Okay, first, a lovely reprise waltz from Maksim & Willa, which is followed by a song from Los Lonely Boys complete with what looks like the Deal or No Deal backup dancers. Who were those chicks? I missed getting to see our pros dance.

The first two safe couples are: Mario & Karina (and the camera doesn’t even pan to them until they spotlight is already off - instead it shows Edyta’s pissy rolling of the eyes - well, you know she was thinking it anyway.) And Jerry & Kym. This is shock to some, I know, but not to us Blog Babes who totally called his fan base and the sentiment from last night carrying him through. Even though we all also know he should have gone home. I feel really sorry for his knees next week. Buy ice now, Jerry. (Kym was so sweet in how surprised she was.)

So…now we find out the Deal or No Deal Back Up Singers are actually ALL sisters of pro dancer Ashly. Wow. I think I read that she’s Mormon, which might help explain the huge family, but what’s with the alliteration of names? Is that a thing? I wonder if there are more sisters, or any brothers (Adam, Aaron, Abbott, Adrian….)

Okay, these aren’t the DoND Dancers. (Thank goodness, because maybe these ladies can actually dance.) Wow, they’re all beautiful, and though not all pros, clearly they’re all trained dancers. How fun! I love how each one got their little spotlight turn so we could figure out who was who. Leggy things, too. I think that’s pretty darn cool and I’m sure Ashly was proud of how well they all did.

Next up, Drew’s big bro Nick Lachey comes back to town, this time to sing instead of supporting his now-champion brother. In addition we get champion partners Tony & Elena dancing to his performance.

Okay, I’ve read some bulletin boards (yes, seriously) and the pros on there say in real world competition, Elena is known for her exceedingly tacky costuming (which, I was thinking, how can you always tell?) Well, as soon as she stepped on the floor tonight, all was answered for me. Toga-rhumba? Otherwise, very nice song and dance.

Two more couples are safe: Emmitt & Cheryl and Squee! Willa and Maksim. Squee!

And now the moment of truth: Monique & Louis(!) are in the bottom two. Uh oh, I think she could be the upset tonight! Edyta & Joey are safe. Sara’s fan base does indeed come through, and my upset prediction, Vivica is in the bottom two. Right now, before they announce who goes home, I will say that Louis is probably loved enough for both him and Monique, plus she has a pretty loyal High School Musical fan base. As I said before, I’m not sure where Vivica’s fan base really is, and her partner isn’t a huge fan fave either. Vivica is clearly surprised 9and should be. Because Sara? Might be able to sing, but dancing? No so much.)

So…who goes?

Tonight, we send Vivica & Nick home. This is one time I’m sorry to be right. Figures! Vivica was a total class act in her good-bye. But producers? When you open phone lines BEFORE people even start dancing, what do you expect but to underscore the popularity part of this contest? Come on! Rethink that rule next season. At least pretend like we’re supposed to vote for the best dance of the night.

Next week should be interesting!

Tune in tomorrow for the winner of this week’s SHaQ Attack. (And, helpful hint! You might want to make sure it’s a book written by me. )

Happy Thursday, everyone!

Tags: Writing by Donna
10 Comments »

So, this week on Dancing with the Stars we have 8 couples remaining, who will dance either the waltz or the paso doble.

Pretty much as long as they keep showing Maksim swinging that cape around with all those biceps of his, I’m going to be perfectly happy with this entire program this evening.

First up tonight is Monique and Louis(!) doing the waltz. I like their behind the scenes, I think Monique is probably the best student Louis could have asked for in the pure sense of student-teacher relations, because she’s clearly dedicated to doing her best.

The dancing begins, and once again, it’s Whack Music for $500, but what can you do? At least it sounds in the general neighborhood of waltz like music. I don’t think Monique’s top does her any favors, but Louis (!) looks quite dapper. I’m so glad he cut his hair off last season (and that Maks followed suit this season.) Anyway…they do a lovely, if serviceable job. Louis can always be counted on for developing choreo that flatters his partners strengths and he definitely does so here. But this dance tonight is where their teacher-student chemistry is obvious in a not-as-flattering way, but there is really nothing they can do about it. It is what it is. And they do their best with what they have between them. As I said, lovely routine, and the spinning sequence was really nice, she’s doing all the right things, but I wasn’t moved. Okay, until that very last moment when she had tears in her eyes. Yay them!

Judges? Uncle Len says it was lovely, well done. Bruno says she was a little mermaid. Carrie Ann says she felt they were a united couple tonight. She saw what was there at the end, that I missed. Scores - 8, 8, 8 for 24.

Next up is Emmitt and Cheryl dancing the paso doble. He’s so charming. I just love him. And I agree that he was robbed, in comparison to other dancers last week. I hope he kicks butt this week. Out they come, all in red and black, and is it me, or does Emmitt look like he’s losing weight? Could be the cut of his outfit, but he’s looking almost slender. For Emmitt. They get actual paso music (thank you stoned music gods) which stuns me - why don’t they do this more often anyway? Cheryl looks quite sexy and Emmitt very macho as he pulls her across the floor on his back in the opening sequence. So far, so good. Cheryl is really on it tonight, she’s making Emmitt’s job a lot easier, all eyes on her. He’s doing a good job himself, as well. Great ending, perfect choreo with the outfit there, Cheryl. Nice work!

Judges? Bruno says he was commanding. Carrie Ann says he was a beast and had moments of brilliance. Len says it was great, well done. And may I just say here that Samantha’s backroom interview skills? Lamer every week. I like her spunk, I do. But she’s not meant for this. We need someone like the So You Think You Can Dance hostess. She would be perfect!! Just a suggestion, stoned executive producer gods. Scores - 8, 8, 8 for another 24.

And, it’s a very lovely looking Willa and an always hot Maksim. They have the waltz and Willa is going to bring out her inner lady. Their behind-the-scenes edit was kind for once. Hope it helps. They get doable music and they do look elegant during their dance, very polished. Perhaps not as advanced as Louis’s choreo, but quite lovely all the same. Well done.

Judges? Carrie Ann says she was swept away. Uncle Lenny says it was delightful. Bruno says it was technically perfect and a love story, too. Wow, yay them! Scores - 9, 9, 10 for 28

Now it’s Sara and Tony with their version of the paso. They get whack music albeit with some latin flavor. I think. The opening called for command of the steps and Sara sort of minces through them rather than commands them, but you can tell this is not her natural arena. There were moments of beauty, but just as many moments of awkward. (Is this Phantom of the Opera music or something? It’s….so not right and very disruptive.) She mostly walks through the dance, which might be just as well. (Oh my god this is the most hideous music ever.) The rose at the end was just too funereal for me. I’m so crabby tonight, I know. But that? Was not good. Will she go home? Not with her fan base she won’t.

Judges? Len agrees that this is not Sara’s dance. (And in this light, while she’s standing there, she looks sooooo tired. Under her eyes, even the makeup isn’t helping. I feel bad for her.) Bruno implores her to dance with her passion again. Carrie Ann says she saw the character role playing in her dance but that she lost her power. All agreed. Scores - 6, 7, 7 for 20 That’s about right. (And Sam, just leave it alone already. Sheesh.)

Now we get Jerry and Kym finally getting to do the dance he came to learn, the waltz. He interviews that he really wants to do this one without the showmanship angle, but seriously, so he can dance with his daughter at her upcoming wedding. Awww. They look good, Kym is always so lovely, but has a real Kim Novak feel tonight. They get a lovely song, the Tennessee Waltz, and he does a wonderful job. Kym looks lovely. It’s clearly a sentimental moment for him, and so we’ll let him have it. Yay, Jerry! And what a great ending with his daughter (who looks scarily just like him.)

Judges? Bruno says it was very touching. Carrie Ann says he touched them all. Len said he had great style and thought it was a delight. Scores - 7, 7, 8 for 22.

Up next is Vivica and Nick with the paso. This should be right up her alley. She looks great, hair and dress, all work. They both look good tonight. So the music is bizarre (Bon Jovi???) but it is commanding, and they just paso all over the damn place. I think this is her best dance thus far, mostly because it’s just tailor made for her personality. (Although watching the other paso’s thus far, makes you realize how stellar Emmitt’s really was. Of course, he’s the only guy who’s done it so far.) They miss a spin move at the end with a crucial hand hold, but cover it well. All in all, well done for her.

Judges? Len says it had a lot of ole’s and a few oh no’s. Bruno essentially agrees. Carrie Ann says it was hot, but needs a bit of femininity as well. Scores - 8, 8, 8 for 24 which I think is a wee bit high, but that’s cool. It’s very very close tonight.

(And I love Tom!)

Up next, we get the two bad boys. First is Joey and Edyta doing the waltz. Edyta has the most bizarre Clan of the Cavewoman meets 80’s Madonna thing going in her rehearsal togs, but whatever. More Joey is never a bad thing. Joey and Family are very sweet. Awww. Loved his mom’s comment. Now it’s dance night, and he looks very elegant in all white, while Edyta and the Girls are risking a Fashion Malfunction, but we love her anyway. The music is doable, which is nice. (Singer? That opening note? Yow.) But we soon totally forget about tone deaf singers because the pair dancing are absolutely lovely. Now that is chemistry and beauty (not to mention extreme flexibilty) in motion. It looks effortless. (But watch on mute. Just sayin.) Okay, that last side split was sooo……not pretty. What was up with that? After such a gorgeous, flowing dance….I dunno. I don’t get it. But golf clap for a lovely dance anyway.

Judges? Carrie Ann says it was lovely and brought tears to her eyes and that Joey truly led his partner. Len says it was a wow of a waltz. Bruno says it was heavenly. Joey is truly thankful for the judges comments. Scores - 9, 9, 9 for 27 Well earned.

Last tonight is Mario “the scorpion” Lopez (what is up with that jacket? His idea?) and Karina with the paso. This is as tailor made for him as it was for Vivica. He’s so good and I am so over him. A shame really. And here we go. Okay, so Antonio Banderas? Eat your heart out. Damn, he’s just really great at this. Because that? Was perfect. Figures.

Judges? Bruno loses his collective mind. Carrie Ann says they are too hot to handle. Uncle Lenny is cranky. Scores - 10, 9, 10 for 29.

Standings:
Mario - 29
Joey - 28
Willa - 28
Monique - 24
Emmitt - 24
Vivica - 24
Jerry - 22
Sara - 20

My favorites of the night were Emmitt and Willa, in terms of performance. Joey was up there, too. And, if I liked him more, I’d be all drooling over Mario’s dance. It was really All That. And a bag of Doritos. Going home? Should be Jerry or Sara. But honestly, it’s a real toss up. I think those two have very strong fan bases, so we’ll see!

What is your prediction?

Happy Hump Day y’all!

Tags: Writing by Donna
8 Comments »

So, my son and I got around to watching Amazing Race last night and, lo and behold, for the most part, everyone behaved. I think what I am loving about this season most of all, is the return to the raaaaaaace. Harder tasks, no money for a leg, raaaaaaace.

I like that there is rarely bunching, and when there is, things still stay unpredictable. I love different teams coming in first, I love that during the course of each leg, the leaders and the stragglers change ends, sometimes more than once. That’s good race planning. Far better than when the same team, or few teams, dominate the entire series.

Things I liked this time: the coalminer working with fuel/coal, the *lyns finally showing some heart, the *wins finally coming in first (and how they paused to reflect on and pay homage to the history of the Hanoi Hilton), chaos flower market, how hard it was to find almost, well, everything, sending the teams east instead of west to start this race off, no money this leg, Frogger shout out…

Things I didn’t like: Mary needs to lighten up on her husband. I love them, but man, she gets a big grating. Mostly what I hate is how little Peter really cares for Sarah, even as just a fellow human being. She’s like his pet or something. He’s always - always - running way ahead of her. He’s like two feet taller than her anyway. Even with two good legs, she’d be running to keep up with him. But on the rice paddies running for the mat, and her artificial limb is sinking in the muck, he’s not even aware she’s back there struggling. Yes, all teams struggled in the muck, but they were the only team who weren’t holding on to each other, helping each other navigate that quagmire. My disgust for him grows. Even if he’s not “into her” and trust me, he’s way not, he could at least be a decent human being and partner. My only question is how she’s put up with him for seven years, even as a friend. Yes, he can fix your leg and you think because he builds them, he understands you better than anyone. So not true. Look beyond the obvious connection and see there is absolutely no real connection there…then go find a nice guy who’ll love, admire, and respect you for who you are, artificial limb and all. But mostly I hated seeing Lauren and Pops go and TnT stay. Good team, pretty good racers, but stuff happens.

And Phil? Keep up the good wardrobe choices. That’s all I’m sayin.

Don’t forget to enter this week’s SHaQ Attack contest! See Monday’s blog for details.

Tags: Writing by Donna
6 Comments »

So, it’s all Leah’s fault. Seriously. She had to stand around at work the other day, talking about Grey’s Anatomy like it was some kind of…of….romance novel or something. Not some medical show where gory things happen and guts are on display all over the place and people die and stuff. Not like some hospital show my wimpy self wouldn’t be caught dead (ha!) watching, not even with a box of Kleenex. No. Oh no, she had to talk about it like it was all about relationships and romance and funny, witty, banter. I know, seriously!

So, I was drawn into the conversation. About McDreamy vs McVet, about Addison and McSteamy, about…about Shonda Rhimes and why she writes about all these people and her podcasts, so easily downloaded, just like Tim Gunn’s. And…and….then she did the completely unspeakable. She had DVD’s. Yes, yes, she did. Of the whole show right up to the beginning of Season 3. And she just handed them to me. Just like that.

So…I had to watch them, didn’t I? To do otherwise would have been rude. They couldn’t believe I wrote what I wrote for a living and had never given the show so much as a single, solitary little peek. I hadn’t. I hate medical shows. I hate gory stuff. And I really hate people dying. I’m a wimp, dammit! Don’t these people know anything about me?

But I had to watch them.

I had to watch all about Meredith and her mother, and Dr McDreamy and McVet, about Dr. Bailey and Dr. Webber, about Christina and Burke, and George and Callie and Izzy and the oh-so-doomed-but-damn-what-a-voice Denny, and about Addison and dear-god-drop-that-towel-I-beg-of-you Dr McSteamy. (Just who is Eric Dane and why I haven’t I seen his gorgeous self like…anytime, any place? My god.)

And yes, I blocked out the gory with my hand, and I cried. But I also laughed. A lot. And I marveled over Shonda Rhimes writing because She Gets It. And because she made me watch a damn medical show with gory stuff and dying people I Care About. Damn her. And damn my coworkers and their Thursday night pizza and brownies Grey’s Parties.

So yeah, it’s all Leah’s fault.

I’m so hopelessly hooked now.

Seriously.

What’s your latest addiction? What is your Must See show? The one you DVR or VCR just in case? (On my DVR it’s Men in Trees, Boston Legal, and now? Grey’s Anatomy. And Las Vegas whenever it shows up again.)

Or who are your Must Read authors? The ones you line up at the door of Borders for the day their latest goes on sale? (For me? That would be anything by Susan E Phillips, Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series, Jennifer Crusie, Brad Meltzer, or George RR Martin.)

Oh yeah…the SHaQ Attack contest for this week is…

I’ve had one book, that I can think of anyway, with a medical professional as hero or heroine. It was back in my category days writing for Harlequin (to narrow it down.) It was also part of their Wrong Bed series. And yes, the whole answer is on my website. Send the title of the book and the name/job of the medical pro in the book to donna@donnakauffman.com with Seriously! in the subject line. I’ll draw a winner from the correct entries on Friday and that Blog Babe will get a copy of the winning book!

Have a great Monday!

(Is it Thursday yet? And will Dr McSteamy lose his grip on that towel? A girl can dream…..)

Tags: Writing by Donna
8 Comments »