The Gap Reveals the Secrets to its Resurgence

I'm a loyal Today show viewer but I caught this interesting piece on Good Morning America today that I wanted to share. In a series called "the secrets of America's favorite stores" GMA takes a look at The Gap and how they have created a recent resurgence after a period of low sales.


Interesting, no? I love the part about how their most popular jeans for men are the "standard" fit because men can't be bothered to do anything risky.

I couldn't tell you the last piece of clothing I bought at The Gap, but I am moderately inclined to see what their new denim campaign is all about.

Big Changes for the New Season of 'So You Think You Can Dance'

After a fairly lackluster sixth season producers are shaking things up for season seven of So You Think You Can Dance.

Kelsey McNeal/FOX
This next season of SYTYCD will feature 10 dancers and instead of being paired with each other they will be paired up with a former contestant from a past season of the show. Interesting, right? Check out all of the So You Think You Can Dance All-Stars here.

That means that SYTYCD will basically be run like Dancing with the Stars, with the contestant paired up with and expert. But on SYTYCD the contestants will actually have a different partner each week. Each expert/past dancer will be representing their particular concentration of dance. No word yet on who those experts from past seasons will be, judge and execute producer Nigel Lythgoe said he will be revealing the names over the next few weeks. Could be a great way to keep long-time Dance fans coming back to the series.

I personally love the idea of having the past contestants back on the stage. The main reason that I didn't love season six was because I didn't take a liking to any of the dancers, so I didn't want to watch. If I knew past favorites like Lacey Schwimmer, Travis Wall or Neil Haskell were going to be back on the air I'd totally tune in. I also think it's a great way for Dance to retain it's top talent. I'm sure they would have much rather kept Schwimmer or Chelsie Hightower than have them go on Dancing with the Stars, right?

The new season of So You Think You Can Dance is set to premiere on May 27, 2010.

See all of the So You Think You Can Dance All-Stars here

See the all of the Season 7 contestants here

What do you think of the changes to SYTYCD? Do you think it's a good way to spice it up? Or should the producers not mess with the already-working format? Leave a comment!

Brad, Sandra & Idol: This Week's Likes or Yikes Stories

Check out Pat and Jacki Garfinkel from iVillage.com with this week's Likes or Yikes clip on the hot gossip of the week!


Which stories do you like and which make you say "yikes"?

Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom Releases 'The Real You Diet' Book

I have to give a big shout out to my good buddy Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom. Madelyn is a contributor to iVillage.com and the Today show's diet and nutrition expert. Her new book 'The Real You Diet' is out in stores and online and last night we celebrated its release in New York City.


Dr. Fernstrom (center) with me and my colleagues

I'm not one for books -- especially ones about dieting -- but this one is simple and to the point with practical advice on eating and portion control. Check out Madelyn giving some of the tips from 'The Real You Diet' on the Today show.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Congrats, Madelyn!

Sweet iPhone App: Yahoo! Sketch-a-Search

I recently bought myself an iPhone so I could be one of the cool kids, and am currently still wading my way through the sea of applications to see which ones are best for me. Some are fun, some are stupid, and some are actually very useful.

Yesterday I downloaded a new app from Yahoo! called Sketch-a-Search. The name had me a little puzzled as to its function, but I decided to give it a whirl. Lemme tell you -- This app is sweet! I think people living in urban areas will find it particularly handy, but it's super useful to everyone.

Have you ever been searching for a new place to eat in your area, but all you can do is search within a particular part of town or within an X-mile radius of your home? Ya, not always super helpful. What Sketch-a-Search does is allow you to actually DRAW a spot on the map where you want to go. Cool, right? There have been many times where I only want to go in a certain block range or on one particular street and Sketch-a-Search lets me look at places only where I want to go. Let me walk you through it...

When you open the app it uses GPS to find your location, or you can look elsewhere. Once you find the 'hood you want you click the green ball and draw your area of interest on the map.

Sketch-a-Search then populates your sketch with yummy restaurants you may want to visit. You can draw a circle, square or even just a straight line to target your dining options.

Once Sketch-a-Search finds places nearby you can view the names and see the addresses and ratings. If you're in the mood for a specific type of food or ambiance you can even switch on the filters to narrow your search.

Cool right? You can download the Sketch-a-Search from Yahoo! on your phone or at the iTunes store. And the best news of all: IT'S FREE!



Do you have a cool app I should know about? Leave a comment!

Check Out Pat in iVillage.com's Likes or Yikes Video

Fun celeb stories this week! Lindsay Lohan sues E-Trade, Betty White to host SNL and more! Check out me and Ali Gray in iVillage.com's Likes or Yikes video!


Which stories make you say "likes" and which make you say "yikes?"

Fan ABlogAboutThings.com on Facebook!

After a small break A Blog About Things is back in action and better than ever! In addition to a few design changes to the site (like our new header? It's going to change from time to time.) you can now fan A Blog About Things.com on Facebook!


It's another great way to stay connected to the site and its readers. Plus it's easier to interact and share with others. So, if you like the site please take a minute and become a fan today!

Watch Pat in iVillage.com's Likes or Yikes Video

Check out me and my buddy Jacki Garfinkel in iVillage.com's Likes or Yikes series. This week we're talking about Kate Gosselin on Dancing With the Stars, Jon Gosselin's potential Playgirl spread and this Sunday's Oscars.


What story are you obsessed with this week?

Be Back Soon!

Hello, faithful readers! After my extended trip to London I have decided to take a short and much-needed break from A Blog About Things.


Have no fear, this brief hiatus is to make some changes to the site itself and work on a few improvements to the things you read about each day!

We'll be back at the beginning of March 2010 with brand new things, kicking it off with our vlogs about America's Next Top Model Cycle 14 premiere. There will be a few posts here and there in the interim, but if you get really antsy for content please feel free to browse all of the games we've written about. Always keeps me busy!

Be back soon!

'America's Next Top Model' Cycle 14 Cast Revealed!

Tyra Banks and the gang (well, most of the gang) are back with another cycle of America's Next Top Model premiering on Wednesday March 10 on The CW.


The girls of the Cycle 14 have been revealed and here they are with a little info about each. Click the contestants name to see her photo.

GABRIELLE
Hometown: St. Louis, Missouri
Age: 18
Occupation: Student

KRISTA
Hometown: Pine Bluff, Arkansas
Age: 26
Occupation: Retail Manager

SIMONE
Hometown: Lenexa, Kansas
Age: 19
Occupation: Student

RAINA
Hometown: Minnetonka, Minnesota
Age: 22
Occupation: Student

ALEXANDRA
Hometown: Kerrville, Texas
Age: 21
Occupation: Student

BRENDA
Hometown: Houston, Texas
Age: 23
Occupation: Administrative Assistant

ANSLEE
Hometown: Dacula, Georgia
Age: 23
Occupation Bar Tender

ANGELEA
Hometown: Buffalo, New York
Age: 23
Occupation: Answering Service Operator

NADUAH
Hometown: San Diego, California
Age: 22
Occupation Full-time mother

REN
Hometown: Grand Prairie, Texas
Age: 22
Occupation: Living (um, what?)

JESSICA
Hometown: Conway, Arkansas
Age: 18
Occupation: Model

ALASIA
Hometown; Marietta, Georgia
Age: 18
Occupation: Student

TATIANNA
Hometown: Ewa Beach, Hawaii
Age: 21
Occupation: Student

I'm very interested to see what Angelea is like on the show. If you remember, she made it to the final casting of Cycle 12 but was cut while feuding with Sandra. Brenda, Raina and Simone all look very promising to me, but who knows... the ones I like always get cut first!

What do you think of the new models? Leave a comment!

MTV Combines Jackass-ery With Do-Good-ery on 'The Buried Life'

Tonight at 10pm MTV premieres its newest show The Buried Life. A cross between Jackass, Punk'd and that failed Amy Grant show 3 Wishes, the boys of The Buried Life keep karma in check by complementing each stunt they complete with a life-changing action for someone else.


photo from MTV.com
On the show buddies Duncan, Ben, Jonnie and Dave trek across the country in their big purple bus (named Penelope) crossing things off their bucket lists. Everyone has a list of things they want to do before they die, but these friends are actually doing them. They've already completed #53 on their list -- start a TV show.

Some of their things to check off are wild and some are wacky, but the docu-series isn't just about the four friends' wishes. In each episode we'll see the dudes crossing items off their list (like giving a speech at a stranger's wedding) and then re-righting the universe by helping someone else check something off their bucket list (like helping a man connect with his long-lost son.)

I don't think this series could have come at a better time. It sort of combines everything that people want to see on television right now. The guys run around on fun and hilarious adventures (and are much better looking than the Jackass crew) but then also spread good along the way. It's a fun show where people might get embarrassed, but the guys are helping others achieve goals they may have thought were impossible. I'm so happy to see a show that is fun that also has heart (without being a complete cheese-fest like Extreme Home Makeover.)

Check out the trailer for the series that premieres tonight on MTV...


The Buried Life airs Monday nights at 1opm on MTV

Channing Tatum Shows His Goods to 'Details'

Photos by Norman Jean Roy for Details
Action star Channing Tatum is on the cover of the latest issues of Details magazine. In the issue he gives a... revealing, shall we say?... interview about an injury he received to his bathing suit area while shooting the upcoming film The Eagle of the Ninth.

Here's a brief snippet from the full interview with writer Craig Marks. After viewing a cell phone image of Tatum's accident Marks had this to say, "Channing Tatum's penis is gross. It looks like a hot dog that's been left too long on the grill. The tip is hot-pink, singed, and shriveled. It appears angry. And it's painful to view." What a beautiful picture he painted for us.



Click here to read more from the interview where Tatum talks more about his unfortunate accident, why he's hoping to get a "fat" role in the future and how prescription drugs nearly led him into depression.

Joshua Blaylock Goes to Hollywood Week on 'American Idol'

Two of my favorite people were on tonight's season 9 premiere of American Idol: former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham and my downstairs neighbor and buddy Josh Blaylock! Check out Josh's tryout during the Boston auditions of Idol...


Josh sang Rascal Flatts' "Bless the Broken Road" and got 4 yeses from the judges. Although Simon Cowell was a little tough on him at first (until he told him to shut up) I think he did a great job, and this is coming from someone who 1- Hates watching people sing and 2- Doesn't like country music at all.

Josh is currently in LA for Hollywood Week and I hope he does great! I have no insider info at all so I'm just gonna keep my fingers crossed for him. Good luck, buddy!

Tyra Banks Quits Talk Show

In some surprising Tyra Banks news, the super model turned television personality announced to PEOPLE.com that she will be ending her talk show, The Tyra Show, in Spring 2010.

"This will be the last season of The Tyra Show," Banks told PEOPLE exclusively. "I’ve been loving having fun, coming into your living rooms, bedrooms, hair salons for the past 5 years."  Tyra says she's going to put her energy into a new project, Bankable Studios, which is an NY-based film production company, which will focus on creating roles that enforce positive images of women on the big screen.

Honestly, I'm kind of shocked that TyTy is calling it quits on her talk show.  Remember in Cycle 6 of ANTM (and maybe even in Cycle 2?) when she said her dream was to be a talk show host?  Has she given up on that?  I can't imagine that the ratings are that bad... in fact the show had its highest ratings ever this year.  I know the show catches a lot of flack from bloggers and shows like The Soup, but I find it mostly light-hearted and entertaining.

Could it be the grueling hours it takes to be a talk show host that caused Tyra to quit?  As someone who worked on a talk show before (not hosting, obviously) I can tell you that it's exhausting.  Taping 6 times a week (or more) is taxing not only on the staff, but on the host for sure.  Plus, there is no end in sight for America's Next Top Model, which takes up a lot of Tyra's time, too.  Maybe she's just that "bankable" that she can pull back a little bit?

Good thing I already had a chance to see a taping of The Tyra Show.  Perhaps I'll try to squeeze in another one before it's lights out for good.

What do you think of The Tyra Show ending in 2010?  Leave a comment below!

Internet Archaeologists Find Ruins of 'Friendster' Civilization

The folks at The Onion strike again! This time the Today Now anchors dig up the remains of an ancient social networking site. 



How long do you think it will be before MySpace ends up in the social network graveyard like Friendster? 

Also, how do I get a job at The Onion?  They continually crack me up.


[Thanks, Jacki]

2009's Best News Photos

As 2009 comes to a close there are countless numbers of "best of" lists coming out.  One of the galleries that I look forward to the most is the Year in Pictures from MSNBC.  



Photo: Muhammed Muheisen/AP

Check out the gallery of 2009's best news photos with some great audio commentary from NBC's news anchors.  Plus there are 2009's best sports photos, too.   My favorite is this shot of balloons and an antenna by Muhammed Muheisen of the Associated Press.  What's yours?

The Year 2009 In Auto Tune

I find most of the Auto Tune videos on the web to be annoying (with Charlie bit my finger Auto Tune being an exception), but this 2009 year in review medley was hypnotic! Watch it to take a musical tour through the year that was.


People have a lot of free time.

[via Some Kinda Blog]

Pat & Carolyn Are on Oprah.com

In a continuation of our 15 minutes of Oprah fame Carolyn and I have somehow ended up appearing on the main page of Oprah's Book Club on her website! Check it out from Oprah.com:


And we're also apparently featured in the Oprah.com newsletter!


If you missed our initial web-chat with Oprah you can now easily view on Oprah.com.

Now... how long until we get our own show?

Top Models: Where Are They Now?

There's been a lot of posts related to ANTM this week, but a lot has been going on. Following Tyra Banks' appearance on The Jay Leno Show and the announcement of Nicole Fox winning Cycle 13 of ANTM, Out.com has rounded up some of the series' most noted girls to find out what they've been up to since their cycle.


photo from Out.com
In revealing interviews the models dish on how "real" the reality competition truly is, and what they really think of Tyra Banks. The answers are pretty surprising! Read them here.

'ANTM' to Get 2 New Judges for Cycle 14

Interesting news in the world of America's Next Top Model -- looks like producers have decided to shake things up and add not one, but two new faces to the judges panel for Cycle 14.


Kimora Lee Simmons, Tyra Banks, Andre Leon Talley
According to the NY Daily News Tyra Banks has asked former model Kimora Lee Simmons to return to the judges table in Cycle 14. Simmons was a judge on the very first season of ANTM -- where the winners walked in a Baby Phat fashion show.

Banks will also be joined by Editor-at-Large for Vogue magazine Andre Leon Talley, an eccentric dresser and a well-known name in the fashion publishing industry. The interesting part is that Talley will be replacing long-time judge J. Alexander, who has essentially been demoted back to his original role of "diva runway coach extraordinaire."

No word on why the changes have been made, but after everyone nicknamed Cycle 13 the "recession cycle" (short girls, short on budget) it's good to see that they're trying to spice things up for the Spring.

So what do you think of the new judges? Will they be a good addition to panel? Leave a comment!