As I type, it’s nine in the morning and it’s a rainy 50 degrees outside. And it’s the last day of January. Not surprising if I lived in Florida, but I live just outside D.C. in northern Virginia. I probably jinxed the whole winter season with my Black Diamond Challenge. Needless to say, skiing isn’t all that great around the mid-Atlantic at the moment. Which gives me a great out for not accomplishing my goal of tackling the whole mountain, but I’d much rather be on some part of the mountain than none. I had such high hopes back in November when we got early snow and the resorts opened earlier than usual…now it’s like skiing in a giant vat of slurpee mix. So, what I’m hoping, is that by whining here, I’ll reverse the jinx and we’ll get pummeled with the white stuff. (Okay, no hate mail. I’d be perfectly happy for it to stay 50 here, as long as it’s 30 on the slopes about ninety minutes west of me.) Karman? Are you listening?

About Karman… I used to post on a very chatty writer’s bulletin board some time back, and at some point the comment was made about karma being a bitch. This was repeated several times over the course of that particular conversation, until finally one of the bb lurkers shyly popped up to ask, “Who is this Karman? And why do you guys think she’s such a bitch?” And, yes, Karman was born. And, yes, at times, she can be a real humdinger.

Okay, today’s MAC: Can I say I’m about over the Bachelor already? Of course, I’m sucked in to the season this far, might as well see who the poor sap ends up with. I swear, I’m skipping next season. (Yeah, I say that every year.) But I honestly don’t care. I feel very removed from the process this season.

But some things never change. Every season they have a “villain” bachelorette in the house who doesn’t get along with anyone, except usually the bachelor, who is captivated with her for whatever reason that is beyond us but usually involves a rather large cup size, if you know what I mean. But the hormone induced fog usually lifts and he mercifully comes to his senses before the final rose is handed out, much to the relief of the entire viewing audience who typically loathes her. This season, that role is filled by Moana. Only, for the first time, I don’t hate the villain. In fact, until last night, she struck me as the only sane one in the house. So naturally she falls apart in last night’s episode and I’m beginning to wonder if maybe the other women in the house might not have a point. Sigh.

So there is little left to root for really. For an educated man Dr. Travis is almost a bit too doofy. Yes, we shamelessly got more shirtless bachelor last night and I certainly wasn’t complaining (I’m shallow like that) but honestly, he gets more “Opie” to me every week. I didn’t have a problem with who he sent home. A shame he felt Jehan’s past was so “tainted” but I guess he’s got to be true to what he wants. Still. He lost more points with me there. So the final four are Susan, Moana, Sarah from Canada, and Sarah from Tenn. (who, I’m sorry, seems more sister/brother with him than lover/girlfriend. Is it just me?) I can’t get all that excited about any of the potential pairs. I’m very meh on the whole thing.

Next week he goes to meet the families. Already. I know. I thought with fewer women earlier in the season, we’d get to see more relationship development, but in this case it feels the exact opposite. I’m not at all invested in any “story arc.” I think maybe my shark has finally jumped. Shrug. Will I tune in next week? Probably.

Tags: Writing by Donna
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Okay, so he lost. But Marcos Baghdatis did give Federer a run for it, and he was every bit as entertaining to watch as in his previous matches. I wish he’d have had more gas left in his tank to finish it out, but thank you for a wonderful fortnight, Marcos. Tennis needs more guys like you. And Roger…congrats on your seventh slam title. It was touching to see how much it meant to you to stand on court with Rod Laver. Your sense of history is gratifying, especially these days. I wonder what you have in store for us this season. Could there be a grand slam in your immediate future? Can anyone stand in your way? We’ll all be staying tuned…

So, if it’s Monday, that means it’s time to announce this week’s giveaway prize. In keeping with the Australia theme today, this week I’ll be giving out a pair of award nominated books featuring a couple of my Aussie heroes. The winner will receive WILD RAIN, one of my earlier books from Bantam’s Loveswept line (now out of print, only available here, folks!) featuring Reese Braedon, and ROYAL HUNTER featuring Devin Archer. To read more about both books, click on my Donna’s Bookshelf link in the right hand column, then once there, click on the book spines for each title and voila!

All you need to do to enter is send me an email with PICK ME! in the subject line and your name and address in the body of the note. Winner will be randomly selected from the entries and announced in Friday’s blog post. Good luck!

Today’s MAC: Hooray hooray, America finally got it right! Yes, in case you were off planet last week, Percy Miller (aka Master P) is no longer fighting the bad fight on Dancing With the Stars. His poor, abused dance instructor, Ashly, has been set free.

I really enjoyed this results show and the new, all live format. A bit commercial heavy (tho thanks to my TiFaux, I click past them.) But I’m glad they’ve made it an hour long. Go ahead, I dare you to spoil me with more backstage dirt , more behind the scenes scandal, more dancing, more of what we love. I even enjoyed Ash and P’s send off interview and montage and hope they continue doing that with future castaways.

One teeny tiny suggestion to the show’s director however…Yes, we know the Pussy Cat Dolls are hawt and I thought they fit in well with the somewhat campy vibe of the show, but they had two songs. Two. The first of which they performed alone and got all the glory camera shots we’ll really ever need. No problem with that. But, if you’re going to trot out the truly hawt Anna and Jonathan to dance to their second number? And given that this is a show about, well, DANCING? Maybe, just a suggestion here, but maybe, you could, you know, if you could manage it, next time, actually show us the DANCING?? We really didn’t need more of the PCD’s lead singer, whose teeth we’ve already had the luxury of counting. Twice. Just sayin’. Hugs.

Episode Grade: A (because, well, you know why.)

PS….this week, George? I love you man. You bring the funny. But I think you’re next to go. My girl Tia better not go first.

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It’s Friday! This week’s winner is (drum roll………) Nichole from West Va! Congratulations, Nichole. Your book will be winging its way to you today.

For everybody else, check back on Monday for next week’s giveaway selection and try again.

Australian Open update….Marcos Baghdatis is still a rock star. What a fun guy he is to watch. It’s wonderful to watch someone come in to the game, work so hard, and truly enjoy and savor every moment. I wish we had more like him. His opponent in the semi’s, David Nalbandian, is no light weight, and in fact, they have similar games in many ways. Both see the ball and return it really well. But he hung in there, never quit and just soaked up every single point…and to the absolutely mind blowing glee of every single one of his countrymen, their little Cypriot is in the finals of the Australian Open. Rock on, Marcos, rock on!

Okay, I survived the dentist and consoled myself with a late night viewing of Dancing with the Stars. I typed as I watched, so here comes today’s rambling MAC:

Wow, what great fun this show is. Seeing as I used to dance (back in the Dark Ages, P.K. - you know Pre Kids) this SO makes me want to do it again. Great show, quickly becoming my favorite. Pure entertainment and absolute fun. I’ve just decided to pretend Percy Miller is participating like a show mascot or something, and focusng on the real dancers. I like the guy, but twenty hours of practice compared to over a hundred and fifty for the other dancers? Come on. Poor Ashly is all I’ll say on that subject. But the rest of them? Wow! It is SO great how hard they all work at this - and it’ s not like there is a real prize at the end. They do it for the love of the competition, and, well, and so they don’t look bad in front of millions of people. I really enjoyed every performance. (mascot notwithstanding.)

Oh, and Tom Bergeron? Great host. He brings the snark and I love him for it. Okay - from lowest to highest for me were -

George Hamilton and Edyta - first, can I order a body from the Edyta catalogue please? George, fabulous and so much fun. I do think he’s at the most risk (assuming our mascot never leaves.) I love George, but compared to the others, he might be going home. He sure is fun to watch though. So entertaining.

Jerry Rice and Anna- bless his heart, he’s really working at this. I think his build, his shoulders, etc, make it hard for him to appear as if he’s giving a good posture line even when he is, and he’s not the natural dancer the others are, but he is putting his all into this. I’d place him second to last, but kudos for heart. He looked like he was enjoying himself out there for a change.

Tia Carrare and Maksim - I love how hard she works, too. She made a few mistakes tonight, but she’s come such a long way, and I love her partner. (Actually all the pros are really great this season.) They did a really lovely job last night. And I liked how she was dancing for her people in the ‘hood - Motherhood. With a new baby, she really has my respect out there!

Stacey Kiebler and Tony - Always technically beautiful and she makes the most of those 41 inch legs, but there’s something almost too aloof about her. I mean, she’s gorgeous and elegant and she made the dance look lovely, but I don’t feel a connection to her when she dances in terms of entertainment, the way I do with the others. But I love how she is with her partner too, and she did look lovely. She’s so graceful. All the behind the scenes stuff was great this week, too.

Lisa Rinna and Louie - wasn’t she fun? I think they got totally murdered on the music they gave them. It had drama, but it really didn’t do them any favors. If they had done that dance to something sexier? Wow! Anyway, she looked wonderful and I just really like her spirit and dedication. I like how excited she gets and she doesn’t care how “cool” she is or not. Big points to them both for hanging in there despite not being the most popular. I hope that tide is turning. She’s my solid second favorite.

But Drew Lachey and Cheryl? - Damn, but he’s just too good. Such a good pairing, those two, and she choreographs beautifully for him. When I heard they were dancing to Michael Jackson’s Thriller, I was really really worried that they were going to get the crap music tonight, but whoa was I wrong. They used it brilliantly. It was so good - and that part they put in from the original M J choreography, was just too cute. Loved it, loved it, loved it.

What an entertaining show! So much fun to watch. I think there is something for everyone to enjoy. I wish there was more family entertainment like it out there. I’ll miss it when it’s over. If you haven’t given it a try…why not?

Episode Grade: A+ Results show tonight!

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What is it about going to the dentist that never gets any easier? I’m not even having anything difficult done. And I’d really just rather not, you know? It’s not the pain, I handle that fine. I think maybe it’s the vulnerability factor of laying there with your mouth open. Or I’m a wimp. It’s a toss up really. I’ll have to contemplate that while self medicating after the invasive procedure with chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream.

So…one more day until we announce this week’s giveaway winner. Scroll down to Monday’s post and find out how to enter. Entries are piling up, so join the stack! I’m totally making my 15 year old do the drawing again. Moms get to play the bad guy often enough, right? So for those who don’t win, direct all complaints to him. Of course anyone who knows him, knows he’s impossible to be mad at. He got all the easygoing DNA in the family. Add to that the whole Baby of the Family Syndrome…he’s bulletproof. And he doesn’t even work it. Gotta love him.

Today’s Morning After Commentary: Project Runway. Yay, great challenge! Of course, anything involving inspiration is of particular interest to me, as it’s something I grapple with all the time. I wish we could have seen more of the photographs they took. It was an interesting concept. Boo, Zulema mugs Nick’s model. I realize it was within the rules and her right, but she had to realize that, rules or no, it was going to bring ill will amongst the troops. It’s easy to say “it’s just business” when you’re the one doing the damage. To act all surprised when people get upset is a tad naive. Yay, Santino’s dead on impression of Tim Gunn. Loved it! “Rock the Kasbah, people.” Best line of the series. Boo, Nick even thinking about giving up. It surprised me that he was so negative, but I think killer fatigue is setting in for all of them and between losing his model/muse, and then getting Tim’s lecture to the troops, it was all just too much. Yay, Daniel’s pep talk and getting Nick over himself. Over the past few weeks, Daniel has become my favorite guy, on and off the runway. As Michael Kors says, “I’m Dan Fan.” Me, too, MK, me, too. Boo, Jay returns and doesn’t bring the funny. I loved Jay in season one for keeping it real. He did have a moment, when reliving Austin’s runway monologues, but I didn’t enjoy his cameo as a judge as much as I’d hoped. Yay, I picked this week’s winner. Boo, I missed picking the loser by thatmuch. But I agreed with the boot. Karma is a bitch, Zu.

All in all, I thought this episode offered a lot. One of my favorites. Episode grade: A

PS - check out Tim Gunn’s Project Runway podcasts - available on iTunes - very insightful! Also, on Bravo’s PR2 website (see link in the right hand column of this blog) they have bonus video for this episode that includes more of Santino’s Tim impression. The Nine Inch Nails song? So very wrong, but so very funny. I thought I was going to choke. I can’t believe how dead on his impression is. I bust out laughing every time I think about it. And watching Daniel laugh just makes me laugh harder.

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Three, really - Betty White Rocks.

But first, tennis. If we’re talking rock, then we’re talking Marcos Baghdatis. He took out my tennis boyfriend Andy, and he did it with flair. Yesterday he took down the always scary Lubijic in five. The guy is a rock star out there. I’m rooting for him all the way - hey, if he’s going to beat my guy, he’d better go on to win the whole thing, right? But first, he has to get by David Nalbandian, who has a similar game. Should be a slug fest. And if the crowds during the Lubijic match are any indication–between the Cypriots and the Croats they made the night games at the US Open seem tame–I can only imagine how it will be for Marcos in the semis. In other news, Kiefer? Not cool, man, not cool. I was in Grosjean’s corner all the way, as was most of the crowd after witnessing your antics. A shame the gentleman didn’t win out this round. Of course, you play Federer next. So when they say things come full circle…well…one can only hope.

On a sad note, the last American standing (and barely, as she sprained her ankle several days ago) Lindsay Davenport is out, but only after making Henin-Hardenne work for it. Bye, Lindsay! Sniff. On a brighter note - a match between Clisters and Hingis? Ahh. Just like old times. Love it!

Now, back to Betty. One of the best scripted shows on television (IMHO) is Boston Legal. Quirky, funny, sharp, witty. And the best casting this side of anywhere. Shatner, Spader, Bergen…ahh. What’s not to love. And the guest spots? Even better. MJ Fox’s star turn? Brilliant and moving. I miss him already and he’s not done yet. But I will admit my all time fave is Betty White in the recurring role of woman with an edge, and a sharp one at that, Catherine Piper. Whoda thunk it of sweet Rose Nyland? Betty on a crime spree? Betty murdering her homicidal beau with a frying pan upside the head? It’s genius casting, truly. Love her. Love the show. I hope they pay all their writers *really* well. But with those Emmys starting to pile up, I’m guessing they’re doing okay. As well they should be. So refreshing to see such good writing, week in, week out. You all rock. I want to be like you guys when I grow up.
Episode Grade: A+

Don’t forget to enter the Friday Giveaway! If you haven’t already done so…send an email to donna@donnakauffman.com with PICK ME! in the subject line. See Monday’s post below for all the details. Good luck!

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Okay, I had to get up at 4 am to pick up my kids from their ski trip. So today’s blog post is all MAC, all the time. Forgive me if I’m not entirely PC. Sleep deprivation will do that to ya. (No, really. Come on, go with me on this.)

So….MAC: The Bachelor Pt 1 and Pt 2. The first hour was devoted to a recap of the season thus far (which has comprised two whopping episodes, but whatever.) It not only gave us a recap, but included new, never before seen audition tape, behind the scenes commentary, and additional date footage. But first, it must be said - some of the other guys they interviewed before pulling Travis literally off the streets of Nashville? I hope they kept a list, that’s all I’m sayin’.

So, are we really still talking about Allie G and her reproductive phase? Really? Three weeks running now? No. Enough, leave the poor girl alone. (Although word to Allie. The audition tape? Could you have given them any more ammo? Come on, a little self awareness.) Speaking of which, Kristen? I know I gave you mad props last week for owning yourself, quirks and all, and being willing to wait for someone who appreciates you for you. I still believe that. But, wow, who knew that what we saw was merely the barest minimum of your quirky sense of humor. The editors must have sat up late into the night, deciding which footage to use. Did they need to drag this out two weeks in a row? No. Should you change who you are no matter how embarrassing this was to watch, not once, but twice? No. But should you perhaps be a teensy tiny bit more perceptive to your audience’s discomfort when displaying all your adorable quirkiness? Mebbe. Hugs.

Episode Pt 1 grade: C (for lack of creativity and going back to the humiliation well two too many times. All that footage and you couldn’t give us more new stuff?)

Like more of Travis with no shirt on? (What? Me? Shallow? Still…Grade? A+)

I’m sorry, where were we? Oh, right. The Bachelor Pt 2 - second hour, new episode. So now we get two of Travis’ doctor buddies, both filled with geeky sweetness and best of intentions in helping their good buddy find his true luv. Immediately upon spying them at the Garden Table of Inquisition, I was like, wha? Skeleton on the table? We’re going to quiz the women on their medical knowledge (or, more accurately, their absolute lack thereof) because…why? I thought I’d somehow leaned on the remote and ended up switching channels to Beauty and the Geek. There is a reason I don’t watch that show. This would be exactly why. But…whatever. They mean well. (And if they ever need stand ins for that Nextel commercial where the guys are dancing in that small office to that Ooh Baby Baby song? Yeah. Right here.) Still, somehow they picked the same one I would have chosen for him.

So, show of hands? Is Susan “I’m a Smitten Kitten” sincere? (And did she really say that? Really? With a straight face? I know I laughed. How did Travis not laugh?) Or is this just one big L.A. audition for the self proclaimed wanna be actress? And if Susan isn’t The One….who among those left is? What is up with Moana “I’m as shallow as a kiddy pool” anyway? (Now that line? Cracked me up, too, but in a good way.) I like her, in a let’s-have-lunch-and-dish kinda way. But what are her reasons for being on this show? No clue.

Fantasy dates….the mini car ride, dinner date gets two thumbs up. The French Riviera yacht date, well duh. Except sharing sucks. (and enough already with using “pimp daddy” as an adjective.) But camping? Really? I know he likes to camp, but you’re in PARIS. Camp later. And gee, was anyone surprised who was sent home from that overnight? And could it have been any more awkward for the three of them. Producers? Too far. Rotting eggs, okay, she handed that to you. But this? Contrived and just plain mean. He handled it about as well as anyone could. Jennifer? You deserved much better. Even if the whole bug thing, well, bugged. Still, hugs. “I went to Paris and I got to go camping!” Not exactly the t-shirt anyone wants to bring home. Episode grade: B

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Three cheers for the Pittsburgh Steelers! 34-17, who’da thunk it? Well, me for one. So glad Ben and the boys are going to the big show. Most especially for Jerome Bettis - he is from Detroit, so to finish an outstanding career by playing in the Super Bowl in his home town is just icing on that hall of fame cake. Two weeks…one more to go!

Friday Giveaway! This week’s giveaway will be a signed copy of the book of your choice from my website bookshelf. The only guidelines are that it must be a book that has already been released, and you’ll need a first and second choice (in case I’m out of your first.) That’s all there is to it. So send an email (just one!) to donna@donnakauffman.com with PICK ME! in the subject line. In the email, send me your address and your first and second choices. Also, let me know if you’d like to be added to my newsletter mailing list (sent out quarterly, via email only.) And you’re all set! This Friday I will randomly select one winner from this week’s entries. Good Luck!

Monday MAC: Dancing with the Stars elimination show. First, wow, was that paso doble danced by all the pro couples hot or what? But wouldn’t it have been, oh, about a million times hotter if it had actually been danced to just about anything but the theme from Rocky??? Seriously. What was up with that? Still, beautifully done.

So, Master P stays. Honestly, no surprise there for me. I’m just more or less pretending he’s not in the competition. Were that true, then it’s not surprising Giselle went home next. She doesn’t have the fan support, and the judges Tatum’d her as well. I really wish the show would consider adjusting the scoring so the viewer vote didn’t account for half of the score. 25% would be fair, and keep the competition based more on skill than popularity. But, regardless, in the end, no matter what order they go home, I think talent will win out.

Australian Open Update: Both William sisters are gone. This does not break my heart. I’d like to think they must realize by now that with the level of the women’s game, they can’t not play for months on end, then step into a grand slam tournament and expect their natural athleticism to get them through. I’d love to see them, Serena especially, re-commit themselves to the game and bring out their best. My man A Rod is gone. (But wow, that Baghdatis was playing some insane tennis! I’d love to see him play at that level against Federer. And how could you not love his post-match interview? When asked if he’d be watching the match that would determine who his next opponent would be, so he could study their game, he replied: “My coach will be watching. I will be in bed with my girlfriend.” Ah, such refreshing candor. Loved it!) So the American field is dwindling fast. Second week coming up.

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Susan E from South Dakota! (and the crowd goes wild!) My son did the drawing this week, so if you didn’t win, blame him. I will have your signed, advance copy of BAD BOYS IN KILTS in the mail to you asap, Susan. Monday morning we’ll start a new giveaway, folks, so check back here to see what the new weekly prize is…and good luck!

Friday is here. Last day of mid terms. Wahoo! And this afternoon, both of my sons board a bus to Quebec for a semester break school snowboarding trip. 4 days of blessed peace and quiet around here (when I’m not worrying about them hurtling down the side of an icy mountain range anyway…) I’m not sure who is getting the better vacation deal. The food I stocked in my pantry yesterday might actually still be there twenty-four hours from now. Well, whatever doesn’t find it’s way into their backpacks for the long bus ride anyway. (And you’d be amazed at what teenage boys think of as bus munchies.)

Okay….today’s Reality Show MAC: Dancing with the Stars… I thought Tia looked gorgeous. Can you believe she’s already dropped 20+ pounds since starting this competition? I’m definitely signing up for those salsa lessons now! Drew and Cheryl are still my favorites - so cute and working so hard. Lisa and Louie are close seconds. How hot did she look this week? Wow! George was as charming as ever, but I’m glad the judges gave him at least a little tweak on the lack of actual dancing he does, but he’s so entertaining, I’d hate to see him leave anytime soon. Giselle and Stacy were both gorgeous and their routines good, but left me a bit meh. Not sure why. In danger I think might be Jerry, surprisingly. Well, it goes without saying it should be Master P going home, but I think he’s got a solid fan base….and he was sort of cute, in a lumbering kind of way, trying to keep up with Master A (and her matching hat - hey, if you can’t beat em, join em - she’s trying everything!) wearing his sharp blue suit. If he’d worn the dancing shoes, I might have even thrown him a vote purely for effort. Tonight he looked the most relaxed I’ve seen him, like he was truly giving it his all. But can he dance? Sadly, no. And as much as we’d like to see him redeemed, I’d hate to see another dancer go home first. Wouldn’t really be fair. It’s a toss up who will be sent packing tonight. Can’t wait to find out. Episode grade: B+

Australian Open update…Leyton Hewitt was bounced in the second round by Chela (without any spitting incidents this time, thank goodness) and fails again to win his hometown slam. Sorry mate! But that makes it one step easier for my boy A Rod. With A Train Agassi sitting this one out, Andy has my full support. But Roger…man, unless he eats a bad shrimp or something, I’m not sure anyone is going to derail him. On the women’s side - tough, tough draw! But Martina Hingis was looking sharp again. Mary Pierce is out. Kim Clisters is looking pretty sore still. Serena’s fitness is still in question (I don’t care what anybody says, that’s not all muscle.) I’m rooting for Lindsay to take it all. And could it be any hotter down there? It looks sizzling!

Have a great weekend everybody!!

Tags: Writing by Donna
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I’m happy to see so many people excited about the Friday Giveaway! Only one more day to enter for this week’s prize, so if you haven’t already entered, come on! See yesterday’s blog post below to learn how. I will announce this week’s winner tomorrow - and next week we’ll start all over again. Remember, you only need to enter once each week - subsequent entries are deleted.

So…I won’t bore you with more football talk (Palomalu was robbed of that interception, yo. Ahem.) so instead we’ll talk tennis! The Australian Open is going on and though the 17 hour time difference does make it a bit difficult to watch too much of it live, I’ve managed to catch a fair amount being the night owl that I am. Blistering hot down there. Makes me hot just watching them. Lindsey Davenport is looking good. Kim Clisters, who I love, is looking a bit tight with her injury. Heal fast, Kim! And whaddya know, Martina Hingis is back and looking pretty darn awesome. On the men’s side, Andy is in fine form and what with Andre, Rafael, and Marat out of the race this year, he’s only really got to worry about Hewitt…until he meets Federer. But then they all have to fear Federer. That man’s talent is boundless. And he makes it look so effortless and graceful. Unreal. But as much admiration as I have for his game, his era in sports right now would be a lot more fun if there was someone to consistently challenge him, much like Andre did for Pete Sampras. Roger is turning into Tiger…awesome and inspiring, but almost too dominant to really enjoy. I’d love to see someone come along who can truly push him around. And I almost feel bad for the pack of also-rans who happen to be having their careers at the same time. Unless they can figure out how to raise their game, they’re all almost doomed to be playing for second place. And who wants that?

Okay…today’s MAC: Project Runway. Well,I came close with the winner, but was way off with the loser (seeing as how she won, about as far off as I could be. LOL) I knew in advance they’d be designing a skating outfit for Sasha Cohen and I thought it would be between Chloe and Nick (and how cute was he when he saw who the task was about?) I figured the loser would likely be Zulema. And watching the show unfold, Zulema was pretty convinced of that, too. No one was more surprised than her to be announced the winner. Chloe was a close second. I thought they both did a nice job. I loved Nick’s best, but wish he’d chosen a more flattering, interesting color. The rest were in the middle of the pack, except for Santino who was a clear disaster. And yet! He manages to be given one more chance at redeeming his in-your-face, I-don’t-care-who-I’m-designing-for-style and Emmett is OUT. Oh Emmett in his hot pink skate top. It was like adding insult to injury, making him wear that on the day of his demise. Bye, Emmett! So…will Santino figure out he is on the last of his nine lives? Show of hands on who thinks he’d have gone home last night if Nina Garcia had been on the judges panel this week? ME! (Darnit Nina!) Was my tv boyfriend Tim Gunn the most adorable thing ever on ice skates?

Now…just what is next week’s challenge anyway? I can’t tell. We are down to seven designers, things are tense. And Zulema has the nerve to audition everyone else’s runway model and perhaps upset the harmony the designers seem to have found with each other. Yikes! But to make next week fun, last year’s winner Jay McCarroll is one of the runway judges. Here’s hoping, praying, that he gets to address Santino’s latest malfunction–er, I mean design. Jay, we miss you! Now if we could get Austin Scarlett back for a round of back stage gossip life would be complete. I heard a rumor that he designed all of Heidi’s maternity runway wear for this season. I’ve been loving what she’s been wearing, so if the rumor is true, two thumbs up Austin!

Episode Grade: C (because Santino wasn’t OUT.)

Tags: Writing by Donna
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It’s mid-term hell week in my house and I’m living with two very stressed out teenagers. And there are still three days to go. Save me. Mother Nature is even getting in on the act and delivering a thunderstorm in the middle of winter. A perfect day for Hookey Day (for mom, not the kids, although they wish….) only there’s this book I have to write. Where are those elves when you need them? I should have never let them unionize.

So, today’s MAC…well, American Idol would be the obvious choice this morning, but honestly, what can you say? I’ll wait until we’re dealing with the actual singers competing for the title. Which will be weeks worth of really bad singers from now. Tonight we get to see the remaining Project Runway designers create an ice skating outfit for Sasha Cohen. It’s a toss up for me as to who will get it right and be IN. Chloe and Daniel could both pull that off, so could Nick or Andrae. Hmm….I think I’ll stick with Nick. As to who will be OUT? Maybe Kara, but I’ll go out on a limb and guess Zulema.

And keep sending those Friday Giveaway entries in! Email me at donna@donnakauffman.com with the subject line PICK ME! Put your address in the note. You might win an advance copy of BAD BOYS IN KILTS! Winner announced Friday.

Happy Hump Day everybody….

Tags: Writing by Donna
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