Sorry for the MAC-less state of today’s blog. Got in too late from work last night to give Survivor or Project Runway a go. Normally I’d try and get it in a bonus blog for tomorrow, but I’m teaching an all day class, so…probably not gonna happen. More MAC next week, though, promise!

In the meantime, we do have a winner for this week’s SHaQ Attack contest. There were a number of different titles voted on, but the overwhelming favorite was Bad Boys in Kilts! The winning blog babe from those who voted for that one, is Patty Lacey. Woo hoo!!! Way to go, Patty!

Tune in Monday for the next SHaQ Attack contest question and a little MAC update as well.

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Tags: Writing by Donna
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Before we get started, just wanted to let you all know I’m the guest blogger today at the Brava Authors site. Check it out! Brava Blog

Okay, results show night….who’s goin’ home?

Dancing with the Stars - Live! begins and Samantha is very Audrey Hepburn, except, you know, as a jock. She’s very pretty, very talented, I just don’t get her on a dancing show. Please, ESPN, hire her already! Tom, on the other hand, pure love, baby. He makes what he does look sooo easy and it’s soooo not. Funny, funny, man.

We get a rundown of all the rule breakers, then Uncle Lenny tells us What The Bad Things Are we should look out for. Vivica and Nick get the encore dance. And we find out to the surprise of absolutely no one, that Arsenio Hall was Mystery Dance Man last week.

And Tom tells us we’re in for a surprising elimination. Which still makes me think it’s Willa and Maks. Even though they’ve been in the bottom the past two weeks, they’re good dancers, certainly better than some others. So why this is going to be surprising, I don’t know. Unless……ooooh, maybe it really will be a shocker.

First, we get a performance by the Scissor Sisters. (Who are those people? Have I been off planet or something? Or, more likely, have they?) And, who cares really, because we have a seriously hot Jesse and Cheryl dancing. Yowza.

We get disgruntled fans dishing on the cheating scandal. Yeah, it’s not all that raucous. Then we find out the first of the three couples who are safe tonight is — Wow! YAY! Willa and Maks! I get to keep my Eye Candy, woot! Thank you, America! (And they are so happy - a smiling Maks is an even sexier Maks. So, thank you for that, too.)

And, clearly, I have NO idea what America is thinking since I am not zero for 7 over the past two weeks of guessing bottom threes. If Jerry and Harry aren’t in the bottom three tonight, I’ll be 0 for 9 and might as well just stop with the predictions already. Unless, of course, you want to know who will be absolutely safe - which is apparently anyone I think is going home.

The other two safe couples? Sara and Tony and Monique and Louis! and so no surprises there.

Next we find out one of next week’s dances is the paso doble and to show us how it’s done, they enlist new hotshot tenor, Vittorio, along with a full choir and 8 of the dancing pros. Yum, more EC for Me!

So…it’s a powerful song, and a powerful dance arrangement, except the cameraman stays like blimp-distance view until well into the song. Come on, all that hotness? We need close ups! Louis! and Karina were by far the sharpest couple, though Edyta and Maks were great - just not dancing with each other. Otherwise, it was hot and flawed, but hot all the same. The ending was really great. Way to go, Louis!

We get an update on Tysonia, who will waltz in front of her co-workers this week. She’s putting in the time, y’all - and it’s paying off. Great job, Ty!

Now another Scissor Sisters song. Then commentary from the judges on what makes a good routine and how they score contestants.

Aaaaand, the other two safe couples are…Vivica and Nick and Joey and Edyta. Whew! We’re keepin’ the eye candy so far, folks.

So, who is safe, who is in the bottom two. Mario and Karina are safe. Jerry and Kym are in the bottom two. Emmitt and Cheryl are safe, leaving Ashly and Harry as the other bottom two couple. (Okay, I finally nailed two - but, other than that, what is the big surprise here?) Hmmm….

Who is going home? It is Harry and Ashly. I feel almost worse for Ashly, who is taking it hard, poor thing. She hasn’t gotten so lucky in her partnerships and she’s so plucky! At least this season she had someone who did give it his all. I hope she comes back next time.

So…not all that surprising this week. Very glad Willa and Maks got to stick around. I predict Jerry is next out the door, and that seems right to me. After that, things are gonna get interesting. We’ll see if people will vote for Willa just so they can see the showmance between her and Maks evolve. (I know I would. ) And will they all start playing by the rules? It’s going to be a fun ride!

Tomorrow we have some Survivor MAC and, if I’m really on the ball, some Project Runway juice, too. (It if wasn’t for the double blog today, I’d have added it here.) AND! Yes, it’s true, I’ve become a Grey’s Anatomy junkie. My enabler, my pusher, coworker, Leah, is to blame. She gave me the DVD’s to the first two seasons. I’m already half way through season two and can’t wait to catch up to this season. Squee! I finally get the whole McDreamy thing. Because, yeah, he kinda is.

I watched the behind-the-scenes, too, and I loved that the creator of this series, Shonda Rhimes, created the show to please herself. She created characters she wanted to know more about, that she wanted to hang out with every week. Shonda could easily be a romance author, but I’m really glad she stuck to teleplays. I’m really liking getting to know her people.

Don’t forget, last day to enter this week’s SHaQ Attack contest. See Monday’s blog for details. Hope to see you over at Brava Authors, too!

Tags: Writing by Donna
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Yay, it’s Dancing With The Stars night!

We meet our dancers and whoa, there is a lot of skin (wow, Sara!) and some serious time spent in tanning beds since last week.

Cheryl has more instead of less - a long pony tail. But she and Emmitt look classy, unlike, well, let’s just say the show could have been called Boobs On Parade, k?

The two dances this week are Jive and Tango. Yikes.

First up will be Emmitt doing the tango with Cheryl. I liked the behind the scenes peek - and his wife is stunning! Very cool how well they support each other, despite the busy schedules.

He looks delightfully dapper and Cheryl is very sexy, the opening is a good one, but ohmygod can they puleeeeze get decent music selections and wow, just ouch on the guy attempting (I can’t say singing) this Robert Palmer song. (And Simply Irresistable for a tango? Really?) The song was just painful as they tried to work the tango to the odd beat, but they did the best they could. It’s supposed to be a very sexy dance and Cheryl definitely goes for it. Emmitt brings it (his fierce face was too cute) and the ending with the proposal and ring was fun, if shaky. I just…I just wish the music had worked. I think that was what threw them more than anything.

Judges? Len says he was very disappointed. Bruno said it lacked his usual charisma and I’ll agree, but again, the music was just odd, very hard to get any rhythm to - a shame they can’t pick their own! Carrie Ann (who is bringing the sexy hair tonight and her own boobs on parade) says she also didn’t think it was his best, but does credit him for the work he did and that he did lead. Scores - 7, 6, 6 for 19 (which is low, even for me.)

Next, we get Monique doing the jive with Louis! (But hey, stop with the fringe play, it’s kind of skeeving me a little. She’s a child, Louis!) And on top of that, Monique’s mom is coming to watch her perform, so really, be respectful here. Her mom is lovely and it’s clear how much this means to both of them. I hope she does well.

The music is waaaay better choice and wow the opening was wild and cute/fun. Nice job with the choreo Louis! He is a great instructor and clearly having a wonderful time. I think this is the best they’ve looked yet. Very enjoyable. She missed a few steps after her fringe caught on her heel, but she rebounded very nicely. I think she oversells it, but I can see where it’s hard to reign it in when you’re used to over-the-top stage performing. Still, even with the flaws, nice night for these two. It shows that Louis is very proud of her.

Judges? Len said it had vitality and fun. Bruno says she was full of joy and life and really raised the bar. Carrie Ann loved the opening risky leap (me too!) and had really nice things to say. Scores - 9,9,9 for 27 (which seems high to me - I was thinking more like 24.)

Next we have Harry with is tango. Hopefully with him being more stiff, this dance will suit him better. He and Ashly go see other tango dancers (he still looks too gaunt to me) but I think he’s got a better handle on this one. It’s a little corny, but he goes into this more as character in a role, and who knows, as an actor, maybe he’ll be less self conscious this way.

Their outfits are of Spanish flavor, and the music they get is much better suited for the dance. They start out nicely. It looks like his legs are a bit bent the whole time, but she is much shorter than he is, and they do the closed hold parts pretty well. For Harry. Ashly really sells it. The ending with the rose to Bruno is cute.

Judges? Bruno gives a little criticism, but is also kind. Carrie Ann appreciates his hard work but says he’s still a bit awkward. Len says he was great and Ashly squeals in delight. Scores - 7, 8, 7 for 22.

Now we get the smmmmmmmokin hot Maksim and Willa. Come on. These two are totally doing it. Yes, I said it. It’s a shame she doesn’t have the fan base, as that is clearly how this show is being driven, because these two? Dayum. She’s wearing a very brief Andrews Sister-y kind of outfit (well, there’s not much of it but what there is, is kinda 50’s) and it should be fun with the jive. The behind the scenes does reveal that these two have gotten very close, but the extended airplay of their arguing with one another is going to sink her with the few fans she had. A shame that, as I think that is just the way they are together. And she is one of the best female dancers on the show. The best really. Her little speech at the end probably didn’t endear her either as it came off more sour grapes than little engine that could. Ah well.

And here we go…and I am totally flummoxed by the music once again. I thought it was going to be some throwback 50’s tune with her outfit and instead they get modern hip hop. Shaking head here. It’s a fast paced song, but just…..no. Sigh. Very frustrating. It does them NO good and, in fact, hurts them. Both teams tonight who had horrible songs foisted on them struggled. These two are doing far better than Emmitt did, but she’s right - he has the fan base who will totally overlook that (and the behind the scenes was all glowing.) I think, though they did a great job, she’s doomed tomorrow night. Sorry, Willa! And, sob, no more Maks eye candy.

Judges? Carrie Ann says she’s their best natural dancer, but had some awkward moments and apparently they broke rules by doing a lift. Hmm. Len says they were doing too much bonding and not enough dancing. (oooh, mean Uncle Len is back.) Bruno says it was delicious. At least someone threw her a bone. (Hey, I heard that!)
Scores… 7, 7, 8 for 22.

Oh, and Sam totally calls them out on their attraction for one another, leaving Maks speechless, blushing, and so incredibly hot. Come on America, she’s so not helping herself here, but for the love of god, vote for her anyway so we don’t lose the EC, k?

Next we get Jerry doing the tango. This should be interesting. It says an enormous lot that I’m actually looking forward to it, and him. Wow. I’m so surprising myself here. We find out behind the scenes that since he is still in it, now Jerry wants to make it to waltz week. He came on the show to learn to dance so he could dance at his daughter’s wedding (aww) and he wants to learn to waltz. I say vote for him and keep him on…but send Sara home, not Maks-er Willa!! He’s so cute with the Bond stuff.

Here we go…Jerry and Kym’s boobs. Kym totally cranks up the heat, which is good because Jerry is totally not working the Bond theme, but their tango is okay. (And they get normal tango music, too…hmmmm……) And the crowd goes wild. He’s stayin.

Judges? Bruno says it was more Pink Panther than Bond and good fun. Carrie Ann says going for the performance was a good choice. Len says he good footwork and brought the fun. Scores? 7, 7, 7 for 21. Kind, for sure. And the pack is tightly scored tonight so far.

And next? We get Sara dancing jive. Behind the scenes film shows them going more country tone with they jive. She seems more open than before, more comfortable. And gets a very nice edit.

Sara and her boobs, and Tony and his…..Stetson come out kickin. She gets the jive to These Boots Are Made for Walkin. It’s good music for her, good for the boots n hat thing….but for jive? What were these people smoking this week? No, really. I will say, they are both very cute and this is the best I’ve seen Sara look yet. It’s adorable, not all that jive-y in the true sense, but really good fun. I like it. She’ll stay even without her fan base. (Buh bye EC! Sniff.)

Judges? Carrie Ann loved it. Len loved it. Bruno says she’s glowing and Sara is clearly thrilled with the praise. She earned it. Scores - 8, 9, 8 for 25 which puts them in second and no way are they going anywhere.

Aaaaaaand now we get (the heel) Mario (who is rumored to be dating his dance instructor and I’m not in love with that like I am with Willa and Maks. Karina, wake up.) Ahem. Where was I? Oh yeah, the rebel is back and behind the scenes we learn they bicker and plan to totally bring the sexy to the tango. And oh yeah, they are all over each other during rehearsals because, well, we already know Mario can’t keep his hands to himself. Just ask his ex wife, on their honeymoon. It’s a shame, because otherwise this would be so adorable. I wish I loved them because their dance? Will probably be smoking, smoking hot. Dammit.

And….I’m so right. Sheesh. I’m surprised there isn’t smoke rising off these two. Dang. And the music hasn’t even started yet. They both look stunning (and what do you want to bet they get great music?) Okay, no, they get the suckiest music of the night. Really, were they all high? They do look good, but the music is just so distracting (Gwen Stefani? Really?) Mario’s tango face is only slightly more amusing than Emmitt’s. But the stunts are good (when he rolls over her? yeah, I had to clap for that. Dammit.) and the level of dance is high. Will be interesting to see what the judges say. They certainly can’t fault him on dancing the dance this time.

At the end, I could already see the judges clapping….and the crowd is going completely bonkers. We also find out Karina has had back issues all week - wow, you’d never have known it. Total professional there, folks. Judges? Len is a complete ass over one tiny thing. Honestly, lighten up, dude. Sheesh. Bruno says it’s the real deal but also picks on them about the hold break in the middle of the routine (I didn’t even know this was Law) and Carrie Ann hammers them, too. We learn they argued about this during the week and decided to go for it anyway. Hmm. I think, to some degree, come on, judges. You gave Jerry 7’s for god’s sake. But what do I know from rules in dance. AllI know was that was easily the best dance of the night.

Of course, maybe they’re on to the fact that he’s a ringer and obviously way too good to be a novice and so are holding him to tighter standards. Or maybe they found out he’s a philandering ass who can’t even keep it zipped during his own honeymoon and decided to make him pay for any deviation from the rules, since, you know, he apparently has real issues with that.

You know, on second thought, I love you, Uncle Lenny.

Scores? 8 (a bitchy one), 6 from Len (ouch), 8 (instead of 10, spank.) 22

Next up is Vivica with her tango. She takes ballet per Carrie Ann’s suggestion. She is doing the tango, which I don’t get. I thought women had jive? How does that work? They? Get Spanish flavored music. Go figure. With a little lace fan action, we’re off. She does a serviceable job with this and definitely attacks the dance with all she has. She’s definitely more suited to this than jive, so good choice, but I’m still scratching my head over that one when all the other women had to do jive and the men all did tango. I wonder if this means Joey closes out with the jive? Could be fun.

Judges? Bruno says the drama queen of the night. Carrie Ann says she’s a diva. Len gives alliterative kudos. Scores - 9, 9, 9 for 27 which is high, but thrills Viv.

Last for the night is Joey and yes, he’s doing the jive. Also, I think, well, suited for him. (As are those jeans he’s wearing in rehearsal. Fine. Very fine.) They got Blue Suede Shoes for their song (very nice! Thank you stoned dance gods.) And so they go on a shopping trip for some….do I have to spell it out? Their rehearsal sequences are quite fine. Wiggling hips Joey is a fun Joey. (and the loss of EC Maks a bit easier to take.)

And here we go. Shoes are hot. Shirt is even hotter. And (if they don’t break any rules I’m unaware of) easily the dance of the night. Sorry, Mario. Maybe not as technically correct, but that was fun, hot, sexy, and pretty damn good, too. Crowd is appreciative.

Judges? Bruno says Joey the Dynamo, but chastises them because they did lifts. Carrie Ann is also stumped on why they keep breaking rules, but is far kinder to Joey than she was to Mario. (Maybe because he’s happily married and a nice guy? Who knows. Just me then?) Len says it’s not Cirque de Soleil and hammers them on making it too fun. I know. God forbid. I guess I’m just clueless, but sheesh already. Scores? 8, 6, 8 for 22.

So the ranking for this week is:
Monique 27
Vivica 27
Sara 25
Mario 22
Joey 22
Harry 22
Willa 22
Jerry 21
Emmitt 19 (how wrong is that?)

My prediction remains the same - buh bye, Willa. Who will be in the bottom with her? Should be Harry and Jerry. But that’s what I said last week, too. We’ll see!

What did you all think? Dissect and discuss!

Tags: Writing by Donna
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Actually, I’ve been in hell now for some time. I’m almost comfortable down here by now. Almost. I am (and have been for what seems like eons) finishing up the first book in the Black Sheep series, which is slated to come out the end of next summer. I love my characters, I love this book, and I can’t wait to write the next two in the series.

But honestly, if these two won’t get their act together and let this book finally be over, I may have to take drastic measures. What, I have no idea, but drastic I tell you! So I am off to chain myself to my keyboard until I have wrestled these two into submission. Or until they’ve wrestled each other there, which, knowing them, will more than likely be the case. I swear, they can’t keep their hands off each other, these two.

In the meantime, I did get the back cover copy for this, which I love, (and which I’ve shared, but in case you missed my reader letter…) so I thought I’d let you get an advance peek…

Coming August 2007, The Black Sheep & The Princess…

They’re the black sheep—the bad boys every good girl wants to have hold her, touch her, take her, love her. But being bad never felt so good…

The lady asked a question, she deserves an answer. Well, Kate Sutherland, how about, I’ve fantasized about you for eighteen years? Or, I wanted to remember how it feels to need a cold shower every time you flick that perfect blonde hair out of your blue eyes? Or, why don’t you come over here and let me show you, baby? Yeah, good answers, but I’ll stick with this one—I came back to help, because I think you’re in some trouble. My bad boy gut says you’re gonna need me—in more ways than one…

See? What did I tell you about these two. I swear.

Tonight we have Dancing With The Stars! So look here for some MAC tomorrow morning. And don’t forget to enter this week’s SHaQ Attack contest (see yesterday’s blog post for details) - there is no wrong answer this week, so come on and play.

Tags: Writing by Donna
8 Comments »

Well, WVU and the Skins pulled out wins this weekend. The Steelers and my son’s lacrosse team? Not so lucky. Ah well, this is why we have a whole season and not just one game, right? Sigh.

And then I forgot the games were running long and didn’t set up my TiFaux accordingly, so got all but the crucial last ten minutes of Amazing Race. Dangit! I did manage to find out who was booted, (bye Team CHEER!) Wish it had been Kimberly and Rob) but it was a really good episode, with great tasks, and unpredictable outcomes. I hated missing any of it.

In other news, glad the Boyfriends admitted to the bonding and made friends, the cheering/line dancing was a hoot. Yay, Beauty Queens for hanging in there and proving to be a lovely team in more than just outward appearance. Love them. Also, yay, Lauren and Dad, well done. Enjoyed Team Kentucky even if Mary’s voice grates my last nerve. Not the accent, I like that, but the screechy kind of tone. Ack. Still, I love her reaction to Team BoyFriends and the Cho Bros. Speaking of which, Team *win did a pretty good job tonight, at least for what I saw. I enjoyed them.

Team Models! bugged a little, for no particular reason. They just do. Team Single Moms? Careful, because Karma? She’s not always nice. Oh yeah, you got that when your car didn’t start at the end, there. Well, don’t forget it! I want to like you guys, but you’re making it tough on me. Rob and Kimberly…you’re so Stock Fighting Couple. At least do something original with it. Yawn. And you call your girlfriend by the loving nickname “dude?” Really, dude? Really? And btw, the thing to do when your girlfriend has just been clotheslined off her horse is to GET DOWN AND HELP HER. Sheesh.

But my main ire is reserved for Peter and Sarah. Yes, even Sarah. (What was UP with the sideshow on the steps? Yikes. Cute for about a minute in a show-the-locals kinda way, then devolved into something sideshow creepy. You two are just weird.) Something about the way she manages Peter, or tries to, annoys me. She’s got a little attitude herself, but then it’s hard to blame her, around that. Because mostly, it’s Peter who bugs the living tar out of me. He rankles in about every way you can rankle. Although (Rob? Pay attention.) at least he’s original in his vile-dom. His over-the-top Cheer! attitude is a new one. (And his comment in the car after the ox incident? “My, that was some meltdown back there…” Like he was going to be all “Let’s analyze and discuss.” Yeah, I’d have clubbed him over the head with something. Preferably something heavy. Like the Jeep. But Sarah? No, she just lamely AGREES with him. Double yikes.)

So, if I missed anything in the last fifteen minutes that would have utterly changed any of the above views (and goodness knows, anything is possible in this game) please share. No previews for me, either. I’m so bereft I tell you.

Let’s talk SHaQ Attack instead then. I promised an easy week and it can’t get much easier than this. Send an email to donna@donnakauffman.com with My Favorite Book is… in the subject line, and, in your email, tell me which book of mine was your fave. The book with the most votes will win one of its voters another book of his or her choice from my bookshelf. One vote per reader. (Sorry, you have to narrow it down to one. ) I’ll draw a name from the winning voters and announce on Friday.

Happy Monday everyone!

Tags: Writing by Donna
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Okay, first, on Survivor nothing much happens. Not really. It was all spelled out in last week’s previews. Ozzy talks his crew into throwing the challenge so they can send Metal Head Billy home. Billy shows some late game by trying to swing votes back his way - and shockingly almost succeeds — but in the end, he’s out. But not before proclaiming that he found the love of his life on the show - Candice from one of the other tribes. Tribes people he’s only seen during two challenges. Ever. What’s up with that? Probst was clearly stunned, as were his fellow teammates. And no, he didn’t say he just had a crush, or that he thought she was cute and planned to hook up with her later….he actually claimed it was love at first sight and that they’d both gone so far as to proclaim their love to each other during the earlier challenge.

What has Billy been smoking?

So I think we just found out about the “strangest love affair ever” that Probst alluded to in a pre-season interview. Because, Billy? He’s delusional. Can’t wait to see what Probst does with that information at a later tribal council.

In other news, Cao Boi gives another red mark and continues to majorly annoy his tribe off with off color, racially insensitive jokes. Yul forms an alliance with fellow Korean, Becky, then is sent packing to Exile Island where he quickly uses his massive Ivy League brain to figure out the clue and unearth the Immunity Idol. EC (Eye Candy) Adam shows how clueless he is about this game when he seriously pisses off Jonathan (and me) by refusing to do any work on the shelter, and Hiki finally gets fire and is waaaaay excited about it. But not as excited as they are when they win immunity by coming in third out of four (where the fourth team is seriously throwing the competition.) But hey, immunity is immunity.

Next week? A lot more of the same old thing. I can’t wait.

This week’s SHaQ Attack winner is Barbara-Jo woo hoo!! She correctly answered the question: Who does Jinty belong to? Jinty was Tristan Chisholm’s dog in Bad Boys in Kilts.

Tune in Monday for the newest contest. I promise to go easy on ya!

Have a great weekend everyone!!

Tags: Writing by Donna
12 Comments »

Yes, I watched. Okay, the Rebel Yell number? That I watched several times. Whew!! I was both exhausted and strangely in need of some chocolate when that one was all over.

Joey and Edyta get the well deserved encore.

Mystery Guy is Donny Osmond so a lot of you were spot on! Who do you think New Mystery Guy is? Eddie Murphy, Dennis Rodman, Arsenio Hall, or Denzel. Well, 1 and 4 are out for me. I think it’s Arsenio (who can dance a lot better than that, btw.)

First couples pronounced safe are…Sara and Tony (so much for my bottom three picks), Emmitt and Cheryl, and Joey and Edyta.

Julio Iglesias sings. I was fonder of Tom…but dayum, the dance with Maks and Cheryl? My my my, it’s just an embarrassment of eye candy riches tonight, isn’t it? Pass me the fan and the bowl of Hershey Kisses will ya?

Dancing champs give us a exhibition. Wow.

Tucker Carlson comes back…and does a Behind the Sequins report with the judges. Cute. But then, so is Tucker.

More couples are announced as safe…Monique and Louis!, Harry and a very excited Ashly. My bottom three is wreckage now. Hmm….wonder who it will be?

Mystery Star is totally Arsenio.

We have a bottom two tonight…but first, Vivica and Nick are safe. Willa and Maksim however are not. (Why don’t people like them anyway? Does she have no fan base? Come on!) On the other hand, Jerry and Kym as safe, making me 0 for 3 tonight. This leaves Shanna and Jesse in the bottom 2, and Mari0 and Karina are safe.

I’m guessing it’s going to be Shanna, but who knows at this point!

And……I’m right (for once!) Ah well, not the worst result, as I didn’t think she’d last long, but didn’t pick her to leave this soon.

Who will go next week? My TiFaux cuts out before they tell us what the dances are, dangit!

No Project Runway MAC because it was a repeat of last week’s Black and White challenge. Did I miss a time change or something?

Tonight, it’s Survivor (and Chinese food for me and Spencer, woot! It’s pathetic, but I am looking equally forward to more naked Pro Volleyball guy AND Sesame Chicken. Although, when you think about it, that’s not a bad combo.)

Don’t forget to enter this week’s brutal SHaQ Attack contest. The winner will be announced Friday morning. And yes, I will take it easier on you guys next week. Sheesh.

Tags: Writing by Donna
13 Comments »

We meet our ten couples again and there are some interesting costumes. Tonight the women dance the mambo and the men dance the ego destroying quick step. The judges are introduced and we get a little lesson on what to look for in the two dances.

Up first are Willa and Maksim dancing to Get Busy. Her Jessica Simpson look is reallllly distracting, which is a shame because these two? Are hott.

Judges? Len loves, Bruno says she’s too hott to handle, Carrie Ann gives a little criticism.
Scores - 7, 8, 8 for 23

Next is Harry and Ashly dancing to Lust For Life . He was a bit better this week, less more smiley, more enjoying himself. But you know, he’s just a stiff guy, still you can tell he’s really really trying.

Judges? Bruno says he is coming out of his shell, Len says he handled his job really well, and Carrie Ann says he did a fantastic job. Scores? 7, 7, 7 for 21

Monique and Louis! are up next. They come out really strong. She has a grimace thing that is supposed to be sexy, but maybe she’s just too young. But I thought they did really really well. Louis defnitely choreo’d a great routine.

Judges? Carrie Ann loved it. Len said it was knockout. Bruno says she’s bringing sexy back.
Scores? 9, 8, 9 for 26

Now it’s Mario and Karina’s turn. Great opening. He’s such a good showman, they are having a total ball out there. Most fun quickstep I’ve ever seen (on this or So You Think You Can Dance, which is saying something) and yes, they took huge liberties with the form, but it worked so well, it will get them votes. (A shame he’s such a cad. He’s adorable. Men.)

Judges? Bruno says it was great performance but not enough quickstep. Carrie Ann says it was fabulous but not enough quickstep. Len agrees and is really harsh on Mario. I fear the scores will reflect. Scores are 7, 6, 8 for 21 out of 30. For as much as they slammed them, not a bad score. I think the audience will make up for that.

Shanna and Jessie are up next. She is defnitely going for it with her mambo champ partner to Jump Jump. Kind of on slow speed, and not the sharpest, but I think they make up for it a little with chemistry.

Judges? Len says he choreo’d a nice routine for her. Bruno says her ice is melting but needs more confidence (agreed.) Carrie Ann says she likes it. (They all question why she doesn’t have more confidence and I’m like, do you recall how you trashed her last week? Hello?) Glad it went better for her this week. Scores? 8, 7, 7 for 22 which is a good improvement.

Now we have Jerry and an injured Kym. Jerry handled the whole thing so well. Dammit, Jerry, stop making me like you! Lovely job for all they had almost no time to practice such a difficult dance.

Judges? Bruno says it was enjoyable if not well executed. Carrie Ann also gave them high marks on team work. Len says it was fun fun fun and gave him actual constructive criticism. Scores are 7, 6, 6 for 19.

Here is Vivica and Nick who aren’t as all that as I thought she’d be. Doing okay, but not as sharp or hot as I thought they’d be. She’s more tentative than I’d expect from her. They do get better as they go along though. Good job.

Judges? Len says it was hot on top, not so much on the bottom. (Agreed.) Bruno is still hot for diva, so he drools. Carrie Ann says she started soft but got stronger. Scores? 8, 8, 8 for 24 which I thought was a tad high, but oooh well.

Now we get Joey and Edyta dancing to . He’s a cutie patootie who is adorable and hot (and doesn’t cheat on his wife. Yeah, Mario, I’m lookin at you!) Now if he’d just grow the hair back…. Despite some missed footwork and his Joker outfit, they really did the quickstep, had a total blast, and deserve very high marks for that. Standing O from the crowd. Well earned.

Judges? Carrie Ann gushes. Len says it was the performance of the night. (Agreed.) Bruno got the Old Hollywood vibe they were going for. Nice job. Scores - 10, 9, 10 for a 29 that clearly blows Joey away. So cute. Heads up, Mario.

Now we have Sara and Tony. She did a really nice job tonight. Big redemption from last week.

Judges? Len gives her props. Carrie Ann also gives kudos, says she needs to accentuate more. Bruno says she was greatly approved, all compliments, and to go for it even more. Scores are 7, 7, 7 for 21 this week.

Last up? Emmitt and Cheryl! Nice close to the show. Great suit on Emmitt. Dancing to Black Horse and Cherry Tree (very weird quickstep music.) They moved beautifully and elegantly. Very different vibe from Joey’s which was more intense, but every bit as lovely to watch. Gorgeous, Emmitt, just gorgeous. What a season already! This one is gonna be tough, y’all.

Judges? Bruno says he has a license to thrill with his charisma. Carrie Ann calls his twinkle toes in both feet and smile. Len says it was well done. Scores? 8, 8, 8 for 24.

Hey, I just realized….did we ever find out who Mystery Dancer was? Hmm…… No mention tonight. Maybe tomorrow?

Rankings this week from top to bottom:
29 Joey
26 Monique
24 Emmitt
24 Vivica
23 Willa
22 Shanna
21 Mario
21 Harry
21 Sara
19 Jerry

My bottom three would be the same as the rankings….Harry, Jerry, and Sara (although she did pretty well.) Going home? Would have to be Harry. Sorry, Harry! Jerry isn’t great, but he’s a much better performer in terms of entertainment. Will be interesting to see who goes. Looks like we get a lot of professional dancing tomorrow night. And a dance with Maksim and Cheryl to guest Julio Iglesias? Where’s my ice water? And my fan. I already need cooling down just thinking about it.

Okay, Blog Babes? Who did you love? Who did you not love? Who’s going home? Discuss!

Tags: Writing by Donna
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Well, that wasn’t the most entertaining Monday night game. And not just because we lost. Booorrrring. Ah well, nice to see Big Ben back on the field. Now he just needs to settle down a little and find his groove. Golf clap for Jacksonville for finding some way to score. God knows I was beginning to wonder if anybody could.

I also TiFaux’d Studio 60 and, while it was nice to see Matthew Perry and a lot of my fave West Wing alumni, I can’t say the show really grabbed me. Maybe my hopes were set too high? I’ll give it another few tries, but, though some of the dialogue was quintessential Aaron Sorkin, I was left feeling mostly kind of meh.

On the other hand, I did finally get around to watching my tape of the series premiere of Men in Trees. Now, I am really not an Anne Heche fan. Like some of you with Mario, I find it hard to separate her on screen persona from her off screen “highlights.” But I did enjoy the show and the premise, and the gorgeous scenery was a nice bonus. The hunky forest ranger being part of that gorgeous scenery didn’t hurt matters any, either. I think the overall premise would be more satisfying with, oh, any other actress in the lead role, but that’s just my personal bias. She did a fine job with it. I know the ratings haven’t been wonderful (Friday night time slot doesn’t help matters any) but I’ll keep up with it for a bit. I have the second show on tape and it will definitely get a look. I’m sure once I commit to it, it will get cancelled, as, such is my luck, but it’s nice to have a show that isn’t about crimes being committed, people bleeding all over the ER, or families in trauma. In fact, I really wish we had more of this type of show. Fun, light, happy, and not a half hour sitcom format. It’s why I enjoyed Psych for its summer run.

So…other than our reality show fix, what new shows have you hooked so far? And what favorites are you excited to see return? For me, numero uno is tonight, with Boston Legal. For new shows, I plan to give Smith a look. What do you have circled in the TV Guide?

Woot! Dancing with the Stars night!

Tags: Writing by Donna
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That was my favorite line on Amazing Race last night. Ah, you can never have too many cheerleaders to lighten things up. I’d heard really rough things about this season, and they certainly started off by throwing them straight into the thing, didn’t they? (Fish eyes? On the first leg? Dayum.) But there are teams I’m really enjoying and, so far, none of them are completely vile. Although there is plenty of vile potential. Yes, I’m looking at you Dating Couple. (I really need to learn names.)

Some of the teams I thought I wouldn’t like, I ended up pleasantly surprised by. (Dad and Daughter for one.) I was sad Team India was sent home (not so much with Team Muslim, that one guy just kinda grated the nerves. I don’t think his partner got one word in.) I really liked the Indian team though, and thought they were wonderful together. A shame they didn’t last longer. No surprise that Team Rehab Models are in the lead, although over the course of that monster first leg, many teams moved up and back, so no real dominant players yet. And the ones who are the current front runners aren’t necessarily who you’d think they’d be.

I thought they all did great to make it up that wall. So grueling at the end of a tough leg. Some teams I like more than others, but no absolute favorites yet, and no total villains. I suspect that will change quickly on both ends.

I did admire Sarah, though I’m torn on her using her disability to get ahead at various points, but then she scaled that wall and all was forgiven on my end. Peter on the other hand…yeah, he grates. But he does support her (though in an almost obnoxious, over the top cheerleader way that might make even the Team Cheer! gag.) Team Boyfriends are pretty entertaining. I don’t think I’ll be rooting for them to win, but they will keep things interesting. Team Single Moms were a bit of a surprise. They are really hanging in there. You go! Team Coal Miner was a hoot and a holler. Love that she doesn’t take his stuff at all. She hung in there, too. I thought they did really well for being literally thrown into the world.

Both Team Cheer! and Team Beauty Queens did really well, so golf clap to them both. (The cheering on the pedicab ride just cracked me up to no end. God, they’re entertaining.) Team Models were both eye candy and pretty funny, so I’m okay there. Loved Team Cho Bros. More eye candy. Not really great racers for all their brains and brawn, but hopefully they’ll pull it together. (And was I the only one who looked at the major diversity in the teams this season and wondered if Bruckheimer was sitting in on the Survivor production meetings?)

But most of all…..more than ANYthing else…I got my Phil back! Complete with teasing eyebrow poppage. Ah, Phil, you know what I like. (But those jeans? Who dresses you? You should let me help. Personally.)

Next week? Wild Farm Animals Attack! Should be interesting…. Who do you think will go home next?

Now for this week’s SHaQ Attack!

Tell me who Jinty belongs to. Send emails to donna@donnakauffman.com with Here Boy! in the subject line and the correct answer in the email. I will draw one winner from the correct entries and announce it on Friday. Winner receives a signed copy of the book associated with the winning answer.

Happy Monday everybody!!

Tags: Writing by Donna
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