It’s rumba and paso doble week on Dancing With The Stars. Normally these dances are performed much later in the season, and while I don’t know that it mattered much with the rumba, as that one is normally kind of meh anyway–you either get it or you don’t–the paso definitely suffered for coming so early on.

Also…was the costume designer purposely trying to punish the contestants? And, for that matter, the pros? Because….yikes! And they seem really stuck on the Mel B Paso tiny shorts/bra/long coat outfit from several seasons back, bringing it back in every possible combination, including, last night with Misty, a close interpretation of the original. Kym was the only one who really pulled it off, with Toni in the kind-of category. I could hardly concentrate on Maurice’s dance because Cheryl’s dress flapping was so distracting, and they made poor Kim K look like a swaddled lollipop, with the pop part in the middle. Actually, Cloris was the only one who actually looked better, figure-wise, in her crazy Spanish dominatrix outfit, so you know someone was smoking something at the design table last week.

They had 4 days to learn the dance this week….and it showed. But while I was pleasantly surprised by how well they pulled off what are typically difficult dances to do, I was also disappointed the paso was so early as I think we’d have gotten some really wow performances with that one later in the season.

Okay…Faves of the Night:

Big Poppa & Kym Do The Matrix: I kind of thought he’d lose the Neo jacket after a while, but then, no. Still, the man is pretty incredible moving that bulk around the floor like he does. I actually thought the praise was a little over the top for his actual dance skills displayed during the dance (arm placement and posture, etc) but given how fast and furious it was, and how incredibly well he kept up with it, and the fancy footwork, I can’t complain overly much. Plus, I heart them, so I’m okay with them doing well.

Julianne & Cody: I know his boy/man schtick should be getting old by now….but it’s not. Not with me anyway. I think the Julianne pairing has a lot to do with that, as they play very well off each other. And Bruno summed up exactly what I was thinking the entire time when, after they finished the rumba, he said to Cody, “It was kind of like being in a candy store, wasn’t it?” HA! I love Bruno. But Cody manages to stay pretty level and not overplay it, and I like that about him. And Twinkies and some chicken? Double HA. I think he’s actually a pretty good kid with a good head on his shoulders who will make a really sweet partner for someone, some day.

Lance & Lacey: I wish Lacey would go back to a softer hair color, as edgy doesn’ have to equal sleazy. But that’s about my only complaint. I do like that they are bringing a looser, more youthful/edgy interpretation to their dances. We’re getting ten other couples giving us the straight scoop and it’s nice to see some new flavor being added. I like it and I hope they keep trying to blend the two together. Plus - great song choice or what? HA!

Good, But Didn’t Grab Me:

Toni & Alec. I loved his karaoke, because wow, who is that bad? And they actually danced really, really well, and I like Toni and think she looks great. But for whatever reason, they don’t really connect with me. I’m not drawn into them as I should be. Not sure why. But I do enjoy watching them.

Derek & Brooke: Actually, I enjoyed them more last night than I have before, but though they are undeniably the best out there at the moment, there is still some kind of disconnect there for me. Plus, I spent most of their performance fearing a major wardrobe malfunction. I kept looking at Brooke’s bulging cleavage and thinking, doesn’t that hurt? So maybe that was the disconnect. I don’t find myself looking forward to their performance or Toni’s with near the anticipation I do for Warren, Cody, or Lance, so that is why they fall into this category.

Not Bottom Two, but Not Doing It For Me:

Misty & Maks: I know, I know! She’s attacking it and I love Maks, but she’s SO attacking it I find myself not really enjoying it. I sort of sit on the edge of my seat and wait for her to calm down and ease into the dance and really let herself feel it. I still think she’s kind of graceless out there. Not exactly clomping around, but some weird hybrid between the two that keeps me from loving her. But I do give her props for giving it everything she’s got. (Kim, pay attention here. This is what trying hard looks like.)

Susan & Tony. She did well this week, and I actually thought she looked prettier and less fragile flower. She’s just a tiny little thing. But I connected more with her than I have. Still, she’s just a bit too stiff and doesn’t use her willowy frame to her real advantage. I am glad she has Tony for a partner, however, as I think he’s the best at making her feel as comfortable with this as she can.

Maurice & Cheryl: The judges are right with him, too. He has all the ingredients, but there’s just a hitch missing in his giddyup. Still, I like their personalities and everyone competing seems to really like Maurice, but there is truly no natural chemistry between them at all.

Back of the Pack:

Rocco, who I adore, and who was totally cute last night, is trying very hard, but he is in the Ted Slot this week. It will be a shame if he leaves, as I’d rather watch him than either of the two listed below here, but I fear he may be in danger! Save the chef!

Cloris & Corky: I was kind of like the judges…glad to see her take it more seriously, but then missing a little bit on the wackiness, even though I would have sworn I was glad to have it removed from their program. Still, she’s bottom two for me this week.

The other bottom two, still, is Kim & Mark. She just doesn’t seem to get it. Carrie Ann was dead on when she said that her dancing skills haven’t improved at all from the first dance. She’s just learning the new steps and performing them with the exact same approach and skill level as she has from the start. And I would still send her home before Cloris.

Who should go home? Cloris or Kim. Who will go home? Anyone’s guess! What do you think? Who are you loving? Who are you hating? And is Stoner Music Dude back? I think…perhaps, yes. Tonight, the results!

Aaaaaaaand, DISH!

Tags: Writing by Donna
5 Comments »

Hi all ~ I am back from my four-day trade show buyers frenzy for the shop I teach in. Wow, am I a wee bit sleep deprived. However, this did not keep me from getting my fill of My Phil last night. A nice coming home present if there ever was one.

But before I get to a wee bit o’ MAC, I thought I’d share some other good news waiting for me upon my return. I found out that my brand spanking new release, TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT, a Christmas anthology with fellow authors Jill Shalvis and HelenKay Dimon, which officially hits the stands tomorrow…has already gone back to press for a second printing! Woo hoo!

I also found out that one of the books in my Unholy Trinity series, The Black Sheep & The Hidden Beauty, was named one of Booklist’s Top 10 Romances of 2008! Woo hoo squared!! It also received a starred review from them back when it was released, which we are trying to track down. How did I miss that?

So, not a bad welcome home present! What was not such a fun welcome home present was that the whole entire post that was to have appeared below was magically not saved by my self-saving Word Press program and this was all that popped up on the screen when I published it. Wah. And that’s a Lucille Ball level of waaah let me tell you. Sigh.

I will recreate the Mondo MAC portion of the program later, but for now, I will share with you this weeks SHaQ Attack contest, where we are going to share the love, share the joy of release week and all the good news that went along with. So I’m totally taking it easy on you all AND there will be three winners this week. Three! Just send along an email to donna@donnakauffman.com with “I want a present, too!” in the subject line. Three names will be drawn from the stack and announced in Friday’s blog.

Mondo MAC Monday will appear a bit later!

As I was saying….

…before WordPress so rudely didn’t auto-save.

Here is the rest of the Mondo Speed MAC Morning After Commentary.

First, they finally sent Shazia home on Top Design. A show of hands for those surprised by this choice? Yeah, I didn’t think so. I like the Pop Design challenge idea. More of that!

Then it was time for Grey’s Anatomy to return to our screen, wherein writer Shonda Rimes apologized to everyone on the planet for two seasons of dreary, dark, depressing writing, by having Richard, chief of staff, apologize to his entire staff for letting the hospital slide for two seasons. Apology almost accepted. But find your happy place and stay there a bit more consistently, ‘k? Beyong that, we get a hot Scot new doctor, except he has to be an American soldier, so we don’t get to hear his lovely accent. What is up with that? American television is littered with Brit actors who have to speak with American accents. We have plenty of American actors doing just that, I say. Let the Brit’s be Brits already. Don’t the TPTB understand the power of a good accent? Seriously.

Then it was time to welcome back the Survivors, and, I guess, Jeff Probts, who just gets more annoyingly intrusive every season. But now that he has an Emmy under his belt, I’m just guessing that he’s not going to get any better with that anytime soon. Dammit. I have no problems with sending WhinyPantsMichelle home. Way not to read a crowd, Michelle. And her post-elimination interview? Yeah, she’s not much of a social game player. Or social. Or a player. Period. I was a bit more pouty about sending Gillian home so soon. Not that the dead weight wasn’t an issue, but she’s from South Africa for god’s sake, keep her and her relevant information around until you’re a wee bit more settled in camp. And send Randy’s negative ass home. Wow, and he’s a wedding videographer? I’m thinking major career change, Randy. Like…prison warden. That would be good for someone with your attitude. Everyone else….my love is still up for grabs. Well except for Bill Nye the Physics Guy. Love him. Still wondering about those school yard picks though. What was the logic in those choices? Yikes. It’s all fine and well to have an eccentric, oddball tribe (see: Yul & Yau)…as long as you can play.

And then we move on to Phil and our Amazing Race where, other than Umbilical Terrance and his Love Me, Everyone! Talk to me! girlfriend, Sarah, my love is also up for grabs. Okay, except maybe with Tina. I know Ken is the cheating cheater who cheated, but explain to me again why he is crawling and groveling back to Tina and her scary eyebrows and scary, well, everything? I don’t even know her and she scares the bejesus out of me. Probably not feeling the love for Team SuperBad (frats) but hated to see Team Beekeeping Hippies go. I wish they had more game. I loved their hugging huggery and good attitude. I’m okay, so far, with Team Super!Excited!Siblings! and TeamLongDistanceDaters, and maybe Team ComicBook…the rest are still a blur. Too many generic dating/friend/model teams. Where are the clowns, the bowling moms, the cha cha’s! Better casting, Betram! But thank you for the eyebrow porn, Phil. I know that was a personal shout out to me, and I’m grateful.

Tonight, it’s time to Dance once again! Can we just sent Kim home now and enjoy the rest of the week? No? Drat. I do hope that Cloris decides to abandon the loopy broad act (we know from the rehearsal footage that this is not her normal mien, but a role she’s chosen to play.) I think she’d be far more entertaining just as herself. Until she’s booted off. Which can happen right after we send Kim home. Sorry, Ballas Boys, but this isn’t going to be your season. I am looking forward to more Big Poppa and BoyBandery Dancing!

So……now you can DISH! Who do ya love? Who would you want to toss off a 245 foot cargo net?

Tags: Writing by Donna
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Thank goodness for You Tube. I have a bit to learn about my FIOS, it appears. I got home from teaching and, ACK, no Dancing With The Stars! Fortunately I can work You Tube, so I got to see the performances. Well,except for Lance n Lacey. It was the only clip I couldn’t locate. Someone help me out there - was it good?

First off…..who went home? One by one, they spared another couple and had them do their second dance, until it got down to Jeff (no shock) and Kim (which….didn’t break my heart.) Who was dismissed? Jeff — which is as it should be - but so sorry, Edyta!

Now….on to my personal breakdown:

Who I loved:

OMG, the Big Poppa love just keeps growing! How does that hunka hunka man twinkle around like that on his toes? Wow, that was ridiculous fun. I watched it twice. I may watch it again. Loved his tux, loved the music, and major mondo props to Kym for excellent choreo for the Big Man. I love how he’s throwing his whole heart into this (not to mention a whole lotta body.) That was just tremendous fun and the Standing O at the end was so well deserved. Yay, Warren!

Rocco. So he’s not all that great. I find myself so not caring. He is like this adorable geek hottie. I don’t even mind Karina when she’s dancing with him and we all know how much that is saying. I enjoy him and he’s so enjoying himself, that I hope he sticks around. After his latin dance, I’m thinking he’s got no worries.

Cody n Julianne - still loving the cutness. Can’t help it. He had to work a bit harder to keep up tonight, but, to be fair, the pace was up there and she didn’t skimp on the difficulty factor. She looked wonderful and he still makes me smile.

Maks n Misty. Wow, who saw that coming? Not me. I don’t know what Maks did (but he could do it to me, anytime) but she really found her On switch. That was loads better than I thought and enough to (yay!) move them to my Love List!

Alec n Toni - very good, actually, and I liked Alec as a teacher. I wasn’t feeling real connected to them last night, but much more tonight. (Did you worry about her breathing? I was holding my breath!) They’re doing well and it’s good to see Alec with a decent partner for a change.

Ted n Ina. So he’s not a natural, but Ted has totally made my hottie list. Wow, was he having fun or what? He almost made me like Ina a little. The rehearsal footage was cute and he’s really into this. I’m rooting for him. I hope he sticks around awhile. He won’t win, but he’s got a lot of potential for improvement, a la Cameron.

Okay, so my Love List was long, and it’s certainly not based on skill, but so far, what a fun season to watch! Now, on to….

Who I didn’t love (yet), but danced well (okay, really, really well):

Yeah, yeah, yeah, they’re good. Sigh. And their clothes were to die for. Her baby is adorable. Derek n Brooke. I want to love, and I’m usually a Derek fan, but I dunno. Still, highest score of the night and it was totally earned. I’m sure they’ll make the love list at some point, but it’s kinda crowded at the moment!

Maurice n Cheryl - great choreo from Cheryl and I definitely enjoyed it more than last night, but while I love Cheryl, I’m still not wholly feeling it from Maurice and I’m not sure why. They are enjoying each other, but not connecting to the chemistry yet.

Who did okay:

Tony and La Lucci. She was much better in the ballroom. I enjoyed the dance. Don’t think she’ll last too far into the show, even with her soap fans, but this was a huge improvement over last night.

Who is a breath away from going home:

Cloris n Corky (seriously, sounds like a vaudeville act name, and it lived up to the hype.) It’s amusing, and the rehearsal footage was a hoot, as was the performance. I think she might last another week, given Kim’s weak performance, but who knows! Still, definitely in good fun. I heart you, Phyllis! (Hmmm, now if we could only get Mary Tyler Moore on the show…..)

Kim and Mark. Okay, be honest with me. Was I the only one who laughed at the fact they gave Kim Kardashian the “I Like Big Butts” song? Because, way to own it, girl. However, beyond that, wth was that song doing in there for a mambo? Maybe they figure she won’t be around long enough to go for the joke with a more appropriate dance down the line. And….if you watch her mambo, this fear is well founded. I’m starting to wonder who Mark pissed off to go from Kristi to Kim. I mean, he did everything, and I mean everything to save that dance, and there was just no ressurecting it. Or her. Yikes. My vote to go home.

Very cute when everyone was wearing the eye patches at the end of the show as a tribute to Jeff leaving. I’m guessing Cloris will make it through and it’s Kim going home.

What do you think? Let’s DISH!

Tags: Writing by Donna
3 Comments »

Hi Tom!!! Hi Carrie Ann, Len & Bruno!!! Hey, Sam. Dancing With the Stars is back!!

13 stars this time. That’s alotta dancin’ to MAC. We lose one on tonight’s show, and then the rest dance again, and we lost another tomorrow night. Whew!

So, the scale went from crazy to fabulous, entertaining to…well, less entertaining.

Who I Loved:

Big Poppa. Hands down. I grinned like an idiot the whole time I watched Warren Sapp dance. And Kym? Perfect for him. That is one very large man who is crazy light on his toes. Emmitt? Look out. And that he was still a little freaked out on whether or not he pulled it off afterward (or concerned he was having a heart attack, not sure which) just endeared me to him all the more.

Lance n’ Lacey. Hello, Ms. Schwimmer, you have found your people. So great to see her back and workin’ her magic. Dang, but those two were smokin’ hot. Best chemistry of the night. (Remember, this is a Mormon woman who has had to dance with her brother for years and make it look hot, so….they give her the gay guy. Perfection! No, seriously.) In perusing some boards there is an almost scary level of hatin’ on these two, but you won’t be hearing it from me. I loved them. Loved. Them. Loved her energy, loved his adorable cuteness, loved the edgy performance quality. Great routine. Definitely the ringer couple of the season. And I do not care. I want to watch them again right now. And every week, they can dance twice.

Julliane and Cody Cutie Patootie. How cute was he trying not to drool? I mean, come on, he’s a red blooded male/boy/child and he’s got to dance with that? It’s amazing he can remain upright. I loved that he just owned it. So, they’re on my Fave List. For now.

Who I Loved, Even If They Don’t Have A Prayer Of Winning:

Rocco. Not so much with his partner. But he sure is a cutie. Seriously, when can he come over and cook for me? Every night and three times on Sunday? Perfect. I will clear my calendar right now. He does not need to dance. (Which? A good thing. Not so good on the toes, but great with a knife. Good eye-hand skills. My kinda guy.)

Maks and Misty - She’s…a great athlete. We’ll leave it at that. And Maks has had some tough women before. But I am just glad he’s back for my viewing pleasure. (Are you sensing a theme in this category?)

Who I Didn’t Really Care About, But Did Well:

Brooke n’ Derek. Yeah yeah, high score of the night. Yawn. She has a ridiculous body for a woman with 4 kids (FOUR!) and the youngest is six months. She’s bionic. That’s the only explanation I will buy. Seriously. And she dances well. (Shannon must be hating this!) But there is no chemistry between them. I wasn’t into it. Sorry!

Kim n’ Mark - Mmmkay. Forgettable though. Loved the pink tux and the Pink Panther theme.

Toni n’ Alec – Ditto. Sans the tux thing part.

Marcus n’ Cheryl – there is promise there, but Warren just took the athlete gold this season, one dance in. Sorry Fast Guy!

Who Can’t Dance, But Entertained…:

Cloris. 82. Nuff said. Woman is a total loose cannon who swore like a sailor on live tv. Love. Her. She can’t dance and I’m afraid she will spontaneously combust, but for as long as she’s on, I’m so there. Corky. Dude Dad, great instructor, to the surprise of no one. But it’s time. Step away from the hair color. Let the silver show. Because that? Was scary. Or alive. Either way. Kill it.

Ted McGinley - hard call on him. I thoroughly enjoyed his personality and he made me smile while he danced…but I don’t see him sticking around long. Not keen on the New Girl, Irina or Ina, whatever her name is. She’s like another Karina, only more street. Like we needed that.

Susan n’ Tony – you know, not a huge fan, but she is 62 y’all. No. Lie. 62. S-I-X-T-Y freaking T-W-O. And because of Cloris (love!) no one is going to talk about it, and I’m guessing La Lucci is perfectly fine with that, but….those legs? That bod? 62? That’s all I’m sayin.

Jeffrey. Sigh. He’s going home. The one liners saved him. Just until tomorrow though. So sorry Edyta!! You deserved better!

Regarding the judging…looks like they found out there were paddles with numbers lower than 7! In fact, there were 4’s tonight. Wow. Me likey. The highest number awarded was 8. I think this is a great way to begin. No more 27’s on Night One. 23 was the high score, 14 the low. As it should be. I think the average score hovered between 18 and 20, out of a possible 30. This is a good thing. I didn’t agree necessarily with who got which one of those numbers, but for Night One, I’m good. Buh Bye, Jeffrey. And I’m afraid Cloris will be right behind him. Which? Totally fair. But anyone who can rightfully claim Len Goodman as their Boy Toy has a fan in me, dance skillz or not.

Thoughts? Comments? DISH!

Tags: Writing by Donna
4 Comments »

So….naturally, I have to travel. I know! What is UP with that? But, alas, I am heading out later this week, so while I should be able to recap Dancing With the Stars, Survivor & Greys will have to wait for next week. Perhaps I’ll pair it with Amazing Race (which won the Emmy last night - woot!) and do some Mondo Monday MAC. Depends on how late I get back.

This also means no SHaQ Attack contest this week (boo hiss, I know, sorry!) but I’ll make up for that next week, too, with a Double Winner Week. That will also be the week that my new release, To All A Good Night, hits the stands, so it’s only fitting we celebrate the launch right!!

In the meantime, did anyone watch the Emmy’s last night? Wow, worst opening ever. Howie? Dude. Share the time, babe. The only host who could actually handle the thing was Bergeron and he got the least airtime. It might have actually been entertaining. Instead, despite all the yesteryear visits, it came off kinda cold and lifeless to me. Ah well, enough about awards for shows, let’s get on with the shows themselves. Yay!

Tune in tomorrow for Dancing With the Stars MAC. Until then…DISH!

Tags: Uncategorized by Donna
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Sorry for the delay in announcing the winners of this week’s SHaQ Attack contest - technical difficulties (aka I had FIOS installed - yay!) which ended up taking waaaaaaay longer than I thought, and the I was gone the rest of the day.

SO! I’m announcing TWO winners…and since everybody got the answer right (Yes, indeed it was Meredith Grey who said, “Pick Me, Choose Me”) both Blog Babes will get two books of their choice.

Congratulations Tara and Lynn! Woo hoo!! Send me your choices and I’ll be sending you books!

I hope everyone has a great weekend and rests up so you can handle the official onslaught of the new fall season next week. ‘Cause it’s all happenin’, all at once! See you back here on Monday with a new SHaQ Attack contest, then we’ll follow with a Week O’ MAC! Happy Fall, y’all!

Tags: Writing by Donna
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So, Project Runway. A few observations.

Jerrell? After not liking his winning design last time, totally rocked it this time. Loved it. Loved the model. The Peter Pan headwear was….interesting, though. Leanne’s….not as bad as it looked. Korto….totally did not get the love for that outfit. Loved the jacket. That is all. Joe, totally deserving his Auf-ness. Wow, that was fugly coming and going and all the stages in between. That poor girl. Suede…loved the dress, loved the model, burn the jacket. Twice. And, then, there was….Kenley. Kenley, Kenley, Kenley. Kenley of the immature laughter, the Mean Girl smacktalk (calling anyone else a one note? Seriously, Ken dear? Mirror, meet Kenley. Kenley, mirror. Look into it.) and, and, the Tim Gunn smack? Wow. No words. So, please, PR editors, I am begging you, do not be teasing when you show her finally getting her richly deserved, and I mean Croesus-level richly, smackdown next week from both Nina AND Tim. Because? That would rank with the Most Deserved Smackdowns Evah. (Oh, and loved Korto’s “I’m the new leathuh” shoutout. Hugs, Stella!)

This week’s grade: C. Next week? Potential A+. Don’t let me down.

Top Design was far more entertaining. We had five previous Project Runway designers (Santino, Jeffrey, Daniel Franco, Andrae, & Sweet Pea) who had each designed an outfit around which the Top Designers had to create a window display, while staying true to the PR designers vision.

But enough about that.

My favorite moments…toss up between Eddie’s dead on India Hicks impression (”You have two dollars and a box of macaroni. Make something pretty.” HA!) Or, Care Bear’s “I wanted to drop kick him to Jesus.” Love. him.)

Wtf moments included Wisit completely missing the entire point of the challenge. Nathan understandably having a hard time comprehending Andrae’s Death Politic dress. Crazy Aunt Kelli’s hair. Daniel Franco…. Yeah.

What did I love? I thought the warped Santino window was actually, conceptually, the most interesting. Not my thing personally, but it definitely got your attention. Also liked Andrea/Preston and Daniel’s floating dress. Well deserved top two placement there.

Ondine/Natalie’s butterfly swarm sort of missed me. Maybe I couldn’t really see it from the angle they showed it. All I kept seeing was it look like they thumbtacked the back of the dress to the wall. Ew. Liked the blue gauzy shawl part, but….it was middle of the pack for me. I was surprised they got the win. I’d have given it to Andrea/Preston.

And the loss, absolutely, should go to Kerry/Wisit. Wisit because he was clueless, and Kerry for not ignoring him and doing what he knew had to be done. And I hate that, because I don’t want either of them to go. Other bottom two should be Nathan/Shazia, even though I thought it looked interesting and it pulled me in, even if I would have had no idea what the goal was. But Shazia’s Pakistani political explanation? Wuh? Send her home. Keep Care Bear. I’m beggin’ ya.

So, those were the two teams in the bottom two…and going home? Hard call in this case, but much as I hate to see his entertainment value go, I’d have to say Wisit. I”m just not sure the judges got how culpable he was for how far off they were. But no, Care Bear takes the fall as team leader. Wrong, wrong, I say! Bye bye, Big Daddy.

Tune in tomorrow for this week’s SHaQ Attack contest winner. Still time to enter - see Monday’s post for the details.

So…what does your inner designer say? DISH!

Tags: Writing by Donna
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Dan takes home all the marbles on Big Brother in what might be the most deserved win since Dr Will. It was a shut out, so at least the jurors got something right. Keesha took home Amercia’s Fave Juror, and Brian forever won my love and admiration for calling out the catty Mean Girls in the house over their treatment of Keesha live on national television. (Love the “who me? whatever could he be referring to? looks on their faces….) So, all was well that ended well, but come on, BRING ON THE FALL already!

I’m really wishing they’d started some stuff this week as next week is gonna be jam packed. On the upcoming MAC radar is Dancing With the Stars, Grey’s Anatomy, Survivor, and Amazing Race. We’ll see how long I make it! But that’s the Recap Plan of the moment. Can’t wait to dive in! It’s not like Project Runway and Top Design are exactly keeping me jumping at the moment and that’s all that remains of the used-to-be-fun-until-this-year Summer Season. After the writer’s strike of last season, they better be preparing to deliver the fun this fall. Just sayin.

Don’t forget to enter this week’s SHaQ Attack contest. Lots of Double Book Winner contenders in the running so far. Details in Monday’s post. Good luck!

Tune in tomorrow for some fashion and interior design MAC, then look out, it’s season premiere week!

Tags: Writing by Donna
3 Comments »

So, I’ve made you guys play scavenger hunt the past few weeks and I thought it was time for an easy one! In honor of the fall season finally starting up and the Morning After Commentary resuming next week, all ya need to do this week is send an email to donna@donnakauffman.com with “Pick Me. Choose Me.” in the subject line. (And if you know where I lifted that subject line from, tell me in the email and you’ll win two books instead of one, if your name is drawn!) Winner announced Friday. Good luck!

Last week of Death Valley Summer Programming, y’all! Can’t wait for all our faves to return. Woohoo!

Tags: Writing by Donna
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Mondo MAC!

First, Top Design…

Okay, I hate both season’s You’re Gone catch phrases. And is it me, or does India Hicks, who I otherwise like, have the most pretentious British accent evah? The queen is like, what? Lady Di is no longer with us. Come on. All that said, however, I really liked this episode.

After doing a whole loft in two days last time, the designers get a small space to work this time….very small…and have to work with a partner.

It was nice to see Andrea, who I’m mostly liking (but spent the whole time dissing her partners last time, which, she got stuck with Shazia the Useless and the Outside the Box guy, so who wouldn’t) talk about how she was hoping to learn something from her partner, Eddie (chief designer for Martha Stewart Magazine), this go around. I’m also impressed with the level of skill and the current positions in the industry these guys have. Must still be tough if they’re taking time off to be on reality tv.

So, the task is to create a functional home fallout shelter. I watched this episode on 9/11. Something just too wrong with that. And Natalie, yes, darlin’, we want something comfy and cute so our surroundings don’t harsh our buzz while the bombs are falling. My. Goodness.

Okay, last week they got 2K to design and furnish an entire loft. This time? 6K for a fallout shelter that is a fraction of the space. But, you know, it’s important that the design aethestic is Just So in a space you might be forced to live in for a long time. Yeah, they should have aired this one just about at any other time, I think. But, putting that aside, let’s talk about team dynamics.

Eddie/Andrea seem a good match. I like that they’re going for nature colors.

Then you have Earth Girl Ondine and Cute Boy Preston Lee, who go for sky colors, but decide to split the room so it’s part for her (so she can… write her novel?) and part for him (to design things…for post apocalyptic world?) I think the challenge was to design a functional space that reflected the aesthetic of both designers, not an actual living space for the actual designers. But. Whatever.

Then we have, wow, Care Bear Kerry and Shazia the Wonder…Not. I like him, but he’s so nice and I’m not sure he’ll put his foot down and make Shazia, you know, design stuff.

But, even more entertaining (if you’re in a dark comedy mood) is Architect Girl Jennifer (who has never designed anything, except, you know, exteriors, and…was possibly a man in a former life. Just sayin.) and Pissy Robert, who is still Very Unhappy from working with Preston in the last challenge and has no patience for Never-Designed-Nuthin Jen. I’m not sure he has patience or the ego to work with anyone. Good times.

And, the icing? Whimsical Wisit and Horseman of the Apocalypse Nathan. Who immediately bond and design their royal bomb shelter palace. I know. Sweet, isn’t it?

Natalie (of the buzz harshing) wants glamour in her shelter, yo. She dreams up this whole scenario about who is bombing them and why (something about transformers, the Chinese, and Hiroshima…. Um. Nope. I got nothin.) Teresa is happy she has a partner who is so entertaining. Yes, Teresa, but don’t you, you know, want to win?

End of Night One

… Surprising (to me) is that Natalie/Teresa’s bunker, which is crammed full of stuff, actually looks really wonderful, with lots of depth to the room, and texture that really beckons me in. Not sure how well I’d like it for months on end, but it has a very oasis feel to it. Much like by me.

Eddie/Jennifer is far more minimialistic, and while I like it, especially the tree painted on the wall, I think I’d go all sanitarium after a short while. (And note to the producers: We get it. Her husband is Rick Schroeder. Stop making her mention it while talking about how she wants to build her own name. LET. HER.)

Jennifer/Robert…well, they look like they just got started and it’s just junk piled up and white walls and, Jen is understandably concerned that Robert has his own vision which we’re not sure he’s actually shared with Jennifer, and she’s all “the rules say it has to be cohesive” and he’s all “that doesn’t mean matchy matchy” and I’m all, “Yeah, but it does mean you have to WORK WITH SOMEONE, ROBERT” but he blithely continues despite my yelling. I’m sure they’ll Make It Work, but….wait, no I’m not.

Wisit/Nathan are behind as well, but I like the ceiling draping…so far.

Kerry/Shazia…see initial description of team dynamics. Rinse, lather, repeat. Poor Kerry.

Preston/Ondine opt to bring personal items into the bunker to make it look as if they literally moved in. We didn’t get to see Day One of their bunker, so that makes me think either top two or bottom two for them.

Finale Day….

Mentor Todd makes his rounds.

I’m happy to see Eddie/Andrea’s space look a lot more homey now with the addition of more accents. I like it much, much better. Todd - thumbs up.

Jennifer/Robert….not much improved and Todd immediately calls them out on “sad dorm room” diversity, which, uh, yeah. Todd - thumbs down.

Shazia/Care Bear - Todd likes, but we see very little.

Ondine/Preston - Todd’s liking but from what little I can see, it looks really clinical and cold. Very hospital shelter. With designer furnishings. Sorry, guys. I like you. But mmm. No.

Nathan/Wisit - he’s liking, but again we see little and what we do see looks terribly unfinished.

Natalie/Teresa’s - still my fave (I know! Though Eddie/Andrea’s now is a very close second, maybe tied as I keep seeing it updated…) and Todd likey likey’s too, but tells them to edit, which, yes, there is a lot of stuff in there. I agree. Still, me likey. I’d give it top two.

Okay, let’s see the final rooms and how much my mind changes when they actually show us the whole space for the first time….

The judges go into each space and YES folks, Wearstler is back with the crazy hair n’ hats. Worth the price of admission for that alone. I wish she was my Crazy Aunt Kelli.

First up…Care Bear and Shaz. Looks inexpensive and very all purpose room. It does look open and airy, as they hoped, but it’s too family rec room for me.

Nathan/Wisit is next. I like it better than the last one. Still, it’s too minimal and pale pinky for me. Very attic bedroom. In my aunt’s house. Crossing fingers things improve as we move to the next one.

It’s Natalie/Teresa and it’s more lime-y looking this go around for me, and still cluttered. That first shot, way back on Day One, was still the best look. I’m not as enthused, which harshes my mellow, but it’s still my fave thus far. I love the depth and textures. It appeals on a more sensory level to me than the other colder decor rooms. And yes, Natalie, you could chillax in there. (Sigh.) Still, though I think Eddie/Andrea might edge them out with me, I am impressed.

Robert/Jenn - still too Diverse Dorm, and Jen does throw him under the bus, but I’m completely okay with that. He’s an ass. (Why mince words.)

Eddie/Andrea are next, and yeah, definitely my other top two. I really like the space. Again, it’s warm, inviting, and has sensory-appeal. You need that kind of depth and texture if you’re going to be stuck in an otherwise sensory deprived location. It’s what I don’t like about the cool, airy, open, minimal look. In the end, that’s too cold. I want to be embraced. This one does that. However, to be perfectly honest, I’d be chillaxing with Natalie worrying about the Chinese transformers…. I know!

Preston/Ondine bring up the rear, and it’s less clinical, but the above still applies, and their space comes up lacking there. I liked their design aesthetic better than the other “cold” rooms, though. The ceiling cover is way too busy, but otherwise, there is a blend of the serene and the warm. Just not enough for me. I think they confuse serene, spa, airy, calm with cold, blue, silver, minimal. I think warm colors, rich textures are far more inviting, and, hence, serenity inducing, especially long term, than such cold colors could ever be.

Bottom two for me - Jenn/Robert, easily. And Kerry/Shazia. Sorry, Care Bear. But no worries - it’s gonna be Jenn or Robert. I’m not a Jen fan, but Bobby needs to fly.

Top Two - Natalie/Teresa and Eddie/Andrea. I’d be happy with either team winning.

What do the judges think?

Thumbs up

= Nathan/Wisit, who ranked 4th out of 6 for me were Top 2 for them. Go figure.

Thumbs up w/ enthusiasm

= Eddie/Andrea. Yay! Who go on to win and I’m good with that.

Thumbs middle

= Teresa/Natalie, (the verdict was love but too over accessorized) they were third

Thumbs middle

= Care Bear/Shazia, okay but too boring. (Way, but they were 5th for me, 4th here.)

Thumbs down

= Preston/Ondine, who were 3 for me and bottom 2 for them. Hunh. Too sporadic and dormy they say. So the flip was them and Nathan/Wisit, but otherwise we were pretty much on track.

Thumbs down

= Robert/Jenn. Total buzzkill was the verdict. Uh, yeah. No surprises here. Total agreement.

Who goes? Should have been Robert, but they weren’t privvy to his pissy ways, so Jen goes. Which, she was out shortly anyway. So, okay. Except Robert nodding in approval as they named her, all I’m so much better than you. But then, THEN! HA HA! They say he was also to blame, and whoomp, there it is. He’s out, too. Very. Satisfying. Thank you judges for letting him have his smug moment, so it was all the more gratifying to boot him out. Buh Bye, Bobby. (And you know he’d hate being called Bobby. Bobby, Bobby, Bobby.)

Next week? Yay, hybrid show crossover! Woo hoo! Former Project Runway contestants (I spot Sweet Pea, Andrae (!!!) and Santino…there are five total) are the clients for this challenge. Can’t wait. Bring the Pop Design back, too!

Okay, so on the Penultimate Big Brother (Sunday’s upcoming rehash doesn’t count) we get the HoH competition and the winner booting out the number three, to give us our final two. Dan wins Part 1 of the challenge while spending a lot of time being faux-mad at Memphis for tossing Keesha, to throw Jerry off track. Part two, which is mental/speed oriented, goes to Memphis. And producers, we could do without ever, EVER, seeing Jerry in his tighty-whities again. Keesha goes to the jury house to be with the Mean Girls & Renny. And you can pick a Fave Juror to win 25K. Wow. Renny or Keesh. I wouldn’t give the others 25 cents. Final HoH battle between Dan and Memphis - doesn’t matter who wins, they will go to the finals. But xxx wins. Jerry is out. Renegades make it to the end, but Dan is totally the most deserving winner. We’ll see next Tuesday!

Now, finally, FINALLY, the winner of this week’s SHaQ Attack contest. I asked you to name two heroes with accents (other than Scots) and almost all of you came up with Brit Dominic Colbourne, (Bad Boys, On Board), and Aussie Devin Archer (The Royal Hunter.) There were others, but these two definitely qualify. Only one can win, and that Blog Babe is? Susan C!! Woo hoo, Susan!!

Tune in Monday for another scavenger hunt contest and more MAC. Only one more week and our shows are back, our shows are back! Have a great weekend!

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