So, first, I read an interview with Mike and Mel after their disappointing ouster on Amazing Race and they asked him about his “mean girl” comment regarding Jamie from Team Redhead. He was asked how he’d come to the conclusion that she was a “mean girl” and he replied, “You mean other than use my eyes and ears?”

Ha. This is why I will miss them.

In other news…

On Dancing With The Stars….you know how it seemed like the stars were dropping like flies and soon there would be no one left to compete? Well, last night it felt like there were too many and the dances would never get done. Just me? K.

We got to watch two new dances last night, the Lindy Hop and Argentine Tango. I think the latter was more impressive, but maybe it’s because I haven’t seen it as much. Also, Samantha had almost no voice from being sick and, is it me, or given how hard things have been on the dancers already, did we really think exposing them to Sick Sam was a great idea? I know exposing me to Sick Sam wasn’t such a good idea. Take a sick day, sheesh. No one cares if you tough it out in the interview room. We also got our first multiples of tens and our first perfect score this season.

General impressions of the couples…in no particular order.

Woz & Karina tango…it is what it is, folks. Either his fans will keep him alive or they won’t. Karina seems to have totally lost the bitchface though and actually appears to really like the guy. In fact, I understand he’s been asked to walk her down the aisle at her wedding to Maks later this year. I know!

Kim and Derek - This couple doesn’t excite me in terms of chemistry, etc. but I thought this was a wonderful routine and a great intro to the tango. Kim was very good in this. I hope they weren’t forgotten under the avalanche of endless routines that came after them. It was their best performance for me in terms of entertainment.

Julianne and Chuck doing the Lindy. He’s trying and they’re always cute but, again, the chemistry is missing for me the viewer - not between them, they’re adorable, but they aren’t continuing to draw me in and I’m left a little bored.

LT and Edyta did a serviceable tango, but while LT held up okay as Edyta danced around him, for me it was Edyta who didn’t seem as slinky and smoking as she typically is, especially in this kind of number. She was trying to be, but it was kind of awkward looking, though I can’t exactly say why. All in all, it was just okay for me.

David Alan Grier and Kym’s Lindy Hop, was, for me, one of the best Lindy of the evening in terms of execution and attitude while performing it. I found it a very enjoyable Lindy to watch and really thought the judges should have scored them higher. Keep up the good work, DAG!

Shawn and Mark’s Lindy kinda fell them off the wagon a little by relying too hard on her gymnastics background, and though the costuming was cute it was a little distracting for me, and, again, not ultimately flattering for her short, fireplug physique. I think the judges, comparatively speaking, weren’t fair with this couple, either, and hold them to a different standard. Hope they rally next week.

Ty and Chelsie’s Lindy was freaking adorable and what can’t this guy do? I love him. Love, love. He’s got a great partner and I thought the choreo was really good for them both. Well done, bronco boy.

Holly and Dmitry’s tango was as painful to watch live as watching her in rehearsals with her hurt ribs and wow, that bruise on her leg? Yikes. I give it up to her for trying when she’s clearly not a musical person. At all. And poor Dmitry, you know this isn’t how he wanted to enter the show, but it is what it is.

Melissa and Tony rocked their Lindy and as much as I enjoy Melissa’s girl next door enthusiasm, it’s mostly just great to finally see Tony get a partner he can do something with. And she actually makes him look as good as he makes her look. Fun couple and I’m really not typically a Tony fan, so big golf claps to these two. And they’re the ones who pulled down the multiple tens.

Cheryl and Gilles tango. Just…wow. I mean, truly. Cheryl has so come back with this partner this season and that’s really great to see, but that? Was smoking hot. Totally deserved the perfect score. Yowza. Squared.

Tonight we get the real bottom three (not just a random “last couples standing” then the announcement of who goes home) and two couples will be sent out. It’s hard to say, actually, which two will leave. I think we’re to assume that Woz is safe, and I’m pretty sure Holly is heading out. But that leaves the other spot open and I don’t know who’ll end up there. LT maybe…possibly Chuck. Although both of their pros have a good fan base, too. Dunno! Guess we’ll find out tonight!

Don’t forget to enter this week’s free stuff contest - see Monday’s post for all the details.

Tags: Writing by Donna
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So, I discovered Twitter. I’m more about following than tweeting much (and I’m a Twitter dork, as it took me several replies to others to figure out how that works…sigh.) If you want to follow me, there is a link on the right column of this blog. I’m not tweeting much, but you can see who I’m following. That part is kinda cool and you wanna know why? Our Phil from Amazing Race is Twittering as he does his bike ride across America. Kinda cool to read his occasional updates. Also fun? Ashton Kutcher. I know, but he’s funny, and he posts pictures from his movie set. Interesting insight.

What wasn’t interesting insight? Learning just how much the redheads, well, one of the redheads, isn’t a pleasant person on Amazing Race. I mean, we knew this, but wow. The yelling, the impatience, the ugly American crap. I’m kind of amazed she’s not meaner to her partner, given how naturally it comes to her. But what makes it uglier is that she’s pretty much just impatient and ugly to those she deems inferior to her, which would be anyone whose job it is to assist her in any way. Yikes.

Also not fun last night, was watching Margie faint on the mat from heat exhaustion. Yes, she faints in Phil’s arms, but she didn’t look so good and it was hard to see her son so worried for her, given he probably feels guilty that she had to pull the rickshaw thingie. She couldn’t communicate with him when he was pulling, so they had no choice, but still.

More fun was watching Team Weeble screw up and earn two thirty minute time penalities, but not fun was that they still came in third. They are my least favorite team. I don’t enjoy watching them race. Because of their time penalty, Victor/Tammy came in first, followed by Team Mean Girl. (Sorry, Cara, we know it’s not you.) In third were the Weebles, then Margie/Luke…and bringing up the rear? Dang, it was Team Sis, who are okay. But that means Team M&M (Mike and Mel) are gone. Which I really hate. I loved them at that stupid, annoying drawer task though. The only ones who had fun with it. “Drawer Ten? Nooooooo!” Pretty funny. Love, love how much fun they had during the entire race and I hate that Mel didn’t get to finish his race around the world with his son. One of my fave all time teams. Phil wasn’t all that happy to tell them they were done racing, either.

Now we wait two weeks for another installment, but then it’s karaoke in cabs, baby. And who doesn’t want to see that? Right.

Tonight we have dancing (if there are any stars left standing at this point…Holly is apparently injured now, too) and tomorrow, on Idol, it’s Top iTune Download night (which is kind of like Hot 100 I guess, in the current age of technology.) I can’t even hazard a guess on what Our Boy Adam will sing, but I will definitely be there to find out.

Right this very second, you can enter to win a free book! I’ve taken it easy on y’all now for weeks, but not this one! Gotta work a little. Okay, so it’s more like you gotta guess, which isn’t really so much in the way of work. But with the return of Survivor this week, we’re gonna play Which Tribe Loses (too many people left to vote individuals.) Of course, if there’s a merge this week, then the contest doesn’t apply and everyone who entered a guess is in the running, so…hey, what do you have to lose? Just send me an email to donna@donnakauffman.com with No More Survivor For You! in the subject line, and then vote for either Timbira or Jalapao. Remember, you’re picking the team that loses a member. Votes/guesses are allowed up to 8pm EST on Thursday, winner announced right here on Friday. Ya gotta check in to see if you win. Good luck!

Happy Monday, everyone!

Tags: Writing by Donna
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Okay, so I’ve figured out how things work on American Idol. Offer to be the guy who helps Scott on stage, and for your kindness….you get axed. First Alexis, now Sarver. So, here’s an idea…can Megan be his guide next week? Just asking.

So, we had Ruben singing, and hey, big boy actually trimmed down a bit, but hasn’t kept the sweat from pouring. Still, sweet to hear him again, even if it does make me wonder why I loved the guy so much way back when. We’ve come a long way. Smokey and Joss sang, and two things. One, I still love Smokey’s voice, just that Smokey-ness quality that is all his own. Still works. And two? Megan, stop trying to be Joss Stone because wow, show of hands on how many of us realized where she was getting the dance moves and quirky voice from? We already have a Joss, so we don’t need another one. Also, as always, nice to see Stevie and hear the harmonica as only he can play it. But does he only do political stuff now? I was digging the Motown retrospective, then got kinda “Oh, so that’s why he’s doing this. Infomercial.”

Also, the group sing? Not sure if it’s the Scott Parallax again, but what’s up with the horrible lip syncing and the mish mosh of taped segments that don’t even try to make it look like a seamless performance? They need to fix that.

On to the night at hand….only one surprise but a relative big one. Apparently singing first is a harder mountain to overcome than, well, singing as badly as Megan does. We had Sarver and Scott in the bottom three, which - yes. But then instead of Megan, we got….Matt? Whuh? I’m betting he’s not in the front half of the group next week. Just sayin.

What did you think? And what is the theme next week? Did I miss it? I’ll have to go digging.

In the meantime, how about giving away free stuff! Woo hoo! The winner of the book giveaway this week is Blog Babe LuAnn! Yay!! Just send me some title choices (in case I’m out of your first pick) and I will add them to the growing pile and (hopefully!) get everything sent out asap!

Hope you all have a wonderful spring weekend. The Cherry Blossom Festival is beginining downtown, and I’m heading to DC this weekend anyway, so I will get to check things out. Peak blossomage should be in a week or so - hope I get back down for some photo opportunities. If I do, I’ll share!

Tags: Writing by Donna
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Wonderful retrospective of Motown to kick off the theme night on American Idol. I really enjoyed that. The contestants got to go to Detroit and see the birthplace of Motown, listen to the wisdom of Berry Gordy as well as Smokey Robinson, and then have Smokey come back to be their mentor for the week. Both are in the audience. Just a little pressure.

I think Smokey’s eyes are spookysexycool and he’s still Got It. Yeah, I said it.

Okay, blogging as I watch…..

Matt Giraud kicks if off with Let’s Get It On. I probably selfishly would have liked him to stay behind the piano, though I understand completely why he started there and then got up to sing, especially after the comments to Scott last week. He did a really good job, but he was a bit uncomfortable to watch, didn’t own the stage for me. But if you didn’t look and just listened? He did a beautiful job with the song, great voice for it. Not a bad kick off for the night. Judges all agreed he chose the exact right song.

Kris is up next, singing another Marvin Gaye song, How Sweet It Is. Smokey was a close friend of Marvin’s and he’s digging the contestant’s versions of his songs so far. He loves Kris. But will we? With the guitar, he has a good opening. Hey, I finally figured out who he reminds me of! He looks like the offspring of Dana Carvey with his facial expressions while singing. (Choppin’ Broccol!) Great arrangement, great performance, and very quickly country week is fading into a long lost memory. Thank goodness. This is much more memorable. Hope it continues. Judges applaud.

Scott is up next, and I realized when they walked out in the beginning that by voting off Alexis last week he lost his “leader” as she was the one who had been guiding him. Tonight it looked like he was using Sarver, maybe? It wasn’t as clear. So, he chooses to stay with the piano as it is who he is, and I think, in his case, he’s smart to do it. He has to have realized he’s not the best talent on the show at this point in singing or showmanship, so he might as well stick with his strengths, since, ultimately, I don’t think he’ll be pulling a win out of this. So, ride the wave, Scott and just enjoy. He’s singing You Can’t Hurry Love by Diana Ross and it sounds a bit church revival-y, but it’s pure Scott and he does a really good Scott job with it. And he gets the back up singers right beside his piano, so while he’ll never make me want to run download a song, this was possibly the most entertained I’ve been by him. Paula loves, Randy didn’t dig ig dawg, Kara liked that he brought tempo and actually gave good critical advice…Simon trashes him, and though he is making perfect (and true) sense, it just seems kind of pointless to dish this out as it’s not like Scott’s gonna change. I guess he’s just done with him riding the wave and is going to tell him like it is. Which, okay. But still harsh. Scott, for his part, is so earnest about this, and glad to see him taking it seriously, but you have to wonder if he gets where he really stands in this game.

Smokey might not be giving any real critical help to the contestants, but he seems so sincerely tickled and impressed with their talent that he’s enjoyable to watch. And the kids are all awed to be singing for him. Fun to watch.

Megan is singing For Once In My Life. And for once, Smokey seems to be reaching a teeny bit to be totally sincere. He calls her “original.” Kiss of death? We’ll see. She gets great band intro. And then she starts singing. Is it me or is she alllll over the damn place? Wow. And look away (please, because scary outfit/tattoo combo going on there) and it sounds even worse. This makes Rockin Robin look like Grammy material, y’all. Just sayin. Bottom 3, America. I beg you. If you really love me, Bottom 1. (And yes, it is all about me.) The judges pick on the song and I’m like, at some point you have to pick on Megan. I mean, seriously? When is it going to be that she just can’t sing? And wow, so Megan thinks she’s all that with her fans? Reality Check, table for one!

And Paula, you are freaking me out with all your point on, technical, specific advice that makes you sound so coherent and info worthy. Wow. Nice clarity, this evening.

Anoop is up next singing Ooh Baby, Baby (to Smokey…must be kinda wild.) I love this song, so he’d better do it justice. We get seated, sincere Anoop on the edge of the stage. And to me, he’s kind of sharp and not really grabbing me. He got better as he moved on, but it wasn’t Smokey. All in all, he won’t go home. The judges were very fair with him, bordering on too kind, but, in the end, it wasn’t my fave from him. (And Ryan? Wow, no singing.)

Sarver is up next. He was sick and didn’t do Detroit, but is all better now for having rested. Yay. (Hey, that sounded sincere. Didn’t it?) He decides to “church up” Ain’t To Proud To Beg and for the first time Smokey gives advice. A lot of it. See? He’s right in step with me on this guy. The delivery makes me question how well the guy is, and his dancin’ for the audience is still very, very bar band for me. He’s still very full of himself and I think he needs to get that he can still be full of himself and listen to constructive criticism at the same time. I mean, dude, when Paula is getting boo’d for telling you there are things you need to work on? Think about it. Bottom Two for me, and for more than just singing ability.

Lil is singing Heatwave. (I hope someone cleared Simon up on her name.) I think it’s a great song for her and I want her to knock it out of the park. I love that she gets the history of what has led up to this night. Love her hair. Very Diana Ross. Not the knock-it-out-the-park rendition I was really, really wanting. She seemed to be kind of over singing and over reaching when she just needs to settle into it. Judges agree, for the most part. Kara says she’s screaming it and not making it sound effortless, and that’s totally on point. Paula is the only one who thinks she had “a moment.” Don’t agree. She needs to sing like she did for Smokey, and pretend she’s singing to one person, in the same room, instead of trying to reach the cheap seats with every note. I think she’s safe this week, but really needs to find her groove. I do like that she’s taking the criticism and figuring out what to do with it. (Sarver.)

Adam! Finally. What I’ve waited for. And he’s singing Tracks of My Tears, which is one of Smokey’s song. Smokey loves. I loved that Adam picked his brain a little on the song and seemed truly awed to be standing there. It was a good collaboration. Loved it. And now he decides to go all Adam Unplugged on us and I’m a Big Fan of acoustic, so wild clapping from me! And then double wild clapping when I get a load of his look this week. Wow with the hair. The suit. The tender, waaaaay toned down delivery. And all of it in an impossibly high range that he hits, effortlessly, the whole way through. Dang, Adam. After two very flamboyant weeks, way to show you can change it totally up and still be yourself. Smokey gives him a standing ovasion and is teary eyed at the end. Need I say more? The judges all get it this time and give much deserved love. Kara gives her first standing O. And he’s such a grounded guy, very comfortable in his own skin, whether singing or listening respectfully to the judges. Really, what’s not to love here? Sorry, I’ll be right back, I’m off to rewatch. Download. Watch again. Rinse, lather, repeat. Lots of lathering…

Now we get Danny who is singing Get Ready. And, really, after Adam’s performance, the show is kind of over for me. All downhill now, in terms of anticipation. So it’s good for him that he’s changing up the tempo, as it’s about the only thing he could do to make us stop chattering about Adam and pay even the slightest attention. Smokey gives him advice and Danny’s all “well, he’s been doing this longer than me, so, ooookay.” Really, Danny. Ya think? And so, he can sing, very well in fact, and he delivers yet another great Danny Show Performance as he always does…but do you want to buy this album? He’s fun to watch and listen to…but I don’t have the urge to just listen to him. He’s not downloadable for me. And he disregarded Smokey’s advice, too. As Simon would say…Sorry.

Allison sings Papa Was A Rolling Stone. Love to hear Smokey’s explanations about what the song is about and where they came from. He gives her a critique, too. Unlike others, Danny, she does listen to him and her gruff, growly, powerful delivery really does do justice to the song. Judges love her, and then her reaction to Simon drawing on Paula’s face is so typical Allison. I wish she was more socially savvy, but I think that’s not going to happen. Still, great night for her and my fave performance of hers thus far.

On looking back over the little snippets at the end, my tops for the night are:

Adam, Matt G, Kris, Allison

Middle of the Road:
Danny, Lil, Anoop

Bottom three:
Megan dead last, then Sarver, then Scott

What say you? Who did you love? Who, not so much?

Don’t forget to enter this week’s contest. Details in Monday’s post, winner announced right here tomorrow morning. And yes, I do realize there is no Survivor MAC in this spot today….but it was a never-before-seen-clips episode, which isn’t really an episode so much as an hour of filler. So I’ll wait for the actual show to come back on. Thanks, show.

Now, it’s your turn! DISH!!

Tags: Writing by Donna
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So, you know what? I’m kinda really liking the results show on Dancing With The Stars this year. Sure, I get it about who wants to see a crappy dance twice, but we’re slowly getting the attrition of dancers who can’t up their game that has to happen and I think it will be downright suspenseful when we get to the last handful.

But even now, it amps up the show a bit, and puts more suspense in the proceedings, and I kinda like how they’re all a lot more nervous than just finding out whether they might be going home. It’s definitely making it more entertaining for me and not just a yawn-pause for hot dancers-ff through singers-see who goes home. I found myself watching tonight.

I enjoyed both musical acts this evening, and the dances as well. Always love seeing husband and wife, Edyta and (yay!) Alec. It was also actually enjoyable to watch Karina being the “Maneater” dancing with three hunka hunkas and picking Maks at the end. Only time I’ve ever wanted to be her. Both singing performances were decent enough, although wow, was John Oates even aware of where he was? He seemed totally out of it. Maybe that’s his normal expression. Darryl seemed to be having a good time. And Adele’s voice is as lovely live as it always is.

I was honestly surprised that Woz was not even in the bottom two. Seriously? Because while I do get the adorable factor, even his diehard supporters seemed to get that it was his time. Apparently not. What surprised me even more? Karina’s hair on performance night wasn’t a wig. That tight tight frizzy perm? Still wearing it, different hairstyle, in her Hall & Oates dance. What is up with that? Surprises kept coming when Steve O was also safe. I really think his honest remorse over screwing up is what saved him.

But you know the very best thing about having to watch either Steve dance again? That meant that we won’t have to watch either Denise or Holly! Wow, it was like a dream come true, wasn’t it? I knew from the get go I wanted Holly to stay, Denise to go, but really thought it our Girl Next Door (if you live in the Playboy mansion neighborhood anyway) was a goner after the dance off. She improved her score one point and Denise upped hers by 4. So color me happily surprised again, when it was Denise. (Wow, she was really last, wasn’t she? And that far below Woz, too. How…enjoyable.) I just wish she didn’t have to take Maks with her! Kind of amusing that in that particular pro romance pairing, Karina ends up in the competition longer than Maks. Show of hands on whether you think she won’t let him forget that for, oh, a few weeks more?

And next week? I get two wishes possibly coming through with a double elimination week. Woo hoo! We can get down to some serious dancing. We also get two new dances next week - the Lindy Hop and the Argentine Tango. (And you know, I thought the Cloris thing was kinda funny - mostly because the show was making fun of itself, as they do with their Sports Center. Golf clap all around.) As for new dances, I am all for that. And while I would have wished Lacey to get the Lindy given her professional background is closer to that, I hope for the sake of Steve O’s back they get tango.

Should be another fun week. I’m looking foward!

Tonight? We get Motown Week (feels like it’s been a month!) and I am really excited to see what they do with that music catalogue. Okay, who am I kidding? Mostly I’m just excited to see what Adam does next.

What about you? What did you think of tonight’s results show? Right one going home? Glad Woz stayed? Still cringing over his divorce papers comparison? Yikes! Loved Melissa’s reaction. Actually, you know, one more word on their whole continued harping on her madd dance skillz and I’m gonna rrrrrr. Gilles has gotten the same high scores now three weeks running, but no one is making comments about how easy this is for him. Lighten up, show. Also, kudos to the reality babela for being very personable on camera. She makes it look easier than it is (see: Holly. Denise. Both “actresses”) and she’s not remotely experienced in that department. Oh, and Ty? My love grows. “And you know, we all need more ballroom.” Seriously. Love.

You? DISH!

Tags: Writing by Donna
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All of the celebs/pros were on the floor last night. And for some, I mean that literally.

Steve O came out and really did try to give his all, blanked out on the steps somewhere around the middle, then slipped and fell on the stairs at the end of their dance, hurting his back again and twisting his ankle. Seriously, Steve, how many signs do you need?

Also, Woz? That was as painful for us as it had to be for you. I didn’t know the judges even had a 3 paddle (and he’s still making light of it all, so way to go on having about the best attitude on the planet, but still…) I feel for the guy, he’s really trying, but wow, it’s gotten pretty uncomfortable to watch and then listen to the judges pick on him. It’s not like he’s going to miraculously do better, but the whole adorable factor hasn’t just worn thin, it’s worn out. For all of our sakes, but most definitely his, I pray he goes home tonight. (He got a 10. Total. And that was fair. Just sayin.)

Then there were the celebs that would be going home if it wasn’t for Woz still being there and top on that list would be Denise. Thank goodness. I know, but I’m not a fan and she’s not a dancer and well…make it stop, show.

Right along with her is Holly. Who I don’t mind, but who isn’t going to miraculously become a dancer, either. Between the two, they deprive us of the pro beefcake this season, which, also stinks. But they still need to go.

And yes, I hear all the “but that’s what this show is about, seeing folks learn to dance.” That would be both Ty and DAG. They are what the show is about. Some actually improve, some never will, and it takes a few weeks to know the difference. Denise and Holly will never be Ty and DAG. And it did take a week or two to know that, because based on week one, I wouldn’t have picked either guy to make it very far. So, well done, you two. I really, really enjoy watching you get it.

Which is how I feel about LT. Is it me, or has he dropped pounds already? He looked really good last night. And, not sure why, but I grin the whole time I watch him dance. Ty, I kind of worry the whole time because I don’t want him to screw up, and DAG I just enjoy. But LT makes me smile and last night was no exception. Very well done, Edyta. Good routine.

Something else I love? The camaraderie amongst the contestants this year. Every time a team comes to the back room to get their scores, everyone is so supportive. Love the group bootie shake when Gilles came back, and the standing O for other dancers. Love seeing that part.

What I don’t love? Stoner Music Dude is clearly back on the payroll. Wow, some of the worst song choices of the season. I might not be a Denise fan, but what the hell was that song they stuck them with? Yikes. There were a bunch of those last night.

So, on to the better and best:

Julianne and Chuck did a great job last night and I’m glad to see him really start to put his heart into it. I enjoy them. As I actually did Lil Kim and Derek. I haven’t been all that invested in them this season, and still not my faves, but I did really enjoy the way she attacked that routine last night. She was workin it. Also great to see Shawn really start to blossom and mature into a poised young woman. Not that she hasn’t always had poise, but the elegance and maturity is coming week by week and it’s fun to watch. Plus she’s just so dang cute. Love her and she makes me actually tolerate Mark a great deal much better than I ever have before.

Best? Well, that would be Gilles and Melissa, hands down. Wow, Gilles, that was insane. And yes, it was great to see Cheryl really in her element again and having a good time. She’s a tough taskmaster it sounds like, not a barrel of laughs, but I know she sees this as her redemption year and with a partner who really can handle it, so they seem to be focused on the same goal. As for Melissa, yeah yeah yeah cheerleader and childhood ballet, but I honestly think her grace comes very naturally. She is working hard and does seem as overwhelmed as everyone else, but is very fortunate to have a body that just naturally flows elegantly. A pleasure to watch and I’m glad she’s around.

Not a big stretch to guess who goes home tonight…and we have to wait all the way until tomorrow to see what Adam does with Motown night on American Idol… One thing I do know? It won’t be boring.

What did you think of last night’s performances? Who should go home after the Woz? DISH!

Tags: Writing by Donna
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On last night’s Amazing Race, we leave Siberia and head to India. And then there are fifteen unaccounted minutes because most of the show was on during the following hour of programming and that’s about when I caught it as I wasn’t watching it - it was taping. Lucky I happened to turn the tv on to get basketball scores, or that’s all of the show I would have seen.

I take it there was bunching at the airport and can’t report on the general reaction to the slums of India other than what we saw in the previews with Luke…when I tune back in, Victor is running around with baskets of hay feeding camels. Heh. Camels.

He and his sister are well out in front and leaving as other teams arrive and begin. General impressions of the teams this week…Mel rocks. I want him for my honorary grandpa. Love how much fun the two of them are having on this race and how calm they both stay as they work their way through the challenges. Cara and Jodi….well, Cara seems to handle things well, but Jodi, wow, lighten up on the drivers, the camels, the race course…just lighten up. Sheesh. Margie and Luke continue to race well and it’s nice to see Luke appreciates his mom’s racing prowess. But didn’t you all want to wipe that lipstick off of her. Ewww. Team Weeble (stuntmen) are my least favorite team of who is left, so was hoping they’d continue having to search for that elephant….just a few more minutes!! Team Sis is racing great, altho they’re not at the top of my list either. Although it was funny watching her transport hay in her shirt until she figured out there were baskets…again, Mel rocks.

At the end, Team Weeble just outpaces Team Flight Attendant, which was disappointing because I was really hoping they’d pull it off. They really do race well, but that cabbie (or so I heard on reading up on what missed) killed any chance they had by stopping for gas. I hate it when teams go out of a race because of bad cabbie roulette luck. They made up so much time - and that was with the Paint An Elephant speed bump they had to perform. I’m glad they got so much out of the race - classy exit!

Next week? Thailand! More elephants! And tigers, oh my! Oh - and poor Margie faints from heat exhaustion….into Phil’s arms! I mean, if you have to faint, honestly? WTG, Margie!

This week? You can win a free book! Just send an email to donna@donnakauffman.com with “Seriously, it’s my turn next!” in the subject line. One winner drawn from the pile of entries and announced right here in this space on Friday.

Tonight? They dance. Or whoever is left upright will dance. I hear Woz pulled a hamstring yesterday and still no word on whether Steve O was ever cleared to rehearse. What a season - and it just started!

Right this very second? Your turn to dish!!

Tags: Writing by Donna
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Now, it better start acting like it! I’m ready for leaves to bud and flowers to bloom.

Okay, as promised we have some hubba hubba, and then two, count em, two winners to wrap up our Week of Winning Free Stuff! But first? The hot stuff.

My next single title will be out this November…check him out.

On Sale ~ November 2009!

BACK COVER:
Buckle up. Enjoy the view.

Jake McKenna fixes planes, not people. Compared to an engine, humans are high-maintenance and unpredictable—which is why Jake has zero interest in indulging his sister’s request that he play tour guide and rent-a-date to her boss’s visiting stepdaughter. Still, Lauren Matthews is nothing like the uptight, reed-skinny workaholic he expected. She’s curvy—deliciously so. Funny. Open. And convinced that there’s more to her mother’s hasty marriage to the local mayor than meets the eye.

Leaving her fast-track Washington career is the most impulsive thing Lauren has ever done—right until the moment she arrives in Cedar Springs, Colorado. Everything about sexy, enigmatic pilot Jake tempts Lauren to unleash her inner bad girl and let him take her places she’s never been…even as her snooping around town provokes some extremely hostile reactions. At this altitude, losing your head is easy. Trusting your heart can cost you everything…
*********************************************
I thought he deserved the Big Marquee treatment. Ooh, and speaking of big marquees, my current release, Let Me In, was listed as one of Rhapsody’s Top Ten Books to Take To Bed. Ha! I’m thinking this guy above might make that list, too. I know he’d be on my list.

Now on to the free stuff! Thank you all for being part of my fun birthday week (can you imagine what we’ll do next year when I hit the big 5-0???) Rose, Marlynn, and Jenn have been our winners so far this week…and to that lovely list, I’d like to add? Cheryl C and Sue A!!!! Wooot! Just drop me a note to donna@donnakauffman.com with your title wants (list a few in case I’m out of your first pick) and where to send them. Everything will go out in a big batch next week.

Speaking of next week…tune in for Amazing Race MAC Monday and the rules for the next giveaway! Have a wonderful, hopefully spring-like spring weekend.

Tags: Writing by Donna
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So, last night on American Idol a bit more surprising than the Dancing With The Stars ouster. But then, what wouldn’t be more surprising than that?

It wasn’t a clear bottom three from this field, but I know who my bottom three would have been. Sarver, Megan, and Scott. Only one of those wishes came through. Sarver was joined by Allison and Alexis on the seal and color me surprised. They sent Allison back to safety quickly, and I knew my wish was about to come true. So, no one was more surprised than me…well, maybe Alexis was, when she was the one going home. Then the judges told her they’d considered using the save on her, so she’s left to sing for her life, but it wasn’t a wonderful rendition, and, in the end, denied. She goes home….and Megan, Sarver, and Scott all go on tour. Wow. Doubt I’ll be buying tickets this year.

However, when the Adam Entertainment Spectacle comes to my home town at some point in the future, I will be on line for that.

Now for something more fun! Another sneak peek at an upcoming release! Woo hoo! Below is the cover for the next Christmas anthology, out this October. And yes, for all of those who asked if I’d do a follow up story to Unleashed, from the last Christmas anthology (see Tuesday’s post for the new mass market cover of that book!) the story continues in Lock, Stock, & Jingle Bells in the Kissing Santa Claus anthology.

Available October 2009!

Three hottie humbugs find holiday magic where they least expect it…

DONNA KAUFFMAN
Lock, Stock and Jingle Bells
Holly hates the yuletide season more than ever since she inherited her mother’s Christmas novelty store, but her childhood pal Sean’s determined to warm her up—to Christmas and to him. When they uncover a diary concealing secrets involving both their families, this could be the Christmas that changes their lives forever…

JILL SHALVIS
Bah Handsome!
Behind on her bills, B&B owner Hope receives an unlikely guest—stranded solicitor Danny, who’s been threatening to put her out of business. Hope’s staff sees more fire than fight in the sparks that fly as they try and bring Hope and Danny together, but only a Christmas miracle can help these unlikely lovers see the light…

HELENKAY DIMON
It’s Hotter at Christmas
Hawaii’s no paradise for Marissa, who, thanks to a series of unfortunate events, can’t seem to get away from the sand to enjoy her Christmas East Coast style—with plenty of snow and slush. But tall, dark, and serious police officer Ted’s about to give this bad Santa in heels a Mele Kalikimaka she’ll never forget…

Tune in tomorrow for the sneak at my next full length novel, out this November. Hint? Bring something cold to drink before peeking. Yowza.

And now onto giving away free stuff!! So far in the Birthday Blog Bonanza, we’ve had Rose, Marlynn…and today’s winner? Jenn C!! Woo hoo!! Just send me your picks (send a few in case I’m out of your first choice) and where to send it. Thanks for playing! Tomorrow? Two winners!

So…what did you think of the boot last night on AI? There has been a bunch of smack being talked about how they already had their top four “chosen ones” which was purported to be Danny, Lil (aka Little), Adam and Alexis. Guess that was proven untrue. Who do you think is next?

Tags: Writing by Donna
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What a night, huh? First up, Dancing With The Stars….

So, I wasn’t massively impressed with the whole Busby Berkley thing. Would have rather seen our pros dance instead. I was, however, massively impressed with Dmitry’s sweet backside. Bare chest wasn’t bad either. That fine young man can dance for us whenever he wants. (Seriously, check out the tush on that guy.)

I also love the dance off. It gives the results show night something to actually watch for rather than ff to the end result. Oh, and Jewel? Dang, girl, you can sing like no other. One of the better performances on that show. And for a song I thought I’d never want to hear again. Very, very well done.

Otherwise, no surprises really. Bottom two were Belinda and Woz. Neither really improved on their dance off dance (not that we really expected them to, but when it gets down to some of the better teams, I think the dance off might be kinda exciting!) In the end, Woz lives to make Karina miserable for at least another week (did you see her expression? Like she wanted to cut a bitch. Wow.) Belinda go-go’s home. Nothing surprising there…and I think Woz is out next week if his foot doesn’t end his time on the show sooner.

On to Amercian Idol: Grand Ole Opry week. Country week isn’t noted for being the “fun” week on this show, although I think Dolly Week last season was a very welcome surprise and one of my faves of that season. This year? Not so much. Not that anyone did poorly. Actually, they all sang quite well, if not particularly memorably.

And then there was Adam.

Holy cow. Total love it/hate it and the judges sure made their feelings clear (ever so hypocritically so, I might add.) Tell Lil she should have sung Whitney (which you KNOW would have been the kiss of death and they’d have all jumped her for it) and turn right around and slam Adam for not making his country. Seriously.

And Simon? Lil Rounds is not the same as Lil Kim. Or Lil Mama. It’s Lil….as in short for Lilly. Or Lillian. NOT Little. God, I hope someone clears that up for him. How stupidly patronizing was that?

Of course, Lil’s version was entirely boring, but that’s not the point. Adam….okay, we’ll get back to him in a moment. In other news, Sarver was predictable, Allison was very good, Kris was adorable and very good, Lil forgettable, Anoop swoon-worthy, Gokey -seriously, next time he’s coming out in a halo and wings, I swear. White jacket bathed in white light singing Jesus Take The Wheel? All that was missing was a choir and framed photo of his dead wife. I mean, he did a fine job with the song, he’s great…but sheesh already. Scott Hornsby Lightfoot sings the same song he sings every week (I haven’t verified that, but I swear, same song every week…) Alexis should have kept the dirty and looked like Dolly without the cups, Megan might have actually rocked this week if she wasn’t dying of the flu (major props for making it through the song) but if she doesn’t stop that swaying thing while she sings I might have to throw something, and Matt who is sweetness and perfection and all things that are good and right in the world.

And then there’s Adam.

Okay, so I realize that a lot of folks are going to hate what he did to Ring of Fire. I submit, however, that Johnny Cash would not have been one of them. (Johnny who was praised for the covers he did of Trent Reznor/Nine Inch Nails “Hurt”, amongst others really enjoyed changing things up.) Like it or not, he certainly would have respected the attempt. And yes, Dilana did a version like this on Rockstar which is likely where Adam found it… although I saw that performance and the big difference is that Adam actually, you know, sang. For me, this was original, unique, showed a range that is ridiculous bordering on unbelievable, and stuck that tune in my head the rest of the night and into today…and is the only one this morning that I honestly remember. Will I download it? I don’t know. It’s more something I want to watch then simply listen to (unlike Black/White, also still stuck in my head, which I did download.) It was like watching Jim Morrison do Johnny Cash, only with a range. And maybe a little Michael Hutchence/INXS thrown in there to just make it even spookier. Still, even if I’d hated it, I respect him for consistently and very confidently knowing who he is as an artist, and staying there while respecting the work he’s dealing with. So, my votes went to him. Again. And judges? Shut up.

What did you think? Who is going home? Unlike Dancing With The Stars, that is much trickier question on Idol this season. I’d like to think it will be Sarver or Scott…but who knows. I’d honestly like it to be Megan, but I am apparently the only one living in that alternative universe who thinks she can’t sing at all. You certainly wouldn’t get that from the judges. Who is your bet for the bottom two? And wouldn’t a sing off be great? I’d love that.

Now, on to the fun stuff! Another winner!! Rose was the winning blog babe yesterday. Today, the winner is? Marlynn!! You wench!! You finally did it!!! (Disclosure…I actually know Marlynn from my “other” job teaching paper crafts and she has been known to give me a little grief over not having an “in” with the author to score the win. Hey, you have to have your name pulled like everyone else - and today it was your turn! Ha!!) Happy birthday, indeed. Just let me know which title you want and I’ll make sure it gets to you. (Give me a few choices in case I’m out of your first selection.)

Tune in tomorrow for Idol MAC, another Free Stuff winner,…and another sneak cover peek!! Hope everyone had a fun (and safe) St Patrick’s Day. If you need an excuse to have some chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream…today is actually the “official” party day this week for me….so you have my blessings! Blame it on me!!

And now? DISH!!!

Tags: Writing by Donna
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