I was speaking at a book club meeting last night (best group ever!) and so only got as far as finding out who got booted from Idol. And that was…interesting.

On the girls side...Janell goes home and Katie’s look of terror changes to one of happy relief. Then ARod gets the bad news and looks like she wants to cut a bitch. Yikes, Ash, you might work on that whole gracious loser thing. She had such a diva attitude, I wasn’t upset that she got the axe despite there being worse singers left in the bunch.

Then it was the guys turn…Tim Urban looked beyond stunned (join the crowd, Tim!) when he was told to sit down, while Joe Munoz of the actual decent singing voice had to make his final walk to the stage. So, clearly we’re not judging on talent already. And then poor Alex Lambert looked like he was going to stroke out while standing next to Tyler “I’m channeling Jim Morrison!”…and, just as with ARod, my dreams came true and they send Tyler home. And, like Ashleigh, he could also take a few lessons in gracious exits as well. (Whining about not getting enough feedback? Really Tyler?)

So, not the most predictable exits, but none of them made me unhappy. Four more go home next week! What did you think of the evictees? Are your faves safe? Who should go next??

On to the free stuff! Lots of entries in this week’s contest, but only one winner. And, this week, that would be? Cindy B!! Congratulations! Send me an email at donna@donnakauffman.com with a few book choices (in case I’m out of your first choice) and an address and your prize will be on its way (if it ever stops snowing! Sheesh with that already!!)

Hope everyone has a lovely weekend. Enjoy the last few days of the Olympics!

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So, it’s kind of a draw for me between Guys and Ladies Nights. I had high hopes but they were dashed pretty early on. Like the girls, there is some talent here, and the song choices weren’t as horrible, and I think the watchability was better in terms of star power, but the delivery wasn’t consistent at all. Listen and don’t watch, and you’ll get what I mean.

I also meant to comment on this last night, but I don’t know if it’s Ellen’s being on the show, or Paula not on the show, or what, but though Simon still doesn’t pull punches (which I’m fine with) he seems to be more in the business of actual constructive criticism this year, truly designed to help, pro and con, instead of just a thumbs up or nasty aside down. I’m enjoying that part already.

And Ellen? Yeah, I’m digging her. She’s direct, not just a happy mouthpiece. It’s clear she truly loves the show and respects the power of it as a career maker, enough that she tells the singers what she really believes, good or bad. Sort of like, you know, you or I would.

Kara is a bit longwinded for me, though Randy seems a teeny bit more cohesive. As a panel, they’re certainly more constructive than the panel was when it was Dawg, Pauler, and Simon. A bit too verbose now, with four articulate speakers, but overall, I think the singers get significantly more helpful feedback than in seasons past, even if it’s more for us viewers to have to slog through.

It’s interesting to me, also, to see the power struggle…well, not struggle, but the seesaw developing between Simon and Ellen. I like that she isn’t afraid to voice her opinion, and in an easygoing way, but still, she speaks up. America generally tends to go with Simon’s flow and I get why…but this is the first time the panel has had someone with Ellen’s separate star power, and her followers are legion and loyal. What’s not to love about her, if you know what I mean. So when she counter punches Simon, in her own nice way, it will be interesting to see who America tends to follow.

Okay, so here are my MAC notes, in order, written as I watched them sing…

Toddrick Hall - agreed he came off like a dancer trying to sing. Too alt with the arrangement. I liked watching him more than listening to him. Hope he sticks around, because he can do both.

Aaron Kelly is next. I’m not big follower of country, so I’m the first to say I’m not a good judge of the genre. But as a singer, it was just passable for me, at best. Clearly, given the judges reaction, I have no clue what I’m saying.

Jermaine Sellers: I want to like this guy. I get that he has chops. However, I was bored ten seconds in. Even when he did take off, I wasn’t really feeling it. It wasn’t the kind of song that pulled me in to the groove of it. Or maybe I’m just in a mood. I dunno.

Tim Urban…well, Simon kind of said it all here. Yikes. And yet, truth. Three notes in and I’m not thinking he’s the best replacement choice for Chris Golightly (who was axed when he failed to reveal a recent contract he was involved in. Though concluded right before his audition, they are still required to list their contractual history and he didn’t report it. Big ooops, Chris, big oops.) Not sure who I’d have picked, the auditions are a blur now…but, sorry Tim. Your stay, I fear it is short.

Joe Munoz has a lovely enough voice, but again, a nice ballad. Not a showstopper and not something you’ll be talking about the next day. Only noticeable tonight because it was less bad than the two that preceded it. Again, Simon Says truth.

Tyler Grady...like listening to him, but though I’m okay with the 70’s thing, he’s hard to watch for me. And he tackles American Woman, which, when I heard that was his song choice, made me cringe as it’s been done on the show and done well. And, as feared, though he does the right things with changing it up a little, his vocals don’t back it up. Michael and Bo both outdid him on this. Easily. Nice try, though.

So, come on Lee Dewyze. Do Something. Save this disappointing night for me. A bit shaky, which strikes as mostly nerves. Because otherwise he seems the most natural singer so far tonight, much like Crystal Bowersox was last night. Very in tune with who he is as a performer. I hope he can get the voice under control. I’d like to see him stick around.

John Park is the cuteness about Shania Twain, then sings God Loves The Child, which…really? Whytheface with the song choices? And, my opinion? It does not change as he begins to sing. And guy has madd range. But seriously, John? Go for FUN. And…um….current. Just sayin’. Again, Simon = truth. Sadly. I hope he sticks around and figures his stuff out.

Big Mike aka New Daddy is up next. Singing Maroon 5… I either forgot he played guitar or had no idea. I think it’s the latter. And wow, Biggie M…horrible song choice. (What were the first three judges listening to? It was limp.) Simon, truth. Mike is charming and has charisma, but he made no impact with this song. At all. Just rushed through it, monotonous tone, nothing noteworthy. Yikes. I had higher hopes. (And careful with the ‘you want some of this?’ stuff. I like you. Let’s keep it that way.)

Alex Lambert. Stinkin’ adorable. But who is this guy? And 19. He’s a baby. I have no idea what he’s singing. I think there’s a voice in there somewhere but I am clueless to what that hot mess is he’s singing is about. Figure it out and do it quickly, Alex. Because? Stinkin’ adorable.

Casey James…now we’re talkin! Do not even think about disappointing me! Urgh with the love song choice. Except I love LOVE his voice. And he’s very (very) easy to watch. Sweet combination. Can’t wait to hear him rock it out. Loved him smiling the whole time. Dayum. Amped up the charisma fo sho. We’ve officially achieved hotness tonight.

Andrew Garcia closes the show, as, in my humble estimation, he absolutely should. Every week. And? One line in and you know you’re in really, really good hands. This guy? Already there. This show is just the tool he needs to make it official. Song choice? Yeah, maybe not the best, but he’s got big chops. You started the night my favorite, and your stock, it has only risen. So good. SO.

Who goes home? Tim Urban, first choice. Then it gets a little trickier. The replay highlights were even more ouchy the second go around. I’m really not sure, since most of them didn’t pull a big night. Almost easier to say who should definitely stay. Casey, Andrew, Lee, for sure. Like with the girls, I could easily chop this down to six in one week and let’s get on with the Top 12 right now.

What do you think? Who is a superstah? Who needs to pack now, reserve a flight home? Don’t forget to enter the contest this week - see Monday’s blog for details. Winner announced tomorrow. But right now? DISH!

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What I want to know is….do we have to wait three weeks to cut 6 of em?

There were a few stand out performances on American Idol last night…the rest could leave now and my heart, it would not be broken. Didn’t always agree with The Judgery, pro and con. For me, even if I agree the song choices weren’t always right, I had some favorites I wouldn’t mind listening to again. Actually, in almost every case, the song choices were downright frustrating. I was very whytheface? the whole time. It was like, I like you, if you’d just sing something good!

I was typing and listening more than watching, and the benchmark for me were the ones that made me look up. It’s interesting, if you just listen without looking up, the ones who make you cringe that yoy might otherwise forgive a little if you watched as they sang. My advice…close your eyes and listen. If you want to open them (and not in a “circus freak show” kinda way) than this is a good thing. Otherwise? Fast forward. (And am I the only one who thinks the clips of Hollywood Week were almost always better than what they did on stage last night? Sort of unfortunate, that.)

So, I’m not too overly invested in who goes home tonight since there are a host of them I’m happy to see go. Only hoping it’s not the rare few I enjoyed. Guys go tonight! Looking forward to that!

Don’t forget to enter this week’s Free Stuff Friday contest. See Monday’s blog for details. Winner announced here on Friday. But right now? DISH! Who did you love? Who, um, notsomuch? My faves, horrifying song choices notwithstanding, were Paige, Lilly, Crystal and Didi. Of course, these were the same ones I liked after Hollywood week and I suspect I’m still lingering on those performances more than the ones from last night. What about you? Mostly, what I’m thinking? Bring on the guys!

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But before we get to the Adorable Pocket Cowboys….the Olympics!

How awesome was it that we beat Canada in hockey last night? Yes, I know they’re the host country, and that kind of sucks for them, which I appreciate. Except…we beat CANADA! In HOCKEY! At the OLYMPICS!

Okay, all done shouting now. Also thrilled to see Bode Miller finally settle down and do what we’ve all known he was capable of for the past two Olympics. Three races, three medals, one of each color. Not bad, at age 32. Go, Bode.

On over to The Amazing Race… I’m liking the crew of teams this year, pretty much. No horrible teams, anyway. This wasn’t the most dynamic leg ever, but it was fun to see Team Cowboy get very tickled with their stealthy selves and move up to take the lead on this leg. I felt badly that Triathlete Granny was the one sent home, especially after getting kicked in the head by a cow. Kicked! In the head! By a cow! I can’t believe she just went right back to milking. That’s one tough granny, y’all!

Tonight is American Idol Live! We get to vote! I never do, but I like that I could if I wanted to!!

In the meantime, there is a Free Stuff Friday this week. Woo hoo! Just send an email to donna@donnakauffman.com with “I need a book to read after the Olympics are over!” in the subject line. I’ll draw a name from the entries and announce it in Friday’s blog. Good luck everyone!

And right now? DISH!!

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So, Men’s Figure Skating. The costumes screamed Fabulous!….but then talent sort of backed up their right to wear whatever the heck they wanted. Maybe they just skate better with the feel of tight silk and sheer nylon rubbing against their skin. You don’t know. Our guy beat the seriously intense, relatively masculine-costumed Russian guy…and our guy was the one wearing skin tight spandex and a plush snake around his neck. Plush Snake Boy goes home with the gold. Just sayin. And Johnny? Not bad last night, my little sequined, be-tasseled friend, not bad.

It was a shame about Vonn wiping out, but kudos to Mancuso’s continued tiara parade on the medal stand. Our girls taking silver and bronze in the halfpipe? Also made of awesome. Not a great night for the ladies overall in the pipe, but Torah Bright from Australia sure lived up to her last name. Well done, mate! And her parents flying all the way from Sydney to surprise her, and then get to watch her win gold? Made of more awesome.

So, filled with happy golden moments, I trundle on over to watch Survivor, and ten minutes in, I know something has gone seriously, egregiously wrong, because….what?!? Yes, it’s true. I’m officially rooting for the Villains. How is that possible? I have been a Boston Rob fan from Day 1 of the Dark Ages of Reality TV and continue to enjoy his every smirk. He is what reality show entertainment is all about. And I think it’s because, from Day 1, he’s always understood exactly what his place is on a show like this, and what it’s overall worth is. I’m actually enjoying Coach and Jeri’s showmance. Seriously. If you’d told me that during either of their previous seasons…well, we wouldn’t be friends right now. So I’m glad you didn’t. Because, I am, in fact, enjoying them. And Russell’s out there trying to keep up with Rob’s giant personality by killing everything that squawks, which just cracks me right the heck up, so, all in all…very entertaining, Villain tribe! Very entertaining.

On the Heroes side, I didn’t mind James‘ angry speech after losing the challenge, as I understood his frustration. Been there. And I love me some Tom W, and digging the strategery and your very lovely blue eyes, but dude, don’t pick on my James! Oh, and cameramen? More footage of James back as he walks away. Whenever possible. Thanks!! Still feeling the JT love. Agree, though for different reasons than Rupert, who gets on my every last nerve and hasn’t been cuddly or adorable in a very long time now, but Stephanie, man…. I side with James (shock!) Shut. Up. I need to get JT, James, and Cirie outta there. The rest of them? Not caring.

So, Heroes lose reward, go to Tribal Council, where surprisingly Rupert is the only one we don’t hear from. I am okay with this. We hear a lot from James, who needs to dial it down. And Colby & Tom sticking up for Stephanie. Fractious tribe these Heroes. In the end, it comes down to Steph and Amanda. And they vote off Stephanie the Tribe Killer, who feels compelled to prove James’ point and mouth off before leaving, which prompts James to shoot back. Tom is pissed because you don’t sass women in his world regardless of how assy they are to you. Of course Tom had no problem with Stephanie defending herself, but apparently James doesn’t get to play by that rule in Tom’s world.

Can you see why I’m rooting for the Villains?

Speaking of Villains…thank God they got tarp as a reward, since they can’t build a shelter to save their lives. They’re like the Bad News Bears of Survivor. Only they win. A lot. I find them adorably dysfunctional and highly amusing at all times. Heroes? Hard working, winning mindset, functional tribe…yet whiny, grating, bitchy losers. Do the math.

Who are you loving at the Olympics? What can’t you wait to see? Are you finding Survivor even watchable? I’m surprised how much I’m enjoying it. Very. And? I’m looking forward to more Raaaaaace on Sunday, and the women taking the ice in Vancouver. Whaddya wanna bet the men showed more skin and had more rhinestones per body part than they will? Maybe they’ll come out in butch leather and spikes. That would be fun.

Until next week, have a great weekend!! But right now? DISH!!!

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So, American Idol ended the suspense and gave us the rest of the Top 24 last night, but I could barely pay attention because the Americans were too busy winning gold medals all over the dang place last night on the Olympics. Wow, what a day/night, huh?

First, Idol. I think there’s a pretty solid line up this year, with probably fewer “what? who is that kid?” moments during the final announcements. I think the only one that made me feel bad was them letting Angela go. That was brutal. And there are some who I simply can’t gauge for not knowing them, or seem generic from the highlights shown. But, amongst all of that you have some pretty unique singers. One of the things I like about this group is they seem to, overall, have a better sense of who they are as singers and stick with it. Not as many “stand up there and belt it to the cheap seats” singers this year. A lot more nuance. As for my faves, Andrew Garcia, hands down, in the singing department, with Crystal “MamaSox” Bowersox right alongside. Not the most marketable, I’m sure, but wow, I could listen to them sing for a long, long time. Next week, we get the girls…and we go live! About time!

Now, over to Vancouver. Amazing last night, huh? Lindsay nailing that downhill and Mancuso taking silver? Take that, European skiiers! And though I’ve been following the story with Lindsay and her husband Thomas, which is such a great story, such a great team, I was a little miffed that they kept the mike open during their very emotional reunion after she won gold. Some things need to be personal, NBC! Then we got to watch Shoni take the speed skating gold, and how cute is he? But the night wasn’t over yet…it was FINALLY half pipe time and that is so much fun. I wish they would keep the music amping so you could hear it - it’s certainly cranking there in person - as that is such a big part of the vibe, but they muted it so the announcers could talk all over each performance. I thought they were all fun. It was great seeing my little Dancing with the Stars Oompa Loompa Louis Vito do his thing, too. So close, Louis, so close!

But the star of the night for me was watching Shaun White just go out there and kill it. He didn’t throw in his huge new trick on his first run…and didn’t even need it? The air that kid gets is unreal. Both of my sons spent a lot of time in snow parks and I’ve had my heart in my throat more than once watching them, so I don’t know how his mom does it, but wow, what a payoff last night, mom!! Icing in the cake and showing the true competitor he is, even after winning the gold on his first run, he went out there and did a second run, threw in the McTwist, and upped his score to a near perfect 48.4. Crazy town! Loved every second.

Tonight, we’re back in the land of tassels and lace. Yes, of course I’m talking Men’s Figureskating!! We also continue on with our Heroes and Villains on Survivor, and more fashion on Project Runway. (I loved Anthony winning last week. Most adorable runway win ever.) So a lot to watch…but I’ll probably be riveted to the Olympics as I have been all week. The rest can wake. Thank goodness for TiFaux!

What did you all think? Any early faves on Idol? Are you losing sleep staying up past your bedtime on a school night to watch the Olympics? What’s caught your attention most? DISH!!

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So, last night on American Idol, we found out who the first 7 of the Top 24 are. I’m okay with the choices. Definitely okay with them sending Jessica Furney home. How uncomfortable was that? We’ll find out the rest tonight. I did go check out the spoilers last night after the show, just to be put out of my own misery and I won’t spoil anything here, other than to say most of my personal faves appeared to have gotten in. I’d just like for the dang show to start already.

In other news, the Olympics are fun! Unless you’re Lindsey Jacobellis. Man, that didn’t go well. I felt badly for her. Four years is a long time to train that hard, trying to change you Olympic legacy. And she was so close. A shame. Men’s Figure Skating was a crazy competitive field, wasn’t it? And that was just the costumes! If they awarded points for that, I’m not sure if Johnny Weir would have taken the gold right then and there, or been given demerits for inappropriate use of a tassel. (I always want to add a “d” to the end of his name…that’s how I always read it anyway…) And tonight is snowboarding, yay! Come on, Shaun White!! I saw the piece they did with him last night showing his private, helicopter access only half pipe, which I’d heard about, but that was my first time seeing it. Awesome. And the story of his mom taking his X Games gold medal to the dry cleaners to have the strap cleaned-and leaving the medal ON the strap-killed me. Love every interview with that guy!

I do feel badly for Vancouver, the host city, and all the Olympians who are dealing with such unseasonably warm weather. Nothing anyone can do about that, but the irony of me getting blizzard amounts of snow here in a region where 5 or 6″ is normally considered a major snow dump, while they have early cherry blossom bloomage in a place where they need snow so badly, just seems very wrong to me somehow.

And I did not forget Free Stuff Friday, but with the amazing amounts of snow we’re still trying to dig out from beneath, I have a stockpile here of previous prizes (and chocolate!) to send out and need this short holiday week to catch up on all of that. I am hoping to have all prizes in the mail by week’s end. And your regularly scheduled contest will resume next Monday!

In the meantime…DISH!! What are you loving most about the Olympics so far? What are you wanting most to see? Did you like the first 7 Idol finalists? Of those who are left, who do you most want to see go through? I have one particular favorite who I’ll mention tomorrow after the rest of the list is announced tonight. Do you have any pre-season faves already? I have a couple already, both genders. I think it will be a fun season this year. I’m really looking forward to it!

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Hello Blog Babes Everywhere! I have officially unburied myself from the second (third?) avalanche of snow and am slowly resuming normal life, with electricity and everything!

One fun announcement before we get to all the MAC. The new issue of Cosmopolitan hit the stands this week - March issue, red cover - and that is the very one that contains the excerpt from my current release, HERE COMES TROUBLE, as the Red Hot Read of the Month! Woot! For all you Cosmo Girls out there…enjoy!

Okay, on to the more important things, like did Jake actually even consider inviting Ali back on the show. And HA, no he did not. Even if I hadn’t already started liking the guy for his up front honesty and golly shucks earnestness, this would have earned him my undying love. For once, the mean girl gets hers. (And don’t you just know that when Jake was saying how he couldn’t let any of the women still on the show go to make room for her, she was killing to say he should ditch Vienna? You could just SEE it.) Speaking of Vienna, they did show more of their connection last night, which largely alluded back to their initial terrifying bungee jump together. There was a trust bond made that day that I’ve said all along the rest of the women will never be able to compete with.

After last night, I have to say, I think he was right in sending Gia home. It was clear he was way more caught up in the “I can’t believe the hot chick likes me” than he should have been by then. And while he respected a great deal more about her, I don’t think, even with her opening up to him, he could get past that intimidation factor, overall. And while I had thought that Tenley would make a good match for him spiritually, and in other ways as well, for all that he gushes over Gia and Vienna in terms of how attracted he is to them, he never says this about Tenley (despite the fact that she’s beautiful.) With the preview clip about the sexual incompatibility next week, I’m pretty sure I’m on the right track there. Now whether it’s that he can’t get past the Madonna Complex (no, not the singer) with her, or whether it’s something else, I’m putting all my eggs in the Vienna basket next week.

At least he admitted that Vienna is young and immature, but in so many other ways he feels like “the man” with her, and there’s no game playing there. She’s not capable of being devious, not with him. She’s far too vulnerable there for that. Now, have they privately weathered the absolute bashing she’s taken in the press while the series has aired? I’m guessing probably not. But I do get why he’d pick her from the bunch he had left.

In that regard, I know a lot of folks wanted him to bring Ali back, thinking she was more the full package for him. But I’m sorry, I don’t see that at all. She’d run him right into the ground in no time flat. And I think he knew that, because, only a week later? Yeah, he’d have moved heaven and earth if she’d really been the one. He knew she had the hate on for Vienna and I think his protective instincts where that was concerned, also colored his world.

And if you don’t think that performance by Ali last night wasn’t really her audition piece to be the next Bachelorette, then I have some swamp land I’d like to discuss… The very idea of her as Bachelorette is like nails to a chalkboard for me. That scratchy voice? Urgh. I know why the series brings forward folks we’ve gotten to know as their next Bach or Bach’ette, but I think it’s about time to jump off the recycling train. Especially is this is the best they can do. (And they can’t bring Tenley forward as the next B’ette. She’d never be able to handle that kind of testosterone!)

So…who is your pick to win? I don’t have a horse in this race, but it’s a shame I don’t see him with the chance of coming out of this with a life partner. If anyone was ready for that process to work, it was this guy.

So, on to Our Phil and the return of his Amazing Bathmat! Woo hoo! So, the new couples are interesting. No out and out hateful, bickering couple, so that was good. Although when Joe said, “The leader is Big Joe, right here” I said out loud, “Aaaaaand, I’m done with you.” But he hasn’t been overly obnoxious about it yet, so we’ll see.

I’m also concerned that this is the Bubblehead Season. Between the Miss Teen and the Big Bro winner, they’re even giving bubbleheaded blondes a bad name. Scary. I have to admit I like the Stereotypical Gay brother, who I will call Just Jordan! (Will & Grace) I’m not overly bothered by Team Lesbians’ need to shove their class-ay style of living on me yet. But they could easily go the other way. Funnier would help.

I felt bad for Dana and Adrian, the couple who went home. I’m sure he’ll be kicking himself over that for a long time, but it was nice to see how supportive they were to each other.

Love, love, love Triathalon Grannie and her Triathalon granddaughter. Her bio says she also used to do standup. Ha! And love how Just Jordan! did admit that maaaaaybe he’d underestimated them when granny kicked his yellow-sneakered behind. I think he will give me the funny this season, and I will let him.

I also liked Team Dad/Daughter. Seems solid, strong, really respectful of each other. Team Undercover Cop (how does that work, after you’ve been on television tho….just askin) is okay, though I could take or leave at this point. And Ty Murray’s run on Dancing With the Stars has predisposed me to lurve Team Cowboy. They are pretty stinkin’ cute. Jet and Cord. And you all think we make up hero names. Nuh uh. Not sure how far they’ll go, but here’s hoping they stick around awhile.

Also liked Team Lawyer Moms. Shawne’s “God is with me” all the way across that cable did make me smile. I’d have never been able to do that. I would have disappointed God. So, I was with her, too, the whole way.

All in all, looks like a good season! And Phil is smokin’ hot as ever. So all is good. Can’t wait until next week!

Right now, this week? It’s time to DISH! Any faves on the Race? Are you watching the Olympics? I’m loving them so far! Bring on the snowboarders! And tonight on Idol they’re going to spill at least a few of the Final 24 one night early. Too many things to watch!

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Okay, so you know how I was going to hate Survivor: Heroes v Villains? Yeah. Maybe it’s because I’ve been snowed in way longer than is good for any person’s sanity (I’m pretty sure that’s it) but as they were rolling the opening, and each player was talking smack as they were flying them in… I was laughing, smiling, and SO ready. I even enjoyed the Coach~Jerri Showmance talk. It was hilarious how all this big, badass villain players, dislocating shoulders and breaking bones on the opponents team in the first challenge…and then back at camp? Yeah, all wanting to talk smack…except the first thing they do? Get all “oooh, you should totally go after him!” Survivor: The Bachelor Season. Loved. It. See? Romance Rules. Can’t tell me different. Coach and Jerri were downright twinkly.

Oh, and James? Welcome back to my tv. Just keep doing that thing you do and stay on there as long as possible. Would someone pass me an umbrella drink please? Mmm hmm. Join me in the shallow end of the pool, will you?

Man, I must be desperate, but I thoroughly enjoyed that. Must be the Distinct Lack Of Anything Else Interesting. But I enjoyed that. Hello, Cirie, Hello, Boston Rob (I have always enjoyed him. I know. I know. And I don’t care. He makes me laugh.) What else am I supposed to watch? The real Bachelor has been muchly entertaining this season, with a guy who’d have totally gone the distance, if the producers had, you know, actually given him someone he’d actually marry. Project Runway, while having some big talent, just isn’t captivating me. And American Idol hasn’t started. Maybe when Our Phil and the Amazing Bathmat hit on Sunday with the return of Amazing Race, I’ll be able to put this show back in it’s proper place. Somewhere near last on my list of things to MAC about. But tonight? Prime time enjoyment.

Seriously. It needs to stop snowing.

Oh yeah! The Olympics start tonight. !!! And I luuuurve me some Olympics. I will be ridiculous with this, watching far too many hours of people competing in sports I don’t even have to understand, get all caught up in the drama, feel chills during the opening ceremonies, lose way too much sleep watching curling and the luge, and then be sad when it’s over way too soon, and start looking forward to the next summer games. So bring it on, Olympics! Save me from Survivor.

Oh, and in other reality show news! Guess who might replace Samantha Harris on Dancing w the Stars? Nancy O’Dell! I heart Nancy O! I think she’d be great. Of course, anything is an improvement. Sock monkeys would be an improvement. But still! Nancy O! Please let that rumor come true.

Okay, on to the final contest giveaways for Free Stuff Friday: Valentine’s Day Edition. Thank you all for playing! We’ve had entries from all over the world! This week’s winners are: Patricia B, Karin T, and Mojca B! Congatulations, Blog Babes! Send me an email to donna@donnakauffman.com with your address and a few title ideas, in case I’m out of your first choice.

Tune in next week for all kinds of MAC! I will be back here on Tuesday. Until then… Are you into Survivor? Do you still love JT? And Cirie? And Thomas? Or are you so over Randy, Rob, and Coach that you can’t even leave the sound on? Or the picture. DISH!! And have a great weekend, y’all! Happy Valentine’s Day - spread the love, read a romance!

Tags: Writing by Donna
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So, when they announced Ellen DeGeneres was going replace Paula on the American Idol judgery, I was not happy. And I love Ellen. And wasn’t entirely sad to see Paula go. Not on the scale of how not entirely sad I was to see Samantha Harris quit Dancing With the Stars, (read: giddily ecstatic) but still, I was okay with the move. However, based on Ellen’s stint as guest judge on So You Think You Can Dance, I wasn’t really amped about her taking on the shift.

Last night was her first appearance, as a judge during Hollywood Week, and…I was pleasantly surprised. She was okay. Not too over the top with the humor, and more direct and honest than I might have expected, given I thought she’d soft ball it. So, for now? I’m good with it.

I’m also good with the previews last night of some of the singers we can likely expect to see in our top 20. I liked the range of singers, in terms of style, age, type, all of it. But mostly I liked how they came out and just…sang. There weren’t too many (who were shown anyway) who felt the need to belt out a tune like they were auditioning for Broadway and had to reach the back row. Not that I don’t appreciate a good Broadway voice (/Adam Lambert) but, in terms of more realistic current talent Making It Big, I thought the potential for a number of them was pretty big.

I’m looking forward to the group rounds tonight, and hopefully seeing a few more of The Good Ones tonight.

What else I’m looking forward to is picking three winners in the Valentine Edition of Free Stuff Friday. If you didn’t enter this week or last (all entries from Feb 1 forward are still eligible, except the three who won last week) then check out this Monday’s blog post for the details, and enter already!

I am off to shovel more snow. Because Mother Nature continues to mock me. I have apologized for the open letter, I have. But the mocking, it continues…

So, whilst I shovel myself out of snow hell, the rest of you, carry on, and….DISH! Who did you love last night? Any surprises to you on who went home? Did you lose any favorites? Gain any new ones?

Tags: Writing by Donna
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