Maryland - Mississippi

Nora: Boy, this weekend sure went by fast.

Lorna: I know!  I’m just so glad I live in the Pacific Northwest.  This weekend’s weather was spectacular!

Vilma: Did you work on your tan at all?

Lorna: I sure did.  I don’t do spray tan.

Nora: We probably had the best weather in the country.

Lorna: We did.  But, it’s time for rain again…at least for a couple of days and then back to sunshine.

Vilma: Soooo….any gossip anyone wants to share?

Nora: I saw the preview of the Fadil Barisha photos and they look amazing!

Lorna: How did you do that?

Nora: I have my sources.  I didn’t see all of it.  I just saw a few. 

Vilma: Are they as sexy and racy as last years?

Nora: Not at all!  I think everyone would like it.

Lorna: Do tell!

Nora: I’d rather not.  I’d like to keep it a secret.  All I can say is it’s definitely very glamorous.

Lorna: They better be…since they’re called glamour shots…haha

Vilma: Very funny.

Nora: Some of the candidates attended a pool party today.  One thing I noticed is that their sashes seemed different.  The font seems bigger and the letters are closer together.

Vilma: I noticed that too!  They look like the ones used in the state level like in Alabama and Arkansas.

Lorna: I don’t like it.  It looks cheap.  The previous sashes are so distinct that if you see one, you know right away that it’s an authentic Miss Universe Organization sash.

Vilma: Change is good but this change is not, in my opinion.

Nora: So, let’s get on with our review.  We’ll do Maryland to Mississippi.  First up, Miss Maryland, Allyn Rose.

Lorna: Like I mentioned previously, I kind of had a change of heart with Allyn.  Not sure what happened.  She reminds me of Miss Massachusetts last year, Lacey Wilson.  She has the same facial structure.

Vilma: Allyn is one of those candidates that could go either way.  Is she a Miss USA material, not really.  Semifinal material? Maybe.

Nora: How do you compare her with Simone Feldman?

Vilma: I like Allyn better than Simone. 

Nora: What about Miss Massachusetts, Alida D’Angona.  I love her!  I would be happy if she wins Miss USA. 

Vilma: It’s definitely possible.  Massachusetts has produced two Miss USA’s since 1998; Shawnae Jebbia and Susie Castillo.  Both women completely blew the typical Miss USA mold altogether.  They were not the favorites to win in their respective years but came from behind and took it all.

Lorna: It’s definitely possible.  Alida is a strong contender.

Vilma: Next is Miss Michigan, Channing Pierce.  Lorna, I know you’re a big fan a few weeks ago.  Do you still feel the same way?

Lorna: Hmmm…I feel like when she got mixed-in with the other candidates, she suddenly faded into the background.  I originally thought that she would be a stand out.  But it’s not the case.  I’m not sure if she’s having confidence issues or what but if she wants to be noticed, she needs to start putting herself out there.

Nora: She just seems more timid than I expected.  Maybe she’s trying to lay low right now and then go full blast come preliminary.  She’s acting like Miss Russia at the Miss Universe last year, Irina Antonenko.  Irina looks great in photos and was one of the top favorites.  Then the preliminary competition came and I was so under whelmed.  I’m even surprised that she actually made top 15.  I hope Channing snaps out of it!

Lorna: Remember, Rima is from Michigan and the likelihood of a back to back win is pretty slim to none.  Statistically, Michigan is doing well.  They’ve produced 3 Miss USA’s since 1993.

Nora: Up next, Miss Minnesota, Brittany Thelemann.  What do you guys think of her?

Vilma: I thought she did well during the Regis and Kelly show.  She was bubbly, very charming and well-spoken. 

Lorna: I guess I just can’t get over the really bad picture of her when she won her state title.  I’m not sure who did her make-up but whoever did it should be shot.  She looked like a unibrowed witch.  Brittany is very pretty and I cannot believe she wore that make up for that photo shoot.

Nora: She’s a wildcard for me.  I have to see her at the preliminaries.

Vilma: I like Courtney Basara better.

Lorna: The odds are against her when it comes to state statistics.  Minnesota is one of those states that makes the semifinals and then stays there.  They did produce one winner but that was 1976…and she didn’t even make the semifinals of the Miss Universe that year. 

Nora: And finally, Miss Mississippi, Keeley Patterson.

Vilma: Pretty face but that’s about it.  If she makes top 15, I think that’s where she’ll stay.

Lorna: Wow…I guess you’re not a fan?

Vilma: It just frustrates me that all the pictures that I’ve seen of hers look like pictures of those little girls on Toddlers and Tiaras…over done and perfect.  With me, this makes her loose substance.

Nora: Last year, Breanne Ponder finished in the top 10.  And in 2008, they placed 1^st Runner Up.  Do you think Mississippi is finally getting it?

Lorna: I think so.  But Mississippi was never strong at Miss USA.  They do much better at Miss America.  Why do you think that is?

Nora: Simple.  Miss America is more conservative and focuses on talent.  Mississippi is a very conservative state and they have a very strong Miss Mississippi America system.

Vilma: The next few days will be interesting as the official headshots and the Fadil Barisha photos will get published.

Nora: I can’t wait to see the evening gowns.

Lorna: I believe our next discussion will happen on Tuesday.  I’m going to make sure that I have more gossips to share.

Nora: See you both soon.  Ciao!