Big Brother Finale - My Thoughts

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

Big Brother Finale - Who is Going to Win?

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

DWTS Villains Nite (Top 10) Part 1 10/26/20

Sorry to be a party pooper, but I am not a Halloween fan. But here we go...

Jeannie & Brandon

Paso Robles

Wow that was a long routine! Now that there's only 10 contestants, and they probably can't do group dances, I expect the routines will be longer, which is nice. I wish the camera angles would have been as nice. I think she did a good job with the Paso. I like how they covered the floor with the dance. I liked her skirt work, and it was cool when she threw Brandon across the floor. I would have liked to have seen a little more attack, but overall it was a solid performance.

My score: 8

Scores: 8, 9, 8

Johnny & Britt

Viennese Waltz

Johnny is back!! Of course, I didn't think he did that badly last week. But he is definitely back with a vengeance this week. I don't usually think of a Viennese Waltz as full of attack, but this one was, but it was also passionate and beautiful with wonderful musicality. Absolutely stunning!!

My score: 10

Scores: 9, 9, 9

Chrishell & Gleb

Paso Doble

The contestants are really very good this season. This Paso was full of content and attack. She had some very good shaping and lines. I may not be a big fan of Halloween, but I did really like this choreography, it was exciting. And VA VA Voom with her costume!

My score: 9

Scores: 9, 9, 8

Monica & Val

Jazz

GIRL YAAASSS!!!

Derek said it exactly right last week: when the contestant has fun, the audience has fun. And boy howdy, did Monica have fun with that routine!! Wow! That was hot, sizzling, smooth, I did not want that routine to end. I loved everything about it. Her movements were so sharp, and the way they matched perfectly with the music, oh my gosh, it was fantastic! She and Val have such amazing chemistry! That routine was fire! You could tell that Monica was feeling every bit of that character, and communicating it to the audience. So happy for her!

My score: 10

Scores: 7, 8, 7

Were we watching the same dance? I feel so bad for her. I think she thought she nailed it, and I thought she did too.

AJ & Cheryl

Tango

I think it was a strong Tango, but honestly I was a little bored. I think the music had something to do with it. The music was really fast, and at times the dance didn't quite keep up. Plus I think we were all holding our breath to make sure Cheryl didn't hit her head again.

My score: 8

Scores: 9, 8, 9

End of Part 1

librarianintx

DWTS Top 13

 

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

DWTS 80's Nite Recap (Top 12)

 

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 

DWTS Recap Top 11 Part 2 10/19/20

Jeannie & Brandon

Rumba

No tricks, no humor, no sass - simply a beautiful Rumba that was anything but simple. Jeannie looked STUNNING, and there was a tender vulnerability to her performance that mirrored her backstory, but her moves were nuanced, sensual, and on point. Gorgeous choreography by Brendon. 

My score: 9

Scores: They didn't show her scores!! WTH? I only know she got a 25, so I'm assuming 8's from Carrie Ann and Derek and a 9 from Bruno 

AJ & Cheryl

Samba

Not to take anything away from AJ, but I think that song could get a lot of people moving on a dance floor. AJ did get the party started. His movements were sharp and clean; he was down and dirty like a Samba should be. I liked the shoulder moves, but maybe the judges won't.

My score: 9

Scores: 9, 9, 9

Chrishell & Gleb

Contemporary

The passion and musicality were absolutely wonderful in this routine, but what stood out the most was the trust in this partnership - the lifts, the rollover, and especially the leap off the stairs. Chrishell is a lovely dancer and I have appreciated how much she has shared of her life with the audience.

My score: 9

Scores: 8, 8, 8

Kaitlyn & Artem

Samba

Kaitlyn's Samba was likely better than AJ's on a technical level, but I enjoyed AJ's more, maybe because of the song. Plus I was distracted by Artem's tight, somewhat high water pants. Anyway, Kaitlyn had the look of a Latin ballroom dancer, with her long hair and sexy dress, and there was a good amount of Samba content.

My score: 9

Scores: 9, 9, 9

Justina & Sasha

Viennese Waltz

To me she is still a front-runner, even though she doesn't get the highest scores. This was a beautiful Waltz. Although I didn't love her outfit, I think the skirt made her turns look even better than they already were. It was an elegant, sophisticated dance. 

My score: 9

Scores: 9, 9, 9

Bottom 2

Johnny & Britt

Vernon & Peta

WTH, Johnny?!?!

Thank goodness the judges saved him and Britt. And by judges I mean Derek and Bruno. Shake it off Johnny! Come back strong!

librarianintx

DWTS Top 11 Part 1 10/19/20

I'm going to try something new tonight since I'm so far behind on my recaps. For the first time I'm going to try recapping directly into blogger, and also using the built-in text-to-speech feature on my phone. Let's see how this goes. Either way, accessibility rocks!

Johnny & Britt

Salsa

The lifts in the routine were really cool and innovative. I was annoyed by the flashing lights, because it makes it hard to see the dancers. But what I was able to see looked good. Johnny was moving his hips and is partnering skills were good. He looked like he was having a blast out there.

My score: 9

Scores: 7, 8, 7

Nev & Jenna

Jazz

What a tease that Nev is! The whole dance I thought he was going to rip his shirt open! Anyway, great routine, very exciting lifts and lots of energy. Almost a top score, but I wanted the flow of movement to be smoother. Fantastic song to dance to!

My score: 9

Scores: 9, 9, 8

Monica & Val

Rumba

First of all, Monica looked STUNNING! Gorgeous dress, hair and makeup were perfect! And that was a beautiful rumba, sexy, graceful, lovely hip action - I'm telling you, Monica & Val could take this competition.

My score: 9

Scores: 9, 9, 9

Skai & Alan

Cha Cha

I thought the costumes were a little odd. I guess Skai was paying homage to Nikki Minaj, but I don't know why Alan was in a zebra jumpsuit. Anyway, oh gosh, I don't know. Skai is a very good dancer. The steps are there. The moves are there. But the feeling wasn't there. I felt like I was watching a robot Barbie. And I think there were a few missteps too. Maybe she's trying too hard?

My score: 8

Scores: 6, 6, 6

Whoa!!

Vernon & Peta

Cha Cha

Tonight we've seen two good dancers falter. With Vernon, I'm just not seeing any growth. He's not a terrible dancer. But he's not much of a dancer. He lets Peta lead him. He doesn't have much timing or musicality. He has a move here or there, but that's not enough to sustain him in this competition.

My score: 7

Scores: 7, 7, 7

Nelly and Daniella

Viennese Waltz

I thought Nelly did pretty well with a ballroom dance, and I think it was his first non Latin dance. The judges may not like his arm movements, but I thought they were kind of nice, as were the turns. I thought the dance kind of fizzled out at the end, but overall it was rather sweet, although also rather simple.

My score: 7

Scores: 8, 8, 8

End of Part 1

librarianintx

Quote about Trying

This is why I still go to Facebook, to find gems like this.

I needed to see this today.

There are days when this is all we can manage.

And that's okay.

Tomorrow will hopefully be better.

And even today had it's bright spots.

librarianintx

Staying Positive

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