deuteragonist

cross your fingers and pray to whatever higher power, ok?

erture — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 23:01:43 GMT

http://io9.com/5888735/rumor-benedict-cumberbatch-coming-to-doctor-who-as-a-familiar-character

Um. PLEASE LET THIS BE TRUE. This is my dream Master casting for Eleven. I try not to read speculation, but couldn't resist this one.

Of love and being lost

erture — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 23:54:04 GMT

Thank you so much, anonymous V-Gift sender! You are awesome, too. I am sure of this.

And I send out love to all of you, too.

Probably won't be around much--though next week, we actually have a week off and I'm going to stick around and play NYC tourist and just get settled. I'll probably carve out a day to start watching Downton Abbey and just vegetate in front of a computer. And make graphics, oh dear. Graphics February goal is not really happening.

So, adjusting to living here has been mostly awesome (I have friends! We go out to dinner and eat delicious food and pay far too much for it!) but also confusing. I got lost twice today. I navigate so visually that what I really need to do is get out and walk around and orient myself. My neighborhood is not really the greatest for doing that if you are alone and a young white woman, though.

I am fascinated by the different population pockets here, and how they rub up against one another and pretend the others don't exist.

But it's a work in progress.

just in case...

erture — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 23:42:53 GMT

I snagged a Dreamwidth account: here.

Nothing there yet, and I'll let you know if I do jump ship.

erture — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 00:49:59 GMT

Here's my draft reading list for January! Already picked up Black Boy and Zeitoun at the library. Are there any others I should add? I'd love to have something else a little on the lighter side, like something Bill Bryson-ish except I've read all of his books. Maybe I'll just read A Walk in the Woods for the hundredth time but that kinda defeats the purpose of exposing myself to new nonfiction.

[Unknown LJ tag]
Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me (And Other Concerns), by Mindy Kaling
I've heard good things, and this list needs a little levity!

Bird By Bird:, by Anne Lamott
For writerliness.

Goodbye To All That: Robert Graves
Because Robert Graves is awesome, and this showed up on one of the "best nonfiction" lists I've been trawling.

The Diaries of Samuel Pepys
Because I'm a history geek--of course I want to read a 17th century diary!

Herodotus: Histories (translation)
I own this and have started it, but got sidetracked a while ago.

something by George Sheehan
Apparently he writes good books about running.

Black Boy by Richard Wright
I'm not sure if I've read this or if it's just one of those books I know I should have read so I've convinced myself I've done it. Either way, I should read it (again) so I can actually remember it.

Zeitoun by Dave Eggers
This really sounds fascinating.

A Supposedly Fun Thing I’ll Never Do Again by David Foster Wallace
I've been sort of sporadically working my way through Infinite Jest, and Wallace is a genius, so this seemed like a good pick.

I am kind of a terrible person

erture — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 20:48:17 GMT

...because I want to make this my new default icon for the holidays.

(Virtual) holiday post request thing.

erture — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 03:11:20 GMT

That subject line's not confusing, right?

liret's post in the Puff CR reminded me of my vague desire to do holiday cards, but not in real life. I also have been having tons of fun with my H_E Secret Santa stuff and well, I have a lot of time on my hands. (I did have an interview for part-time work at the grocery store, today, so maybe not, soon?)

tldr I wanna make you graphics!

If you would like either a holiday virtual card (they will be non-specific to any particular thing but joy and sparkles, unless you specify otherwise) or some other graphic thing or both, fill this out and leave a comment. Comments screened so only I will know your email and stuff. If you specify a holiday, I will do all in my power to make sure you get your stuff by said holiday.

Of new beginnings, endorphins, and novels

erture — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 01:00:14 GMT

I'm still in the job hunt--things fall through, new things open up, and so on. I am becoming better at keeping my emotions level and not letting myself get on the roller coaster of hope, dread, and disappointment. We'll see. At the moment I am totally exhausted from 24 hours in NYC (I got in at 10 last night) then up at 6 to drive to Chicago, interview, and come back.

One awesome opportunity unemployment has given me is the time to do new things. Like making graphics. Or working out--I am becoming an exercise maniac because if I can't control whether I get an interview, at least I can control my body. I am grateful for that. And I can actually see and feel results.

And third: National Novel Writing Month! I know a few of you are doing it. I wasn't going to social network about it for fear of failure, but then I decided that was silly. So I'm erture over there too, and would love your friendship. I'm not going strictly by the book (HA) because I just want to write 50,000 words of anything, so I'm counting all writing except journally blog posts like this one, but I'm going to do as much as possible of a novel idea I've been kicking around for a while. Right now I have 212 words.

valar morghulis

erture — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 18:01:32 GMT

erture — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 04:01:26 GMT

I really like my new apartment and new roomies plus I can has kitteh! Named Albus.

Tomorrow rowing/school starts, plus I have two jobs, so expect to see me never again. Or rarely.

To those of you in the path of the hurricane--be safe. I'm thinking of you.

erture — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 21:06:11 GMT

I am packed! I have money! My bike is on its way to being fixed! School starts soon!

Everything's gonna be all right.

erture — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 15:27:16 GMT

Gmail is so awesome. Why did I not realize this before?

Sims

erture — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 19:17:30 GMT

I've just started a Sims-only journal, erturesims. Creative, no? I'm going to be posting a legacy there very shortly, and I think I'll move those old SNTM entries over too. So if you're at all interested in reading Sims stuff, head on over there, because there won't be any more in this journal.

THE WORLD IS ENDING

erture — Tue, 13 May 2008 19:05:11 GMT

My little sister just added me on facebook.

*cue freaking out* I feel old now.

erture — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 03:04:08 GMT

Happy Halloween, all.

And good luck to the NaNoers on my list! I wish I had the drive to be among you, alas, November is the craziest month.

erture — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 16:20:33 GMT

I just went through and figured out how many classes I need to take in my remaining time of college.

There's a lot of overlap, but I estimate eightish.

Oh God I'm going to be graduating soon.

erture — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 02:27:26 GMT

So. I'm still alive. Lots of rain here. Rowing has been...eh. School has been quite good. Life in general is not at all bad. I should be reading Sidney's Apology for Poetry right now but I can't focus for more than five seconds. I am officially a Latin major as well as Classical Civ, yay. And that's...pretty much it.

Firefly Mixtape (Simon and River): Angels on Our Curtains

erture — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 03:21:29 GMT

I want to post this before I forget, but the zip file isn't uploading right now because my home internet sucks. I'll upload once I get to school, if anyone's interested.

I know at least a few of you are Firefly fans, so I'm hoping someone'll like this. It's not really meant to be Simon/River shipping, though some of the songs could possibly be interpreted that way. The first half is really more River-centric, while the second half is mainly from Simon's perspective.

Two of these (the ones from Myst) are OGG files. They play in my iTunes, and I'm sorry I'm so uninformative, but I know I did something to get them to do that and I can't remember what. So, um, ignore those two if you can't get them to play.

Act One: Insanity
Lost Girls--Tilly and the Wall
Girl, I know the woods look dark
And the trees, they seem so deadly
The girls around you are so frightened
...The world, it really is on fire
And it burns, and it burns, and it burns
...No one will ever save you
If no one can ever find you
One of my favorite songs ever, and it fits crazy!River so very well. I love the ambiguity of the last two lines I quoted.

Odalisque--Decemberists
They've come to find you, odalisque
As the light dies horribly
...
And when they find you, odalisque
They will rend you terribly
Stitch from stitch till all
Your linen limbs will fall
Expressing the need for flight.

Unwell--Matchbox Twenty
Feeling like I'm headed for a
Break down
And I don't know why
...
Stay a while and then you'll see
A different side of me
Another one that really describes River well, I think.

Joyful Girl--Ani DiFranco
Because the world owes me
Nothing
We owe each other
The world
This one speaks more to the Simon/River bond.

Mad World--Gary Jules
Went to school and I was very nervous
No one knew me, no one knew me
Hello teacher tell me what's my lesson
Look right through me, look right through me

She's A Rebel--Green Day
She's a rebel
She's a saint
She's salt of the earth
And she's dangerous
She's a rebel
Vigilante
Missing link on the brink
Of destruction
Less "oh poor River" and more "wow this girl can shoot three men with her eyes closed."

Sullen Girl--Fiona Apple
All day and all night
I wander the halls along the walls and under my breath
I say to myself
I need fuel to take flight

Girl Anachronism--Dresden Dolls
If it were any colder I could disengage
If I were any older I could act my age
But i dont think that you'd believe me
It's not the way I'm meant to be
It's just the way the operation made me
This is another one I really like as River definition.

Nugget--Cake (profanity)
Heads of state who ride and wrangle
Who look at your face from more than one angle
Can cut you from their bloated budgets
Like sharpened knives through chicken McNuggets
*cough*Alliance*cough*

Act Two: Serenity
Broken--Jack Johnson
And without you I was broken
But I'd rather be broke down with you by my side
Could there be any better summation of Simon and River?

Hitchin' A Ride--Green Day
Do you brake for distilled spirits?
I need a break as well.
The well that inebriates the guilt.
Mostly chosen because of the title.

Serenia--Jack Wall
This is ambient music from Myst IV: Revelation. I feel it evokes, well, serenity, with a hint of danger lurking.

Crash and Burn--Savage Garden
You're caught in a one way street
With the monsters in your head
When hopes and dreams are far away and
You feel like you can't face the day

Let me be the one you call
If you jump I'll break your fall
Lift you up and fly away with you into the night
If you need to fall apart
I can mend your broken heart
If you need to crash then crash and burn
You're not alone

Such Great Heights--Iron and Wine
It's thoughts like this that catch my troubled
Head when you're away and I am missing you to death
...
They will see us waving from such great
Heights, 'come down now,' they'll say
But everything looks perfect from far away,
'come down now,' but we'll stay
This one makes me think of Simon missing River while she's at the academy.

Remember the Tinman--Tracy Chapman
Who stole your heart
Left you with a space
No one and nothing can fill
Who stole your heart
Who took it away
Knowing that without it you can't live

Pick Me Up--The Format
You've got to pick me up
C'mon and pick me up
when I'm falling down
You've got to pick me up

Saint Simon--The Shins
I'm trying hard not to give in
Battened down to fair the wind
Read my head, at least pretend
Allow myself no mock defense
Step into the night
Hello, title! Anyway, life's tough when your sister's crazy.

Curtains--Peter Gabriel
And there are angels on our curtains
They keep the outside out
And there are lions on our curtains
They lick their wounds
They lick their doubt
This is from Revelation also.

You and I Misbehaving--Tilly and The Wall
No pushing buttons, no telling lies
No pointed fingers trying to keep you quiet
Just you and I misbehaving
Oh trying our best to feel alive
We won't ever let them win
...
This place could be so beautiful
You just can't let them pull that cloth over your eyes
Just keep on screaming

We come back full circle to Tilly.

erture — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 03:12:45 GMT

Today, for me, has been like: whammo.

My best friend is having a crisis with her girlfriend, who happens to be my boyfriend's really good friend, and so I just spent the past five hours IMing with her. And my boyfriend's over at their house right now, and I'm horribly selfish but a part of me is just hoping that this doesn't affect our relationship and we can all go out and hang out, but I kind of doubt that'll happen. And another horrible part of me is kind of miffed that I haven't heard from her all summer, but now that something bad happens...it seems like I'm always the friend people contact to cry on my shoulder, but not the friend people call to hang out with. My grandpa, who is in a nursing home, isn't doing well right now. I have horrible cramps and I can't figure out if it is phantom impending period or stress or some other mystery thing. I move in three days and I have done nothing.

I'm scared.

SNTM Week 6: The Finale!

erture — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 21:42:17 GMT

Yes, that's right, folks, the post you've all been waiting for:

Tonight, the winner of Sim City’s Next Top Model will be chosen. Five beautiful girls have been eliminated and only three remain: which one will be on top?

Will it be Samantha, ice princess, who impressed the judges with her sophistication and showed steady improvements in her photo shoots?

Will it be Brandi, the determined and outgoing girl from the inner city, whose warmth charmed the panel?

Or will it be Tor’anda, brash beauty with the exotic, high fashion look and consistently impressive shots?

In a few short minutes, all will be revealed.

But right now, it’s getting hot and heavy in the Red Room:

Sam, loveless, cleans the shower.

She also takes the time to appreciate the local art.

It’s time for a very important challenge: the Sim Girl photo shoot and commercial. The girls will work local fashions while participating in spontaneous, fun activities. The ad is for Sim Girl Flexible Lip Gloss—designed to last through whatever activities make you smile.

First up is Samantha:

Her best shot:

Next, Tor’anda:

Her best shot:

Finally, Brandi:

Her best shot:

The girls were quickly shuffled off to shoot their commercials.

And immediately after, they went to the judging room.

The panel evaluated the girls on their Sim Girl photo shoot and commercial, as well as personality, look, potential, and past performance.

Samantha’s photos got raves. She looked soft, natural, and relatable: perfect for a Sim Girl ad. Her commercial was also praised, since she knew all her lines, though the delivery was just a bit wooden. The judges think Samantha has come a long way in becoming less cold and more relatable, and they believe she has potential to work in commercial and high fashion areas. Samantha’s portfolio is probably the weakest of the remaining girls, but she has been improving.

Tor’anda’s photos were praised for the variety and ingenuity of body angles, though her face seemed a little too exuberant and not quite soft enough. Her commercial was the judge’s favorite—poised, but with a hint of accent, and a relaxed delivery. The judges love Tor’anda’s look, and her portfolio is the best of the remaining girls. But it seems as though she might not be improving as much as the other girls.

Brandi’s photos are beautiful, but with not quite enough of a smile. They don’t reach out and make the viewer want to buy Sim Girl product. Brandi also had difficulties with her commercial, flubbing the lines and using many takes to finally get good film. Brandi’s film has had ups and downs. Her personality is the judges’ favorite, and they think with a little practice she could go a long way.

Samantha is called first and will walk in the final runway challenge.

Either Brandi or Tor’anda will join her, and no matter what, these two…close…friends will be separated. Both girls have shown considerable drive and hard work. Each has great beauty and great potential. But neither did as well this week as the judges would have liked.

They believe, however, that one has greater potential, and she is…Tor’anda.

Goodbye, Brandi!

“I’m really going to miss the girls in the house, especially Tor’anda. And I’m really disappointed I’ll never get to walk a real runway.”

Well, someone sure looks happy to be in the final two.

Tor’anda’s thrilled too.

So happy, she decides to…clean the toilet.

While Sam dreams sweet dreams of all the food she’ll be able to eat…someday, when she stops modeling.

Tor’anda’s sleeping surface of choice is the couch. *hums “You’re So Vain”*

What. Are. You. Doing.

For being oh-so-close to winning a reality TV competition, these two are really pissed. Maybe it’s the couch. Sam’s arm is being eaten by the pillow. That can’t be comfy.

The next morning, the girls are taken to see the final runway:

Gasp! So twisty and turny! Will they be able to handle it? (No.)

“Ha ha, Brandi got eliminated!” They’re so sweet.

Aaaand…we’re off!

And now, a note to anyone who wishes to reproduce this Sim experience: make each leg of your runway short. Why?

Massive fail. That’s why. (I guess they call it “runway” for a reason.)

Sam sucking all over the runway:

Tor’anda’s not much better:

Somehow, they both manage to complete the runway.

Yes, folks, this is your final two.

And the judges deliberate. Both girls did poorly on the runway, though it is important to note that they received absolutely no training. Still, Tor’anda did slightly better. Both girls looked beautiful.

The judges also compare the girls’ photo shoots.

Week 1: Swimsuits

Tor’anda stood out as an early leader in the competion, and she also won the week’s challenge. Samantha also did well.

Week 2: Swanky Liqueur

Sam did an excellent job in this photo shoot, showing off her sophistication. Tor’anda, on the other hand, made a bad misjudgement.

Week 3: Emotions with partners

Tor’anda expressed emotion wonderfully, and got some beautiful shots. Sam didn’t work well with Brandi, and her shot was stiff and unrealistic.

Week 4: Oasis

Both girls were relatively middle-of-the-pack in this shoot. Tor’anda, however, did better.

Week 5: Yin/Yang

This week, both did very well.

Week 6: Sim Girl

Both did well, but Sam’s shot was a little softer, and the judges’ favorite.

The judges also considered each contestant’s personality. They feel that Tor’anda is more relatable, though they wonder if she can be a good role model and keep from going too wild. Samantha is much more poised, though she can sometimes come across as cold and unlikable.

So which girl will be Sim City’s Next Top Model?

Tor’anda!

Samantha congratulates her competitor.

And we end on a hug.

Thanks for watching, everyone! Glad I was able to entertain you.

Because sometimes, if everyone else's linking it, it's worth a read

erture — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 05:49:58 GMT

Disturbing food for thought

SNTM Week 5

erture — Sat, 11 Aug 2007 03:25:09 GMT

Must balance out srs bznz...

Welcome to the episode of SNTM with the most production time so far! (Not like you’d know it from the crappy photoshopping and bewildering architecture).

We begin the week with yet another example of Why Models Are Not the Sharpest Knives in the Drawer:

Yes, that is Teadora. Yes, she is eating rancid food again. Yes, she appears to be enjoying it.

Tor’anda, meanwhile, was in the bathroom expressing her utter despair.

But soon, it was time for the girls to hop on a plane and go toooooooo…

A Vaguely Asian Place We Will Call China Even Though It Is Two Houses Away From Their Old Place!

The girls settled in quite nicely, taking the opportunity to play Red Hands.

Tea actually made pancakes for everyone, in a surprising display of kindness you just don’t often see on Top Model.

Dear Livejournal: Today, Sam was pompous and Tor’anda was crazy… Today, they got kidnapped by hill folk never to be seen again! It was the best day ever.

Oh, traveling to a “foreign nation” to model is so haaaaard.

Perhaps Tor’anda can make it a bit easier?

In the modeling business, beauty shots are essential. The girls’ challenge for the week was to take a serene beauty shot while rocking some crazy face paint.

First up was Brandi:

Brandi’s best shot (plus a stunning use of Paint Shop Pro):

She did a fairly good job capturing the look the judges wanted, but not spectacular.

Next was Samantha:

She did a fantastic job, and the judges loved her final photograph.

Then came Teadora:

She also did well, but should have given a wider range of looks to choose from.

Finally, Tor’anda:

Tor’anda’s film was not very good, and the judges were surprised that she was unable to grasp the serenity of the shoot given that she’d done so well in that area in the past. They wonder if she can look soft and approachable as well as fierce.

And the winner of the challenge was Samantha! Her prize was a dinner out on the town with influential members of the fashion industry.

Shortly after her return, the house had some interesting guests:

Male models! The testosterone-deprived girls were thrilled…

For the most part.

Of course, the boys weren’t here just to play. They would be participating in the girls’ elimination challenge photo shoot: Yin/Yang. In this black and white shoot, the girls would first present a soft, feminine look with their partners. Then, they would be aggressive and angry. This shoot would test whether the models were able to work with partners and present a range of looks.

First, Samantha was paired with male model Juan.

Her final photo:

She seemed to have a little trouble shooting each look at the beginning, but warmed up quickly. The judges loved her short hair in the second half of the shoot.

Next up were Teadora and Gregor.

Her final photo:

Tea’s shoot was disappointing. She failed to adequately express emotion on both sides of the shoot, lucking into a good shot for the “sweet, relatable” side of the spectrum, and not managing a single “ferocious” pose that didn’t look confused. The judges love Tea’s look and personality, but they are really disappointed in this shoot, especially when she performed so well working with Cynthia on an earlier shoot.

Next up were Brandi and Dan:

The judges loved Brandi’s film: she had great range and really expressed both a friendly, relatable persona as well as an angry, fierce one. They really loved her Mohawk.

Last, Tor’anda and Whatshisface. (I can’t remember this guy’s name, but who cares).

And her composite:

Tor’anda redeemed herself from the challenge with her awesome film. She looked beautiful in both scenarios.

So who will make it to the Final Three?

Samantha sure doesn’t seem worried:

Teadora is a bit pensive, and also looks (I think) a bit like Mercedes from ANTM Cycle 2 in this haircut:

While Brandi takes a crap, and is reminiscent of Xiomara. I mean, her face.

And, well, let’s hope Tor’anda has gotten this tension out of her system. This is frightening:

At judging, the girls are asked to name the girls they feel have the most and least potential to win the competition.

Brandi is first, and names herself as having the most potential, because of her consistently improving performance in photo shoots and her hardworking personality. She says that Teadora has the least potential, that she feels Tea’s personality is not strong enough to take the industry, and that Tea’s look is too commercial.

Tor’anda, however, feels that she has the most potential, because of her exotic looks and the fact that she has had the best photo in several shoots. She names Samantha as the one with the least potential, saying that Samantha hasn’t really wowed the judges yet and has a look the industry has seen before.

Samantha also names herself as the one with the most potential, citing her elegant appearance and poise. She knows she’d rock the runway in the final two. She names Tor’anda as the one with the least potential, because she feels that Tor’anda is not able to express a softer side that Sim City can relate to.

Teadora says that she thinks Tor’anda has the most potential, because she is so outgoing and has done very well at most of the photo shoots. She thinks that Samantha has the least potential, since she does not get along well with others and is conceited.

The judges deliberate. Brandi has done very well this week, but she has been consistently in the middle throughout most of the competition. The judges do see an amazing transformation in Brandi, who has worked very hard and become much more elegant. They also think it’s notable that no other girl named her as the weakest.

Tor’anda’s challenge shoot this week was a disaster, but the judges think it may be a fluke. Still, they are reminded of her Week 2 drink from the bottle, and wonder if she would be a good representative of the Top Model name, if she can be thoughtful and deliberate. But they love her Yin/Yang shots, and agree that she has proven she can be soft and lovely.

The judges have mixed opinions of Samantha: her challenge shoot was lovely and serene, but in person she can be cold and off-putting. They also find it a bit worrying that she had to “warm up” to the elimination shoot after this long in the competition. Two girls named her as the weakest: is this the truth, or just jealousy and dislike?

Teadora didn’t say she had the most potential, and the judges think that this week, they are seeing her weaken. Of the remaining girls, she certainly has the most appealing personality. But her early photos were not strong, and she hasn’t yet broken out and wowed the judges. She is certainly beautiful, and could be a great commercial model; and she’s also shown great improvement in her personal appearance.

So who will compete in the final round of Sim City’s Next Top Model? Brandi’s name is called first. The judges ask her to give them a fabulous photo next week and prove she is more than middle-of-the-pack. Tor’anda will be competing with her. She is exhorted to show a softer, more considerate side in person as well as in her photo shoots, and not to screw up another chance like she did in the challenge.

That leaves Samantha and Teadora in the bottom two. Both girls have taken beautiful pictures, but have vastly different personalities. Samantha is regal and elegant, but can seem aloof. Teadora is warm and easy to relate to, but she hasn’t taken a strong, high-fashion photo.

And Samantha will continue on in the journey to become Sim City’s Next Top Model, while Teadora will pack her bags and fly home.

“I’m disappointed…I was so close to the final, but I doubted myself just the tiniest bit. This experience has really changed me, but I’m still gonna go straight home, put on my neon green shirt and kickin’ hat, and have some fun. That will never change.”

Next week: The top three put on a fresh face and shoot for SimGirl Cosmetics. One competitor is sent home, and the final two walk in a fierce, frightening fashion show. Finally, Sim City’s Next Top Model is crowned.

SNTM Episode 4

erture — Sun, 05 Aug 2007 21:53:01 GMT

Li has just left the Model House…and it’s time for a viewer quiz!

How did Tor’anda console herself? (it’s multiple choice, don’t worry)
a. starting a fire
b. jumping in the pool
c. playing the punching game
d. playing on the swings

Ding ding ding! The answer is of course, c. Fucking punching game. The producers should put some new stuff on this lot so the girls have something to do.

Yo mamma’s so full of herself, she can’t even wash dishes without lookin in the mirror!

No one really cares, Teadora.

Aww, sad face. I think she’s whining about being the worst fortune sim ever to have simmed, but I’m not sure. (I think it’s hilarious and adorable when sims whine.)

More quiz: How did Brandi console herself after this poutfest?
a. starting a fire
b. jumping in the pool
c. playing the punching game
d. playing on the swings

But *gasp* the answer is d. this time!

Why are you always taking pictures of me in my underwear?

Cuz you’re pretty, Brandi. And you were the one who signed on for this model thing.

And here we have a new entrant into the competition…nah. Just a gratuitous shot of the maid.

Tor’anda checking out Samantha’s ass. Subtlety was never her strong suit.

Well, here’s why she was staring. Judge for yourself.

And now: Most Attractive Model Moments Ever, starring Brandi and Samantha!

But enough of that foolishness. These girls are here to work—work their bodies. No, not prostitution…dancing! (But I’ll file that in the photo shoot ideas for later). The challenge was an exotic outdoor photoshoot, rocking it among oriental screens and foliage.

Brandi:

Teadora:

Cynthia (sucking it UP):

Tor’anda:

Samantha:

An inside shot from production: check out how ridiculous the “set” for this shoot is!

Also, girls, why was this so difficult? I see you in the background there dancing with each other with no problems, Cynthia.

Cynthia was eliminated from the challenge for copping an attitude, complaining about dancing, and walking out before the photographer could get three shots. Brandi was pronounced the winner. Her prize was an extra roll of film during the elimination photo shoot.

She’s a pinball wizard… (yes, production caved and bought New Fun Stuff.)

Ah, modesty. You know, Tea, we have perfectly good showers for that.

GOD DAMN IT I HATE SOCCER SO MUCH IT GIVES ME HEADACHES GRRR

Didn’t anyone teach you proper tasting technique? Dip a spoon into the dish, then pour it into a second spoon, then taste. Oh well, you have all of two cooking points, so I’ll excuse it for now.

I am NOT small! Ooookay, Cynthia.

Once again, Teadora demonstrates genius by attempting to prepare spoiled food. Hint: the green Cloud O’ Death and the buzzing flies should be a hint that this does not equal delicious.

This week’s photo shoot was an ad for Oasis Lingerie. First up: Brandi.

Brandi did a great job on this shoot, and the extra roll of film didn’t hurt. She was relaxed and easy to work with.

Next was Samantha:

The judges thought she seemed a bit uncomfortable and didn’t get a lot of great shots.

Teadora was up next:

She had many shots to choose from and her second shot was the judges’ favorite.

Tor’anda followed her:

She also had a very good shoot and was praised for her serene facial expressions.

Last was Cynthia:

Her shoot was difficult, and she often seemed bored or unhappy. She didn’t give much variety in her posing. The judges were not pleased.

It was getting more and more difficult for the judges to make their decisions. They called Teadora first, praising her continued hard work and improvement. Next called was Tor’anda, then Brandi, who seems to have regained a bit of confidence this week.

Samantha and Cynthia were the final two. Both began as strong contenders, but this week’s performance simply was not up to par. Samantha needs to show improvement, not just sit back and rely on her looks to do the job for her. Cynthia, usually so mild mannered, had quite an attitude this week—maybe she just can’t deal with pressure.

But Cynthia’s behavior this week was simply unacceptable, and so she will be sent home. Samantha has one more chance to wow the judges.

Bye, Cynthia!

“I don’t know what happened this week—I guess the stress just got to me. I’m sad I don’t get to travel with this great group of girls, and that I don’t have another chance. But this has been a wonderful transformation for me. I’m looking forward to having some time to read again, but I know now I’m more than just a bookworm.”

Next week: the top four travel to a locale rich in beauty and tradition. They’ll work with male models and put their best face forward, before the group is narrowed down to three.

SNTM Week 3

erture — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 00:54:06 GMT

What am I doing? This journal is not for Serious Business! It is foooor:

It’s Week 3, and things are getting tough in the Model House. None of the girls can really cook, and the place is a pigsty. Production decided to let them hire a maid (because production is too lazy to make them clean up). But that didn’t stop Teadora getting food poisoning:

She took to her bed immediately.

Brandi and Samantha had a bit of conflict.

And Li broke down. She missed her family, and Tor’anda’s betrayal made her feel alone in the house, despite befriending Cynthia. Besides, studying cooking was hard.

But playing on the swingset made her feel much better.

That night, the girls were whisked off to the weekly challenge. Teadora reluctantly got out of bed, still feeling awful. But she knew nonparticipation in the challenge could endanger her, especially since she hadn’t yet really rocked a photo shoot. The challenge was a timed shopping spree. The girls had thirty minutes to select an outfit that represented their new look.

Li, still distraught, couldn’t focus on the challenge and failed to complete her outfit within the allotted time, so she was disqualified. (I cannot find any of the shots of them actually at the lot shopping, sorry).

Here are the looks the girls selected:

Cynthia

Tor’anda

The Dread Pirate Sam

Teadora

Li

Brandi

The judges liked Cynthia, Tor’anda, and Teadora’s new duds. They felt Brandi’s didn’t accurately reflect her personality, and Sam’s pirate garb was just perplexing. Teadora was proclaimed the winner, and was given a 2,000 simoleon shopping spree. Perhaps buoyed by her win, Tea recovered from food poisoning shortly after the challenge.

The girls had just a bit of time to rest and relax.

Li was missing her family, especially her sister, more than ever.

But she quickly had to put aside her sadness and go to the week’s photo shoot, “street meetings”. The girls were divided into pairs and were to wear their clothes from the week’s challenge. The girls would be judged on their expression of emotion and ability to work with their partners to produce a great shot.

The first pair was Li and Tor’anda.

Toranda took the opportunity to express her continuing feelings for Li:

Li was having none of it. The photographer was getting good shots of Tor’anda, but not of Li (who just doesn’t look good when pissed off). Li was told to choose a more happy action, and she reluctantly jumped into Tor’anda’s arms and got some good shots:

The pair’s best shot:

Li’s best shot:

The judges found it a good shot, but thought that overall Li was outshone in this shoot and still had a bit of an attitude. They questioned her desire to be in the competition.

Tor’anda’s best shot:

The judges loved it, and Tor’anda’s performance in the shoot as a whole. She was very open and willing to express real emotion.

After the shoot, Tor’anda continued to try to reconcile with Li, who became angry.

Meanwhile, Samantha and Brandi were called to the set. Their animosity immediately became apparent:

The pair’s best shot:

Samantha’s best shot:

The judges found it a bit silly and thought that Sam might be over-acting a bit. They also didn’t quite understand her choice of the pirate clothing.

Brandi’s best shot:

The judges didn’t like Brandi’s film—she needs to learn how to look angry but still beautiful.

Finally, Teadora and Cynthia were called to shoot. These two got along much better than the previous groups:

The best shot of both:

The judge’s clear favorite of the paired shots. They loved the way Tea and Cynthia worked together (they even became best friends during the shoot).

Teadora’s best shot:

It wasn’t the judges’ favorite, but overall they thought Tea did very well in this shoot. They appreciate her ability to work through her illness and perform well this week.

Cynthia’s best shot:

The judges felt Cynthia was lovely in this week’s shoot, and that she is continuing to have a stronger presence in person. Their only critique was the lack of variety in her facial expression in these photos.

Then came the long wait for judging.

Li worried about being sent home, and continued to break down in tears every. five. seconds.

Cynthia cleaned like a good little girl, despite Teadora in the shower.

The girls had a spirited debate about rising oil prices.

Tor’anda regretted losing Li’s affection, and worried that she might never find love.

Meanwhile, Li cried. Again. Even her beloved swings could not console her.

Nothing like good old alcohol to relieve stress of possible impending elimination.

“Will it rain today, do you think?”

“You know, it just may!” (I love Sim conversations.)

You know what else is a good stress relief? Punching fellow contestants!

Another fire. Hands up anyone who’s surprised.

Tor’anda continues to think of Li fondly.

And Cynthia misses her friends that have moved out, specifically, Leila.

Teadora is Not Pleased.

Teadora is also the only one at this point to have a positive aspiration bar at all, let alone a platinum aspiration.

Mmmm, toaster pastries. The only things these girls can cook.

Sam contemplates Brandi. I don’t know what she was thinking, nor do I care to.

Just about the only thing more predictable in this house than fire: the punching game. Only this time, I’m not sure if it was a game—Tor’anda really walloped Li.

Li found some solace in playing computer games.

At judging, Tor’anda was called first. The judges raved about her individual photo. She seems to be back on track after last week’s misjudgment. Next called were Teadora and Cynthia for their great teamwork and successful photo shoot. Samantha was called, after being admonished to change the pirate clothes and get her act back together. Only her good performance in the past saved her from bottom two.

And the bottom two were: Brandi and Li. Brandi’s strong personality has been slipping away, and her performance in photo shoots has been slipping as well. Li also seems to be falling apart. Even after her warning last week, she still doesn’t quite seem to have it together. The judges question if either of these girls really wants to be here. But they believe one wants it more, and that girl is…Brandi. The judges ask that she work harder next week and become a stronger presence.

So that means Li goes home.

Bye, Li!

As soon as she’s gone, Brandi and Sam start discussing the way she dressed.

“I’m glad to be out of here. There’s a few people I’ll miss in the house, and a few I definitely won’t. But I can’t wait to get back to my family. I know I can be a great model, but the circumstances of the competition held me back this time. I know my sister will be proud of me.”

Tune in next week for a risque photo shoot and a challenge that will have the girls moving.

SNTM Week 2

erture — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 03:22:04 GMT

The rest of these won't be nearly as speedy, I just wanted to go through the pics I've already done before I forge on and forget what happened.

The day the girls have all been waiting for: makeovers! Some of ‘em need it more than others…

We’ll start with Leila. Her all-black look is pulling her down...it’s time for something more sophisticated, and we’re not going to let her hide her face with those bangs.

Before:

And after:

She takes it stoically.

Next up for a makeover is Samantha. Time to shake it up, baby—you’re going red red red!

Before:

After:

Hey, check out my boobies! You had them before, Sammers.

Now Li steps before the magic mirror. Her hair is getting an edgy, asymmetrical update.

Before:

After:

Yeah, that went well. She’s not happy (and frankly, neither is the producer, on second thought.)

Perhaps we’ll have better luck with Cynthia. Her look is getting a drastic update: from shy bookworm to lovely lady with soft waves of hair (and ditch those glasses).

Before:

After:

She got new clothes too, but I can’t find a shot of her in them, so you’ll just have to see in later candids.

Teadora’s got to part with that unfortunate hat. Sadly, production didn’t manage to dull her exuberant and mismatched duds, though.

Before:

After:

Brandi’s bleached hair is getting the ax, in favor of a softer cut and a more natural brown. She keeps the skanktastic shirt, because I love it.

Before:

After:

She’s not happy.

Finally, Tor’anda. The producer has decided she’ll keep her fierce bald look, but she does get some sweet new eye makeup.

Before:

After:

What a stunning change.

While all this is going on, the girls have the chance to relax a bit and socialize.

I know it looks like they’re having a close talk, but this is actually dance.

And we all gather round for drinks and nervous breakdowns.

I have no idea what’s going on here, but it looks like a bad soap opera.

Nothing like a midnight chat by the swingset.

Yes, still more punching.

Wah, I’m soooo poooooor.

And things are getting a bit steamy between Li and Tor’anda:

Alas, it was not to last. Tor’anda got the hots for Brandi and made a move…right in front of Li eating breakfast. Ouch!

Tempers weren’t the only things flaring up in the kitchen. Not one, but two conflagrations rocked the Model House this episode.

The blazes were swiftly attended to, but Li and Cynthia went a little bonkers.

Craziness aside, it was time for the weekly challenge. The girls had to rock a makeupless head shot. Despite her hated haircut, Li won:

Her prize was the opportunity to make herself over again after the week’s photo shoot. Li took the opportunity to recover her cute hairstyle.

This week’s photoshoot was an ad for Swanky Liqueur. The girls had the option of dressing up (in reality, I just didn’t do all of them in dresses for some reason, and I’m too lazy to do it again), and they were to work their new looks to display the product.

First up was Tor’anda:

Who decided to take a swill directly from the bottle. Classy. The judges still love her look, but this shoot had them questioning if she can make the judgments required to succeed in modeling.

Next was Samantha:

Her sophisticated look was perfect for the shoot, and she really embraced her new hairstyle. The judges applauded the number of great shots she had.

Cynthia took a drink next:

The judges were amazed at the drastic change in Cynthia’s appearance. She looked great and seemed confident, without sacrificing the serenity of her personality.

Brandi followed her:

The judges applauded her product placement, but noted that the shot seemed a bit awkward and unnatural. After Brandi’s excellent shoot last week, they were worried she might not be consistent.

Next came Teadora:

The judges loved her more refined look in the shoot, but in person, Tea just doesn’t look like a model to them.

Leila followed:

It was nearly impossible to get Leila to look happy in the shoot. The judges sympathize with her difficult family situation, but they feel this competition may not be the place for her to overcome her problems.

Still suffering from issues with her hair, Li shot last:

She had an attitude throughout the shoot and it was very difficult to get a shot. Accept your makeovers, people! Good thing she won the weekly challenge…

The judges deliberated, and Cynthia was called first. The judges encouraged her to continue coming out of her shell and rocking her makeover. Samantha, Brandi, and Teadora were called next. Tor’anda was called after being told to more carefully consider her behavior and the client before acting on impulse. That left Li and Leila in the bottom two.

Both girls are beautiful, and both have enormous potential. But both were called last for the same reason: their attitude at the shoot. However, the judges think that one girl has what it takes to change while in the Top Model house, and that girl is…Li. But if she doesn’t cut the bad attitude fast, she’ll be going home.

So Leila packs her bags.

“I’m so sad to be leaving…but I think this may be the best thing for me. I just wish…I had the chance…to wow them, you know?”

Next week on Sim City’s Next Top Model: Emotions run wild when the girls are paired off to work in a high fashion photo shoot.

Sim City's Next Top Model Week 1

erture — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 23:20:26 GMT

It’s summer, work is done, and I’m bored. What better to do than create Sims reality TV? After reading fandom_sims’s awesome Sims Big Brother with Harry Potter characters, I suddenly got the itch to recreate ANTM with Sims. Here’s the setup: eight girls, one house, photoshoot and challenge every episode, and every episode, one goes home.

Disclaimer: Yes, I’m aware the girls are basically stereotypes. I tried to make them as dissimilar from one another as I could, but I don't have any custom content, so I did my best. There’s girl-on-girl action and melodramatic backstories. Loads of pictures below the cut.

Further disclaimer: Judging is done by the photographer/producer/editor, so it is in no way subjective. Some photos from the first week are bad quality due to a misclick.

Meet the contestants:

---

Brandi Jiwait
Neat: 4
Outgoing: 8
Active: 5
Playful: 4
Nice: 4

Sign: Aries
Aspiration: Fortune
Interests: Sports, Politics
Brandi grew up in a troubled family and has little to go home to. But Brandi is tough and determined to make her life better, whatever it takes.

---

Cynthia Smith
Neat: 9
Outgoing: 2
Active: 6
Playful: 3
Nice: 5

Sign: Virgo
Aspiration: Knowledge
Interests: Sports, Work

She never wanted to be a model…but here she is. Unaware of her striking looks, Cynthia spends all her time with her nose stuck in a book and her closet full of dust. Will she stay true to herself?

---

Leila Lluvia
Neat: 6
Outgoing: 0
Active: 7
Playful: 4
Nice: 8

Sign: Pisces
Aspiration: Family
Interests: Environment, Weather

Leila’s self-esteem issues stem from her abusive father and anorexic mother. Can the Top Model journey help her overcome her past?

---

Li Cho
Neat: 4
Outgoing: 3
Active: 7
Playful: 4
Nice: 7

Sign: Pisces
Aspiration: Family
Interests: Travel, Weather

Li is overcoming her timidity to prove that minority girls can be beautiful Top Models. She wants to be a role model for her beloved younger sister and girls across Sim City.
---

Lily Tomkins
Neat: 2
Outgoing: 5
Active: 8
Playful: 7
Nice: 3

Sign: Cancer
Aspiration: Popularity
Interests: Sports, Environment

Lil’s a tomboy who loves the outdoors and meeting new people. Will her friendly nature and lack of fashion sense impair her edge?

---

Samantha Upton
Neat: 9
Outgoing: 6
Active: 2
Playful: 6
Nice: 2

Sign: Capricorn
Aspiration: Fortune
Interests: Travel, Politics

Samantha was raised with all the best. She’s Daddy’s little princess and she will be Sim City’s Next Top Model…or else.

---

Teadora Jacarinda
Neat: 1
Outgoing: 8
Active: 6
Playful: 6
Nice: 4

Sign: Leo
Aspiration: Popularity
Interests: Paranormal, Food

Yeah, so Tea’s a bit wild, and unable to pick a style other than bright. Plus, she refuses to remove her hat. Can her exotic beauty and exuberant personality take her to the top?

---

Tor’anda Daylee
Neat: 6
Outgoing: 5
Active: 8
Playful: 3
Nice: 3

Sign: Scorpio
Aspiration: Romance
Interests: Work, Money

Tor’anda is fiercely proud of her stunning features and refuses to conform. She’s outspoken, rash, and determined to prove herself.

The eight lucky ladies move into their new digs, complete with a runway down the hallway, pool, bar, all the latest conveniences…and a poorly-designed bathroom.

Being models, of course, they appreciate the mirrors.

Oh, hello, there.

Some models quickly got friendly…

…while others did not get along so well.

Fun times were had by most, doing the things they loved best:

sleeping…

cooking badly…

scratching armpits…

drinking…

stargazing…

looking creepy…

swinging…

painting…

playing games…

admiring reflections…

And of course, more punching. No better way to bond with your fellow contestants than the punching game.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a first day without a good fire.

But down to business. After the girls had a bit of time to settle in, it was announced that it was time for the first photoshoot—a swim spread for Sim Sports Illustrated magazine. The girls would be judged on a cover shot (their best picture) and their film as a whole.

First up was Cynthia:

Cynthia’s best shot:

The judges liked Cynthia’s film, though they were concerned that she was a bit shy, at the shoot and especially in person. They love her green eyes and wish she wouldn’t cover them and her great body up.

Next to don the suit was Li:

Li’s best shot:

The judges found Li very graceful and elegant, her film consistently good.

Samantha was next up:

Sam’s best shot:

Sam was very creative and there were lots of shots to choose from, the judges said. They loved the playfulness of her cover shot.

Brandi was in front of the camera next:

Brandi’s best shot:

The judges loved Brandi’s film and the way she allowed her personality to show through the shoot. She had a lot of fun in the sun and it showed.

Teadora was next:

Tea’s best shot:

The judges were surprised and disappointed that Tea’s fun personality didn’t really come through in her pictures. She looked reluctant and a bit awkward, and it was difficult to pick a cover shot because the film wasn’t good.

Leila followed:

Leila’s best shot:

The judges sensed timidity in Leila as well. Her best shot was beautiful, but boring. They would like to see her be a bit more confident and active.

Lily jumped in to the pool next:

Lil’s best shot:

The judges felt her photo shoot was spotty—some good shots, and many not-so-good frames. They felt she was not aware enough of her body, and seemed to be more about having fun than working to get a good picture.

Last was Tor’anda (a bit disappointed as being stuck with the same swimsuit as Teadora):

Tor’anda’s best shot:

Despite that setback and her initial reluctance, the judges raved about her film and her features. Her best photo was pronounced the best of the week, graceful and joyous.

The weekly challenge, it was announced at judging, was the best candid shot while wearing a swimsuit. Models have to be aware of their appearance at all times, even when not on shoot. The winner was Tor’anda for this fierce pose:

Her prize? Tor’anda’s best photo from the shoot will be featured on the cover of Sim Sports Illustrated.

At judging, Tor’anda was called first for her great film and challenge win, as well as her determination and intriguing look. She was followed by Brandi, Cynthia, Li, and Samantha. Leila was called next and received her photo in tears.

The bottom two for week one were Lily and Teadora. Teadora’s personality was winning, but her photo shoot did not express that well. Lily took some good pictures, but she didn’t stand out to the judges. In the end, it was decided that Lily would go home.

Goodbye, Lily!

“I was so happy to get the chance to meet new people and experience a fun photoshoot. I’m sad to go home this early, but I guess modeling just wasn’t my thing. Good luck to all the girls—love ya!”

Tune in next week for another episode of SNTM! The girls will get makeovers and participate in a high-class photo shoot.