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Ladies Cardigans In honor of the upcoming tenth anniversary of the death of Frank Sinatra, a whole slew of films starring the Chairman of the Board are making their way to you for the first time on DVD. Warner Bros.' Frank Sinatra: The Golden Years features five titles spanning ten years in the movie-making history of Ol' Blue Eyes. Transfers are near perfect; audio mixes are, well... mixed (only one in 5.1), and a few extras probably make this five-disc boxed set a must-have for the Sinatra completist. Let's look at the individual films.\Based on 1954's modest Broadway hit of the same name by Max Shulman (Rally Round the Flag, Boys) and Robert Paul Smith, 1955's The Tender Trap stars Frank Sinatra as Charlie Y. Reader, a successful theatrical agent who lives like a sultan in man-hungry New York City. A steady procession of lovely ladies parade in and out of his apartment, ready and willing to marry him, while providing a steady supply of 1950s wifely services such as cooking and cleaning - in addition to more private companionship - while they wait for Charlie to finally settle down. Into this fantasy world pops childhood friend Joe McCall (David Wayne), a square from the suburbs whose wife has politely asked him to take a "vacation" from her for awhile, until he can come back and "chase her around the house" like he used to when younger. Stunned by the bevy of beauties that Charlie has at his fingertips, Joe is thrown for a real loop when Charlie's steady favorite, cool, ironic cookie Sylvia Crewes (Celeste Holm), proves to be an irresistible object of forbidden longing.Which won't be forbidden for too long, because Charlie has fallen - quite against his own will - for stage newcomer Julie Gillis (Debbie Reynolds). Getting the chance of a lifetime (starring in a Broadway play for her very first paid job), Julie certainly doesn't show much excitement at the prospect of sudden fame because she has only one thing on her mind - getting married. Setting the date of her parents' anniversary as her last-chance at marriage, Julie won't sign a run-of-the-play contract because it will interfere with her plans, which include exactly how many children she wants, when they'll arrive, what sex they will be, and what school system they'll go to. Charlie, whether in shock at meeting someone so primly organized, or puzzled (and attracted) at a desirable woman who doesn't want him (Julie says she knows instantly if the chemistry is right; i.e.: if the man wants to get married), begins to fall for Julie, who eventually falls for him. But complications arise when Joe declares his love for Sylvia, and Charlie becomes engaged to both women - without their knowing it.SPOILERS ALERT!Released during the height of Frank Sinatra's first film "comeback" after he won the Academy Award for 1953's From Here to Eternity, The Tender Trap was just one of six films released during the two year period following that sensational performance. As The Tender Trap's trailer accurately states, no celebrity was more talked about during this period than Sinatra, whose records and films were consistently hitting the number one spots, while his preternaturally turbulent personal life was the subject of almost daily gossip. According to most accounts, The Tender Trap was quite a hit with the public (and for the most part with critics, as well), but seems quite dated today, with genuine laughs few and far between - along with some 1950s cultural howlers that modern audiences (particularly women) might find hilariously old-fashioned.Typical of a certain male-fantasy world depicted in Hollywood comedies of this type, where successful men are besieged by hoards of women looking to ensnare them into marriage, The Tender Trap lets the audience know right away where women and men stand in relation to their...relations, if you will. The opening scene (after the stunning pre-credit sequence - where an almost 3-D Sinatra strolls up to the camera, singing the title track) has Charlie prone on a coach, in his luxurious bachelor apartment, with the luscious Poppy Masters (Lola Albright) feeding him a cigarette. After a sated drag, he gives her the okay to kiss him passionately, with a deliciously real, smirky Sinatra grin on his face and winking come-on that says, "This is a man's world, baby - now let's ring-a-ding-ding." Women in The Tender Trap are servants, essentially (at least at the beginning of the film), meant to keep house and provide unending physical (and, it's implied) sexual comfort for the male, with the level of commitment to the relationship strictly controlled by the man.Sure, later on, Julie challenges Charlie's commitment phobia, and Charlie comes to realize that his life is pretty empty (particularly when all his past girlfriends dump him), and you start to think that The Tender Trap might be rather forward-thinking in its approach to men and women in 1955 America. But before the final fade-out, the film undercuts this non-conventional outlook by firmly placing the two female characters back in harness - after they've learned their lessons, of course. Sylvia (wonderfully played by the magnetic Holm) makes sure, when she's letting down the misguided, love-sick Joe, that he understands what's waiting for career women who reach a "certain age" (in this film, 33-years-old) who aren't already married: "...married men, drunks, pretty boys looking for someone to support them, lunatics looking for their fifth divorce." As for Julie, despite her displeasure with Charlie's ways, she gets exactly what she wants in the end: a ring on his finger. He's been tamed, and she's now fulfilled. Current critics like to find serious undertones in The Tender Trap, but they always seem to reference Charlie's growing-up - and never the submissive, limited roles that women suffer here (just to put a point on it, the film marries off Sylvia at the end, too, with a perfect English suitor showing up to finally giver her what she craves).However, all the dated sexual politics aside (after all, the Doris Day comedies from the same period are still delightful), The Tender Trap fails first and foremost because it just isn't all that funny. The premise is silly enough (although you never really believe that grave little Julie believes her own list for an impossibly perfect husband and family life), and the gimmick of having Charlie's boyhood chum, who thinks he's stuck in a lifeless, humdrum marriage (until the film tells him he's not and to get his can back home and be grateful for what he's got), dropped into the middle of Charlie's harem should yield some solid laughs. But the screenplay by pro Julius Epstein (Casablanca, Send Me No Flowers) fails to deliver any memorable gags or truly funny lines, with a draggy pace and actors who seem mismatched to their characters. Sinatra, to his credit, is visibly trying during this period in his career where he was grateful to be working again and where he still truly cared about his film projects. But he's not particularly funny here, while grim little David Wayne (who must have been picked so as not to tower over Sinatra) is positively un-funny as comedic foil to Charlie. As for Debbie Reynolds, she doesn't seem to have much to do here, although when she gets a chance to sing along with Sinatra to the title tune, they are undeniably cute and charming. Too bad they weren't allowed more scenes like this together. And director Charles Walters, a hit-or-miss studio technician (Please Don't Eat the Daisies, Walk, Don't Run) is far too square in his approach to wrest any additional laughs out of the material. His shooting style (even given the technical drawbacks of early CinemaScope) is straight-ahead proscenium stage framing, and becomes quite dull over time. And what the slight material of The Tender Trap desperately needed was not a dull director.

Underwear Man Mumbai, May 18: We have seen Hrithik flex his muscles in `Jodhaa Akbar` and now get ready to see more of his wow six pack abs. The latest buzz in the tinsel-town is that Hrithik Roshan is all set to come down to the bare minimum by posing for an undergarments` brand.Till now we have seen Hrithik as a gentleman, trying to woo the leading ladies of Bollywood. But guess, Hrithik has decided to venture out of the safe grounds and go ahead with a sizzling ad campaign.Hrithik is the brand ambassador for Macro Man and has been approached by the same brand for this new ad. So ladies, get set to drop your jaws!

Trimming Another standard practice of airline customer service is flying by the wayside.Starting in July, United Airlines no longer will award a minimum credit of 500 miles to its frequent-flier passengers who take short flights. Instead frequent-flier miles in its Mileage Plus program will be awarded based on actual miles flown.That means a passenger flying between Chicago and Detroit will get 234 miles one way, or about half the previous level. Chicago to Indianapolis goes to 177 from 500.The Chicago-based airline joins US Airways in ending the 500-mile-per-flight minimum. More airlines are expected to follow suit, analysts said, as they continue to pare back on perquisites and amenities like meals, magazines and pillows in their intense efforts to cut costs.The 500-mile perk has been around since the dawn of the frequent-flier age more than 25 years ago, and it represented a basic part of the program: Passengers were being wooed and should get a certain amount of credit for choosing one airline over another, even for a short hop. All the airlines gave out a minimum of 500 miles because more flying those days was for short distances than, say, overseas, and the carriers wanted to help passengers earn awards.But that was a long time ago.Today, frequent-flier miles are piling up, while most airlines are struggling to reduce losses in an era of high oil prices and cutthroat competition. United's Mileage Plus members had 511 billion unused miles in their accounts at the end of March. That's millions of free seats, which is a liability for the airline.To reduce the mileage backlog, airlines in recent years have diminished the value of miles by making travel rewards more expensive, and the pullback is far from over, one analyst said.Already, Air Canada offers a half-dozen mileage-award levels for any flight, with some discount fares not earning a full mile."There's a profusion of miles out there; it's like funny money," said aviation consultant Robert Mann. U.S. airlines "want to start to differentiate what you get versus what you pay for. This will be followed by getting higher miles for paying a higher fare."A United spokeswoman said the change to its loyalty program will help reduce the number of outstanding miles. Less miles on the books will mean the airline will have to set aside less money for liabilities. And these days, every penny counts. Earlier this year United announced it will begin charging some customers $25 to check a second suitcase."We want to ensure that the miles earned are in line with the actual miles flown," said spokeswoman Robin Urbanski. "We are looking at every part of our business and ensuring that we are responsible in this challenging economic environment."Still, some fliers are voicing displeasure with the move. The frequent-flier Web site FlyerTalk.com was buzzing with complaints Thursday. They join the legion of complaints about other aspects of airline loyalty programs, namely the lack of award seats on desirable flights."It's just another step in the continuing erosion of frequent-flier programs by providing fewer miles and less seats," said Nate Eimer, a Chicago lawyer who flies on United and American Airlines.The airlines counter that they are giving away more awards than ever by offering more ways for members to redeem their miles. The number of awards issued by United, including free flights, increased to 3.1 million in 2007 from 2.9 million the year before, not including upgrades. Last year's number includes 928,000 non-United awards, such as Red Carpet club memberships, car and hotel awards and merchandise."United has done a fairly good job on redemption," said Randy Petersen, editor of Inside Flyer, a magazine about frequent-traveler programs. "It has probably one of the top three airline programs."United and other airlines are providing more options to redeem miles because there are so many unused miles. The backlog has increased in recent years because airlines sell miles to such partners as credit card companies and hotel chains.The sale of miles is a critical revenue source for airlines. United's Mileage Plus contributed about $800 million to passenger and other revenue in 2007. It boosted the program's revenue last year by adopting a stricter expiration policy: Miles now expire after 18 months of account inactivity, instead of three years.

Tag: Down And Feather Increasing numbers of consumers today are "going green," looking for organic options for everything from food to clothing to the beds they sleep in, whether at home or on vacation. Now, hotels looking to cater to those seeking organic options can turn to luxury bedding manufacturer United Feather & Down, as the company unveils the new, organic Prestige Naturals Hospitality Collection.Each piece in United Feather & Down's Prestige Naturals for Hospitality collection is made from the finest certified organic cotton, natural fills, and features the signature solid construction that the company is known for. The collection features bed pillows, a comforter, blanket and mattress pad, each made with 300-thread-count certified organic cotton sateen, and filled with a choice of 600-fill-power Freshness Assured? down or the company's patented Lyocell Down?. In addition, each piece can be customized to a hotel's specific needs."As a leader in the down and down-alternative bedding category, we know we need to continue to provide innovative products, and innovate within our category, to drive positive change," said United Feather & Down co-president Stephen Palmer. "Our company is committed to responsible business practices, and we feel quality and responsibility should go hand in hand. With our new Prestige Naturals for Hospitality line, hoteliers can lessen their impact on the environment without sacrificing the style and quality they expect from United Feather & Down."United Feather & Down And The EnvironmentUnited Feather & Down is committed to using environmentally-friendly practices, and offering products catering to those looking for an all-natural lifestyle. The company's patented Freshness Assured? process uses ozonation, a completely environmentally-friendly, electronic cleaning method, to ensure its down is the cleanest possible. Additionally, United Feather & Down offers several all-natural fills, processes and treatments including Lyocell Down?, a patented blend of natural lyocell fibers with the company's Freshness Assured? Down; and Proneem?, the only totally natural anti-microbial, anti-dust mite and antibacterial treatment for fabrics and fills, offered exclusively from United Feather & Down.About United Feather & DownFounded in 1797, United Feather & Down is a premier manufacturer and marketer of luxury bedding found in leading retailers and the finest hotels. United Feather & Down's time-honored reputation for quality, comfort and innovation is evident in each of its products, which feature the latest fills, fabrics, smart designs and its signature Freshness Assured? anti-allergen cleaning process. For more information, log on to www.ufandd.com or call 847-296-6500.
 

Tag: Washcloth Shelter magazines come and go. In the last five years we've said "hello" to new kids Domino, Organize and Ty Pennington at Home. We've said "goodbye" to House & Garden, Blueprint, Budget Living and Rescue. And we've said "goodbye" and "hello" to Victoria, which was revived last year after a four-year hiatus.I've read all these magazines and many, many more for this column. It's a good way to keep an eye on trends in colors, finishes and design.Some observations after reading at least three magazines a week, 50 weeks a year, for five years: Some people spend obscene amounts of money on their homes.This is most evident in Architectural Digest, which pays homage to conspicuous consumption in its profiles of the rich and famous. The May 2008 issue, for example, showcases the luxe living quarters in a 152-foot yacht and a private Airbus jet.It's easy to get carried away with organizing.My eyes roll whenever I read articles devoted to this topic. The implication is that storing different pastas in specially purchased, matching containers — don't forget to label them! — somehow elevates the homeowner's quality of life. I once saw a magazine photo of a kid's room in which a special crate held a soccer ball. One box, one ball.My comment on the February 2004 issue of Organizing Good Things sums it up:"It's hard not to laugh while reading this Martha Stewart publication aimed at compulsive neatniks. For starters, Stewart labels everything — as if the average homeowner doesn't know a bed sheet from a washcloth. She prints very neatly, and she uses so many of those stylish little brass label holders that she must have stock in the company that makes them."Good taste is subjective.I sometimes get exasperated with the hoity-toity tone of the high-end magazines. After reading Elle Decor in May 2004, I had these observations about the genre:" 'Good design' really runs the gamut. Sometimes it comes in all white; sometimes it's a riot of color. Sometimes it's sleek and sterile; sometimes it's over-the-top gilt and fringe and flowery chintz. Sometimes it's a portrait by an old master; sometimes it's a piece of stretched canvas painted black. Sometimes it looks incredibly . . . ordinary."