This was the last chance for the three standing couples to show us their stuff and tomorrow night one of the couples is going to take home the coveted Mirror Ball trophy.
Tonight, both Chelsea and Mark, and Kirstie and Maks performed a Samba. Two completely different styles and two totally different bods. Chelsea, the boyish type; Kirstie the voluptuous woman. I guess I never noticed before tonight that Chelsea really doesn't have much of a shape.
Hines and Kym did a Quick Step before their Freestyle. In my opinion, it far exceeded the first Quick Step he did. Filled with the razzle dazzle of the 20s, it transported me back to the old time Rogers/Astaire films. Their Freestyle was risky, but more than that, it just made me smile.
When it comes right down to it, Chelsea looks like a dancer, but even though the judges praised her freestyle, I thought it was a bit rough and uncontrolled in spots. And whilst I give a lot of credit to Kirstie for some of the lifts and acrobatics she did in her freestyle, it's not about "wow, she's 60?" It's about the dance, and it didn't seem to flow for me.
Chelsea and Mark, and Hines and Kym tied for the top with a total score of 59
Kirstie and Maks came in with 54.
This really is about fan votes now, so I wonder who you think is going home with the Mirror Ball.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Dancing with the Stars - Ralph and Karina Go Home
After tonight's show, it's down to the final three and next week one couple will hold the Mirror Ball Trophy, but it won't be Ralph Macchio.
Ralph did his best throughout the competition and, frankly, I think the judges were pretty rough on him most of the time; more than rough in my opinion, downright unfair at times. His fans got him to the fourth spot, but they couldn't get him any further.
There's not much I can say, except that sometimes I just hate being right; nevertheless, someone had to go home and I think the best three are left standing. The question now is who's going to take Gold, Silver and Bronze? Oh wait...this isn't the Olympics. I can't remember if second and third place gets a consolation prize though. hmmmm?
I'm looking forward to the Freestyle competition. The dances are always creative and daring and sometimes even over the top, but definitely fun.
The Mirror Ball is so close to the finalists now, I bet they can taste it. If it was made outta chocolate or some other decadent treat, Kirstie would have to win it. But ho hum...it's nothing but a ball of cheap little mirrors. Guess wanting to win is more for the recognition.
Buh-bye, Ralph - you done good. Seriously, though, take the vampire outfit home and have fun. *evil grins
Ralph did his best throughout the competition and, frankly, I think the judges were pretty rough on him most of the time; more than rough in my opinion, downright unfair at times. His fans got him to the fourth spot, but they couldn't get him any further.
There's not much I can say, except that sometimes I just hate being right; nevertheless, someone had to go home and I think the best three are left standing. The question now is who's going to take Gold, Silver and Bronze? Oh wait...this isn't the Olympics. I can't remember if second and third place gets a consolation prize though. hmmmm?
I'm looking forward to the Freestyle competition. The dances are always creative and daring and sometimes even over the top, but definitely fun.
The Mirror Ball is so close to the finalists now, I bet they can taste it. If it was made outta chocolate or some other decadent treat, Kirstie would have to win it. But ho hum...it's nothing but a ball of cheap little mirrors. Guess wanting to win is more for the recognition.
Buh-bye, Ralph - you done good. Seriously, though, take the vampire outfit home and have fun. *evil grins
Death and the Afterlife
Recently, I've been giving death a great deal of thought. Well, not really recently, I guess I've always been obsessed with death and the afterlife - if there is one.
When I was a little girl, I'd sob uncontrollably because one of my dolls just died. I'm surprised my mom didn't have me committed. Instead, at the ripe old age of three, she sent me off to study music and theatre and dance. Anyway, it didn't matter that a doll died, because I would resurrect it a couple days later.
There are so many theories about death and afterlife - and often times I've wondered if rather than God creating us, we didn't create God and His Heaven out of a need.
Today, I read Stephen Hawking's theory and it was disturbing. To believe that "this is it" is really disappointing and like so many others, I just don't want to go there. "There" being some black hole of oblivion. However, as a scientist, he should know that we are conscious energy and energy never dies, it simply changes form. It's merely his theory and he's not all-knowing. Although a brilliant physicist, he can only guess what comes after life like the rest of us less brilliant people.
Because of my fascination with death, I've read more books on the subject than I can remember. I've taken something from each, but I'm still no closer to understanding death than I am to understanding life. All I know is that death is simply life coming full circle.
I've watched people die and each one has experienced something unexplainable. The death rally is an occurrence that I've read about and have seen first hand. When someone has been sick for a long time, they suddenly get this last burst of energy and wellness. It's like they were transported back in time. Then within a day or two, they're dead. At least as far as we know.
I've seen people on their deathbed talk to friends or family members, who had left this plane of reality long before. Really see them and be like happy that they're joining them again. Is it all in our minds? Or is it at all possible that as we die, someone familiar comes to show us the way? But the way to where?
To some, who never look beyond what they've been taught, this place is Heaven. And whilst science claims death is the end, I've yet to see proof. If there is a Heaven, where is it, what is it? Is it a place? A state of mind? Is it a stop over to another life? Can someone resurrect us as I resurrected my dolls?
A friend of mine babysat a little boy, who told everyone that would listen about his home in Ohio. His mom said they never lived in Ohio, but that he had been telling that story ever since he was able to talk. He described the town, the street and the house in which he lived, all in great detail. He even gave a first name.
I don't know if it was out of curiosity, or just to end what his parents believed was a fantasy, but once the mother found the town on the map, she and her husband decided to take the kid there. To their utter shock, the place was exactly as their little boy described. Upon further investigation, they learned that many years prior, a little boy had died in that house. The little boys name was the same as their little boy said.
So, is reincarnation a possibility?
Movies tend to idealize death. They make it so wonderfully perfect that I'm not surprised there aren't more suicides. This past week I watched a movie entitled "What Dreams May Come." As I watched, I thought, yeah...if this is death, cool. It's not an end, but a beginning; an awakening. We learn who we really are and what our purpose is in order to go back and make right our mistakes. Alas! It was a movie - a writer's fantastical theory.
I once read that birth is much more difficult than death. Unless the person, who wrote the book, wrote it posthumously, I have no idea how it could be anything other than a theory.
But could it be that during the birth process we know everything? The befores and the what will bes? My mom was in hard labor with me for 55 hours. lol. I'll have to take her word for it, because I don't remember. If that "knowing" is true, guess I changed my mind about being born into this life. Growing up she'd tell me, I was a pain at birth and have been ever since. I used to tell her that maybe I was her punishment. *laughs wickedly* It's easy to make devout Catholics feel everything is their fault. *evil grins*
Some people say that life on earth is our punishment - our hell. But then why are there those people, who live the "good life" here on earth? That's just not fair at all.
There's only one way of knowing for sure what death is all about, but I'm not dying to find out. What I do know is, if this life is all there is like Stephen Hawking claims, I'm going to be pretty damn pissed.
When I was a little girl, I'd sob uncontrollably because one of my dolls just died. I'm surprised my mom didn't have me committed. Instead, at the ripe old age of three, she sent me off to study music and theatre and dance. Anyway, it didn't matter that a doll died, because I would resurrect it a couple days later.
There are so many theories about death and afterlife - and often times I've wondered if rather than God creating us, we didn't create God and His Heaven out of a need.
Today, I read Stephen Hawking's theory and it was disturbing. To believe that "this is it" is really disappointing and like so many others, I just don't want to go there. "There" being some black hole of oblivion. However, as a scientist, he should know that we are conscious energy and energy never dies, it simply changes form. It's merely his theory and he's not all-knowing. Although a brilliant physicist, he can only guess what comes after life like the rest of us less brilliant people.
Because of my fascination with death, I've read more books on the subject than I can remember. I've taken something from each, but I'm still no closer to understanding death than I am to understanding life. All I know is that death is simply life coming full circle.
I've watched people die and each one has experienced something unexplainable. The death rally is an occurrence that I've read about and have seen first hand. When someone has been sick for a long time, they suddenly get this last burst of energy and wellness. It's like they were transported back in time. Then within a day or two, they're dead. At least as far as we know.
I've seen people on their deathbed talk to friends or family members, who had left this plane of reality long before. Really see them and be like happy that they're joining them again. Is it all in our minds? Or is it at all possible that as we die, someone familiar comes to show us the way? But the way to where?
To some, who never look beyond what they've been taught, this place is Heaven. And whilst science claims death is the end, I've yet to see proof. If there is a Heaven, where is it, what is it? Is it a place? A state of mind? Is it a stop over to another life? Can someone resurrect us as I resurrected my dolls?
A friend of mine babysat a little boy, who told everyone that would listen about his home in Ohio. His mom said they never lived in Ohio, but that he had been telling that story ever since he was able to talk. He described the town, the street and the house in which he lived, all in great detail. He even gave a first name.
I don't know if it was out of curiosity, or just to end what his parents believed was a fantasy, but once the mother found the town on the map, she and her husband decided to take the kid there. To their utter shock, the place was exactly as their little boy described. Upon further investigation, they learned that many years prior, a little boy had died in that house. The little boys name was the same as their little boy said.
So, is reincarnation a possibility?
Movies tend to idealize death. They make it so wonderfully perfect that I'm not surprised there aren't more suicides. This past week I watched a movie entitled "What Dreams May Come." As I watched, I thought, yeah...if this is death, cool. It's not an end, but a beginning; an awakening. We learn who we really are and what our purpose is in order to go back and make right our mistakes. Alas! It was a movie - a writer's fantastical theory.
I once read that birth is much more difficult than death. Unless the person, who wrote the book, wrote it posthumously, I have no idea how it could be anything other than a theory.
But could it be that during the birth process we know everything? The befores and the what will bes? My mom was in hard labor with me for 55 hours. lol. I'll have to take her word for it, because I don't remember. If that "knowing" is true, guess I changed my mind about being born into this life. Growing up she'd tell me, I was a pain at birth and have been ever since. I used to tell her that maybe I was her punishment. *laughs wickedly* It's easy to make devout Catholics feel everything is their fault. *evil grins*
Some people say that life on earth is our punishment - our hell. But then why are there those people, who live the "good life" here on earth? That's just not fair at all.
There's only one way of knowing for sure what death is all about, but I'm not dying to find out. What I do know is, if this life is all there is like Stephen Hawking claims, I'm going to be pretty damn pissed.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Dancing with the Stars - Semi Finals May 2011
It's down to the wire and with three dances to rehearse - Kym's injury that could have been really serious, Ralph's leg problem last week that still doesn't seem completely healed, and all of Kirstie's mishaps during the first half of the season - it looks like Chelsea and Mark are the only couple, who have escaped incident throughout the competition.
Ralph and Karina opened tonight's competition and their first dance of the night was the Argentine Tango. Whilst I believe that Ralph never fails to portray the character of the dance, the temperature dropped for me in what should have been a hot and steamy dance. In their second number, despite the butt pads he wore to enhance a part of his anatomy that lacks a bit of meat, they performed a mediocre Salsa.
I know I've said this before, but I'll reiterate - Kirstie is just good for Maks. She brings out the best in him and he definitely brings out the best dancer in her. Her attitude sells every dance she's ever performed. Tonight, she floated across the dance floor with her Viennese Waltz and was fiery hot in her technically demanding Paso Doble.
Chelsea has graduated from a good dancer to a real pro. She and Mark compliment one another; Mark, however, being the pro he is never fails to let her shine. Their Argentine Tango was perfection and I felt the heat between the two of them as they performed that was lacking in Ralph and Karina's Tango. Of course the judges focused more on her legs, which they claimed were too fluid.
What they couldn't fault was her hypnotic Rumba, which was awarded with a perfect score.
Of course, when it comes to the right moves, Hines is perfection (well not always, but damn near close). Tonight he earned three 10s in both his dances. And considering that Kym, who was trying to teach him some lifts in rehearsal that she's never done before, took a fall, twisted her neck and had that big guy land on her head, she's lucky she's still walking, let alone dancing.
Hines is the kind of guy that you have to like. He has this gentle spirit that shines through in his ever present smile. After he and Kym performed their Argentine Tango, he was unable to contain his emotion. There's something so touching about a big, strong man, who takes control of his woman on the dance floor, but supports her with tenderness and caring. Their Salsa was fun and sexy, and you never once wondered who was in control.
I've liked him from beginning and if he doesn't make it to the final two, I'd be surprised, I'd also be kind of sad, because I couldn't get through to vote.
Tonight, for the first time on DWTS, they had a "Winner Takes All Dance." The stars, performing a Cha Cha Cha, competed against each other for 15 additional points. The reasoning behind this is so that the judges have more control over fan votes and "dancers like Brandy shouldn't be voted off" because a dancer not as good had more fan votes.
Okay, I wasn't a fan of Brandy's and was all too happy when she was voted off. Not that she wasn't a good dancer; hell, she had training so she should have been better than those who never danced before in their lives. Her attitude just turned me off. "I'm Brandy! Best dancer here and I'm gonna win this competition, because I'm perfect." Ummmm...NO!
Anyway, I don't know how they picked the couples to compete against each other, but with little time to rehearse their Cha Cha Cha, it was Hines and Kym against Ralph and Karina. We all knew who was going to win that one. Then it was Kirstie and Maks against Chelsea and Mark. Again, no question of who would win.
The final two competing were Hines and Kym vs. Chelsea and Mark and for some reason I think the judges based their votes on who they thought might get the most fan votes, because they all voted to give Chelsea and Mark the extra 15 points.
It was an exciting competition tonight and I think Ralph and Karina danced their last dance.
What do you think?
Ralph and Karina opened tonight's competition and their first dance of the night was the Argentine Tango. Whilst I believe that Ralph never fails to portray the character of the dance, the temperature dropped for me in what should have been a hot and steamy dance. In their second number, despite the butt pads he wore to enhance a part of his anatomy that lacks a bit of meat, they performed a mediocre Salsa.
I know I've said this before, but I'll reiterate - Kirstie is just good for Maks. She brings out the best in him and he definitely brings out the best dancer in her. Her attitude sells every dance she's ever performed. Tonight, she floated across the dance floor with her Viennese Waltz and was fiery hot in her technically demanding Paso Doble.
Chelsea has graduated from a good dancer to a real pro. She and Mark compliment one another; Mark, however, being the pro he is never fails to let her shine. Their Argentine Tango was perfection and I felt the heat between the two of them as they performed that was lacking in Ralph and Karina's Tango. Of course the judges focused more on her legs, which they claimed were too fluid.
What they couldn't fault was her hypnotic Rumba, which was awarded with a perfect score.
Of course, when it comes to the right moves, Hines is perfection (well not always, but damn near close). Tonight he earned three 10s in both his dances. And considering that Kym, who was trying to teach him some lifts in rehearsal that she's never done before, took a fall, twisted her neck and had that big guy land on her head, she's lucky she's still walking, let alone dancing.
Hines is the kind of guy that you have to like. He has this gentle spirit that shines through in his ever present smile. After he and Kym performed their Argentine Tango, he was unable to contain his emotion. There's something so touching about a big, strong man, who takes control of his woman on the dance floor, but supports her with tenderness and caring. Their Salsa was fun and sexy, and you never once wondered who was in control.
I've liked him from beginning and if he doesn't make it to the final two, I'd be surprised, I'd also be kind of sad, because I couldn't get through to vote.
Tonight, for the first time on DWTS, they had a "Winner Takes All Dance." The stars, performing a Cha Cha Cha, competed against each other for 15 additional points. The reasoning behind this is so that the judges have more control over fan votes and "dancers like Brandy shouldn't be voted off" because a dancer not as good had more fan votes.
Okay, I wasn't a fan of Brandy's and was all too happy when she was voted off. Not that she wasn't a good dancer; hell, she had training so she should have been better than those who never danced before in their lives. Her attitude just turned me off. "I'm Brandy! Best dancer here and I'm gonna win this competition, because I'm perfect." Ummmm...NO!
Anyway, I don't know how they picked the couples to compete against each other, but with little time to rehearse their Cha Cha Cha, it was Hines and Kym against Ralph and Karina. We all knew who was going to win that one. Then it was Kirstie and Maks against Chelsea and Mark. Again, no question of who would win.
The final two competing were Hines and Kym vs. Chelsea and Mark and for some reason I think the judges based their votes on who they thought might get the most fan votes, because they all voted to give Chelsea and Mark the extra 15 points.
It was an exciting competition tonight and I think Ralph and Karina danced their last dance.
What do you think?
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Dancing with the Stars - Week Eights Elimination
When it comes down to the final week before the semi-finals, it's sad to see any of the contestants go home. They've all worked hard with their eye on the mirror ball trophy, but it can only go to one.
Tonight's elimination left me with mixed emotions. Romeo and Chelsie, and Ralph and Karina stood awaiting their fate. Both couples looked as if they were facing a firing squad.
Obviously, Ralph had a rough night last night, due to an injury, but most of his performances were great; if not technically exact, the majority were sold with the finesse of a skilled actor.
Romeo, on the other hand, didn't know squat about dancing. Like I've said before, he spells Ballroom - R A P. He knew nothing about it. But even less than I imagined. He didn't go to his senior prom, because he couldn't dance. He didn't want to look like a fool. He proved to himself and others that he could dance and last night he gave one of his best performances.
Appearing on DWTS, meant he really had to put himself, his ego, out there and for that I give him credit. He grew tremendously and I thoroughly enjoyed last night's performance. But the fans have spoken and tonight he went home. :(
He wished to be an inspiration to all the kids out there. Overcome your fears, like he did. Conquer them, because "Fear is the mind killer." That one's for you Avilo. lol
Speaking of inspiration, I literally got choked up when the three boys, (won't even try to write out their names) whose dad died way too early, took the dance floor and performed in a way to make their dad proud. They were awesome and their story, heartrending.
As a matter of fact, all the talent tonight was exceptional. Of course, sitting in with the three on Dance Center just...what can I say? They're so stupid, they're funny.
It was a good show all the way around and I'm really looking forward to the semi-finals.
*grrrrr @ Blogspot. It won't let me correct title. Then it did and now it's reverted to the original title again - all by itself. It should be Elimination - Week 8.
Tonight's elimination left me with mixed emotions. Romeo and Chelsie, and Ralph and Karina stood awaiting their fate. Both couples looked as if they were facing a firing squad.
Obviously, Ralph had a rough night last night, due to an injury, but most of his performances were great; if not technically exact, the majority were sold with the finesse of a skilled actor.
Romeo, on the other hand, didn't know squat about dancing. Like I've said before, he spells Ballroom - R A P. He knew nothing about it. But even less than I imagined. He didn't go to his senior prom, because he couldn't dance. He didn't want to look like a fool. He proved to himself and others that he could dance and last night he gave one of his best performances.
Appearing on DWTS, meant he really had to put himself, his ego, out there and for that I give him credit. He grew tremendously and I thoroughly enjoyed last night's performance. But the fans have spoken and tonight he went home. :(
He wished to be an inspiration to all the kids out there. Overcome your fears, like he did. Conquer them, because "Fear is the mind killer." That one's for you Avilo. lol
Speaking of inspiration, I literally got choked up when the three boys, (won't even try to write out their names) whose dad died way too early, took the dance floor and performed in a way to make their dad proud. They were awesome and their story, heartrending.
As a matter of fact, all the talent tonight was exceptional. Of course, sitting in with the three on Dance Center just...what can I say? They're so stupid, they're funny.
It was a good show all the way around and I'm really looking forward to the semi-finals.
*grrrrr @ Blogspot. It won't let me correct title. Then it did and now it's reverted to the original title again - all by itself. It should be Elimination - Week 8.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Dancing with the Stars 2011 - Week Eight
What has this season of DWTS had that other seasons haven't? Come on guess! Maybe if I put it the other way around guessing will be easier. What have other seasons had that this season hasn't? Okay...Okay, I tell ya. Tens.
This season was about unprofessional dancers, learning to dance, and it's been absolutely refreshing for me. There wasn't a lot of drama, there wasn't a lot of temper tantrums - although tonight for the first time this season, Maks a threw a bit of a fit in rehearsal, but mostly, he and Kirstie are just suited personality-wise.
And I take back everything I said about her last week. Whilst I don't think she's grown that much, despite what Maks says, tonight her Argentine Tango was sizzling hot. I'm mesmerized by her and I'm not sure if it's her personality or me waiting for something to go wrong.
When Maks threw her over his head and walked down the stairs with her in that position, I was like, omg not only does that man strike me as being protective of his women, but daaaaaayummm he's strong!!!!!!!!. I don't know how much weight Kirstie has lost, but she's not down to feather weight, and yet he sure made it look like she is.
Tonight was "Instant Dance" night in addition to the regular dance and Kirstie and Maks did a traditional Salsa, which was not bad, but nothing to rave about. Len loved it, because it was "traditional" and kinda sorta said that we're getting too used to seeing the non-traditional Salsa performed. Can't please everyone.
I did, however, agree with Len twice tonight and that just scares me. After Hines and Kym performed their first number Len mentioned something about Hines' feet. Whilst I was watching his Fox Trot, I thought to myself, "Are you being kinda heavy on your feet, Hines?"
Don't get me wrong, I still think he's one of the best dancers on this season, but for some reason, I didn't care too much for his Fox Trot from the waist down - and yeah, I do have a tendency to focus on his bottom half - the feet. mmhmm. lol
The Jive he performed in the "Instant Dance" was excellent, though. I mean considering these people rehearse sans music and have no idea what music they'll be dancing to until shortly before they go on, ya gotta give em credit.
Chelsea and Mark were brilliant as always and she just might win the sparkly ball. They performed an emotional Waltz that drew me into the moment and left me with goose bumps. It earned them the first two tens of the season. Guess which judge disagreed?
They're Salsa was fun and energetic, and again for just having heard the music for the first time minutes before, they did a fantastic job.
As I watched Romeo and Chelsie rehearse the Tango, I thought...ummm...nah he won't be able to pull off such an intense dance. But omg, it was amazing! He had both the feel and the moves. He dominated Chelsie around the stage and did so with elegance. It was pretty hot, actually. And how could he possibly go wrong with the Salsa for their Instant Dance? Carrie Ann wasn't that impressed, but I thought it deserved more than the eight she gave them.
The dancer that has my sympathy is Ralph. Every season has to have an injury and this season he's the one who was hit. Nevertheless, when he and Karina did this dramatic Waltz that was oh so sexah and vampire-ish in ways, my tongue was hanging out. If he was my hubby, you better believe I'd be thinking...yeah, send him home tomorrow night and tell him to wear exactly what he was wearing, make-up and all, cuz I'm burning hot and ready for action.
Unfortunately, his injury caused him to fail miserably in the ChaCha. :(
The combined totals after tonight's show are:
Chelsea and Mark 55
Hines and Kym 54
Kirstie and Maks 53
Romeo and Chelsie 52
Ralph and Karina 46 *weeps a little
I'm guessing Ralph is going home, so have fun wifey. :D
This season was about unprofessional dancers, learning to dance, and it's been absolutely refreshing for me. There wasn't a lot of drama, there wasn't a lot of temper tantrums - although tonight for the first time this season, Maks a threw a bit of a fit in rehearsal, but mostly, he and Kirstie are just suited personality-wise.
And I take back everything I said about her last week. Whilst I don't think she's grown that much, despite what Maks says, tonight her Argentine Tango was sizzling hot. I'm mesmerized by her and I'm not sure if it's her personality or me waiting for something to go wrong.
When Maks threw her over his head and walked down the stairs with her in that position, I was like, omg not only does that man strike me as being protective of his women, but daaaaaayummm he's strong!!!!!!!!. I don't know how much weight Kirstie has lost, but she's not down to feather weight, and yet he sure made it look like she is.
Tonight was "Instant Dance" night in addition to the regular dance and Kirstie and Maks did a traditional Salsa, which was not bad, but nothing to rave about. Len loved it, because it was "traditional" and kinda sorta said that we're getting too used to seeing the non-traditional Salsa performed. Can't please everyone.
I did, however, agree with Len twice tonight and that just scares me. After Hines and Kym performed their first number Len mentioned something about Hines' feet. Whilst I was watching his Fox Trot, I thought to myself, "Are you being kinda heavy on your feet, Hines?"
Don't get me wrong, I still think he's one of the best dancers on this season, but for some reason, I didn't care too much for his Fox Trot from the waist down - and yeah, I do have a tendency to focus on his bottom half - the feet. mmhmm. lol
The Jive he performed in the "Instant Dance" was excellent, though. I mean considering these people rehearse sans music and have no idea what music they'll be dancing to until shortly before they go on, ya gotta give em credit.
Chelsea and Mark were brilliant as always and she just might win the sparkly ball. They performed an emotional Waltz that drew me into the moment and left me with goose bumps. It earned them the first two tens of the season. Guess which judge disagreed?
They're Salsa was fun and energetic, and again for just having heard the music for the first time minutes before, they did a fantastic job.
As I watched Romeo and Chelsie rehearse the Tango, I thought...ummm...nah he won't be able to pull off such an intense dance. But omg, it was amazing! He had both the feel and the moves. He dominated Chelsie around the stage and did so with elegance. It was pretty hot, actually. And how could he possibly go wrong with the Salsa for their Instant Dance? Carrie Ann wasn't that impressed, but I thought it deserved more than the eight she gave them.
The dancer that has my sympathy is Ralph. Every season has to have an injury and this season he's the one who was hit. Nevertheless, when he and Karina did this dramatic Waltz that was oh so sexah and vampire-ish in ways, my tongue was hanging out. If he was my hubby, you better believe I'd be thinking...yeah, send him home tomorrow night and tell him to wear exactly what he was wearing, make-up and all, cuz I'm burning hot and ready for action.
Unfortunately, his injury caused him to fail miserably in the ChaCha. :(
The combined totals after tonight's show are:
Chelsea and Mark 55
Hines and Kym 54
Kirstie and Maks 53
Romeo and Chelsie 52
Ralph and Karina 46 *weeps a little
I'm guessing Ralph is going home, so have fun wifey. :D
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Army Wives - Decisions, Decisions, Decisions
Correction: I inadvertently coupled Claudia Joy and Col. Sherwood. Oops. Thanks to a viewer for spotting my error and also for the great alliteration. Henceforth, if the writer's want to spice it up with "husband swapping, I'll leave it to them.. lol
Okay, so I know Army Wives is a TV show and at times actors aren't satisfied with their new contracts, or they get a better deal on another show. I mean that's why Jeremy was killed off, right? But I hate when they turn "good" guys bad. And that's what they're doing with Roxy's hubby, Tevor. He was one of the nicest guys on the show. Suddenly he's totally unreasonable.
Granted, he was in Iraq and got news that Fin's (Roxy's son) dad stayed overnight at their house. Granted, he was against Roxy building a truck stop. Granted, she went ahead and did it anyway. Granted she hired Fin's dad for the project and never told Trevor. Ummm....guess he has a reason to be pissed. But it's all about trust.
Similar situations and two very different reactions on tonight's show.
Claudia Joy's boss in a celebratory moment hugged her and kissed her - on the lips. Oops. When Claudia Joy asked Denise, her best friend, if she should tell her hubby, Denise advised her to not say anything. "But we don't have secrets." Hmmmm? All right, dope, tell him. She said she wasn't going to, but I knew she would. And that's exactly what she did.
He was quiet, but CJ told him she'd quit, if he wanted her to. He went for a walk, leaving Claudia Joy to wonder if their many years of marriage and trust meant nothing. What he did was confront her boss. Not like Trevor confronted Wit, with a punch in the jaw. Not in a rage like Trevor did in the Hump Bar in front of all the customers, accusing his wife of something that never happened. Nope, Col. Sherwood, gentleman that he is, marched into the office, told the boss he knew what happened and said, "I trust my wife, I don't trust you. And if it ever happens again, you won't see me coming." Wow!
At least Pamela didn't have any decisions to make this week. Now that she's back with her bad husband, turned good, what more can happen with them? Don't tell me they're all gonna be written out of the script. Nah!
The decision that's been weighing on Roland and Joan Burton is whether or not they should adopt. When the decision was finally made, the writers were clever (and all too obvious) and threw a drug addicted mom with a kid, who just happened to think the world of Dr. Burton.
No problem. They are the Burton's - a great family. What agency, who has a million kids in foster care, wouldn't want them to foster this little boy? One problem, the mom is a patient of Dr. Burton's. Aha! Conflict of interest. Okay okay... I can see the courts pov. Later, down the line, the mom comes back and tells the courts that Roland schemed for her to fail so he could steal her kid. Farfetched, but I guess possible.
There's no doubt in my mind that since the Burton's saw all the foster kids in need of a home, that they're going to adopt all of them. lol Joking, of course.
Alls I can say is, I hate decisions.
Okay, so I know Army Wives is a TV show and at times actors aren't satisfied with their new contracts, or they get a better deal on another show. I mean that's why Jeremy was killed off, right? But I hate when they turn "good" guys bad. And that's what they're doing with Roxy's hubby, Tevor. He was one of the nicest guys on the show. Suddenly he's totally unreasonable.
Granted, he was in Iraq and got news that Fin's (Roxy's son) dad stayed overnight at their house. Granted, he was against Roxy building a truck stop. Granted, she went ahead and did it anyway. Granted she hired Fin's dad for the project and never told Trevor. Ummm....guess he has a reason to be pissed. But it's all about trust.
Similar situations and two very different reactions on tonight's show.
Claudia Joy's boss in a celebratory moment hugged her and kissed her - on the lips. Oops. When Claudia Joy asked Denise, her best friend, if she should tell her hubby, Denise advised her to not say anything. "But we don't have secrets." Hmmmm? All right, dope, tell him. She said she wasn't going to, but I knew she would. And that's exactly what she did.
He was quiet, but CJ told him she'd quit, if he wanted her to. He went for a walk, leaving Claudia Joy to wonder if their many years of marriage and trust meant nothing. What he did was confront her boss. Not like Trevor confronted Wit, with a punch in the jaw. Not in a rage like Trevor did in the Hump Bar in front of all the customers, accusing his wife of something that never happened. Nope, Col. Sherwood, gentleman that he is, marched into the office, told the boss he knew what happened and said, "I trust my wife, I don't trust you. And if it ever happens again, you won't see me coming." Wow!
At least Pamela didn't have any decisions to make this week. Now that she's back with her bad husband, turned good, what more can happen with them? Don't tell me they're all gonna be written out of the script. Nah!
The decision that's been weighing on Roland and Joan Burton is whether or not they should adopt. When the decision was finally made, the writers were clever (and all too obvious) and threw a drug addicted mom with a kid, who just happened to think the world of Dr. Burton.
No problem. They are the Burton's - a great family. What agency, who has a million kids in foster care, wouldn't want them to foster this little boy? One problem, the mom is a patient of Dr. Burton's. Aha! Conflict of interest. Okay okay... I can see the courts pov. Later, down the line, the mom comes back and tells the courts that Roland schemed for her to fail so he could steal her kid. Farfetched, but I guess possible.
There's no doubt in my mind that since the Burton's saw all the foster kids in need of a home, that they're going to adopt all of them. lol Joking, of course.
Alls I can say is, I hate decisions.
Starcraft : A Follow-up to "Bad Manners"
Someone directed me to an interesting editorial, which I've linked here. Of course, like with everything else, people have their own opinions; however, according to this editorial money IS the root of all evil in StarCraft.
http://www.sixjaxgaming.com/wp/scii/2011/04/22/the-age-of-innocence/#comment-17678
In part, I believe that's true. Since eSports, Starcraft specifically, are gaining popularity in North America, there are more sponsors interested. They, of course, back the teams that can make them money. The teams want sponsors so they can make money. Players stream to make money and popular players make money off the ads, because the advertisers make money off the players who have a large following. So, yeah, greed plays a big part. And when people are greedy, they get hateful. *sighs*
But can that MAKE someone bad mannered? One of the worst BMers, and yet extremely popular with "adolescents," is a very immature, angry and hateful 20 year old moron. His fans adore his BM and he's become so popular that he believes he has the right to be rude and hateful. Like most people, who can't handle celebrity, he's been infected with the disease, egomania. He's so full of himself that when he goes to the bathroom, he craps turds in his image.
Is he, however, in his heart really bad mannered or have his fans created the monster? He has been temporarily banned from TeamLiquid a total of 25 times. Anyone else would have been permabanned. He draws viewers to TL, though. Even his most recent ban, which was originally for two days, turned into 90, because he suggested on twitter that his fans complain, "if you disagree."
The fans, of course, began spamming the mod, who had the balls to ban him and for that reason the two day ban evolved into 90 days. But is it really a ban? He seldom posts in the TL forums, but he does stream from the site. The TL site didn't disable his stream so it's hardly punishment, because he can still make MONEY off his stream ads. He can still compete in tournaments. Actually, this ban doesn't bother him in the least.
Who does it effect? His fans. And does he care about his fans, who went out of their way to defend him? Well, since he decided to pull his stream from TL, I think not.
It was nice to see how many people actually can't stand his BM and were happy with the ban. Even some fans mentioned that whilst they love his play, they don't like his bad manners. But it was an eye-opener to read how many Starcraft followers think that his bad manners are mild compared to players in other games, like WoW and DoTA. "That's why we watch the games." Huh?
Kids actually take an interest in eSports to learn bad manners? To watch players attack each other verbally. To see players rage? Can someone explain this to me? Is it like slowing down to see a disastrous car accident on the highway? Or driving miles to another city, like Tuscaloosa, to take pictures of the devastation left in the aftermath of a killer tornado. What kind of people are we?
I stopped reading the TL thread on the ban after 55 pages. But somewhere in the back of my mind I wonder if TL execs had this all planned. Certainly, it brought attention to the TL forums and it gave more attention to the player.
It's beyond my comprehension to think that parents are "proud" to know that their offspring excels in bad manners. So, I guess I question if they even know.
With that said, I still haven't figured out the amount of bad manners directed specifically toward women. Misogyny is not the reason - at least in most cases. But I wonder if subconsciously some men put down women, in order to feel more powerful themselves. This, of course, is an entirely different topic.
Thanks for reading and if you have ideas, opinions, etc. please do comment.
http://www.sixjaxgaming.com/wp/scii/2011/04/22/the-age-of-innocence/#comment-17678
In part, I believe that's true. Since eSports, Starcraft specifically, are gaining popularity in North America, there are more sponsors interested. They, of course, back the teams that can make them money. The teams want sponsors so they can make money. Players stream to make money and popular players make money off the ads, because the advertisers make money off the players who have a large following. So, yeah, greed plays a big part. And when people are greedy, they get hateful. *sighs*
But can that MAKE someone bad mannered? One of the worst BMers, and yet extremely popular with "adolescents," is a very immature, angry and hateful 20 year old moron. His fans adore his BM and he's become so popular that he believes he has the right to be rude and hateful. Like most people, who can't handle celebrity, he's been infected with the disease, egomania. He's so full of himself that when he goes to the bathroom, he craps turds in his image.
Is he, however, in his heart really bad mannered or have his fans created the monster? He has been temporarily banned from TeamLiquid a total of 25 times. Anyone else would have been permabanned. He draws viewers to TL, though. Even his most recent ban, which was originally for two days, turned into 90, because he suggested on twitter that his fans complain, "if you disagree."
The fans, of course, began spamming the mod, who had the balls to ban him and for that reason the two day ban evolved into 90 days. But is it really a ban? He seldom posts in the TL forums, but he does stream from the site. The TL site didn't disable his stream so it's hardly punishment, because he can still make MONEY off his stream ads. He can still compete in tournaments. Actually, this ban doesn't bother him in the least.
Who does it effect? His fans. And does he care about his fans, who went out of their way to defend him? Well, since he decided to pull his stream from TL, I think not.
It was nice to see how many people actually can't stand his BM and were happy with the ban. Even some fans mentioned that whilst they love his play, they don't like his bad manners. But it was an eye-opener to read how many Starcraft followers think that his bad manners are mild compared to players in other games, like WoW and DoTA. "That's why we watch the games." Huh?
Kids actually take an interest in eSports to learn bad manners? To watch players attack each other verbally. To see players rage? Can someone explain this to me? Is it like slowing down to see a disastrous car accident on the highway? Or driving miles to another city, like Tuscaloosa, to take pictures of the devastation left in the aftermath of a killer tornado. What kind of people are we?
I stopped reading the TL thread on the ban after 55 pages. But somewhere in the back of my mind I wonder if TL execs had this all planned. Certainly, it brought attention to the TL forums and it gave more attention to the player.
It's beyond my comprehension to think that parents are "proud" to know that their offspring excels in bad manners. So, I guess I question if they even know.
With that said, I still haven't figured out the amount of bad manners directed specifically toward women. Misogyny is not the reason - at least in most cases. But I wonder if subconsciously some men put down women, in order to feel more powerful themselves. This, of course, is an entirely different topic.
Thanks for reading and if you have ideas, opinions, etc. please do comment.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Dancing With the Stars - The Wrong Choice
No one wanted Kendra to go home more than I, but that was a few weeks ago - not tonight!
Whilst she's not the best dancer, she is the one dancer that has shown improvement. Kirstie Alley, on the other hand, hasn't grown as far as I'm concerned. Granted she's had a lot of mishaps; first the fall, then the shoe, and last night she fumbled a couple steps. So, do the viewers feel sorry for her? Is that why Kendra, rather than Kirstie went home tonight?
Kirstie has a captivating personality and she can sell a dance, but has she improved from week one until now? When she first stepped on the dance floor seven weeks ago, I'm sure lots of viewers were surprised at how well she performed. Hell, even the judges were stunned. Sorry, but from this fans perspective, she isn't any better than when she debuted.
I actually feel badly for Kendra; and to see Chelsea and Mark in jeopardy - again - OMG! Something is so unfair about a competition where popularity rather than talent is judged.
That's my story and I'm stickin' to it!
Whilst she's not the best dancer, she is the one dancer that has shown improvement. Kirstie Alley, on the other hand, hasn't grown as far as I'm concerned. Granted she's had a lot of mishaps; first the fall, then the shoe, and last night she fumbled a couple steps. So, do the viewers feel sorry for her? Is that why Kendra, rather than Kirstie went home tonight?
Kirstie has a captivating personality and she can sell a dance, but has she improved from week one until now? When she first stepped on the dance floor seven weeks ago, I'm sure lots of viewers were surprised at how well she performed. Hell, even the judges were stunned. Sorry, but from this fans perspective, she isn't any better than when she debuted.
I actually feel badly for Kendra; and to see Chelsea and Mark in jeopardy - again - OMG! Something is so unfair about a competition where popularity rather than talent is judged.
That's my story and I'm stickin' to it!
Monday, May 2, 2011
Dancing with the Stars - Week Seven Already?
Correction: It was brought to my attention that whilst I've only seen six weeks of DWTS, we're actually in week seven.
Isn't it funny that when you're really enjoying something, time goes by so quickly? It hardly seems possible that we're already into week six of Dancing with the Stars. Missing last week's show was disappointing, but I really don't want to miss another one or I'll probably go into a rage and kick mother nature's butt.
The competitors are neck in neck and that's exciting. No one dancer outshines any of the others. Even in the team dance, they tied. Of course, I was waiting for Kirstie to have a mishap. Seems every time she dances, I'm holding my breath.
In week six, (seven) I thought she'd be a size six. (seven) Okay, so I'm exaggerating, even with a the seven, but doesn't seem to me that she's dropped that many pounds for the work-out Maks is giving her. And, yes, I do mean on the dance floor.
Her Jive tonight wasn't that great. Still, there's just something about her that I enjoy watching. She exudes personality and sex appeal when she dances. The judges scores differed as much as their critique. The guest judge, Donnie Burns, gave her a nine, which in my opinion, was way too high. Len gave her a six, way too low. Wtf...are we playing Goldilocks here? Only one of the four bears gave her a seven and that's probably just right.
Y'all know the Paso is one hell of a sexy dance and one of my favorites. It was well performed by Chelsea and Mark, but in rehearsal, Chelsea was told that she has to stop smiling. "The Paso is aggressive and passionate." Now, if someone said that to me, I'd get the giggles and it would erupt into a full blown pee in your pants laugh. As a matter of fact, as I watched them, I was like...omg, don't laugh, don't laugh. Unfortunately, I think she was too serious.
Kendra proved that a tomboy (that part of her nature is probably why she and Louis connect so well. hehe) can be elegant, when she glided across the floor in the arms of Louis. Frankly, I was pleasantly surprised. She can shake her booty all right, but I wasn't so sure she could actually pull off a dance.
As far as Ralph is concerned - Oh wait, I want to interrupt this with a question. Where are Bruno's vocal chords located that the man can't talk without standing up?
Okay, Ralph. Let's face it, he's in his 50s and he can move despite a bum knee. His Quick Step was fun to watch, as are all his dances. And what a gentleman. With reference to last week, when Karina tripped, he responded like a knight in shining armor. Ralph MACcHiO. mmhmm.
From the start, though, Hines has been my favorite. He's been consistently good and always growing. Whilst I wasn't a big fan of his Tango - I guess because seeing him sans smiles is just weird - he still made it pleasant to watch. *swoons
Then comes Romeo and Chelsie. I have to give the kid credit. Face it, he didn't even know what ball room was and he's learned to get out there and do it. Nevertheless, I feel he struggles a bit with technique.
All in all the dancers are growing and are fun to watch. Dancing to me is so sensual and sexy and I guess Donnie Burns summed it up when he described dancing as "Horizontal desire." Ooooooh yeaaaaaaaaah.
If you missed the scores, here they are.
Chelsea and Mark 8--9-8-9
Kendra and Louis 8-8-7-8
Kirstie and Maks 9-7-6-8
Ralph and Karina 10-9-8-9
Hines and Kym 9-9-8-10
Romeo and Cheslie 7-8-7-8 (although Donnie originally held up a #8 paddle)
The both team scores totaled 30.
So who's going home tomorrow night? Your guess is as good as mine.
Isn't it funny that when you're really enjoying something, time goes by so quickly? It hardly seems possible that we're already into week six of Dancing with the Stars. Missing last week's show was disappointing, but I really don't want to miss another one or I'll probably go into a rage and kick mother nature's butt.
The competitors are neck in neck and that's exciting. No one dancer outshines any of the others. Even in the team dance, they tied. Of course, I was waiting for Kirstie to have a mishap. Seems every time she dances, I'm holding my breath.
In week six, (seven) I thought she'd be a size six. (seven) Okay, so I'm exaggerating, even with a the seven, but doesn't seem to me that she's dropped that many pounds for the work-out Maks is giving her. And, yes, I do mean on the dance floor.
Her Jive tonight wasn't that great. Still, there's just something about her that I enjoy watching. She exudes personality and sex appeal when she dances. The judges scores differed as much as their critique. The guest judge, Donnie Burns, gave her a nine, which in my opinion, was way too high. Len gave her a six, way too low. Wtf...are we playing Goldilocks here? Only one of the four bears gave her a seven and that's probably just right.
Y'all know the Paso is one hell of a sexy dance and one of my favorites. It was well performed by Chelsea and Mark, but in rehearsal, Chelsea was told that she has to stop smiling. "The Paso is aggressive and passionate." Now, if someone said that to me, I'd get the giggles and it would erupt into a full blown pee in your pants laugh. As a matter of fact, as I watched them, I was like...omg, don't laugh, don't laugh. Unfortunately, I think she was too serious.
Kendra proved that a tomboy (that part of her nature is probably why she and Louis connect so well. hehe) can be elegant, when she glided across the floor in the arms of Louis. Frankly, I was pleasantly surprised. She can shake her booty all right, but I wasn't so sure she could actually pull off a dance.
As far as Ralph is concerned - Oh wait, I want to interrupt this with a question. Where are Bruno's vocal chords located that the man can't talk without standing up?
Okay, Ralph. Let's face it, he's in his 50s and he can move despite a bum knee. His Quick Step was fun to watch, as are all his dances. And what a gentleman. With reference to last week, when Karina tripped, he responded like a knight in shining armor. Ralph MACcHiO. mmhmm.
From the start, though, Hines has been my favorite. He's been consistently good and always growing. Whilst I wasn't a big fan of his Tango - I guess because seeing him sans smiles is just weird - he still made it pleasant to watch. *swoons
Then comes Romeo and Chelsie. I have to give the kid credit. Face it, he didn't even know what ball room was and he's learned to get out there and do it. Nevertheless, I feel he struggles a bit with technique.
All in all the dancers are growing and are fun to watch. Dancing to me is so sensual and sexy and I guess Donnie Burns summed it up when he described dancing as "Horizontal desire." Ooooooh yeaaaaaaaaah.
If you missed the scores, here they are.
Chelsea and Mark 8--9-8-9
Kendra and Louis 8-8-7-8
Kirstie and Maks 9-7-6-8
Ralph and Karina 10-9-8-9
Hines and Kym 9-9-8-10
Romeo and Cheslie 7-8-7-8 (although Donnie originally held up a #8 paddle)
The both team scores totaled 30.
So who's going home tomorrow night? Your guess is as good as mine.
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