project Rungay Rocks

I'm a big fan of the television show Project Runway. Its on Wednesday nights on Bravo for those of you without Tivo. I haven't missed an episode since the first season.

But now, I can't watch it without wondering what Tom and Lorenzo are saying. [Cue record player screeching]. What? Who is this Tom and Lorenzo?

Project Rungay is the Mystery Science Theater 3000 of Project Runway. (Tell me you know what MST3K is.)

Tom and Lorenzo, the writers of Project Rungay, make their own reviews of the contestants, the judges, the hosts and of course, the fashion. I love their snarky commentary, self-described as a bitchy gay perspective.

I think Project Rungay has made me look forward to the Bravo show even more. Is it possible? I didn't think so, but it sure has. It will hook you too.

Project Rungay

See This Movie

Yep, mid July and most of the big summer blockbuster movies are out. Take your pick between the superhero, TV show on the big screen, alien invasion, romantic comedy or animated kid's movie. Trouble is, you've seen all of these stories before.

Don't get me wrong, I like those mindless superhero alien movies. But sometimes you want a little more depth, right? OK, humor me.

If Brick Lane is playing in your town, go see it immediately. If not, rent the movie when it's released on DVD.

It's a story of a young Bangladeshi girl who is sent to London for an arranged marriage. The opening scenes are so beautifully captured on film. The acting is incredible. You will leave the theater disappointed that Hollywood cannot make a movie as terrific as this.

And you'll wonder why are Western clothes so dull? OK, so we're all a little shallow. Now back to those superhero blockbusters.

Brick Lane

Accomplice

Most people go to New York City and hit Broadway for the latest shows. I recently saw Boeing Boeing, which is a lot of fun. The flight attendants are the best part of the show.

But if you're looking for an experience that's a little different than sitting in a cramped theater for two hours, check out Accomplice. We did and had a great time.

It's a cross between a show, a mystery, an interactive game and a tour. The show starts every 30 minutes in groups of 10 people. Bring your own group to make the show more fun.

I can say no more. Maybe I've said too much already.

Accomplice

Gardens Illustrated

If it weren't for the mosquitos, the heat, the part about getting your hands dirty and working hard, I'd really be into gardening.

Here's how you can get your gardening fix without the bad fingernails. Pick up a copy of Gardens Illustrated. From the UK, this monthly magazine has been described by friends as garden porn.

Incredible photographs of gardens will inspire you to . . . buy another magazine and gaze outdoors wondering how much a gardener would charge to clean up your backyard. At least with this magazine, you'll have plenty of ideas to give the gardener direction. Pick one up today.

Gardens Illustrated

Pug Mug

As I've said before, personalization is this year's black. Finally, retailers are realizing it's all about me. And you. And, well, everyone else.

That's why I like Jessica Rust Designs. At this web site, you can have dinnerware created with a drawing of your home on it, plates with your children's silhouettes or mugs devoted to your pets.

I think this Pug Mug is a great gift idea. Personalize a set for the pug daddies in your life.

Jessica Rust Designs

Free software to remove spyware

Ever notice when you go to a web site and there are ads for something you searched for a couple of days ago? That's because Internet advertising companies keep track of your every move.

If you're on a PC and surf the Internet, your computer is probably full of little cookies and spyware running in the background. They download without your knowledge and monitor your movements. And those are the legitimate ones. Stumble onto the wrong site and you could download some nasty little bugs. Yuck.

Yeah, we know Macs don't have to worry about this stuff. But for the majority of the population, get Ad-Aware. It's free and it keeps your computer clean. Download from CNET.

Ad-Aware

Scavenger hunt in Disney's Animal Kingdom

OK, this looks like fun! A short 5K race through Animal Kingdom, complete with an obstacle course and scavenger hunt.

I've run some races, even a couple of marathons. But frankly, they can be pretty boring after a while. I'm really looking forward to this race.

Register now with a buddy - teams pay $195 to get into the park for the race, then go to the after party, plus each racer gets a park ticket for Epcot or Animal Kingdom to use later.

Expedition Everest Challenge

Espresso in the garden

Truth be told, I don't drink coffee. Never had espresso, cappuccino or any other coffee chain drink that sells for $5.00 a cup.

But I happened to see these little guys and considered taking up the habit just so I could buy some.

White earthenware espresso cups with fig leaf-shaped saucers have a very cool modern organic look.

New York Botanical Garden Shop

What to get for your favorite computer geeks

Ah, yes. Stereotypes usually have some basis in fact. Computer geeks truly are sci-fi fans. Merge the two together and you've entered nerd nirvana.

That's why these USB flash drives are so great. Practical - they hold 4GBs of data (lots of stuff, for you non-techies). Cool - they come in a variety of Star Wars characters (Chewbacca, Storm trooper, Boba Fett, Han Solo, Princess Leia, Luke Skywalker).

Hey princess, keep your hands off Han Solo though. He's all mine.

The Conran Shop

Modern table linens

When we have family and friends over for dinner, the hardest part is trying to figure out what to make. This person doesn't eat fish, that one doesn't eat pork, still another doesn't like vegetables. And how many times can you serve macaroni and cheese, no matter how much you like it?

The easy part is setting the table. I love the table linens from Voscher Home Collection. The print shown here is called Baxter, but they have a variety of other patterns and colors to choose. Many of the patterns can mix together. Pick some up today at their website.

Voscher Home Collection

Three Potato Four Shop

There's a great little online store called Three Potato Four that you should really visit. They have a unique collection of vintage and handmade items, like the ceramic pigeon vases shown here.

There are always new things on the site and with much of it vintage, you really need to buy things fast before they've sold it.

Three Potato Four

Leaf umbrella

It's the fourth of July. You know what that means? Well, other than the day off from work? It means spending the day in your backyard, overcooking some burgers on a grill and swatting mosquitos while you attempt to enjoy the great outdoors.

Conran has terrific table umbrellas that will make your outdoor dining experience even better. Instead of a boring old solid umbrella, take a look at this one with a leaf motif cut into it.

If only they had some that came with floor length mosquito netting.

The Conran Shop

Pimp your cube

Are you a big fan of the MTV show Pimp My Ride? Yeah, me either. It's all about doing the most ridiculous things to a broken down car.

C'mon, what self-respecting person has a car like that to begin with? Instead, the makers of Pimp My Cube have really come up with a product for the masses. Everyone knows how boring those crappy cubes are, right?

This product is absolutely hilarious. Buy one even if you're lucky enough to not work in a cube. Pimp that broom closet they call your office instead.

Blue Ribbon General Store