Is it the end of the world? (revisted)

Tonight I was sitting in the couture collection at Neiman-Marcus rubbing elbows with the fashionistas and glitterati of Houston's high society. It was quite an evening and all for a good cause. Proceeds from the evening will go to Legacy Community Health Services.

I was sitting at a table with some high powered attorneys and their friends and somehow the topic of discussion switched to Top Chef and Project Runway. Being that we were in the couture collection it was appropriate that we discuss Project Runway.

So then I break the news that Nina Garcia has been auf'd by ELLE Magazine and there was a collective gasp from the other guests; something I didn't expect.

I just checked Reality Blurred and here is some additional about Nina's departure:

Project Runway judge Nina Garcia is out from her job as fashion director at Elle magazine, leaving her future as a judge on the show’s sixth season in question. It hasn’t yet been confirmed whether she was fired or left on her own.

“Speculation about Garcia’s departure has swirled for months, especially after the arrival of Joe Zee at the beginning of 2007 as creative director,” according to Women’s Wear Daily, which first reported her departure.

A commenter on New York Magazine’s post about her departure said “her office was entirely boxed, packed, and waiting in the hallways addressed to her home on the upper east by 5pm yesterday. Plus, the gaggle of crying assistants dragging deflated cardboard down the hall for assembly, in addition to Nina’s demonstrative speaking behind closed doors (made visible by a glass partition) also prompts one to believe that she was not leaving of her own accord.”

It was sort of a reality tv kind of night what with excellent food from Tony's (imagine the Top Chef contestants having to cater a high quality meal for 300 guests), sitting in the fancy dress department (make it work Project Runway contestants) and the entertainment for the evening was ballroom dancing (at one point when the music started I said, "They're going to dance the paso doble."...thank you Dancing With The Stars). I must say that somedays I feel like I'm on Survivor.

Ramblings Of A Caffeinated Mind 4.1

Yesterday marked the peak of hurricane season. Still too early to say, "The coast is clear." Remember, it was around September 23/24, 2005 when Rita made landfall and wiped out the rest of southwestern Louisiana and The Golden Triangle of Texas.

Today marks the 6th Anniversary of 9/11 (the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon). I got a snippet of the ceremony held near Ground Zero in NYC and it really got to me.

I had a meeting today and then went to lunch with AttyHou. On my way back to NoRO I heard Green Day's When September Ends. There are several songs that put a lump in my throat and that is one of them. Included on this list is: Seasons Of Love; Alone Again (Naturally); On Eagles Wings; Be Not Afraid; and Rainy Days & Mondays. There are more songs.

Yesterday was a fun day. I made my way to The Galleria to wish Neiman-Marcus a 100th Happy Birthday! They were giving away their famous cookie. Of course I strolled around N-M like I belonged there.

The cookie had its own special shopping bag.

Close-up of the cookie (before I ate the whole thing).

A small tin of mints (for after an office visit).

I had to get a look at the N-M exclusive Prada shoe. I think it was only $995. Pocket change for an oil tycoon. They had a really nice looking shirt by Robert Graham for about $180 or so. Don't worry...I didn't buy either item.

I did stroll around The Galleria. Purchased a new protective cover for the iPod nano. It is red just like the nano.

And of course I had to make my obligatory pilgrimage to the mother ship...Nordstrom

I did do a 3 mile run first thing in the morning and get this...I actually made it to LeFittes to do some weights. It was a quick workout 'cause Everyday Italian and AttyHou wanted to go out to dinner. It's always nice to return to the scene of the crime so we went to Cyclone Anayas. The last time I was there I was a bit tipsy when I left. Not last night though.

I had to be sure to eat my Neiman-Marcus cookie before I went to bed. I know. That can't be good for the body but it sure tasted good.

Mark Your Calendars

OK. Everyone who got caught in the rain this morning while you were running, raise your hand.

Believe it or not I did 7 1/2 miles. I did stop after 3 1/2 because there was some thunder and lightning and you know I have this fear of getting struck my lightning...especially with an iPod in my hand! I waited out that part of the storm and then started up again. At one point, I looked down and I could see water oozing out of my shoes.

I was having a good run prior to the lightning and thunder and I wasn't gonna let anything rain on my parade (note to self: put Funny Girl Soundtrack on the iPod.)

Running in the downpour reminded me of the New Balance ad from a view years ago. It was a picture of a lone runner on a road heading toward a thunder cloud. The headline was: When does a jogger become a runner? On days like today.

Just want to pass a few things along to you that I think you might be interested in...so mark your calendar.

Saturday, September 8

"Despite the ruin still prevalent in New Orleans, digital artist anddesigner, James Clawson dreams the city reborn in collages ofmourning, hope, and fantasy. All I can say is, "Stunning!" His eye fordesign, art and photography will mesmerize you on 36" x 36" works of aPost-Katrina New Orleans. This show is as breathtaking as it isproactive. One of the Crescent City's finest designers and artists,Mr. Clawson's works will debut in Houston here at Galerie Blu onSeptember 8, 2007 7PM to 10PM."

411: Galerie Blu

September 9-22

Whistle Down The Wind

"Direct from London, discover what critics have proclaimed "Andrew Lloyd Webber's best show since Phantom of the Opera." Whistle Down the Wind is an uplifting musical about a young Louisiana girl who finds a mysterious stranger hiding in her barn. While the townspeople are determined to find the escaped felon, she vows to protect him from the outside world. The American premiere production partners renowned top rock lyricist Jim Steinman (Meatloaf's classic album "Bat Out of Hell) and Andrew Lloyd Webber (Cats, Evita and Joseph.) to create a score inspired by the indigenous sounds of the American South - blues, gospel, country and rock 'n' roll. Directed and produced by Bill Kenwright, Whistle Down the Wind combines award-winning songs including the Boyzone smash hit "No Matter What," and epic storytelling for an extraordinary tale about the transformative power of love."

411: Theater Under The Stars

Monday, September 10

Neiman Marcus turns 100 years old. Stop by Neiman's and get a free cookie. It's the stuff that urban legends are made of...and they'll give you the recipe on the website!

411: Neiman Marcus

Friday, September 14

Linda Eder performs for one night only presented by Brilliant Lectures.

411: Brilliant Lectures

Sunday, September 23

Dust off your tambourine! Polish your whistle! Prepare to shake your groove thing and get down tonight!

Krewe of Olympus-Texas, Inc. presents Trash Disco. From 400P-700P you can relive your youth and dance the afternoon away. Relive your memories and bring your friends. A $5 donation gets you past the velvet rope.

411: Krewe of Olympus

Tuesday, September 25 - Sunday, September 30

Mamma Mia! returns to Houston for a 6 day engagement.

411: Broadway Across America

Coming up in October:

• Thursday-Sunday, October 4-7: Greek Festival


• Saturday, October 6: Fais Do Do presented by Krewe of Olympus-Texas, Inc.


• Saturday & Sunday, October 13 & 14: Bayou City Arts Festival