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Subject: I STILL LOVE YOU ELYSE!!!


Author:
IndyJeff
[Edit]
Date Posted: 18:39:39 07/09/08 Wed


I've diverted their attention, Elyse!!

Run and hide....Run and hide!!!
Replies:
Subject: If You Love Crystle...


Author:
BamaMan
[Edit]
Date Posted: 16:09:19 07/13/08 Sun
Then carve her name into your forearm like I have done as a sign of solidarity:

Photobucket

Come on! Who's in?!?!?!
Replies:
Subject: Catching Up With: Miss Universe 1998


Author:
IndyJeff
[Edit]
Date Posted: 18:38:33 07/12/08 Sat
***Happy 10 Year Anniversary, Wendy Fitzwilliam!!!***



Click the link for an update on Wendy:
http://www.whoswhotnt.com/index.cfm/1,264,0,0,html/Evolving-TecKnologies-and-Enterprise-Development-Co-Ltd-e-Teck
Replies:
Subject: El Camino a la Corona


Author:
Dude In Texas
[Edit]
Date Posted: 18:45:55 07/13/08 Sun
dont forget that at 7pm central the hour before the pageant Telemundo has a "road to the crown" special and its always very very good. So for those of you that know or understand spanish...... dont forget to tune in !
Subject: Belle's Hubby's Picks


Author:
Belle
[Edit]
Date Posted: 16:38:39 07/13/08 Sun
Well, Hubby got his picks completed...finally. He really got into it more than I expected him to. It took him several hours to come up with this list. He ONLY looked at the Miss Universe official site, but he did view prelim videos and a lot candids (in the purchase pictures section) before making his final decisions.

His list isn't terribly similar to a lot of others, but remember...Hubby looked at the delegates for the first time today. He has no idea which girls have had a nose job or which girls have had three. He doesn't know a powerhouse from an outhouse. He hasn't an inkling if a delegate is a media darling or fan favorite, and he's never heard the names Ines or Osmel before. He's completely uninformed on happenings in the international pageant scene such as malicious attacks involving pepper spray or pig's blood. And he is unaware of home country controversies or backstage slapfests. He just looks at 'em & calls it like he sees it. So...here's his take:

WINNER: PUERTO RICO (Belle's placement: 14)
1RU: IRELAND (Belle's placement: 11)
2RU: MEXICO (Belle's placement: WIN)
3RU: PANAMA (Belle's placement: 9)
4RU: COSTA RICA (Belle's placement: bubble)

Top 10:
6. VENEZUELA (Belle: 1RU)
7. CANADA (Belle: not placed)
8. PERU (Belle: not placed)
9. T & T (Belle: 10)
10. GERMANY (Belle: not placed)

Top 15:
11. INDIA (Belle: bubble)
12. UK (Belle: not placed)
13. USA (Belle: 2RU)
14. CHINA (Belle: not placed)
15. FINLAND (Belle: not placed)

Hubby's Bubbles: Japan, Kaz, S. Africa, Israel, New Zealand, Australia, Belgium, Norway, Czech, Italy
Replies:
Subject: Pageant Central Chat Room Open This Weekend!


Author:
Meemaw
[Edit]
Date Posted: 10:02:12 07/10/08 Thu

The Pageant Central Chat Room will be open all weekend for pageant fans who want to chat while watching this weekend's pageants!

The Miss Florida USA Pageant is this Saturday and begins at 6PM CDT. While not available for internet viewing, we hope some of our Florida posters will join us and provide live updates from the telecast!

The Miss Washington Pageant begins at 9PM CDT Saturday and is available for viewing over the internet via webcast. Go to http://www.misswashington.org/miss_site/webcast_info.asp for more info.

Finally, the Miss Universe Pageant begins at 8PM CDT Sunday on NBC. Last year we had over 60 people participating in chat and as always it was a lot of fun!

To get to the chat room, go to http://www.freewebs.com/pageantcentral/chat.htm and wait for the entrance page to load. Enter a nickname (do not enter a password unless you've registered your nickname) and start chatting! Have fun!
Replies:
Subject: The Miss Universe Pageant 25 years ago.......(Miss USA was the beautiful Julie Hayek!)


Author:
TNBoy
[Edit]
Date Posted: 01:43:32 07/11/08 Fri
Opening number:

Replies:
Subject: Miss Universe Observations/Picks


Author:
Leon
[Edit]
Date Posted: 06:08:04 07/13/08 Sun
First of all, big thanks to the fans who spliced together prelim clips into un-interrupted blocks (on youtube). This gives me hope that pageants may just be able to survive without big television oversight. The future for our guilty pleasure might not be as bleak as we've all thought!

I haven't posted a list like this in years, but I'm being kept up all night, so why not! It will probably just crash to page 2 before morning anyway! LOL

Pick to win: Norway
I think her gown was a stroke of genius. It does look too informal in photos (to our fan sensibilities) but watch her in the video clip; it moves quite well, she looks ravishing in it, and it shows that she is a risk-taker. Marianne gave them a reason to deny her from the start. But, if MUO takes the bait and places her in the line-up she could easily make all the voguing and vamping fan-friendly delegates look -dare I say it- dated, and have Trump's judges eating out of her hand - especially if she is as comfortable behind the mic as she was sweet in her interview video! I'd bet they'll either call her down first or last.

Sidebar: If rumors are true that MUO is courting a European city to host next year, they will almost certainly be wanting a winner from that half of Eurasia.

If not Norway (from Europe), I'd say IRELAND would be the best bet; with KOSOVO, BELGIUM and CZECH R as possible winners.
Lynn would be a popular winner who would be very easy to market in America as well as abroad.

Kosovo reminds me of both Vanessa Williams and Courtney Gibb. She may be too curvy for today's industry standards, but I like curves and her nostalgic, high-end appeal.

Belgium and Czech R. would kill in gown and swimsuit, but I'm not sure either would project enough in the final line-up. But they, like Ireland and Kosovo, would be a very marketable winners.

And, although ISRAEL is in West Asia most Israelies are ethnically European and they often join in Euro competitions. She could be a from-left-field winner as well.

ITALY and FRANCE smoked in prelims as well. There was no flash and flair with them, because they don't need it.
And, my caught-in-the-80s soft spot: HUNGARY. She has no chance, but I loved her.

The WEST

USA: There's no doubt Crystal has the best shot of winning since 97, and, like Brooke and Chelsi, seems to be at her best in the final line-up. If Trump's girl (Oklahoma) had been 1ru in Vegas, Crystal would be on autopilot right now, but she'll be on her own in the top 5. She might just be able to pull the same stunt Brooke did and over-ride MUO's preference for foreign winners, but realistically, she will need some help from other finalists to nail this down.
Best case senario would be for Puerto Rico and India get in with Crystal, and then with two other finalists who'll either fade or over-kill it. Trump may personally like Puerto Rico the best, but I doubt seriously if he'll crown a runner-up from Miss World, and India is the runner-up from her nation's pageant-their winner goes to Miss World. He might not be there in person, but he'll be sure the store is minded.

Crystal would be deserving, and Leah Laviano -my fave from Vegas- would be Miss USA, so I'd be happy to see it happen.

Of the many fine Latina's I actually think COLOMBIA is the best bet. I think Mexico and Venezuela, and PR and Panama are more likely to cancel each other out. Colombia has an unconventional gown (Hey, it worked for Riyo!)and more-defined facial features.

I think CANADA could surprise and ANTIGUA would be a seious contender if not for her banner. T&T could place as well.
From Africa: Angola could get in the top 5 and South Africa could go either way. Tanzania is also soft-spot.

From Asia: KAZakstan is my runaway favorite. She was my swimsuit winner and I'd love to see her win. If she makes the cut I hope she'll step out in that fantastic blue gown she wore for the photo shoot. (I read that delegates were over-ruling muo's mandate to stick with their prelim gowns.)

Look out for KOREA. I'm getting the same vibes from her that I got from Mississippi at USA. She cute and super sexy. Asian is IN.
Also, GUAM deserves a shout out. I actually thought she wore yellow the best at prelims.

My Top 5: Norway, Kazakstan, Kosovo, Korea, Hungary

Best wishes to all contestants. Tomorrow should be a blast!
Replies:
Subject: Top 15


Author:
GMAN
[Edit]
Date Posted: 17:32:42 07/12/08 Sat
After some time reviewing, enclosed are my top picks and their appropriate placements:


Homer placement: Vietnam. All the hard work, time and $$$ spent to host the pageant will be rewarded with a top 15 placement. I believe Vietnam is an up and comer and could become an Asian powerhouse in the years to come.

Hetro-male placement: Brazil. Leah is alive and well and living in Rio, thank-you very much.

Hetro-female placement: Ireland. Sexy and beautiful combined with a friendly approachability makes this Irish Lass a crowd favorite.

Helps to have friend’s placement: Ukraine. I know Miss Meemaw, I know but her presentation won me over for top 15.

Soft spot placement: Cayman Islands. I know Observer, I know but I just can’t help but like this girl even though I have a better shot of placing….

Sash factor placement: Puerto Rico – The most over-hyped under deserving delegate this year. However, her sash and experience makes her a threat for top 5.

I don’t get it placement: Panama. I have tried really tried to like her but I respect too many people’s opinions on here not to think it just must be me.

Welcome to MUO placement: Kosovo. LOVE her face and IMO is the look of this year’s pageant. Lack of tone will hurt her in SW but if she can advance… a real shot for top 5.

DUH placement: Tie:
USA The most complete delegate this year with no major flaws but is she ‘fresh’ enough to win???
Venezuela: Was there really any doubt when it was ‘money’ time, she would rock the stage??

Welcome back Placement: T&T. A year removed from not competing and hasn’t missed a beat. By far the most exotic delegate and a pair of Howdy Doodies that even Leah would have to salute.

All is forgiven placement: Mexico. Despite the boorish behavior of Lupita and the home crowd, Mexico has sent a delegate that could actually win the whole thing. I am amazed that someone who photographs so disproportionately can transform into a vision of perfect symmetry during the presentation show.

Under the Radar placement: Finland. Despite all the hype directed to her Scandinavian neighbor, this Finnish feline has quietly been a model of consistency.

Stepped up to the plate placement: India. With little fanfare and not much interest when she first arrived; she brought it for the presentation show and I actually liked her EG.

Biggest surprise placement: Israel. She got my attention at interview and won me over with her super sleek sexy EG.

Everyone make mistakes placement: Korea. Uber sexy catwalk SW presentation makes up for that disaster of an EG. Barely.

What took U so long placement: Belgium. Not since 1981 has Belgium sent such a worthy delegate. Best in Europe for me.

And finally, the Can not forgive u non-placement: Columbia. U had me, u really almost had me until that hideous EG convinced me UR not worthy.
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Subject: My 15 for MonKayMan's Pageant Predictor Contest


Author:
New York Guy
[Edit]
Date Posted: 01:44:35 07/13/08 Sun
Winner: Panama

Other 14:
Australia
Finland
India
Ireland
Israel
Kazakhstan
Korea
Mexico
Puerto Rico
South Africa
Thailand
Ukraine
USA
Venezuela

Finland may not be the fittest but she's gorgeous and constantly upbeat -- there's always room for a semifinalist who's fun. I have Korea in because she clearly wants it. Out of a relatively weak African group, Tansey squeaks onto my list. India, Kazakhstan, Puerto Rico -- I have no real enthusiasm for them but perhaps that will change should we see them in action.

Thailand and Ukraine were my last adds -- Thailand gets the "host country" slot over Vietnam, Indonesia and Singapore, and Ukraine is a gut feeling over other Europeans. I demoted Norway and Kosovo to my bubble list. Norway's gown was indeed a dealbreaker and I think MUO wants an upbeat winner, not a scowler like Kosovo.

Other bubbles: Colombia, Dominican Republic, Japan, Spain, Trinidad & Tobago. I could not justify Belgium in order to add a pretty blonde -- I saw no hope of a Miss Universe in her online interview and her death walk prelim videos didn't change that. I can't include Vietnam -- it's a wasted slot if MUO gives her a discretionary pick (and I've seen conflicting information as to whether they're going to exercise that option anyway).

I think the Top 5 could be Panama, Ireland, USA, Israel and Mexico, in that order. I admire Crystle and she could win, but I've seen "safe" out of her throughout -- the same adjective I used to predict her reign when she won Miss USA. She's been flawlessly made up and dressed, even in rehearsal photos (Greece, hello!!), and I think she's going to be a total pro 18 hours from now. She could get a lot of first runner up votes and take it if the judges split on the winner.

However, if Panama and Ireland perform well, they're my top 2. I think Panama shows more confidence in her videos and that gives her my nod. Plus, she's on the front line and seems to dance well in one of the rehearsal videos -- it just adds to my assurance in selecting her as my winner.

I don't think Osmel's minions will counsel Dayana to tone it down; they're more likely to let her be herself even if it risks keeping her out of the top 5. Still, she'd do well to learn it's not the end of the world to adjust her hair with her hands instead of doing the Venezuelan whiplash locks toss.
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Subject: Former FL USA Winner In Court


Author:
Found this sad news while looking for pics of FL USA Winner
[Edit]
Date Posted: 01:57:12 07/13/08 Sun
Reporter Julie Donaldson Testifies Against Ivan Lattimore in Domestic Abuse Trial

Atlanta, GA 7/09/2008 06:33 PM GMT (TransWorldNews)



Julie Donaldson, the former Miss Florida USA, testified that her boyfriend, professional Slamball player Ivan Lattimore, beat her on Wednesday.

Lattimore was arrested on June 27 for domestic abuse and is being held without bail on charges. Donaldson testified Wednesday that he has beaten her four times since then.

Donaldson, 32, has been dating Lattimore since November 2007. Lattimore lived in California, but traveled to visit her in her Boston apartment frequently.

Lattimore, who stands 6-foot-4, 215-pounds, bruised her arms at the Super Bowl in Arizona. The second time, Lattimore grabbed her hair and forced her to punch herself after a Boston Celtics game against the Miami Heat on March 30.

The latest incident took place June 27, the night of Donaldson's 32nd birthday, when Lattimore threw her five feet against a wall. After locking herself in the bathroom, Donaldson kicked in the door, punched her twice and bit her left cheek.

The assault occurred during a party in which one of the other guests called the police. After Donaldson was arrested, he called Donaldson 47 times on her cellphone.

Donaldson graduated from the University of Florida and went on the participate in several beauty pageants. After being crowned Miss Florida USA 2000, the beauty queen went on to compete in the Miss USA 2001 contest, but didn't place.

Donaldson went into the sportscasting business, working as an anchor for "Mets Weekly" on SportsNet in New York. In February 2008, Donaldson was hired as the Boston Red Sox beat reporter for Boston NBC affiliate WHDH-TV 7.

While in New York, it was reported that Donaldson flirted with NY Mets star David Wright during his foundation's inaugural golf classic in June 2006.

For more People News, please go to http://news.yourfindit.com/NewsList.aspx?cat=14&wcat=16
Subject: My Top 5


Author:
Mona Hibbard Miss Illinois
[Edit]
Date Posted: 21:31:26 07/12/08 Sat
The top 5 will be


Mexico

Usa 1st runner up (just like Shandi)

Columbia (or any darkhorse chubby cheeked girl)

Korea (the new powerhouse?)

I want Venezuela to win but I predict her or Mexico will be lowballed and excluded out of the top 5, and I'm guessing its Venezuela.
Subject: part of opening for tomorrow night..........Mel B. trips walking down steps........


Author:
TNBoy
[Edit]
Date Posted: 20:16:00 07/12/08 Sat

Replies:
Subject: My Top 15 plus more


Author:
David-FL
[Edit]
Date Posted: 16:42:58 07/12/08 Sat
Miss Universe 2008 Top 15

I must say that I have been more interested in this Miss Universe Pageant than in recent years. I have found myself reading every message board possible and taking in the opinions of people from across the world. Here is my personal Top 15.

Miss Universe 2008
Venezuela
It’s time for a repeat victory for this country and they have been the most successful in recent years. You can rest assured if Venezuela makes the Top 15 she’s headed for the Top 5 and I think the crown. The one thing that Dayana has over Miss Venezuelas is her infectious personality. I expect the judges to take notice and for Venezuela to tie Puerto Rico with 5 Miss Universe Crowns.

1st Runner Up
USA
I would love a repeat victory for my country. But I have a feeling Crystle could easily end up in the spot she knows too well. She has the goods to take the crown, and I half expect her to steal it with her speaking ability just like Brook Lee did in 1997. It would be great to add #8 for the USA, and I’ll be ecstatic if she does.

2nd Runner Up
Panama
Panama is everything a Miss Universe should be, but she has been overshadowed by the other two women the entire pageant. She’s polished and has the beauty to take the crown. She did an amazing job in preliminaries and I expect the same on final night.

3rd Runner Up
Mexico
For Lupita’s sake, I wish that Mexico would win. Does she honestly think that someone is keeping them from winning? Of course she does, but this Miss Mexico is more beautiful than last years. I loved her gown, and I think her presentation will get her through the swimsuit competition. Please don’t screw up your hair like Mexico in 2006.

4th Runner Up
Australia
She’s a pretty girl and I absolutely love her gown, but I’ve always loved red gowns when put on the right person. There are others who are facially more beautiful, but Laura has the ability to beat them out with her style and presentation.


The Rest of The Top 15
Angola-Angola bounded on to the Miss Universe stage just a few years ago, and they have successfully place in the Top 15 several times. I’m not going to doubt them with this year’s delegate. She has what it takes to advance, but faces some stiff competition. Can she handle it?

Belgium-A blond bombshell from Europe has to make it, and I’m choosing her. She could easily find herself in the Top 5 if she smiles and lets her personality shine. She needs to act like she is enjoying the experience.

Colombia-The only other South American country in my Top 15. The dress is the clincher, and I do hope she has another. But who knows, look what Paraguay did in 2006 with her bad gown. The potential is there, but will the judges allow her to advance past the 15.

Czech Republic-Another European beauty. She needs to let loose and quit letting the Latinas steal the show. She is a gorgeous girl and her beauty is probably more natural than that of the plasticized Latinas.

Ireland-Yet another European beauty. I’m truly on the fence with this delegate. Somedays, I expect her to go far and others I can see her missing the Top 15. When she makes the cut, she’s got to bring it or else she’s going to fade into the background.

India-This Miss India is pretty, but my question is what happened to India since Lara’s win. From 1990-2000, India seemed to be unstoppable. Since then, India has tarnished its powerhouse image. This girl should make it despite her less than stellar gown. But she’ll end up where the past few Miss Indias have, NOT in the Top 5.

Indonesia-This girl mesmerizes me. She is gorgeous and I found her evening gown to be well done without being distracting.

Kosovo-The first time to compete can help get you a slot, and I think that is what will happen for Kosovo. She has some potential, but I can’t see her making it too far with her super big lips. I’d prefer this spot go to someone else.

Puerto Rico-I just want to say that I expected more. She looks way overdone and totally plastic. WHY? She didn’t need tons of plastic surgery. Loved her gown in pictures, but it wasn’t as fabulous in the videos. If she lets her natural beauty (or at least what is left of it show) she could keep advancing.

South Africa-Another delegate that I have mixed feelings for. She looked fabulous in swimsuit presentation, but then she looked awkward in gown. I’m giving her the benefit of the doubt and hope that she will have it all together on finals night. If she does, she can easily make her way to the Top 5.

Alternates
Norway-She looked great at the presentation show in Swimsuit, but then she looked somewhat deflated in Evening Gown. I would love to see her make it and borrow a gown from someone else. I hate

Israel-She looked great in Swimsuit, too. But her hair looked horrible in evening gown.

Dominican Republic-Another great in swimsuit, but horrible in evening gown. Why is evening gown so hard for some delegates? KEEP IT SIMPLE!

Albania-She has a unique look, but her gown was a little lackluster. She has potential, but will she get to show us what she has?

Ukraine-Don’t they make the Top 15 every year? It could easily happen again.

Kazakhstan-A gorgeous face. An okay gown. A reported attitude problem. She could be in or be easily left clapping.

Exclusions
Japan & Korea-Ines needs to learn one simple rule. It doesn’t matter the name brand or how much you pay for something. What matters is the fact it is stylish and it looks good on you. These two girls evening gowns are horrific!! They both are swallowed up by them. You see the gown and not the girl. Riyo’s gown worked last year because she was able to present it well and it was very elegant. Ines, you got it wrong this year, and I hope you learned a thing or two about how to choose a great evening gown.

Brazil-Her body is awesome no doubt, but her face is very masculine.

Trinidad & Tobago-I think someone said if only she was pretty. From the neck down it works, but she just isn’t a beautiful girl.

Vietnam-The host country doesn’t always make it. If I had to point out a reason why, it would be her evening gown. It was one of the worst of the year.
Subject: My final Top 15


Author:
NewYorker
[Edit]
Date Posted: 13:14:02 07/12/08 Sat
I gave in and watched all the prelim videos because they were so readily available on YouTube. So sue me. BTW, I was surprised at how, um, easy it was to pick 15, so maybe people are right in saying there aren't a whole lot of contenders in this year's competition. Anyway, here are my final Top 15 predictions with some additional comments:

MISS UNIVERSE 2008: Mexico - Elisa has done everything right in this competition, *especially* forcing fans to concentrate on her beautiful face instead of her odd torso. She knew her flaws and knew what to do to not make them work against her. And I appreciate the fact that she is way more subtle and not over-the-top like some of her other Latina counterparts.

1st runner-up: Kosovo - Surprise! After watching prelim videos, I now feel that Zana has the best chance of all non-North Americans in this contestant to prevent an all-North American Top 5. It wouldn't shock me if she's the only non-North American finalist at all, and I actually think she can win this thing. At first I hated her presentations, but after watching them again I started to appreciate them a bit more. And oh yeah, she is a very astonishing beauty with a friendly personality to boot.

2nd runner-up: USA - Crystle definitely has the goods to win and has made us all proud, but for some reason I keep thinking "2nd runner-up" anytime I think about her. It won't be because she did anything "wrong", but I think the judges will prefer at least one other contestant.

3rd runner-up: Angola - Such a ravishing beauty! If she does advance into the Top 15, I find it hard to believe she won't make the Top 5 with her exquisite SS and EG performances. But she'll probably put the judges to sleep with her interview and finish this high.

4th runner-up: Panama - Okay, so I wanted to puke as I watched her videos because you could fit a friggin' whole watermelon into her mouth with that gaping smile of hers. Subtlety should be her best friend, but it's not. She's still beautiful and I think the judges might just eat her up.

TOP 10

6. Norway - I love this girl, and yes, I actually like her gown. I was pained to take her out of my final Top 5, but I became so impressed with Kosovo that I just had to take someone out of the Top 5 and put Kosovo in there.

7. Ireland - What performances during prelims! I would love to see Ireland back in the semis after a 10-year absence. This girl definitely deserves it.

8. Belgium - By far the best blonde in the competition, and I do not see there being a blondeless Top 15 this year. Her gown is one of my favorites.

9. India - India wins my personal Alba Reyes Award for winning me over only after prelims. I still don't think she's as beautiful as anyone else in my Top 15, but I was mesmerized nonetheless and I think the prelim judges were too.

10. Venezuela - Yes, I put her down this low even though I think she might make the Top 5. Of the four Latinas to beat (Mexico, Panama, Venezuela, and Puerto Rico), I found Mexico and Panama to be less vomit-inducing than the latter two. I wanted to punch my monitor when I watched Venezuela's TWO hair flips during SS. Oh my word, this girl is a handful. And to tell you the truth, her hair and make-up might look a little too clown-ish for the judges' liking, so I think she has a good chance of missing the Top 5 completely.

TOP 15

11. France - So underrated but put on excellent performances during prelims. She oozed confidence and I hope I don't have to wait longer for France to make the Top 15 so that the stunning and robbed Alexandra Rosenfeld from 2006 could be vindicated sooner rather than later.

12. Kazakhstan - Okay lady, you are no Christine Straw with your blown kisses during EG. Having said that, she is still beautiful and looked so confident on stage. I don't want to make it 3-for-3 when it comes to Robbed Miss Kazakhstans.

13. Puerto Rico - This girl just looks like Miss Puerto Rico 1988. There was nothing "fresh" nor "contemporary" about her presentations, but I still can't see her missing the Top 15. I just hope she doesn't advanced beyond SS, but she probably will.

14. Czech Republic - This girl almost missed my Top 15 when I had written down 16 names for my final Top 15, but in the end she won out because I once predicted her as Miss Universe and I can't just take her out of my Top 15 entirely. If the judges are instructed to search for beauty, beauty, beauty, she should make it. And even though she wasn't overextending her hips or playing with her dress during prelims, I found her presentations to be lovely.

15. Canada - I admit, I was absolutely mesmerized by this girl during her EG and I have a feeling she will get in by the skin of her teeth because of that. I know she's had more work done than Michael Jackson and it definitely turns me off to her, but sometimes she does look really pretty and, well, she's Canadian and I love Canadians and Canada in general, so she's in!

BUBBLES

Slovak Republic - Yes, she was my #16 that I had to eliminate from my final Top 15. She could make it due to the fact that interviews came first this year and the judges could have been stunned by how beautiful she is. Hopefully that made them overlook the hot mess she was during EG and SS prelims.

Dominican Republic - I don't like her at all, but I have a feeling the judges might have liked her a lot. She reminds me too much of a giant Liv Tyler, but Liv Tyler certainly doesn't have the looks to compete at Miss Universe.

Australia - I don't get the hype with this girl at all. I find her to be too twiggy and she doesn't have the facial beauty. But maybe the judges might like her, I dunno.

Israel - Beautiful enough to make the semis, but I thought she looked downright silly and childish during EG (though she was much better during SS). She took a beautiful dress that demanded a sultry performance and looked like a child playing dress-up instead.

Ukraine - In the words of Fra, "Oleksandra Nikolayenko". She's not so much of a definite for the Top 15 if it really is true that the prelim judges are picking all 15 semifinalists.

POTENTIAL SPOILERS WITH OUTSIDE CHANCES WHO COULD SHOCK US ALL!

Estonia - I just can't help looking at this girl when I see her. She has a more worldly, high-fashion look than all the other contestants and the judges just might be enamored by her.

Brazil - Yes, she looks like a man to me too. And she must have seen Ingrid Rivera's big hair backstage and decided to outdo her with her own Peggy Bundy hair. But my gut says to not be surprised if she makes the cut, thanks to her howdy-doodies.

Nigeria - I don't like her eyebrows, and I hate the red gown on her, but she definitely captured my attention during prelims.

China - 2008 is the year of China and the judges could end up putting a lot of focus on her because of that.

Spain - Not the most facially beautiful contestant there is, but there's something about her that screams "I'M IN, B**CHES."

Note to MUO for next year: Stop being lazy and write out the damn "United Kingdom" on the sash. And slap Ines Ligron silly for me too.
Replies:
Subject: Here are 158 pics from Miss Universe.


Author:
Janey
[Edit]
Date Posted: 16:35:54 07/11/08 Fri
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/orl-miss-universe-2008-photos,0,5635052.photogallery
Replies:
Subject: My prediction


Author:
KDK
[Edit]
Date Posted: 14:56:14 07/12/08 Sat
Miss Universe 2008 - BELGIUM
1st Runner Up - AUSTRALIA
2nd Runner Up - USA
3rd Runner Up - MEXICO
4th Runner Up - VENEZUELA

Top 10

KOSOVO
COLOMBIA (won't advance after gown due to that disaster she chose)
PANAMA
CZECH REPUBLIC
IRELAND

Top 15
KAZAKHSTAN
COSTA RICA
PUERTO RICO
INDIA
TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

My personal choice to win is Australia.
Subject: Miss Universe Picks


Author:
Belle
[Edit]
Date Posted: 13:35:51 07/12/08 Sat
Belle’s List of Favorites for Miss Universe 2008

I have to say that I made this list weeks ago and I haven’t added to it or removed from it a single delegate since watching prelim videos. I have switched up the order of some, but my T5 are still solid. Even though my list of top delegates this year is in line with the popular choices, I am actually hoping for some unexpected delegates to be called to shake things up a bit this year. It’s been one long pageant!

So here they are:

Top 15:
Russia- She actually dropped out of my 10 and into the 15th spot following prelims

Puerto Rico- I expect her there but won’t be upset if she isn’t called

South Africa- Most are disappointed by her presentations; I guess she’s my soft spot

Thailand- A regal beauty that may not be everyone’s cup of “cha-yen”

Ireland- She was in my top 15 the moment I saw her official photo; prelims boosted her to #11 and I would love to see her place higher than this. I adore her!!! But being Irish myself, I may be biased.

Top 10:
Trinidad & Tobago- I just like everything about her! Yep, chompers and all. She is exotic, stylish, and extremely well-spoken. I just can’t find anything to dislike. I’m really pulling for her to be called.

Panama- This girl is well prepared, but to me she doesn’t stand out amongst the even better prepared latinas this year. And I am disappointed that she has taken to playing copy-cat with them.

Israel- Year after year I select Israel to place in the top 10 and year after year I am disappointed. This girl is pure sexy. She is more of a firecracker in that liquid red gown than Crystle is with giant radial sparklers shooting out of her backside! But she does need to sizzle more in her presentations to compete with the likes of Crystle and the other pageant pros that came to win; not just play the game.

Colombia- I think this girl is BEE-ootiful! I cannot figure why she is so polarizing amongst pageant fans. The fact that there is (arguably) a more deserving delegate sitting at home in Colombia is not Talia’s fault, nor will it be part of the judges’ consideration. That Talia actually has a residence in the United States is not a factor to the judges, either. Her gown choice is questionable, but her face, body and runway skills are not…at least not to me. I’ll be surprised if she doesn’t at least get into the T15.

Kazakhstan- Sexy and adorable all at once is always a successful combination to me. She is a doll.

Top 5:
BELGIUM- The ice princess is the only blonde in the competition that stands a real chance to me. Regardless of her lack of expression, I’m giving her gorgeous face, smart gown, & enviable figure a free-pass to the five. From there her failure to crack a smile, I’m afraid, will leave her at #5 for the night.

AUSTRALIA- I just think Laura is terrific. She is an unassuming, seemingly anti-pageant girl next door type; you know, just what we’ve come to expect from down under…and these gals, as we know, make great titleholders. JHawk 2, anyone???

USA- I am so proud of the showing Crystle is making in Viet Nam. I’m proud to be an American, I’m proud to be a Texan, and I am proud to be a pageant fan--all because of her effort and “it” factor. Who says the USA can’t play with the big girls in pageantry? Crystle is proving we can. Bring it girl!!!

And then there were two…

Mexico and Venezuela, Venezuela and Mexico- Whichever order you place them in, it’s down to these two opposite Spanish-speaking divas to duke it out in the showdown. They are missing from NO list!!!

The case for VENEZUELA- She’s exhausting, she’s nauseating, she’s annoying as all-get-out, she’s fake, she’s ridiculously exaggerated, she’s in-your-face, and we’ll all tire of her wide-eyed, open-mouth photo op performance within a week after the crown is placed on her head. Oops…those aren’t supporting arguments, are they? Okay, let’s see...She IS stunningly gorgeous, unique, photogenic, hilarious to watch, entertaining-as-heck, as prepared as a Venezuelan beauty queen (oh, wait…duh!), sexy, fit, glamorous, and willing to showboat and shamelessly pander for the title. They’ll either eat it up or, or take notice of…

MEXICO- Like most of you, I couldn’t call her the outright winner early on, even though I’ve been impressed by her from the first candid photo I saw. After last year’s ‘Fiasco in Fiesta-Land,’ I just couldn’t bear the thought. But, in reality, Elisa doesn’t control the behavior of the pageant-crazy psychos in her country any more than I do. She’s just a pageant girl trying to win a title…and she is an amazing beauty, too.

The case for Mexico- She is, to me, the antithesis of Dayana. She’s got elegance that Dayana lacks, even if she doesn’t bring the same level of spunk (perhaps that’s even a good thing). She has already proven herself in swimsuit, and she is classy and refined in evening gown. She’s got divaesque presentation skills; don’t get me wrong. When she is on the stage, she owns it--but with a natural, demure, commanding quality rather than a rehearsed, aggressive, demanding one.

So who will take it all? Your guess is as good as mine! And maybe…just maybe, the decision will be split, making the new Miss Universe our very own….MISS USA, Crystle Stewart!!!! Can’t wait for Sunday!


My 10 bubblers:
Slovak, India, France, Norway, Aruba, Czech, Costa Rica, Kosovo, Viet Nam, Poland
Replies:
Subject: Your Top 5 MU predictions!


Author:
NewYorker
[Edit]
Date Posted: 09:11:59 07/10/08 Thu
The general consensus among pageant fans from around cyberspace is that the Top 5 will be a "powerhouse sweep" - Most are predicting a Top 5 consisting of USA, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, Mexico (though not on quite the same powerhouse level as the first three), and another Latin country (Panama and Colombia are the two other most mentioned contestants).

Frankly, a powerhouse sweep is too predictable. My final Top 5 is:

USA
Mexico
Angola
Norway
Venezuela

There is always at least one "surprise" in the Top 5 every year (yes, that includes 2005 because I thought DR was enough of a surprise that year).

So what are your Top 5s? I'm not gonna watch the prelim videos because they never seem to count for anything, IMO, and I'm almost dreading watching the pageant because I'm afraid most of my favorites won't make it. That's always a risk obviously, but for some reason I just don't think that the contestants who deserve to make the Top 15 but don't have a big-name director behind them won't make it. :(
Replies:
Subject: Fra's Final Predictions


Author:
Fra
[Edit]
Date Posted: 02:17:08 07/12/08 Sat
W – Panama
I said this would be the year with a surprise winner and I think Carolina sorta kinda maybe perhaps fits the bill. Panama isn’t necessarily a pageant powerhouse per se and has a history of sparse and random placing so it wouldn’t be the country you’d normally expect to come out on top but this girl has surfaced as one of the favorites in these few past weeks in Vietnam. She has a gorgeous face (close your mouth once in a while though) the best body and one of the best gowns. Even though I’m not 100% certain, she’s a good enough pick for the win.

1st RU – Venezuela
She’s gorgeous but she has seemingly lost the all control over her neck muscles and limbs. It was cute at the beginning but it’s officially grating now. There are absolutely no pictures of her around that aren’t entirely affected where she’s either keeping her head under her arm or trying to chew on the camera. As beautiful as she is, I’d be shocked if the judges didn’t pick up on that unless Osmel shoots her with horse tranquilizers before the finals.

2nd RU – Mexico
Elisa has a great face. I’m one of the few who thought her gown was only adequate (I have a notorious dislike for yellow) and I do believe her body shape might not agree with all of the judges. But she’s tall and striking and seemingly strong in all areas so she’s definitely good for a really high final placement.

3rd RU – USA
Crystle has done well everywhere and I could make a case for her winning but I think that will eventually happen with a Miss USA Trump is really, really fond of whereas he’s not even showing up for the pageant this time around (they’re also apparently reporting that MUO isn’t choosing any of the semifinalists so that explains some of my out-of-left-field choices below). I also think it will happen again to a Miss USA who’s equally gorgeous but slightly fresher looking than her.

4th RU – Estonia
I don’t care if she’s wanted back in her own country for setting an elementary school on fire. I don’t care if she listed popping kids’ balloons with needles as her favorite hobby. I am entirely in love with her weirdness and I find her absolutely gorgeous both in swimsuit and evening gown. Now, I’m fully expecting the entire auditorium to turn into stone the second she opens her mouth to answer anything so that explains the final placement. But, I want to go with my gut on this one.

FINALISTS

Colombia
Unless she changes her gown, I find it too big a hurdle to overcome even for someone as beautiful as she is. That gown is basically short of a helmet, face paint and a grenade and I cannot believe there was a consensus that sending her out in a camouflage costume would be a winning choice but stranger things have happened in pageantry (Joanna Gapinska, I’m looking at you). For the rest, she’s totally in with a chance to place even higher if she changes into an actual gown.

India
India’s gown is, for lack of better words, vomitous. It looked sketchy in pictures already and in her preliminary clip the bustier especially looks like a yeast infection that has gone untreated for years and has taken over her body. It’s a shame because Simran is a stunning girl with one of the best bodies out of any Miss India’s in recent memory and she seems genuinely nice and not as pretentious as others but I don’t see it happening.

Indonesia
I had her as my winner at some point because I honestly thought she had a phenomenal preliminary performance and looked positively stunning but then I decided her sash would be too big a hurdle to overcome in the face of a few powerhouse countries that are also being represented by gorgeous girls. That said…nothing would make me happier than to see her advance as far as possible. I also love that in spite of her race, she looks like J.Lo if J.Lo were a human being.

Australia
Laura is another contestant who’s done everything right but seems to be lacking that extra spark to propel her towards the finish line. She has the face, the body and the gown but she doesn’t really seem to have any stage personality to be accounted for. She strikes me as the type of contestant that would keep walking on the runway utterly unaware even if the theater started exploding around her.

Puerto Rico
I know her country is hailing her as the second coming of Jesus Christ and that no one’s more prepared than her and a few months ago, I would’ve agreed she was the favorite. But looking at the girl who’s shown up in Vietnam – somebody with the complexion of a baked potato, a crooked nose that’s seemingly trying to jump off her face and gigantic hair that’s personally responsible for the thinning of the ozone layer – there is just no way she can win this thing now. It pains me because she’s under a lot of pressure to take this home and she seems like a really personable girl but…nope.

SEMIFINALISTS

Kosovo
She’s really beautiful and she’s representing a debuting country, hence she’s in. But with the swimsuit competition as the first event of the finals, I don’t think her body is strong enough to allow her to advance any further. Shame because I really liked her decadent and dramatic gown presentation and she seems to be quite a character.

Korea
Sun had me until I saw her rolling happily on stage trapped in that trash bag. There’s a fine line between a fashion runway in Paris and the EG runway at Miss Universe and Sun’s gown is pretty much it. Her body also didn’t appear as strong in motion as she’s seemingly very petite with a pretty thin frame. If Ines manages to place her any higher than this she should start her own church.

Canada
I didn’t want to like her because I think she had more work done than all the Latinas combined and her face looks like it hurts but she had a really strong showing at prelims. Her body isn’t all that but her gown performance was very eye-catching and I think it was enough for her to make the first cut and that’s about it.

Trinidad & Tobago
I find her too trim and her gown presentation was a bit on the messy side but she’s the most exotic contestant of the bunch and her look is somewhat captivating. She basically perfectly fits my Not a Winner, Not a Clapper category.

Ukraine
Oleksandra Nikolayenko.

Final notes:
Other contestants that I had in my 15 at some point or another are Angola, Belgium, Brazil, Czech Republic, Israel, Kazakhstan, Norway and Spain. Italy actually did make my final cut (she had one of the 20 best bodies and one of the 5 best EG presentations) but I’m tired of predicting Italy only for it not to make it so I decided I’ll be happier when it happens in a year I didn’t even bother.
Replies:
Subject: My Miss Universe 2008 predictions


Author:
observer
[Edit]
Date Posted: 23:38:52 07/11/08 Fri
Here we go again, another Miss Universe to be crowned, and I'm likening this year to 2004 or 2005 where there are so many feasible possibilities for the top 15, rather than 2003 or 2007 where most of the top 15 were pretty obvious. Unfortuntely for my prediction rate, I do much better when its the latter situation rather than the former. Let's see what happens this year. I got 11 out of 15 right at Miss USA so I'm riding on a high note.

Winner: Venezuela. I'm feelin' it this year, the dry spell will end. Had Dayana not decided to be so over-the-top in her pictures and movements on stage, I'd think she'd be close to perfect. Despite that, as someone else said, the judges have not been following the contestants for the past few weeks or longer. I'm going with my gut feeling on this one.

1st runner-up: Panama. From the first time I saw Carolina, I saw that she had "it". She faded a bit in the first few weeks in Vietnam but she really stepped it up in the preliminaries. I gave her the highest gown score. I'd be really happy to see her win.

2nd runner-up: USA. So many Miss USAs seem to go with the flow and don't really care about winning Miss Universe. Crystle has brought her A Game in everything and I don't see her being denied come Sunday. I don't like the purple designs on her gown but on camera it is not that distinct, which is a good thing.

3rd runner-up: Australia. Laura's their strongest delegate since JHawk. Erin McNaught, for all the hype surrounding her, looked like crap in the presentation show in L.A. I will cheer my guts out to hear her called into the top 5.

4th runner-up: Mexico. Had Elisa been in last year's pageant, I could understand Lupita's whining about their exclusion from the top 5. SUCH an improvement over Rosie Al Qaeda (TM Meemaw). 2nd best gown. Drastic improvement on her swimsuit figure. A real contender.

TOP TEN (Alphabetical order):

Angola. Lesliana is the prettiest African by far. Loved her gown, decent in swimsuit and I was impressed by her closeup even though I couldn't understand what she was saying. If she makes it she will be the fourth Angolan in six years to advance. They've caught up to South Africa in terms of success in recent years.

Belgium. Thumb glued to her waistband in swimsuit aside, I REALLY REALLY want Alizee to make it. Third best gown.

India. Simran, like Puja Gupta last year, wasn't even the winner of her national pageant, but she hasn't stopped her from vying with the very best. I can easily see her in the top 5. She was the only one of the 80 to place in the National Costume parade, the Ao Dai fashion show and the swimsuit show.

Ireland. Andrea Roche is not messing around by sending Lynn. Tied with Belgium for third best gown. Gorgeous girl. PLEASE let Europe shine this year!

Kosovo. I had a feeling Zana was going to be strong. Rock hard body and I loved the gown. She'll continue the streak of debuting countries starting with a bang.

TOP FIFTEEN (Alphabetical order):

Croatia. I think Snezjana's so pretty but she's underwhelmed me somewhat. A risky choice for my list.

Montenegro. See Croatia.

Puerto Rico. OK, I fully see her in the top 5. BUT, I think her getting the first call and making an early exit will make a HUGE statement about taking it too far to get a pageant win. I also like my top 10 and 5 too much to kick one of them out for her. I've never seen such an aggressive approach from a contestant, her directors and entourage to win a title.

Trinidad & Tobago. Five in a row for them, but I don't find Anya pretty enough to advance to the next round.

Ukraine. I'm putting this country on my list every year until they don't make it. Believe me, "Alexandra"'s still pissed about 2004. People have forgotten how much she was hyped. The organization hyped her. Global Beauties hyped her. So did most message board posters, some of whom are prominent posters here (won't name names). If Eleonora doesn't make it, fine, but if she does, there's a correct pick for me.

ALTERNATES:

Korea - A huge part of me expects her to get called while Croatia or Montenegro clap in the background but that gown, geez...

Thailand - Thank GOD she changed gowns. LOVED the new choice. Nice swimsuit figure too.

Tanzania - Adorable. If Angola doesn't make it, please let Tanzania in. Or have both in! A repeat of last year.

Israel - a consistent sleeper choice for me the whole way through.

Spain - when it was revealed that the Miss Spain winner could not compete as she was too young, I was not sad as I think Claudia would perform better as she was a sexy woman and not a cute child like the winner. Really nice gown.

LONG SHOTS:

Albania - SURPRISE! I still hate Matilda's hair, but Fadil definitely has been making his girls do their sit-ups, and I really liked her blue gown, and her presentation.

Kazkahstan - I'd smile if Alfina made the cut. Unlike last year's contestant, she's really made an effort to stand out from the pack.

Norway - I did not get the hype about this girl until I saw her closeup and how personable she was. Unfortuntely that went right out the window with the gown.

Colombia - Why why why WHY WHY WHY???? I LOVE the Colombian beauties, they don't get quite as much attention as their neighbors to the East, and came SO close 3 years in a row and then had so many exclusions from the semifinals (will never get over 1997). This girl comes along, with something to prove after beating a very pretty and much hyped runner-up, impresses me and others in swimsuit and her closeup, then walks out in that disaster of a gown. Colombia's STRENGTH is their gowns! Last year's contestant wasn't pretty at all but I had to give her a great gown score as it was stunning. Taliana may still make it, and if she gets past swimsuit, which she probably will, PLEASE change the gown!

Russia - another surprise. She wore a better version of Oxana's sheet... I mean gown. Her average was narrowly higher than Czech Republic, Philippines and Brazil.

Other notes:

Was throughly unimpressed by Canada until preliminary evening gown.

So sue me, I liked Hungary's gown choice.

Germany and South Africa were MASSIVE disappointments. I saw a picture a few days ago of South Africa at an event with her aerole peeking out the top of her dress. What is it with South Africans and wardrobe mishaps at social events? (Think 2005...)

While my scores for them were not the highest, Denmark, Antigua & Barbuda and Italy are three darkhorses that may pull a shocker.

Rant over. Here's to this Sunday!
Replies:
Subject: My Final Top 15


Author:
Meemaw
[Edit]
Date Posted: 11:03:37 07/12/08 Sat
TOP FIVE:

Miss Universe 2008: Mexico. I'm shocked this girl didn't win the Face of Miss Universe. Maybe folks were like me and refused to vote for Mexico. Mexicans finally watch a pageant without booing.

1st runner-up: USA. The only thing working against Crystle is the American judges tendancy to favor someone other than the USA. Unlike most Miss USAs, Crystle has done everything she could to win Miss Universe and did the USA proud.

2nd runner-up: Panama. Prelims proved she's capable of winning it all

3rd runner-up: Puerto Rico. So beautiful, but so obviously fake - it's bound to turn off a few judges. Upon hearing her name called as a runner-up, I predict this girl will come apart at the seams and splatter everyone around her with silicone, sutures, and hair extensions.

4th runner-up: Venezuela. She's gonna overplay herself right out of the title and if she's not careful, right out of the Top 10. There are plenty of other beautiful girls just waiting in the wings who might be viewed as a breath of fresh air after this girl's antics. I have Venezuela just barely making the Top 5, with Ireland hot on her heels.


TOP TEN:

Angola - she's cockeyed in closeup but strong in every other way

Belgium - her walk alone should get her into the Top 15, being the only blonde should get her to the Top 10

Ireland - just barely missed my Top 5, she's the complete opposite of Puerto Rico and Venezuela and I think she'll go over big with the judges. If she can somehow manage to make the Top 5, I think she'll finish first or second runner-up.

Kazakhstan - this girl seems to be very polarizing, I like her a lot but fear some of the judges won't.

Norway - that gown is a deal breaker and devastating to this girl's chances even to make the first cut.


TOP FIFTEEN:

Australia - I don't think this girl is a ravishing beauty, but she's definitely Top 15-worthy

Czech Rep. - I've liked this girl since the first time I saw her. I don't think she'll dazzle the judges enough to advance very far, but I'd love to see her make the Top 10.

Korea - war vet # 1

Kosovo - swimsuit is the only thing keeping this from going all the way to the Top 5.

Vietnam - war vet #2, America is forgiven


BUBBLE LIST:

Finland - her personality comes through in every shot and video

India - this girl really won me over in prelims

Israel - it kills me to keep this girl out of my Top 15

Russia - a bit underrated, I think

Trinidad & Tobago - if only she were pretty!


DISAPPOINTMENTS:

Croatia - Sneezy fizzled in prelims

Colombia - there's a reason folks were up in arms over this girl winning, if her 1RU were here Colombia would have it's next Miss Universe

Dom. Rep. - this girl is just a big, tall mess

Germany - biggest disappointment of the pageant for me

So. Africa - 2nd biggest disappointment of the pageant

Thailand - pretty girl, but her swimsuit is not good
Replies:
Subject: My Final Top 15 for Miss Universe 2008


Author:
BamaMan
[Edit]
Date Posted: 12:23:20 07/12/08 Sat
MISS UNIVERSE 2008: MEXICO - Based on preliminary performances, I think Mexico is the best choice for Miss Universe. She's facially beautiful, she doesn't resort to the desperate theatrics of many of her fellow Latina frontrunners, and she can sashay her hips in a mesmerizing way that diverts attention away from her disproportionate upper body. She also looks damned sexy in her evening gown.

1RU: USA - Of course I want Crystle to win, but I am afraid she may be psyching herself out. Her preliminary performances lacked the spark from Miss USA. I want her to recapture that tomorrow night.

2RU: IRELAND - I really like this raw Irish beauty. A breath of fresh air in a sea of clownish girls from Latin America. Her swimsuit presentation really blew me away. I was stunned.

3RU: KOSOVO - I wasn't quite as hot on this girl as many others until I saw her prelims. She's very beautiful; I just hope she doesn't runway model herself out of the competition. Miss Universe is not an emotionless fashion model. She's supposed to have the personality of Riyo Mori only with looks to match. I did like Kosovo's closeup, so I think she can do well if she makes the Top 5.

4RU: PUERTO RICO: Beautiful enough to sweep the competition, but I don't know how much all of the modeling will show through. And will she come across as desperate? Magaly or whatever his name is deserves permanent exile for her San Juan Chainsaw Massacre.

Top 10:

6. VENEZUELA: She may win it all, but right now she appears likely to overplay it.

7. PANAMA: Another contender to win; I think she's beautiful and fit and not overly polished. If she keeps her paws out of Dayana Mendoza's stash of uppers, I see her as a threat to win.

8. BELGIUM: Very beautiful girl - if she shows some spark, I think she could make the Top 5 (or win?).

9. KAZAKHSTAN: She reminds me of the Miss Mississippi USA from a couple of years ago who we all thought was a retro 1940's Hollywood star based on one photo (Kendra King?), except this time I think the girl really is that beautiful in real life. Not sure she has the personality to go too far, but what a striking, gorgeous woman. I won't be surprised if she misses the Top 15 altogether.

10. CZECH REPUBLIC: I also won't be surprised if she misses the T15 altogether, but she is facially one of the best. I'm hoping she will win points on facial beauty.

TOP 15:

11. NORWAY: Very young and beautiful. Good personality. May not make it due to evening gown.

12. AUSTRALIA: Has been in or near my Top 5 for much of the preliminary period. I'm afraid swimsuit may be her undoing, but she looks hot in her red evening gown.

13. ISRAEL: Too beautiful to leave out. Why do I keep forgetting about her? It's like she's not even there, and yet she should be in the top tier.

14. FRANCE: A natural beauty - I really like her, but I don't think she'll really make it.

15. ANGOLA: Although I'm convinced that she is part human, part praying mantis, I think she is beautiful enough to make the Top 15. Looked great in swimsuit and evening gown.

BUBBLES:

FINLAND - I'm rooting for her!

INDIA - Yeah, I know. She's probably in there. And I do like her, but she's not one of my T15 picks.

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO - I just can't get past the upper teeth. Otherwise she's perfect.

POLAND - A nice surprise from prelims. Her photos are not as good as videos.

SLOVAK REPUBLIC - Seems like she needs a spotlight on her beautiful face so that she will get noticed; otherwise, she just seems unfortunately forgettable.

I KNOW THEY'RE PROBABLY IN THERE: INDIA, KOREA - For my predictions list, I will in all likelihood include these two. Korea is better than I originally thought but not Miss Universe caliber for me.

COLOMBIA: Seems to be everyone's darling, and I'm not getting it as much. While I don't think she'll win, I'm prepared to have to root against her all night.
Replies:
Subject: Miss Hawaii live stream at midnight CST@ http://www.oc16.tv/


Author:
7 p.m. Hawaii time
[Edit]
Date Posted: 23:16:36 07/11/08 Fri
Replies:
Subject: Here's what you'll be seeing Sunday night.....


Author:
TNBoy
[Edit]
Date Posted: 14:50:02 07/11/08 Fri
Swimsuit competition:

Replies:
Subject: Top 21


Author:
BamaMan
[Edit]
Date Posted: 20:32:29 07/11/08 Fri
I can't seem to finalize my Top 15 list. I have only narrowed it down to 21:

In alphabetical order:

1. ANGOLA - really strong presentations; looks beautiful on stage. Up close her eyes seem to be drifting toward the sides of her head, a la Oleksandra Nikolaenko. Nevertheless, I think she is by far the best from Africa.

2. AUSTRALIA - Still like her; I wasn't as impressed with her prelim performances as I expected. She was in my T5, but probably not anymore.

3. BELGIUM - YES! I think this blonde beauty is in there. I don't know if she is winner material based on personality, but she certainly has the look.

4. CZECH REPUBLIC - So beautiful; such boring presentations.

5. FINLAND - I really like this girl. She looks beautiful in her close up video, and she has an excellent personality. If Miss Universe 2008 is going to be another personality queen, I can get behind this girl.

6. FRANCE - Beautiful in an unconventional way. Very natural.

7. GEORGIA - A real shocker surprise from prelims. I was totally overlooking her. I thought she was homely, since Fadil made sure her hair completely covered her face for the photo on the MUO website. I don't think she's stunning on her closeup video, but I really liked her in prelims.

8. INDIA - I wasn't on board her train until I saw her preliminary swimsuit performance. I could see her as high as the Top 5, although I think she'll be a bubbler for me.

9. IRELAND - YES! Her prelim performances completely wowed me. I now see her as a potential winner, and I may include her in my T5.

10. ISRAEL - This is a really beautiful girl who performed well enough in prelims. But she seems forgettable for some reason. She could be a strong competitor, or she could very well end up clapping. I think she'll make my T15.

11. KAZAKHSTAN - This woman really is beautiful in a smoky, sultry kinda way. I don't think she has the personality to win, but she has a captivating look and is deserving of a placement.

12. KOSOVO - Lawd have mercy - YES - this woman really epitomizes an Eastern European beauty. I wish she would drop the runway model 'tude in her presentations, as I don't think that will serve her well. She seems to have a good personality on her closeup, and I think she is a Top 5 contender for sure.

13. MEXICO - I don't want to like her, but she has the goods to become the next Miss Universe. She's beautiful, and her presentations were very solid.

14. NORWAY - Young and beautiful. Is she from the country of Norway or some town in California named Norway? I thought she was lackluster in prelims, but she is very beautiful.

15. PANAMA - Very solid, but I think she needs to stop taking lessons from Dayana Mendoza in being over-the-top.

16. POLAND - Another big time shocker from prelims for me - I had to go back and take another look at her closeup video. She's worthy of being in the game.

17. PUERTO RICO - I know everyone is exhausted with all of the discussion about her, but she is a great beauty and I like the retro pageant girl look.

18. SLOVAK REPUBLIC - Another beautiful girl with lackluster presentations and a tentative personality. Beautiful enough to get a pass into the T15 anyway, but who knows.

19. TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO - This girl would be in my Top 5 if she didn't have a top row of teeth transplanted from Cro Magnon Man. Very well spoken and otherwise beautiful. Someone please rip this girl's top teeth out and replace them with a more reasonable set, and I believe she could be the next Miss Universe.

20. USA - Crystle is in it to win, but I thought her preliminary presentations were pretty dull. We need to see the girl from Miss USA again. When Venezuela and Panama head butt each other into unconsciousness during the Top 5 lineup while simultaneously trying to flip their heads of hair, she may very well take it by default.

21. VENEZUELA - Really beautiful. If she remembers to take a half-dose of her ritalin on finals night, she may very well be our next Miss Universe. Right now I'm betting on Mexico or some surprise.

OTHER COMMENTS:

COLOMBIA - I think she's pretty but not worthy of consideration for Miss Universe. Her evening gown presentation was decidedly unsexy, so I hope that does her in as far as advancing to the semifinals. Highly overrated.

GERMANY - This girl has ruined my year. Right after arrivals, I thought she was the face of the pageant. But her presentations were boring, and her evening gown is less sexy than the one my grandmother was just buried in. I'm completely pissed off.

JAPAN AND KOREA - I actually think both are more attractive than Riyo Mori, but Korea is more cute than beautiful, and Japan doesn't have an enticing swimsuit physique.

OVERALL HOPES AND DREAMS - After almost 14 months with the nicest yet most unattractive Miss Universe in history, I am ready for a beautiful winner. Usually Miss Universe winners are consensus beauties, which is one of the major reasons I am so surprised that Riyo won last year. She seems to be very polarizing in terms of appearance. Nevertheless, I wish her well, as she does have a great personality.
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