I enjoyed the season opener. I thought it was interesting to see how the survivors reacted to being told the tribal divisions were going to be along cultural lines. I thought each tribe was interesting - not to mention some serious eye candy this year. (Hey, don’t mind me, I’ll just be sitting over here being shallow.) Might as well enjoy now before they all become emaciated and bug bitten.

I thought the challenge was appropriately difficult and was glad all four teams made it competitive there in the end. I always feel bad when one team is waaaaay out of it. I know, I’m a wimp about the tension. And I thought it was smart of them to vote Mr Chicken Stealer to Exile Island. I didn’t like him from the moment he opened his mouth. Just totally rubbed me the wrong way. Despite the fact that he’s a fellow writer and, shallow moment alert, has really interesting eyes. He was so disingenuous about not getting why he was chosen to go, too. He was the obvious choice early on and smart game play.

And speaking of disingenuous, or maybe just downright delusional, how ridiculous was Seku’s goodbye speech during the credits portion of our program? “They all looked up to me and I know I helped launch them as a successful team” or some such. Not “I was too strong a player, etc.” It just made no sense, but I did like that he wished his team well. I also loved that they booted him. He was allllllllll talk and no action. And the look on his partner’s face? Priceless. Like they just couldn’t believe the wimmens pulled that off. Doi. Will be interesting to watch him ingratiate himself into their good graces next week.

I also thought it was interesting how some tribes embraced the cultural bonds and felt it only strengthened their teams, while some felt it put undue pressure on them to represent, and still others felt it meant nothing at all.

Oh, and cuddle puddle? Really? I think I gagged a little on that one.

But it looks to be a good season thus far. It’s a gorgeous setting (I’m actually talking about the islands and the pristine water this time.) I thought tribal council was a bit too Hollywood pirate set, but it was still cool. I don’t have any early Cirie-like favorites like I did last season, but I’m sure that will change. For now, I’ll just be happy that Mr Pro Volleyball player likes to keep his shirt off as often as possible. (Hey, you watch for your reasons, I’ll watch for mine.)

Who do you want to go home next? Any early favorites? Oh yeah, I do like Ozzy (aka Mowgli.) Not sure he has what it takes to win, I just like his spirit. Any teams we’re going to love to hate? I think it Writer Dude (who reminds me of Judd for some reason) gets booted, along with Heavy Metal Guy, that would suit me fine. Oh, and we forgot to talk about Mr Cao Boi (what’s with the spelling anyway?) I know he’s going to grate big time, but that smile is so huge and heartfelt and I thought it was just hilarious that he attacked his teammates face like that…and then the guy admitted it worked. He’s annoying, yes, but also interesting. I hope he sticks around for a little bit, but it would be nice if he cans the racial jokes. If for no other reason than he’s irritating the crap out of his teammates. Buy a clue, Cao Boi.

So…opinions? Comments? Clues? Discuss!

Tags: Writing by Donna
6 Comments »

So….on Project Runway, the nightmare returns in the form of both Vincent and Angela. As you recall, Heidi has said that winning challenges would pay off at some future point. That payoff came in the form of previous challenge winners being invited back for one week to participate in another challenge. The only way to stay on the show was to win the challenge. Three designers go home.

Of course, My TV Boyfriend Robert and Cute Alison didn’t win challenges, so we’re stuck with Angela and Vincent, who very unfortunately did. Sigh.

So the challenge this week is to design a cocktail dress using only black and white fabric and all the fabric purchased must be used in the garment. No scraps. Laura is totally stressed out (which I blame on pregnancy hormones, she amazes me anyway) after being blind sided the week before but designs a beautiful dress. Uli sort of does the same thing as always only shorter an in wild black/white patterned chiffon. Michael is the only one to design a white dress with black accents and it’s hottt y’all. Jeffrey makes a hooker-does-west hollywoodoutfit that was just….well, something Kayne wouldn’t even make. And Kayne tones it down so far he over edits the white right out of his black and white ensemble. Lastly, Vincent and Angela prove why they were voted off in the first place.

In the end, neither Vincent or Angela win, so they are aufed again. Laura and Michael vie for the top spot, which ultimately goes to Laura. I’m very happy with that. Uli is in, though the judges are getting a wee bit tired of her same ol same ol. Leaving Kayne and Tattooine Jeffrey in the bottom 2. As much as I’d love Jeff to go home, he just pulled a two-fer the past two weeks, so no way is that happening, but it was nice and humbling to see him in the bottom two. Which means, our sunshine, Kookie Kayne has finally officially Left the Building. Deservedly so, we are after all a week away from the final three….but still a bit of a sniffle here.

Overall commentary as we close in on the final three: If Michael doesn’t win this, something is horribly wrong. He’s either won or been in the top two almost every single week, with hardly a stumble. Yes, Jeff has been a tough competitor, but he’s had major gaffes. I don’t think Laura or Uli will pull it off, only because their view is a bit too narrow. Michael has, by far, the most marketable point of view. And I love him. My bet for the Bottom Three is Laura, Michael and Jeff. (Would rather it be Uli, but I’m thinking probably not. Might swap Uli for Laura though.)

And my final two….well, in a perfect world, I’d love to see it be Laura and Michael as they’ve been so close and supportive all season. Even Michael and Uli would be fun. But I’m pretty sure we’re being edited toward a final showdown between Michael and Jeffrey. What is your prediction?

Also, because it can’t be said enough, Hi Tim Gunn!!!!

Now….on to Survivor: Cook Islands.

I realllllly hate to do this, but I’m going to beg a mea culpa and make my Survivor MAC be a Saturday Special tomorrow morning. I ended up working until almost midnight and came home to a son with the flu. Not exactly the date night either of us had in mind. (Thank goodness I’d done my PR blog piece earlier in the day!)

So…please check my Saturday Special MAC tomorrow morning. I might actually make some sense by then. In the meantime, please feel free to discuss today as I do know who was voted off. We can simply continue the dish tomorrow!

On to this week’s SHaQ Attack Winner!

The question was: What book was set in a family owned restaurant in Chicago?

The answer? Walk on the Wild Side, a Harlequin Blaze that is no longer in print.

Everyone who entered got it right, and there were slew of you! But there can only be one winner…and that Blog Babe is Jennifer K!! Woo hoo, Jennifer!! Way to go.

Tune in Monday for the next SHaQ Hunt! Hope you all have a fantabulous weekend. See you in the morning for all the Survivor MAC you can stand.

Tags: Writing by Donna
9 Comments »

First off…..how many Rock Star watchers were really floored by who won? Raising hand here. My two front runners went home first. Then I was nervous. Except, you know? He looked good with them. He’s got the right freak on. He sounded great. I could have kept on watching that concert at the end. I really enjoyed that they had them put on a show together at the end, so we could really see the end result of the whole shebang. Way to go, Producer Dave. And my little Oompa? I’m so proud. Congratulations, Lukas!!

Now….on to Dancing With The Stars: The Results Show!

The encore does not go to the fave, Super Mario…it goes to the sentimental fave, Emmitt Smith! I’m all for that. He’s such a joy to watch with the huge smile and pretty smooth moves. He’ll be around a long while yet.

Then they announce that Tom Jones will be singing and the camera pans to Tom in the waiting room and he looks intensely nervous and not really like himself. Odd. Then, even odder, there is a new secondary contest going on where you have to guess who the Mystery Star is seen dancing in shadow during the commercial break. Is it Erik Estrada, Donny Osmond, David Cassidy, or Scott Baio? I have TiFaux and I’m not ashamed to say I played freeze frame for a few seconds. I ruled out Erik right off, but the other three are a harder call. I think it’s Scott. But no, I didn’t text my vote in as I watched this really late after closing up the shop last night. (Oh yeah…and the latest news…I was promoted to Art/Education Director. Woot!)

So…who do YOU think is the Mystery Star?

Back to the show…

Tom sings and Louie (!!!!) and Mario’s partner whose name escapes me dance…and you know, it’s my most favorite “celebrity sings” performance yet. Tom’s voice was in fine form, as was Tom (how old is he now?) although I didn’t see a whole lot of hips a’swivelin. Louie and….I have to look up her name! made up the difference. It was fun. Enjoyable, perfect vibe for this show. I didn’t feel compelled to FF once (and I always do during Celebrity Sings!)

Then Sporty Samantha (even in a gown, she should be on the sidelines of some professional sport. I can’t help it) interviews the lowly score receivers, then Super Mario, who is insanely nervous (part of his attention issues, I’m sure) and is endearingly cute with it. And clueless about how endearing it is, which makes it even moreso.

Then we get candid When Audiences React! moments. Aaaaaaand, back to the show.

Did I mention how much I love Tom Bergeron? He’s funny with a capital fun. (More! Actual! Dancing!)

The first four couples to definitely return next week? In no particular ranking…Harry and Ashly (which shocks Harry. I’m glad they announced them first. Both for poor nerve ridden Harry, but after Master P, Ashly deserves a kinder season.) Next to stay? Emmitt and Cheryl and Jerry and Poor Kym! I have to stop calling her that now. I guess it’s Poor Tucker’s Partner. Whose name I also can’t remember, but why bother, you know? She’ll be heading out shortly, I’m sure. Poor TP. Also staying? Vivica and Nick.

Another new Twist this season? Regular viewer gets to play Dance With the Stars. We will follow regular gal, Tysonia, as she is put through the same paces as the stars. I’d have loved to have done that. Pick me! Pick me! We meet her family and see her dance the mambo with Christian Perry. Hey!! It’s Christian Perry from Ballroom Bootcamp. Didn’t you guys watch that one? I did. Loved it. Christian was the Mean Instructor. Well, uber strict anyway. We’ll see how he handles Tysonia. Or how Tysonia handles him. In five days she performs for her family and friends and she really looks great. Next up? The tango!

Next week we find out our stars will be dancing the mambo, so Tom introduces the professional dancers showing us what it should really look like. Squee! Eye Candy Alert!!

Of course, Maksim leads the pack. (No one puts Baby in a corner. ) But woowhee, thank god for DVR’s and Instant Replay. And replay. And replay. Now this is the way to end a really long day.

Mostly, other than sexy, what I noticed was how fast it was. Wow. Can’t wait to next week to see how the stars handle it. We find out that was Tony’s choreo. Major golf clap for Tony!

We find out the other dance next week is quick step….and this time Tom Jones looks way more relaxed during his dressing room cameo. Oooh, more Mystery Star moments. Nothing to really clarify it further, though. I’m sticking with Scott. Although, right at the end, there was a Donny moment. Hmmmm….. I’m thinking Donny now. Blog Babes? I’m glad it’s just for one week and not one guy for all season. I think this twist is kind of fun.

Aaaaand, we’re back.

The judges were needlessly harsh with their choices of who should go, especially Len. I thought that was particularly harsh toward a woman going through a divorce with whatever attendant self esteem issues go with that. Maybe I’m just projecting. But even if the producers pushed them to be hard, there’s hard and then there’s harsh. Len? It’s a freaking celebrity dance show. Lighten up.

Tom Jones returns with She’s a Lady and I just like his voice. Sounds a bit rushed, but oooh we get hip swivel. Hey, I’m equal opportunity with my shallowness.

We get a little behind the scenes of the ballroom bootcamp our stars have gone through…..and now we find out who are our bottom three couples. Safe tonight are….Monique and Louie!!, Joey and Edyta, Mario and Karina, and (the real shock of the night for me) Sara and Tony. Leaving our bottom three as Tucker and Elena, Shanna and Jessie, and (shock!) Willa and Maksim. Wow. Really, people? Too beautiful for you? Don’t rob me of my eye candy this early on, mon!

(Commerical highlight…the Desperate Housewives ads.)

The couple going home tonight? America got it right. Bye bye, Tucker. No more awkward viewing of your non dancing. I guess some people can’t even buy rhythm. But Big GC for giving it all you had.

Tonight is sesame chicken, a tv date with my son and…Survivor: Cook Islands!

Plus maybe a little Project Runway MAC, if I’m really on the ball.

Don’t forget to enter this week’s SHaQ Attack book giveaway. See Monday’s blog post for all the details.

Mystery Star! New Twists! Tucker leaves! Maksim swivels! Emmitt rocks! The Oompa Wins Rock Star!

Discuss!

Tags: Writing by Donna
13 Comments »

Yay! Dancing With the Stars returns. Fall is officially here.

Okay, first off, let me say, that opening sequence freezeframe on Maksim holding his partner’s face? I’m good for the season now. *fanning self* Now we can proceed.

Live from Hollywood!

And, we open with My Host Tom Bergeron introducing our 11 stars this season. Yes, 11. (The season will be 2 weeks longer this time. Squee!) There are new instructors I don’t recognize, but most of our favorites are back! This season, we have Tucker Carlson (with…?), Monique Colson (with Louie!), Sara Evans (with Tony), Willa Ford (with Maksim), Vivica A. Fox (with Nick), Harry Hamlin (with Ashly), Joey “The Cueball” Lawrence (with..is that Edyta? I can’t tell), Mario Lopez (with…?), Shanna Moakler (with…new guy), Emmitt Smith (with Cheryll!! so glad she’s back!), and Jerry Springer (with some poor, poor soul).

Okay, yes, the arms almost make up for the lack of hair. Almost. Both would be, well, an embarrassment of riches I’m willing to withstand. Grow it back, mon!

So, the newbies are…Tucker Carlson has new instructor, Elena Grigenko (isn’t she someone’s wife on here? Hmmmm…), Mario has the Hamilton-tanned Karina Smirnov, Shanna has the football player looking Jesse DeSoto, and poor, poor Kym Johnson was somehow persuaded to do this show and dance with Jerry Springer. We’re so sorry, Kym.

Samantha Harris is back. Ho hum. She really needs to be doing ESPN. Just sayin. Nice dress, though. We have balconies now and a much larger audience, yet, it still somehow retains the affectionate cheesiness that is Our Show.

Our judges are back again this season. Hello, Carrie Ann, Len, and Bruno.

Somewhat surprising is discovering the phone lines are already open, and no one has danced yet. Hmmm. Not liking that. It’s already a favorites show, why push it? (And is it me, or is Harry Hamilin looking rather nauseous?) The couples have been training for 6 weeks, and tonight the women will be dancing the Fox Trot and the men will be performing the Cha Cha Cha. Oh baby!

Actor Joey The Cueball makes his second television dancing debut (his first being a tap-dancing stint on Carson at age 5)…along with Edyta, here we go! New things I love: that they are giving background on the instructors. Good job, Producers. I can almost forgive you for the stupid idea of opening phone lines before people dance. Almost. After getting George Hamilton last year, Edyta gets Hunky Boy this year. Wtg, Edyta! (Makes you wonder who they promised Poor Kym would get next season to get her to do this one…) I’d do it for free if I get to play with Joey’s hips.

Here we go… Sleeveless is a good look. I don’t really care how he dances now. So, right off we have whack music for Cha Cha, so that’s not going to change. They are dancing to some interesting rendition of I Like the Way You Move but honestly, do we care? No. Joey? Sublime, baby. Good chemistry with his partner, too, who is clearly having a grrrrreat time with her new partner. (Good thing they’re both married!) Okay, Joey’s spin turns were a little, no, a lot shaky, and he’s stiff hipped a lot, but again, with that backside and those arms do we care? Not so much. I feel so shallow.

Shallow is good as it turns out.

Judges? Len agrees with my hip comment, as does Bruno, and Carrie Ann says check the arms. All in all, much love. On a personal note, I have to remember this is not So You Think You Can Dance. Amateurs, Donna, Amateurs. Scores are: Three 7’s for 21 points out of 30. And Joey is right, better to start moderate and not be The Team To Beat.

Next is country singer Sara Evans and Tony who do the Fox Trot. Sara is a mom of little ones and broke both legs as a child herself, AND is on tour (taking Tony with her) so god only knows how she’s doing this. Right off, golf clap for Sara.

Here we go! Dancing to (Lord, give me strength) the DWTS rendition of Mandy they’re off. Sara, though a singer, is not a natural dancer, as we see right off. She is doing passably well, but they are going in super slow speed. I don’t think we’re looking at a frontrunner here. Of course, Tony, though current champion, isn’t known for being wonderful with his partners.

Judges? Len was a bit hard on her, the crowd hates him for it. Bruno and Carrie Ann gives Sara tips, too, and also get booed. Sara handles it with class. Scores? 5, 5, 5 for a score of 15.

Next is cutie journalist Tucker Carlson with another current ballroom champ, Elena Grinenko. Okay, Tucker is pretty much the Kenny Mayne of this season. Maybe even the Master P of the season. It’s sad, y’all. To think the man dodged bullets in Beirut, then comes to do this. I watch through the hands covering my face. At least he’s having fun. Were that we all were.

To Dancing in the Streets we start with a seated Tucker (brilliant choreography there, Elena. If only you could keep him there…) Definitely a lot of slinky instructors this year. Only the women viewers are even thinking about watching Tucker, I can guarantee you that. Yeah, he pulls a total Kenny. Stick to dodging bullets, Big T.

Judges are predictably hard on him, okay, so they laugh at him, but his partner gets kudos for doing the best she could with what she was given. He actually has negative rhythm. Scores? A lowly 12.

Next up is actress Monique Coleman and Louie!!!! He’s just the cutest, isn’t he? Smooches, Louie! So, she’s cute and she’s young and she rilly needs to give up the blue metallic eyeshadow. Just sayin. Hi Louie! He thinks she has tons of potential. But he pushes her more than I think (and clearly that she thinks) she is capable of. Her youth makes the patience thing a hard get. But he’s right, it’s there for her. All depends on whether they can find a suitable teaching/learning rhythm. She seems to have a great attitude, so I have high hopes for this pair. I also think she’ll do even better on the funkier dances.

Dancing the Fox Trot to Baby Love they open with cute choreo, which I think is also another strength of his. And here we go….not real great on the extensions, so Louie concentrates on what she does do well. And she really looks wonderful. Very nice debut.

Judges? somewhat critical, but I think it was because they showed a lot of potential. I hope. Scores? They get a 19, which I think is kind of low for the competition thus far. They won’t go home though, and that’s all that matters at this point.

Next we get Dallas Cowboy Emmitt Smith Cha Cha-ing with last year’s winning instructor, Cheryl Burke. He’s used to being coached, he says. Cheryl is really cute with him and they are adorable together. Emmitt is takng this very seriously, but looks like he’s having fun, too. Not to mention, boy has rhythm. (And did you notice they sometimes use the same studio as So You Think You Can Dance? Ah, sweet reverie.)

Looking quite fine, dancing to Son of a Preacher Man (where do they come up with these songs? Someone heard this and went, oooh, a cha cha, song! Really? No, really??) but here we go! And dang, he’s good! Million dollar smile, sharp shoes, and looks like he’s confident out there. With good reason. Not sure her dress really matches his outfit all that well, but that’s my only criticism. Well that and they had to cha cha to Preacher Man and Make it Work. (Shameless Tim Gunn Shout Out!) Pretty good debut. (Of course, I said that about the last two.) The crowd luuuuuuvs these two. Standing O.

Judges? Carrie swoons. Len thinks he’s charming. Bruno even applauds. Scores? Three 8’s for the current high of 24.

Next we get pop star bad girl Willa Ford with Maksim. Willa lets us in on the fact that Maksim totally knows he’s hot and is mostly concerned with looking good out there. Tell us something we don’t know. And yet, he is fun to watch. I am soooooo shallow. I’m already loving Willa and her little asides about Pouty Pretty Boy. She’s also gorgeous, but funny. So we don’t hate her. Too much. As Maksim says, it’s a Leetheel Meex.

Dancing the fox trot to True we’re off. They are both gorgeous and they look stunning together (except her dress is a wee bit whack in the front.) Let’s see if Maksim actually tries to connect with his partner, instead of just showboating to the audience this year. They are both very aware of their respective gorgeousness, but they manage to have fun together as well as look good. Nice job.

Judges? An exqueeseete treat, according to Bruno. Carrie Ann thought it was lovely. Len applauds but says she sometimes has bizarre feet. Loved it! Scores? 22, which puts them in second place.

Tomorrow night we get Tom Jones as our entertainment. I’m up for that.

Next we get actor Mario Lopez and his partner Karina Smirnoff. Okay, right off, we love Mario because, well, he’s damn cute, and he’s doing this for his mother. One, two, three…awwwwww. Smooches, Mario. I’m not sure they’re a great match. He’s too hyper for her, she’s too crabby for him. I love Cheryl and Emmitt together, but man, I’d love to have seen Mario with her. Or Ashly, for that matter. This one? Lo0ks tired and pinched next to him. And cranky. But he clearly has rhythm, so she needs to find a way to have some patience, because she has a potential winner on her hands. Talent AND charisma? Hello, frontrunner.

Dancing the cha cha cha to Walking on the Sun they come out smmokin. The hotness factor just went up about a million percent. Dayum, people. My eyes are scorched just watching this. I take it all back on the instructor. She totally gets it. The choreo is fresh and fabulous and you cannot take your eyes off him. Which, considering she’s a wardrobe malfunction begging to happen, is a miracle frankly. He is….let’s just give him the trophy now, shall we?

I think I need a moment to recover sufficiently. After I watch it again, of course. Okay, several moments. Jeeez. Mom, you’ve got some son there. I totally have a crush.

Judges? *still fanning self* First, how cute is it that he looks totally nervous? He just rocked the joint the way even Drew would envy. And first night? Come on! So, add humble to the list. What’s not to love? Is he available? (Hey, so he’s young enough to be my son, shut up! TV Boyfriends know no boundaries.) Len gives kudos. Bruno christens him Super Mario. (Extra batteries in his pants?) Carrie Ann claims them the Couple To Beat. Well, no duh, but nice to hear my suspicions confirmed. Scores….9, 8, 9 for 26 and 1st place at the moment.

Next we have Miss USAShanna Moakler She was a competitve roller skater. Hunh. Jesse just started dancing seven years ago, was an electrician before…and is now reigning mambo champ. Something tells me it’s more eye candy for meeeeee! Smooches, casting directors! He seems like a really nice guy in his instructing style. Shanna I’m somewhat meh on, but I have a feeling she’ll grow on me. I certainly identify with what she’s going through and kudos to even attempting this.

Dancing the fox trot to Saving All My Love they make a lovely, graceful couple. Very nice. A nice counterpoint to the hottt of the last performance. Very nice. Jesse has a great nice guy vibe and given her heartache, it’s a nice combination.

Judges? Bruno is a bit tough on her, Carrie Ann balances it very nicely, and Len says he wanted a bit more. Harsh, Len!! Scores? 18.

Next we get actor Harry Hamlin and his partner, Ashly. His wife, Lisa Rinna, was on the show last year and he wants to experience what she did. Smooches to Harry, too. What great guys this year! And Poor Ashly had Master P last year, so Yay! She will have more fun this season. I hope! (Is it just me, or does Harry look really drawn? Too thin, Harry!) He’s clearly terrified. Knowing how well his wife did last year, I’m sure isn’t helpful. Aw Harry, we love ya, come on! It’ll be okay.

Dancing the cha cha to Disco Inferno here we go! So, he’s not exactly a Kenny, and light years ahead of Master P…..but, well….Poor Ashly, I fear. Room for growth, for sure, and you never know! I think there is potential. In there. Somewhere. Hang in there, Harry!

Judges? Carrie Ann says he needs to loosen up. Len says work on character. Bruno says he needs to find a way to enjoy it more. All very true. (And I’m realllly tired of Mr. Boo Guy in the audience. Shut up already.) Scores? Nice score of 17 for that performance.

Next we get actress Vivica A. Fox with Nick. I think she’ll do well. I like her, she’s ready for this, y’all. Nick hasn’t been all that for me in the past, a bit arrogant, but if we can just listen to him talk? Sigh. Yeah, that’ll work. Did I mention I like Vivica? Great attitude. And, okay, she’s closest to my age. Thanks for representin’ us 40 somethings, V.A.! You go.

Dancing the fox trot they come out looking pretty strong. I’m not sure they’re physically paired well, and what is Nick wearing? The chemistry is eh, but she’s giving it her all and looks like she’s having fun. Definite potential there. Stronger at the end. Upper middle of the pack tonight.

Judges? Bruno says she’s Viva La Diva. So we know Bruno’s lust interest this season. Len loved it. Carrie Ann says there is room for improvement. Scores? 6, 8, 8 for 22.

And laaaast and definitely the least ever, we have…(do I reallllly have to MAC this? Really?) Jerry Springer and Poor Kym.

I just want to say, America? Have mercy on me. Send him home!

So, okay, he was pretty charming with Poor Kym. He even gets that she’s being cosmically punished. I don’t care. Do not make him the George of this year, Poor Kym. I’m begging you. But, as the clip reel unfolds…. I sadly, and it seriously pains me to admit this, must say he is better than Tucker. And he’s funny. Damn you, Jerry! Do NOT make me like you. Will he last long? No. Should he outlast Tucker? Um, yeah.

Kill me now.

Dancing the cha cha cha to Hey Daddy they make (God, what did I do to deserve this humbling moment) a cute couple, with his Hug Hef tux and her flirty dress. He’s not George, but George Jr at least. Enough to get his satin sashed self into next week, I fear. And Poor Kym is about the cutest thing ever. And then he loses most of the points he scored with me by totally ditching his partner to finish his money schtick. Now all is right with my world again.

Judges? Len says he held his own and had charm. Carrie Ann loved that he went for it. Bruno says he has springs left in his springer. Says he’s endearing. Scores? 5, 5, 6 for 16.

So, the ranking before we add the viewers score into the game is:
26 - Super Mario
24 - Emmitt
22 - Willa
22 - Vivica
21 - Joey
19- Monique
18 - Shanna
17 - Harry
16 - Jerry
15 - Sara
12 - Tucker

What will America think? Who will go home? Will my fingers ever recover? (I think I just did a whole summer’s worth of MAC in one recap. Shew!! ) Thanks for hanging in with me. Please forgive all typos and nonsensical sentences. I blame them all on Bruno anyway.

Okay, Blog Babes. Discuss!

Tags: Writing by Donna
20 Comments »

Yes, that’s right, it’s a Doublemint kinda day here in Blog Babe Central. In addition to todays scintillating blog post here (hey, I heard that!) you can also hop over to Brava Authors and see my insightful commentary on the debut of my favorite sport. Yes, I’m talking about Survivor.

It goes without saying that we aren’t going to talk about sweaty people being forced to endure heartless conditions and the occasional really rude teammate, not to mention ingesting disgusting creepy crawly things in order to win a million dollars. No, no, no. Here in BBC Land, we’re going to celebrate our more refined, aesthetic taste. Yes, of course I’m talking about Dancing with the Stars!

The oddsmakers (who apparently, even with the launch of both pro and college football, have nothing better to do) actually came out with their odds yesterday on who is the favorite to win this season. Mario Lopez (of Saved By the Bell Fame) is the odds on favorite with 3-1 odds. Viveca A. Fox and Monique Coleman (who is she?) follow at 4-1 and 9-2 respectively.

In the middle of the pack are Joey Lawrence (4-1), former LA Law castmate and personal castmate to last season contestant Lisa RinnaHarry Hamlin (13-2), rocker Willa Ford (9-1), country singer Sara Evans (10-1), and this season’s sports figure, Emmett Smith (14-1.)

At the bottom, MSNBC news anchor Tucker Carlson and former Miss USA and soon-to-be divorced in true ugly Hollywood fashionShanna Moakler were both given 23-to-1 odds. But at the very very bottom, which, considering he is a bottom feeder himself seems quite appropriate (can you tell I’m realllllly not happy with this casting?) is talk show host Jerry Springer at 49-to-1. We can only pray they are dead on with that last prediction and he goes home this week, freeing us all up to enjoy the remainder of the season.

The same betting agency picked third runner up Stacy Kiebler to win last year. So, you might want to read some tea leaves or something first before making any bets of your own. Me, I’m playing for a triple scoop sundae of my favorite ice cream. Chocolate cookie dough rules. But we hedge our bets here by allowing one night of viewing before choosing favorites.

Tomorrow we’ll gab and dish here on who we think will win and post our own Blog Babe Odds! (I mean, we knew Drew was a lock early on last season. Come on! The betting agencies should just read my blog.)

Tags: Writing by Donna
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Hope everyone had a great weekend. I attended my first college Parent’s Day at West Virginia University and it was great, great fun. Wow, the whole town throws one huge tailgate party, then everyone heads to the stadium. The game was fantastic - unless you played for Washington. We routed them 52-3. I know. Those poor guys had to travel all the way across the country to get their butts handed to them. I almost felt bad. Almost. So that makes the current Sugar Bowl title holders 2 and 0 for the new season. Not a bad start! We play Maryland this week, though, so now things get interesting. Go Mountaineers!

In US Open news…Roger Federer wins his 9th slam title playing against Andy Roddick. No real suprise there, but it was great fun watching Andy’s run through this tournament. Amazing what a little help from a legend can do for a guy. Who’da thought you’d ever see Jimmy Connors as a tennis coach? Do you think maybe they snuck a peek at my latest, Not So Snow White which had a very similar premise? Hmmmmm….. I’m so sure that was it!

In other exciting news…Dancing With The Stars begins this week! Yay! Here’s hoping they send Jerry Springer home first so we can sit back and really enjoy the season. I’ll definitely be MACing that one. Survivor and Amazing Race also start this week, and depending on how things go, there might be some MAC there, too.

Okay, time for this week’s SHaQ Attack hunt.

Which book takes place in a Chicago family restaurant?

Send an email to donna@donnakauffman.com with Eat at Joe’s! in the subject line. I’ll draw a winner on Friday from all the correct entries. Winner receives a copy of the book in question. Happy hunting!

A special head’s up! Tomorrow I will be blogging here and over at Brava Authors so check it out!

Hope everyone has a great start to a brand new week.

Tags: Writing by Donna
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Thank you all for voting in droves for your favorite hero. It was close! But the winning hero this week was Tag Morgan from Catch Me If You Can. From all the Blog Babes who voted for Tag, the winning Babe is Sharon B!

Sharon, you’ll be receiving a signed copy of Catch Me If You Can.

Tune back in Monday for the next SHaQ Attack hunt!

Last night was a Big Sports Night for me. US Open Men’s Quarterfinal action, where, for a brief time I thought James Blake was going to rise to the occasion, but once again, Federer proves to be the better player. I almost got “remote finger” from going back and forth between the Quarters and the opening night of the NFL season with my beloved Steelers going up against Miami. Not the most exciting game on the planet, but they surely pulled it out in the end for a strong season start.

I am heading to West Virginia tomorrow for my first college Parent’s Weekend. We get to watch WVU play football - Go Mountaineers! - and do some tailgate partying as well as a big dinner afterward. So, if nothing else, we’ll be well fed!

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Tags: Writing by Donna
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So, on Project Runway they finally send Vincent home. This was second only to sending Tattooine Jeff home on my Please Do It! list.

The designers had to create a couture gown in two days, and there was some satisfaction in seeing Vincent’s assuredness that, yet again, he’s all that, get deflated. I was so tired of his weird and creepy “I’m so turned on” stuff. Shudder. Glad he’s gone.

As for Tattooine Neck, er Jeff, I thought his dress was whack, but I will admit he totally went for it and he did fulfill the challenge better than anyone, except maybe Uli, who I was hoping would win. And maybe I have a little trailer park in me, but I really liked Kayne’s dress. It might have been too over the top for couture, but I thought it was one of the prettiest, second only to Uli’s really.

I felt badly that Laura’s collar lost its starch, but tended to agree with the judges on hers. Mostly I have no idea how she can handle being in the early stages of pregnancy, when you’re just exhausted all the time, and handling the demands of this program. I’m glad they kept her in. Same goes for Michael and his disaster of a dress. Although, wow, what a difference it made when they tucked in those horrible breastplates. He seriously escaped a bullet.

Next week looks to push the designers to the breaking point. I think it’s interesting, the challenges this year, but I don’t really understand why the tight time constraints on top of the really difficult tasks. I love seeing what they come up with, but pushing them to death isn’t as interesting or entertaining and I’m not entirely sure of the point, as it doesn’t seem to translate, really, into a skill they’re going to have to have in the real world.

Ah well, it’s still my favorite guilty pleasure of the moment. And we got Tim in Paree!

Don’t forget to send in your Favorite Hero votes for this week’s SHaQ Attack. Winner named tomorrow - and there are a few names that are neck and neck at the moment. Your vote could make the difference on who wins!

Tags: Writing by Donna
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Well, since you all were with me through the Special K story, I’m sorry to report that after a wave of parasites hit my fish tank, Special K is no longer with us. Of course the other two? Just fine. Naturally. Now, to top it all off, SK went to fishie heaven on my son’s birthday. Yes, the same son who received Special K as a symbol of love from his girlfriend. I know. What exactly is Karman trying to say here? I don’t think I want to know.

But, on a positive note, K’s buddies, Rufus the Raphael Cat, and Cat Daddy, the Pictus Cat, survived the infestation and are hanging in there just fine. And we’ve all come to really enjoy having the aquarium in the house. It provides a constant, soothing waterfall sound, it’s beautiful to look at, the fish are interesting to watch, and everyone who comes in gravitates toward it. So, thank you, Special K. You might have been a wee mighty might, but your googly eyes won ours hearts and left a lasting gift of tranquility and joy in our home.

Maybe that’s the real symbol of love here.

Hope you all are having a wonderful Wednesday!

Tags: Writing by Donna
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So, it’s Tuesday and there’s nothing fun to MAC. I’m having MACdrawals.

Andy Roddick did beat the snot out of that upstart, Benjamin Becker, so we all feel a little avenged. And Amelie beat Serena, so all is right in my world there…. And yet, we’re missing something. I know there’s some singing left on Rock Star and designing left on Project Runway, and pro football starts on Thursday, but is it me, or does this seem a little like purgatory at the moment?

I know, I know, so whiny today.

One thing I did want to note - I forgot to mention in yesterday’s SHaQ question that you can post here, OR you can email me at donna@donnakauffman.com, either will get your favorite hero entered in this week’s contest. So far, lots of entries, but, surprisingly, everyone is picking a different hero! It will be really interesting to see how this all plays out. Keep your choices coming - but just one hero per Blog Babe, please!

For all those with kids heading back to school today (like moi) happy freedom! I say we all unite and curl up with a book somewhere. I’m avidly awaiting the arrival in a week or so of Nora’s latest, Morrigan’s Cross. What about you? What are you reading?

Tags: Writing by Donna
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