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Subject: I have a serious question.
Author: Patricia Gentry [Edit]	Date Posted: 14:19:11 07/24/08 Thu Now don't laugh because I am supposed to be a know it all, BUT, in the "Shandi" type gowns or the gown Miss America wore at MA, are the bodices lined? or are the girls really depending on God's graces to prevent a wardrobe malfunction? The reason I'm asking is because I have some of that sheer net fabric and was playing with it, but am not sure whether to line it or make sure them beads are big! [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
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I'm not sure about the Shandi gown, but I recently tried on a Tony Bowls collection gown that had the sheer material and it WAS SHEER, there was just some beading covering me, and the shop owner said girls wear those sticky NuBras with them and then use clear tape. Hope that helps. (NT) -- MissLawStudent, 14:40:22 07/24/08 Thu I can speak for the ones I've seen/worn/tried on... and all of those had a small amount of lining - not throughout the entire bodice, only over the breast area. Those areas were also heavily beaded. I think one of the main differences between a pleasant-looking "Shandi" and a tacky one is how much the extra boob-sparkle gradually fades out. In-your-face beaded headlights aren't particularly flattering on anyone. (NT) -- Glamazon, 15:44:17 07/24/08 Thu "In-your-face beaded headlights"... that is a great description of how some knock-off "Shandi" gowns look sometimes!!! I love it!!!! (NT) -- Lassie, 22:16:59 07/24/08 Thu Get a Sherri Hill instead of a Tony if you want an illusion gown.....Glamazon is right, heavy beading only on the ta-tas is a no-no, not that great. Only if a girl has some great silicone or if she just has immaculate breasts can a no-lining dress be pulled off. Otherwise, get something with nude cups in it....you will feel more comfortable, and your "assets" will be kept in check looking fabulous! (NT) -- Woodworth, 17:55:05 07/24/08 Thu Woodworth, I am making one on a very different type of fabric and jewels. I just had not seen one close up and wanted to know the best way to start construction. Honey, if I wore one of those they'd have to bead all the way down to my knees! (NT) -- Patricia Gentry, 21:48:29 07/24/08 Thu When the Shandi type illusion gowns first came out, my daughter tried one on, just exactly like the top of that one and there was no lining, The top was just sheer and depended on the beading and the "glare" under the lights of the beading to cover her. There were girls who put nude pads in but under the lights, you could see them and it was distracting (NT) -- from my experience, 22:22:40 07/24/08 Thu God's grace indeed. I think we all depended on that. Please don't let my cutlets slip or my spanx show through etc. (NT) -- webby - the PacNW gal, 19:41:27 07/25/08 Fri Mary, mother of god, hear my prayer and lend me your hands. Please let me go onstage with no mishaps and no flashing of the audience. And if such thing is destined to happen, please Mary, let me graceful, poised and quiet so I do not take the Lord's name in vain in front of the audience. Amen. (NT) -- MLOP, 21:04:21 07/25/08 Fri You mean like this?...... -- Meemaw, 21:35:22 07/25/08 Fri they're called "naked" dresses for a reason, my dear PG. Just some well placed beading and a prayer =) (NT) -- Tumbleweed, 22:39:18 07/25/08 Fri So is the "Illusion" name just being ironic? Because if the stage lights hit you the right way, well, there ain't no illusion - it's the real thing. It's howdy-doody time! And more! (NT) -- Wayne, 07:05:54 07/26/08 Sat

Subject: Birthday Wishes
Author: IndyJeff [Edit]	Date Posted: 22:04:16 07/23/08 Wed HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Miss Universe 1980, Shawn Weatherly!!! Thursday, July 24th! [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
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and she'll be 49 and holdingggggggggg.......... =-) (NT) -- TNBoy, 22:18:11 07/23/08 Wed I love "birthday" horoscopes. Here was Shawn's for today: TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (JULY 24). There is nothing common about this year as you lead yourself and others to accomplish one worthy purpose after another. Your spectacular talent for interpersonal dealings helps you in both love and work over the next four weeks. You'll be appointed to a position, perhaps by popular vote. Gemini and Pisces adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 8, 10, 4, 39 and 16. (NT) -- TNBoy, 21:32:40 07/24/08 Thu Happy birthday indeed! (NT) -- Andres, 22:27:20 07/23/08 Wed Thank you for this updated pic. She is So BEAUTIFUL! Has she distanced herself from her pageant accomplishments? (NT) -- Name? No!, 23:35:24 07/23/08 Wed WOW - is it me or does she look like Tatum O'Neal??? (NT) -- GMAN, 07:36:27 07/24/08 Thu The truly beautiful woman get more beautiful as they get older. She proves this adage. (So does Vanessa Williams, another pageant fave of mine.) (NT) -- Wayne, 08:20:30 07/24/08 Thu One of the few pageants where I got it right!! As a SC girl myself--it was really exciting. Where is Shawn now and what is she doing? I've often wondered? (NT) -- thanks for the photo--by the way--how old is Vanessa, 09:50:19 07/24/08 Thu Vanessa's birthday was on March 18 and she turned 45 yrs. old. (NT) -- TNBoy, 21:35:54 07/24/08 Thu CLICK IN for a link to an article about former South Carolina beauty queens. It includes Shawn Weatherly, and also has a great pic of her and her kids! -- Indy, 21:01:18 07/25/08 Fri Great article Indy! South Carolina is the true powerhouse state of pageantry with wins at MTUSA, MUSA, MU, MAO, and Miss World - no other state can match that! (NT) -- GMAN, 07:03:01 07/26/08 Sat

Subject: Do any of you nice folks have pictures from the Alaska state MAO pageant? (gaj - if you have pictures of this, I would bow to your pageant dedication!)
Author: GoldieZ [Edit]	Date Posted: 11:19:11 07/22/08 Tue [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
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Hi honey! I wish I did have photos and tried to scour the internet for them to no avail. I will keep stalking... oops, I mean looking :-) (NT) -- gaj, 18:16:29 07/22/08 Tue Somebody must have at least a Top 5 pic from Alaska!? I know the young lady who won & would love to see how she looked. Gosh, gaj!! If YOU don't have any, maybe no one took any! (LOL!!!) (NT) -- GoldieZ, 17:03:57 07/23/08 Wed Due to poor turnout, I hear the pageant was held at a local mall. Talent included a muktuk eating contest and an ear pulling contest. (NT) -- Does alaska ever send a competitive girl?, 01:11:20 07/26/08 Sat There are some photos of the pageant at : http://www.adn.com/photos/v-gallery/story/473362.html (NT) -- Aida, 05:37:59 07/26/08 Sat

Subject: Need website address
Author: PFan [Edit]	Date Posted: 03:20:50 07/26/08 Sat I need the pageant central website address that has all the interviews, pageant reviews, etc..... Thanks!! [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
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Duh!! I see the icon now. (NT) -- PFan, 03:22:54 07/26/08 Sat

Subject: Miss Indiana!!
Author: IndyJeff [Edit]	Date Posted: 21:37:50 07/25/08 Fri [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
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Who is the lady with her? (NT) -- Brent, 23:40:59 07/25/08 Fri Is is Heather French? (NT) -- Andres, 00:09:17 07/26/08 Sat

Subject: Evening Gowns
Author: Christina [Edit]	Date Posted: 17:54:17 07/25/08 Fri Okay all you experts out there, I have an evening gown question to pose. I am looking for my next evening gown, and I'm at a loss for where to look. I'm familiar with the usual designers, Tony Bowls, Sherry Hill, Jovani, Faviana, La Femme, etc. But can anyone name some other designers? I'd like to step out of the box here and I'm only familiar with the "usuals". Thanks so much guys! [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
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Jonathan Kane (who competed on Project Runway) designs one of a kind pageant gowns. I've heard he is very talented but very expensive. (NT) -- ., 18:35:18 07/25/08 Fri I would steer clear of his designs. He did the gown for Miss Alaska USA this past year. (NT) -- I am not impressed with his work, 21:09:56 07/25/08 Fri Kayne is a designer that tends to overdesign when left to his own devices, but when he is used to channel someone else's concept, he does a really good job. A girl I work with who uses Kayne agrees with me, if you want to use him, be prepared to keep him on a short leash during the design process. (NT) -- MLOP, 22:02:25 07/25/08 Fri Nick Verreos did AK USA's gown, not Kayne. (NT) -- Both from Project Runway, but way different in approach., 23:14:46 07/25/08 Fri ooppss...you are correct. It was his gown that I did not ike on Alaska, I do know she let him "do his thing" and it appeared to look that way (NT) -- the concept was cute, justnot pulled off very well, 23:57:19 07/25/08 Fri Ah, who's going to be the first here to suggest JDI Couture????? (NT) -- Patricia Gentry, 19:31:14 07/25/08 Fri AH! You and webby beat me to it! Christina, dahling, JDI all the way. Mistress Pat here is making my USA gown and its fabulous! I would suggest her anyday of the week! (NT) -- MLOP who shouldn't read Ya Ya sisterhood before posting, 21:06:54 07/25/08 Fri JDI Couture indeed. She cares about all the details - esp. your howdie doodies! Just sayin'! (NT) -- webby - the PacNW gal, 19:37:35 07/25/08 Fri Christina, this is a great topic! I enjoy finding up-and-coming designers. CLICK IN for some names! -- Indy, 23:08:49 07/25/08 Fri

Subject: Hey there! I'm new to the board, and just wanted to say that its wonderful! Best VOY I have found BY FAR, and great job mods. I'll try not to be a lurker anymore and actually post :)
Author: MissLawStudent [Edit]	Date Posted: 13:44:08 07/22/08 Tue [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
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welcome to the club MissLawStudent! Enjoy! (NT) -- gaj, 14:09:58 07/22/08 Tue YEAH! Welcome! (NT) -- MissMerlin, 14:10:45 07/22/08 Tue Welcome to the family MISSLAWSTUDENT!!! Look forward to seeing your posts and getting to know you better. Make sure to drop by the chat room on Monday night...it's truely where the family hangs out! (NT) -- TXPAGEANTGUY, 15:08:43 07/22/08 Tue Welcome MissLawStudent! Are you a MUO fan, or MAO, or both? (NT) -- Indy, 21:42:06 07/23/08 Wed I'm a MUO fan, who used to judge a few prelims back in FL before I moved for law school. I had always wanted to try MUO but always was under contract in other systems it seemed and now finally feel ready to give it a shot. As MAO seems to modernize though I find myself becoming more and more of a fan. I always liked their emphasis on education and service, but found that it used to be much too girl next door instead of glamorous for my style. :) (NT) -- MissLawStudent, 22:49:42 07/23/08 Wed Nice to have you join us! (NT) -- TNBoy, 21:44:10 07/23/08 Wed MissLawStudent, welcome to the family from a former law student who is currently studying for the Bar. :) (NT) -- MidwestFan, 22:15:51 07/23/08 Wed Oh, and for those of you who care...the Bar is next week, on Tuesday and Wednesday. So if you want to send good thoughts my way, feel free - I'm sure I'll need all I can get. :) (NT) -- MidwestFan, 22:21:17 07/23/08 Wed MidwestFan, GOOD LUCK! I am so anxious about beginning my 1L year in a few short weeks, and everyone tells me as soon as that's over the Bar anxiety sets in! Good luck, I'm sure you'll do well and you'll have to let me know how it goes! (NT) -- MissLawStudent, 22:46:42 07/23/08 Wed I also recently joined Miss Law Student and I can honestly say this is by far the most knowledgeable, honest, helpful and sincere group of folks I have met! Everyone respects other opinions and promotes a positive attitude towards pageants. If you haven't been there, you must go to Pageant Central - the fan site - It has the best recipes ( damn you Miss Meemaw and the fabu hot brown sandwich!) and the best pageant reviews! (NT) -- GMAN, 09:42:28 07/25/08 Fri GMAN I completely agree with you, I love this board so far, and dont even visit my old USA fan boards anymore :) (NT) -- Miss Law Student, 15:10:08 07/25/08 Fri Welcome MissLawStudent! My experience with attorneys has not been good. Please do something. Thank you. (NT) -- Meemaw, 10:01:11 07/25/08 Fri haha Meemaw, I dont graduate for 3 years but under my state's law I can practice after 2, so I'll see what I can do to change your opinion! :) (NT) -- Miss Law Student, 15:06:56 07/25/08 Fri I'm curious to know about your experiences Midwestfan and Miss Law Student. I am an attorney and was a state title holder in MAO. My firm (while not ashamed) does not want my title known to clients. They feel it is the wrong image. Did you compete and if so, what has been your experience? (NT) -- Tigress - Good luck with the bar, you'll do great!, 11:21:17 07/25/08 Fri Tigress- that is so interesting to me, I'll be a 1L this fall (well actually in 2 weeks!), and my state USA pageant is in October. I have been planning on competing because I have always been told that I have that "USA look" and from my past pageant experience I believe I could go far, but I'm concerned with how it might interfere with my academics and potential internships/jobs. Lately I have been leaning towards waiting out this year, and competing in our MAO next summer because I thought I would find more success in that system because of my commitment to service and academics, and I thought it would be better recieved by future employers. I am SHOCKED that yours wants you to keep your achievement a secret, when to me MAO epitomizes the wholesome achiever! (click in for my continuing rant lol) -- Miss Law Student, 15:04:52 07/25/08 Fri I wouldn't wait out! You should compete! No one in my office is ashamed, they just don't list it in my credentials. not very "legal' so to speak. I will say that because of my experiences with public speaking, they give me more opportunities for court experience than any of the other associates in our litigation department. they know I can think on my feet quickly. (NT) -- Tigress, 16:12:04 07/25/08 Fri MissLawStudent.....it has been my experience that, if you are equally interested in both America and USA, and you have talent, you should go do America. The age limit is lower, and winning that would be easier on you than winning USA. If you won America, you would be able to take off a whole year, whereas winning USA would mean you either have to take off a semester (seriously frowned on for 1Ls at many law schools), or else be gone three weeks and have to take-home finals, if they would even make that arrangement. Plus, America judges might give you "bonus" points in their mind for law, while with USA, it doesn't make a hill of beans to them either way, and you would have no advantage. Just some thoughts! (NT) -- Another Lawyer, 18:15:33 07/25/08 Fri Thanks so much for the help everyone. My talent is fine, but not fantastic and that is the only thing that really worries me. No dont worry I'm not playing the water glasses or anything, it's just musical theater. I moved out west for grad school and feel like both systems are less competitive than FL where I spent my undergraduate (so perhaps it wont hurt me that I'm not an opera-singer or prima ballerina). Decisions, Decisions! I have a lot of thinking to do! (NT) -- Miss Law Student, 23:14:44 07/25/08 Fri

Subject: The Weekly MLOP Report
Author: Patricia Gentry [Edit]	Date Posted: 19:20:17 07/22/08 Tue For those waiting in the wings, I can show you this much... Sadly, the photos are taken on my cell phone and the color is nowhere near this dull. The fabric is actually quite vivid and stunning. It's shades of teal, royal blue and metallic gold. Just handwork to do. [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
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MLOP, how tall are you? I want to buy this off you after you wear it! I LOVE it! I could wear this to so many events down here! It's so unpageant :) (NT) -- RockyGirl (mad props to PG), 20:17:08 07/22/08 Tue 5'6" but with my personality I'm as tall as you RG! I'm sure you could pull it off as a snazzy sundress. Although that deep V gives me the chills. . . I just might have to tape the tatas to keep them in place! (NT) -- MLOP who feels so fashionable now!, 20:36:52 07/22/08 Tue I'm not hemming it so you could have someone make a large hem for RG! (although she COULD order a gown from the designer! LOL) (NT) -- Patricia Gentry, 20:54:57 07/22/08 Tue If she does buy it from me, half of it is automatically getting kick backed to the designer for being a freaking GENIUS!!! (NT) -- MLOP, 22:19:10 07/22/08 Tue I know I COULD do that but I have a walk-in closet full of dresses worn once or never! I can always rationalize to Chris buying something because it was "too good to pass up on".... I don't know that I could explain having a dress made for a nonexistant occassion!! MLOP: think long hem, think long hem.... (NT) -- RockyGirl, 16:10:56 07/23/08 Wed MLOP thinks "Don't trip. . . don't trip. . . don't trip. . . wait. . . if I trip I could say I'm Universe material already. . . long hem. . . . long hem. . . " (NT) -- MLOP, 16:23:34 07/23/08 Wed Do you ever make gowns by request? This gown is gooooorgeous and I'd be willing to pay a pretty penny for one like it! (NT) -- Midwest Girly, 21:00:29 07/22/08 Tue Midwest, check ouy my website and send me a not about what you would like. www.jdicouture.com (NT) -- Patricia Gentry, 21:52:08 07/22/08 Tue Oh Pat, this is SO beautiful. And Rocky is right, it's very unpageanty, yet it will undoubtedly be an eyecatcher. It's so elegant, the colors are very mature, and the plunging neckline will create the illusion of height. MLOP should feel like Hollywood royalty in this. And what I like most about it is that it's not age specific. MLOP should feel very sexy and elegant, but I'd like to think an older woman who still maintained her figure could wear this and blow everyone away. I absolutely love this. (NT) -- Meemaw, 21:19:58 07/22/08 Tue By the way, is it my imagination or are there actually skeletons incorporated into the pattern? Normally I would dismiss it as something abstract, but you're so warped and it would be such a classic MLOP touch I wouldn't put it past you! (NT) -- Meemaw, 21:28:58 07/22/08 Tue I also just realized MLOP said the pageant is being held on Halloween and she was pissed about not getting to dress up! Now I'm even more certain those are skulls! That's so twisted and brilliant! (NT) -- Meemaw, 21:35:07 07/22/08 Tue ROTFLMAO! No, their aliens! No, it's only a figment of your imagination. It's all splashes of color (NT) -- Dr. Rorschact, 21:50:08 07/22/08 Tue I seriously have been looking at skull earrings Meems! Click in to see two pairs I found! -- MLOP, 07:24:25 07/23/08 Wed Seriously, I will paint a skull into the fabric just to let MLOP get her way - and nobody else will know! (NT) -- Patricia Gentry, 21:46:46 07/24/08 Thu An ode to Dani Boatwright and her little Jayhawk plastic cups she had sewn into the sleeves! (NT) -- Meemaw, 09:43:44 07/25/08 Fri an absolutely STUNNING gown for an absolutely STUNNING young woman.... designed by a STUNNING designer. Absolutely breathtaking! (NT) -- gaj, 21:30:30 07/22/08 Tue I agree 100% Meemaw. I would love to wear a gown like this. The fabric selection alone makes me swoon! (NT) -- webby - the PacNW gal (pass the smelling salts), 19:39:38 07/25/08 Fri Very nice!!! Is there going to be any beading added? I think just a teeny bit to catch the stage lights here and there would make an excellent touch. It also looks fantastic already though. (NT) -- John - Lives in WA, 22:12:38 07/22/08 Tue John, it will be heavily beaded from the waist up. You can see a little started already. (NT) -- Patricia Gentry, 22:26:28 07/22/08 Tue I was wondering if I was seeing some here and there. (NT) -- John - Lives in WA, 22:56:57 07/22/08 Tue This looks like a versatile gown that can be worn again... even several years later... off the pageant stage... and still look good :-) (NT) -- mmmm, 22:42:55 07/22/08 Tue This is fantastic! (NT) -- old school fan, 07:48:37 07/23/08 Wed What a wonderful gown MLOP , especially the plunging neckline!- what accessories/shoes are you thinking of?? (NT) -- GMAN, 09:09:57 07/23/08 Wed Skulls and flip flops, maybe a little headbanging for good measure. (NT) -- MLOP, 09:25:34 07/23/08 Wed MLOP - it will be gorgeous on YOU. P.G. - amazing. Love the design and fabric selection. Howdie doodie indeed (NT) -- webby - the PacNW gal, 09:28:50 07/23/08 Wed I LOVE THIS DRESS!!!!!!! (NT) -- Miss Conduct, 10:46:21 07/23/08 Wed Please remember to show your support for MLOP by buying a raffle ticket and to ME because I'm out of work. "Support Pat Gentry - Buy a dress!" ;-) (NT) -- Patricia Gentry, 11:25:35 07/23/08 Wed I was about to say it needs rhinestones and then i saw that pat has already started to bead it. Loooove IT!!! (NT) -- IHP, 23:00:26 07/23/08 Wed I want it! Can we add this to the raffle... someone can win it after MLOP uses it!? Haha, in that case, I'll buy a few more raffle tickets! :) Pat - you are amazing!!!! Damnit, I wish I could go to the pageant!!!!!!!!!!!!! (NT) -- Kristin ♥, 10:13:25 07/24/08 Thu I just bought my raffle tickets! Come on everyone! Send MLOP to INUSA!!! (NT) -- MissMerlin, 12:19:09 07/24/08 Thu MissMerlin - I think I already have the winning ticket! (NT) -- webby - the PacNW gal, 14:39:20 07/24/08 Thu The dress is gorgeous, but I am also enjoying the cat painting in the background. CAT LADY!! (That is to say, where do I get one?) (NT) -- Tiara's Biggest Fan, 16:05:29 07/24/08 Thu CAT LADY? Click in to see the "Baby's" room -- Patricia Gentry, 16:52:15 07/24/08 Thu I heart the orange boys! He reminds me of one of my favorite cats. And he has been immortalized! (NT) -- webby - the PacNW gal, 20:00:08 07/24/08 Thu Oh my gosh, Patricia, do you think we might be related? My apartment looks a little bit like this now only my bed is covered with LIVE cats. :) You baby is just gorgeous! And I'm sure he is trained not to scratch pageant clothes! (NT) -- TBF, 21:14:14 07/24/08 Thu It was his late sister who used to think hanging off the tuile on a cinderella type gown was great fun! (www.geocities.com/Heartland/3569/kramer.html) (NT) -- Patricia Gentry, 21:44:18 07/24/08 Thu Did you know that it is orange and white stripped cats that are actually witches familars, not black cats like everybody thinks. Don't ask me how I know that. (NT) -- IHP, 11:25:25 07/25/08 Fri OK how do you know that? (NT) -- ~glitzmomma~ who thought she knew all about witches., 13:08:43 07/25/08 Fri I LOVE the idea of skull earrings!!! But, that's just me! And this gown is beautiful....a classic fit in an intriguing fabric....I'm always looking for someone to reinvent a really good pageant gown, and this works! (NT) -- Woodworth, 17:57:30 07/24/08 Thu

Subject: Questions Questions Questions....
Author: New2MAO (:)) [Edit]	Date Posted: 16:59:49 07/20/08 Sun Hey guys! I have made a little list of questions that I have been wondering about for a while, and I'd like to post them (you guys are always there for me) to see what you think. 1) If a girl in MAO goes to a community college, rather than a state college, does it hurt her chances to do well in the pageant? (to those of you who have judged) 2) When in interview, when they ask you who you will be voting for in the election, should you say, or gracefully get out of the question? 3) Are any contestants winning with the non-pageant interveiw suits - such as a modest dress and a little jacket? (No one in their right mind would wear a neon blue suit out in public, but they'd wear it to a pageant interview, I just don't get it.) 4) Should I wear a completely plaid evening gown to Miss America this year to be a homing device for TnBoy? Love you guys, thanks in advance for your answers! <3 [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
My take: 1) At the local level, it absolutely shouldn't hurt her chances. At the state level, it PROBABLY won't - but I think it all depends on her reason for attending the community college. Any good judge who's concerned should ask that question and not just summarily discount the contestant. Disclaimer: I haven't judged (yet), but my mom has. 2) SHARE YOUR OPINION! I think people (and judging panels) are growing increasingly tired of the nicey-nice interview in which the contestant sidesteps questions in order to ruffle no feathers. BUT - it's important to say not only WHO will get your vote, but WHY. 3 & 4) click in... my subject was too long... -- Glamazon, 18:29:48 07/20/08 Sun 1). I believe attending a community college does hurt a girl's chances to do well in the MAO. A community college is a red flag in some judges eyes and it raises the question whether a girl is serious about her education or is she merely using CC for pageant purposes. I don't agree with it since I can name a recent 3RU to Miss America who still hasn't graduated after 9 years of bragging about her "serious" education. 2) Don't be shy, tell them your choice and why! 3) Yes, just ask Bandgirl, who placed 2RU last week at Miss WA. Don't ever wear anything grotesque and embarrassing just to please some old fart! 4) See last sentence to Question no. 3. (NT) -- Meemaw, 23:01:10 07/20/08 Sun I'm sure many judges have preconceived notions about attending a CC and devotion to education. I think that's unfortunate because so many students are choosing CC's for their first two years these days to help out with tuition costs. In addition, CC's are a good bridge from high school to college for many students who need some extra adjustment time and preparation, since they can obtain more help from instructors. Of course, I guess MAO judges aren't looking for delegates who need bridging time to college. (NT) -- BamaMan, 05:01:46 07/21/08 Mon I agree, Bama! I've known many people who attended CC just to defray tuition costs, finished in two years, and then transferred to a four-year college to obtain their bachelor's. I don't see how that could hurt a contestant's chances. Plenty of people go to four-year colleges right after college and never finish, so I think what needs to be taken into consideration most is that these contestants are furthering their education, regardless of whether the judges expect them to continue. (NT) -- NewYorker, 06:42:55 07/21/08 Mon I used to work at a university as an enrollment counselor and the cost per credit was so high that I often advised people to go to community college and get their general education out of the way and then transfer in. Surprisingly, I was pretty good at my job. LOL (NT) -- SanFranGuy, 17:22:06 07/21/08 Mon 1)My spin on the community college issue would be with the escalating cost of a 4 yr degree;it is cost prohibitive to attend a CC for the 1st 2yrs of an education. I think someone should make attending CC their platform and do for that what Kaye Lani did for nursing. 2) Believe it or not, even Miss A contestants are entitled to privacy and should state just that and politely to refuse to answer that question. 3) With a combo of older pageant directors & coaches with no taste & pageant shop owners with no tastes leading the girls astray, there is little hope. 4)Thanks for the laugh! (NT) -- No Name, 09:57:49 07/21/08 Mon Did you mean to say it is cost effective (not prohibitive) to attend a 2 year community college? I'm assuming you did, and I absolutely love your rebellious, forward thinking idea to make CCs a platform issue! "Community College: The Smart Education Choice" would address the issue head on and remove the stink from education snobs. I like the cut of your jib, honey! (NT) -- Meemaw, 11:11:07 07/21/08 Mon I LOVE this idea! My family didn't have the $ to send me off to a Univeristy and pay my tuition, books, and living expenses. I wasn't a stellar high school student ( I participated in far too many NON-academic activities ie: cheerleading, track & field, drama, FCA, volleyball, boyfriends, and parties) to earn scholarships, but I still managed to graduate in the top third of my class. I didn't even bother to take the SATs since I was so bummed that all my friends would be going off to uni without me (they either came from $, or they did ONLY 1 activity & studied more than I did). So, CC was IT for me. I went exactly 3 semesters, made the Dean's list... -- Belle, 19:07:26 07/25/08 Fri 1)It will only hurt your chances if you let it. When I'm training young women for interview, I have them make a list of the 5 MOST important things for the judges to know about themselves. When you hear the question that gives you the opening, you answer and give the important info about you. For instance, if they were to ask you anything at all about education, you'd answer what they're asking then find a segue to proceed to explain the good reasons that you've chosen to attend a CC (i.e. save money, help at home, etc). 2) ALWAYS give your opinion on an opinion question. That's what they want to know, but of course, you should preface it by saying that you've considered many issues for both of the candidates, but candidate X fits your ideals, values, etc, and you are concerned specifically about (x) policy and said candidate is in line with your views. click in -- GRITS, 10:12:13 07/21/08 Mon 1) Has never hurt a girl when I've judged. Of course I was in it for the scholarships when I competed, so I know about being financially strapped. 2) I think either response is fine. If you say who, please back it up with a couple of reasons why. But a witty, clever, and evasive comeback is also appreciated. 3) My fav interview outfits have actually been skirts and a sassy blouse. But I'm probably less conservative than your average MAO judge. 4) Honey, you don't need a plaid gown for TN Boy to find you. If anything you may want to consider a restraining order! (NT) -- MissMerlin, 15:38:41 07/21/08 Mon 1) No. 2) Answer the question and back it up. 3) Yes! 4) Absolutely! (NT) -- Kristin ♥, 15:40:35 07/21/08 Mon Thank You Meemaw! I am the community college advocate! & "thank you" for correcting my symatix; we can all learn... (NT) -- After All, One Of The Aspects Of Miss A Is Education, 11:59:17 07/22/08 Tue Thank you for all your responses! You guys are great, as always. All of my locals are in October/November, so Ive got a little time to get all this down. <3 (NT) -- New2MAO, 17:52:37 07/22/08 Tue omg! I've lovin' your idea for question #4! I'm going to start singing the Miss Universe evening gown song......."You are my star........You light my way.......you brighten all my nights and make my day.........i call on you and you shine through.......because you are my star!" ;-) (NT) -- TNBoy, 22:00:08 07/23/08 Wed Here is the PERFECT GOWN!! CLICK IN for a tribute to TNBoy! -- --<3 njgurl, 17:08:39 07/24/08 Thu (1) Doesn't matter for me personally as a judge but I fear in the more scholarship-oriented MAO system, it does matter to some judges. Just as many state universities are dropping "State" from their names to create an illusion of greater prestige; some community colleges (e.g., Cecil Community College here in Maryland) have dropped "Community" from their school names. I'm not recommending this but I know of a contestant who has competed well in a state other than Maryland who dropped "community" from the name of her school in paperwork citations. Sad that something like that would seem necessary but, oh, well... (2) I would think that answering it would be easier than trying to skirt it. Just don't bash the other candidate when speaking about your choice. (3) Yes! (4) Yes...a fully stoned plaid, no less! (NT) -- Marylander, 17:44:41 07/24/08 Thu 1) Honestly, unless a girl is just killer in every phase of competition, I will, as a judge, tend to frown on the community college. Not because it's not great to have an education any way you choose, but why give her lots of scholarship money for a college that's probably not that expensive that she's just going to for two years? But that's just me....I am unfortunately an academic snob. 2) I don't look kindly on anyone who sidles out of an answer just because they are afraid of not pleasing all people all the time, so go for it! Tell me what you REALLY think! 3) Yes, I would actually like to see a shift dress with a jacket...it's either St. John knits or dresses with bangles these days, and while I don't understand it, don't fall in with the classic "Jackie O" dress, because everyone is doing it. 4) Absolutely. Did you know Charlotte in Sex in the City once wore a totally plaid, floor-length gown to one of Trey's Scottish family gatherings in one episode. She pulled it off! (NT) -- Woodworth, 18:02:31 07/24/08 Thu Our homecoming queen wore a tartan ball gown as an homage to her family/clan! How cool is that? I know I can't say c%ktail, but is "ball" gown ok? (NT) -- webby - the PacNW gal, 20:02:31 07/24/08 Thu* webby was kicked by PlayGirl - Watch your language! Please refrain from any reference to the nether regions. You ignorant slut. Thank you. (NT) -- PlayGirl, 09:57:25 07/25/08 Fri #1 - No, not at all. #2 - Answer it honestly, they don't care WHAT you answer as much as HOW you answer. #3 - yes (and I wore a neon blue suit to an interview yesterday and got the offer today!) #5 - Hell to the YES! (NT) -- Patricia Gentry, 21:09:35 07/24/08 Thu There was a huge article about community colleges trying to shoulder they way into the public as a viable education institution and a great alternative to the Big Universities out there. It was in USA Today I think on Tuesday. (NT) -- MLOP, 14:22:13 07/25/08 Fri

Subject: Just a Little Message for my PC Friends
Author: MLOP [Edit]	Date Posted: 10:08:02 07/24/08 Thu Feel free to stop by and watch me figure out how to look hot in less than 100 days! [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
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If I offered to move in with you, would you be willing to eat fruits and vegetables? I am a fabulous lil' cook! You remind me of me in my pag/college days (daze). (NT) -- webby - the PacNW gal, 20:06:33 07/24/08 Thu Time to quadruple the water intake! It's SO easy :) (NT) -- RockyGirl, 20:23:46 07/24/08 Thu MLOP, get a weave!! Do you even know how happy that would make me for you to have long flowing waist-length locks? :) (NT) -- TBF, 21:11:43 07/24/08 Thu I'm dying here. You guys are ragging on my diet (which I've had since high school webby. Mom wasn't much of a chef) and not one of you has pointed out what a horrendous rhyming job I've done, let alone destroying a perfectly good rock tune. (NT) -- MLOP who's scarfing down a whole box of mac and cheese!, 21:45:26 07/24/08 Thu You did a horrendous rhyming job and destroyed a perfectly good rock tune. There someone said it :-P (NT) -- gaj, 22:45:36 07/24/08 Thu I'm just encouraged there were none of the four-letter words she uses in Pageant Chat! (NT) -- New York Guy, 00:55:28 07/25/08 Fri Hey, I can go through life without cussing, I just choose not to because its more fun this way. (NT) -- MLOP, 17:57:12 07/25/08 Fri I was touched and impressed by your homage to classic rock! I began to see possibilities for a talent presentation (not to mention costume - Halloween - just too good to pass up) (NT) -- webby - the PacNW gal, 22:26:44 07/24/08 Thu Okay - love the blog!!!! And the song well it made me think of bad 80s music and then Devo came to mind when I read Kristin's comment about getting you into shape...CRACK THAT WHIP....Love the blog tho, they are always fun, come to think of it..I need to update mine..it's been a little while.... (NT) -- Giggles, 22:43:17 07/24/08 Thu Greeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeat now I've got Devo stuck in my head. Thanks Giggles! (NT) -- MLOP, 23:17:45 07/24/08 Thu NP...thought I could help!!! (NT) -- Giggles, 23:23:47 07/24/08 Thu You best start busting hump, Missy. I'm taking in that swimsuit two sizes! (NT) -- Patricia Gentry, 22:51:22 07/24/08 Thu Chet, they now have a song for you and it isn't "Raining Men!" (NT) -- love it!, 04:34:11 07/25/08 Fri

Subject: Indy can't play!!!
Author: SanFranGuy [Edit]	Date Posted: 00:39:14 07/24/08 Thu Name that beauty queen! :) No cheating Indy! SFG [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
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Is that Mary Therese and her "metro sexual" husband? (NT) -- Patricia Gentry, 05:26:23 07/24/08 Thu Of course you are right! She looks better here than when she competed. (NT) -- SanFranGuy, 14:19:54 07/24/08 Thu I bumped into the happy couple about three years ago and they are scary. She still thinks she's Miss USA. Wore the crown and small white gloves. (NT) -- Patricia Gentry, 16:32:04 07/24/08 Thu Like, ew! (NT) -- SanFranGuy, 00:08:30 07/25/08 Fri Little white gloves? That doesn't sound so much like Miss USA as Miss Oyster Bay Historical Society. (NT) -- New York Guy, 00:50:24 07/25/08 Fri which one??? (NT) -- GMAN, 07:32:36 07/24/08 Thu Indy can't play -- Jay, 18:14:47 07/24/08 Thu I'd be interested to know whether they live up on Walton's Mountain with the rest of John Boy's family or whether they have moved off to the big city? (NT) -- BamaMan, 05:29:57 07/25/08 Fri Indy can't play -- Jay, 05:36:11 07/25/08 Fri Check out: www.mtfmodels.com. (NT) -- Indy, 14:59:21 07/25/08 Fri

Subject: Gown Wars 2008!!
Author: IndyJeff [Edit]	Date Posted: 11:29:04 07/19/08 Sat Miss USA 2004 Shandi Finnessey and Miss Universe 2004 Jennifer Hawkins........in YOUR opinion, which lady made the BETTER gown choice? [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
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JHawk, hands down in my opinion. While Shandi could no doubt wear a paper bag and still look beautiful, I think Jennifer totally has her on this one, sadly Shandi looks like she's wearing a mumu and it does nothing for her. (NT) -- MD Fan., 12:29:22 07/19/08 Sat Unless Shandi is auditioning for Nell Carter's role in a revival of TV's "Gimme a Break," she has no business wearing this thing. (NT) -- Meemaw, 12:59:44 07/19/08 Sat is Shandi going to a revival of Woodstock? (NT) -- Andres, 14:30:30 07/19/08 Sat Shandi should put her Mama Cass dress up and save it for halloween (NT) -- Pageantnut, 15:08:40 07/19/08 Sat Come on, Indy, that one isn't even fair!!! JHawk, of course. Anyone who thinks Shandi looks better here is clearly delusional. (NT) -- Glamazon, 16:48:48 07/19/08 Sat ..........(evil laughter)............ (NT) -- Indy, 16:53:51 07/19/08 Sat Oh, I love Mrs. Roper from Three's Company! I think she used a relaxer for her hair though! (NT) -- Trixie, 17:53:10 07/19/08 Sat Trixie, your comment HAS to be one of the funniest comments I have ever read here on Pageant Central! Thanks for the laugh!! (NT) -- Indy, 22:50:26 07/19/08 Sat Thanks, I get a little silly after few glasses of wine! (NT) -- Trixie, 23:19:05 07/19/08 Sat Put Shandi in the black dress and you have a winner. (NT) -- Sister, 18:17:30 07/19/08 Sat Come on, this isn't even a fair comparison. shandi is out at a kids movie premiere in the heat of the day while Jennifer is at an award show gala. If I were shandi I would have worn the same dress. (NT) -- Patricia Gentry, 23:17:50 07/19/08 Sat Fine, Pat......just bust me in front of everyone here! (LOL, I love ya!) (NT) -- IndyBusted, 23:27:51 07/19/08 Sat Haha, Pat... I was just going to reply with my exact words being, "This isn't even a fair comparison!" Great minds think alike! (NT) -- Kristin ♥, 19:16:27 07/22/08 Tue What Shandi is wearing is technically what is known as a "Patio Dress" not an evening gown. (NT) -- No Name, 22:18:58 07/21/08 Mon For the first time ever, I'd have to say that Shandi looks better. It's way more Hollywood. I think the black swallows Jen, but Shandi's dress doesn't over-ride her. (NT) -- Leon, 11:33:30 07/24/08 Thu Hey if Shandi had a belt around her waist...Then maybe the dress would look good...for me..I would never wear something like that....I would have to add some stuff to it...I am very Crafty at things..when I am done with that dress...it would look hot...well...better anyways...Love you Shandi (NT) -- Jc (Needs a belt), 12:35:48 07/25/08 Fri

Subject: MIss Teen USA: RPM girls LA, SC, NC look great!
Author: LA Fan [Edit]	Date Posted: 14:52:51 07/24/08 Thu [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
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I am so done with MTUSA and the way MOU has treated these girls that I am not even sure I am going to follow it this year - To have the pageant in the Bahamas - Hello????- anyone ever hear of hurricane season??? Not to mention the cost and expense for their friends and families to get there! What a disgrace! (NT) -- GMAN, 09:31:03 07/25/08 Fri

Subject: McCain Hires Beauty Queen
Author: Meemaw [Edit]	Date Posted: 10:35:58 07/23/08 Wed From InPlaceNews John McCain has hired Miss South Carolina USA 2007, Ashley Zais, to be his intern coordinator � and no she�s not that South Carolina idiot beauty queen. Paging �the Iraq!� Zais will be in charge of organizing interns for the McCain campaign headquarters. General intern responsibilities include fundraising, phone banking, wearing berets, and staying the hell off of Cindy McCain�s man. Old news since this happened 3 months ago but this is the first I'd heard of it. [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
Shenanigans Meemaw... I posted this 3 months ago! Then again, you were on dial-up then so we'll let the senior moment slide this time. (NT) -- MissMerlin, 10:42:48 07/23/08 Wed I said it happened 3 months ago! I don't remember seeing your post though. (NT) -- Meemaw, 14:09:59 07/23/08 Wed As a "cable guy"...I saw it as a knock against the "speed" of dial-up. LOL (NT) -- John - Lives in WA, 23:04:17 07/23/08 Wed Er, no comment on Ashley's political affiliations, but LOL about backing off Cindy McCain's man! Sometimes tells me Cindy has nothing to worry about though. :) (NT) -- NewYorker, 08:28:00 07/24/08 Thu I love a fellow Republican...CLICK IN for my fabulous Republican pageant moment..... -- Fannie Pack, 09:58:42 07/24/08 Thu What an awesome story! And well-played! Hell, you should have won! LOL! (NT) -- MissMerlin, 08:52:59 07/25/08 Fri If Ashley Zais can hook McCain and get rid of Cindy, I'll feverishly campaign to make sure he wins so she can be our first lady. (NT) -- BamaMan, 05:34:44 07/25/08 Fri

Subject: MISS KENTUCKY 2008!!!
Author: smnthjyc [Edit]	Date Posted: 22:12:28 07/19/08 Sat Miss Kentucky 2008 Emily Cox (Overall Talent Winner) Age: 22 School: University of Kentucky, graduate Major: Biology Platform: Uniquely Me - Promoting Self-Esteem in Adolescent Girls Talent: Piano, "Impromptu in C Sharp Minor" 1st Runner up - Lindsey Sheckles (Prelim Talent winner) 2nd Runner up - Sarah Billiter 3rd Runner up - Janelle Blevins 4th Runner up - Mallory Ervin (Best Smile & Miss Congeniality) Top Ten Kimberly Horne Ean Whitney Cox Ashley Miller Candace Shoemaker (Prelim SS winner) Kelly Casey [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
The winner is adorable! I also love her platform. Anyone who tackles the issue of self-esteem/emotional health for young ladies, receives applause from me! (NT) -- Indy, 22:40:58 07/19/08 Sat Are the two Cox related? (NT) -- IHP, 10:35:03 07/20/08 Sun I am so happy!! Emily becomes the 13th girl from the 2005 class (Sweetheart) to make it to Miss America!! (Gotta say, I think Angel, Adrielle and Ansley all should have made it, too). (NT) -- RockyGirl (CONGRATS, EM!!), 11:14:15 07/20/08 Sun RG is Adrielle done with pageants? (NT) -- I hope not!, 11:50:04 07/20/08 Sun She's done with MAO... that's all I'm saying :) (NT) -- RockyGirl, 14:47:23 07/22/08 Tue Blevins also won academic award for the 2nd year in a row....smart and beautiful (NT) -- and rocked ss!!, 12:41:17 07/20/08 Sun Very pretty young lady! (NT) -- Mr. AL USA, 13:39:26 07/20/08 Sun She is far more beautiful in person... -- Brenda, 20:28:08 07/20/08 Sun Hi Brenda! WELCOME BACK! (NT) -- Meemaw, 22:16:28 07/20/08 Sun Emily may have beat Tara at the Teen Taylor Co. pageant, but Tara was 1st runner up at state and became Miss KY Teen USA the same year...not to take anything away from Emily she is all Brenda says she is. (NT) -- Pageant .Queen, 01:14:53 07/22/08 Tue I MISS YOU PAGEANT.QUEEN.... -- Brenda, 12:52:34 07/22/08 Tue I wouldn't say that she has a body to die for. But she is a sweet and very talented girl. To me she is cuter than pretty. (NT) -- me, 15:09:26 07/22/08 Tue Looks very different in crowning pics. (NT) -- Tired of all extreme airbrushing and unnatural photos., 02:44:43 07/22/08 Tue She's so adorable! And from what I hear, an AMAZING pianist! I'd love to see Kentucky break Top Ten this year with this fresh face! (NT) -- Woodworth, 18:18:26 07/24/08 Thu She is a very pianist. I don't knwo that I would say amazing...sweet girl and a cute face. (NT) -- me, 19:27:11 07/24/08 Thu

Subject: Miss Arkansas USA Contestants!
Author: UCAALUM [Edit]	Date Posted: 16:11:13 07/23/08 Wed I had the distinct pleasure of attending the Miss Arkansas (MAO) pageant last weekend, and WOW! What a contest! Even better than that: I ran into several young ladies who are planning to compete in Miss Arkansas USA. Vanbros' takeover has really boosted the USA reputation for Arkansas already! So here's who I know for sure: Chanley Painter: I spoke to her family in the lobby of the Embassy Suites on Sunday morning. She was really hoping for a win but knew that competition would be tough. And I will say, she is breathtaking on stage! Hollyann Crum: Swimsuit winner two years in a row. So sweet! Lauren English: Lauren is so beautiful and really pulled her swimsuit presentation together this year. Her mother was an absolute doll to me at the pageant, and said that Lauren feels like she could bring some much-deserved spotlight and respect to Miss Arkansas USA. And she will have one amazing wardrobe! BIG SURPRISE FOR ME... Katie Bailey: Katie wants to give Arkansas USA a shot before she settles down permanently. I think Katie was even more beautiful last weekend than she was at Miss America! MAYBEs... Kimberly Smith Adrielle Churchill (didn't speak to her but saw her at the pageant...Adrielle has always been thin, but she looked "soft"...I hope she pulls it together for the pageant) Morgan Bookout (wow wow wow!!!) [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
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OK, I've tried to just ignore Lauren's remarks... -- no handle today, 17:19:54 07/23/08 Wed To "no handle" - I think the poster meant keeping non-scandelous girls out of the system. I don't think it was a Rachel jab.. more of a Tara Connor note (NT) -- Taryn, 17:23:22 07/23/08 Wed Oh WOW - If Holly Ann goes to USA, no one there will beat her in SS. With Lauren's clothing collection, she will be able to pull off the modeling USA loves and if you throw Chanley in there you have a top 3 no one else will be able to break. I hope Chanley pulls back her hair to show off that gorgeous dress... 3 beautiful faces that can't be beat (NT) -- MissDemeanor, 17:21:06 07/23/08 Wed To "UCAALUM, Taryn, MissDemeanor, MrMan, in the know," etc: It is not necessary to pose as someone else to say "I think the poster meant" when you yourself are that poster. Additionally, creating a new topic just to reply to it using other names is not permitted on this board. Of all the posts in this thread only one of them does not belong to you. In another post you claimed to speak "straight from the MAO's mouth" in order to put down another contestant, and many of your posts carry a tone of authority that now seems delusional. Finally, creating a ton of fake email addresses to further your illusion of authenticity violates the spirit of this board and will not be tolerated. So consider this a courtesy warning: Drop the game playing, drop the authoritative act and get real. Drop the schizoid posting, pick a handle and stick with it. Either become a responsible poster or find yourself another board that will allow you to indulge your fantasies. (NT) -- Modsquad, 20:01:37 07/23/08 Wed It never ceases to amaze me how mean Arkansas pageant fans can be......way to catch that, ModSquad, that's why this is a great place to post. I don't want to bump this up, but rather clarify: really, I've only heard about Chanley and Amber being very interested, and Adrielle seems to have been lying low. HollyAnn, Kimberly, and Morgan are all beautiful girls, and I would love to see them compete! Now, I HIGHLY doubt Katie Bailey or Lauren English will be there. Katie should know a la Amanda Kozak that you just can't really give up an MAO crown, get a USA crown a few months later, and expect to do anything at USA. And Lauren is firmly devoted to MAO....she looked more beautiful than ever at Miss Arkansas, and I'm sure she will stick with it and maybe even win Miss Arkansas next year! And I'm also surprised that Chanley's parents would be suddenly supporting USA the morning after Chanley failed to win a crown in a system she's been devoted to since she was Teen Arkansas. (NT) -- Woodworth, 18:16:17 07/24/08 Thu

Subject: Tony Bowls: Powerhouse in Arkansas?
Author: Useless Knowledge [Edit]	Date Posted: 14:01:24 07/24/08 Thu I thought this was very interesting...... One of Tony Bowls's models, Ashlen Batson, just won Miss Arkansas America wearing a Tony Bowls design. Now Arkansas pageant fans are saying that Chanley Painter, Amber Bennett, and Adrielle Churchill, all former Tony Bowls models, are confirmed to compete in Miss Arkansas USA: CLICK IN for their pictures My question: Has Tony always been such a powerhouse in Arkansas? Why does he have so many Arkansas girls modeling? And who else has modeled for him? [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
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CLICK IN -- Useless Knowledge, 14:04:17 07/24/08 Thu Amber Seyer and Shandi Finnessey have also modeled for him and won Miss Missouri USA (NT) -- IHP, 15:12:22 07/24/08 Thu Tony is from and still lives in Arkansas. He has provided most of the recent Miss AR USA's dresses (untill the last two years or so) (NT) -- Arkansas friend of Tony's, 14:25:01 07/24/08 Thu Gosh, Ashlen is GORGEOUS here! Amber Bennett is also a really great face, always looking perfect. I've seen Adrielle look better in pictures, but I'll be interested to see if she really does USA after sitting out of everything for a year. And I've never thought Chanley was that facially beautiful, but this proves it. Tony used to own the Arlington Dress Shop, and that's where he got started designing.....he's really done well for himself! Again, if Ashlen Batson doesn't make Top Five at Miss America, I'll be like Meemaw when Lauren Lannging won Texas!!! (NT) -- Woodworth, 18:06:41 07/24/08 Thu

Subject: Miss Universe 1979
Author: SanFranGuy [Edit]	Date Posted: 05:56:02 07/23/08 Wed I found this copy of Miss Universe 1979. The copy is grainy, but it has arguably the best top three in Miss Venezuela (winner -- their fist), Miss Bermuda (first runner-up and Miss World) and Miss England (second runner-up, Miss Photogenic, and first runner-up to Miss World). Incidentally, Carolyn Seaward, Miss England, ended up being a James Bond girl. [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
Maritza is still my favorite Miss Venezuela and I can remember gasping when she came out in that sexy gown with the slit up the middle! Mary Terese is my least favorite Miss USA and was really no factor on the international stage - I also enjoyed seeing again one of my fav 'little countries' to make top 12 - Belize. Thanks for memories SF Guy! (NT) -- GMAN, 08:02:16 07/23/08 Wed You are more than welcome. MaryTherese and Karen Morrison --- BLECH! The worst two titleholders from the 70s, and their interviews were insipid. Maritza is my favorite Miss Venezuela ever. Miss Bermuda and Miss England were just so gorgeous too. In any other year, they could have taken the crown. Poor Miss Belize could not find the Iraq if she tried. She needs a map. Such as... (NT) -- SanFranGuy, 08:59:16 07/23/08 Wed Funny you should mention Carolyn Morrison - The son of a family friend married that year's Miss Virginia - who also wasn't very impressed with Ms. Morrison..... (NT) -- GMAN, 09:19:05 07/23/08 Wed OOPs! meant Karen not Carolyn.... (NT) -- GMAN, 09:20:42 07/23/08 Wed Virginia girls are very smart, even when they do not finish their education! What's the story about Miss Virginia that year? (NT) -- SanFranGuy, 09:23:37 07/23/08 Wed Linda was a working model and like Amanda Jones was talked into entering the Miss Virgina Pageant to help with her career - she was already engaged and went in with no expectation of winning or placing which is a good thing considering she did neither. During the rehearshals leading up to pageant night, word began to spread that Illinois was going to win...Linda went on to crown her successor, the beautiful Donna Dixon from Bosom Buddies fame and wife of Dan Aykroyd .... (NT) -- GMAN, 07:57:06 07/24/08 Thu I always feel a little melancholy when watching this. I was a big fan and follower of Miss England during this time - they crowned the most gorgeous girls and were perennial contenders every year, but had gone though a two year drought in 77-78. And then came Carolyn Seaward and I was convinced she would finally give England their first Miss Universe. But when I saw Maritza's score in evening gown I knew in my heart it was over. I thought both Maritza and her gown were incredibly beautiful, but I didn't like the awkward way she put her hand out when walking. Still, she was a deserving winner, but my heart sank when Carolyn went on to Miss World and again finished right behind Bermuda, placing 1RU. All three girls were gorgeous and I agree it's one of, if not the strongest, top 3 ever in Miss Universe history. I also liked Germany, Scotland and So. Africa, but USA was weak and could have easily missed the Top 10. How Argentina got in I'll never understand! (NT) -- Meemaw, 10:11:58 07/23/08 Wed Yes, Argentina was a huge mystery for me. Miss Germany was spunky. Maritza had her arm hanging like she was about to fall down, or as if she might be competing on balance beam. With the podium the women had to stand on it is a mystery that women did not slip and fall. I also thought Wales was highly underrated, but she was the most petite, and once again, Bob Barker killed her interview, and she was the first contestant out. I love how they split up the British Isles for England, Scotland and Wales. England was so overdue with a victory. I wonder what it will take for Great Britain to get back in the top 15. I correctly picked the top 4 that year, though to me, Brazil was a distant fourth, and her hair was funky. (NT) -- SanFranGuy, 10:18:23 07/23/08 Wed I would like to extend England to all of Europe - it has been a long time since they dominated the top 12 like they did back then..... (NT) -- GMAN, 11:08:58 07/24/08 Thu Isn't this the year where the pageant was held in Perth and the bleachers collapsed right after the television coverage ended??? I too, LOVED England and thought she would win...was never impressed with Mary Therese Friel.....loved Mississippi and Washington that year...... (NT) -- NC pageant fan....., 20:41:14 07/23/08 Wed Twenty contestants were involved in the collapse of part of the stage after contestants and news photographers rushed to the throne of the new Miss Universe. Costa Rica, Carla Facio Franco, and Philippines, Criselda Flores Cecilio, suffered bruises. Malta, Dian Borg Bartolo, and Turkey, Fusin Tahire Dermitan, had leg injuries. (NT) -- TNBoy, 21:01:38 07/23/08 Wed I thought I remembered that was the year.....I think I have a newspaper article about it somewhere in my pageant stash.....thanks for the extra info, TN..... (NT) -- NC pageant fan....., 21:28:42 07/23/08 Wed Thanks for posting this. (NT) -- Good memories., 21:36:26 07/23/08 Wed Ok, I have to admit, I have never see this pageant before. Miss bermuda was stunning and based on face, I would have picked her. Venezuela's gown, looked so ahead of its time, I'm surprised the judges "got it"-thats a gown you would see today in my opinion. What a beautiful group of contestants! (NT) -- Andres, 22:12:27 07/23/08 Wed Andres, Venezuela's gown ranks up there for me with the black gown U know who wore at the 1987 MUSA pageant - both are timeless and could still be worn today.... (NT) -- GMAN, 17:22:48 07/24/08 Thu Wow, I guess contestants were playing with their gowns Riyo-style even back in the 1970s! Thanks for the video, SF! That Top 3 really did look so strong. (NT) -- NewYorker, 08:20:38 07/24/08 Thu Love me some Gina Swainson! (NT) -- Marylander, 17:35:25 07/24/08 Thu

Subject: Glasses in Pageants
Author: Meemaw [Edit]	Date Posted: 12:48:20 07/23/08 Wed Glasses - would you ever consider wearing them when competing in a pageant? Wendy Fitzwilliam didn't want to be photographed wearing them even as a judge. I've seen them plenty of times in locals but rarely at the state, national or international level. Last week, Beth Schofield smashed the glasses barrier in the UK by placing third in the Miss Lancashire pageant. She said: �When I entered, we had to write 50 words about ourselves, and I wrote that I would like to see a beauty queen in glasses. I remember seeing Miss Chile Renata Ruiz wearing glasses for one of her evening gown portraits at Miss Universe 2005, I thought it was incredibly striking and it made me love her. Unfortunately she chose not to wear them for the preliminary competition. Men wear glasses with formalwear all the time and get called things like "distinguished" and handsome. Why not women? [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
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Brava for her! I too would like to see someone win wearing glasses, but I sometimes wonder if that stigma of uncoolness is still attached to glasses and beauty queens can't be uncool. I myself chose to wear my glasses while in interview, but on stage I don't. And a part of that comes from a practice I picked up in high school while on speech team. I was pretty easily distracted by the people in the audience and my coach asked me if I could perform without my peepers and I said yes. She suggested that when I get up, I don't wear my glasses. This way I wouldn't be distracted and people could read my facial expressions. I just simply carried this over into pageants. The only time I wore my glasses on stage was when we still had casual wear. (NT) -- MLOP, 13:29:03 07/23/08 Wed I love it - I have to tell my Glasses-pageant story....CLICK IN -- Giggles, 18:44:32 07/23/08 Wed I hardly ever see women wearing eyeglasses at formal events. But I want to see Dayana Mendoza wearing fashionable eyeglasses when she crowns her successor. Eyeglasses would soften up her highly energetic and explosive character. Also, I would like to see Mr. Manhunt Japan wearing an evening gown when he enters the stage to crown the next Mr. Manhunt Japan. (NT) -- Mr. Spaghetti, 19:26:20 07/23/08 Wed simple miss meemaw - girls who wear glasses don't get men's passes.... (NT) -- GMAN, 15:31:45 07/24/08 Thu NC USA(Shandi's year) would show up to some rehearsals with her glasses on and no make-up (NT) -- Max, 17:16:54 07/24/08 Thu

Subject: Some gowns just belong to one certain girl.....
Author: Elin. [Edit]	Date Posted: 14:45:42 07/22/08 Tue I was just scanning through the pictures from Miss Texas USA 2009 on valleyqueens when a thought hit me when I saw this picture Some gowns should be worn just once. This gown "belongs" to Shandi, end of story. Don't get me wrong here, the girl on the picture is absolutely beautiful, it's not that the gown is ugly or anything. But everyone who has a clue about the pageant world must automatically be thinking of Shandi when one sees this dress. No one will ever wear it the way she did so why would you like to put on a dress that is so highly connected to someone else? I get that you might love the dress and that it fits your personality etc etc but still?!? I think that Rachel's dress from 2007 falls under the same category, as do the evening gowns that Jennifer Berry and Lauren Nelson wore at Miss America which keeps poping up here and there at times. What do you guys think? Am I right or wrong here? And are there more dresses that you think "belong" to a certain titleholder? [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
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I don't think its particularly one titleholder's or another's, but just by looking at this picture, this is the wrong style dress for her. It makes her look short and squat- that clear line across her hips makes her seem wider and cuts her off. Additionally she needs color outside of the underlining, she's a blonde, she doesn't need the gold color. It makes her look monotoned and washed out. I think the blue would have been a great overall color and one solid fabric as opposed to a skirt slapped onto a bodice. We need to add height and slim her down. (NT) -- MLOP, 14:56:42 07/22/08 Tue I agree MLOP, no gown is "a person's" but unfortunately many times people will always associate the gown with a certain individual. Should others wear the gown? YES, by all means expecially if you can pull it off in a positive way. The gown above, does not fit that description. The gown makes the girls legs look fat and short, the color is wrong on her, with her being to light and not tanned for the paleness of the gown's nude tones. The hair doesn't flatter her as well. So basically, never be afraid to wear a gown because someone else has, the designers are making knockoffs left and right and it's just the industry and field we love. But do not wear a gown, it doesn't matter what gown it is, if it is the wrong style and shape for your body! (NT) -- TXPAGEANTGUY, 15:06:26 07/22/08 Tue I happen to agree. Some gowns are just associated to certain girls and, even if unknowingly, you will be compared to her and unless you happen to rock it better - it's not usually a good comparison - regardless of how fab you really are. In 2006, I wore a pretty unique (at the time) gown in a national-level pageant, and if I must say so myself, it made others gasp because they couldn't believe I would be that bold. Well, I won EG and the few, and I mean few times the gown has been worn in my arena since, someone always says, "Hey, --------, there is your gown!" so it happens, it's natural (NT) -- Giggles (no, not trying to toot my horn..but...), 17:14:13 07/22/08 Tue What about this one? <IMG src= http://www.valleyqueens.com/album/albums/uploads/MissTexasUSA09EG/normal_MissTX09EG-943.jpg> (NT) -- Lassie, 21:36:41 07/22/08 Tue Sorry.....Click in- -- Lassie, 21:37:36 07/22/08 Tue Wow, two horrendous examples of memorable gowns on the wrong people. It's probably true that the girl makes the gown and not the other way around. (NT) -- Brent, 21:39:25 07/22/08 Tue Oh MY. It's probably a good thing ValleyQueens' site went down during TX USA prelims, this one would have sent me right over the edge. Chain of fools, honey! (NT) -- Meemaw, 21:52:31 07/22/08 Tue Oh my, I don't know where to begin. I think I would have just frozen in my seat...but hey, the girl has got some ballllz of chain to wear that after Zuly....wow (NT) -- Giggles, 22:18:34 07/22/08 Tue I'm sensing a potential new contest for the board... not the "Ugly Dress" contest, but the "Pretty Dress on the Wrong Girl" contest. Or would that just be too mean? (NT) -- Glamazon, 21:52:15 07/22/08 Tue Copy Cat Dress Gone Wrong......gives new meaning to "Cat Fight".........let's get ready to rumble (NT) -- Giggles, 22:19:46 07/22/08 Tue It's not just that it's the "Shandi" gown. I remember Miss Montana a few years ago tried this same gown, and she was 5' 3". It's also the cut too. You need a long leg to be able to pull the gown off. Plus, why not try a different color scheme. I mean, is this the only color the gown somes in? Couldn't the designer try at least three or four different color combinations to make it appeal to women of all kinds? (NT) -- SanFranGuy, 04:19:19 07/23/08 Wed Valerie Hayes interviewed Sherri Hill on her radio show recently, and even Sherri said that she is soooo tired of the gown and that ladies should really try to be who they are and not someone else. (NT) -- Giggles, 06:33:18 07/23/08 Wed HILARIOUS! (NT) -- SanFranGuy, 09:28:30 07/23/08 Wed What it comes down to is no matter what you will always be compared to the orginal girl wearing especially in the "Shandi". It was just such an amazing gown presentation to live up to. (NT) -- fannie pack, 09:50:19 07/24/08 Thu

Subject: Truly Miss Universe material
Author: MissMerlin [Edit]	Date Posted: 10:27:21 07/23/08 Wed Will all due respect to the fair Dayana (whom I adore), I just saw this picture of and article about Queen Rania of Jordan and was blown away! Gorgeous!!! Click into the first reply for the article as it is a tad lengthy. [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
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Full article inside. Click in---> -- MissMerlin, 10:31:07 07/23/08 Wed wow (NT) -- I really liked her quote "in my mind, poverty is a 'she'", 11:30:57 07/23/08 Wed You'll have to forgive my question, but could you please explain that quote to me? It was not explained in the article, and to be honest, I don't understand it. (NT) -- CC-P, 14:42:40 07/23/08 Wed CC-P, what she meant is that most of the poverty in the world is due to educational issues - and in most countries women aren't allowed the rights to an education, especially in African countries. (NT) -- Does that make more sense? Poverty = Lack of Education, 16:26:16 07/23/08 Wed So this makes poverty a female issue, mostly. Because women are the ones spending the most time with their children and raising them, women are often the ones left to pass on knowledge (NT) -- hope it helps, 16:27:15 07/23/08 Wed Yes, Thank you to both of you for explaining that to me. My first reaction to her comment when I read it was a mix of a "wtf?!" and a "huh?!" Love her though! I think it's admirable that she and her family are so down to earth, and come off as bing very approachable. Very nice! (NT) -- CC-P, 07:50:29 07/24/08 Thu *Being, not bing* (NT) -- CC-P (wink), 07:53:06 07/24/08 Thu I've always thought this woman was one of the most beautiful women on the planet! (NT) -- NewYorker, 08:25:31 07/24/08 Thu

Subject: Name That Queen!
Author: IndyJeff [Edit]	Date Posted: 16:58:45 07/19/08 Sat Can You......Name That Queen??? [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
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Oh man, it's on the tip of my tongue. I am fairly certain she's a Latina...right? I can't believe you're stumping me, Indy! (NT) -- NewYorker, 17:54:03 07/19/08 Sat Irene Saez! (NT) -- Meemaw, 18:49:35 07/19/08 Sat Correct! (NT) -- Indy, 18:55:52 07/19/08 Sat I was ready to type Irene's name out but I thought this woman looked much too young to be Irene. God bless the state of cosmetic surgery in Venezuela! (NT) -- NewYorker, 20:24:14 07/19/08 Sat Wow, her hair is so....deflated. Excellent look, though! (NT) -- HIM, 19:23:28 07/19/08 Sat Sorta looks like Katie Couric here..... (NT) -- NC pageant fan....., 20:59:55 07/19/08 Sat I thought the same thing when I first found this pic! It was a small thumbnail pic next to Irene's name, and I thought: "Great, some non-pageant fan thinks Katie Couric was Miss Universe 1981", but after I clicked on the thumbnail and realized that it was indeed Irene, my blood pressure went back down, LOL!! (NT) -- Indy, 22:46:51 07/19/08 Sat That's exactly who I thought it was when I first scrolled by. (NT) -- old school fan, 19:20:43 07/22/08 Tue Is this a recent photo? If so, she is aging quite well! Still beautiful! (NT) -- Mr. AL USA, 13:41:27 07/20/08 Sun Irene Saez looks better at 46 than she did at 19. The darker sleeker hair and softer makeup took off a good 10 years. (NT) -- She doesn't appear to be surgically enhanced IMO., 13:03:45 07/22/08 Tue She looks incredible!!! Click in for Irene at MU 81 vs. Irene today! -- old school fan, 13:46:14 07/22/08 Tue snarf snarf :) I'm actually still laughing! (NT) -- RockyGirl, 20:14:19 07/22/08 Tue BWAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!! I'm still laughing, too!!! (NT) -- Meemaw, 21:42:21 07/22/08 Tue I sooooooooo wanted Canada that year! (NT) -- GMAN, 09:22:41 07/23/08 Wed I LOVED Dominique Dufour too, GMAN.....even better than Karen Baldwin, who won the next year.... (NT) -- NC pageant fan....., 20:47:54 07/23/08 Wed Me three! I loved her and her sexy middle-aged woman haircut! It's kind of like I want her to drive me and my friends to soccer practice in her minivan...but to have her talk dirty to us in French on the way there. (NT) -- old school fan, 07:13:19 07/24/08 Thu

Subject: For those of you on Facebook.....
Author: MAO PAGEANT GUY [Edit]	Date Posted: 14:27:57 07/22/08 Tue You are invited to join the Facebook Group "Pageant Questions" and asked to place a question on the wall that you would ask in interview. You do not need to answer the questions...just ask them. Periodically there will be a question placed on the discussion board for response. If this sounds like something you would enjoy doing...please join at the link below and ask you favorite interview question! http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=58323355133 [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
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I don't have Facebook but I'm going to post what I think is a good question anyhow... Assuming that you one day become a parent, what one thing do you hope to teach your children? (NT) -- Elin., 14:53:42 07/22/08 Tue Thank you Elin! I will post that one for you! (NT) -- MAO PAGEANT GUY, 15:10:42 07/22/08 Tue I'm not on facebook either, but I like: "Is it possible to separate church and state? Why or why not?" "What is your message to teachers today?" "What is the most pressing problem facing young people today and how does this problem affect you?" "How have you been active in protecting the environment?" (NT) -- TNBoy, 22:12:39 07/23/08 Wed This is an excellent idea, MAO Pageant Guy! (NT) -- Indy, 21:44:24 07/23/08 Wed

Subject: What we can do!

Author:
Please!
[Edit]

Date Posted: 14:50:37 07/21/08 Mon

The Miss America Organization was founded on key values of empowering women in Today�s society. Within the Miss South Carolina Organization, we have faced years and years of problems: financial, sexual misconduct, pay out of scholarships, etc.

It is time that the world has this latest issue brought to their attention. Below are links to several different news sources that should be made aware of the issue currently at hand in South Carolina. If Miss America will not take control of the situation, make the public aware so that Miss America will have NO OTHER CHOICE but to make