NolaBorn

The Family is a 2001 novel written by Mario Puzo.[1]The novel is about Pope Alexander VI and his family. Puzo spent over twenty years working on the book off and on, while he wrote others. The novel was finished by his longtime girlfriend, Carol Gino. The Family is effectively his last novel. Pope Alexander VI (formerly Rodrigo Borgia) believes God will ultimately forgive his many sins simply because, as Pope, he is infallible and divine. The Family focuses on this cunning, ambitious despot and his children—the ruthless Cesare and the beautiful but wicked Lucrezia. A passionate love story runs through the novel, but it is a sinful one. Lucrezia lost her virginity to her brother Cesare when she was only thirteen, and the two have loved only each other ever since. Alexander marries Lucrezia off three times for political reasons, to Giovanni Sforza (Lord of Pesaro), Alfonso of Aragon (Duke of Bisceglie), and finally Alfonso I d'Este (Duke of Ferrara). She remains submissive to her father, if not to her many husbands and lovers. Her final marriage, to Alfonso d'Este, was a success, though neither partner was faithful: she gave her third husband a number of children and proved to be a respectable and accomplished duchess, effectively rising above her previous reputation and surviving the fall of the Borgias following her father's death. Pope Alexander aims to unify Italy’s feudal states under papal rule. Cesare, who exchanges his cardinal’s miter for a warrior’s helmet to become commander-in-chief of his father’s armies, carries out conquest after conquest to fulfill Alexander’s grandiose ambitions. As in Puzo’s The Godfather, the lovemaking, the opulent festivities, the sub rosa plotting, and the complex double-dealing are interspersed with outbursts of violence, including one memorable scene in which the reformist priest Girolamo Savonarola is torn apart on the Rack. Puzo claims about novel that the Borgia family was in essence the first true Crime Family. Which his earlier novel THE GODFATHER is the story of an American-Italian Crime Family - The Corleones which is set in the early 1940's. The novel THE FAMILY is Puzo's pre-quel to THE GODFATHER novel. I believe if Puzo did not write THE FAMILY neither Borgia series would have been made into both well done productions. THE FAMILY is highly recommended reading. It will further help enhance both series. Enjoy!!!

I can relate to LB being scared living in the house with Martha/Mattie. Especially after Daddy chose LB as the winner of dance contest down in Cabo. It's why LB was wise enough to call it a night and go home while the other 7 PDS cast continued to party. Martha showed up. She was creeping out when Mattie didn't win the dance contest. There is redemption for Mattie, who I really like, when she wins more than an opinionated Mexican lap dance contest. Mattie rocks it winning $1000.00 cash in a Bikini Contest!!!! That girl is tall, beautiful and has a rockin body!!! And ~ she a N'Awlins girl too!!!

Boudreaux - another crazy Louisianian - happy to learn his "Mexican" name of Baboso had me laughing so hard for so long. This is my favorite all-time episode!!!!! From any season and any PDS & PDS2 episodes. Put PDS2 cast mate Karina (later boring Lauren) with the PDS cast and just imagine the hilarious situations which would transpire!!! Who hangs their butt out the sunroom window to urinate? Pop a squat. Maybe she best learn some manners to hang onto the record deal money making guy she dumped Daddy for. She's not real Daddy. Good riddance!!!

If a contestants attire has something to say about who they are as a designer, then who presents themselves with a style you find appealing to you?

Perhaps she has Tourette's!!! Lol. Then she would at least have an excuse for her annoying behavior. If it's any indication of a contestants design aesthetic, then look at how she dresses on each episode. Assuming she is wearing her own designs, I find her choice of material/fabric and clothing design to be so matronly. Whereas with Candice's outfits she has worn, I really like. She has great style. IMO

Clearly lacking vision and creativity. Yes m'am, I agree she is beyond annoying.

Well said. I agree with you 110%!!! I'm glad Edmond had immunity because it was such a hopeless situation for such a brilliant designer he clearly thus far seems to be to be in. Being paired up with this pistachio-goofball contestant. I just did not get her aesthetics. I bristle thinking of Hanmaoi (sp) and her being so narrow minded. I was thrilled when she was eliminated. How did she make it onto this season? IMO ~ zero potential in her design aesthetic.

I am ready to see the architect being (Heidi's infamous line) "one of you will be out" one of the next contestants (I don't want to praise her calling her a designer) to be eliminated. Good riddance. No creativity IMO.

After watching the first four episodes, and if I had to select at this point in viewing this season, who I thought would be in the final three: I would vote Candice, Swapnil and Edmond. Not necessarily in this order. Any thoughts??

After watching the first four episodes, and if I had to select at this point in viewing this season, who I thought would be in the final three: I would vote 1 2 3 Any thoughts??

Many designers from PR, including many contestants who did not win, have their designs sold online. I know because I have purchased Mondo, Dimitri and Seth Aaron clothing designs from several online storefronts. I'm putting together my own personal fashion ensemble collection of many of the brilliant and creative fashion designers from seasons of my favorite show Project Runway.

I was shocked by the judges decision on the winner of Season 8!! I thought Gretchen's clothes were so drab and who walks around wearing her diaper style bottoms? MONDO's collection was so brilliant and fashion forward. I am happy for Mondo that he won All-Stars, claiming the prize he clearly was deprived of. I was very shocked and bewildered hearing years later that Gretchen won as I was convinced that Mondo had the win. That it was that clear and obvious who was by far the best designer. Mondo rocks it!!! I've just bought several of his 2015 pieces from his website store!!! I love love love his aesthetics!!!