Thanks for a great new book launch week everyone! It’s been exciting! And, to cap it off, one lucky Blog Babe will be getting an advance review copy of my February release, Here Comes Trouble. Woo hoo!

But first…show of hands on how many of you though Jaison’s butt was on a plane home last night? Furthermore, show of hands on who’d have been clapping while the plane took off? Count me in on both votes. He’s a well educated, good guy, but man can he whine. In some of the exit interviews of previous members of his tribe, they do go on about how much more he’s whined than they’ve even shown. Yikes. They also all comment on how they all viewed Evil Russell as a joke. Hmmm. Anyway, in the end, they send Liz out, and Russell was right about one thing - she didn’t get the social game at all.

Maybe things will perk up with the merge next week, but I’m still not all that enamored with either side, or any individuals really this season. It’s sort of like that across the board currently. Maybe it’s just that reality tv malaise has finally sunken in. But I don’t think so. Give me a Christian Siriano, or heck, even a Santino Rice…or an Underdog Yul tribe, and I think I’d perk right back up. At the moment, I can’t get too excited about any contestant anywhere.

Well, except Good Dancer Russell. HIM I’d vote for. Nigel.

Over on PR, they finally realize that Logan has been phoning it in all season long and send his stringy-hair, tight shiny pants butt home. Of course, this leaves Christopher once again still defying all odds and remaining on the runway. Sort of like Robyn on TC. Inconceivable!

So, let’s get on with the fun stuff! Today’s winner of the signed advanced copy is? Mo!! Send me an address and I’ll get your prize in the mail.

I hope you all have a fabulous fall weekend. Trick, treat, or whatever is on your calendar. Don’t forget to set your clocks back tomorrow night. And right now, don’t forget to DISH!! Are you rooting for anyone on any show this season? I’m finding myself more interested in the scripted shows this fall…Castle, Mentalist, Grey’s, Good Wife. And, of course, Big Bang Theory. I heart Sheldon. But the rest I’m kind of skimming… Anyone reading anything fun? I just got Nora’s Bed of Roses, can’t wait to dive in!

Happy Halloween!

Tags: Writing by Donna
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So…on Top Chef. HA! Ahahahahahahahahaha. Sorry, I know, but HA! My heart, it is breaking…but for Jenn. Who is totally falling victim to Top Chef Killer Fatique, and it breaks my heart. Because in no universe should Ira ever top her in a challenge. Evah. But she is sabotaging herself in this case, so you can’t blame it on anyone else. Still, I hope she pulls it together. Gnome Kevin wins everything tonight, and since we love him, we are happy. (Except for M. Volt…who is a sore, whinypants loser.) But the satisfying part? Yeah. After listening to Mike I. go on and on (and on and on) about how he was going to rock the vegetarian challenge? Then all but smirks in front of the judges about how, hey, everyone has an off day, no biggie, when he’s in the bottom? Oh, but how lovely was it, with the so undeserving Robyn STILL standing there…that Padma tells Mike to pack his knives instead. Pretty lovely, that’s how lovely it was. Satisfying on so many levels.

So, while it looks like the dream final four is in jeopardy a little, at least Mike I isn’t going to be the spoiler. Ahhhh. Sometimes things work out right.

Tonight? Hopefully more fashion do’s than fashion don’ts on PR. Yeah, I’m not holding my breath, either.

Don’t forget to enter this week’s challenge. Details in Monday’s post (scroll past the delayed Friday post to find it…) And don’t forget to double your pleasure, double your chances, by entering over at Novel Thoughts as well! Good luck! Winner here announced tomorrow!

Tags: Writing by Donna
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Whole lotta lotta going on last night, and four booty shakers went home.

So, on SYTYCD….

I know I was all WOW yesterday, but, though the routines last night were insane in difficulty level for week one, the pairings left me a little whytheface, and it didn’t excite me as much I remember being whampow’d the opening night of season 5. Possibly the illness/injury toll right off the bat was a bit buzz killing, with Billy out for the season and somehow knee-wrecked Noelle just getting to sit out this week (how does that work? How can she just sit out? I’m confused… )

Okay, so, beyond that…loved Travis Wall and Dave Scott as choreographers tonight, and Tyce still isn’t pissing me off anymore. Sonya is still hunh? to me and Doriana went waaaay over those kids heads, literally, with her frantic disco. Season 5 put these kids to shame on that score.

So…we had:
Channing/Phillip doing the jive and they were just okay. Not sure either of them were wow for me, or particularly charming with each other.
Ashleigh/Jakob with a sultry jazz routine that….pass me the umbrella drink, would you? They will be powerful to watch, methinks. Like that pairing, but Jakob needs to work on chemistry, he’s ridiculous with talent, but not the manliest man of the year and he’s got Ash’s ass to writhe around, so he needs to figure that out and fast.
Ariana/Peter with hip hop…I liked Tapper Peter more than his partner, thought the routine was pretty cute, but the pairing didn’t move me one way or the other…
Russell/injured Noelle - so he danced fox trot with his choreographer, Melanie LaPatin, who I love. Okay, this guy? I love. Easily my favorite in that he just infuses joy and charisma effortlessly into anything he does. I think it could be a good partnership with Noelle if she gets the all clear, but the way her knee was strapped up…ummm, I’m thinking it doesn’t look all that great… So who do they give him? It’ll be uneven if she drops out - replacement? Or only one guy goes home next week? The cut girl comes back? What, Nigel, what? And why does Noelle get a pass again? She can’t dance, neither can Billy, both will get well eventually, but not tonight so….why is she still here?
Bianca/Victor - interesting pair, I liked them and thought for a tapper she didn’t get near enough credit for how much of the character and passion she put into the routine.

Speaking of which - I adore Adam Shankman and love that he’s a permajudge this season. I think he gives the best from-the-heart honest critiques to actually help these kids. That said, his enthusiasm is also infectious because it’s also coming from a very real place. Love. Him. Of course, I was all over the map with him on what we liked and didn’t like, but what do I know?

Okay, then was Kevin/Karen and holymolianamama. Another umbrella drink please? Yikes, these two. I’m okay with this pairing. Fanning… Nuff said.
Ryan/Ellenore - contemp from Sonja that was just weird to me, but - not expecting to be into this pair, and I thought they did well. Both were technically brilliant, and love Ryan - what’s not to love? - but am on the fence about the partnership in terms of sizzle. Skillz, yes. Madd. And Ellenore, honey, could your hand have been any lower on Ryan’s um..waistband, while the judges judged? His wife is standing rightoverthere. I kept waiting for her to full on just grope the guy on national television. It was distracting.
Pauline/Brandon - who stepped in for Billy and had 1.5 days to learn the waltz. I thought the judges could have given them more props because tho the dancing wasn’t all that, the chemistry was beyond charming and I really loved the pure joy they had in their performance. It was one of my faves of the night in terms of entertainment. Pffft, judges. Keep them around. Give them a chance.
Legacy/Kathryn - hip hop. I liked the routine and was surprised how well Kathryn did. I’m not a big Legacy fan, the Stallone Jr thing doesn’t do it for me, but there is no doubt he pours his whole heart into it. Good enough pair, as I don’t know who else I’d have paired them with. Definitely good enough to move on.
Mollee/Nathan are The Adorables of this group, but I gotta say I’m not a big Mollee fan. (I know, it’s like saying Down With Smurfs. I’m sorry.) She is charming, but her dancing is still immature for me, tons o’ potential, don’t get me wrong, but too soon for this stage. And pairing her with the other super young Cutie Patootie…not sure that was smart as I don’t think either is capable of pushing the other. They will just doggie paddle around in their adorableness. I do like him and think he totally rocked the solo camera time he had in Wade’s routine…but poor pairing for me seems to waste his potential. And that disco sucked, frankly. It was frenzied and awkward. Check out last season’s disco routines if you don’t believe me… Do not get the gushing on these two as a pair. Wish Nathan was paired with someone else.

So, about 50/50 on pairings for me. I honestly wonder how much more dynamic it might have been if they’d mixed a few of those ho-hummers up. But that’s just me! All in all, a lot of talent. A whole lotta lotta potential. I am looking forward to seeing what develops and who knows, I hope I’m pleasantly surprised!

At the end of the night, because of the World Series tonight, no results show can happen, so the judges had to axe two right then and there. Ouch! Who is out? Okay, right off the bat, WHAT ARE THEY THINKING putting Russell in the bottom four? Man has more potential and more charm and will be the most fun to watch grow than anyone. From a ratings standpoint alone he’s gold. The guys are all super talented, yes, but it’s America’s favorite dancer, and he’s got Twitch written all over him, only better. (He’s at risk over Kevin, Peter and Phillip? WHAT?) Man, oh man, they’d better let us vote and vote soon so he’s not even in danger. YIKES! And we have another week of him being at risk before we can. I so don’t get that choice, I’m on another planet of not getting it. Different solar system entirely. And Brandon, also in the bottom, albeit more understandably. Still - you could see that he wasn’t happy. Drag him here and shove him in Billy’s spot, give him one and half days, then what? No way is he staying over Russell. No way. So he’s a dead man dancing right off. That seems to so suck…and yet, the guys are all so strong this year, who would you send in his place? Still, talk about feeling used as a place filler. (I mean, Noelle gets a bye…why not just pair Russell with Pauline and if Noelle can come back, go from there..? Seems all ass backward to me.)

Now, on the girls side, no real problems, really with the choices of Pauline and Ariana, overall, since I knew Mollee wasn’t going anywhere. Feel like Ariana deserves more of a shot, but it’s a tough class there. Especially given Noelle doesn’t even perform and what, she gets a bye? Not happy. Seems wrong. (And RUSSELL? Are you kidding me? I still can’t get past it.)

They really dance for their lives…and dang, Russell, way to KILL IT. Emphasis on kill. (Judges, shame on you!) And Brandon does…what? Contemporary? He’s hip hop. Was that to show his versatility? I heart him and it sucks he’s going home after being dragged back. In the end, I think it’s Pauline and Brandon leaving. (But only because it’s can’t be Legacy and Mollee…) Both girls were weak, actually, in their solos. They should go and both guys should stay. Dammit. Instead, they send Ariana home, which won’t break hearts since no one knew her, but comparatively, she should have stayed over Pauline. (I’m already over the heart-hands y’all.) And Brandon goes home - but appreciate Nigel trying to bring him back next year. (So…does that mean Billy can come back then, too? Hmmm, me thinks maybe that’s the bigger reason for the rule change…but I heart Billy so, DO IT FOX. Screw the rules.)

And Russell? Much love. You will get the votes. Just make it one more week, dude. One more week. And give the man a damn partner. (Talk about unfair consequences tonight for both guys….through no fault of their own…)

On DWTS - two more go home. Kanye also stayed home, so Taylor Swift sang (loose term there) without being accosted. Then Tiempo Libre were kind of oddly boring for hot Cuban musicians. (And tell us who the guest dancers are, show!) Taylor “sings” again, but our pros dance, so all is forgiven. Then it’s time for someone to go home. I was figuring Michael and probably Melissa, then maybe Aaron would be in the Dance Off of Death. Only they change it up - lowest goes straight home, the next two dance to the death. Was I right? Well no, because Aaron is safe. It was Louie/Chelsie in there instead. No real surprise, I figured he was on the ropes next week. So, straight home? Oooh, Melissa and Mark. Kinda surprised at that one. So it’s a dance off between Irvin and Louie. Hunh. So, Irvin/Anna were pretty cute out there - ha! Mr. Hips! The Adorables gave it their all, too. But in the end? The NFL rules again and the snowboarder dude heads out. Awwww. But he really lasted way longer than his skillz did, so you can’t be too sad about it! Next week, Irvin goes down…but who goes with? I’m still thinking it’s Aaron. (And how scary was he in the little private post performance interview pieces? Yikes! Aww, about the dad thing though…explains a lot.)

So, next week, more dancing! More eliminations! Who goes home next? Tonight? More cooking! But right this very second? DISHing!

Tags: Writing by Donna
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Um…WOW. That is all.

Lovedlovedloved the opening group Wade number. Fun, super cool, great intro. I liked the idea of introducing us to the dancers in small groups to let us see what they do. It’s especially effective for those dancers who made the Top 20 without getting a lot of air time (though they’ve done a better job of that this year as there aren’t too many total strangers up there.)

First group: Hip Hoppers to NappyTabs routine: Fun, energetic, great kick off to the night.

Quartet of Contemporary dancers to Tyce routine: Beautiful and complex showcase.

Tap Trio: Good tappers, new choreographer and I’m glad they pointed out that this is the only dance style where they have to dance everyone else’s style during the season, but no one will be dancing theirs. I think it would have been a better intro with a more upbeat, in your face song than something as smooth and understated as A Train, but still, a good entry.

Jazz Trio - first kindasorta trainwreck for me. The tutu costumes really really did not flatter those girls At All. In fact, perhaps most unflattering evah. And maybe it was that element, but the dance looked all over the place to me and perhaps the last person who should ever be choreographing sexy is Sonja Warrior Goddess. But those were weak looking links to me, especially Mollee and Pauline, the two youngsters. Ellenore not so much.

Contemporary Quartet II: working with Mandy Moore. Tyce’s routine was perhaps more dynamic, but this one was entertaining as well. Music could have more engaging, but very strong performers all.

Latin trio/menage a tois? choreographed by Penthouse–no, that was Jason Gilikson. Pass the umbrella drinks! Whew! I liked the sense of humor they had about it though. Engaging on many levels, which admittedly surprised me with those two women. And I’m ever so certain Ryan came away with the most votes from that little number.

Tonight they start competing for reals. The judges send two home at the end of the show. (A shame one of them has to be a guy, that’s all I’m sayin…) Talk about getting this party started! I, for one, cannot WAIT! I’m glad they didn’t make us wait until next summer. For me, this just blows DWTS right out the water.

Speaking of things blowing….over on DWTS it’s double elimination night. Dancing the waltz or the jitterbug and doing a group marathon dance. Whole lotta lotta going on.

Dmitry/Mya get jitterbug and though adorable and very well executed, I got the same feeling as Carrie Ann, that is seemed very surface smooth and no real energy vibe from Mya.

Melissa/Mark get the waltz and yes, it was a bit wooden and though she tried, she seemed to be thinking the dance pretty hard as she was dancing it.

Lacey/Mark totally killed their jitterbug and highlighted exactly what was missing from what should have been the equally exuberant Mya/Dmitry routine. Lacey’s choreo and Mark’s execution were fun to watch.

Karina/Aaron get the waltz, and I know we should feel a little sorry for him, as frustrating as it must have been to have improved so much last week and get good judges scores, only to have the public hate on him again. Only I’m just not feeling these two, and not sure any amount of dancing goodness is going to bring them the love they need to stick around much longer.

Michael/Anna waltz, too, and they did a nice job, her choreo was better than it has been, possibly because this is her dance professionally. The music worked well, too (despite the bombastic singer.) But it will be up to the fans to keep him in, with two teams going home tonight.

Louis/Kelly get the jitterbug and she is too freaking adorable and I luv huh. But she was flat footed in it, and ankle possible, but more probable it’s still confidence issues. But she’s got my votes. I enjoy watching her immensely. Seeing her dance makes me happy.

Chelsie/Louie get the jitterbug, too. I didn’t have much hope for him with the fast footwork as that’s definitely not his strong suit. But it’s a dance that relies a lot on bringing the cuteness, and they are nothing if not The Adorables. And okay, for Louie? That was ridiculously good. And way to go Chelsie on the choreo. I mean, who knew he could actually move his feet? At all? It was fun and yes, it was adorable. Plus that kiss at the end? Awwww. And yowza!

Derek/Joannaget the waltz, and though the song was lovely, as were they, it was almost too ponderous. I thought the dance was gorgeous, but it was kind of boring and I blame that largely on the lethargic song. Pretty people dancing prettily though. (Carrie Ann? Whytheface?)

Kym/Donny close the show with their jitterbug and I have high entertainment hopes here. And given this is so up his alley, the alley is named after him, no surprises that it’s an super high energy, really high difficulty level, well performed routine. And I think folks forget he’s 50+. Thanks for representing, Big D! Thoroughly enjoyed it, way to close the show, you guys.

Except…oh yeah. Group Mambo. (Will this show never end???)

Mambo Marathon Man, why the hate for Michael, you know? I mean, yeah, his partner isn’t all that with choreo and he’s not Mr. Smooth, but have you seen the others out there? Sheesh. They go out first with 2pts. Louie and Chelsie are out next with 3pts. Melissa/Mark go with 4pts. Kelly/Louis are out with 5pts. Mark/Lacey go with 6pts. (Boo!) Donny/Kym get 7pts. Aaron/Karina are out next with 8pts. It’s down to Dmitry/Mya and Derek/Joanna….but Mya goes out next with 9. So Derek/Joanna get the 10pts. Kind of fun, but more for the playful hijinks going on than anything else.

Maybe it was watching all that dancing in one night, but I felt like DWTS went on forrrreeeeevvvvveeeerr. They really need to start with fewer couples next season. It’s week 6 and there are still eleventy-dozen of them out there. Tonight, a lot of dancers go home on several network channels…

Don’t forget to enter this week’s contest to win an advance copy of my February release, Here Comes Trouble. Details in Monday’s post (which is below Friday’s belated post…so scroll!) And to double your chances of winning a free book, head on over to Novel Thoughts where I am guest blogging today about my brand spankin’ new release, A Great Kisser - on the shelves right this very second! There’s an excerpt…

Also last night ~ Castle? Still rules. You? DISH!

Tags: Writing by Donna
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I just realized this never posted on Friday!!! Sorry - so you get two-for-one today. Scroll down to the last post for Monday (today’s!) blog entry…

Wow, poor Russell, huh? (And no, don’t get your hopes up, not that Russell…) Whether you liked him or not, I felt bad that he had to leave the game the way he did. He obviously hated going out like that, and I felt for him. I’m just glad he’s okay, because that second time he went down? Yeah, that was not fun to watch. Yikies. Otherwise, not a particularly dynamic episode. I’m tired of Survivor: Soggy Samoa. I want my show back.

Over on Project Runway, Christopher uses up what absolutely has to be his last life, right? Nicholas goes home instead, so not a great loss there, but how can Christopher be on that runway in the bottom two that often -and in a row! - and not be packing his pins and needles? Seriously? I want my show back there, too, Tim.

In other news…next week’s Free Stuff Friday is going to be a particular treat since I just got my hands on the advance review copies of my February release, Here Comes Trouble. One could be on its way to you! Check back Monday for details.

In the meantime, we have a winner for this week’s contest. And it’s Blog Babe Linda H! Woo hoo, Linda! Send me an email and let me know what title you’d like. Send a few choices in case I’m out of your first one.

Hope everyone has a great weekend. Looking forward to Raaaaace on Sunday. But right now? I’m looking forward to a little DISH!! Who needs to exit Survivor? Possibly the easier question is who should stay? Or do you care if any of them stay? I have absolutely not a single favorite on that show this year. It’s all just a generic blur to me. On Project Runway - still liking Carol Hannah, and Logan (tho yikes this week, L!) Irina…sigh…she’s a good designer, but does she have any concept that what she says on a nationally televised program, week in and week out, could impact her future as a professional designer? Because, yikies there, too. Wouldn’t kill ya to just be decent, huh? And possibly drop the cocky down a few percentage points as well. I wish there was someone more dynamic on this season. I miss the Christian’s and the colorful characters. I know, but it’s borrrrring this year! Your take?

Also… enjoying the Richard Castle/Nikki Heat book. It’s fun! And not just because I can pretend it really was written by the hunky Nathan Fillion, who has quite the nice photo on the back cover…

Tags: Uncategorized by Donna
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So, the book fairy delivered a whole box of advance reading copies of my February release, Here Comes Trouble this weekend. And I think a happening Blog Babe should be in possession of one! Send an email to donna@donnakauffman.com with “It’s no trouble - pick me!” in the subject line. Come this Free Stuff Friday, I’ll choose a name from the pile and announce it right here. Good luck!

In other news, Amazing Race almost broke my heart a second time when the Globetrotters came thisclose to being eliminated. Instead, yay, they sent home whiny girl and bully boy! (aka Canaan and Mika.) Wow, show of hands on how many of you found watching that whole slide show with them very uncomfortable? On multiple levels. And sure, the Globetrotters jumped in and perhaps pushed a bit more than they should, but - hello, raaaaaace, one million dollars! (And they’ve helped enough teams for me to give them a pass on this one - it was get in line first or go home.) And it wasn’t like she hadn’t had pu-lenty of time to do the task already.

And pssst, Canaan? Guess who the piece of crap was? Here’s a clue: He wasn’t the one wearing a Globetrotter outfit. And, seriously Mika? FLOATIES? You don’t “do” running, water, or heights. Why did you try out for this again? I don’t know that I’ve ever watched anyone experiencing such crippling fear that I felt so little sympathy for. Also, Canaan? Wow. Just wow. And you have the power to forgive her after almost physically pushing her down a six story slide? Damn decent of you, dude. Both of them made me ill. So, in the end, them going home? Great outcome! I think this is one season where the unlikables are actually going out early for a change. (Except - bring back Zev!!)

I understand tonight’s episode of So You Think You Can Dance is stupendous. All 20 will showcase their own talents, no voting, no one goes home this week (so I hear from Uncle Nigel’s Tweets) - just a lot of dancing by some ridiculously talented kids. Looking forward!

So, who are you rooting for on the Raaaaace? I am still enjoying the Globetrotters, and Team Father/Son (loved that he helped dye his son’s hair!) Team Poker Chicks aren’t bugging me so much anymore, though I like half the team more than the whole team. Team Blonde Barbie/Ken are good racers and I like them okay, though he needs to chill ever so slightly on giving her a hard time. But they clearly love each other. Speaking of which, I’m really enjoying Team Jungle Love (their term!) I like their couple dynamic and how well and truly they adore each other for who they actually are. Their teasing and joking is an example of how to do it with true affection. Like them a lot. Not much love for Team Gay Bro, though they weren’t as obnoxious this leg. I did laugh when the Poker Chicks were enjoying their Baywatch eye candy moment. Have they figured out the boys don’t play for the right team yet? I don’t recall…. An enjoyable leg - looking forward to next week!

In the meantime? DISH!

Tags: Writing by Donna
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Okay, so I know there is range of opinion out there, but since this is my blog, I can officially not care. I think season 6 of SYTYCD is going to be insane. These kids, while admittedly on the young side as a group, are such a talented bunch. There are only a few we haven’t had any exposure to, which is a very nice change up from seasons past, and a big handful that I’m already excited to see perform. I think the only ones that truly grated were high-pitched crying girl, who I am already SO over, and the wife of the husband/wife duo. I hope she smooths out and becomes someone to root for and enjoy. I certainly think her husband will have a big following. Very interesting situation there. Love that Bianca of the tappers got through, love that the krumper got through, possibly my top fave at this point.

And in Nigel’s and Adam’s Twitters they say that next Monday when the show officially launches, all 20 will dance in their own styles and more or less put on an exhibition so we all get introduced to them, and no one goes home yet. Love that, too. Yay, more dancing!

Over on Top Chef we have teams for both the Quickfire and the Elimination Challenges. The blue team, comprised of Jenn, Garden Gnome Kevin, Mike I, and Laurene on one side, the Volt Brothers, Eli (who I think I keep calling Ira…) and Robyn on the other. Poor Volt Brothers…except they both act like jerks, mostly on the Michael side, which is no shock, but jeez you two. I think Garden Gnome nailed it when he said their competitive, constantly arguing nature was set from childhood. But it wasn’t fun to watch.

Normally I’m a Bryan Volt fan and think his brother Michael is an ass. I still feel the latter, but Bryan wasn’t winning any awards with all the petulance this week, either. I was glad to see the audience at home voted him the better chef almost two to one over his brother. That didn’t bother me in the least.

So the blue team crushes the red team in the Quickfire, but then it’s on to restaurant wars, where the constant war in the kitchen should have doomed the red team, but the Happy Shiny People on the blue team quickly disintegrated as there plans just fell completely apart and they drowned in taking on too much and delivering little. I was so disappointed, but clearly not so much as they were. Mike I didn’t do anything wrong, and I was really nervous that Garden Gnome or Jenn would go, as either one certainly deserved it based on that one performance, and both were convinced it was them. And I wasn’t sure Laurene’s horrible performance in front of house was going to be enough to send her packing, which…she was the weak link across the board on that team and historically on the show, the weakest one…so thank goodness there seemed to be some understanding of that by the judges panel, and she indeed did pack her knives. WHEW! Way too close for comfort.

Then, over on the winning side, the ass gets the overall win, and his brother whines to the camera that he hates seeing his d*ck behavior get rewarded - and right on there, Big Bro - but then is all passive aggressive about it with his brother instead of just saying so. I do agree that the kitchen with a leader who was willing to push and kick some ass, even while being an asshole, definitely was stronger….but he’s still a d*ck. Also hilarious? The clip package showing off his routine assholish behavior, while he’s voicing over to the camera how misunderstood he is and how he’s got the biggest heart there.

Yeah. We’re all buying that.

Next week looks intense, and please, I hope it’s Eli or Robyn going home and then the other the following week, because it should be the Volt Bros, Jenn, and Garden Gnome in the finals. They earned their spots there hand and knife over the rest. (And I love that Jenn worked with ~ swoon!~ Eric Ripert for five years…lucky woman!) Oh, and they can just send Mike I home on principal. I hate it that he seems to be an okay chef. But even he paled in comparison on the jerk-meter compared to Michael this week. I’m sure the editors are leading us to something…but I wish they’d hurry up and get there. They both belong in the finals, but this keeps up much longer, and I won’t care if either gets sent home early.

So…any early favorites on SYTYCD? Who do you want to pack their knives next? Who’s restaurant would you pick to go to if you could sit at any of the finalist’s tables? I’d pick Gnome, then Jenn, then Bryan V. Of course, it’s Michael V and Mike I with restaurants in my immediate area. Figures!!

Don’t forget to enter this week’s contest! Winner announced here tomorrow. And I finally got all the prizes for the previous winners of the past few weeks out in the mail on Tuesday, so keep an eye on the mailbox! But right now? DISH!!

Tags: Writing by Donna
1 Comment »

Was a results show! Fun hour. And almost made the best elimination show ever…then sent Natalie home instead of Aaron. Thisclose, people, thisclose!

It’s such an interesting year in terms of contestants. There is still a strong front runner in Mya, but for once it doesn’t seem to be the Football Player & the Olympian Show. And that’s interesting. Also interesting that even when he dances better, Aaron still isn’t winning the hearts of…well, anyone. Including mine.

Very glad that Kelly’s injury won’t force her off the show, but did anyone else wince when they mentioned her dance next week is jitterbug? Ouch on that foot.

I enjoyed Norah Jones very, very much, but have always liked her. Loved the Wade Robson looking ballroom that first song inspired. It really bugs when they don’t tell me who the guest performers are (dancers) and this is a dancing show! Also loved getting to see Jonathan and his wife (hi Good Anna!) perform. That was lovely. Also thoroughly enjoyed the M. Jackson tribute. I wanted it to keep going (I was looking forward to a Bad dance off) but was equally happy they did the Thriller sequence. Loved it.

Next week we get double eliminations and the infamous Dance Off. Should be good times!

Tonight we lose another Top Chef… (PleaseletitbeMikeI…or Ira…or Robyn…or…..)

Also, on Castle? Loved Debi Mazur as his book agent. Ha! Also picked up a copy of the “Nick Castle/Nikki Heat” book. It’s been a fun read so far. Wonder who they got to ghost write it?

OH! And apparently having a Free Stuff Friday with the word “Free” multiple times in the subject line? Big mistake. Major spam issues with that one. For those who have entered using that, your entries are valid and in. But let’s change it up for the rest of the week. So, for those who haven’t entered yet, send email to donna@donnakauffman.com with “Psssst, over here!” in the subject line.

So…what did you think about the bottom couples? Who should go next? What chef should pack up the knives tonight? And is anyone else reading Heat Wave besides me? (They picked up Castle for the rest of the season - yay!) DISH!

Tags: Writing by Donna
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Double the MAC, Double the FUN.

Unless, of course, you’re Lance and Keri. Ha. Sorry. They actually did handle their horrible, disqualifying Leg of Doom far better than I ever expected them to, with even a modicum of humor (well, Lance style. Kicking over the snowman? For the love of snow, Lance…we get it. You have big guns. What are you compensating for, anyway?)

So, after sending home the most lovable team, this week, the least enjoyable team exits and in a flameout of glory. And I can live with that, Amazing Race. I can live.

It was a very dynamic leg, with treks across the desert (didn’t that look brutal?) followed immediately by digging in snow inside a winter wonderland. (How bizarre, yet awesome, was that place, anyway?) I even enjoyed half of Team Poker for a change. At least one of them has a sense of humor.

All in all, a very enjoyable leg…and we’re guaranteed a nicer future without Team Scream. Phil, my love is back.

Then, over on Dancing With the Stars…what was the crowd ON last night, anyway? Wow. But it was paso/Argentine tango night (which, YAY, do that every season…preferably with stars we really love next time!!) My two favorite dances in one night…paired with a group dance of…The Hustle? Wow, talk about buzz kill. But I will live, because it’s paso, it’s tango! Bring it!

Alec can totally bring the paso, but Natalie? Not so much. I don’t know that she’s long for this competition now that we’re culling the dross. Aaron will stay because, much as I’m not a fan of the kid, you gotta admit he did a really great job with his tango. Of course, it doesn’t hurt having Karina on your arm…and your back….and humping your leg…in this particular dance. But credit where it’s due, after the total thrashing he took last week, he did really step it up.

Irvin and the Other Anna were next with the paso. I really expected Michael to finally earn some love. I mean, I think he’s just getting trashed by the pro he has, whose choreo skillz are not madd. At all. Badd. Maybe. As in baaaaaaaaaad. So I was hopeful. And the brunette makeover with Anna wasn’t a bad idea. Plus Mike, yowza with the muscles, dude. About time we got the powah. And then? They give them FREAKING circus music!?!? What the hell was up with that? So her already lame choreo looks even more lame? I mean, do they hate him so much? Thank you crowd for at least making an effort to support. I can’t even tell how bad it was, because I was cringing so much the entire time. And then the judges? They praise. I officially give up. A nickel for your thoughts? (And what a gentleman he is in the face of inane Samantha Flintstone.)

Mya and Dmitry had Argentine Tango, which was good as that is an even tougher dance for the female partner and she was one of the few stars this season who had an even remote chance of pulling it off. For the level of difficulty, I thought she did really well. Judges agreed. Amazing. Lacey/Mark get paso, and I think it should be a good match for them. Mebbe not so much in rehearsal, but on stage (with good music, btw) they did really well. Lacey’s costume was a little too over the top, and way too red, in that it distracted more than it helped, but overall, I think Mark did a great job. Judges agree - again! I’m verklempt. (Anna? THAT is choreo. Take notes.)

So, DonnyKym get tango and HA! Kym: “Do you understand the passion of tango?” Donny: “I have five kids.” So, we’re off to a good start. Now Kym’s costume? Yowza. And wow, you two. Rockin the tango. Anna? THAT? Also great choreo. More notes. Louie and Chelsie get the tango, too. Wonder how The Adorables are going to do with such a serious, passionate dance. So, props to Louie for doing the best he could and he definitely got into the character of the dance. Very fortunate he had Chelsie, her choreo (and good tango music, Band) to help him along the way. She used his upper body strength and her very long legs to their advantage, and though he’s still very limited in his range of motion, it was much better than last week.

Sick Mark and Melissa muscle through their tango rehearsal, and I love how Anna T (Good Anna!) helped out with rehearsals. I think she helped Melissa get in touch with her side of the performance better than her male partner could. (How come there are so many tangos and not as many paso’s? I just realized that… Not that I’m complaining…but I am crossing fingers that if Maks has to sub for Derek, we get a Maks Paso. Please, show?) Back to Mark/Melissa. I think giving her something as intricate and hard as the Argentine tango was really unfortunate for her. She’d have done much better with the broader movements of the paso. Dangit. She tried hard, so props for that. But Mya she’s not. And this is a Mya level dance. (Why didn’t they get paso?)

Kelly/Louie get paso. (Yay!) They’d better get paso music! Every Argentine dance got it, but only one paso so far with good tunes. (American Woman? And Circus Music?) Okay, so cool. They get an Ozzy song. I’m very okay with that. Because Ozzy? IS paso music, baby. Love the skull on the floor. This thing rocked from the opening All Aboard. Was she the best? No. Not by a long shot. Did I love it? You betcha. And Ozzy was there to see her, so that was awesomeness, too. Awww.

Yay! Maks/Joanna are next. They make a pretty hot couple, actually. But it’s tango. Dangit. Except, Maks and tango = hotness as well. So win win, really. And that? Was HOT baby, with a capital HAWT. Dang. Sorry, Derek, but Joanna just danced, with a MAN, baby. Yeah, yeah, stumble, yadda. Don’t even care. Loved it.

Group Hustle is next. Hmm. Mostly it was just hilariously cute to see Donny Flashback. And the clip package was fun, too. Smiles all around. Mark’s Asian Disco look was cute. Alec’s caveman disco look, not so much! Dmitry was almost unrecognizable. All in all, I don’t know that it helped anyone’s scores…but it was fun.

Next week we double eliminations and tonight we get a Michael Jackson tribute. Good times!

Also a Good Time? Free Stuff Friday! Send an email to donna@donnakauffman.com with “Free? As in FREE?” in the subject line. I’ll draw one name from the stack and announce it right here on Friday.

Tags: Writing by Donna
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But first, a word from Survivor. So, it’s been raining here in Virginia for days and will continue for a few more. However, I don’t have to sleep outside in it, under leaky palm fronds. That was the most miserable hour of Survivor to watch, ever. So I can’t even imagine what it was like to live through it. I mean, did you see their hands? Yikes.

In the end, nothing really exciting happened except Shambo is an alien on her tribe, nothing new there, and both Russell’s are jerks, and, Ashley goes home. Sham is too much a team sport player to understand the concept of Survivor. (Don’t read the idol clues to the opposing tribe as revenge on your own, Shannon. In the end, it’s a single person game you’re playing. Sigh.)

No Project Runway for me, yet, but I did catch up on Top Chef. Ash, Ash, Ash….Rule Number 1: Never Listen to Mike I. Ever. We’ll all do better if we follow that rule. And Ira, yikes with living with Mommy, then picking on Robin. Is she annoying in the extreme with the constant chatter? Oh my God yes. But does she deserve all the crap they’re heaping on her - instead of just, you know, mentioning that you’d love it if she’d just shut up for five seconds? No. So I really didn’t need to see all that drama. Cook food. As always, The Volt Bros, Jenn (despite an early quickfire slip), and Kevin rock the challenges, with my Garden Piggy Gnome Kevin winning the Big Prize. Yay! Gnome Chef for the win!

On SYTYCD ~ Mia has announced she’s retired from the show. Show of hands on whose heart this will break? Not mine. Yes, she can do some powerful stuff, but I’m okay taking a break from bleak choreo. In other news, did anyone else notice how much more professional these kids are this season? I mean, they couldn’t even dredge up a Video Clip Package of Drama from the All Night Fatigue Choreo. Other than Dancer With Bum Foot, which wasn’t much drama, just kids working hard to figure it out. (And you know we’d have seen it if there had been one.) These kids are just putting their heads down and working. Very impressive. As is the talent this season. Very much looking forward to it.

So, time for some Free Stuff! Alls ya had to do was email me and many of you did, but there can only be one winner, and this week, the winning Blog Babe is Nancy C! Just email me at donna@donnakauffman.com with your book choice (send a few in case I’m out of your first one) and address and I’ll will add it to the handful that is on its way to the post office to go out! Woo hoo! Thank you all for playing…tune in next week for another round, more Amazing Race MAC, and possibly tips on Ark Building 101 if it doesn’t stop raining here soon in Virginia….

In the meantime….do you care if anyone on this season of Survivor wins? I haven’t a single favorite, I could care less. What about Top Chef? (GO Garden Gnome!) Do you already have favorites on SYTYCD? I am enjoying the street dancer w/ dreads who is just blowing the judges away. Wish the ballroom dancer he was initially paired with had made it through. What say you, Blog Babes? DISH!

Tags: Writing by Donna
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