Melinda had those 'bug eyes' and was in outer space as Ramsey said. She deserved to leave. She couldn't cook angel hair pasta? C'mon, give me a break??!!! 5 flippin' minutes in boiling water and drain. How do these folks get picked. Robert is back. Okay, I like the guy. He is funny as hell. But he left for a heart condition and came back not only looking like he GAINED WEIGHT but with a real superiority attitude that was not deserved and will be shot through full of holes before the next episode. I have symathy for heavy people, but the dude is like 500 lbs and had a heart scare and if nothing else it looks like he has gained weight, not lost. Somewhere Richard Simmons is quivering in his shiney shorts@! I'm not just picking on her. Lovely (who the hell names their kid that?) is a loser and will go home soon. This character who wants to fight Ramsey is a psycho and must either have a hidden agenda or the whole thing is staged. I'm not sure what to believe anymore. It's all fun, but it is getting extra hilarious with the contestants. I guess that is what reality T.V. is all about. Duane

Count me among the unimpressed. I see a cancellation in this show's not too distant future. But speaking of gameshows - anyone watch the PBS Pioneers of Television installment last night - on Gameshows? It was a real trip down memory lane and worth the watch. Even though it wasn't a complete history, it was very interesting to hear the old hosts, etc. talk about the audience, both in studio and at home, as well as what made a great host, which in some cases they still don't have down pat. And while they did touch on the scandals, it wasn't the focus.

I didn't tell them much except that they need LOTS of software training to do what I did.They are already two weeks behind and get more behind each day. I have gotten two stories on why I was let go. One I know is a lie and the other will blow up in their face if they don't do some serious negotiations with the university. They think the new software will "talk" with the old software and there will be no need to manually enter data but they don't realize that the old software has to be reprogramed to do what they want and the university will not reprogram it. One of the old managers and I tried for about 5 years to get them to reprogram it. The data cannot just be automatically transfered from one system to the other, it has to be analized to make sure it meets the university's requirements first. What they think will happen is what SHOULD happen but I am a little pessimistic that it will. I have been around that university for almost 30 years and I know the reality of how things work. Less eating out for us to offset the gas bill but maybe I will find another little job before too long.

No wonder you are confused. My head was spinning after reading all of the opinions! I was following the original post, but this is my first look at your follow-up. I agree with the others about finding another shade for first lamp if you decide to use it. The present shade is too short and it is the wrong style. My suggestion would be to take the lamp into a lighting store that sells shades. There you will have some expert advice as well as the option to "try on" various shades, much in the same way that you would try on clothes to determine the most flattering fit and combination. Think of the gas you will save! These are some guidelines for shades that I have found useful: 1. Match the base  think size, shape, style, color. Your goal is to match the mood of the base. 2. Compliment the base  the shade should make the base look better without competing with for attention (like that patterned shade on the metal lamp) 3. Hide the switch  the shade should just barely cover the switch (usually the height of harp + ½ inch). Try different sized harps, or add a shade riser to fine-tune. 4. Sizing Rules of Thumb: (1) Shade height should be about ¾ the height of the base (2) Bottom of shade should be wider than widest part of the base. (3) Shade width should be approximately equal the height from bottom lamp base to the top of the lamp stem, (just below the socket cap) I like both lamps. I think either one will be beautiful, but I would not use both of them in that room. Rather than another ginger jar, it would be nice to use a different architectural form on the console. I like the console very much. I do not like the metal/glass (marble?) lamp with the patterned shade. I would look for gorgeous buffet lamps. I am thinking wooden with an antique gold finish (very simple, but elegant). These are high end lamps, but use as examples. If you want the console to appear more sophisticated, remove the dried flower wreath that is resting on the books below, and remove the wicker basket with the greens from the top of the console. Replace it with a grouping of three (the magic number) similar objects (candles, boxes, ceramics, etc.) of different height and proportion. Good luck and keep up the good work. I am amazed by your shopping energy and resourcefulness.