Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Reaction Shot
Interview coaches Jim and Joy Robbins from Indiana react to the announcement of their home state's representative, Katie Stam, as Miss America 2009. The Robbinses also worked with Blair Abene, Miss Louisiana. They were guest speakers at the 2008 Miss Louisiana state meeting.
Return Home, and Some Final Observations
Well, I'm finally back home in New Orleans after a long day and a long flight yesterday. The flight from Vegas-DFW was a little rough, and the flight from DFW-MSY(New Orleans) was a little smoother. I had accidentally left my travel folder at the airport gate at MSY, so I had to go through the ticket counter to get a gate pass, go through TSA security again, and get my belongings at the gate. This time, my laptop was safely in my dad's car. The folder contained my boarding passes and my passport, which I used as ID. The ticket counter lady was not pleased with me.
I neither had time nor could find an Internet station at DFW on the return leg, so I couldn't blog from there. DFW concessions are expensive, like many airports. (but they had more and better concessions than at MSY. MSY concessions are very few, if any.) I did manage to have some popcorn chicken from KFC there. I saw some cute Spongebob stuff in one of their gift shops.
I had lunch with Heather Williams, Miss Coastal Wetlands, and her mother on Saturday. She gave me a few impressions of the pageant. She went to the Miss America luncheon and sat with Ericka Dunlap, Miss America 2004. Heather tells me that was very nice, and that a former Miss America sat at each table. Heather also won a door prize, a basket of skin care products from Neiman-Marcus. She showed me the products when we went back to her room for a little "girl time".
Heather and her mom also went to "Evening of Dreams" on Friday. The Miss Americas that were there performed. Marie Osmond didn't show because she was sick. The whole evening sounded like a lot of fun, and I wish I could have been there.
I'm looking forward to more good times with Heather and her mom this year.
I neither had time nor could find an Internet station at DFW on the return leg, so I couldn't blog from there. DFW concessions are expensive, like many airports. (but they had more and better concessions than at MSY. MSY concessions are very few, if any.) I did manage to have some popcorn chicken from KFC there. I saw some cute Spongebob stuff in one of their gift shops.
I had lunch with Heather Williams, Miss Coastal Wetlands, and her mother on Saturday. She gave me a few impressions of the pageant. She went to the Miss America luncheon and sat with Ericka Dunlap, Miss America 2004. Heather tells me that was very nice, and that a former Miss America sat at each table. Heather also won a door prize, a basket of skin care products from Neiman-Marcus. She showed me the products when we went back to her room for a little "girl time".
Heather and her mom also went to "Evening of Dreams" on Friday. The Miss Americas that were there performed. Marie Osmond didn't show because she was sick. The whole evening sounded like a lot of fun, and I wish I could have been there.
I'm looking forward to more good times with Heather and her mom this year.
For those of you who couldn't make it to Miss America...
Three ladies from Indiana have blogged about their adventures. It's really cute. You can read the blog here.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Podcast Wrapup for 1/24/09
Heather Williams, Miss Coastal Wetlands 2009, curled my hair. Here's the result. I apologize for the poor quality of the picture. It was taken with my cell phone camera.
We have the wrapup podcast for Saturday, January 24 posted. You can find it here.
We have the wrapup podcast for Saturday, January 24 posted. You can find it here.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Even more personal observations on the Vegas trip
The Hard Rock serves Coke products. So now I know where to get Coke besides Walgreens.
Got a Chinese Year of the Ox chip from the Palms. It looks neat.
It's raining here in Vegas. There's just enough to cover the ground, but it is raining.
Got conned into buying some skin care products. I got a jar of Dead Sea Mineral Exfoliating Scrub. The sales droid gave me a discount and I bought the jar at her cost. There was a guy who tried to sell me a $1000 package, but I was insistent and told him off even after he demonstrated the products on me. I did like the mask you picked up with a magnet, though. It's supposed to be for "turkey neck". Another mask was supposed to minimize the appearance of wrinkles. It worked on my laugh lines. I hate slick, aggressive sales people.
My traveling companion didn't do so well at the tables today. It started out well but went downhill quickly. He left the Palms in a bad mood, which I absorbed and put me in a bad mood. I'm doing better now, thank you. He swears he won't be playing blackjack for a long time after this.
Tomorrow night we find out who Miss America 2009 will be. Are you getting excited?
Got a Chinese Year of the Ox chip from the Palms. It looks neat.
It's raining here in Vegas. There's just enough to cover the ground, but it is raining.
Got conned into buying some skin care products. I got a jar of Dead Sea Mineral Exfoliating Scrub. The sales droid gave me a discount and I bought the jar at her cost. There was a guy who tried to sell me a $1000 package, but I was insistent and told him off even after he demonstrated the products on me. I did like the mask you picked up with a magnet, though. It's supposed to be for "turkey neck". Another mask was supposed to minimize the appearance of wrinkles. It worked on my laugh lines. I hate slick, aggressive sales people.
My traveling companion didn't do so well at the tables today. It started out well but went downhill quickly. He left the Palms in a bad mood, which I absorbed and put me in a bad mood. I'm doing better now, thank you. He swears he won't be playing blackjack for a long time after this.
Tomorrow night we find out who Miss America 2009 will be. Are you getting excited?
Friday Podcast
Friday's podcast episode can be found here. Thanks for listening, and keep the hits comin'!
Thursday Night Preliminaries
Miss New York, Leigh-Taylor Smith won swimsuit, while Miss Vermont Ashley Ruth Wheeler won talent with an a capella rendition of "God Bless America".
My four outstanding talents were Miss DC Kate Grinold with a contemporary ballet en pointe, Miss Oregon Danijela Krstic's dance to "Oriental Fantasy" (loved the Isis wings), Miss California Jackie Geist's ballet en pointe to "The Swan", and Miss Arkansas Ashlen Batson's flute performance of a medley from "Carmen". I had a special request to watch Miss New Mexico Christina Olmi with her rendition of "This is My Now". She did well, I thought.
My three outstanding evening gowns were Miss New York Leigh-Taylor Smith in black and gold, Miss Washington Janet Harding in white and Miss Montana Jennifer Hepner, also in white. They looked stunning!
The competition heats up...in just a little over 24 hours, we'll find out who will be Miss America 2009. Stay tuned!
My four outstanding talents were Miss DC Kate Grinold with a contemporary ballet en pointe, Miss Oregon Danijela Krstic's dance to "Oriental Fantasy" (loved the Isis wings), Miss California Jackie Geist's ballet en pointe to "The Swan", and Miss Arkansas Ashlen Batson's flute performance of a medley from "Carmen". I had a special request to watch Miss New Mexico Christina Olmi with her rendition of "This is My Now". She did well, I thought.
My three outstanding evening gowns were Miss New York Leigh-Taylor Smith in black and gold, Miss Washington Janet Harding in white and Miss Montana Jennifer Hepner, also in white. They looked stunning!
The competition heats up...in just a little over 24 hours, we'll find out who will be Miss America 2009. Stay tuned!
Thursday, January 22, 2009
More Personal Observations
Went to the Trade Show yesterday. My favorite crown vendor wasn't there, so didn't get to tell her hello. I found a ring with pink stones in one booth, but couldn't get one because they didn't have one in my size. I could have squeezed into a size 8, but would have been more comfortable with a 9. I suppose I could ask when/if I go back there.
Stopped and chatted and got an autographed pic of Heather French Henry, Miss America 2000. I wanted to try on her crown. I did, though, go to another booth and tried on a local crown. I should have gotten a picture in it.
We're going back to the Bellagio to take pictures of the Conservatory. They're setting up for Chinese New Year, and the plants there are very pretty. (Loved the panda topiaries.) Actually, several casinos along the Strip are issuing Chinese New Year chips for the Year of the Ox. Unfortunately, we can't get the chips for the MGM Grand because they're issuing them to hotel guests only. I do, though, have a Miss America 2009 chip from Planet Hollywood. This will go into my collection along with my Miss America 2006 and Miss Universe 1996 chips.
I've noticed that Las Vegas is a Pepsi town. I haven't found a single Coke product around since I've been here. Pepsi must have a monopoly on the whole town. This means my traveling companion can have his Mountain Dew fix. He likes his caffeine carbonated. Actually, he said he found Coke products at Walgreens. And there's the World of Coca-Cola near M&Ms World farther down the Strip.
Went to the Spice Market Buffet inside PH for breakfast. I had a nice apple crepe with brandy, whipped cream and caramel sauce. Talk about rich! I had some other good things for breakfast, too, but after the crepe, I didn't eat very much. There is a crepe place in my SO's neighborhood near Tulane that's great. I walked there after Miss CCNO to have my dinner. And I'll go back for a Nutella crepe.
The tigers are out at the Mirage, so I think we'll go there to take pictures.
Stopped and chatted and got an autographed pic of Heather French Henry, Miss America 2000. I wanted to try on her crown. I did, though, go to another booth and tried on a local crown. I should have gotten a picture in it.
We're going back to the Bellagio to take pictures of the Conservatory. They're setting up for Chinese New Year, and the plants there are very pretty. (Loved the panda topiaries.) Actually, several casinos along the Strip are issuing Chinese New Year chips for the Year of the Ox. Unfortunately, we can't get the chips for the MGM Grand because they're issuing them to hotel guests only. I do, though, have a Miss America 2009 chip from Planet Hollywood. This will go into my collection along with my Miss America 2006 and Miss Universe 1996 chips.
I've noticed that Las Vegas is a Pepsi town. I haven't found a single Coke product around since I've been here. Pepsi must have a monopoly on the whole town. This means my traveling companion can have his Mountain Dew fix. He likes his caffeine carbonated. Actually, he said he found Coke products at Walgreens. And there's the World of Coca-Cola near M&Ms World farther down the Strip.
Went to the Spice Market Buffet inside PH for breakfast. I had a nice apple crepe with brandy, whipped cream and caramel sauce. Talk about rich! I had some other good things for breakfast, too, but after the crepe, I didn't eat very much. There is a crepe place in my SO's neighborhood near Tulane that's great. I walked there after Miss CCNO to have my dinner. And I'll go back for a Nutella crepe.
The tigers are out at the Mirage, so I think we'll go there to take pictures.
Shout out!
I'd like to send a special shout out to the Miss Nebraska delegation. They've been reading and listening faithfully, and providing some great feedback. I've been watching Gretchen, and she's doing well.
Special shout outs to Tracy from Omaha and state webmaster Darrell, who've been promoting my reports from Miss America.
Julius Tolentino, the photographer for Miss Virginia, has some shots from Wednesday night's preliminaries up at his website. The link is here.
Thanks for all the great promotion, and thanks for all the hits. Keep 'em comin'!
Special shout outs to Tracy from Omaha and state webmaster Darrell, who've been promoting my reports from Miss America.
Julius Tolentino, the photographer for Miss Virginia, has some shots from Wednesday night's preliminaries up at his website. The link is here.
Thanks for all the great promotion, and thanks for all the hits. Keep 'em comin'!
MAO General Meeting Notes
The MAO General Meeting was held Wednesday afternoon. Here's a summary of what went on.
National Judges Chairman Rick Brinkley spoke about the judging process. The reality show "Countdown to the Crown" doesn't really affect the overall judging process. The judges have to sign an affidavit saying they didn't watch the show. The judging video was also not shown to the judges. Mr. Brinkley opted to give the instructions live, using the script from the video. The judging process is as consistent, fair and open as possible. The auditors at Ernst and Young are given the same instruction, along with the video, the video script, judging procedure and job description six weeks before the pageant. There have been no major changes in the Miss America competition in three years.
Miss America has another one year commitment with TLC and Planet Hollywood for Miss America 2010.
Texas ED Jean Magness spoke about Miss Texas and the changes facing that state program. After giving a moving tribute to her late husband Don, Ms. Magness spoke about a move from Ft. Worth after 46 years. The Arlington convention center called wanting them. Miss Texas signed a five year letter of intent with Arlington. There is also a movement to get the Miss Texas pageant back on TV.
Miss West Virginia ED (I'm afraid I forgot her name) spoke about what the scholarship committee discussed in their meeting. Contestants and state/local organizations have to be clear on rules regarding obtaining scholarships. Usually, the contestant has one year to obtain her scholarship money. It's best to have written documents outlining these rules. Scholarships should be paid timely. A contestant cannot be paid directly with her scholarship money. The money has to be paid to an institution or foundation, or, in the case of off-campus housing, to a landlord. In that case, the state/local organization should have a copy of the contestant's lease.
Angelique (I'm blanking on her last name; don't remember if it was even mentioned), the CEO of the Sash Company, spoke about how proud she was that her company is doing the official Miss America sashes from the local to national level. She explained how the sashes have a uniform look, and how that look is generated. The Sash Company prides itself on personal service and attention to detail. She had every state's sashes available for the EDs to obtain.
Last, awards were given. The 2009 Academy of Honor recipient was Mary Sullivan, ED of Miss Florida.
National Judges Chairman Rick Brinkley spoke about the judging process. The reality show "Countdown to the Crown" doesn't really affect the overall judging process. The judges have to sign an affidavit saying they didn't watch the show. The judging video was also not shown to the judges. Mr. Brinkley opted to give the instructions live, using the script from the video. The judging process is as consistent, fair and open as possible. The auditors at Ernst and Young are given the same instruction, along with the video, the video script, judging procedure and job description six weeks before the pageant. There have been no major changes in the Miss America competition in three years.
Miss America has another one year commitment with TLC and Planet Hollywood for Miss America 2010.
Texas ED Jean Magness spoke about Miss Texas and the changes facing that state program. After giving a moving tribute to her late husband Don, Ms. Magness spoke about a move from Ft. Worth after 46 years. The Arlington convention center called wanting them. Miss Texas signed a five year letter of intent with Arlington. There is also a movement to get the Miss Texas pageant back on TV.
Miss West Virginia ED (I'm afraid I forgot her name) spoke about what the scholarship committee discussed in their meeting. Contestants and state/local organizations have to be clear on rules regarding obtaining scholarships. Usually, the contestant has one year to obtain her scholarship money. It's best to have written documents outlining these rules. Scholarships should be paid timely. A contestant cannot be paid directly with her scholarship money. The money has to be paid to an institution or foundation, or, in the case of off-campus housing, to a landlord. In that case, the state/local organization should have a copy of the contestant's lease.
Angelique (I'm blanking on her last name; don't remember if it was even mentioned), the CEO of the Sash Company, spoke about how proud she was that her company is doing the official Miss America sashes from the local to national level. She explained how the sashes have a uniform look, and how that look is generated. The Sash Company prides itself on personal service and attention to detail. She had every state's sashes available for the EDs to obtain.
Last, awards were given. The 2009 Academy of Honor recipient was Mary Sullivan, ED of Miss Florida.
Podcast Episode for 1/22/09
Thursday's podcast is up a little bit early, because I don't know if I'll still have my Internet connection tomorrow. (paying $11.95/day for it in the room is expensive.)
Anyway, here it is.
Anyway, here it is.
Wednesday Night Prelims
Wednesday night preliminaries are over. Miss Mississippi Christine Koslowski won in swimsuit, and Miss Georgia Chasity Hardman won in talent.
My top four outstanding talents were Miss Louisiana Blair Abene with a vocal rendition of "Because We Believe" (of course...gotta root for the hometown girl!), Miss Wyoming's vocal of "Always a Bridesmaid", Miss Arizona's dance (with some nice gymnastics thrown in) and Miss Hawaii's Tahitian dance.
My three outstanding evening gowns were Miss DC Kate Grinold with a gunmetal sequined dress, Miss Connecticut Ashley Glenn with a purple chiffon gown, and Miss Arkansas Ashlen Batson with a silver gown.
The Miss America Trade Show is going on through Saturday. There were a lot of very nice evening gowns, including a line designed by Miss America 2000 Heather French Henry. I stopped at her booth to chat for a little bit and get an autographed picture of her. I really wanted to try on her crown!
I did, though, get to try on a local crown at another booth, along with an old school Miss USA style crown. The Miss USA crown was heavy.
My favorite crown vendor isn't here this year. I bought crowns from her two years ago, and I always have one with me whenever I go out to promote the Miss America program.
I also went to the MAO General Meeting. Notes on that forthcoming, as I have to compile them still.
My top four outstanding talents were Miss Louisiana Blair Abene with a vocal rendition of "Because We Believe" (of course...gotta root for the hometown girl!), Miss Wyoming's vocal of "Always a Bridesmaid", Miss Arizona's dance (with some nice gymnastics thrown in) and Miss Hawaii's Tahitian dance.
My three outstanding evening gowns were Miss DC Kate Grinold with a gunmetal sequined dress, Miss Connecticut Ashley Glenn with a purple chiffon gown, and Miss Arkansas Ashlen Batson with a silver gown.
The Miss America Trade Show is going on through Saturday. There were a lot of very nice evening gowns, including a line designed by Miss America 2000 Heather French Henry. I stopped at her booth to chat for a little bit and get an autographed picture of her. I really wanted to try on her crown!
I did, though, get to try on a local crown at another booth, along with an old school Miss USA style crown. The Miss USA crown was heavy.
My favorite crown vendor isn't here this year. I bought crowns from her two years ago, and I always have one with me whenever I go out to promote the Miss America program.
I also went to the MAO General Meeting. Notes on that forthcoming, as I have to compile them still.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
More Pictures
Julius Tolentino, the official photographer for Miss Virginia, has been taking pictures at Miss America. To see his galleries, click here.
Personal Comments on the Vegas Trip So Far
I hope you don't mind the personal travelogue here. I thought I'd comment on some things I've seen and experienced since I've been here.
Watched the inauguration on TV yesterday. The room has a big plasma screen TV which is nice. I want one for my house. The Super Bowl would be great in HD.
Went to Bath and Body Works and bought a bunch of small things: lotions, potions and even shampoo and conditioner. Everything is in perfect travel sizes, so can fit into my duffel without any problems. Yeah, I know there's a B&BW back home, but I don't get there often since it's in the mall. It's a hassle to get there if someone isn't driving (and, not having a car, I take public transit when friends aren't driving).
Bought a Miss America program. I have programs for all four years the pageant has been in Las Vegas. I wanted to get another hoodie to replace the one I lost at Miss Massachusetts two years ago, but the hoodies they had weren't warm enough for me, who's always cold. Looks like I may have to order one.
Got a Miss America "See Fame Crowned" pin from one of the casino dealers, who took it off her vest to give to me. So I have Miss America pins from three years. Couldn't get one last year because I couldn't find one.
Found out there's an Apple Store at the Forum Shops at Caesars. So now there are two Apple Stores on the Strip. The other one is in Fashion Show Mall. Met a friendly sales droid named Noel who was showing me the latest MacBooks and says I'm a walking advertisement for Apple because of my MacBook and three iPods. I thought about a fourth iPod, but thought better of it. I have enough pods to last me for quite a while.
I think I've found my regular hotel for this and future trips to Vegas. It's a step above where I stayed previously, and it's cheaper and closer to Planet Hollywood. Besides, there's a coffee shop there that I really like inside the casino.
My traveling companion has been busy playing blackjack and breaking even. He had a winning streak going at the Palms yesterday, and that soon continued into a yo-yo. Right now he's going to the MGM Grand to take pictures of the lion habitat there.
There's a bookstore at Mandalay Bay called The Reading Room that I'd like to visit. Like the bookstores back home, they cater to local authors.
I hope we can make a visit back to Paymon's Mediterranean Grill which is slightly off-Strip on the corner of E. Flamingo and Maryland Parkway. Their food is good, and their Athens Fries are positively addictive!
I'm not used to Pacific time. I still see the time back home, which is shown on my laptop. By the time I do get used to it, it'll be time to go home.
More reporting from Miss America as the competition continues.
Watched the inauguration on TV yesterday. The room has a big plasma screen TV which is nice. I want one for my house. The Super Bowl would be great in HD.
Went to Bath and Body Works and bought a bunch of small things: lotions, potions and even shampoo and conditioner. Everything is in perfect travel sizes, so can fit into my duffel without any problems. Yeah, I know there's a B&BW back home, but I don't get there often since it's in the mall. It's a hassle to get there if someone isn't driving (and, not having a car, I take public transit when friends aren't driving).
Bought a Miss America program. I have programs for all four years the pageant has been in Las Vegas. I wanted to get another hoodie to replace the one I lost at Miss Massachusetts two years ago, but the hoodies they had weren't warm enough for me, who's always cold. Looks like I may have to order one.
Got a Miss America "See Fame Crowned" pin from one of the casino dealers, who took it off her vest to give to me. So I have Miss America pins from three years. Couldn't get one last year because I couldn't find one.
Found out there's an Apple Store at the Forum Shops at Caesars. So now there are two Apple Stores on the Strip. The other one is in Fashion Show Mall. Met a friendly sales droid named Noel who was showing me the latest MacBooks and says I'm a walking advertisement for Apple because of my MacBook and three iPods. I thought about a fourth iPod, but thought better of it. I have enough pods to last me for quite a while.
I think I've found my regular hotel for this and future trips to Vegas. It's a step above where I stayed previously, and it's cheaper and closer to Planet Hollywood. Besides, there's a coffee shop there that I really like inside the casino.
My traveling companion has been busy playing blackjack and breaking even. He had a winning streak going at the Palms yesterday, and that soon continued into a yo-yo. Right now he's going to the MGM Grand to take pictures of the lion habitat there.
There's a bookstore at Mandalay Bay called The Reading Room that I'd like to visit. Like the bookstores back home, they cater to local authors.
I hope we can make a visit back to Paymon's Mediterranean Grill which is slightly off-Strip on the corner of E. Flamingo and Maryland Parkway. Their food is good, and their Athens Fries are positively addictive!
I'm not used to Pacific time. I still see the time back home, which is shown on my laptop. By the time I do get used to it, it'll be time to go home.
More reporting from Miss America as the competition continues.
Podcast Episode for 1/21/09
Today's podcast is available for listening here. Don't forget, the Pageantude podcast is available exclusively through this blog.
We'd love to read your feedback. Send a shout-out to your favorite contestant if you like. E-mail us at pageantude@gmail.com.
Stay tuned!
We'd love to read your feedback. Send a shout-out to your favorite contestant if you like. E-mail us at pageantude@gmail.com.
Stay tuned!
Tuesday night
Miss Indiana Katie Stam won swimsuit with a black swimsuit, and Miss Delaware Galen Giaccone won talent for her rendition of "El Cumanchero".
My four (I have four this time) outstanding talents were Miss New York Leigh-Taylor Smith's vocal, Miss Washington Janet Harding's piano, Miss Nebraska Gretchen Bergquist's vocal, and Miss Montana Jennifer Hepner's raqs sharqi dance (loved the tie-dyed veil!).
Miss Louisiana Blair Abene wore a black swimsuit with gold trim, and an evening gown with a silver bodice and white skirt. Another outstanding evening gown was Miss Massachusetts Alicia Zitka with her all-silver gown.
Today begins the trade show, where I can buy lots of souvenirs (but they have to be small so I can fit them in my duffel bag!), and the MAO General Meeting is this afternoon. I hope to bring you lots of news from the meeting.
Another podcast episode is going up soon, so make sure to listen!
My four (I have four this time) outstanding talents were Miss New York Leigh-Taylor Smith's vocal, Miss Washington Janet Harding's piano, Miss Nebraska Gretchen Bergquist's vocal, and Miss Montana Jennifer Hepner's raqs sharqi dance (loved the tie-dyed veil!).
Miss Louisiana Blair Abene wore a black swimsuit with gold trim, and an evening gown with a silver bodice and white skirt. Another outstanding evening gown was Miss Massachusetts Alicia Zitka with her all-silver gown.
Today begins the trade show, where I can buy lots of souvenirs (but they have to be small so I can fit them in my duffel bag!), and the MAO General Meeting is this afternoon. I hope to bring you lots of news from the meeting.
Another podcast episode is going up soon, so make sure to listen!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Contestant Order and Comments on Competition
Blair is number two in the Sigma group. She'll be modeling swimsuit and evening wear tonight (Tuesday), perform talent on Wednesday, and answer her onstage question on Thursday.
The Mu group will answer onstage questions tonight, model swimsuit and evening wear Wednesday, and perform talent on Thursday.
The Alpha group will perform talent tonight, answer onstage question Wednesday, and model swimsuit and evening wear on Thursday.
I've had a request to watch Gretchen Bergquist, Miss Nebraska, tonight. She is number seven in the Alpha group.
I'm interested in Miss Montana, Jennifer Hepner, performing a raqs sharqi (Egyptian) dance tonight. She is number thirteen in the Alpha group.
There will be two Middle Eastern dancers at Miss America this year, Miss Montana Jennifer Hepner and Miss Oregon Danijela Krstic. (I must profess to having a soft spot in my heart for Middle Eastern dancers, having been one myself.) Miss Oregon is number three in the Mu group.
The Mu group will answer onstage questions tonight, model swimsuit and evening wear Wednesday, and perform talent on Thursday.
The Alpha group will perform talent tonight, answer onstage question Wednesday, and model swimsuit and evening wear on Thursday.
I've had a request to watch Gretchen Bergquist, Miss Nebraska, tonight. She is number seven in the Alpha group.
I'm interested in Miss Montana, Jennifer Hepner, performing a raqs sharqi (Egyptian) dance tonight. She is number thirteen in the Alpha group.
There will be two Middle Eastern dancers at Miss America this year, Miss Montana Jennifer Hepner and Miss Oregon Danijela Krstic. (I must profess to having a soft spot in my heart for Middle Eastern dancers, having been one myself.) Miss Oregon is number three in the Mu group.
Congratulations to...
...Raven Hollins, who was crowned Miss Monroe 2009. See you at Miss Louisiana!
Fun at Miss America
Blair is in the middle, in the zebra stripes.
Blair is is the upper right, waving.
Blair is in the lower right corner, in red.
Fun at the speedway.
Miss America Podcast for Jan 20, 2009
Today's podcast episode may be found here. It is in .mp3 format, meaning you should be able to import it into most iPods and .mp3 players. You can also listen online, but it's better that you download so you can listen at your leisure.
Got any suggestions for the podcast, or the blog? E-mail pageantude@gmail.com with your ideas!
Got any suggestions for the podcast, or the blog? E-mail pageantude@gmail.com with your ideas!
Monday, January 19, 2009
The Quest for Miss America Begins...
... coming to you from Louis Armstrong International Airport (MSY) in New Orleans. There is free wi-fi here, but it's slow. I have about 40 minutes before boarding, so I'm posting here.
I'm excited about going to Vegas and seeing Miss America. For those of you unable to make the trip, I'll be posting (and, I hope, podcasting) from Pageant Central on the Las Vegas Strip.
I compiled a list of free wi-fi spots in Vegas, so I'll check them out.
Viva Las Vegas! Viva Miss America!
I'm excited about going to Vegas and seeing Miss America. For those of you unable to make the trip, I'll be posting (and, I hope, podcasting) from Pageant Central on the Las Vegas Strip.
I compiled a list of free wi-fi spots in Vegas, so I'll check them out.
Viva Las Vegas! Viva Miss America!
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Miss Coastal Wetlands
Miss Coastal Wetlands 2009 Heather Williams poses with her parents at the Miss Slidell pageant. Heather served as Mistress of Ceremonies along with Alice Williamson. Both MCs are past Miss Slidell/Camellia City titleholders.
Congratulations to...
Nicole Fairburn, Miss Slidell 2009 and Averie Harris, Miss Slidell's Outstanding Teen 2009. See you both at Miss Louisiana!
Congratulations to...
...Meghan Melder and Kelsey Walden, who won the titles of Miss La Bonne Terre 2009 and Miss Louisiana Gulf Coast 2009 respectively. See you at Miss Louisiana!
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Friday, January 16, 2009
Podcast Poll Results
We received 5 votes in our Podcast Poll, and 4 of you want the podcast to continue. We'll do our best to bring it to you from Vegas!
Thank you for voting, and we'll see you at Miss America!
Thank you for voting, and we'll see you at Miss America!
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Working out logistics...
I'm working out the logistics of blogging and podcasting from Miss America. Basically, I'm looking for places on the Las Vegas Strip with free wi-fi access.
If you know of anywhere on the Strip, or just off-strip with free wireless Internet access, I'd love to know about it! You're welcome to e-mail me at hollie1216@cox.net if you have any suggestions at all about how to improve the blog and/or podcast.
If you know of anywhere on the Strip, or just off-strip with free wireless Internet access, I'd love to know about it! You're welcome to e-mail me at hollie1216@cox.net if you have any suggestions at all about how to improve the blog and/or podcast.
Podcast Poll
There's still time left to vote in our podcast poll. Should we continue the podcasts or not? Or do you even care? Or are you even able to listen to them? Vote!
Monday, January 12, 2009
Congratulations to...
Whitney Mixon, Miss City of Pineville 2009, Katie Cook, Miss Spirit of Pineville 2009 and Rashada Abraham, Miss City of Pineville's Outstanding Teen 2009. See you at state!
pictured l-r: Katie Cook, the Mayor of Pineville, Whitney Mixon and Rashada Abraham
Friday, January 9, 2009
Blogging from Miss America
I'll be blogging live (well, almost...they won't let me have a laptop or camera in the theatre) from Pageant Central on the Las Vegas Strip. Keep watching this blog for updates from Miss America!
Greg Livaudais Gallery
A gallery of Miss CCNO photos by Greg Livaudais may be seen on the Miss CCNO site. They can be viewed here.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Miss Crescent City New Orleans 2008 Hope Anderson, Miss Crescent City New Orleans 2009 Lacy Thibodeaux, Miss Louisiana 2008 Blair Abene, and Miss Coastal Wetlands 2009 Heather Williams.Photos from Miss CCNO
More photos of the Miss CCNO pageant may be seen on nola.com. Photography by Greg Livaudais.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Miss Crescent City New Orleans Contestants
l-r: Claire Cummings, Kelsey Walden, Lacy Thibodeaux, Chelsea Marak, Heather Williams, Meghan Melder, Emily Bennett, Mandi Ridgdell and Amanda Piglia
Complete List of Awards at Miss Crescent City New Orleans
We'd like to recognize all the fine individuals who won awards at Miss Crescent City New Orleans 2009:
Competition Results 2009
3rd runner-up: Emily Bennett
2nd runner-up: Kelsey Walden
1st runner-up to Miss Coastal Wetlands: Mandi Ridgdell
Miss Coastal Wetlands: Heather Williams
Miss Crescent City New Orleans: Lacy Thibodeaux
People's Choice Award: Heather Williams
Miss Congeniality: Emily Bennett
Community Service Award: Mandi Ridgdell
Spirit Award: Chelsea Marak
Director's Award: Lacy Thibodeaux
Interview Winner: Lacy Thibodeaux and Heather Williams (tie)
Talent Winner: Mandi Ridgdell
Evening Gown Winner: Lacy Thibodeaux
Swimsuit Winner: Lacy Thibodeaux
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Miss Crescent City New Orleans and Miss Coastal Wetlands
front: Miss CCNO Lacy Thibodeaux and Miss Coastal Wetlands Heather Williamsback l-r: Roy Murray, Hermann Schutze, Charlene Bruce, Betsy Uschkrat, Doug Mouton, Anne Katherine Lene' and Joe Price.
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