So, a bazillion hours of very, very touching Idol that will make you cry….and an announcement that after 70 million votes are cast, there is the most shocking result ever, once again they pick on a 17 year old, this time Jordin (because, remember, in the beginning, Ryan says there is no order to the way he’s going about things) looks to be the shocking one going home…only the shocking news is that on a show about hope, they can’t kill someone’s dream….so no one goes home.

The only thing truly interesting (regarding the singing competition - the rest was basically a totally different show) is that they will keep this week’s tally, add it to next week’s tally, and boot off TWO singers. Yowch.

So, for totally different reasons than I’ve been touting, Bon Jovi week will be THE week to watch.

Otherwise - highlight of the night? Jack Black. Lowlight? Celine singing on the idol stage with Elvis. Don’t ask if you don’t know because using people after they’re gone like that? Really wrong in my opinion, even if the cause was a good one.

SO! With that, I am officially out of here until Monday. I hope everyone has a fantabulous weekend. I hope to see some of you at the signing tomorrow (see my website homepage for all the details!)

Tune in Monday for a new SHaQ Attack where you can win an advance copy of my August book because that’s the kind of return home I like. AND! If I’m not completely brain dead by then, a lil’ MAC.

Happy TGIF-eve everyone!

Tags: Writing by Donna
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Caught up on Dancing With the Stars. I think this is one of the most fun groups yet. I thoroughly enjoyed the evening, liked how every couple didn’t a completely different dance, and I thought the group swing was a total hoot! We are definitely beginning to see the separation between the great, the good, and the just having fun dancers.

I’ll agree that Laila, Apolo, and Joey are the targeted final three for me. Ian is right behind them, but does lack that critical something to get him in the top. Don’t think he’ll get that in time. Heather wasn’t as good this week and I felt for her difficulties with all the travel, but fear she’ll be in the bottom. Though, technically, for me, those two spots should go to John and Billy Ray. They both work so hard, and they do look like they’re having fun, which I think is what makes this season stand out. I enjoy watching every single couple for their own reasons, and that’s not usually the case for me.

My favorite performance was a tie between my tv boyfriend Apolo and his very lovely partner Julianne (who, to no ones surprise has an equally cute patootie brother) and Joey and Kym’s dance. Both were great, although I give the edge to Julianne for that phenomenal choreo (and that split move. Wow!) Laila is a very, very close third (although a bare-chested Maks is always first in my, uh, heart. Yeah, there.) I had such a good time watching all of them, the rehearsal footage were so much fun, both the individual and the group. It’s fun seeing how close they all become as the season goes on.

I even thought the judges were fun. Uncle Lenny was actually somewhat affectionately amusing to me in his crankiness, because it was so clearly off set by Carrie Ann and Bruno, and Tom does such a great job of skewering him, to which it’s clear Lenny takes the ribbing with great good charm. I even thought Samantha looked somewhat glowing and basically competant. I know. Just a miracle night all around.

So my pick for the bottom two? Should be Billy Ray and John. But because of his shameless milking of the audience, it will more likely be Heather and John. I’m thinking John is the one exiting. (Oh, and how hilarious was Joey getting “Springer Steps?” Ha!) But it reminded me that while I like John and truly appreciate his efforts, how much more I enjoyed Jerry in the “old guy” role last season. So, should be John’s turn.

With that, I am off to watch the exit show and will report back here shortly. You know, watching it a day late has its advantages. I don’t have to wait a nail biting day to see who goes home! Maybe I’ll do the same with Idol (which is like a million hours long this week, of all weeks. But next week is Bon Jovi, so I forgive!)

I’m back! And I just have to say, a big show of hands from everyone who wants Julianne’s brother Derek as a pro instructor on the next season? MEEE!!! (Though he needs to lose the ballroom hair.) And it would add a cool dynamic, too, brother competing against sister. Another note - my enjoyment of Elena is like a million percent improved. She’s a great pro and seems to elevate the game of any partner she’s paired with, though I think putting Elena and Maks together is the best duo out there. So, golf clap to Elena for brining the love back. She’s so much more fun now (which just proves it was all Mario’s fault, which has been my default position where he is concerned since day one anyway.) And, hi, Tony!! We miss you!

Oh yeah. Joss Stone? She can sang. And the Dreamgirls performance was a great taste of Broadway. Loved that energy. Fun!

Announced safe was Apolo & Julianne, Laila & Maks (so glad we get to keep his shirtless self longer this season than ever before!), and Joey & Kym. No surprise there. Ian & Cheryl and Billy Ray & Elena are also safe. Leaving my predictions on target as John & Edyta and Heather & Jonathan hit the Bottom Two.

Heading home? A wee bit surprising, but not much, it’s Heather & Jonathan. How quickly they turn! I thought she’d keep the vote going longer, but clearly not the case. Definitely much props to her for all she’s done with her turn on the dance floor. John? I fear your days are now numbered.

Next week each couple performs two dances - one ballroom, one latin. I wish they’d keep it as one solo dance and the group dance. Those are a lot of fun.

Okay…discuss!

Tune in tomorrow for some possible Idol Mac…or not.

Tags: Writing by Donna
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Okay, now that I got that out of my system (Hi George Wendt!)….it’s Dancin’ With The Stars night and I can’t help but think that their executive producer must have a really good deal with the Wonder Bra folks. And the tanning bed/spray folks. And the sequin sellers.

Aaaaaaand, that’s as far as I got! Family (both the ones under my roof and from afar) decided I should pay attention to them (the nerve!) and this book I’m desperately trying to finish thought maybe I should be paying attention to it…and so, alas, my cutie tv boyfriend Apolo and the rest of the gang have been put on hold until…well, I’m not sure. This week is pretty much no longer under my control. Who knew trying to leave town for three days would send everything and everyone into such a tailspin!

So I’m not sure how much MAC there will be this week, but if/when I get to watch anything, I’ll certainly share.

I hope it was a good night and the dancing was great. I can’t wait to catch up!! And isn’t Idol like a gazillion hours long this week? And they’re messing with Yau Man on Thursday. Of all the weeks to toy with me! Augh! I may have to have a reality TiFaux marathon when I get home this weekend. I’m still getting over the fact that I almost lost my beloved Oswald from my tv screen. They’d better rebound this week and make final three!

Have a great Tuesday everyone.

Tags: Writing by Donna
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But why, oh why did it have to get Danny and Oswald?? Wow, that was a nail biter, huh? I about collapsed in relief when my tv boyfriend Phil told them the good news. (Hi Phil!) I guess I don’t really understand the whole yield animosity thing. I mean, I do, because I’d dread having it happen to me, (you know, if I was actually ON The Amazing Race) but it is part of the game, so I don’t get why it’s considered underhanded or bad sportsmanship to use a tool that is given to them to use. It’s a RACE. For a MILLION DOLLARS. I keep wanting to say to the whiners who pout about it and wonder why it was used on them….Um…DUH!!

And Danny and Oswald couldn’t have felt any worse about using it either. Plus, Danielle and Eric the Swearing Whiner totally creep me out. I can’t stand either of them, so I wasn’t exactly feeling badly for them. Ah well, I know what comes around goes around, but you can’t make me believe that Eric and Dani wouldn’t use the thing if they thought it would get them ahead. Deal with it. (Can’t help but wonder what they’re thinking, sitting at home, and finding out the BQ’s actually were the ones to choose them. HA! Bittercakes for two?)

So…..here we go, into the final legs of the race, and my beloved if battered team is still alive. That leg almost killed me, so I can only imagine how it left them feeling. Also, this just in: Gorgeous Chinese Garden? Good. Jumping off a very high tower? Bad. Yikes!! Since the walk around the ledge would have killed me, the jumping would have been a moot point.

Oh, and favorite bit of the night? Oswald’s Serenity Prayer. Ha!

Can’t wait for next week. Should be another great reality week. Sweeet!

Puppy Update!
Thanks to all of you who have asked after Scamper, my poor sick little terrier, but I am very happy to report that he is doing much, much better. (So are my carpets!) I’m sure all your good doggie vibes helped a lot. It sure helped me! Thanks!!

Road Trip Alert!

Well….I am both on killer deadline and preparing to head out of town early Friday for my annual writer’s retreat at Harpers Ferry, so tune in next week for another SHaQ Attack! But!! If you want to get a book signed in person - head out to Boonsboro, Md this weekend to Turn the Page Bookstore for our HUGE annual pre-retreat booksigning. The details are on my homepage newsletter right at the top. (Link in the column to your right at the top!) I would love to see the Blog Babes there! But even if you can’t be there in person, Turn the Page holds a virtual signing where you can preorder on their website any book that is being signed that day - we come in early to sign all the virtual signing books - then they are shipped out to you! Details also on my homepage newsletter.

Happy Monday everyone!

Tags: Writing by Donna
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…one of the most satisfying reality weeks evah. First Clyde, then Sanjaya, then some Michelle-retribution-smackdown of such highly satisfying proportions I was almost clapping with glee. Best Survivor highlight moment possibly ever? The swiftness with which Edgardo, Mookie, and Alex lost their smug little sh*t eating grins when Jeff read Edgardo’s name. I could watch that moment repeatedly and it would never get less rewarding or entertaining. Yes, I ultimately wish it had been Mookie, because Mook? Grow up. (I’m gonna vote off Cassandra because she, you know, sent me to exile. Waaaaaahwaaaahwaaahbittercakes. Uh….so what? There’s good strategy. Sheesh.) But for sheer shock value, this was phenomenally better.

And everyone thinks Yau is the under the radar man, but look out Cassandra. Undefeated in that challenge. Whoa.

Next week? I have fear in my heart. SOB Horseman (Headless Horsemen? lol) rooting through Yau’s stuff!?!? That’s just wrong. (But, to be fair, Yau? Why the heck didn’t you hide the dang thing?) Although I guess with the twists that keep popping up with frightening regularity, he doesn’t want to risk being caught without it if a sudden shift happens again. But still….Don’t Pick On Yau! Even if, idol-notwithstanding, he might possibly be the biggest threat in this game. Ha.

Now on to more fun! What a way to end this satisfying week, but to give away and advance copy of my August book! I asked you to name the title of the book and the heroine. Correct answer was: Kate Sutherland in The Black Sheep & The Princess. And the winner of a signed copy is? (Drum roll……) Blog Babe Judy from Cinci!! Wooot!

See everyone next week for some more MAC and another SHaQ Attack book giveaway. Have a great weekend!

Tags: Writing by Donna
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But the best part wins, so it’s all good.

This is American Idol.

Where I must ask you…in what world is Blake in the Bottom Three while Phil is still in the race? And in what world is he in the top four? I don’t care how well he sang that song. LaKiki, I can kinda understand. But in MY world, it would have been Sanjaya, Chris, and Phil on one side of the stage, with LaKiki a swing 4th place between the two groups.

Also…this just in. How cute is Martina’s daughter? Very.

So, once we get past the shock of the groupings (and waste a lot of time wondering how Jordin ended up in the bottom three when it turns out she didn’t) they finally, FINALLY, get it right and announce the end of Sanjaya’s Reign of Terrifying Hair.

Of course, what makes no sense is that when he lost it during his hour long hug with LaKiki (and really, who better to get a consoling hug from, huh?) and then sang with tears still lingering in his ridiculously long lashes…yeah, I felt sorry for him. Sure, they may have been tears of shock from a kid who’d begun to feel pretty entitled, but I chose to think they were tears from a seventeen year old kid who has been put through an emotional wringer the likes of which few of us can even begin to decipher, much less understand. I thought his sing out went pretty well, considering how emotional he was. Awwww. We’re sorry, Sanjaya. Really we are. Just not sorry you’re done. See ya on tour!

Next week? The Idol Gives Back two night special with a roster of guests too long to type. Okay, too long to even remember. I’m sure it’s going to be swell!

And lastly, don’t forget, this is the final day to enter this week’s contest to win an advance copy of my upcoming August book. See Monday’s post for all the details.

Happy TGIF-eve!

Tags: Writing by Donna
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First up..the dancin!

On Dancing With the Stars…another couple goes home. Will it be Clyde as everyone (possibly even his mother) believes it should be?

But first…..Louis!!!!!! (Hi Louis!! We miss ya!) And I love Joey’s bunnies! (And his self deprecating humor is tops.)

Safe couples? Laila & Maks! Edyta & John! (huh? Allrighty then. No one was more surprised than him.) Apolo & Julianne are safe, as are Joey & Kym. Four are left…which teams are in the bottom two? Moving on is Ian & Cheryl and….Billy Ray & Karina? (Again, no one is more stunned than BR.)

That leaves Clyde/Elena (finally!) and Heather/Jonathan (Noooooo!) as Bottom Two. Who will go home tonight? All I can say is, it better not be another woman. Not this week.

And, yes, there is Santa Claus, as Clyde finally leaves us.

Next up! The singing! This….is American Idol. And it’s Country Night. Admitttedly not my favorite genre, so I’m interested to see how things go. Martina McBride is the mentor this week. I don’t know much about her or her music, other than what is mainstream, but wow, she looked really different. Didn’t she? Like she was channeling Monica from Friends or something. Aaaaaanyway…. up first?

Phil picks Where the Blacktop Ends from Keith Urban. (Now, unless it’s classic country, like Johnny Cash or something, I am going to be totally in the dark tonight, so forgive me if I don’t get it because I haven’t heard it before.) And, despite what EVERY FREAKING PERSON IN THE UNIVERSE says when they hear him sing, Martina is still surprised to discover he can’t open a song to save his life, but boy can he close one. (Send the boy home, America, pleeeease.) Here we go…and you know, this sound suits him pretty well, actually. Not bad. For Phil. Judges? Everyone agrees that this was the first time he opened and closed a song. Welcome to your future, Phil.

Jordin is up and chooses a Martina song to sing, Broken Wing. Martina was stoked, so hopefully we will be, too. This song really showcases her lovely voice. I wouldn’t change genres if I were her, but it was nice (a bit shaky toward the end when she pushed it) but all in all, a good night for her. Judges?Randy was knocked out, Paula was knocked out, and Simon says she could actually win this thang. I tend to agree, after that.

Now we mercifully get Sanjaya early on, singing Bonnie Raitt’s Let’s Give Them Something To Talk About, because, well, duh. Martina thinks he’s better when he sings strongly. Also, duh. Judges just kind of roll their eyes and live with it. Ryan needs to follow their lead.

LakiKi chooses Carrie Underwood’s song, Jesus Take The Wheel. Hunh. Not sure about chooing a former Idol winner’s hit song, but I think she’ll sing it well as she connects to the lyric. She starts off a bit off the music, but finds her way in and does an okay job, but it sounded a bit flat to me. Judges? Randy says it might have been stronger with a gospel feel, and I agree. Paula said it was shouty. Simon said it didn’t fit her, and I agree.
Which makes me worry, as I think she needs support right now, but Simon is right, then pick better songs.

Chris sings Rascal Flatts song Mayberry. Martina thinks he could embrace this genre and do well. We’ll see. I think maybe his wavery voice does favor the tone of country…and he does a good job, but I’m not loving him any more than I usually do. Still, golf clap. Judges? Randy wasn’t feelin it. Paula says the love didn’t come through. Simon is lost and said it was generic. I didn’t think it was that bad, but….whatever. Not in love with this guy.

MindyDoo takes on Trouble is a Woman by Julie Reeves. Yay, something fun! Yeah, five seconds in, best song of the night and then some. Girl just brings it every week. The music was really showcased for the first time tonight, and she had a great time. Finally! That was wonderful. Judges? Randy says another solid performance. Paula says a girl who knows how to pick the right song. Simon says it was fantastic, but she needs to lose the wide-eyed thing. Except I think that’s really her, so I hope she doesn’t.

And to make the night complete for me, Blake closes the show. Woot! He chooses When the Stars Go Blue by Tim McGraw. Sigh. Something slow, but…oookay. If we have to. I liked his interpretation, which wasn’t country at all, but pure Blake. I think this contest is officially between MindyDoo and Blake. With Jordin in the mix.(Sorry, LaKiki!) Judges? Randy said he loved it, loved that he made it a Blake song. Paula swoons. Simon Says it wasn’t his favorite, but okay.

Going home this week? Better be Phil!! And I think it’s time for Sanjaya to finally hit the bottom two, as well. I’m afraid Kiki might end up there as well. What is your call?

And…not to bring a dark note to our festivities here, but as I live in Hokie Territory and have Hokies in my extended family, as well as many friends and loved ones either currently at Tech or as recent alumni, I want to thank everyone for their supportive thoughts and prayers during a time that there are no words for. We are all safe here, and all are accounted for with us. For anyone suffering, my heart goes out to you and you are in my prayers. Please give your kids extra hugs for those who can’t.

Tags: Writing by Donna
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So, on Dancing With the Stars…everyone walked down the Stairs of Impending Doom looking like they’d decided, after several weeks of Cranky Uncle Lenny, to just mock him completely by wearing the most bizarre outfits they could construct (or, in the case of Edyta, deconstruct. About a yard less fringe and she’d be completely naked.) Either that, or Stoner Music Dude got a hold of Costume Designer Dude and they went on a three day binge (along with Hair & Makeup Chick) leaving our celebrities and pros to outfit themselves at the local Party Mart “where you can own our Nights in Purple Satin Combo OR our Big Bright Shiny Silver Sequins Set OR our A-Rrrrrowr-sing Jungle Bodysuit (complete with complimentary eye shadow and fauxhawk hair clip!) for the low, low price of…FREE!” And boy, these folks apparently luuuuv a bargain…

Hi Tom! Hi Preggers Samantha! (I can’t pick on her now. She’s with child. Besides, her hair looks normal tonight, so there’s little to mock. Well, except for that one strand stuck across the front of her neck. Makes you want to snatch it away, doesn’t it?) Hi Lance Bass! Okay, so how many of you have been playing Let’s Spot the Celebrity! during the camera-pans-the-audience segments? And speaking of the cameraman, clearly he’s been hanging out with Stoner Music Dude. My god man, get a grip. Or a gripper. Or a gaffer. Or whatever it is you need to keep the dang lens on the people and not the ceiling.

Tom comments on the fact that we’ve lost only women so far, leaving only Heather and Laila, and no guys. Hmmm….. Well, I happen to like the guys better this year, so I guess I can’t really bitch about the potential unfairness there. Not that there aren’t a few guys who could have gone already, too. (Yes, Clyde and John, I’m looking at you.)

Tonight we get the sizzling samba or the romantic rumba. Except, I don’t know about you, but the rumba demo segment with Maks and Cheryl? Pretty damn ssssssssizzlin’ sssssssmokin’ hot to me! Should be a fun night! And I guess that explains the almost near nudity on most of the women. (Well, except Heather. And yes, I totally get the design challenges in covering up where her prosthesis connects to her actual leg, but there is simply no excuse for tonight’s monstrosity. Yowch.)

Ian & Cheryl get the samba….and thankfully no hair extensions. The music isn’t ridiculous for the dance, but sounds really weird sung with such precise enunciation by Perfect Diction Guy. However, Cheryl’s outfit definitely works it. Ian’s sleeveless shirt ain’t such a bad sight, either. Ian does about as well as I’ve seen him dance. Not sure he’s being all that technically correct, but he’s definitely loosened up. The fact that Cheryl is the center of attention in this dance doesn’t hurt him any either. He looked a little lost at times, but it was great choreography as usual. Judges? Still give him a hard time, saying he’s overthinking, and he is, but give him some props, sheesh. 8, 8, 8 = 24

Clyde & Eleana get the rumba to What’s Goin On….which is sexy enough, as is Eleana. Clyde? Not so much. Basically, she dances, and he…lets her. I don’t think she’s very strong in choreographing routines to showcase her partner’s strength. She more or less just tries to draw attention away from them as much as possible. I’m thinking at some point (hopefully soon) this strategy will prove a bad idea. Judges? Bruno was at his amusing best (as sexy as Sunnyside on anethesia….which, very true.) Carrie Ann just flat out tells him he’s the worst one there. Which…also very true. And Len is clearly high. There is no other explanation. 4, 5, 4 = 13 (aaaaaand, fair score. China schmina.)

Hi Sugar Ray Leonard!

Jonathan & Heather get Samba and OUCH! That’s a lot of hair to just rip off a guys chest. Dang. Poooor Jonathan! I think they’ll do well this week. It seems a dance right up her alley. She’s very comfortable with herself and likes to wiggle about. Here we go. And hopefully people will be so distracted by Jonathan’s now smooth, naked chest, they’ll kindly be blind to Heather’s horrid outfit. (Blinded is more like it, though.) Very cute opening (literally) and this was the first time I could really see the limitations of her false leg, especially during the samba rolls, but he really, really does his best to compensate with the choreo and she really does give it her best, shining where she can (and often does.) And even the end, when she tipped over, was rather endearing. Who knew I’d end up liking her so much. She’s got pluck. Judges? Kudos from all three with constructive criticsm. 7, 7, 7, = 21. Decent and fair enough.

Hi Florence Henderson!

Joey & Kym get rumba. Credit to Joey for leaving the jokes aside this week. Pretty steamy opening if I do say so. Whew! But, you know, there is something a bit effem about some of the moves. Sorry, Joey. Still, the storyline is good, the music is good, and the choreo is great. I think the judges will like it. Judges? Whaddya know! Uncle Len feels me on the effem thing! HA! Bruno almost comes to blows in his vehement defense. And Carrie Ann tie breaks in my (and Unca Lenny’s) favor. I don’t think Joey will get it until he sees the replay. I’m sure he didn’t feel girly in the least, but he was almost too graceful at times. Love his behind the scenes self deprecating humor. That will earn him some votes. Would mine. If I didn’t have to give them all to my tv boyfriend, Apolo. Scores - 8, 8, 9 = 25

John & Edyta get samba. (I’m covering my eyes. But not until after the kilt part.) One thing I do give John credit for, he attacks more of the role in the dance than Clyde does, despite being about on the same par as a dancer. Edyta does a better job by him, too, with her choreo. Plus, John seems to be having a lot more fun out there. Points for that. Judges - Bruno says it was one of the best worst sambas he’s ever seen. Carrie Ann loved that he went for it. Len says he was glad he had fun. Scores -6, 6, 6 = 18 More than fair, tho the audience totally doesn’t agree.

Laila & Maks take on rumba (with her fiance looking on. Ha!) Loved the behind the scenes. I would also pay large dollars to have to do the rumba with Maks. The sacrifices I’d make. And dayum, those two? Yowza. She was a tiny bit mechanical in spots, but I think she’s such an athlete, that that will be hard to overcome, as she danced very sensually and comfortably so as well. (It’s Maks, how hard it is not to dance sensually with him?) I thought it was her best. We’ll see what the judges think. Judges? They loved her. Scores - 9, 10, 9 - 28 Earned.

Julianne & Apolo get samba, which she loves and I love them, so this should be great. Loved the behind the scenes stuff. What is not to love about these two? Hot n sexy samba? I can only pray. Bring it! Her outfit is…there are no words. My first thought, tho, was how in the hell does she dance on heels that high and spiky? I loved the fun, playfullness of it, the sensuality, and also liked the speed of it. He was closer to pro speed than the other dancers and it really showed them off well. The choreo to the music is tight and pretty awesome. Even sexy, they’re damn cute. That was amazingly fun. Audience is up on their feet. Judges? Len said it all came together tonight, music, dance, performance and I agree. Bruno says they were possessed. (Man, I love him.) And Carrie Ann says perfection. I see some 10’s in their future! Scores - 10, 10, 10 - 30. YAAAAYY!!!!!! And they were so freaking excited, too. I heart them in such a big way.

I almost feel sorry for Billy Ray & Karina, because I heart them, too, in a different way, and I find myself wanting him to do well and come through okay. I wish the order of the last two had been reversed. Really do. They get the rumba, which is going to be tough for him since he’s kinda shy. He says it’s a dance that should be done in the dark. HA! They didnt have much time to practice this week, but she does a nice job with choreo for him. It was okay, not a show stopper and doubly tough after the last number. But he should be safe another week. And he did really try, you could see that he did. Golf clap for that. Judges? Bruno said it wasn’t sexy enough. Carrie Ann gives props to footwork and trying. Len said it was like a couple having a bit of a hanky panky in the back of a Chevy, but gives him props for trying. Billy Ray comes back with a sincere “I’ve had some of the most romantic nights of my life in the back of a Chevy” - which cracks everyone up. Great performer, that guy. Scores? 6, 6, 5 = 17 He was humbly bummed with that. Awwwww.

Score board:
Apolo & Julianne - 30
Laila & Maks - 28
Joey & Kym - 25
Ian & Cheryl - 24
Heather & Jonathan - 21
John & Edyta - 18
Billy Ray & Karina - 17
Clyde & Eleana - 13

I agree with the rankings, except Billy Ray didn’t deserve to be below John. John and Clyde are definitely the bottom three, and I suppose Billy Ray would be third in that group, but I’d hate to see him go just yet. At least we know Apolo and Julianne will get the encore tomorrow night. Woot!

Who would you boot?

Don’t forget to enter this week’s SHaQ Attack contest for a free book! See Monday’s blog for all the details.

Tags: Writing by Donna
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I feel like Dorothy, waiting for my house to blow away. It’s stormy and windy here in Virginia as Mother Nature toys with me. A perfect night to curl up and watch some racers race!

So, on Amazing Race we are down to 4 teams. Two of them I could stomach crossing the finish line first here in a few weeks. The other two? My stomach would do completely different things. Things that don’t need to be detailed here.

My beloved Danny and Oswald get the early flight out to Hong Kong because they are amazing and lovely and because they knew where the offices were for the airlines, while others waited at counters. Due to their clever racing skillz, they arrive first and get the fast forward, which is loads of fun, especially if you enjoy seeing Oswald conquer yet another of his fears in his own classy, elegant, and highly amusing way and Danny has The Best Time Ever. So, the Fast Forward takes them to a movie set back lot where they have to strap themselves into a stunt car in the backseat and let the driver take them through a stunt course, ending up with a manuever that isn’t described to them up front. They just have to wait and see. What it turns out to be is the driver hits a ramp, flips the car on it’s side, skids it halfway across a parking lot, sparks flying, before flipping it upright again. That? Looked hella scary and lots of fun. Danny agrees with me. Oswald is just happy to get out alive, get his clue, and cuddle with the Travelocity gnome that will now accompany them to the pitstop and Phil. Hi Phil!!

The other teams leave Kuala Lumpur, with Mirna/Charla and the BQ’s out first, and Eric and Danielle, who don’t believe in actually doing anything to ever insure their position on any flight, getting bumped to a later flight. Once in Hong Kong, the tasks are fun. I would love to do this leg. First the teams have to scale this eleven story set of bamboo scaffolding, while fending off the attacks of ninja kung fu movie set extras. Ha! Then, for the Roadblock, one team member goes through a stunt house kicking down doors until they find the clue. The BQ’s rock both tasks to no one’s surprise. Charla, on the other hand, also rocks both tasks, and ya gotta give her credit for that. Mirna? I give no credit.

At the mat, Danny and Oswald and their gnome are first and they get the best mat prize evah! A trip back to Hong Kong for all the Chinese New Year festivities. I would LOVE that, but knowing it’s these two who get to experience that thrill is also rewarding. The BQ’s hit the mat second, with Charla/Mirna rolling in third which is the order I hope things remain in for the rest of the race. Eric and Danielle are very satisfyingly last, except, you knew it was coming, it’s a non elimination round. I know. Seems wrong, but what can you do? Hope they are so far behind there is no hope. I wish there was a final two, not three and it was just Danny and Oswald and the BQ’s, but you know Mirna/Charla are being set up for the grande finale with all their scheming. I know. Well, at least it ups the edge of your seatness when there is a team in the finale you actively do NOT want to win!

Tonight? Dancing With the Stars! Will Clyde finall go home? Will Billy Ray stay on his feet? Will Apolo and Julianne kill us with their cuteness? Stay tuned.

Right now? It’s time for another SHaQ Attack contest. This week is Super Special because I just got in my advance reading copies of the first book in my new Black Sheep series….and one lucky blog babe is going to win a signed copy. Woot! The book isn’t out until August, so be the first to own it, read it, and impress all your friends and neighbors with your amazing connections!

To play, all you have to do is write me at donna@donnakauffman.com with “I want Donovan!” in the subject line…and tell me the name of his heroine & the title of the book. I will announce the winner on Friday. Happy hunting!

Tags: Writing by Donna
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So, the twistiest Survivor episode ever, I’m thinkin’. Good thing I kept track of who was Ravu and NewMoto, because after all the switching around last night, even I’m confused. (And yes, I had Stephanie, but her name is Stacy. Sorry!)

Once again, Yau proves that he is Mighty Mighty for a little old dude. At some point, they might want to consider just how big a threat he’s been. He’s been fundamental in almost every victory his various teams have acheived. Of course, once it gets down to individual stuff, if it’s a strength battle, he’s going to have trouble, but thus far, he’s found a way to be a dominant factor. I would dearly, dearly love to see him win this thing. But it’s going to be tough!

So…with the final twist, the losing Immunity/Reward Challenge Team - Bula Bula Pt 2 - goes directly to Tribal Council, do not pass go, do not stop. And, as fate would have it, all the key players are on that team. Idol totin’ Mookie, Stacy, and Dreamz. Boo is the only one escaping certain elimination by being on the winning team. Rounding out the group is Michelle and Alex. And I had NO idea what was going to go down. Way too many options in play, including the idol. As much as I am not a Mookie fan, and often not a Dreamz fan, both of those guys at least have serious game. I just hoped they would figure out exactly when to extract themselves from the Alex/Edgardo core duo. I was happy to see they’d at least figured that out. I don’t want either of them to win, but Alex/Edgardo both get on my nerves with their game play, so I just want to see them thwarted by those they assume are weaker than themselves. Stacy, I’m on the fence about, but generally I think she’ll go snake if given the chance.

My heart is really with Yau, Earl, and Michelle. That would be a most awesome final three. Boo is delusional if he thinks he was ever in any kind of commanding role, but the man can cook, and Cassandra seems like a sweetie, but too big a swing vote and not strong enough in competitions to really earn devotion.

So, we’re at Tribal Council and I’d laugh and laugh if Alex goes home. So many plans thwarted. And it would be interestig to see what Mookie and Dreamz might do, just for entertainment purposes. Also fun? The idea of Rocky and Lisi being stuck in sequestercamp together. Ha! (And I had to wonder what the hell they must have been thinking to see the random group of people at tribal, but I guess it kind of was cleared up during the Q&A.) Which, Probst stirs the stuff again. What totally sucked is that he essentially let them communicate through Alex’s answers. I really hated that. Defeat the purpose much? I’d have much more preferred it to be totally blind. Still might have lost the one I wanted, but it would have been far more suspenseful.

I had to pray that Mook and Dreamz flipped and took out Stacy, and to my shock, they showed Mookie’s Stacy vote. And hope began to grow within! Come on, Dreamz!! Also - first time the idol has actually been in play. Glad to see Mookie playing that smart. (I know, I know. Mookie. But it’s just until Alex and Edgardo go, promise!)

So…Sob!!! Stupid Dreamz!!!! Bye bye, Michelle! I loved your spirit and platform flipping enthusiasm. Earl and Yau will be crushed. But it makes the whole idol thing way more interesting. Ha ha, Alex. Ha ha.

Which brings us to this week’s winning SHaQ Attack Blog Babe!

You were given a chance to win a free book if you got any of the following right. The more right answers, the more chances you got.

Who goes home on Dancing With the Stars - Leeza. A lot of right answers on that one. (A lot of relieved Blog Babe’s too, no matter who you voted for.)

On American Idol - it was (finally!) Haley. More correct answers went into the pot.

And on Survivor - Michelle, from NewMoto went home. SOB. And, alas, more correct votes went into the pool.

But, just like on Survivor, there can only be one winner…and this week, the winner of the free book is? Blog Babe Jennifer K!

Yay! Woo hoo!

Next week? A Very Special SHaQ! Stay tuned.

In the meantime, have a great weekend. And thanks for keeping my pup in your thoughts. I’ll take all the good vibes I can get.

Tags: Writing by Donna
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