Before I discuss the wack-a-doodle TV theme night, here is a quick recap of last week's Tuesday night episode. I'm sorry this recap is so late. Honestly, I wasn't jazzed about the episode, and I'm not all into writing a recap of it. With the exception of one great performance and one most improved couple, everyone else either stagnated, or took a step backward.
I see two main problems with last week's episode. Number one, two dances in as many nights on week two is too much for these celebrities. Most of them were not even prepared for one dance. Plus there was the added pressure of these new dancers wanting to do their best for their professional partners, who were representing their hometowns.
The winners of the night by a landslide were Tamar and Val, who danced a funky, bouncy, unique charleston. They were energetic, with great musicality, and I enjoyed every second of it. They were rewarded with the highest total score of the night: 25.
The most improved couple was a big surprise: Victor and Karina. They danced a proper, decent rumba, and for once Victor was not dressed in a costume designed to get laughs. Their height difference is still an issue in taking their dancing seriously, but I was impressed, and so were the judges.Their scores were not high, but definitely a jump from the night and week before.
Taking a step back this night were Carlos and Whitney, Alexa and Mark, and Kim and Tony. Kim returned to her turtle pace of dancing, and her frame needed work. The judges criticized Carlos' "squattiness" and said he made some mistakes. Alexa was praised for her classy rumba, but I think the judges felt the choreography was difficult for her. The only difference between me and the judges regarding these three couples was that I thought Carlos was muy caliente, and I wasn't paying attention to his cha cha technique.
Fan favorites Bindi and Derek and Alek and Lindsey were satisfactory, but not as good as the previous evening. Bindi and Derek got dinged by the Lift Police (aka Carrie Ann) for Bindi's feet leaving the floor during their waltz. Alek and Lindsey's quickstep was decent, but not great. Nick and Sharna did improve slightly from Monday night, but the judged still weren't wowed.
Hayes was criticized for his feet and his frame during a quickstep. I criticized the fact that he wore sneakers. And Andy's lifts made me quite nervous during his contemporary routine. Allison was emphatic that she felt completely comfortable and safe, but for myself and the judges, the lifts were tentative, marred the flow of the dance, and caused more than a little concern.
Continuing their residency at the bottom of the leaderboard were Paula and Louis, and Gary and Anna. Paula didn't know her steps, and all Gary could do was step. Paula earned an 18 and Gary scored a 15.
As we know, the elimination was a surprise, and unfortunate, because Victor and Karina had their best dance so far on Tuesday night. Gary and Anna had joined them in the bottom two, and they should have been the ones to take a final bow.
librarianintx
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
Friday, September 25, 2015
Amazing Quote
"It is not necessary to believe in G-d to be a good person. In a way, the traditional notion of G-d is outdated. One can be spiritual but not religious. It is not necessary to go to church and give money - for many, nature can be a church. Some of the best people in history did not believe in G-d, while some of the worst deeds were done in His name."
Difficult for me to believe who uttered these words - Pope Francis. Incredible, right? A pope saying that you don't have to believe in G-d? I am so impressed by him, and not simply because of this quote. I am amazed by his progressiveness, his dedication, his humbleness, his inclusive nature. He believes in climate change, he has expressed support for LGBT rights, he understands the plight of immigrants, he wants everyone to help the homeless, the sick, the needy. He turned down lunch with the Washington elite yesterday so he could not only eat with people who are homeless, he served them as well!
#bestpopeever
librarianintx
Difficult for me to believe who uttered these words - Pope Francis. Incredible, right? A pope saying that you don't have to believe in G-d? I am so impressed by him, and not simply because of this quote. I am amazed by his progressiveness, his dedication, his humbleness, his inclusive nature. He believes in climate change, he has expressed support for LGBT rights, he understands the plight of immigrants, he wants everyone to help the homeless, the sick, the needy. He turned down lunch with the Washington elite yesterday so he could not only eat with people who are homeless, he served them as well!
#bestpopeever
librarianintx
Thursday, September 24, 2015
Survivor: Second Chance Week 1
I'm not planning to write Survivor recaps this season because I don't have time, but I am disappointed that Vytas was the first contestant to leave. I like him. Luckily I still have several people to root for - Spencer, Joe, Woo, and Jeremy. Unfortunately, Abi was not eliminated last night, and Kass and Sherin are still there as well.
Three of my four favorites had a good showing last night. Woo nabbed the rice, Spencer lit the torches and tried to win the immunity challenge for his team when Kelly W. failed in her attempt, and Joe DID secure the win by fashioning the pole that was long and strong enough to grab the key to light the final torch.
For me, Abi was definitely the most annoying contestant last night. She needs to go.
librarianintx
Three of my four favorites had a good showing last night. Woo nabbed the rice, Spencer lit the torches and tried to win the immunity challenge for his team when Kelly W. failed in her attempt, and Joe DID secure the win by fashioning the pole that was long and strong enough to grab the key to light the final torch.
For me, Abi was definitely the most annoying contestant last night. She needs to go.
librarianintx
Big Brother Finale
Yea Steve!
I am so happy he won!
Steve's success was a combination of skill and luck. That last HOH competition was SO hard! It was truly a guessing game, and Steve was fortunate that he guessed correctly one more time than Vanessa. I have to wonder about the answers some of the houseguests gave - were they truthful? Did Shelly really consider her HOH win more important than meeting Clay? I'm suspicious.
I firmly believe that if Steve had taken Vanessa to the final two, she would have beaten him. The jury clearly respected her game play and felt she deserved to be in the finals. Their questions showed that they were not big fans of either Liz's or Steve's games. I have a feeling it was Steve's nervous, rambling, but ultimately effective final address to the jury that earned him the win. And deservedly so, in my opinion. Yes, he had a slow start. But in the end he won key HOH's and he was responsible for sending both Julia and Vanessa to the jury. He played a decent social game, and he was in the Scamper Squad alliance, but he didn't have the protection of Austin that Liz had for most of the season. Liz had more than a showmance to keep her safe; she had a showmance AND a twin. And Vanessa also did a lot to protect Liz.
My favorite moment of the night, besides Steve winning, was Jason's spot on read of Vanessa. Go boy! You said it exactly right. Vanessa played the best game of the season, but I couldn't root for her, because she didn't own her game. She begged and apologized and cried and allowed herself to look unstable. She did not act like a poker player. Her strategy was effective, at least for most of the game, but it wasn't attractive, and I don't think it won her many fans. She got so much blood on her hands, and in the end she would up with nothing. I feel bad for her in a way, but definitely not in a monetary sense, since she bragged that she's made $4 million dollars as a poker player. There were so many people in the game this season that need the money more than her.
I had my fingers and toes crossed that Jason would win fan favorite. He made the top three, but James took home the $25,000 prize. I'm okay with that. I like James a lot too.
Even though this wasn't the best season in my opinion, I'm still feeling the post Big Brother blues. The show is such a time commitment, and I can get so invested in the people and so interested in the game play, that there is a letdown when we say goodbye to the house and its inhabitants. But the fall tv season has begun; there is no time to mourn a show!
Congrats again Steve!
librarianintx
I am so happy he won!
Steve's success was a combination of skill and luck. That last HOH competition was SO hard! It was truly a guessing game, and Steve was fortunate that he guessed correctly one more time than Vanessa. I have to wonder about the answers some of the houseguests gave - were they truthful? Did Shelly really consider her HOH win more important than meeting Clay? I'm suspicious.
I firmly believe that if Steve had taken Vanessa to the final two, she would have beaten him. The jury clearly respected her game play and felt she deserved to be in the finals. Their questions showed that they were not big fans of either Liz's or Steve's games. I have a feeling it was Steve's nervous, rambling, but ultimately effective final address to the jury that earned him the win. And deservedly so, in my opinion. Yes, he had a slow start. But in the end he won key HOH's and he was responsible for sending both Julia and Vanessa to the jury. He played a decent social game, and he was in the Scamper Squad alliance, but he didn't have the protection of Austin that Liz had for most of the season. Liz had more than a showmance to keep her safe; she had a showmance AND a twin. And Vanessa also did a lot to protect Liz.
My favorite moment of the night, besides Steve winning, was Jason's spot on read of Vanessa. Go boy! You said it exactly right. Vanessa played the best game of the season, but I couldn't root for her, because she didn't own her game. She begged and apologized and cried and allowed herself to look unstable. She did not act like a poker player. Her strategy was effective, at least for most of the game, but it wasn't attractive, and I don't think it won her many fans. She got so much blood on her hands, and in the end she would up with nothing. I feel bad for her in a way, but definitely not in a monetary sense, since she bragged that she's made $4 million dollars as a poker player. There were so many people in the game this season that need the money more than her.
I had my fingers and toes crossed that Jason would win fan favorite. He made the top three, but James took home the $25,000 prize. I'm okay with that. I like James a lot too.
Even though this wasn't the best season in my opinion, I'm still feeling the post Big Brother blues. The show is such a time commitment, and I can get so invested in the people and so interested in the game play, that there is a letdown when we say goodbye to the house and its inhabitants. But the fall tv season has begun; there is no time to mourn a show!
Congrats again Steve!
librarianintx
Tuesday, September 22, 2015
Dancing with the Stars Recap Week 2
Last night was dubbed "Hometown Glory" nite, and was the first of two nights of competition this week for the celebrities and their professional dance partners. Two routines in one week, on only the second week of the season, is a lot to ask of these stars. Luckily, a few of them were able to manage the stress and shine on the dance floor.
The first great performance of the evening was owned by Alexa and Mark. They danced a salsa, and Alexa was definitely channeling her latina roots. The number was hot and sexy, with some amazing spins and spicy moves. Alexa earned a total score of 24, which put her in a three way tie for the night.
Tamar and Val also earned a 24 for their cha cha, performed to the song "We are Family" by Sister Sledge. Everything about the number worked for me, from Tamar's attitude and on point cha cha moves, to the costume and Val's choreography. Because of the name of the song, I didn't even mind the extra dancers in the routine (just this one time though!) The judges were equally impressed, saying that the number was a show stopper, and Tamar was absolutely in her element.
Carlos and Whitney were the third couple to score a 24 last night. They danced a foxtrot, and I give Carlos high marks for his partnering skills and the romantic, leading man persona he exemplified in the dance.
Bindi and Derek were once again the high scorers of the evening, receiving a 25 for their high energy, metal-infused tango to an AC/DC song. Unfortunately the Dancing with the Stars crew had a difficult time keeping up with their routine, as there were a few odd camera pans, but the crowd went wild and the judges, especially Carrie Ann, were full of praise.
The most improved award would have to go to Kim and Tony. Her quickstep last night was miles better than her labored salsa from week one. She earned a score of 19, and a lot of positive comments from the judges.
I even saw a bit of improvement from Gary and Anna last night. Their foxtrot could not be called good, but you can tell that he was trying. His scores rose from last week; he earned an 18 on Monday night.
Alek and Lindsey, and Hayes and Emma were two couples who earned more praise from the judges than I felt they deserved. Alek and Lindsey were definitely the better of the two, and I still like him. I just felt the routine had too many lifts and focused too much on Lindsey, which of course is not Alek's fault. I did not care for Hayes' motorcross theme, and I felt their foxtrot was just okay.
The two couples who took a step backward this week were Nick and Sharna, and Andy and Allison. Nick slipped during his jive to "Boogie Woogie Buggle Boy," a song that I felt was way too old for him, and the stumble caused him to lose time during the remainder of his routine. Andy and Allison were also off time in their jive, and some of the tricks were barely completed and made me nervous that someone was going to get hurt.
This leaves the three couples that I felt showed little to no improvement this week: Paula and Louis, Victor and Karina, and Chaka and Keo. Louis' choreography was too difficult for Paula, and although their scores were higher than last week, I still did not enjoy the dance. Victor and Karina have apparently decided to be the comic relief of the ballroom. Their jive was a hot mess, as was their salsa from week one, but at least both dances were entertaining. And poor Chaka and Keo. She somehow managed to smile and glow throughout her foxtrot, but it was evident that she did not remember the choreography. They earned a 15, the lowest score of the night.
In a rushed elimination ceremony, Gary and Anna, and Chaka and Keo were named as the bottom two couples, when combining judges scores and viewer votes. Sadly, Chaka and Keo were the first pair eliminated this season. Keo's unlucky streak continues. I would have rather seen Gary and Anna wave goodbye, but Chaka's departure was certainly not unexpected.
Night two happens tonight, and another contestant will be eliminated from the competition. Hopefully I will have time to post a recap tomorrow.
librarianintx
The first great performance of the evening was owned by Alexa and Mark. They danced a salsa, and Alexa was definitely channeling her latina roots. The number was hot and sexy, with some amazing spins and spicy moves. Alexa earned a total score of 24, which put her in a three way tie for the night.
Tamar and Val also earned a 24 for their cha cha, performed to the song "We are Family" by Sister Sledge. Everything about the number worked for me, from Tamar's attitude and on point cha cha moves, to the costume and Val's choreography. Because of the name of the song, I didn't even mind the extra dancers in the routine (just this one time though!) The judges were equally impressed, saying that the number was a show stopper, and Tamar was absolutely in her element.
Carlos and Whitney were the third couple to score a 24 last night. They danced a foxtrot, and I give Carlos high marks for his partnering skills and the romantic, leading man persona he exemplified in the dance.
Bindi and Derek were once again the high scorers of the evening, receiving a 25 for their high energy, metal-infused tango to an AC/DC song. Unfortunately the Dancing with the Stars crew had a difficult time keeping up with their routine, as there were a few odd camera pans, but the crowd went wild and the judges, especially Carrie Ann, were full of praise.
The most improved award would have to go to Kim and Tony. Her quickstep last night was miles better than her labored salsa from week one. She earned a score of 19, and a lot of positive comments from the judges.
I even saw a bit of improvement from Gary and Anna last night. Their foxtrot could not be called good, but you can tell that he was trying. His scores rose from last week; he earned an 18 on Monday night.
Alek and Lindsey, and Hayes and Emma were two couples who earned more praise from the judges than I felt they deserved. Alek and Lindsey were definitely the better of the two, and I still like him. I just felt the routine had too many lifts and focused too much on Lindsey, which of course is not Alek's fault. I did not care for Hayes' motorcross theme, and I felt their foxtrot was just okay.
The two couples who took a step backward this week were Nick and Sharna, and Andy and Allison. Nick slipped during his jive to "Boogie Woogie Buggle Boy," a song that I felt was way too old for him, and the stumble caused him to lose time during the remainder of his routine. Andy and Allison were also off time in their jive, and some of the tricks were barely completed and made me nervous that someone was going to get hurt.
This leaves the three couples that I felt showed little to no improvement this week: Paula and Louis, Victor and Karina, and Chaka and Keo. Louis' choreography was too difficult for Paula, and although their scores were higher than last week, I still did not enjoy the dance. Victor and Karina have apparently decided to be the comic relief of the ballroom. Their jive was a hot mess, as was their salsa from week one, but at least both dances were entertaining. And poor Chaka and Keo. She somehow managed to smile and glow throughout her foxtrot, but it was evident that she did not remember the choreography. They earned a 15, the lowest score of the night.
In a rushed elimination ceremony, Gary and Anna, and Chaka and Keo were named as the bottom two couples, when combining judges scores and viewer votes. Sadly, Chaka and Keo were the first pair eliminated this season. Keo's unlucky streak continues. I would have rather seen Gary and Anna wave goodbye, but Chaka's departure was certainly not unexpected.
Night two happens tonight, and another contestant will be eliminated from the competition. Hopefully I will have time to post a recap tomorrow.
librarianintx
Thursday, September 17, 2015
Big Brother - SPOILERS
Remember how I said there was no way that Vanessa and Steve would be the final two?
To quote former Texas governor Rick Perry - "Oops." :-)
Austin can only blame himself for his ouster on the surprise elimination Tuesday night. He knew Vanessa was dangerous. He knew she lied over and over again. Yet he continued to align with her. He didn't get her out when he had the chance. And now he's languishing in the jury house, thinking of what could have been.
I am rooting for Steve. I have not enjoyed Vanessa's game play - all of the theatrics and making up stories about people to get them kicked out. She has been effective, but her style is not fun to watch in my opinion. Steve has made some boneheaded moves, but he has finally kicked his game into high gear. Okay, at least one of his HOH wins was dumb luck. But I think he has achieved enough to deserve the win. Unfortunately, I don't think the jury agrees with me.
And who do I hope will win the fan favorite award? I'm not voting, but I hope Jason wins. Meg might take it, though. Or Steve. Possibly even Johnny. James was a lot of fun to watch this season as well. Will be interesting to see who people vote for.
librarianintx
To quote former Texas governor Rick Perry - "Oops." :-)
Austin can only blame himself for his ouster on the surprise elimination Tuesday night. He knew Vanessa was dangerous. He knew she lied over and over again. Yet he continued to align with her. He didn't get her out when he had the chance. And now he's languishing in the jury house, thinking of what could have been.
I am rooting for Steve. I have not enjoyed Vanessa's game play - all of the theatrics and making up stories about people to get them kicked out. She has been effective, but her style is not fun to watch in my opinion. Steve has made some boneheaded moves, but he has finally kicked his game into high gear. Okay, at least one of his HOH wins was dumb luck. But I think he has achieved enough to deserve the win. Unfortunately, I don't think the jury agrees with me.
And who do I hope will win the fan favorite award? I'm not voting, but I hope Jason wins. Meg might take it, though. Or Steve. Possibly even Johnny. James was a lot of fun to watch this season as well. Will be interesting to see who people vote for.
librarianintx
Tuesday, September 15, 2015
My Dancing with the Stars recap, Week 1
First let me begin with two corrections from my previous DWTS post. I do know who Andy Grammer is; at least I know his hit song. And now I also know who Alek Skarlatos is, one of the men who subdued a terrorist on a train in France recently.
And now, on with the recap. Rather than talking about each contestant, I will be giving my opinion on the best and worst moments of the show:
Winning dance style of the night: The Jive
Three contestants danced the Jive: husband and wife Carlos and Alexa Penavega, and Bindi Irwin, and all three were very successful. Their jives were performed with great technique, and bucketfuls of energy, enthusiasm, and personality. Of the three, Bindi got the most love from the audience, and the judges. Her overall score of 24 tied for highest of the night, and the crowd went wild for her.
Runner up dance style of the night: The Foxtrot
Of the three contestants who danced the Foxtrot, Internet sensation Hayes Grier, singer Andy Grammer, and hero Alek Skarlatos, I would say Alek took the prize. The judges were more impressed with Hayes than I was, Andy's dance was decent, especially thanks to his partner Allison, but we all found Alek's dance to be enchanting, with the music and Lindsey's choreography blending together beautifully.
Losing dance style of the night: The Salsa
Unfortunately in most cases, the cha cha didn't fare much better, but both of the contestants who danced the Salsa, Victor Espinoza and Kim Zolziak-Biermann, had a rough time. Kim received the lowest scores of the night, which was unfortunate, because I think she has it in her to be a good dancer, but she was incredibly nervous. I have to say, I'm quite surprised that Dancing with the Stars foisted both the Salsa and the Quickstep on the contestants in the first week! Those are both incredibly hard styles to master.
Surprisingly good performance of the night:
This is not to say that I thought Tamar Braxton would be a bad dancer. I'm saying her performance was a surprise because she was given the dreaded Quickstep, and she and Val made it work! They weren't perfect of course, but they had the elements you look for in a Quickstep: speed, footwork, good use of the dance space, and I thought she had a decent frame for a first dance. She tied with Carlos Penavega for second highest set of scores of the night: 23.
My cringeworthy moments of the evening:
1) Paula Deen's slow, nervous Quickstep wasn't good, but her comment about almost soiling her underwear was crude and TMI.
2) Apparently many people were amused by Gary Busey's antics and incomprehensible ramblings, but I found both his dance and his post-performance interactions with Tom and Erin to be painful and uncomfortable. I have to say, though, that I just love both Tom and Erin; they can make the strangest happenings in the ballroom bearable with humor and a caring spirit.
Sweethearts of the ballroom: Bindi Irwin and Alek Skarlatos
Of the two contestants that I haven't mentioned yet, singer Chaka Khan and Backstreet Boy Nick Carter, Nick was much more successful with the Cha Cha. His dance was infused with some hip hop and boy band moves, and I was entertained. I also enjoyed watching all three judges fangirling over Nick. Nick tied with Bindi Irwin for highest scores of the night. Chaka's dance, conversely, was a hot mess, but at least she seemed to have a good time. Unfortunately, I don't think third season will be the charm for Keo.
Two more observations:
1) The opening number was a showstopper, featuring thousands of extras during the outdoor filming, and lots of glitz and fanfare. Too bad most of the dances didn't live up to the hype of the show's beginning.
2) I found it very strange that Len's absence was given so little time and attention. Tom simply said, "Len won't be judging this season," and that was it. Twenty one seasons, Len as head judge for every season, and that is all the recognition he receives? I hope this means he's not retiring, that he is only taking a season off. If he is retiring, he deserves way more of a goodbye than that.
Overall, the dancing was pretty good, but I think my expectations were a bit too high. I'm hoping to see some improvements in week 2. Oh, and my pet peeve from the previous season continued last night: I do NOT want extra dancers in these individual performances! Extra dancers should be reserved for the trio dances and the freestyles. You're jumping the shark, DWTS - quit it!
librarianintx
Monday, September 14, 2015
Dancing with the Stars Season 21
The new season starts tonight, and I am so excited! Here is a quick breakdown of how I am looking forward to seeing, who I don't know, and who I wish had not been selected:
This season there are several contestants that I've never heard of. Here is a list, with their professional partners:
Hayes Grier and Emma
Andy Grammer and Allison
Alek Skarlatos and Lindsey
Carlos Pena and Whitney
Alexa Vega and Mark
I guess it's a sign that I'm getting old that I don't know so many of the contestants this season.
Who am I most excited to see?
Bindi Irwin and Derek
I think they will look great together. Bindi has a great personality and a backstory that will make people root for her. She is young, which is not always an asset on DWTS, but Zendaya was young, and she made it to runner up in her season. Shawn Johnson won her season when she was still a teenager. Bindi has some dance experience, so we'll see if that will translate well to ballroom.
Chaka Khan and Keo
Another couple that I think will look great together. Keo has had bad luck with partners, so hopefully third season is the charm for him. Chaka is a singer, so with any luck she will have rhythm.
Nick Carter and Shauna
I love me a Backstreet Boy. They should be fun together.
Victor Espinoza and Karina
Victor is a jockey, so he is tiny! I wondered which professional dancer they would pair him with, and I expected it to be Whitney, who I think is the shortest female dancer on DWTS. Karina is not petite, especially in heels. Their pairing should be interesting, not only because of the height difference, but also because of the accents.
Kim Zolciak-Biermann and Tony
I can't wait to see the outfits and wigs/hair extensions!
Tamar Braxton and Val
I don't know that much about her, but I think there could be fireworks between her and Val.
Sigh. And here is the short list of people I am not thrilled to see:
Gary Busey and Anna
This pairing just makes me nervous. I think he could be unpredictable and hard to manage. I also don't think he'll be a good dancer. But maybe he'll prove me wrong.
Paula Deen and Louis
I think she is a racist and I don't want to watch any show that she is a part of. But I am not going to boycott one of my favorite shows because of her. I am disappointed that DWTS selected her. But hopefully she won't last long.
Finally, I had heard a rumor that Bethany Hamilton might be on the show, but unfortunately such is not the case. She is the surfer who lost her arm in a shark attack a few years ago. I watched the "Amazing Race" two seasons ago strictly because she and her husband Adam were contestants. They came in third, but Bethany was a fierce competitor, completing challenges with ease that many contestants with two arms struggled with. I also loved how positive she and Adam were. They never fought with each other or played dirty, and they approached every situation with a calm, sunny, yet determined attitude. I would love to see her try dancing. She is a beautiful person, inside and out. Maybe she will be selected for another season.
I'm ready for Season 21 - bring it! :)
librarianintx
This season there are several contestants that I've never heard of. Here is a list, with their professional partners:
Hayes Grier and Emma
Andy Grammer and Allison
Alek Skarlatos and Lindsey
Carlos Pena and Whitney
Alexa Vega and Mark
I guess it's a sign that I'm getting old that I don't know so many of the contestants this season.
Who am I most excited to see?
Bindi Irwin and Derek
I think they will look great together. Bindi has a great personality and a backstory that will make people root for her. She is young, which is not always an asset on DWTS, but Zendaya was young, and she made it to runner up in her season. Shawn Johnson won her season when she was still a teenager. Bindi has some dance experience, so we'll see if that will translate well to ballroom.
Chaka Khan and Keo
Another couple that I think will look great together. Keo has had bad luck with partners, so hopefully third season is the charm for him. Chaka is a singer, so with any luck she will have rhythm.
Nick Carter and Shauna
I love me a Backstreet Boy. They should be fun together.
Victor Espinoza and Karina
Victor is a jockey, so he is tiny! I wondered which professional dancer they would pair him with, and I expected it to be Whitney, who I think is the shortest female dancer on DWTS. Karina is not petite, especially in heels. Their pairing should be interesting, not only because of the height difference, but also because of the accents.
Kim Zolciak-Biermann and Tony
I can't wait to see the outfits and wigs/hair extensions!
Tamar Braxton and Val
I don't know that much about her, but I think there could be fireworks between her and Val.
Sigh. And here is the short list of people I am not thrilled to see:
Gary Busey and Anna
This pairing just makes me nervous. I think he could be unpredictable and hard to manage. I also don't think he'll be a good dancer. But maybe he'll prove me wrong.
Paula Deen and Louis
I think she is a racist and I don't want to watch any show that she is a part of. But I am not going to boycott one of my favorite shows because of her. I am disappointed that DWTS selected her. But hopefully she won't last long.
Finally, I had heard a rumor that Bethany Hamilton might be on the show, but unfortunately such is not the case. She is the surfer who lost her arm in a shark attack a few years ago. I watched the "Amazing Race" two seasons ago strictly because she and her husband Adam were contestants. They came in third, but Bethany was a fierce competitor, completing challenges with ease that many contestants with two arms struggled with. I also loved how positive she and Adam were. They never fought with each other or played dirty, and they approached every situation with a calm, sunny, yet determined attitude. I would love to see her try dancing. She is a beautiful person, inside and out. Maybe she will be selected for another season.
I'm ready for Season 21 - bring it! :)
librarianintx
Thursday, September 10, 2015
Big Brother - SPOILERS
Probably about two weeks or so left in the season, and the show finally got interesting! At last, someone besides Vanessa is playing the game to win it. Steve, I was so mad at you when you won HOH and put up Meg and Jackie, one of the most boneheaded moves in the game. They were both in your alliance, and neither one of them had any power in the house. What were you thinking? But you have redeemed yourself this week by doing what no one in the house has yet managed to do - break up the Austwins. No, they are not as powerful as Vanessa, mainly because between the three of them they don't have either the intellectual capacity or the game play that she has. But where their strength lies is in their numbers - three votes as opposed to one. After tonight, they will be down to two. There is no way around it. Thanks in part to Vanessa, who gave Julia terrible advice and she was stupid enough to take it, Austin won POV and took himself off the block, so Steve smartly replaced him with Julia. I guess it didn't matter though. Either way, someone from that three person alliance is going home this week. It would help Steve and Johnny's game for Liz to go home I think, since she and Austin are in a showmance.
The problem remains, however, that Vanessa is still in the game. Steve would be in a much better position if someone had managed to eliminate her by now. Vanessa is the most dangerous person in the house, and she deserves to win it if she makes it to the finale. At this point I think Austin or Julia are the only two people who would nominate her. Steve and Johnny both think they are working with her. If by some miracle Steve and Vanessa are the final two, which I could not imagine that possibility a few weeks ago, I don't know if the jurors will feel that Steve did enough to win. Would they reward Vanessa for her game play, or punish her for all the havoc she wreaked during the season?
librarianintx
The problem remains, however, that Vanessa is still in the game. Steve would be in a much better position if someone had managed to eliminate her by now. Vanessa is the most dangerous person in the house, and she deserves to win it if she makes it to the finale. At this point I think Austin or Julia are the only two people who would nominate her. Steve and Johnny both think they are working with her. If by some miracle Steve and Vanessa are the final two, which I could not imagine that possibility a few weeks ago, I don't know if the jurors will feel that Steve did enough to win. Would they reward Vanessa for her game play, or punish her for all the havoc she wreaked during the season?
librarianintx
So You Think You Can Dance
Yawn.
I feel bad to write this, but I'm glad the season is almost over. I simply was not into the show this year, for multiple reasons. I miss Mary. I lamented the dearth of ballroom routines. I did not care for the "stage vs street" format. And most importantly, I found the choreography severely lacking this season. The dancers were good, and most of their personalities compelled you to root for them. But the routines were lackluster. There was not a single dance that made me want to watch it again. And usually I am all about downloading the routines from youtube and watching them over and over. Not this time.
I wasn't so bored that I stopped watching. But I didn't have a favorite this year. I favored the street dancers over stage. Once the two b boys left, I liked everyone else on the street side and hated for anyone to go home. I didn't dislike the stage dancers; I just felt the street dancers were more interesting and versatile. My favorite stage dancer is Jim, and I felt he was completely and utterly robbed of his place in the finale. My favorite street dancers are JaJa, Virgil, and JJ. Even though I don't have a favorite, I would like to see JaJa win the competition.
I like Jason Derulo a lot as a singer and dancer, but not so much as a judge on this show. I think he was trying too hard all season to prove he was knowledgeable about all kinds of dance. I would much rather see Adam Shankman as a permanent judge, or have more good guest judges like Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Christina Applegate. To end this on a positive note, at least Paula didn't annoy me like I expected she would.
librarianintx
I feel bad to write this, but I'm glad the season is almost over. I simply was not into the show this year, for multiple reasons. I miss Mary. I lamented the dearth of ballroom routines. I did not care for the "stage vs street" format. And most importantly, I found the choreography severely lacking this season. The dancers were good, and most of their personalities compelled you to root for them. But the routines were lackluster. There was not a single dance that made me want to watch it again. And usually I am all about downloading the routines from youtube and watching them over and over. Not this time.
I wasn't so bored that I stopped watching. But I didn't have a favorite this year. I favored the street dancers over stage. Once the two b boys left, I liked everyone else on the street side and hated for anyone to go home. I didn't dislike the stage dancers; I just felt the street dancers were more interesting and versatile. My favorite stage dancer is Jim, and I felt he was completely and utterly robbed of his place in the finale. My favorite street dancers are JaJa, Virgil, and JJ. Even though I don't have a favorite, I would like to see JaJa win the competition.
I like Jason Derulo a lot as a singer and dancer, but not so much as a judge on this show. I think he was trying too hard all season to prove he was knowledgeable about all kinds of dance. I would much rather see Adam Shankman as a permanent judge, or have more good guest judges like Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Christina Applegate. To end this on a positive note, at least Paula didn't annoy me like I expected she would.
librarianintx
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