15 Cancer-Fighting Foods You Should Be Eating | Greatist
I have a new goal: To eat at least one, maybe two of these cancer-fighting foods every day. I have to be careful because some of them are high in potassium. Here is the list:
broccoli
apples
blueberries
flaxseed
carrots
cherries
fatty fish
coffee
legumes
walnuts
tomatoes
garlic
grapefruit
cranberries
red cabbage
Luckily I like many of the foods on the list.
librariantx
Sometimes I forget
And need to remind myself
That it gets better.
It always gets better.
One day is rough
Sometimes two days in a row
But then it gets better.
And usually an entire day isn't bad
One or two agonizing hours in a twenty four day does not and should not ruin the memory of what the day was
Look for the light even in the bleakest moments
And believe that brighter times are just around the corner
librarianintx
Decision making has never been easy for me.
I struggle.
What is best for me?
How will others react to the choices I make?
What if my decision makes someone angry, or sad, or disappointed?
What if I lose people because of what I decide to do in a given situation?
How many people should I ask for advice, and what happens when everyone gives me a different answer? Whose voice do I listen to? Mine? Someone else's? And what do I do when Tom is mad at me because I took John's advice instead of his?
Life is hard.
I made a difficult decision today. It was not the choice I wanted to make. But I know it is the right one. The safe one. I did not ask for anyone's advice. I weighed the options and even though I struggled, I knew the whole time what choice I needed to make. Even though I didn't want to make it, because it means continued isolation. It means having to say no to something fun and spending time with friends. I value my friends and I don't want to lose them because it's not safe for me to be around them. I have to not let fear of losing them cause me to make a potentially unsafe choice. I have to be strong and do what it best for me and believe that my friendships are secure and enduring and will still be there when the pandemic is over.
I have waited this long.
I can hold on for a few more months.
So even though I feel sad, I also feel confident that I have made the right decision.
Mostly I feel relieved to finally have reached a conclusion. I don't have to wrestle with myself about it anymore. And I figured it out by myself.
librarianintx
I love to play games. Board games, card games, electronic games, games on my phone - I enjoy them all. Sometimes I get nervous when I'm trying to learn a new game - I tend to play games that I already know and especially like to play games that I am good at.
I've been watching webinars and reading articles about the importance of brain health, and how playing games and other activities may help to ward off Alzheimer's and dementia. Research shows that learning new activities is better for your brain than activities that you do frequently. For example, crossword puzzles are good, but if you do them a lot, you should take the time to switch things up and include learning a new skill. Cooking, dancing, playing an instrument, and studying a new language are very beneficial activities for your brain. So is writing.
I have a phone app called Mind Games Pro that I really enjoy. I don't work for the company, and it's a free app anyway, so I'm not trying to sell anyone anything. There are about 40 games on the app; some examples are math operations and vocabulary power, and other games work on memory and attention and other concepts. Usually there are certain games that I like the best, and I tend to play those and ignore the games that I am not good at. But remembering the research, I have started having the app pick the game for me, called the Training Center, because that makes me play the games that I am not as good at, so maybe I can improve at those games, and exercise my brain more. That was a total run-on sentence, but anyway...
The other day the app made me play a game called mental rotation. It's hard to explain, but the game gives you two images, or shapes, and you have to decide quickly if the shapes are the same. The shapes are often rotated, which makes it more difficult to determine if the shapes are the same. I am finding this game VERY challenging! Sometimes I feel like I'm figuring it out, and my scores are decent. Sometimes my scores are terrible and I'm frustrated. I did so much better previously, what is the problem? But I keep playing it. I don't want to give up. I can tell that when I'm tired I often don't do as well. It's not a good idea for me to play late at night, but that is often what I do. Still, I think the Training Center is a good way to use the app, because it makes me play games that are more difficult for me. You can skip a game if you want to, but it's better not to do that.
I spend too much time scrolling through Facebook. I need to use my time more time more wisely and productively. I need to be writing and reading more. I've also always wanted to learn sign language. That would be a very beneficial activity for my brain. I've also always wanted to learn how to play the piano. One of the hardest parts is to just start trying. Don't worry about failure. Don't think that you've wasted your time if you don't do well at something, or if you ultimately give up what you were trying to learn. Understand that the attempt was worth the time and effort. And you were doing something helpful for your brain, your mental health, and your overall health.
librarianintx
Another season of Big Brother is over.
I am not surprised that Cody won, and I am not surprised that it was a unanimous vote. Cody deserved to win, he won on his own merits, but honestly, Enzo handed it to him on a silver platter. Enzo gave the worst speech and answers to jury questions in the history of Big Brother finales. Flat out admitting that you rode someone's coattails is going to get you a win? C'mon on! Further, Cody deserved a raise in prize money for dealing with Enzo during that final hour. Enzo was manic - pacing, non-stop talking, paranoid - painful to watch.
Nicole's reaction was painful too. I can understand her feeling betrayed by Cody, but she really believed that the jury was going to give her a second win? She thought people like Day, David, and Kevin were going to vote for her after she betrayed them? After she lied to Day's face? Nicole could not get her emotions under control and she came across as a spoiled brat. She is going to be in for a rude awakening when she finds out what much of America thinks of her. There is confidence and then there is delusion.
The best moment of the night for me was when Day won Favorite Houseguest. I was also happy to see Tyler in the running for that. I would have also liked to see Kevin get it, but I am thrilled for Day.
See you next summer Big Brother!
librarianintx
The Big Brother All Stars season finale is about an hour and fifteen minutes away. Who will win and who deserves to win?
In my opinion, Cody deserves to win. That doesn't mean that he is my favorite. Of the three left in the house, Cody SHOULD win, and if he makes it to the final two, I believe he will win.
Right now, Nicole is in the driver's seat. If she wins the final HOH, she will be crazy to take Cody with her. Cody has never been on the block. He has been in multiple alliances and has made multiple deals, which can sometimes bite a contestant in the ass (I'm looking at you, Tyler) :) But in this case, I think these all-stars will reward Cody's game play.
Nicole will not win. She won't win because she has already won once. And she won't win because of what happened with Day and David. Day, David, and Kevin will not vote for her, and I don't think Tyler will either.
The only way Enzo will win is if he winds up in the final two against Nicole. Enzo has played a good social game, and he has won a few challenges. But he has not played a better game than Cody.
Who deserves to win America's Favorite Player? Honestly, I don't know. I liked so many of these contestants before this season. Now I don't like most of them for one reason or another. Red-haired Nicole is someone I still like, but she wasn't in the house long enough to win favorite player.
Anyway, I'll be watching. It was a controversial season, but I still want to see how this plays out.
librarianintx
Nelly and Daniella Paso Double Movements matched well with the songs, but for me it was just steps more than dancing. The attack was there, but not the dancing. He seemed shocked by the positive comments. My score: 6 Scores: 7,7,7 Chrishell & Gleb Foxtrot She won't be single for long. The dance looked more like a rumba at times, but who cares. It was sexy, sophisticated, nice rise and fall, and she had major chemistry with Gleb My score: 8 Scores: 7, 8, 7 Monica & Val Samba The lights almost gave me a seizure, but that was an exciting samba with a lot of content. She needed more fluidity and hip action, she's still a little stiff, but I continue to see potential. My score: 7 Scores: 8,8,8 Anne & Keo Paso Doble I give Keo a 9.5 for that dance. Wow! He was fire and passion and all kinds of hotness. Anne has some moments that were strong, but some of her leg movements were weird. And what was that rainbow blanket / onesie she was wearing? My score: 7 Scores: 7,7,7 Nev & Jenna Rumba That was wonderful! He had everything I look for in a rumba - sex appeal, hip action, fluidity, musicality, sophistication, and he was leading Jenna, not the other way around. Fantastic! My score: 9 Scores: 8, 8, 8 Justina & Sasha Salsa I wish I could say in Spanish how hot and spicy that was. She is the frontrunner in my book. I absolutely adore how comfortable she is in the ballroom. That was so exciting and fun to watch. Loved the music, the outfits, everything. My only complaint is they didn't move as much around the floor. My score: 9 Scores: 8,8,8 Kaitlyn & Artem Viennese Waltz Nice fluidity, good turns, but sometimes her arms were a little out of control. But lovely and romantic. I'd like to see her do a Latin dance. My score: 8 Scores: 9, 8, 8 She got a 9 but not Nev or Justina? Mmmm Johnny Weir & Britt Jive Very exciting Jive - he really went for it and looked very comfortable. Maybe a touch out of control at times, but I prefer that to a boring dance. Very good kicks and flicks My score: 8 Scores: 8,8,8
Jeannie & Brandon Tango I love her humor and spirit. She was all about intensity and fierceness in this Tango, which made it so good, except for one part that her feet got messed up and then she wobbled on the end pose. Such a shame, because the rest was terrific. These dancers are bringing it tonight! My score: 8 Scores: 7, 7, 7 Vernon & Peta Rumba Alright alright! Not as good as Nev's, but he got those hips going. He was moving and grooving. He showed off Peta nicely. He had one of the best songs to dance to also. My score: 7 (almost an 8) Scores: 8, 7, 7 Jesse & Sharna Cha Cha I don't know. I absolutely love Smooth by Santana, and I thought Sharna could make anyone look good, but he didn't have much rhythm - he looked awkward. His outfit was perfect, but his dancing wasn't. My score: 6 Scores: 7, 7, 7 Skai & Alan Foxtrot It was dreamy, lyrical, and beautiful, and she is a wonderful dancer, but I also wanted more. There were too many poses and took them too long to start dancing. My score: 8 Scores: 10, 9, 9 AJ McLean & Cheryl Cha Cha It was a crisp, clean cha cha, but the BB breakdown was unnecessary in a dance that was already short My score: 7 Scores: 8, 8, 8 Bottom 2 Monica & Val Anne & Keo Anne & Keo eliminated What a mess that bottom 2 announcement was! That has never happened on this show. I feel so bad for Monica and Val but so relieved that they were saved. librarianintx
Justina & Sasha Jazz So great! I LOVE her! That is a very energetic song, and she kept up the pace! She has such good musicality - loved the choreography, all the flash dance elements, and the water at the end - plus her spitting it out - pure comedy! Sasha's outfit - SO Richard Simmons! My score: 8 Scores: 8, 8, 8 Jesse & Sharna Tango I'm sorry, he's just not a dancer. That was so robotic. There was no musicality, no connection to the awesome Tears for the Fears song, or to the dance, or to Sharna. I didn't feel a darn thing. His sexy look and smile at the end were the one redeeming thing. My score: 6 Scores: 7, 6, 6 Chrishell & Gleb Cha Cha NKOTB Really cute. She was so excited to dance to a NKOTB song. Her timing wasn't the best, but she and Gleb have mad chemistry. I liked how they worked the NKOTB steps in, but the Cha Cha elements were very basic. My score: 7 Scores: 6, 6, 7 Her reaction to the video was something every fan girl understands Jeannie & Brandon Jazz Madonna "Like a Virgin" Jeannie is back! What a fun routine! Her look was on point, her moves were sharp, and the tricks were super exciting. I know she's pretty tiny, but Brandon's above the head lift was still impressive. Loved it! If she had rolled around on the floor I might have given her a 10. My score: 9 Scores: 8,8,8 Monica & Val Tango Tainted Love Pow! Take that, bottom two!! Absolutely loved the intensity and passion in that dance! The choreography was perfect with the song. I still think this is a couple to watch. Monica is not someone who settles for average. She is a fighter. My score: 8 (almost 9) Scores: 9,9,8 AJ McLean & Cheryl Waltz Journey Open Arms I thought maybe there was an odd step or two, but overall it was lovely - light, airy, and made more exciting by some excellent camera work. I agree with Derek - at least some of the dancers are covering the floor more, which I like. The end with the crown and tiara were precious My score: 8 Scores: 8,8,8
Skai & Alan Jazz The Power of Love - Huey Lewis Again, she's a tiny little thing, so that makes lifts easier, but they were still exciting, but I also thought they could have been cleaner. She has great energy and really sparkles, but I think they could have done even more with that routine. My score: 8 Scores: 8, 8, 8 Vernon & Peta Tango Bon Jovi - Living on a Prayer Not terrible, but kind of sloppy. Monica's was much better. This lacked precision and musicality. He was a little robotic at times. My score: 7 Scores: 7, 7, 7 He does look like Ashford! Kaitlyn & Artem Tango Tiffany Odd song choice and styling for a Tango and the B-boy elements at the end were so out of place with the style of the dance - I don't know. She was good but not as good this week. She seemed a little off. My score: 8 Scores: 9, 9, 9 Am I becoming Len?
Nelly and Daniella Samba El Debarge - Rhythm of the Night Yes Nelly! I saw improvement! He got those hips going! Wasn't as down and dirty as he needed to be, I still want him to have more fluidity and musicality, but he's getting there! My score: 8 Scores: 8,8,8 Johnny & Britt Contemporary Bonnie Tyler - Total Eclipse of the Heart Okay, the lighting was horrible - I couldn't see part of the routine. But what I did see was lovely. They had good connection and Johnny's partnering skills were strong. The lifts were very nice. My complaint is that for a contemporary piece they were apart quite a bit. But it was lovely. Felt like a skating routine My score: 8 (almost a 9) Scores: 10, 10, 9 Happy to be wrong! Nev & Jenna Quickstep Take on Me Aha Really fun choreography. I love his spirit. For me it was a strong Quickstep, but there wasn't anything unique or especially exciting, but solid. My score: 8 Scores: 8, 9, 9
Bottom 2: Vernon & Peta Jesse & Sharna Eliminated: Jesse & Sharna
For me, that was the right bottom two, and it was time for Jesse to go.
librarianintx
Find a way to be positive every day.
There are days when everything seems to go wrong and finding a silver lining seems impossible.
Reach down, look carefully, and find something to be grateful for.
It can be done.
Yesterday was a bad day.
Computer problems.
The can opener died.
I struggled with focus and productivity.
I let stress get to me.
But I found some gratefulness.
And I re-directed.
I took a walk outside.
I did my other exercises.
I ate and hydrated.
I got a handle on the stress.
Life felt better.
I felt stronger.
Gratefulness is one of the most powerful weapons you have against stress and negativity.
Nurture gratefulness.
I urge you to find time every day for gratitude.
It can change your life.
librarianintx
Chrishelle & Gleb
Rumba
Her story was compelling, and she was brave to tell it. Her Rumba was very strong, powerful, sexy, a little fast, but good hip action. She looked stunning in that purple dress, and she and Gleb were H-O-T. Quite a fiery Rumba; I was impressed.
Carrie Ann - deep connection
Derek - so confident, passionate
Bruno - bombshell; I'm impressed
Scores: 6,6,6, My score: 7
Charles & Emma
Cha Cha
Does he have hips? If he has them, does he know how to use them? Do they move at all? Still, I love his positive attitude. He did have more energy this week, but I really didn't see any Cha Cha from him. I got excited at the beginning of the routine, and that it was going to be much better than last week, but alas, I was wrong.
Derek - timing was better
Bruno - thank you for the chili
Carrie Ann - watch your focus
Scores: 5,5,5 My score: 5
Jesse & Sharna
Foxtrot
At times I thought his frame was good and at times I thought it was a train wreck. I wasn't loving the Saturday Night Fever outfit on him either. But he does have good chemistry with Sharna. I still see potential here. Maybe.
Bruno - watch your bum and posture
Carrie Ann - I disagree
Derek - good job
Scores: 7,7,6 My score: 6
Jeannie & Brandon
Cha Cha
OMG her mom! Is she serious? Sometimes the camera is too far away with these dances! So irritating! I miss her tricks from last week, but it was a good Cha Cha. Not outstanding, not especially memorable unfortunately. But she is still sassy, cute, and fun to watch.
Carrie Ann - what an improvement
Derek - I like your energy
Bruno - sexy and sparkling
Scores: 6,6,6 My score: 6
Carole & Pasha
Viennese Waltz
Oh Jeez, another tiger-themed song?! And with that over-the-top, Marie Antoinette-inspired set? How are we supposed to take her seriously? Having said that, it wasn't a terrible Viennese Waltz. It was simple, generic, unremarkable except for the song and set, but it wasn't a train wreck like last week.
Derek - big improvement
Bruno - performance was shining
Carrie Ann - I liked it
Scores: 6,5,5 My score: 5
Vernon & Peta
Paso Doble
I love the music tonight!! I liked the attack of the dance, and he had some nice shapes, but he was also a little all over the place - at times too wild, sometimes too robotic - so it was uneven, but exciting at times.
Bruno - new bull on the block
Derek - work on shaping
Carrie Ann - you corrected yourself
Scores: 6,6,6 My score: 6
Kaitlynne & Artem
Foxtrot
If her ankle was hurting, she didn't let on - The show must go on, and she did! That was a beautiful dance - lovely musicality, gorgeous rise and fall, great movement across the floor, wonderful turns. I loved it!
Carrie Ann - beautiful, elegant
Derek - graceful, effortless
Bruno - quality of movement
Scores - 7,8,7 My score: 7 (almost an 8!)
Bottom 2:
Carole & Pasha and Charles & Emma
Charles & Emma were eliminated
It was the right bottom 2, and I think the judges made the right decision.
In summary, I'm happy that the show is back, but I hope the producers can work on the pace. The dances are very short, and the judges comments and scores are exceedingly rushed. Tyra is constantly telling them to hurry up, that the show is running behind. I know there are a lot of dancers this season, so hopefully as some are eliminated the pace won't be so hectic. And please work on the camera angles too!
librarianintx
Here we go, dance fans!
Nev & Jenna
Cha Cha
He did so well with the Foxtrot, but I wasn't sure if he would do as well with a Latin dance. I think he did pretty good! He sure gave it his all. He really went for it. I loved his big smile and bold costume. He may have been scared on the inside but he didn't let it show. I thought he had good extension and nice flare.
Derek - solid performance, watch your shoulders
Bruno - showmanship, presentation
Carrie Ann - you impressed me, nice extension (that's what I said!) :)
Scores: 7, 7, 7 My score: 6
Skai & Alan
Samba
What a shame that the lift went so wrong. I still think she is absolutely a front runner, but overall I was disappointed with this dance. It felt like she was just doing the moves, but she wasn't feeling anything. She was like a Samba robot doll. There was no joy or musicality, no Samba party going on. She was just going through the motions. Maybe she got thrown off by the lift mishap? Shake it off, Skai, you've got this, girl!
Bruno - thinks happen, but I believe in you!
Carrie Ann - work on your arms
Derek - setback sets you up for a comeback (great quote!), get more grounded
Scores: 5, 5, 5 My score: 6
Johnny & Britt
Tango
Johnny and Gaga are usually an awesome combination. But again, I was left wanting more. Are my expectations too high from last week? The steps seemed precise, but I wanted more sharpness, more attack. And the dance seemed so short. I felt like there was something missing. It should have been memorable, but I think the only thing I will remember are Johnny's pants.
Carrie Ann - footwork is a bit odd
Derek - work on frame
Bruno - more staccato
Scores: 6, 6, 6 My score: 6
Justina & Sasha
Foxtrot
There we go! Thank you for bringing the magic back, Justina! That was a dream of a dance! Light, airy, floating, wonderful musicality! She looked beautiful! That dip at the end was exquisite!
Derek - natural, beautiful dancer
Bruno - You make me happy
Carrie Ann - I was transported
Scores: 7,7,7 My score: 8
Monica & Val
Jive
Again, these dances are SO short! They needed to cut out the gimmicky stuff with the hay bale at the beginning and get to the dancing. I sound like Len, right? Because what she did was pretty good - nice kicks and flicks, decent bounce, but she was a little stiff, a little tight. Also, I would have styled her differently. I'm all for her looking youthful, but the Pink Lady high school look didn't suit her.
Bruno - cheerleader quality helped, but timing not quite there
Carrie Ann - more relaxed but didn't need the lift
Derek - fun, playful
Scores: 5, 6, 5 My score: 6
AJ & Cheryl
Foxtrot
That was a very jazzy Foxtrot, or something. Really unusual moves, which made it more memorable, but what will the judges think? Will they be impressed, or will they be scandalized and unleash their inner Len on him? It seemed kind of jarring to me. But his frame was good in the traditional Foxtrot moments. I am conflicted about this one. I do love the song. This felt like something Mark Ballas would have choreographed.
Carrie Ann - smooth as silk
Derek - showman
Bruno - foxtrotting down to Vegas, but too choppy
Scores: 7, 6, 6 My score: 6
Anne & Keo
Foxtrot
Great choreography, and she looked like Old Hollywood glamour. The pace of the dance was just a hair slower than the music at times, but her frame and extension were good. Solid performance overall, and I really like their chemistry.
Derek - too much energy on top
Bruno - swept away, lots of Foxtrot content
Carrie Ann - nice trust with Keo
Scores: 6, 6, 6 My score: 6
Nelly & Daniella
Cha Cha
I almost felt it! Damn! But to me, it was a Cha Cha / Disco by numbers routine. Step here. Throw your arms in the air here. Roll your hips here. He's a performer, an entertainer. But he was too stiff. He wasn't feeling the music. He was just doing the steps.
Bruno - timing was good, but you need to articulate
Carrie Ann - work on your turns
Derek - timing is impeccable, good content
Scores: 6, 6, 6 My score: 6
End of Part 1
Nev Schulman & Jenna
Foxtrot
Absolutely wonderful choreography and costumes. He looks nerdy, but put him in a suit with a timeless song to dance to, and he looked dashing, debonair, and so light on his feet! He looked and acted like a leading man. I completely bought what he and Jenna were pedaling!
Carrie Ann - so uplifting and refined
Derek - so pleasant to watch, but tuck the tush
Bruno - classic Hollywood style
Scores: 7,7,6 My score: 7
Johnny Weir & Britt
Cha Cha
I did worry and wonder how Johnny would cope with: 1) having a partner, and 2) having a female partner. I mean, we know how chummy he is with Tara Lapinski, but he said it himself, "I'm not used to sharing my spotlight." Well, grrrl, all I can say is, that performance was FIRE for me! H-O-T. I will have this dance on repeat for awhile. The chemistry between him and Britt was fantastic, and the chemistry they both had with the song was amazing too. I thought their movements were sharp and in sync, and Johnny looked in control and confident. I loved it!
Derek - stay consistent
Bruno - lyrical quality, need to be sharper
Carrie Ann - heaven, but stay connected (Were we watching the same dance?)
Scores: 6,6,6 My score: 8
Justina Machado & Sasha
Cha Cha
How great was that!! Her confidence and exuberance were a 10! She felt great in her spicy little costume, and it showed! Loved watching her shake everything she has and feel awesome doing it! You go girl! She is what DWTS is all about! If you've got it, flaunt it! And the dance had a good amount of cha cha elements.
Bruno - confidence and musicality
Carrie Ann - you made everyone get up and dance
Derek - oozing charisma
Scores: 7,7,7 My score: 8
Charles Oakley & Emma
Okay, yeah, that was not good. Did DWTS not learn with having Kareem on the show? Basketball players really struggle in the ballroom. There was no salsa content here. The lifts were okay. But he has no rhythm or hip action. But what I did like was his attitude. He said Emma is his teacher, and he is there to learn.
Carrie Ann - listen to the music
Derek - I felt joy. Work on technique.
Bruno - got into the spirit
Scores: 4,4,4 My score: 4
Monica Aldama & Val
Foxtrot
I see tremendous potential in this partnership. They are both highly competitive. They look stunning together. They have excellent chemistry. I loved how the choreography fit so well with the song; they swept across the ballroom as the music swelled. She is a Texas gal with a Texas accent and Texas hair and they danced to a country song - I loved it.
Derek - beautiful, graceful, little stiff on the turns
Bruno - elegant and stylish, work on shoulders
Carrie Ann - you went for it
Scores: 6,7,6 My score: 7
Nelly & Daniella
Salsa
I liked the tricks, and he WAS moving his hips, but it felt like he and Daniella were doing two different dances. She was doing a salsa, and he was doing moves from a 1970's Earth, Wind, and Fire number, or something. There were just not in sync. They were way more excited at the end than I was.
Bruno - connection was so much fun
Carrie Ann - that groove was yours
Derek - no sneakers next time
Scores: 5,5,6 My score: 5
Carole Baskin & Pasha
Paso Doble
If you could see my face during this performance...First of all: A Paso on week 1? Second of all: "Eye of the Tiger"? Really? Third: Her outfit? I had a frightening Sean Spicer PTSD flashback during this dance. Truly, I have nothing positive that I can write about it. It was 45 seconds of my life that I will not be able to un-see. That snarl and claws into the camera at the end - shiver! What a way to end an otherwise mostly good night of dancing, especially for a premiere show.
Carrie Ann - love the connection, You went for it
Derek - you smashed it
Bruno - I want to hear you roar
Scores: 4,4,3 My score: 3
Question: Was Carole having a seizure after the judges' comments, or could she not hear Tyra, or was she just ignoring her? Inquiring minds want to know.
I'll re-watch Skai, Nev, Johnny, and Justina to help me forget Carole.
librarianintx
The ballroom is back, dance fans!
And with lots of changes.
A new host - Tyra Banks
A new judge - Derek Hough
And no audience (but with an audience track)
Also a new pro dancer - Britt
Let's get right into the competition. As I always say, I have never ballroom danced. I have watched the show every season, but that doesn't mean that I know anything. The judges are the experts. I like what I like, and I see what I see. Sometimes my comments and scores are aligned with the judges, sometimes not. So take what I say with a grain of salt. And here we go!
AJ McLean & Cheryl
Jive
Good energy, good kicks and flicks, good bounce, and good chemistry with Cheryl.
It was a good start to the show, but that’s all it was – just good. It felt too safe, except for the leap off the stairs, which I’m trying to figure out if he fell on. If he did, he made a nice recovery.
Derek – needed more jive action
Bruno – powerful, strong, needs to polish the kicks and flicks
Carrie Ann – needs to “dance out”
Scores: 6,6,6 My score: 6
Chrishell Strausse & Gleb
Tango
Distracting lasers and choppy camera footage likely worked in her favor. She looked lovely, but Gleb was definitely leading her and she was trying to keep up. The final move looked scary, like she wasn't ready for it.
Turn down the fake audience - its too loud! Everyone is screaming over the screaming.
Bruno - went wrong lost footing and posture
Carrie Ann - potential, but got knocked off your feet
Derek - pidgeon-toed
Scores: 4,5,4 My score: 5
Vernon Davis & Peta
Foxtrot
They had fantastic chemistry and I love the song, but his frame and footwork were atrocious. They were all up in each other when they were standing still, which was a few beats too long, but not enough body contact otherwise. Still, I see potential here.
Carrie Ann - potential but more to learn
Derek - so smooth, frame was good (?!)
Bruno - sizzling, light and stylish, attempted rise and fall
Scores: 5,6,6 My score: 4
Anne Heche & Keo
Cha Cha
They are going to be fun to watch. She looked lovely and so youthful. But I didn't see much cha cha content in this routine. The steps were choppy. It was a rough start, but hopefully she will improve.
Derek - clean, neat but finish every step
Bruno - needed more hip action
Carrie Ann - precise, good tension
Scores: 6,6,6 My score: 4
Jeannie Mai & Brandon
Salsa
She is fearless! It was a very ambitious routine for someone with no dance experience. It felt rushed and chaotic at times, but I enjoyed it. She is infectious! I love her spirit! Not enough salsa content, but F-U-N!
Bruno - energizing, radiant, work on footwork and balance
Carrie Ann - even it out
Derek - work on your turns
Scores: 6,6,6 My score: 6
Jesse Metcalfe & Sharna
Quickstep
My least favorite dance; I don't know how to judge it. (Some would say I don't know how to judge any dance.) He had good speed and I think his footwork was good. It was fun to watch. He's still hot. :)
Carrie Ann - passionate, a little wild
Derek - leading man
Bruno - did well
Scores: 6,6,6 My score: 6
Skai Jackson & Alan
Tango
WOW! I thought the height difference would be tough to deal with, plus she is so young and the Tango is such a sophisticated dance. She blew me away! So sharp, so clean, great speed, her hand placement on Alan's arm was exquisite! Stunning performance, especially on night one! Go girl!
Derek - clean, flexible, great posture
Bruno - shining jewel, so mature
Carrie Ann - beautiful and exciting
Scores: 7,7,7 My score: 8
Kaitlyn Bristowe & Artem
Cha Cha
The dances are so short - there isn't much content in them, but I did see some cha cha elements. Maybe cut down on the sometimes awkward banter with Tyra and have more time for dancing. Also, the camera work is terrible. I understand about social distancing (joke), but sometimes it seems like the camera is in another state. Anyway, I love seeing a contestant so excited about being on the show. Her energy and ability couldn't quite keep up with the tempo and pace of the song, but there is potential.
Bruno - good foot placement
Carrie Ann - work on pointing feet
Derek - a little safe, needed more attack
Scores: 6,7,7 My score: 6
End of part 1
Note: sorry about the paragraph issues. I don't want a space between each line, but I can't figure out how to fix it.
librarianintx
