Me? Not so much.

So…on Treasure Hunters I’m having a harder and harder time remembering why I started watching this show.

And yes, I’m talking about Brad Fogel’s comments on his daughter’s screaming and wailing tantrums. He laughs it off, saying it sounds a lot worse than it is — which isn’t humanly possible — and after twenty-five years, they’re used to it. Okay, this young woman is TWENTY-FIVE years old and MARRIED…and she still carries on like that? At what point did her parent’s think it wasn’t okay for them to step in and tell her to knock it off? I mean…my god. I have to wonder if, watching this now, they realize how insane they all are. And if her husband has run away from home.

In other Treasure Hunter news, the Brown family is out. Again. Which comes as a surprise to absolutely no one, except apparently the Brown family. The Geniuses really aren’t. And Team USA proves they have more grit than anyone would have credited them with, including themselves.

I wasn’t as impressed with the challenges this week. Not that they weren’t hard, they just weren’t as exciting. Or maybe it’s just that I finally don’t care anymore. I’m sort of wanting to stick with Dance and PR3 and just call it a day.

So, it looks like Team Air Force will take this. With CIA and Southie’s battling for second. I’m okay with that outcome. Actually I’m okay with any outcome that doesn’t include the Fogel’s or the Geniuses winning anything other than more time with Kayte. Preferably not on my tv. You know a show isn’t going well when you’re more rooting for someone to lose than for a team to win.

End of MAC. Such as it is. Sigh. Besides, I have to save myself for the Mondo MAC that is now Wednesday nights. A week’s worth right there. And yes, yes, I was weak. I read the spoilers from those who attended the taping of Dance last night…and I’m even more excited about the changes in format this week. Sad, I know, how much I look forward to Wednesdays. But it’s one evening of guilty pleasure. I refuse to apologize for having no life one night a week. Of course, I have no excuse for the other six, but I’m working on it…

I hope you all are handling the heat. I started reading Nora’s Angels Fall and it’s no surprise that I am loving it so far. What is your hot summer read of the moment?

Tags: Writing by Donna
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So…it’s hot. I’m pretty sure I could be living anywhere in America and get away with saying this. I happen to live in the DC area and it’s stinkin’ blazin’ hot. I’ve lived here my whole life. You’d think I’d be used to this by now. Not really. Is it fall yet? I really want it to be fall. Except I want to keep the longer days. I don’t ask for much.

Anyway…let’s grab something icy to drink and talk about winning some free books! Oh! But first, I want to thank everyone who showed up at the signing on Saturday, both literally and virtually. It was a smash success as always, we signed for five straight hours. I sat next to the always delightful Dorothea Benton Frank. If you haven’t read her Low Country books, they’re wonderful. Susan Donovan was celebrating the fact that she’d just landed on the USA Today bestsellers list for the first time with her latest, The Kept Woman. And I got to see Nora and the grandbabies, so it was a really fun day.

Now, free books! Today’s SHaQ Attack question has to do with heat… I’ve written two books set in Louisiana, where they know a lot about that particular subject, especially in late July. One of the books was set in the bayou (hence, titled Bayou Heat) and the other was set in New Orleans, where my grandmama was born, and featured my favorite pirate hero. (Okay, so he’s my only pirate hero, but still… ) And I know, I’m not supposed to have favorites as it’s a bit like saying I have a favorite child, but he’s one of mine.

So…tell me the title of the New Orleans book and win yourself a copy.

Send your answers to donna@donnakauffman.com with I got it, cher in the subject line. On Friday morning, I’ll draw one name from all the correct entries.

Happy hunting! Stay cool!

Tags: Writing by Donna
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Well, they did!

First though…ooooh noooo, Donyelle is hurt. I knew she’d broken her toe, but watching her Wednesday night, I thought she was going to make it through. I was worried when she didnt’ do the opening number (which I loved, and the camera actually stayed still towards the end. Imagine that, showing the actual dancing…)

But my fears for Donyelle were all but forgotten when Nigel dropped his little bomb on us, and judging from their faces, the dancers too! I knew we’d eventually get to individual voting. And I will say, that I really really LOVE this set up versus last year. But, sob, sniff…..I will miss some of these partnerships. And it has to be tough for these guys to lose the one stable thing they have. Well, for some. Heidi looked positively ecstatic. Ha.

So, next week, they will randomly pick their partners. They will each dance two paired routines, and one solo. Like they weren’t working hard enough. Then each of the ten remaining dancers will have their own number for voting. More than anything else, I approve of that. It’s hard watching the good ones dragged down by the not as good partners.

Oh, the speculation. And oh, poor Donyelle, with the most demanding part of the season on her now….and her toe is busted. Hate that for her. I want them all at their best.

But before we can get on with that…we have to eliminate two dancers.

Well, I got two out of the three bottom couples right. I admit I’m surprised to see Travis and Martha there. I don’t think either is in danger of the judges sending them home. And finally Travis will get to move around a bit, he’ll benefit from other partners, I think, and definitely from getting to solo. Musa/Nat and Dmitry/Ashlee round out the bottom three. Could be any of those four, really. I’d rather see Musa/Nat go. I guess. I don’t know. Can we send Nat and Ashlee home? No? Oh well…I’ll understand if any of the combination of those four goes. But if Trav or Marf goes, I’m gonna be a wee bit torqued.

Ashlee goes first…does a nice popper routine. Dmitry comes out wearing jeans, black leather jacket..and Dmitry. Whew! He dances to Jailhouse Rock. A little shaky in spots, his shoes didn’t slide well, but all in all, a lot of fun. With Ryan not in the bottom tonight, I hope it saves him. Sorry, Musa! I love you, too! I fear that he’s been in the bottom too often for the judges to overlook it. Even if it was his partner’s fault more often than not. Last night it couldn’t be blamed on Ashlee, so….. We’ll see how Musa does.

Martha is up next…doing contemporary. A very athletic, beautiful and powerful performance. She’s not going anywhere. Travis brings it with a lyrical performance that matches Marf’s really well. I can’t imagine he’s going anywhere either. Awww….poor Trav, giving the love to his mom. I heart him. I don’t think he knows how popular he is.

Natalie brings it with a contemporary routine that, frankly, really surprised me. It was sharp, fresh, and really entertaining. Wow. Buh bye, Ashlee. Musa comes out and knocks out a fun hip hop routine to Disco Inferno. Boy, the athleticism tonight is truly amazing. My man Dmitry is in trouble, yes he is.

I think I have to say…it’s goodbye to Dmitry and Ashlee.

Pussycat Dolls writhe and dance (which is a step up on most of the other performers thus far, but…well…yeah) and I think they’re actually singing…..not that this is why anyone buys their cd’s…I know. Anyway.

Back to the eliminations…

Well, Ashlee is indeed out. (I thought her comments to the judges after her solo showed her growth and maturity. I’m glad she had the chance to thank them.) And I appreciated Nigel’s comments to Natalie, as well. They are really coming down hard on Trav and Marf. Still harsh with Martha, but it was nice to see them (hopefully) acknowledge how much their constant drubbing is taking its toll on Travis. I honestly think he has no clue how popular he is, and though it keeps most humble, I think he could stand to see more of that support. Somewhat surprisingly to me, Musa is out tonight and Dmitry lives to wiggle his torso yet another day. Though Dmitry was off tonight, I do think Musa is, all in all, the weaker dancer, but still… I hate to see him leave, either. Especially with Ryan still in the competition. Hug your partner, tonight Ry Ry!

I admit I’m interested in seeing Dmitry with some other partners. Dare they let him dance with Heidi, who he has competed with in the past? I’d love to see it, especially if they get some new style neither is familiar with. Actually, I’d like to see him with Natalie or Donyelle, too, just to see how the smoulder would work out. I’m interested in seeing Travis get a partner more physically suited to him. Benji will do well no matter who he pulls. Ryan is on his last week, I think, I hope. Then it will get interesting for the men. Hard to tell which girl will be out, though. Donyelle has little to fear, except her own health getting in the way. Allison is a lock. Natalie and Heidi…a hard call there. Could go either way. I fear for Marf. I don’t think she’s made the connection Travis has with the audience.

Wow, next week looks to be a doozy!! New partners…and new dance styles, too! Dare we get Western Swing? Lindy Hop? Can’t wait to see who gets who and who gets what. Will be fun, no matter what. Get well, Donyelle!

Now, on to this week’s SHaQ Attack winner. You all got the answer right. Yes, Riley Parrish was indeed the wolf in sheep’s clothing in my earlier release, The Big Bad Wolf Tells All. And receiving a signed copy of that book is…..drum roll….a little cha cha music…maybe a leftover firework or two….Bailey Stewart! (Oh, there’ll be no living with her now. ) I just knew this one was for ewe.

Tune in Monday for the next SHaQ Challenge!

Have a great weekend, everyone. I hope to see some of you tomorrow at the signing. And for all you virtual attendees, thanks! (Virtual signing, you ask? See Tuesday’s post for alllll the details, or click the link to your right for Turn the Page Bookstore to find out more!)

Tags: Writing by Donna
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The happening place to be this weekend is Boonsboro, Maryland at Turn The Page bookstore. Why, you ask? Well, I’ll tell you…this Saturday, TTP will be celebrating their 11th anniversary with a huge booksigning. Nora Roberts will be signing her latest, Angels Fall. Also signing will be Susan Donovan, Mary Jane Clark, Dorothea Benton Frank and Yours Truly!

The signing starts at 1pm and runs, technically, until 3pm but I’ve signed at this event before and it always runs later than that. Besides, The Creamery around the corner is a great place to while away some time…as is Asaro’s Pizza on the corner, run by Nora’s son, Dan. So come on out! It’s a great old Civil War town, not too far from Antietam battlefield, for you history buffs.

What? You live in Timbuktu and can’t come all the way to Maryland for a day of fun? And you realllllllly want autographed books by some of your fave authors? Well, you can visit Turn The Page’s website and attend their virtual booksigning. All week long, they are hosting an online signing where you can order any of the books being signed this weekend, and the authors will sign them to you on Saturday, then they will be shipped out after the event. You can click on the link in the column to your right, or head to www.ttpbooks.com to attend this virtual event.

Hope to see you all there…and if any Blog Babes are attending, please say so when you see me and you’ll receive a special surprise!

Okay…a little Wednesday MAC. Very little because tomorrow will be a MACdaddy kinda day!

Last Comic Standing sent home three comics last night. One of my faves, Gabe Iglesias, was so besotted with his girlfriend that he repeatedly broke house rules to speak to her. And while, you know, awwwww, sweet, and everything, mostly I was, you idiot! Everyone else had family’s and loved ones, too, and it’s not like you couldn’t talk to her every other freaking day. Get a grip, dude. You blew a major career opportunity that might have helped support you and your girlfriend… I hated to see him go, but it was definitely the right thing to do. Rebecca went home, and it’s about dang time. She is incredibly not funny and I have no idea how she was even on that show. Kristen Key, who is funny, had a really off week and, up against Ty Burnett, who had a great set, she also deservedly went home. I really enjoyed her for the most part and hope good things happen for her. Next week America gets to pick who goes home each week, so that’ll be fun. Left are Roz, Ty, Michelle Ballan, Chris Porter, and Josh Blue. I love Josh, would love to see him win. A Chris win would be fine by me, too.

Tune in tomorrow for some Dance and Project Runway MAC.

Happy Hump Day, y’all!

Tags: Writing by Donna
8 Comments »

Treasure Hunters.

I’m really trying to like this show. And it has a lot of elements I do like. The travel, the clues, the physical challenges. But the host is getting to me in a big way, and the way they have him repeatedly say his little spiel to Every. Single. Team. is monotonous bordering on annoying. Okay, crossing the border.

There are a few teams I have no problem with. Air Force plays a clean game. Ex-CIA isn’t horrible. Not keen on the Southies or USA, just meh on them. The Geniuses need to step way off on belittling their asthmatic partner. The Fogles are just plain whacko. (What is UP with the daughter? And the mother-daughter bond thing was just plain freaky. I mean, my mom and I are really close, but that? Was bizarre.) Then there’s Dad Fogle, who just thought his daughter’s repeated meltdowns were amusing. Oh yeah, there’s a dining room table I want to sit around. And a show of hands for anyone who thought the Brown Brothers would make it through any part of that swamp? Not a lot of suspense there on who was going to come in last. But..the powers that be thought it was a good episode for a “To Be Continued” anyway. Not so much, for me.

I’ll continue watching for the race itself, but, yeah…summer programming continues to be a pretty big black hole for me this season. Thank goodness for Dance. And by Dance, I mean Dmitry. Hey, a girl can’t have enough eye candy. Or if she can, it’s a form of sugar shock she’s willing to risk.

Project Runway returns tomorrow night and it will once again be Tim Time for me. Woot! So I remain optimistic. If anyone can save a mediocre summer of entertainment for me, it’s Tim Gunn.

…what are you watching this summer?

Tags: Writing by Donna
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So…I did watch Rock Star Ep 1 and 2…all but the first fifteen minutes of the first night, anyway. Missed one performer. Overall, a decent group of singers. I tended to favor the guys over the girls. (Although clearly Dave, Tommy, and the boys love them some grrrl rockers. Gee, what a shock.)

I didn’t have a problem with who they sent home, (because I love Duran Duran, but dude…Tommy Lee does Simon LeBon? I don’t think so, mate.) I’d have sent Paul first. Was Paul his name? The skinny alt rock guy. But all three in the bottom this week will go at some point so who cares. And they’re pimping Lukas as the New JD anyway, so the whole show is essentially just a reason for Tommy to ogle hot rocker chicks and Brooke Burke’s legs until they pick Lukas in the end.

So I’m not in love with the show this season. Because Supernova isn’t INXS. Or Duran Duran for that matter. Now THAT? I would watch. I liked INXS, I liked their music, and so it follows I’d enjoy the type of rock the wannabe lead singers would perform. Not so much with Tommy and the Boyz. Which then also follows that, while I agree the batch of singers might be right for Supernova, they’re not all that roit for me.

I’ll watch/skim for a week or two, but it won’t be on the top of my TiVo Must See DVR TV list. And I don’t think I’ll be MAC’n it. Sorry, gang.

What did you all think of it?

And did anybody jump on the train(wreck) for Big Brother? I still have it taped, haven’t watched it yet. I can’t seem to get excited about pseudo-reality-celebs duking it out. I wanted clueless wannabe famewhores instead. I know. I’m so demanding like that when it comes to My Reality Programming. They should listen to me. Really.

Anybody watching Last Comic Standing? I like that they’re sending two people home each week. I’m all for Get Right Down To It. There are a few comics I like, but I’m still only in like with the show.

So…until Project Runway 3 swishes it’s fashionable tushie again, I’ll just stick with So You Think You Can Dance, and maybe the occasional side dish of Treasure Hunter.

Okay…on with the Important Part of today’s blog. This week’s SHaQ Attack contest. Your Scavenger Hunt Question this week is:

Who is the wolf in sheep’s clothing?

It’s easy, come on! Answer is on my website.

Send your answers to donna@donnakauffman.com with I got it baaaahhh’d in the subject line. on Friday, I’ll pick a name from the correct entries and the winner will receive a copy of the book associated with the winning answer.

Happy hunting and hope your week kicks off with a howl!

Tags: Writing by Donna
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Thanks everyone for playing this week’s SHaQ Attack contest. Everyone who entered got the question right - Tess Hamilton was 15 when she won her first championship. This week’s lucky winner is Blog Babe Dena! Congratulations, Dena! You’ll receive the book of your choice from my website bookshelf. Happy reading!

Tune back in Monday for the next SHaQ Attack hunt.

Now on to some Friday MAC…

First, I loved the opening sequence to Footloose so much I watched it twice. I still want to strangle the cameraman, but at least this time it seemed more choreographed to be that way. Still. Focus, camera dude, focus. You can get all 14 in one shot.

One of the reasons I like the opening number on results night is you get to see them dance with people other than their regular partners. I really enjoy that. I was suprised to find out Crack Mary choreographed that routine. Big golf clap there.

Nigel explains himself in terms of the apparent hypocrisy he showed in previous weeks, by explaining the difference between improvising and just plain being unprepared. It beared saying, but he’s still a wanker. Dour Dan is such a downer this season, but he was spot on in his critiques. And, lastly, I like how Cat Deely has really embraced her role as hostess and plays well as mediator between judges, audience, and advocate for the dancers. (However, the zoo couture really has to go.)

A little behind the scenes footage, which I always enjoy as they center it around the dancing and prep for the show. A recap of who struggled and who didn’t.

Bottom Three are revealed. Nat/Musa and Donyelle/Benji are up first… Surprisingly (in regards to the first two) both couples are safe. Now I’m really intrigued by who is in the bottom three. Travis/Martha maybe?

Next is Trav/Martha, Jess/Jaymz, Heidi/Ryan… Trav/Martha are safe (whew.) Jess/Jaymz and Heidi/Ryan are both not safe. Wow, not surprised by J/J but I am for Heidi and Ryan. I swear if they’d had different outfits (dress her like a cheerleader for hip hop?) they’d have gone differently, but maybe not. I think the audience isn’t seeing a chemistry between the two (which, they’re right, it isn’t there) but I think they’re better dancers than others, so it’s still a shame.

That leaves Dmitry/Ashlee and Ivan/Allison - gee, let me guess who the last couple is! I’ll be shocked if it’s the latter of the two, only because Dmitry has been so cursed and their dance was so out there last night. But the pairing of these two couples seems set up for the Big Upset… And I’m right! My top dance of the night landed Allison/Ivan in the bottom three. I think it’s Ivan who is putting them there, and frankly, with merit. He could very well go home tonight. I doubt seriously Allison is in any trouble.

But, I think the judges will save Ivan over Jaymz and his ‘tude. Probably over Ryan as well, though he does nothing for me, either. Great technically, but no connection with his partner (nor would he with any other, I believe. He only really partners himself.) Actually, any of the bottom three guys could go home tonight. With the women, I can’t see the judges sending Heidi or Allison anywhere and I agree with that at this point. So…my prediction is it will be both Jess and Jaymz going. No new partnering. And no real surprise. For me anyway, they won’t really be missed. \

The judges are surprised to some degree, but thankfully they hold the final say. And though sometimes deserving dancers (hello, Dmitry) get paired with Bottom Three performers, usually America gets at least one of each gender in the bottom three who deserve to be there. The judges won’t have a hard time making their cuts tonight.

Solos are danced. Jess spends most of her time spinning, in apparent direct conflict with Nigel’s lecture, so buh bye, but then she was gone anyway. Jaymz tries to recoup from last week’s lecture inducing disaster of a solo with one apparently choreographed by Dmitry - unfortunately, still danced by Jaymz. And then, the idiot, who apparently still doesn’t get that it’s the judges, not America, sending him home tonight, blows off Nigel’s lecture and basically still says he winged it. The other two guys can take it easy. His fate is so sealed. Say good bye, Jyz.

Next two solo’s - Heidi, who is maniacally possessed as usual, but good. And she plays to the judges. TAKE NOTES, guys. Her enthusiasm is contagious, she’s here to stay. For another week anyway. Ryan does a great solo, which is not surprising. He’s with his favorite partner. Very politically correct with his post-solo-speech.

Last two solos - Allison comes out and is a little manic for the music, but lovely. Ivan comes out and finishes with some fun, if not stellar, hip hop. Going with a slow groove was a good idea for him, I think. But he’s safe anyway. Nigel loves him. And, tonight, he deserves to stay.

Neo performs - nicely done.

And it’s time…Nigel compliments them for fighting harder.

Allison stays, to no surprise. Reese With–er, Heidi is also in, and Jess gets her walking papers.

Ivan gets another week’s reprieve. He really did save himself tonight. Ryan gets another week, and to the surprise of absolutely no one, Jaymz goes home.

Perfectly good with this result and thought Nigel was actually a lot less wankerish tonight. Golf clap for him. For now.

Hope you all have a great weekend, see you Monday! (Maybe some Rock Star MAC then? We’ll see!)

Tags: Writing by Donna
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Friday Morning MAC and the SHaQ Attack winner will be posted a little late today. Check back in around noon!

Tags: Writing by Donna
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Since we’re having a Wimbledon Week in our SHaQ Attack contest, I felt it only fair to indulge in a little Wimbledon MAC (don’t worry, the So You Think You Can Dance MAC is on here today, too. Scroll down. )

So, yesterday….my favorite little Cypriot was playing. When I started this blog back in January of this year, it was Grand Slam time in Australia. And I talked on here about a new, fun, exciting player who was emerging. No, not Rafa (who I also love) but a young, grinning Greek by the name of Marcos Bagdhatis. He electrified me and the crowds Down Under and was an absolute joy to watch. So it was with great pleasure that I tuned in yesterday in time to watch him dismantle another Australian (in London this go around,) and take down Leyton Hewitt. Come on! indeed.

He will now take on this morning’s winner between Nadal and Niemanen. Should be Rafa through in that one, which will set up what might as well be a final for me, in terms of absolute entertainment. I will love that match. And no matter who wins, the final with Federer (who will no way lose his semifinal match to Bjorkman) will also be highly entertaining. Good finish to a so-so fortnight of action.

Okay, okay, so on with some Dance MAC!

First, I am nostalgic and I like the opening sequence from last year, but I sort of yearn for them to update it. Cat comes out in a red dress that showcases just how little cleavage she has. Why, stylist, why? Fashion Rule #1: Emphasize the positive.

Oh joy. Instead of Humiliation Revisted, we get New Footage. Hopefully good stuff, but my optimism will be shortlived, I know it. Yeah, right off the bat, I’m fast forwarding. (Last few guys - and girl - were great, but we could have skipped the rest.) Oh, you’re kidding, more? I am so done with this. Come on!

Fast Forwarding to the real dancing….

Yay, here are our dancers (finally)….

Is it just me, or did every dancer put a little more oomph into their intro? Nigel’s little lecture last week hit home, it seems. Should be one heckuva night!

We get Dan, Drunk Mary, and Nigel (wanker.)

Opening act is Lil C and crew…okay, they need to talk to the camera guys. Swinging all over the place is really annoying. Just SHOW THEM DANCING. Sheesh, already. I liked Ryan’s Sick Step Crew waaay better. This didn’t do anything for me. At. All. Guess I’m not a Krumper. Drunk Mary, however, is totally into it.

Can we puleeze get on with the dancers, now?

Heidi (ballroom) and Ryan (contemporary) are first - they get Hip Hop. And Shane Sparks is their choreographer. Loved how they came into their first session with him. Might as well go for it and own it as much as you can. Heidi really brought it. It was fun.

Hakim and Shadawn, to Give it All You Got by Afrorican. Wearing the most non hip hop ensemble ever, but it’s intriguing anyway. I think, as great a body as Heidi has, that in this milieu, she’d have been better served by the street baggy look, she looked too much like Hip Hop Cheerleader Barbie, but they did bring it. Really cool routine. Loved it.

Judges? They enjoyed it, too. Fair judging. Dan even made the cheerleading comment! He’s so channeling me.

Next up, Martha and Travis. They get salsa. Neither are ballroom, and they haven’t had any closed-couple dancing as yet, so this might be fun. They both have a great sense of fun and joy in dancing, so I’m optimistic. Plus, they’ve been told to step it up, so let’s see how they do. They get Ron Montez as their choreographer. And they have no idea what they’re doing. But they’re trying. Huge learning curve.

So here we go…to Tanga…it starts really fun. Love the outfits. And they are definitely having as much fun with it as they can. Cute routine, that doesn’t focus any more on actual, you know, salsa moves, than it has to. Which is apparently a good thing. Considering she’s bigger than he is, they did a pretty good job. He looked good, she looked hot, and they did what they could do with it. It was fun to watch.

Judges? Nigel is a sexist wanker, but says nice things. Drunk Mary liked the routine, but critiqued it solidly, if extensively. But not cruelly. Dan thought it was hot and entertaining - again with the channeling. The audience concurs.

Next…Dmitry (swoon) and his new partner Ashlee (honestly his partner juju couldn’t suck more.) I’m wary, not optimistic. They get? Contemporary. Ballroom and hip hop dancers, they get wicked leprechaun, Brian Freidman. This is going to be a challenge, but for once it’s a challenge for both. Maybe that will bring them closer. Brian’s “story” for them is…interesting. But it looks really kinda cool. I can’t wait to see it.

Here we go…to Dance Dance by Fallout Boy. I love their outfits. The dance? It’s like contemporary on crack to rock music. Dmitry is still hot. But Ashlee brings it with her little toy doll thang. Hmmm. Who knew?

Judges? Nigel is so not funny. But fair. DM is so…on something. Dan is such a Downer and he is so not channeling me now. I disagree and so does the audience. I’d like them not to be in the bottom three this week. But we’ll see what else is up next.

Now…Natalie and Musa. (I love Musa, but I am so off the Natalie Train. Just don’t like ha.)
They pick disco. I think they can do this. They get Doriana/Elvira. They are dancing to Donna Summer. They make a little fun of disco, which is funny for the cameras. Not so funny when you dis it in front of the instructor. Know your audience.

Wow, that’s a camera angle I NEVER want to see again.

Okay, so Natalie worked hard. Props. But let’s see the final product.

Here we go to Hot Stuff… which opens with Musa’s very fine backside twitching in white cotton. I’m very okay with this so far. The routine was a good one for them, very seductive. Unfortunately, they didn’t have enough time apparently to really get it smooth. It doesn’t look effortless - quite the opposite. A shame, because it could have been fun to watch. My first Bottom Three vote of the night. (Speaking of bottoms. boy I could go without ever seeing that much of Natalie’s bottom ever again.)

Judges - Nigel was far more kind than I thought he’d be. Way. Drunk Mary gives a woo. Dan Says they were hot. Were we watching the same routine??? I’m so off with this one compared to them.

Now, we get, Donyelle and Benji (yay!) who get the “Vietnamese” Waltz. Oh, I’m still laughing. Poor Donyelle. That? Was funny. Okay, so for the Viennese Waltz, they have the choreographers I laughed at before, so this is just one big joke for me so far. I need to settle down. They do take it very seriously, and still have a lot of fun with it, which is good considering it was beating the crap out of both of them. I love these guys. They are so comfortable with one another. Which is going to be critical this week, I think. Not expecting great things here, unfortunately.

(And am I the only one who was HOWLING with laughter at their male choreographer talking about Benji needing to be masculine? Really?? Did you see that guy? Like he has ANY room to talk here? Howling, I tell you.)

Benji is so great in taking this from them, and telling Donyelle to just close her eyes and think about Dmitry? Love. I love Benji. Love him. That’s a partner. Okay, the clips of Benji taking Man Lessons from Dmitry? This is just Too Good.

How can you not love Benji finding his inner Juan de Marco? He’s truly the star of this for me. (Sorry Dmitry. But…call me. K?)

Dancing to Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman (who is picking the music?) anyway - they look great from the start. How refreshing. Benji’s lines were beautiful and Donyelle looked wonderful. They are such a mismatched pair physically, and yet they look very beautiful together. Nicely surprised with this whole routine. Not perfect, but not bad. I shouldn’t have doubted them. They’re both pros.

Judges? Nigel? (the crowd is still going insane) says bloody mahvelous. We learn Donyelle was dancing with a broken toe. That? Wow. You’d have never known. Drunk Mary says they did a beautiful job, big props and no critique which is a huge compliment from her. Dan? Who cares, but he says they are the most entertaining couple.

Next, Allison and Ivan get West Coast Swing. (Why couldn’t Benji get this? His specialty?) This? Will be a miracle to pull off. But they apparenlty did a wicked tango last week (which I missed, dammit!) so who knows? They get Ron Montez. And they actually tackle this really well. And Ron is Superman on how he choreographs them. So here we go.

Can’t wait…to Don’t Happen No More by Pat Benatar… Wild outfit on Allison, but hot fun right from the first note. This could be the performance of the night. Who knew? Allison totally got her slink on, and Ivan led admirably well for a twelve year old. (I’d pay big money to see Allison with Dmitry. Just sayin.) This was great.

Judges? Nigel gives big kudos. DM says Allison was perfect (agreed) and was kind to Ivan. Dan Says - is once again channeling me. Welcome back.

Finally is Jaymz and Jessica - they get hip hop and Shane Sparks. (Not on the Jess train either.) Watching them rehearse doesn’t bring the love either.

Here we go …and, okay, good opening. Props to Shane. It was a great routing, but just a serviceable performance. Not show stopping. My second Bottom Three.

Judges? Nigel actually gets it right with his critique. Mary loved it. Yawn. Dan Says they were fakin it and not makin it. Still channeling.

So…that’s the week. I don’t know who I’d put in as the third. Jess/Jaymz, Musa/Natalie and….hopefully not Dmitry and Ashlee, but it’s possible. What do you think?

Also, yes, I did tape Rock Star (missed the opening 15 minutes tho) and will tape tonight, too. Maybe for some Friday MAC? We’ll see….

Have a great Thursday, everyone!

Tags: Writing by Donna
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I’ve been so behind in my MAC’n of late…

So I finally caught up on Treasure Hunters and, I’m liking the idea of the show. I’m not sure it’s really all that gripping to watch in terms of feeling any real connection to the teams, but I am enjoying the hunt itself and the gorgeous views of our great country. I so wish Amazing Race had taken this tack when they did the US season. It could have been so much better than it was.

So…two weeks back, we lose the Brown team, to the surprise of absolutely no one. They try, but really, just not strong enough. So, it was a real silver platter deal when the grad students had to drop out due to an injury and the Browns were brought back this last week. I can understand the O’Hanlon’s bitterness about it, but at the same time, get over it, guys. Then again, that team is just so hi-larious to me anyway, I took it with a grain of salt.

Now, this past week, it was all about the Karma, baby. I loved it. Not that I think the Browns should or will advance much further, but I was glad to see the O’Hanlon’s get there comeuppance. Well, the two older ones anyway. Great respect for the young un and his very mature apology to the Brown team. He’s a good guy. His dad and uncle could take a lesson or three from that young man. (Sharp guy, too. He figured out most, if not all of the clues, including the lights out at the schoolhouse. I have NO idea where he gets his smarts from. Must be his mother.)

I was torn in who to root for with Team Air Force/Fogle vs The Rest of the Pack. I don’t have a real love for any of the teams, is the problem. I actually like Team Air Force, but can’t find myself rooting for the Fogle’s at all. So those two teams pairing up made rooting for them difficult. The rest of the gang just does nothing for me, either. I loved that they tried to “Fogle” the Fogles, they had it coming, but beyond that, I really just don’t care.

So…I love the premise. Like the views of America and how challenging it is, I really like that they have to solve real clues to get where they are going. I just wish the teams themselves were more engaging.

I think I’ll stick with Dance MAC.

I hope everyone had a wonderful 4th - I did!! Here’s one of the photo’s I took last night.

Tags: Writing by Donna
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